Brandon Rainford has made it back from major surgery and now is enjoying the fruits of his hard work.

Just over a year ago, Rainford, a senior at Rapid City Stevens, had Tommy John surgery to repair his pitching elbow. Three weeks ago he verbally committed to pitch next season at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

"The coaches were awesome and the climate is warm. I am sick of the cold weather so it will be nice," Rainford said. "I verbally committed three weeks ago and will sign during the early signing period in November."

Rainford said the UNLV recruited him as both a pitcher and a first baseman.

"I really like to play the field and hit so I am glad I get to do both," he said.

Rainford made a successful return to the baseball field this summer as he was one of Rapid City Post 320's top pitchers during the American Legion baseball season.

"Pitching will be my main focus," Rainford said. "I went there in early June for a two-day camp and I pitched for them. They kept talking to me and a few weeks later I committed."

Rainford said he had also drawn interest from South Dakota State, North Dakota State, the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa.

UNLV was 26-32 last season playing in the Mountain West Conference.

Rainford said he feels stronger after his surgery noting he began the season throwing in the high 80s and finished topping out at about 92 mph. He credits his dedication during rehab for allowing him to get his speed back in a year for an operation that typically requires two years to fully recover.

Rainford plans on continuing to strengthen his arm and core this year as he has no plans to play any sports other than baseball. He will skip the high school baseball season this spring, but will be back on the diamond for Post 320 next summer.