Wednesday, April 30, 2008

LSC Softball Post Season Awards

LSC All Academic Team

Central Oklahoma pitcher Alli Blake and Abilene Christian pitcher Kim McDonald highlighted the Lone Star Conference North and South Division All-Academic teams, respectively; as the league's annual softball academic awards were announced Wednesday by LSC officials.
For the second straight year, Blake was the North Division Academic Player of the Year, while McDonald picked up South Division Academic Player of the Year honors.
Blake was joined by 12 other stars on the LSC North Division All-Academic Team, while eight others joined McDonald on the South Division All-Academic Team. Furthermore, 32 more softball players were named to the LSC Commissioner's Honor Roll.
To be eligible for LSC academic honors, student-athletes must carry at least a 3.20 grade point average and have reached sophomore status both athletically and academically. The Academic Player of Year award and All-Academic Team are selected from the list of academically qualified players, with the league's sports information directors voting on the basis of both academic and athletic achievement. All qualifying student-athletes not selected for the All-Academic Team are then named to the Commissioner's Honor Roll.
In all, 54 softball players were distinguished through the league's academic awards program, including at least one from all 14 softball-playing member institutions.
On the North All-Academic Team along with Blake were teammates Hillary Brandt and Meagan Campbell, Cameron's Jenna Boren and Whitney Richardson, Northeastern State's Shaelyn Moore, Aimee Bohannan, Kelsey Totten and Lauren Rome, Midwestern State's Kirsten Stonecipher and Katie Petersen, and Southeastern Oklahoma's Jami McAdoo and Ashley Graham.
Joining McDonald on the South Division All-Academic Team wereAngelo State's Whitney Meeks, Macy Baker and Brittney Cargill, Texas Woman's Billie Callahan and Allie Packer, Tarleton State's Kelli Gayle and West Texas A&M's Erin Hartigan.

For the complete list go to the LSC Website.


All Conference Teams

More than 70 softball standouts were honored Wednesday as the Lone Star Conference postseason awards were announced by league officials.
LSC North Division champion Southeastern Oklahoma had five players on the All-LSC North Division first team, while LSC South Division co-champion Angelo State had six All-LSC South first teamers.
Overall 73 student-athletes were recognized by the all-conference program, including at least one player from each of the 14 LSC softball teams. The awards are voted upon by the league coaches in each division.
SOSU, which won the North with a 21-3 mark, was represented on the All-LSC North first team by pitcher Marjorie Johnson, first baseman Benita Sanchez, outfielder Rachel Lynn, designated player Lesley Boyd and utility player Rachel Sill.
Additionally, Lynn shared LSC North Player of the Year honors, Sanchez was the Newcomer of the Year and Ron Faubion was named Coach of the Year for the Savage Storm.
Northeastern State's Aimee Bohannan was the LSC North co-Player of the Year, while Midwestern State's Katie Peterson was Pitcher of the Year and East Central's Kasey Barber earned Freshman of the Year acclaim.
In the South, ASU and Tarleton State shared the regular season title with identical 15-3 records. The Rambelles placed pitcher Kari Galm, first baseman Brittney Cargill, shortstop Macy Baker, third baseman Brittany Welch, outfielder Whitney Meeks and designated player Kristen Frye on the first team. TexAnns' ace Brooke Saulters earned first team recognition.
For the second straight year, Baker earned a share of the LSC South Player of the Year, Galm was the Pitcher of the year and Travis Scott earned Coach of the Year honors for ASU.
Tarleton's Kelli Gayle shared Player of the Year honors, while West Texas A&M's Kaitlyn Witte was Freshman of the Year and Abilene Christian's Jessica Shiery garnered Newcomer of the Year accolades.

For a complete list, go to the LSC Website.

