Thursday, May 28, 2009

Afternoon Update 5-28

Lakey Finalist for Honda Award
Angelo State senior thrower Adree Lakey has been announced as one of the 11 finalists for the 2008-09 Division II Athlete of the Year sponsored by Honda.

Lakey, a native of Sylvester, sparked the Rambelles to their best finish in school history at last week's NCAA D-II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. The Roby High School product was the meet's top point scorer with 29 points, placing in the top four in all four throwing disciplines.

Already a two-time national champion, Lakey added her third national title this spring as she captured the crown in the shot put last week with the fifth-best throw in D-II history at 52'10". She claimed the national title in the hammer throw as a sophomore in 2007 and in the discus throw as a junior in 2008. Lakey placed second last week in the discus, third in the hammer and fourth in the javelin and ended her career as an 11-time All-American at ASU.

A four-time All-Lone Star Conference selection, Lakey led the Rambelles to their third conference title in school history earlier this month. At the LSC Championships, Lakey scored 34 points, earning a conference title in the shot put, placing second in both the hammer and javelin and third in the discus. She was named the David Noble Award winner three times in her career, an award given to the top female field at the LSC Championships.

Now in its 33rd year, the D-II Athlete of the Year recognized the top woman collegiate athlete in each of the 11 sports in D-II. D-II athletes are nominated by national coaches association for each of the 11 sports: basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

The awards program is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and to celebrate these awards Honda donates $1,000 to the women's athletic fund of each nominee’s university. The winner's institution will also receive a $5,000 donation.

A press conference will be held June 22 at Columbia University in New York City to announce and present the D-II Athlete of the Year, along with the recipients of the D-III Athlete of the Year, the Honda-Broderick Cup and the Honda Inspiration Award.

Lakey is looking to become just the second athlete from the LSC to receive the award. Abilene Christian's Jennifer Clarkson won the award in 1996 representing the Wildcat basketball program.

2008-09 D-II Athlete of the Year Nominees
Katie Cezat, basketball, Hillsdale
Kristin Erb, softball, Lock Haven
Katie Hogan, lacrosse, C. W. Post
Adree Lakey, track and field, Angelo State
Yuan Quing Li, swimming, Drury
Lyndsay McBride, golf, Indianapolis
Maggie McNamara, volleyball, Concordia (Minn.)
Sona Novakova, tennis, Armstrong Atlantic State
Jessica Pixler, cross country, Seattle Pacific
Meredith Teague, soccer, Seattle Pacific
Jamie Vanartsdalen, field hockey, Bloomsburg

Wilson signs four to softball squad
ABILENE, Texas - Just three weeks after completing the 2009 season where the ACU Wildcats won a school record 43 games, head coach Chantiel Wilson announced Wednesday the signing of four junior college transfers to bolster the 2010 squad.

Wilson saw seven seniors depart after exhausting their eligibility; ACU’s season ended with a loss to Missouri Western in the NCAA Division II South Central Region Tournament May 9.

“We are excited about the players joining our rosters this fall,” said Wilson. “The players coming in are experienced and have had great success at their previous programs. These players have been well coached and are fundamentally sound. Their knowledge of the game will help their transition into our program.”

Candice Miller hails from Antelope Valley College and played first and third base for two seasons. In her freshman campaign, she was a first-team juco all-America selection, and over two seasons she hit above .400, hit 27 doubles, belted 11 homers and drove in 77 runs. “We are excited about Candice coming to ACU. She is a hard-nosed player who plays the game the way it should be played,” Wilson said. “Candice has a quick bat with a lot of power and understands the fundamentals of hitting. Defensively she is capable of playing both corners well.”

Andi Anti was a two-year shortstop for Palomar College and also earned first team all-America honors in 2008. In two seasons, she hit 31 doubles, six triples, nine homers and drove in 58 RBI. “We are looking forward to Andi joining our program. She is a leader at the shortstop position with a great a great arm with excellent agility,” said Wilson. “Offensively she has put up great numbers the past couple years and we feel her best is yet to come.”

Shawna Barrow will join Anti from Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif. and was a utility player for the program for two seasons. In 2008 she hit .380 and stole 23 bases, but in 2009 she hit an astounding .475 with 11 doubles, four triples, 28 RBI and 19 stolen bases. “Shawna is an excellent athlete who can do a lot of things. She is a lefty slap-hitter who has really developed” said Wilson. “This past spring Shawna was one of the state leaders in hits and stolen bases. She played shortstop her freshman year at Palomar and was the team’s center fielder this past season. We expect to use Shawna in the middle infield next year with her excellent glove and range.”

Brittany Rexroat, the only non-California signee will join ACU from Phoenix College and help bolster the Wildcats’ pitching staff. In two years, she compiled a 24-5 record and struck out 178 hitters in 175 innings of work. “We are excited about Brittany joining ACU this fall. She comes from Phoenix College who played a key role in their 2008 National championship campaign,” Wilson said. “Brittany is a tough competitor who pays attention to her fundamentals and is tight around the zone with a variety of pitches. We expect great things from Brittany at ACU in the next two years.”

LSC Roundup 5-28

ASU's highly successful year gives hope for more in '09-10
SAN ANGELO, Texas — The 2008-09 athletic year at Angelo State began with renewed hope and ended with a pair of teams coming up just short in their quest for national championships.

With five teams advancing to the postseason, three on to the national level, it is easy to judge it one of the most successful years — from beginning to end — in recent history.

Related: ASU Athletic Year: 2008-09


Lady Buffs sign 5 hoopsters
Brittany Williams of Sudan and Ariel Robertson of Cedar Hill are among five players to sign national letters-of-intent to play women's basketball at West Texas A&M, Lady Buffs head coach Krista Gerlich said.

The Lady Buffs also signed Division I transfers Madelyn Brown from Texas Tech and Aly Sherman of Central Arkansas along with high school product Megan Janousek of The Woodlands.
Those five players join early signee Callie Schniederjan of Dalhart.

Making it official
After helping to lead the Cleburne Yellow Jackets to the Class 4A, Region II quarterfinals, Cleburne senior Ethan Anderson will take his game to the next level in the fall.

Anderson, a 6-3 guard-forward who was the District 16-4A and All-Johnson County most valuable player, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla.

“It’s a lot of stress off my chest,” Anderson said. “I feel relieved.”

Anderson said schools started calling him before the basketball season, when he was still playing football.“I visited Dallas Baptist,” Anderson said. “That was it. There wasn’t a lot, but it was like peer pressure [to sign]. It was real stressful.”

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

LSC Roundup 5-27

TAMUK's Peterson Named Coach Of The Year
KINGSVILLE - Texas A&M-Kingsville head men's basketball coach Pete Peterson was recently named the 2008-09 Small College Coach of the Year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

Peterson led the Javelinas to a 19-11 record and an NCAA Division II Regional Tournament appearance this year. "No coach has a chance to win an award like this without great players," said Peterson. "I was fortunate to have outstanding athletes this year and making a run into the NCAA Tournament was an incredible experience. Hopefully we can continue our winning tradition that we are building at Texas A&M-Kingsville."

2 Wildcats voted all-America; Hall earns Gold Glove
CARY, N.C. -- A pair of ACU baseball standouts have been voted to the American Baseball Coaches' Association / Rawlings NCAA Division II all-America team, and another has been voted the winner of a Rawlings Gold Glove for his stellar defensive work during the season.

Senior catcher Jordan Schmitt was voted first team all-America, while junior relief pitcher Brad Rutherford was voted second team all-America. Junior second baseman Chris Hall was voted the winner of a Rawlings Gold Glove.

Schmitt is the fifth Wildcat in program history to earn first team all-America honors, joining second baseman Ronny Haring (1997), relief pitcher Jameson Maj (2007), outfielder Mike Elkerson (2008) and designated hitter Trey Watten (2008) on the list. Designated hitter Joel Wells (2006) is the only other Wildcat to earn second team all-America honors.

