By Rob Miech

Sat, Jun 7, 2008 (2 a.m.)

Who’s going to the penthouse in local sports and beyond — and who’s getting the shaft:

GOING UP

Down under hoopsters

UNLV begins preparations for its late-June tour of Australia when it starts practicing Tuesday. The Rebels will run practices for about 10 days and the public is encouraged to attend. Call 895-3295 for times and locations. UNLV will play six games in Australia from June 23 to July 5.

Cyclones fans

About a dozen attended Monday’s Game 5 of the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals against Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena, which Cincinnati won 4-0. Some locals, especially one foul-mouthed woman, didn’t treat them very well. But the Cincy die-hards, all of whom wore Cyclones jerseys, were a credit to their franchise.

The Duke

Dave Romleski, much better known as the Wranglers’ mascot, will be sorely missed after five fine seasons in his furry finery. He will join his wife, who accepted a transfer and a big pay raise, and family in Germany. A fan favorite for his humor and versatility, Romleski could get rich teaching others the craft.

Mad Dog

Valley High graduate Greg Maddux is getting in a groove about a month earlier than usual. Over his past four starts, the San Diego Padres starter has a 2.31 ERA, with four walks and 15 strikeouts. Before that stretch, he had a 3.98 ERA. During his sterling career, Maddux has usually buckled down come July.

GOING DOWN

Corey Bailey

We believed former UNLV hoopster Corey Bailey had straightened up after he spent time in jail in Florida. Driving on a suspended license landed him behind bars for 45 days. He came to Las Vegas and flourished as a Rebel, but a recent citation for misdemeanor battery doesn’t reflect well on him or the program.

The Showgirlz

The Las Vegas representatives of the Independent Women’s Football League have lost three of their past four games to drop to 3-3. Tough losses (30-27 and 41-38) to the division-leading California Quakes especially stung. The Showgirlz play at the Southern California Breakers today, then finish the season next week at home against the New Mexico Menace.