MSU announces new OC

Norsworthy takes over as offensive coordinator at Midwestern State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Wednesday, April 30, 2008


WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Dean Norsworthy was named offensive coordinator at Midwestern State University Tuesday as announced by head coach Bill Maskill.
Norsworthy has spent the last three seasons at Southeastern Oklahoma State where he gained a promotion each season while helping the Savage Storm to three-straight Lone Star Conference North Division titles.
“Dean brings the experience of Division II football and a quarterback coach and coordinator,” Maskill said. “He’s done an outstanding job at Southeastern.”
Norsworthy was hired at SOSU as quarterback and running back coach in 2005, was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2006 and earned the title of assistant head coach in 2007.“It’s definitely an honor for me to come into a program that has been the top-ranked offense over the past two years,” Norsworthy said. “It’s a great opportunity for to grow as a coach.”
He played a key role in the development of two-time LSC North Offensive Back of the Year Justin Pitrucha as the Savage Storm finished seventh in the nation in passing yardage and 34th in total offense in his first season as a coordinator.
“He has experience with a similar offense,” Maskill said. “He studies the game and works at it and always tries to find new ideas.”
But those aren’t the only reasons why Maskill believes he is a great match at Midwestern State.
“He’s humble, sincere, honest and I think he’s a team player,” he said. “Those are qualities that our staff has. I think he’s a good fit and a really good recruiter.”
Norsworthy was also the recruiting coordinator at Southeastern where he also played a hand in the development of 2006 LSC North Freshman of the Year in wideout Daniel Nichols.
Norsworthy was also responsible for the development of Pitrucha, who was the division’s freshman of the year in 2005 and preseason most valuable player in 2006.
As a true freshman, Pitrucha connected for a program best 59.1-percent pass completion percentage for 243.2 passing yards per game. Pitrucha completed 20 touchdown passes and only threw four interceptions as SOSU won each of his seven starts.
During tenures as quarterbacks coach at Arkadelphia (Ark.) High School in 1993-94 and Irving (Texas) High School from 2002 to 2005, Norsworthy coached four players that would later start as collegiate signal callers.
Norsworthy completed five successful seasons at pair of prominent Texas prep programs before arriving at SOSU.
He guided Irving High School to a school-record three consecutive trips to the state playoffs culminating in the Tigers deepest playoff run (Class 5A Division II state quarterfinals) in 2004.
Prior to his three-year stint in Irving, Norsworthy served as cornerbacks coach at one of most acclaimed prep programs in the nation at Southlake’s Carroll High School. In two seasons with the Dragons, he coached two teams that finished no worse than state quarterfinalists.
Norsworthy is a 1993 graduate of Henderson (Ark.) State after completing a stellar scholastic career at Nashville (Ark.) High where he held district records in passing yards and touchdown passes.
Norsworthy played quarterback for Henderson State in 1986 and ’87.

Midwestern loses game against Adams State

April 27 -

As if losing all-world QB Daniel Polk, both co-ordinators and most of their offensive line wasn't enough, Midwestern has now lost their out of conference game against Adams State scheduled for the 2008 season.

The Scoop has learned that they have been trying to fill this empty spot in their schedule, but up to this point has been unable to do so. This leaves Midwestern State with only 9 games, at a time when most teams have already filled their 2008 schedules.

Stay tuned to The LSC Scoop for updates.
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April 30 -

The Times News Record now has a story on the scheduling hole. Adams State will open their season at Montana State.

A quote from MSU AD Charlie Carr,
"We are working to find a replacement game for Adams State, although it is very
difficult at this point in the year," MSU Athletics Director Charlie Carr said.
"It is particularly disappointing after we fulfilled the away portion of a two
year home and home agreement to have a school back out at this time."

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

LSC Free Agent NFL Signings

Polk to sign free agent deal with Dallas Cowboys
From the MSU Website


WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Daniel Polk spent much of his Sunday answering calls and watching coverage of the NFL Draft just waiting for opportunity to finally buzz his cell phone.
“It was nerve wracking watching names go up on the board,” Polk said. “The best thing to do was to be patient and let God take care of the situation for me.”
Polk didn’t have time to consider his patience as the seventh round neared its close.
“Several teams started to call me about possibly drafting me,” he said. “Buffalo called a few times and then Arizona and St. Louis. They told me to be on standby.”
But Polk’s name was never called, but his night was far from over as each of what the NFL calls “priority” free agents were contacted.
“It (being drafted) was something that I wanted,” he said. “But what really matters is getting an opportunity. This is a dream come true.”
A native of Dallas, Polk narrowed his choices to two teams before making his decision to sign with the hometown Dallas Cowboys.
“It came down to Miami or Dallas and what I thought was the best situation for me,” Polk said. “It was a long wait, but we finally got it done.”