National Honors for Rams
Juniors Chris Adamson and Keith Towne join an exclusive fraternity of Angelo State baseball players as the duo was named to the Daktronics/Collegiate Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA) All-America second team by members of CoSIDA.

They join former Rams Steven Allred, Clay Calfee, Drew Caraway and Ronnie Gaines as the only players in ASU history to have the title "All-American" attached to their names. Towne, who was named All-South Central Region Player of the Year earlier this month by the region's CoSIDA members, led the Rams and Lone Star Conference with a single-season record 26 home runs while Adamson, a member of the All-South Central Region first team, led ASU in batting, finishing the season with a .409 average.

Senior Kenny Elkind, who led the Rams with 10 victories, six complete games and 88 strikeouts, received an honorable mention nod from CoSIDA after being selected the All-SC Region first team as a starting pitcher.

The Rams finished the 2009 campaign with a 45-20 record, seeing its season end to eventual champion Emporia State, 5-3, at the NCAA Division II South Central Region in the semifinals.

Foshee Named Academic All-American
TOWSON, Md. (May 27) – Central Oklahoma outfielder-first baseman Andrew Foshee has earned second-team honors on the 2009 ESPN The Magazine College Division Academic All-America Baseball Team, it was announced Tuesday.

A senior marketing major from Guthrie with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, Foshee was one of just 33 student-athletes to receive Academic All-America recognition on the three teams that were selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Foshee was earlier named Lone Star Conference Academic Player of the Year as well as UCO’s Senior Male Student-Athlete of the Year. A four-year letterman for the Bronchos, he batted .341 this season and led the team in home runs (13) and runs batted in (43) while adding 14 doubles and scoring 51 runs.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

LSC Roundup 5-26

ASU softball stunned by Alabama-Huntsville in national semifinals
SALEM, Va. — One bad loss can’t erase a great season.

The Angelo State University softball team was three wins away from its second national title in six years, but the Rambelles came up short Sunday in a wildly uncharacteristic 10-0 loss to Alabama-Huntsville in the semifinals of the Division II College World Series.

No. 4 ASU got off to a shaky start and it only got worse from there.

Fifth-ranked Alabama-Huntsville (54-5) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, then blew it wide open with six runs in the second.

ASU finished 50-10 for its third 50-win season and third trip to the World Series in the past six years. The ’Belles were also one of the last four teams remaining in the nation. The only thing missing from their resume was the national title they all wanted to take home.

“You know, we had a great year. We can’t really hang our heads because we accomplished so much,” ASU senior catcher Laura Lopez said as she wiped away tears.

“I just wish we could play one more game.”

ASU women, ACU men finish second at NCAA Track & Field Championships
The Angelo State women and Abilene Christian men both finished second at the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in San Angelo, Texas.

The team titles came down to the final event, the 4x400 Meter Relay, on both sides. St. Augustine's won the relay to edge ACU, 94-86, for its first title since 2001 which ended the Wildcats seven-year reign. On the women's side, Lincoln earned a three-point win over ASU, 85-82, by virtue of a first place win in the 4x400. It was the best finish in school history for the Rambelles after a fourth-place finish in 2007.

The ACU women finished sixth (35 points) marking the first time since 2001 that the Wildcat men or women didn't win an indoor or outdoor track & field national title.

ASU's men totaled 27 points good for 8th place. Tarleton State finished 29th and 55th in the men's and women's standings, respectively, while Texas A&M-Commerce's men were 49th.

For complete results click here.

NSU finishes play at NCAA Men's Golf Championships
Northeastern State finished 11th at the NCAA Division II Men's Golf National Championships in Allendale, Mich.

Jeff Cox and Sam Powell led the RiverHawks to an 11-over-par 295 in the four day event at Loomis Trail Golf Club.

Click here for complete results

Cox finally got untracked on Friday and led the team with a one-over-par 72, while Powell shook off rounds of 79 and 80 to shoot two-over 73. Northeastern State's other senior, Kevin King, ended his career with a four-over-par 75. Freshman Blake Walker also had a 75 and sophomore Josh Boswell a 77 to end the tournament.

Sonoma State claimed the 2009 team national championship in thrilling fashion against Cal State-San Bernardino by winning the first playoff hole, even-par to +1. Sonoma State had trailed the Wolverines by nine shots heading into the day, but shot 7-over 291. CSUSB carded a 300 which forced a playoff between the two teams after Gene Webster, who led the individual race all three rounds, struggled to a six-over 77.

Gavin Smith of Indianapolis (PA) earned medalist honors after defeating Kelbi Lee of Ferris State, also on the first playoff hole.

Rambelles come up a little short at track championships
One point.

That was all that separated the Lincoln (Mo.) and Angelo State women’s track and field teams going into the final event at the 2009 NCAA Division Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the LeGrand Sports Complex Saturday night.

The teams traded the lead in the 4x400-meter relay twice, but Lincoln held off ASU at the end for the relay victory and the team title.

Lincoln finished with 85 points. ASU finished with 82.

Still, it was the highest finish ever for the Rambelles, whose previous best finish was fourth place two years ago.

“Obviously, it was a little disappointing,” ASU head coach James Reid said. “We wanted to be No. 1. But we didn’t want it to let it take away from an extremely successful season. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t any disappointent. But we had some school records broken and a lot of (personal records).

“It might have stung at the time, but when we look back, everybody should feel good about it.”

ACU fared better than expected but needed help to keep streak
SAN ANGELO -- Just looking at the numbers going into the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the Abilene Christian University men needed some things to go their way to keep their streak of eight consecutive titles alive.

It almost happened.

ACU and St. Augustine's College were tied going into the last event of the meet, the 1,600-meter relay, on Saturday. The Flying Falcons won the event. ACU finished seventh.

Thus St. Augustine's ended up winning its 10th title and first since 2001 with 94 points -- eight better than ACU. The Flying Falcons had finished second to ACU the previous three years and six of the last seven years.

It was a bittersweet day for ACU coach Don D. Hood. His team came close to winning its 12th title in the last 14 years and its 19th overall in Division II.

But Hood was thrilled with the fact the title went down to the wire.

"That's the way track and field ought to be," he said. "We would have loved to have had a cushion going into (that final event). But with what happened, it wouldn't have mattered. I just think it's one of those things that wasn't go to happen today."

Friday, May 22, 2009

Afternoon Update 5-22

**Decathlon National Champion**
Camille Vandendriessche (ACU) wins the decathlon. He scored 7,674 points over the ten events. Ryan McWilliams of ASU finishes in second with 7,297 points (377 behind). Chase Moore (ASU) finishes in sixth with 6,864 points, 129 behind the fifth place finsher.

National Champion
Angelo State's Aisha Adams has won the heptathlon at the NCAA Division II National Track and Field Championships. Aisha finished with a total of 5,586 points, beating her nearest competitor by 243 points. Fellow Rambell Chrystal Ruiz finished in 9th place with 5,016 points.

**Decathlon Update**
With just the Javelina and 1500 meter run to go, ACU's Camille Vandendriessche leads the way with 6, 405 points. ASU's Ryan McWilliams is second with 6,139 pts (203 points up on third place). Chase Moore (ASU) is in sixth place with 5,747 points, and is just 41 points out of fourth place and 31 out of fifth.

Softball Update
The Rambelles scored two runs in the top of the 11th inning to break a 0-0 tie.

In the bottom of the 11th, the North Georgia College has the bases loaded with no outs. ASU gets the force out at the plate, still 2-0 ASU, bases loaded one out. NGC singles to right field, two runs score, runner out at third, batter advances to second. Two outs winning run at second base. Grounder to third, cannot handle it, Baker cannot handle it either and the winning run scores. Saints win 3-2. Four errors for ASU in this one.

LSC Roundup 5-22

Rambelles rely on Chelsea Nelson's arm in World Series win
A record-breaking offense has grabbed most of the attention this year for the Angelo State University softball team.

Runs are a lot harder to come by at the national tournament, however, and the Rambelles had to battle to produce the three runs they scored Thursday off Indianapolis ace Megan Russell.
That’s what made ASU pitcher Chelsea Nelson’s performance all the more important.

