Walker Setting Up Long Beach to Succeed : Men’s volleyball: Former Newport Harbor and Golden West College standout helps 49ers return to postseason.

Steve Walker didn’t think his telephone would ring incessantly, but he expected a few calls.

Surely some college volleyball recruiters had Walker on their lists in 1993, he thought, after his successful sophomore season at Golden West College. After all, he was an all-conference setter and the Rustlers were one of the state’s best teams.

Could exciting recruiting trips be too far off?

As it turned out, yes.

The extent of Walker’s recruitment experience? A quick drive north on the 405 freeway to Long Beach State.

Sometimes, though, less is better. Although he hoped for a little more attention and glamour, Walker believes he’s where he should be.

The 49ers have no complaints either.

With Walker leading the nation in assists, Long Beach has rebounded from a losing record last season and again is among the nation’s elite. The 49ers open the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation playoffs at 2 p.m. Sunday at UC Santa Barbara, and Coach Ray Ratelle knows his offense is in capable hands.

“He’s definitely the guy out there,” Ratelle said.

Walker has the numbers to support his coach’s faith.

His average of 18.40 assists per game leads the country. He had a season-high 99 assists March 14 against George Mason. He was chosen the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation player of the week on March 23.

Walker, a junior, has started every match except one for Long Beach (18-8, 12-7), which finished third in the federation’s Pacific Division and is ranked sixth nationally by the American Volleyball Coaches Assn. and Volleyball Magazine. Last season, when Walker was a redshirt after transferring from Golden West, the 49ers were 13-15 and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Walker’s defense also has been instrumental. He has at least 10 digs in six matches, with a high of 15 Wednesday against USC.

“It’s been great so far,” Walker said. “Coming into the season, I didn’t expect to play so much.

“Coach gave me a chance and I’ve been able to hold on and stay in the lineup. I kind of do a double take every now and then.”

Especially considering he was pretty much unwanted by the rest of college volleyball.

Walker excelled in football and volleyball at Newport Harbor High and played both at Golden West. Walker was selected All-Orange Empire Conference in volleyball after his sophomore season and also controlled the ball in his other sport as the Rustlers’ starting quarterback.

He completed 56.7% of his passes for 1,205 yards and five touchdowns. Walker set school records for completion percentage (56.3%) and fewest interceptions (six).

Despite the fancy numbers, no football offers came his way.

Walker’s size wasn’t the problem. At 6 feet 5 and 205 pounds, he is more than equipped to handle both sports at a major level.

“It surprised me,” said Walker, 22. “I mean, it would have been nice to go on some recruiting trips, but it felt pretty natural just to come here.”

Two sports. Solid seasons in each. One scholarship offer.

What gives?

Ratelle has a theory.

“He’s really improved a lot,” Ratelle said. “He was OK, but he definitely wasn’t an outstanding setter.

“But he’s worked his butt off. He worked on the beach all summer and he came in and did a lot of extra work this season.”

The 49ers look to Walker for big plays at key moments.

“He’s one of the team leaders we really rally around,” middle blocker Neil Mendel said. “He knows where we want the ball and he gets it there. He leads the nation in assists in his first year of playing, so that’s a real testament to him.”

Outside hitter Tom Hoff said Walker is the perfect set-up guy.

“We have a real good chemistry and he’s jelled with everyone else,” Hoff said. “This is a real tough conference, and he’s not afraid to go up against any team.”