Go to MSU Website for rest of story
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Polk could be nice catch for Dallas Cowboys
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING – In 2004, the Dallas Cowboys used a seventh-round pick on a little-known quarterback/wide receiver from Northwestern Oklahoma State via DeSoto after he impressed in their "Dallas Day" workouts.

Since then Patrick Crayton has developed into a solid receiver, contributing a career highs in catches (50), yards (697) and touchdowns (seven) last year.

While the Cowboys did not use a draft pick last weekend on Daniel Polk, who starred as a quarterback at Midwestern State after doing the same at South Oak Cliff, they made sure they signed him as a free agent in hopes of getting it right again.

Go to the Dallas Morning News for the rest of the story.

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Browns ink Wt's Kapanui
By Greg Jaklewicz

When NFL training camps start this summer, seven former West Texas A&M players are expected to be participating in workouts.

Four members of the 2007 Buffs team that advanced to the second round of the Division II playoffs hope to continue their playing careers in the NFL, including tight end Kolo Kapanui, who signed a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns.

Two other players have been invited to camp:

Pat Schwenke, offensive tackle, with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Floyd Headen, offensive tackle, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Additionally, linebacker Steve Allen is weighing options with three teams - Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Kapanui has landed the best deal, signing as a "priority free agent." In simple terms, he's getting money out of the deal. Schwenke and Headen hope to impress their respective coaches in tryouts and win a roster spot.


Go to the Amarillo Globe News for the rest of the story.

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We've also heard that Tywain Myles has signed with Tampa Bay, but have not found anything to confirm it.

Jerale Badon to work out for the San Jose SaberCats of the AFL.

In a draft-related story, Dominic Rhodes was released by the Oakland Raiders, who drafted Darren McFadden Saturday and also have Justin Fargas, LaMont Jordan and 2007 4th round draft pick Michael Bush. Rhodes ran for 237 yards last season, after being suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Monday, April 28, 2008

A&M-Commerce Women's Basketball Adds 3

The women's basketball team at Texas A&M University-Commerce announced today the signing of Nakazi Glover ( Brookshire , Texas /Bellaire HS/University of Houston/Kilgore JC), Precious Wilson ( Blytheville , Ark. /Connors State College) and Lametrius Edwards ( Paris , Texas /University Of New Orleans ). The addition of Glover, Wilson and Edwards extends the Lions recruiting class for 2008-09 to five.

Nakazi Glover, a 5-11 guard from Bellaire , Texas , comes to A&M-Commerce after spending her freshman year at the University of Houston and her sophomore year at Kilgore Junior College . In 2007-08, at Kilgore, she averaged 15.9 points and shot 42% from the field. Glover was the third-leading scorer and free-throw shooter in the region. She was named all-conference and all-region for her efforts. As a freshman at the University of Houston , she started 17 games and played in 28 of the Cougars' 29 contests. She averaged 9.9 points and 4.5 rebounds a game. At Bellaire High School , she was selected to the all-tournament team on the 21st annual 2004 HISD Girls' Tournament as a senior. As a junior, she was honored as the district MVP and all-region. She was also a member of the track and field team.

Precious Wilson, a 5-11 guard from Blytheville , Arkansas , joins the Lions after spending the last two seasons at Connors State College. As a sophomore, last year, she averaged a team-best 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 assists a contest. Wilson made 52.8% of her shots from the field, including a 43.2% effort from beyond-the-arc. She led Connors State to a spot in the regional finals.

Lametrius Edwards, a 6-0 forward from Paris , Texas , returns to the area after spending the last two years at the University of New Orleans . During the 2007-08 season, she played in 12 games for the Privateers, where she saw her most action against Texas A&M. As a freshman, in 2006-07, she saw action in 23 contests, averaging 7.3 minutes a contest. She scored a season-high six points against Centenary and Nicholls State and had seven-or-more rebounds in three games, including a career-high nine against Louisiana-Lafayette. Prior to attending UNO, she was a two-sport athlete at Paris High School , where she lettered in both basketball and volleyball. She was an All-Red River Valley selection and the District 12-4A MVP en route to leading Paris to a runner-up finish in the district.