Nelson turned in her third straight stellar outing, holding the Greyhounds to just four hits and one unearned run in seven innings of work to lead the ’Belles to a 3-1 win in the opening round of the Division II national championships.

“Honestly, I was a little nervous starting out because it’s my first time at a big tournament and everything,” said Nelson, a junior transfer from Midland College. “But after the first couple of innings, I felt confident. ... Every game, I always know we’re gonna get runs, so I just knew had to keep them from scoring too many runs. The defense worked well, and our hitting pulled through at the end.”

NCAA Division II Track Championships Results: Day One
Sophomore Aisha Adams and senior Ryan McWilliams have been the highlight so far for Angelo State as the Rams and Rambelles opened competition in the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships at the LeGrand Sports Complex.

With 3,374 points, Adams leads the heptathlon after four events and will enter the second day of competition in the event Friday with a 128-point lead over her closest competitor for the national title. The native of Covington, Tenn., won both the 100-meter hurdles (13.81) and the shot put (40' 1.5") and placed third in the high jump (5' 6.5") and fourth in the 200-meter dash (25.30) Thursday.

The Rambelles have two other competitors also in the heptathlon. Junior Chrystal Ruiz sits ninth (3,012) and senior Kyndel Howell is 12th (2,911). Junior Andria Nussey finished eighth in the 100 hurdles but failed to record a mark in the high jump and has since scratched from the competition.

In the decathlon, senior Ryan McWilliams leads the field with 4,036 points after five events. The Alpine native won three events and placed second in another to hold a 94-point lead over his closest competitor. McWilliams won the long jump (23' 8.75"), high jump (6' 7.5") and the 400-meter dash (48.44). He also placed second in the 100-meter dash (11.02) and sixth in the shot put (39' 1"). Fellow senior Chase Moore sits sixth with 3,683 points.

Related: NCAA Division II Track Championships Results: Day One
Related: Adams in top two heading to finals of women's long jump
Related: ASU men’s relay fails to make it out of prelims
Related: Tight race in decathlon
Related: Six National Champions Crowned
Related: Tascosa grad Jones ready for defense of D-II discus title
Related: UCSD’s Thu wins women's hammer throw title

The Ryan Leaf saga has taken a new twist.
The orginal version had Leaf asking a player for a pill to help him deal with pain in his wrist, but now a Randall County grand jury has indicted Leaf on drug and burglary charges.

The indictment handed up Wednesday in Canyon charged the 33-year-old former
San Diego Chargers quarterback and former West Texas A&M quarterbacks coach
with one count of burglary to a habitation, seven counts of obtaining a
controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated
controlled substance.

The indictment said Leaf presented an incomplete medical history to several
physicians between January 2008 and September 2008 to get or try to obtain the
painkiller Hydrocodone.

It was not clear whether Leaf had an attorney.

Canyon police Lt. Dale Davis said Leaf is suspected of breaking into a Canyon apartment on Oct. 30 and stealing Hydrocodone, which had been prescribed to an injured football player.

"There were signs of a forced entry," Davis said. "A window in the back of the home was [damaged]."

The count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance alleges Leaf gave an
individual a substance he said was Hydrocodone but was not that drug.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Briefly - Texas A&M-Commerce football: Grand Prairie High School wide receiver Arvis Wesley Vonner II has signed with Texas A&M-Commerce. Vonner was a two-time all-district player and three-year letter winner.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Afternoon Update 5-21

No. 4 Rambelles Down Indy, 3-1 Courtesy: ASU Sports Information
Release: 05/21/2009

The No. 4-ranked Angelo State softball team (49-8) outlasted the University of Indianapolis, 3-1, in the first round of the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championship Finals at the James I. Moyer Complex in Salem, Va.

The Rambelles used another solid pitching performance from junior right-hander Chelsea Nelson (31-4) as they remained perfect all-time (3-0) in first round games at the national finals. Nelson limited the Greyhounds to just four single while fanning nine UI hitters and issuing just one walk.

ASU fell behind early as the Greyhounds took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third on a one-out RBI single to leftfield by Megan Russell, scoring Lindsey Gustine. However, the Rambelles would score three unanswered runs to come from behind for the victory.

The Rambelles knotted the game, 1-1, in the bottom of the third with a successful two-out double steal, scoring freshman Sandy James. ASU then took its first lead in the fifth frame with back-to-back doubles by sophomore Alix Dean and senior Macy Baker. Baker's double scored freshman pinch runner Nicole Wellmann. The Rambelles added a final run in the sixth inning on a double by James down the rightfield line to score junior Kristen Frye from first base.

"Chelsea threw really well in for us and I thought we played good defense today," said ASU head coach Travis Scott. "We hit the ball hard and it finally paid off later in the game. We made a good job of adjusting to a good pitcher. That was the key to winning this game."

ASU tallied six hits in the contest with James leading the pack with a 2-for-3 performance with a run scored and an RBI. Dean and James now each have 18 doubles on the season, matching the ASU single-season record held by Brittney Cargill (2007).

Indianapolis (36-20) will advance to the loser's bracket and will not play against until Saturday. Russell (19-11) was handed the loss after giving up three earned runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in a complete game.

The Rambelles will next play 11 a.m. (Central) Friday against winner of today's North Georgia/Dixie State contest. UI will play the loser of that contest 11 a.m. (Central) Saturday.

National Track Championship Updates
Decathlon - 100 Meter Dash
2. Ryan McWilliams (ASU) 11.02 - 856 pts
3. Chase Moore (ASU) 11.02 - 856 pts
8. Camille Vandendriessche (ACU) 11.31 - 793 pts
13. James Hardin (ACU) 13.68 - 359 pts

Decathlon - Long Jump
1. Ryan McWilliams (ASU) 7.23m - 869 pts
2. Chase Moore (ASU) 7.07m - 830 pts
3. Camille Vandendriessche (ACU) 7.06m - 828 pts
11. James Hardin (ACU) 4.81m - 346 pts

Decathlon - Shot Put
2. Camille Vandendriessche (ACU) 14.99m - 789 pts
6. Ryan McWilliams (ASU) 11.91m - 601 pts
7. James Hardin (ACU) 11.81m - 595 pts
9. Chase Moore (ASU) 11.49m - 575 pts

Totals (through 3 events)
1. Camille Vandendriessche (ACU) - 2,410 pts
2. Ryan McWilliams (ASU) - 2,326 pts
3. Chase Moore (ASU) - 2,261 pts
12. James Hardin (ACU) - 1,300 pts

Heptathlon - 100 M (only completed event so far)
1. Aisha Adams (ASU) 13.81 - 1,005 pts
3. Chrystal Ruiz (ASU) 14.09 - 966 pts
8. Andria Nussey (ASU) 14.57 - 899 pts
10. Kyndel Howell (ASU) 14.65 - 888 pts


Golf Falters in Round Two
BLAINE, Wash. --- Northeastern State's bid for a championship took a serious hit in Wednesday's second round. The RiverHawks, which entered the day in third place, limped in with a dismal 311 and fell to 11th overall in the 2009 NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships at Loomis Trail Golf Club.May 19, 2009

Nice Start at Nationals
BLAINE, Wash. --- Sam Powell is tied for second and Northeastern State is in third place after the opening round of the 2009 NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships at Loomis Trail Golf Club.

Helton Adds Three From Tyler Junior College For 2009-10 Greyhound Basketball
Courtesy: Eastern New Mexico University
Release: 05/20/2009

Wednesday, May 20, 2009PORTALES, N.M.— Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball coach has added three more players to the Greyhound roster in preparations for the upcoming 2009-10 season, signing Reggie Nelson (G, 6-1, Tyler, Texas/John Tyler HS/Tyler JC), Alan Branch (G/F, 6-4, Houston, Texas/Houston Hightower HS/Tyler JC) and Tyler Jefferson (F, 6-6, Ft. Worth, Texas/North Crowley HS/Tyler JC) to National Letters of Intent.

The trio helped guide the Apaches to the Region XIV semifinals last season and an overall record of 24-6. Over their two seasons at Tyler, the team compiled a overall record of 49-10 and a conference mark of 33-8 in one of the top junior college conferences in the country.

Nelson earned first team All-Region XIV tournament along with players who have signed at Creighton, Wake Forest, Auburn and Louisiana Tech. He averaged 20.5 pointer per game in the Region XIV tournament and was in the top ten in the conference in free throw percentage and steals per game. “Reggie gives us a great leader who is competitive and plays with energy,” said Helton. “He is fast with the basketball and can make plays off the dribble and the catch. He will be an exciting player to watch, we are thrilled to have him.”

Branch’s versatility helped the Apaches, as he was able to play both the two and three positions, providing strong play on both sides of the court in the most successful two-year period in TJC history. “Alan is a solid perimeter player who can really shoot the ball and has a good feel for the game,” Helton said. “He is a winner who played a huge role in Tyler’s tremendous success over the last two years. We are extremely happy to have him.”

Jefferson was a Second Team All-Region XIV selection, finishing in the top ten in the conference in field goal percentage. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. “Tyler gives us a tremendous scorer at the forward spot,” said Helton. “He can score off the dribble and with his back to the basket. He is a player that can make an immediate impact for us offensively and defensively. Tyler is an intense player who plays extremely hard.

Helton Inks Romero From Two-Time State Champion St. Michaels for 2009-10 Basketball Season
Courtesy: Eastern New Mexico University
Release: 05/19/2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
PORTALES, N.M.— Just weeks after taking over as the Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball coach Andrew Helton, looking to make an immediate impact on the Greyhound roster for the 2009-10 season, inking Jordan Romero (G, 6-1, 170, Santa Fe, N.M./St. Michaels HS) to a National Letter of Intent. Romero should add plenty of championship experience to the roster, as he guided St. Michaels High School to three state championship appearances, earning two titles, along with an appearance in the state semifinals.

“We are very excited that Jordan will be a Greyhound.” Said Helton. “He brings a great feel for the game and comes from a very successful high school program. He is an excellent young man whose guard skills and work ethic will really benefit our program.”

As a five-year varsity player for the Horsemen, he guided the squad to 119 victories, garnering three all-state selections in the process. Last season, he concluded his career with 1,779 career point and led SMHS in scoring (16.1 ppg), rebounding (5.1 rpg), assists (3.5 apg) and steals (80). Romero’s effort lifted the Horsemen to a 46-41 victory over Pojoaque High School in the state semifinals, before falling to Hope Christian in the championship game. While competing at St. Michaels HS, he played for head coach Ron Geyer.

LSC Roundup 5-21

Daktronics Softball All-American Team
From the LSC

First Team
Pitcher - Marjorie Johnson, SOSU
Catcher - Jessica Shiery, ACU
OF - Cassie Anderson, TAMK

Second Team
1B - Sandy James, ASU

Honorable Mention
SS - Bailey Mathes, SOSU
OF - Kasey Henderson, WTAM

2009 Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division II All-Americans
No LSC players on the first team???? Winona State led the way with 3 first team (and one second team) selections, while North Georgia College & State University, Alabama-Huntsville, and Georgian Court University each had two first teamers.

Second Team
Pitcher - Marjorie Johnson, SOSU
Catcher - Jessica Shiery, ACU
1B - Sandy James, ASU
SS - Macy Baker, ASU
OF - Cassie Anderson, TAMK

Third Team
2B - Alix Dean, ASU
OF - Kasey Henderson, WTAM


'Belles won't overlook 'Hounds
SALEM, Va. — It’s no surprise that the NCAA Division II national softball tournament is loaded with some of the top-ranked teams in the country.

There’s one exception — the University of Indianapolis.

Angelo State’s first-round opponent wasn’t ranked in the top 25 in the most recent national poll. In fact, the Greyhounds didn’t even receive a single vote.

But they got hot at the right time and won their regional title with a string of upsets to advance to the national championships for the first time in school history.

That’s why the Rambelles — ranked No. 4 and one of the favorites to win it all — aren’t underestimating the biggest underdog in the field.

“Obviously, they’re good enough to make it here, and we are too, so it’s gonna be tough competition from here on out,” ASU freshman Sandy James said. “We always have to bring our ‘A’ game and come to the field prepared.”

ASU head coach Travis Scott said the Greyhounds’ lack of a national ranking doesn’t mean much to him. After all, only two teams were ranked lower than ASU when the ’Belles won the title in 2004.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” Scott said. “They’re feeling good about themselves, they’re here, and they feel like they’ve got a chance to win it all just like everybody else does.”


Adams, Reid Earn National Honors
Angelo State head track and field coach James Reid and sophomore multi-event specialist Aisha Adams were honored Wednesday night as the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its National Athletes and Coaches of the Year.

Adams, a sophomore from Covington, Tenn., was named the Women's Field National Athlete of the Year prior to competing in six events in this weekend's NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships at the LeGrand Sports Complex in San Angelo. She enters the event as the top performer in NCAA D-II this season in the heptathlon and the high jump. Adams led all scorers in the 2009 Lone Star Conference Championships, held earlier in the month in Kingsville, and was honored as the David Noble Award recipient as the top female field athlete of the meet. She was named the South Central Female Field Athlete of the Year to be eligible for the national honor.

A six-time LSC Women's Track & Field Coach of the Year, Reid was named the NCAA D-II National Women's Coach of the Year Wednesday night. Reid guided the Rambelles to the highest point total (331) in LSC Championships history earlier this month as his squad claimed its third conference title in six seasons. Reid was honored as the South Central Region Women's Coach of the Year to be eligible for the national award.

ASU Track
Adree Lakey and Culley Jo Dawson have long since established themselves as two of the greatest track performers in Angelo State University history. But they have a chance this weekend to add some accomplishments that have eluded them so far.

Lakey and Dawson are both entered in all four throwing events (discus, shot put, hammer and javelin) at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which begin today at the LeGrand Sports Complex on the ASU campus.

The two seniors are two of the most decorated track athletes in school history.

Lakey is a seven-time All-American with two national titles under her belt — a 2008 discus championship and a 2007 hammer crown. She was honored with the 2008 David Noble Award for top female field athlete for the third consecutive year. At the national meet this weekend, she’s ranked first in the shot put (16.06 meters), third in the discus (50.44 meters), eighth in the hammer (54.67 meters) and seventh in the javelin (45.03 meters).

Dawson, who is from nearby Water Valley High School, red-shirted last season. She earned All-America status in the discus at the 2007 national meet. Unlike Lakey, an individual national championship has eluded Dawson heading into this weekend’s meet. Her best showing was a second-place finish in the discus two years ago when she received All-America honors. Her older brother Curry was a three-time national champion thrower at ASU. This weekend, Dawson is ranked second in the discus, fourth in the shot put, seventh in the hammer and eighth in the javelin.

The ASU women’s team is expected to contend for the team championship this weekend. If the Rambelles could pull that off, it would be the first time in school history for them to be national champions in track and field.
Related: ASU Men's Track Qualifiers
Related: Angelo St. trio make DII Hall of Fame

Four receivers try out for the Edmonton Eskimos
EDMONTON — Four new pass catchers will hope to pass muster with the Edmonton Eskimos after signing contracts with the CFL team on Wednesday. The Eskimos announced that import receivers Efrem Hill, Jason Barnes, Willie Thornton and Alan Turner have signed on and will be at training camp early next month.
Thornton, 23, set Texas A&M — Commerce school records for receiving yards (266) and touchdowns (3) in a game last Sept. 20.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

LSC Roundup 5-20

Ten Rambelles competing in D-II outdoor track championship
Go to San Angelo Standard Times for a closer look at Angelo State's entries

ASU decathlete Ryan McWilliams back for more
SAN ANGELO, Texas — The fact that senior decathlete Ryan McWilliams is competing at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championships is testament to his competitive spirit. McWilliams, selected as captain by his teammates, missed the entire 2008 season after tearing a ligament in his elbow.