A&M-Commerce Head Coach Denny Downing said he is extremely happy with these three players who will be joining mid-semester transfer from the University of West Virginia, Ashley Thrash along with Saddleback Junior College standout Rekeshia Jones.

“All three are extremely long and athletic and versatile enough to play more than one position. As well as they can all score from different parts of the court,” said Downing.

Thrash, a 5-foot-11 forward, came to A&M-Commerce in December after transferring from West Virginia University . Before WVU, she spent the previous two years at Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville , Florida . At Okaloosa-Walton CC, she was rated as the No. 3 small forward the eighth-best overall junior college player by Mike White's Girls All Star Report. Thrash earned first team all-conference honors as a sophomore, averaging 10.5 points and 7.8 rebounds a contest. At Mattie High School in Prichard , Alabama , she was a McDonald's All-American nominee.

Jones, a 6-foot-3 post, set new school records for blocked shots and field-goal percentage in her two seasons at Saddleback signed with A&M-Commerce in the early signing period. She was named for the second-straight year to the all-Orange Empire Conference team and was also selected for third team all-state recognition. In leading Saddleback to a 23-7 record, as a sophomore, Jones averaged 16.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.8 blocked shots, and 2.2 steals per game.

The Lions are planning to sign one more at a later date.

LSC Spring Football Update - Eastern New Mexico

Greyhounds defeat the Alumni Team at Alumni Bowl II

Courtesy: Eastern New Mexico University
Release: 04/26/2008
Blackwater Draw, N.M. – The Eastern New Mexico University football defeated the Alumni team 27-0 in Alumni Bowl II on Saturday, April 26, at Greyhound Stadium. The game marked the end of spring practice for the Greyhounds.

The Hounds started out strong with an eight-play 81-yard scoring drive that was capped off with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Carl Bouldin (Fr., QB, San Antonio, Texas/Judson HS) to Juston Campos (Fr., WR, Lubbock, Texas/Coronado HS). The Alumni team recorded its best drive of the day in the first quarter, going 64-yards in six plays before being stopped on downs at the twelve yard-line.

Bouldin threw his second touchdown pass of the game to begin the second quarter when he connected with Joesph Banyard from 11-yards out for a 14-0 score. With 3:28 left in the first half, Bouldin tossed his final touchdown of the game when he hit Michael Beach for a six-yard score to give the present Greyhounds a 21-0 going into the intermission.

In the third quarter JT Thompson (So., SS, Sweetwater, Texas/HS) scooped up a lateral pass by Peter Juve (Alumni, QB, Eagle Pass, Texas/Eagle Pass HS) and returned it 35-yards for the final touchdown of the game. Michael Benton (Alumni, WR, Everman, Texas/Joe C. Bean HS) shined for the Alumni team with 102 receiving yards, including a highlight reel worthy one-handed catch in the first half.

The Greyhounds will open the 2008 campaign on Saturday, August, 30 when they travel to Bethany, Oklahoma, to take on Southern Nazarene University.

LSC Spring Football Update - East Central

Orange beats Black in spring finale


Courtesy: ECU Sports Information
Release: 04/26/2008

By BOB FORREST
Ada Evening News Sports Writer

ADA — East Central University football coach Kurt Nichols refers to sophomore-to-be wideout Gerald Loveless as a “possession receiver”, and the ECU depth chart lists junior Josh Phillips as the understudy at quarterback to 2007 Lone Star Conference North Offensive Player of the Year Marcus Johnson.

But Loveless and Phillips both stepped out of character for the final act of Saturday afternoon’s Orange and Black Spring Game at Norris Field.