“One bad throw in the javelin,” McWilliams said. “I didn’t find out it was torn until the end of the year. I kept competing, but I didn’t throw again until the national meet.”

McWilliams was leading the decathlon at the 2007 national championships but headed into the javelin throw knowing he could slip in the standings.

“We just taped it up and I went for it,” McWilliams said. “I didn’t get a very good throw at all, but I got a mark and it kept me in the top three.”

That third-place finish in the 2007 national meet fueled the All-American through eight months of strong-willed rehab after having his elbow surgically repaired.


South Fort Myers football: Dorris, Prater sign with colleges
FORT MYERS — As he distributed slices of his celebratory cake, Ed Dorris wasn't alone in dishing out something.

South Fort Myers High football coach Grant Redhead kidded Dorris that he should do more than just feed others.

"You better eat some of that. You better get big," Redhead warned. "They're big in that Lone Star Conference you're going to in Texas."

Dorris -- and his 5-foot-10, 165-pound frame -- will be headed to Texas A&M University-Commerce. He made his college destination official on Tuesday during a mid-afternoon signing ceremony in front of dozens of teammates in the school's chorus room.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

LSC Roundup 5-19

James, ASU Featured on ESPN
Freshman phenom Sandy James and the rest of the Angelo State softball team will be featured on the May edition of NCAA On Campus, scheduled to premiere Wednesday, May 20, at 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN Classic.

The monthly show, produced by the NCAA, was taped during the final weekend of the regular season on the campus of Angelo State with the Rambelles' first baseman serving as the lead story. The Kilgore native leads NCAA Division II in home runs entering this weekend's NCAA D-II National Championship Finals.

With 25 home runs in her debut campaign, James has tied the NCAA all-division freshman record for home runs this season, matching the mark of Kelly Krestschman of Alabama in 1998. At the time of the taping, James was riding a school-record 24-game hitting streak.

Rambelles Open Finals Thursday
For the third time in program history, the No. 4-ranked Angelo State softball team (48-8) is making an appearance in the NCAA Division II National Championship Finals, May 21-25, at the James I. Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Va. The Rambelles will open the 2009 event against the University of Indianapolis, the Midwest Region champion, at 11 a.m. (Central) Thursday morning. All games this weekend can be heard on KCLL 100.1 FM in San Angelo and on-line at www.angelosports.com.

Watching the National Finals...All games, except the title game, at the NCAA D-II National Championship can be viewed on-line free of charge by going to www.ncaa.com. The championship game can be seen live on CBS College Sports at 2 p.m. (Central), Monday, May 25. Tickets for the national finals are $10 per day for adults and $6 per day for students, seniors and children. All-tournament passes can be purchased for $35 for adults and $20 for students, seniors and children.

2009 ABCA/Rawlings All-South Central Region Team Announced
Position Player of the Year - Jordan Schmitt, ACU

First Team
1B - Rob Mann, WTAM
3B - Nate Arevalo, Cameron
IF - Chris Adamson, ASU
C - Jordan Schmitt, ACU
DH - Keith Towne, ASU
OF - Thomas Bumpass, ACU
SP - Brad Bichel, Cameron
SP - Preston Vancil, ACU
SP - Reece Dodd, SOSU
RP - Brad Rutherford, ACU

Second Team
SS - Will Uechi, ACU
IF - Seth Clabaugh, ENMU
OF - Josh Barnett, Cameron
OF - Jeremy Johnson, ENMU
OF - Travis Latz, ACU
SP - Kenny Elkind, ASU

Related: Three Wildcats named all-region
Related: Three Rams Named All-Region

Monday, May 18, 2009

Afternoon Update 5-18

Dr. Geiser Selected as Eastern’s New Athletic Director
Courtesy: Eastern New Mexico University
Release: 05/18/2009

PORTALES, N.M. — Eastern New Mexico University President, Dr. Steven Gamble, has announced the selection of Dr. Jeff Geiser as the new athletic director at ENMU. Kaiser brings plenty of on-the-job experience to the position, serving as AD for Adams State College (Colo.) for the seven total years. A press conference will be held at Greyhound Arena on Wednesday, May 20th at 10 a.m. MST to introduce Geiser to the school and community.

“Jeff Geiser will be a positive addition to Eastern New Mexico University,” said Gamble. “He has a long record of successful leadership abilities and I know he will be an exceptional athletic director.”

Geiser served as Adams State’s Director of Athletics from 2000-2006 in addition to a one-year stint in the position during the 1986-87 year. During his time as athletic director, he served as the department’s primary fundraiser. Since 2006, he fine tuned his ability to persuade people, serving as a sales representative for Gilman Gear Sporting Goods.

“I am excited for the opportunity at Eastern New Mexico University,” said Geiser. “I think it has great potential. During my visit, I really enjoyed the staff, from the president down through the administration, to the staff and coaches. I am looking forward to getting started in Portales.”

He first arrived at Adams State in 1984 as the head football coach and an instructor in the exercise physiology and leisure sciences department. In 1986-7 academic year, the role of athletic director was added to his responsibilities. Geiser was again called on as an administrative capacity, becoming the associate athletic director from 1992-1996, before being named as the Chairman of the physiology and leisure sciences department from 1997-2006. In 2000, he was selected as the athletic director for ASC, a program featuring 17 sports.

Geiser will step in for Mike Maguire, who will teach physical education courses and fund raise for the athletic program.

LSC Roundup 5-18

Rambelles stomp Storm, head to World Series
With a crowd of 725 fans cheering in anticipation, Southeastern Oklahoma’s Morgan Miller lined the final out right back to Angelo State pitcher Chelsea Nelson, and the celebration began.

For the third time in the past six years, the ASU softball team is the champion of the South Central Region and headed to the Division II College World Series.

The Rambelles belted four home runs and Nelson pitched another gem en-route to a 9-0 victory in Game 2 of the South Central Super Regional Saturday at the ASU Softball Complex.

The win, combined with ASU’s 1-0 victory in Game 1 on Friday, secured a spot in next week’s national tournament in Salem, Va.

“Coming into this season, we didn’t know how it was going to go,” senior shortstop Macy Baker said. “It’s really surprising for us to be this successful. I am just so happy and so excited for all the old players and the newcomers coming together, and I am glad that we get to go the World Series and we ended on a good note.”

Related: ACU's Shiery earns pair of honors

Hornets sting Rams again
The Angelo State University baseball season came to an Sunday with a 5-3 loss to Emporia State in an elimination game at the South Central Regional tournament in Warrensburg, Mo.

The No. 16 Rams finished the season 45-20, the second-most wins in school history. They finished second in the Lone Star Conference regular-season standings and postseason tournament.

Despite opening the regional tournament with a 23-0 loss to Emporia State, ASU was a win away from playing for the championship and two wins away from its second World Series berth in three years.

Related: Three Wildcats named all-region
Related: Emporia ousts Angelo St., will meet top seed in final

ASU looks to capitalize on home-field advantage
This is the week every year when the Angelo State University track program sends its best athletes to California, North Carolina or some other part of the country.

This year, though, the Rams and Rambelles won't be making such a trip. For the fifth time in school history, ASU will host the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Some 620 athletes from colleges around the country will descend on San Angelo and the LeGrand Sports Complex for three days beginning Thursday. They will eat at our restaurants and stay in our hotels. But the athletes from ASU will get to eat home-cooked meals and get to sleep in their own beds.

"It is always fun to travel somewhere we haven't been," senior Kyndel Howell said. "But it will be nice to stay here - eat at home, sleep in our own beds and have our home crowd supporting us."

TexAnns finish in tie for sixth at national golf tournament
By BRAD KEITH
Sports Editorbrad.keith@empiretribune.com

Tarleton State led for a round but couldn’t hold on at the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship in Findlay, Ohio Wednesday-Saturday.