Phillips, who started two games as a freshman in 2006 and did a solid job as Johnson’s back-up last fall, found Loveless — a junior college transfer who didn’t play football at all in 2007 — on a 41-yard scoring pass after time had expired, then he hit Nigel Cooper on a two-point coversion to give the Orange a 15-14 win over Johnson and the Black squad in the Tigers’ spring finale.
Saturday’s contest was a split-squad affair played under virtual game conditions with Lone Star Conference officials on hand. The scoreboard clock counted off regulation 15-minute quarters, two field goals were attempted (and missed), and Justin Freshour handled the punting for both teams.

“We had Lone Star Conference and Big 12 officials here for a seminar today, and the game was part of it,” Nichols said. “The new 40-second clock rule (which starts the play clock immediately after the previous plays ends rather than when the ball is set for play) goes into effect this year, and we wanted to play the spring game under those conditions. I don’t think the new rule will hurt us at all.”

Go to the ECU website for the rest of the story.

Friday, April 25, 2008

LSC QB in legal trouble

SEO QB suspended after marijuana charges


DURANT, OK -- Southeastern quarterback Justin Pitrucha has been dismissed from the football team following an arrest and marijuana charges.

Pitrucha was arrested on Sunday night for marijuana possession and intent to distrubue within 2000 feet of the Southeastern campus. Head Football Coach Ray Richards suspended his quarterback, leaving the door open for a possible return.

“It would be inappropriate for me to address the specifics of this matter at the present time,’’ Richards said. “However, his status may be re-evaluated at a later date.’’

Pitrucha was one of six people arrested with possession charges, and one of two with intent to distribute.

Pitrucha shined as the starting quarterback two years ago, leading the Storm to a 6-4 record. But the team slipped to 4-6 last year, when Pitrucha was forced to sit out the season due to academic reasons.


Go to KXII-TV for the story and video reports.

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For Release:

Southeastern Oklahoma State University head football coach Ray Richards announced Wednesday that quarterback Justin Pitrucha has been suspended indefinitely from the squad for a violation of team rules.

“It would be inappropriate for me to address the specifics of this matter at the present time,’’ Richards said. “However, his status may be re-evaluated at a later date.’’

Change at the top of UCO Athletics

UCO Athletic Director Accepts Position With University's Foundation

From the UCO website
University of Central Oklahoma Athletic Director Bill Farley has accepted a position in the development area of UCO’s Foundation.

Farley has served as UCO’s athletic director for the past five years. UCO President W. Roger Webb said Farley has been instrumental in introducing the importance of technology, marketing and promotion to the university’s athletic program.

“Bill has done an outstanding job with our athletic program and has been an excellent communicator,” Webb said.

“I appreciate the fact that he is going to be moving into a role similar to that which he previously held at Alabama.”

Prior to coming to UCO, Farley spent 17 years in athletic and facility fund-raising at the University of Alabama and the University of Oklahoma.

Farley said he is looking forward to his new role and that he is excited to continue to serve UCO in the best capacity that he can.

“Universities are no different than major corporations, they need great team players and it is my honor to be on this team,” Farley said. Webb said he expects to move quickly to fill the athletic director position.

“This is an extremely important position to the university and the future of Broncho athletics,” Webb said.
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Commentary
It looks like this closes the book on a dark time for the UCO football program. If the NCAA infractions report is accurate, Bill Farley is getting off easy. He was cited numerous times for not reporting infractions he was aware of and also of sharing confidential information with Coach Langston which hindered the investigation. But, instead of being shown the door with Langston, he is allowed to represent the university in a public position.
Some good did come from all of this. UCO now has a full-time compliance officer and a head football coach, that from all indications, has the personal integrity to never allow the program to be put in this situation again.

NFL Draft News

Kolo adjusted his route
By Dave Reardon
Kolo Kapanui hopes to prove missing your chances at the big time doesn't mean you can't make it to the NFL.

The tight end from Kamehameha had his chances at conventional routes to the pros, first by going to USC in the same freshman class as Matt Leinart, then again two years later when big-name schools recruited him from junior college.

But Kapanui's path took him to West Texas A&M, a small Division II school where his football career was resurrected. Now Kapanui expects to be drafted by an NFL team this weekend as one of the best available tight ends coming out of the college ranks.

Speculation is that Kapanui could go in the sixth or seventh round on Sunday. Pass-catching tight ends are again all the rage, and the 6-foot-3, 270-pound Kapanui fits into that category. He turns 25 in November.
Go to the Star Bulletin for the rest of the story.
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NFL Draft Challenge: The Name Game
There was a time in high school when my friend Brian and I were fairly obsessed with NFL Mock Drafts. We spent many an April day in the computer labs studying players and positions, anticipating what team would select who come draft day.

Nothing got us more excited, though, then seeing some of the names of schools of potential draft picks. A few years ago, a player from Mars Hill College caught our eye – not because of his 40 time or his bench press reps, but because he went to a school called MARS HILL!!! Better yet, I think the Bungals ended up drafting him, too.

So who are some of the top players from schools you’ve probably never heard of? Here’s my list of this years potential draftees:
For the list go to the Bleacher Report.
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Small school stars dream big before NFL draft
They are a small army of ones.

As in one here, one there, scattered well beyond the interstates on the football map. The ones chasing their NFL dreams, hoping someone, anyone, will just take a chance.

"But really, you only need one team, one person, really," San Diego Chargers and former University of Northern Colorado receiver Vincent Jackson said. "One coach, one scout, one general manager, just one person in one place who believes in what you did.
Go to the Corpus Christi Caller for the rest of the story.
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The Lessons of '98
Matt Hasselbeck had been invited to the 1998 NFL scouting combine after his senior season, so the Boston College quarterback began to wonder why he hadn't heard about travel details as the annual football job fair approached. When he called a league official to inquire about his itinerary, there was an awkward silence. Seems that Hasselbeck was the lowest-rated of the 16 invited senior quarterbacks, and after a junior declared for the draft, Hasselbeck's invitation was rescinded. No one had bothered to tell him.

"Who's the junior?" Hasselbeck asked.

"Ryan Leaf," he was told.
Go to Sports Illustrated for the rest of the article.

Spring Practice Update - Northeastern State

NSU spring football adjusts to first coach outside its program in nearly 50 years

By Mike Kays
Phoenix Sports Editor

TAHLEQUAH — Kenny Evans knows the suit has a different smell, like any jacket that stays hung on the same office coat hanger for years.

No Northeastern State coach in nearly a half-century has arrived as an outsider. They’ve come from the same hanger, be it position coach, coordinator or head coach. It’s been a place where “ground-floor opportunity” equaled future promise for guys like George Elliott, Tom Eckert and John Horner — coaches covering the last 30-plus seasons who started as staff assistants.

But Evans, a Warner native — and NSU graduate — has changed that as he attempts to restore RiverHawk football to the prominence it enjoyed as late as the mid-1990s. As it’s a different step for administration, Evans, who got all his coaching experience away from his alma mater, hopes it will be a positive step.

Go to the Muskogee Phoenix for the rest of the story.

Spring Practice Update - ECU

Tigers ready for Orange-Black game

Bob Forrest Sports Writer

Ada — By the time Saturday’s Orange and Black Game is over (and with it, East Central University’s spring football practice), third-year coach Kurt Nichols expects to have a pretty good blueprint for the team he will field this fall.

“I will know who 85 percent of the team is going to be after Saturday,” said Nichols, who saw his defense dominate last Saturday’s first spring scrimmage.

In contrast to last weekend’s 90-minute session pitting the Tigers’ new 3-4 defensive scheme against a patchwork offense that wasn’t the finished product Nichols expects it to be when the 2008 season opens in late August, this weekend’s spring finale — which is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. at Norris Field — will be a split-squad affair played under game conditions with Lone Star Conference officials calling the action.

Go to the Ada Evening News for the rest of the article.

Basketball season not yet over for a few LSC stars

The Collegiate Basketball Invitational is a major national basketball event that gathers the finest 64 senior men's basketball players from all of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and Division III and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I and Division II. The event will take place at Wadsworth High School in Wadsworth, Ohio, and each team will have eight players in eight-team bracket. Six games will be played both Thursday and Friday with the championship game being played Friday night at 8 p.m. (ET). The CBI will conclude with an all-star game Saturday evening at 8 p.m. (ET) in front of a live, ESPNU audience as 20 players will selected to play in the game. Last year, Drew Coffman, Eric Dawson, John Davis, Eric Babers, Anthony Brown, and Damien Lolar participated.