The TexAnns took a six-stroke lead into round two, which was rained out on Thursday to setup a busy 36-hole Friday at Findlay Country Club. Tarleton dropped to fourth after the second round Friday morning and was tied for fifth after round three Friday afternoon. The TexAnns finished in a tie for sixth.

No. 2 Lynn ousts ACU
Abilene Christian on Friday advanced to the NCAA Division II women's tennis semifinals for the first time in coach Hutton Jones Sr.'s 13-year tenure, but the run ended later in the day with a 5-2 loss to No. 2 Lynn.

Lions Add Justin Wilkerson and Kevin Hayden
The men’s basketball coaching staff at Texas A&M University-Commerce announced today the signing of Justin Wilkerson and Kevin Hayden.

Wilkerson, a 6-9 forward, is a familiar face to local fans as he is a native of Greenville High School as well as for the last two years at Lone Star Conference member East Central University.

Hayden, a 6-0 guard, comes to A&M-Commerce after spending his freshman season at the University of South Alabama and his sophomore year at Blinn College.

Friday, May 15, 2009

LSC Roundup 5-15

Angelo State baseball routed in regional opener
The No. 16-ranked Angelo State baseball team (43-19) surrendered nine runs through the first four innings in suffering the worst defeat in school history, 23-0, to No. 17-ranked Emporia State in the first game of the day Thursday at the NCAA Division II South Central Regional in Warrensburg, Mo.

The Hornets got all the runs they needed for starter Colby Killian in the first on a sacrifice fly by Kenny Burkhead, which scored Kevin Wempe to put ESU up 1-0. Emporia State made it 4-0 in the third on an RBI-single by Wempe and a two-run home run by Burkhead. ESU blew the game open with five runs in the fourth and added to ASU’s misery with three runs in the fifth and sixth innings and four runs in the seventh and eight.

ACU stumbles late in defeat
There was good news for Abilene Christian on Thursday.

> The Wildcats did not lose as badly as Lone Star Conference rival Angelo State.

> The South Central Regional tournament is double elimination.

ACU led 3-0 going into the seventh inning, when Nebraska-Omaha scored five runs on its way to a 5-4 first-round victory over the Wildcats at Crane Stadium in Warrensburg, Mo.

In another first-round game, Emporia State hammered Angelo State, 23-0.

NFCA Announces 2009 Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division II All-Region Teams
First Team honorees are eligble for All-American honors

South Central Region
First Team
P - Marjorie Johnson - Southeastern Oklahoma State
C - Jessica Shirey - Abilene Christian
1B - Sandy James - Angelo State
2B - Alix Dean - Angelo State
SS - Macy Baker - Angelo State
OF - Cassie Anderson - Texas A&M-Kingsville
OF - Kasey Henderson - West Texas A&M
DP - Brittnee Rice - Tarleton State

Second Team
P - Chelsea Nelson - Angelo State
C - Laura Lopez - Angelo State
2B - Kristina Myles - West Texas A&M
SS - Bailey Matthes - Southeastern Oklahoma State
OF - Erika Bernal - Southeastern Oklahoma State

Double trouble: ASU softball's chances rest with superb pitching duo
The previous two times the Angelo State University softball team advanced to the Division II World Series, the Rambelles did so with a pair of aces in the circle.

In 2007, when the Rambelles finished fifth at the World Series, they got there with pitchers Kari Galm and Brittany Cargill. In 2004, when they won the national championship, they rode the arms of Claudia Lopez and Arin Spence to the title.

If ASU gets past Southeastern Oklahoma this weekend and advances to its third World Series in six seasons, the Rambelles will again do it with a pair of pitchers who have dominated their competition this season.

Juniors Chelsea Nelson and April Haywood have combined to win 45 games for the Rambelles this season. Nelson is 28-4 with a 2.53 ERA, while Haywood is 17-4 with a 3.08 ERA. They have combined to strike out 287 batters in 357 innings.

One of — if not the — best 1-2 punches in the conference has worked all season for ASU.

“It seems to be working pretty good,” Nelson said. “We have gotten used to it now. We are real supportive of each other. We are not going to get mad at each other or get down on each other. There are going to be tough times in any game, no matter where you are or who you are playing. We support each other and that is what is good about having two pitchers. You can help each other out so it has been working good.”

ACU leads match delayed by rain
Abilene Christian swept three doubles matches but rain forced the Wildcats' quarterfinal match against Concordia, N.Y., at the NCAA Division II tennis tournament in Altamonte Springs, Fla., to be moved back to today.

The match is scheduled to resume at 8 a.m.

"We're in real good shape, but I wish we could've finished," ACU coach Hutton Jones Sr. said. "We're two sets away."

ACU won in a rout at No. 1 doubles, with Irene Squillaci-Jaclyn Walker blanking Somadi Druker-Celise Sesanker, 8-0.

"We haven't won many that easily," Jones said. "Irene and Jaclyn are one of the top teams in the nation. I think they're ranked No. 10 but they beat BYU-Hawaii's team. They were doing everything right and, I hate to say this, but I think Concordia was intimidated. We jumped on them.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

LSC Roundup 5-14

ACU women reach national semis; men out
It was a day of mixed emotions for the Abilene Christian University tennis teams at the NCAA Division II national championship tournament on Wednesday.

The sixth-ranked ACU women swept Drury 5-0 in their first-round match, while the Wildcat men dropped a 5-3 decision to seventh-ranked Georgia College in their opener at Sanlando Park in Altamonte, Fla., near Orlando.


Pitching in
The Abilene Christian University baseball team had one of the best team earned-run averages in Lone Star Conference play this season. But Wildcats pitching staff was even better during the LSC tournament, allowing only seven runs in four games for a 1.75 ERA.

Not bad for a team that went into the tournament with a 5.09 ERA.

It's little wonder the Wildcats won the LSC title. Now, they need another stellar pitching performance at the South Central Region tournament.

ACU (43-17) plays Nebraska-Omaha (40-18) at 3:30 p.m. today in a first-round game at Central Missouri's Tompkins Field in Warrensburg, Mo. The winner plays the Angelo State (43-18)-Emporia State (42-12) winner Friday.



Rams baseball rotation armed, ready
Going into the 2009 season, the Angelo State University baseball team expected to rely on its pitching if it was going to have any success. After all, the No. 16 Rams (43-18) returned four hurlers that earned all-conference honors in either 2007 or 2008.

The pitching staff has evolved some over the course of the regular season, but the Rams believe it has lived up to its expectations. ASU will rely heavily on that pitching over the next few days at the South Central Regional tournament in Warrensburg, Mo. The No. 3-seed Rams will open the tournament against No. 4 seed Emporia State today at noon.

“We still feel like our pitching is what we thought it would be,” ASU head coach Kevin Brooks said. “When Kenny (Elkind), Joe (Key) and Sam (Janca) take the ball, we feel like we are going to win. We have had a lot of guys emerge that we weren’t really sure what their roles were going to be.”

ASU softball's Baker heats up at just the right time
The press conference appeared over. But Travis Scott had one more point to make. In a storage room turned media/interview center at the Angelo State Softball Complex Sunday, the ASU softball coach broke a few seconds of silence following almost six minutes of questioning with, “Let me just say, this kid here ...”

The Rambelles had just defeated Nebraska-Omaha to earn a berth in this weekend’s Super Regional against Southeastern Oklahoma and Scott had been joined by junior pitcher Chelsea Nelson and senior shortstop Macy Baker for postgame interviews. After answering questions ranging from the relationship between pitchers Nelson and April Haywood to the offensive performance by Baker (she had a pair of home runs against the Mavericks), the session looked to have come to an end.

Then Scott spoke up. It was immediately apparent as to which of the two players flanking him that he was talking about. Baker got a look on her face that bordered between surprise and confusion. It took him several more seconds to continue. As he wiped his eyes, the emotions he was feeling were obvious.

TexAnns in first after day one at nationals
FINDLAY, Ohio – The No. 7 Tarleton TexAnn golf team took advantage of the first day of competition at the NCAA Division II national championships and finished the day with a six-stroke first place lead.

“I didn’t expect to be in first place going into today, but I didn’t expect us to be last either,” Doyle said. “I am impressed with the way the girls played today. I would take these rounds by our girls for the next three days. One thing about leading is we can go out and play our game of golf and not have to force shots to try and gain strokes.”

Lady Buffs in 10th after opening round
West Texas A&M's quest for a national golf title will have to come in the form of a comeback as it sits in 10th place after the opening day of the NCAA Division II national tournament.

The Lady Buffs opened the four-day tournament by shooting a 41 over par 329 in the 12-team event held on the Findlay Country Club Course in Findlay, Ohio.

WT's Lone Star Conference rival Tarleton State leads the way with a 13 over par 301, followed by the University of Indianapolis at 307.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Afternoon Update 5-13

Daktronics All-South Central Region Softball Team Announced

Player of the Year - Sandy James, Angelo State

Pitcher of the Year - Marjorie Johnson, Southeastern Oklahoma

First Team
C - Jessica Shiery - Sr. - Abilene Christian
1B - Sandy James - Fr. - Angelo State
2B - Alix Dean - So. - Angelo State
SS - Bailey Mathes - Sr. - Southeastern Oklahoma
OF - Erika Bernal - Jr. - Southeastern Oklahoma
OF - Cassie Anderson - Jr. - Texas A&M-Kingsville
OF - Kasey Henderson - So. - West Texas A&M
P - Marjorie Johnson- Sr. - Southeastern Oklahoma
P - Chelsea Nelson - Jr. - Angelo State

Second Team
C - Laura Lopez - Sr. - Angelo State
1B - Jenna Boren - Sr. - Cameron
2B - Kristina Myles - Fr. - West Texas A&M
3B - Mallory Mooney - Fr. - Midwestern State
OF - Erin Hartigan - So. - West Texas A&M
DP - Kristen Cruickshank - Jr. - Eastern New Mexico
UT - April Haywood - Jr. - Angelo State
P - Courtney Rigamonti - Sr. - Texas A&M-Kingsville

LSC Roundup 5-13

Texans add second Top 150 junior college player
Courtesy: Tarleton State University
Release: 05/12/2009

STEPHENVILLE – The Tarleton Texan men’s basketball team has signed another of the Top 150 junior college basketball players in America as head coach Lonn Reisman has announced the addition of forward Donta Smith.

Smith, a 6-4, 220-pound forward from Pearl River Community College, will be a junior for the Texans starting the 2009-10 school year.

“Donta brings an immediate need next year at the forward spot with the loss of Eric Williams,” Reisman said. “Last year, Donta was one of the top rebounders in the country, but he also has the ability to score on any given night. He is a tough match-up due to his athleticism, speed and strength. He has the capability to put the ball on the floor and get to rim, he can hit the outside jumper or he can take it inside and finish over bigger defenders. Donta had a tremendous career at Pearl River and put up excellent numbers including three games where he had 20-plus rebounds. Donta will fit right into our program here at Tarleton State University.”

Lady Buff golfers to start historic bid
West Texas A&M will tee it up today for the first time in the NCAA Division II women's golf tournament at Findlay Country Club in Findlay, Ohio.

The Lady Buffs, who were ranked sixth in the West Region, earned their trip to the national tournament last week when they finished second in the regional tournament at Omaha, Neb.

"We probably weren't expected to be here," said Lady Buffs coach Meredith Jameson, who played twice in the national tournament as an individual. "We were sixth in our region but played well to get here. Our goal at nationals is to play as well as we can and hope for the best. I don't want us to just be satisfied with getting here."

Transfer pays off for Smith and ASU golf
Raelyn Smith was ready to put away her golf clubs for good after two years of playing collegiately at the University of Texas.

Then Angelo State coach Jason Hase convinced her to join the new program at ASU.

With only one tournament remaining on the 2009 NCAA Division II schedule, Smith is still playing — and loving it. She will compete at the national tournament in Findlay, Ohio, today.

“I am very happy with the decision I made,” Smith said.

For ACU, it's a road trip for family
Once the Abilene Christian University men's tennis team wrapped up the South Central Region title Saturday, making it a sweep for the Wildcats teams, Hutton Jones was excited at the idea of packing up the whole family for a road trip to Florida.

He said even Rudy, a stray dog that hangs around the ACU courts and has been adopted by the team, would be making the trip -- a road trip, actually. The team took a bus Sunday from Abilene to the tournament site in Florida.

Unfortunately, Rudy didn't make the trip. Still, it was a full load.

ACU right place for Bolivia's Squillaci
Irene Squillaci wanted to attend a Christian university in the United States. The Santa Cruz, Bolivia, native decided to put her fate in the hands of a higher power -- Google.
Or God. However, one might see it. Abilene Christian University was the first school that came up in her Internet search. The rest is history.

"It's the best thing that's ever happened to me," Squillaci (pronounced ski-LAW-chee) said about coming to ACU. "I believe it was the hand of God bringing me here."

ACU coach Hutton Jones believes a higher power was at work, too. "I pray to God to send me people that need to be in this program," he said. "I guess that's an answered prayer, isn't?"

The senior will cap an impressive four-year career this week as the ACU women's tennis team competes at the Division II national tournament for the fourth consecutive year.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Afternoon Update 5-12

ASU to Send 23 to National Meet
Nearly two dozen student-athletes will represent Angelo State at the 2009 NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, May 21-23 at the LeGrand Sports Complex in San Angelo.

Thirteen Rams and 10 Rambelles will be competing in front of the home crowd as Angelo State serves as the host of the event for the fifth time in school history. ASU also hosted the national meet in 1988, 1991, 1992 and 2002. For a complete list of men's qualifiers, click here. For women, click here.


Darby inks with Tiger men's basketball
Courtesy: ECU Sports Information
Release: 05/12/2009

ADA – East Central University men’s head basketball coach Terry Shannon has signed his fourth junior college player and sixth overall in Denarius Darby, it was announced Tuesday.

Darby, a 6-2 guard out of Abbeville, La., will transfer in from Brown Mackie Junior College in Salina, Kan., where he averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals this past year.

He enters the program as a junior for the 2009-10 season.

The following is a list of ECU’s other signees for this year


Lanard Donnell Guard/Forward 6-4 Eastfield College (Texas)
Toby Blevins Guard Mill Creek H.S.
Terrence Hill Guard 6-1 Pima Community College (Ariz.)
Maurice Abraham Guard 6-3 Clarendon Junior College (Texas)
Bobby McAdoo Guard 6-3 Kingston H.S

LSC Roundup 5-12

Highly-touted California Juco prospect picks Tarleton
By BRAD KEITHSports Editor
brad.keith@empiretribune.com
Published: Monday, May 11, 2009 3:12 PM CDT

According to jucojunction.com, a widely respected Web site covering junior college sports and recruiting news, the No. 62 rated JUCO player in the nation is going to Tennessee, while No. 71 is headed to South Carolina and No. 99 has signed with Iowa State.

Division II power Tarleton State has inked No. 51-rated Devon Hills, making him the Web site’s highest rated player to commit to a D2 school this year, as of Friday afternoon.

Hills, a 6-4 guard/forward, is transferring to Tarleton from Butte College in Oroville, Calif., where the swingman was named MVP of the Golden Valley Conference and helped Butte to its first league title in 15 years. He averaged 14 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 48-percent from the floor, earning first-team all-state honors from the California Community College Athletic Association.

“Tarleton State is a really nice school with nice facilities, nice people and a great winning percentage,” said Hills. “They have a great basketball tradition. I really got along well with the coaches and players (on my visit), and they made me feel really comfortable. I chose Tarleton because I thought it would be the best fit for me, and I think it was the right choice.”

Before selecting Tarleton, Hills had narrowed his list of suitors to three, including defending South Central Region champ Central Missouri State and tradition-laden Kentucky Wesleyan.

McAdoo signs with ECU men's basketball
Courtesy: ECU Sports Information
Release: 05/11/2009

ADA – East Central University men’s head basketball coach Terry Shannon has announced the signing of his second high school player this year as 6-foot, 3-inch guard Bobby McAdoo has inked with the Tigers.

McAdoo averaged 21 points and seven rebounds for Kingston High School this past season in helping to lead the Redskins to a 22-6 record.

He managed to capture numerous awards this year including: all-state, all-district, most valuable player all-conference and All-Daily Ardmoreite Super Team along with picking up an MVP award for the Madill Tournament. He also made the all-tournament squad at the Tishomingo Tournament.

As a junior in 2008, McAdoo also earned first team all-conference honors and made the Ardmoreite Super Team as well as landing a spot on the Madill All-Tournament Team.

During his career, Kingston went 66-18 as the Redskins reached the area finals twice and were crowned regional champions twice to go along with two conference runner-up finishes and one conference championship. Kingston also captured three district titles and claimed tournament championships at Atoka and Madill

McAdoo is the fifth player to sign with the Tigers this year. The others are junior college transfers - Lanard Donnell, Terrence Hill and Maurice Abraham - along with the only other high school signee in Toby Blevins, out of Mill Creek.

Monday, May 11, 2009

LSC Roundup 5-11

What about Cameron?????
CAMERON 42-15, #6 in the most recent (5-4) Collegiate Baseball News Poll, #24 in the 5-11 PingBaseball.com poll, and #1 in the 5-6 NCAA South Central Regional Poll.

ACU, ASU selected for baseball regional
Abilene Christian and Angelo State each earned a spot in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Baseball Championship, which begins Thursday on the campus of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo.

ACU, the Lone Star Conference champions are the No. 2 seed, while ASU is the No. 3 seed in the double-elimination six-team event May 14-18.

Rounding out the field is host UCM, Emporia State, Nebraska-Omaha and Texas-Permian Basin.
Regional champions will advance to the double-elimination championship finals May 23-30 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. The finals will be hosted by Mount Olive College and the town of Cary, North Carolina.

This year marks the 42nd annual championship, and the first year that the finals have been held in Cary, North Carolina.

South Central Regional at Warrensburg, Missouri
1. *Central Missouri 41-13
2. Abilene Christian 43-17
3. Angelo State 43-18
4. Emporia State 42-12
5. Nebraska-Omaha 40-18
6. Texas Permian Basin 39-17

ACU, remainder of regional lineup set
Rams selected for regional tournament


Softball: ASU, SE advance to Super Regionals
It will be an all-Lone Star Conference Super Regional as Southeastern Oklahoma and Angelo State each won their respective regional championship games on Sunday.

SE topped Missouri Western 5-1, while ASU beat Nebraska-Omaha 6-4 to set-up the third meeting this season between the two teams. The Rambelles have won both previous contests by one run.

The three-game series for a spot in the finals starts Friday with game one at 7 p.m. in San Angelo, Texas. The second contest will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday with the ‘if-necessary" game to follow.
Rambelles advance to Super Regional
ACU women out of regional
ASU defeats Emporia State in nine innings
Victorious Rambelles advance to semifinals


LSC Track & Field Championships: Angelo State Takes Women's Crown
Angelo State took home the Lone Star Conference Women's Track and Field Championship hardware on Saturday night at Javelina Stadium. The Rambelles had the top six individual scorers in the meet to total a league-record 331 points.

The Belles outdistanced the field to win their third conference title. Abilene Christian took second place with 175 points, while Tarleton State (84), Texas A&M-Commerce (23), Texas A&M-Kingsville (19) and Eastern New Mexico (13) took third through sixth place, respectively.

LSC Track and Field Championships: ACU men win 16th straight LSC title
Coach Don D. Hood's team won 15 of the 21 events to control the competition, scoring 238 points to 138 for runner-up Angelo State. The Wildcat men won Saturday's first five events to remove any doubt about which team was taking the trophy.

Saturday's Results and final standings


ACU men win 16th straight LSC title
Rambelles win conference crown
WT's Mayer wins LSC high jump title
WT decathlete Grimslid finishes sixth at LSC meet
A&M-Commerce Lions finish strong at LSC Championships
Angelo State captures six gold medals
ENMU squads sixth in LSC track meet

Friday, May 8, 2009

LSC Roundup 5-8

ACU's Henson leads decathlon
Abilene Christian University's Andy Henson won both the long jump and the shot put Thursday to lead the men's decathlon by 18 points after the first five events at the Lone Star Conference Track and Field Championships in Kingsville.

The freshman from Albany, who is competing in only his third decathlon, opened the competition with a second-place finish in the 100 meters in 11.31 seconds. He then won the long jump (20 feet, 6½ inches) and shot put (41-4¼). Henson tied two others for second in the high jump (5-10¾) and finished fourth in the day's final event, the 400 (58.03), for a total of 3,190 points. Former West Texas A&M linebacker Eldon Grimslid is 18 points back for second, and Texas A&M-Commerce's Dean Laing is third (3,117).
Related: WT decathletes win events at LSC meet

'Belles alert, motivated
The Angelo State University softball team is the top seed in the South Central regional tournament. The Rambelles' first-round opponent, St. Edward's, snuck in with the eighth and final seed.

But the 'Belles are well aware that the Hilltoppers have proven to be a tough out before.
After all, it was St. Edwards's that ended ASU's season last year on the way to the Hilltoppers' first trip to the national tournament.

And despite ASU's stellar 43-8 record this season, the 'Belles are just 2-3 against St. Edward's (41-19), setting the stage for an interesting opening-round matchup at 7 p.m. today at the ASU Softball Complex.

"I guess people could say it works to their advantage, but we're playing really well right now," said ASU senior catcher Laura Lopez. "If we keep it up and do everything right, we should be able to go out there and play our game and come out with a win."

'Cats seek to rebound in regional
There's something about Angelo State that brings out the best -- and the worst -- in the Abilene Christian softball team. Last weekend, the Wildcats' ugly side came out as the Rambelles swept ACU in two games in the Lone Star Conference championship series, including an embarrassing 13-5 run-rule loss in the final game.

Now, the Wildcats are ready to prove that was just a fluke. ACU (42-13) plays Missouri Western (45-10) at noon today in the opening round of the Division II South Central Region tournament in Durant, Okla.

"Of course it's a fluke," ACU coach Chantiel Wilson said. "We won 42 games this year. I don't think those two losses made the team think any different. We've had two bad games this season, but we've had 42 good ones. A lot of our losses haven't been that bad. It's only the second time we've been run-ruled. Our girls knew it was just a fluke, and we don't need to prove it to ourselves or anybody else that we can come back and respond, just like the last time we lost to Angelo. We went on another winning streak."

PCC Football Sends Another Impressive Class of Recruits to Four-Year Universities
On the list of players who have already signed letters of intent are cornerback Eugene Palmer (Delaware State, Division I Football Championship Subdivision), defensive end D.J. Grayson (Ottawa University [Kansas], Division II), offensive lineman Craig Mobley (University of San Diego, Division I FCS) and running back Joshua Morgan (Abilene Christian, Division II).

Morgan, who led the Lancers with 1,005 rushing yards last season, appeared to begin the recruiting season with a bang for PCC by verbally committing to the University of Kentucky in January, but has subsequently signed a letter of intent with Abilene Christian, a Division II program in Texas.

According to PCC Acting Head Coach James Kuk, Morgan's offer from Kentucky is still on the table, but because the Southeastern Conference, of which Kentucky is a member, has higher academic requirements, Morgan would have to remain at PCC for another semester, and shoot to play for the Wildcats in 2010.

"It's not a matter of talent [with Morgan]," Kuk said, who added that Morgan made the decision that was best for him and his family.

Nunez, ACU men seek region title

Lone Star Conference

Angelo State University

Cameron University

Eastern New Mexico University

MSUMustangs.com

Texas A&M-Commerce

Tarleton State University

Texas A&M-Kingsville

Texas Woman's College

University of Texas of the Permian Basin

West Texas A&M University

Western New Mexico