This year the LSC is represented by -

Robert Lee - Wadsworth
Avery Patterson - Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital
Sam Belt - Premeire Pontiac
Scooby Johnson - MBM Logistechs
Marcus Hubbard - Louis Perry Associates

Belt Shines in All-Star Event

Game one Premeire Pontiac wins 102-90. Sam Belt was solid - 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.
Game three Louis Perry & Associates win 95-78 over MBM Logistechs. Marcus Hubbard had 13 points and 8 rebounds in just 19 minutes before fouling out. Scooby Johnson was held to just 7 points and 6 rebounds in 21 minutes.
Game four Wadsworth wins 99-78 over Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital. Robert Lee had 8 points and 5 rebounds to along with 2 assists and 2 steals. Avery Patterson scored 13 (on 4-17 shooting) and had 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Game six MBM Logistechs beat Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital 96-87. Scooby Johnson with 17 points on 7-9 shooting, and 5 rebounds. Avery Patterson scores 8, gets 4 steals to go with a couple rebounds and 2 assists.

Sam Belt, Marcus Hubbard, and Robert Lee's teams are still in the running for the championship, while Scooby's team will play for fifth place, and Avery's team will play to stay out of the cellar. Either Hubbard's or Lee's team will be in the championship game, since they face off in a championship semifinal today.

Game seven - Premeir Pontiac goes down in defeat 108-81. Sam Belt scores 10 and grabs 5 rebounds, but is only 5-15 from the field, and 0-5 on three-pointers. Next up will be the third place game against the loser of the Hubbard-Lee matchup.
Game eight - at the half LP&A is up 50-44 over Wadsworth. Hubbard is 4-7 from the field and has 8 pts and 4 rebounds and is staying out of foul trouble. Rober Lee has 7 points and 4 rebounds, and has only attempted 3 FGs. Final Score LP&A 106-95. Hubbard ends up with 15 pts and 7 rebounds and even 3 assists. Robert Lee went 5-6 from the field, scoring 14, pulled down 9 rebounds and had 5 steals.
Game nine - at the half its WRH 54-31 . Avery Patterson is having a better game, going 7-13 from the field, leading all scorers with 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Galaxy turned on the afterburners in the second half, outscoring WRH 63-29, and win the game 94-83. Patterson led all scorers with 25 points, but was only 3-8 from the field.

More signing news

ECU signs Bethel QB Jace Johnson
UCO basketball signs Shane Carroll and Brentrell Friday

Bronchos announce new recruiting class

Blinn Junior College Star Joins Javelina Program

Javelina Softball Adds Six More High School Seniors To Signing Class

Ram Track Adds Smith

Rams baseball sign Derek Dallas

Zia Basketball Adds Five Newcomers for 2008-09 Season

Three more sign with ECU men's basketball

PIONEER BASKETBALL TEAM SIGNS TALENTED TRIO

LSC Tennis Tournament


ACU opens bid for LSC titles from the Abilene Reporter News
Men's All Conference Honorees from the LSC Website.
Women's All Conference Honorees from the LSC Website.
Tournament Schedule from the LSC Website.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Spring Practice Update - East Central

Defense shines in ECU scrimmage

Bob Forrest Sports Writer

Ada — East Central University might have the reigning Lone Star Conference North Offensive Player of the Year in junior-to-be quarterback Marcus Johnson. But the Tigers’ new 3-4 defense was the undisputed star of Saturday’s first spring scrimmage.

After being pushed around a bit on the first couple of drives in the 90-minutes session, the defense — trying to bounce back from a 2007 campaign in which it was the worst in the LSC — re-grouped and allowed just eight first downs on the final 12 possession by the offense, with four of those first downs coming on the final drive of the afternoon.

Johnson, who threw for over 2,500 yards during his sophomore campaign, completed just 7-of-15 passes for 86 yards, and he was intercepted twice (by cornerback Derrick Suggs on his sixth pass of the day and by linebacker Tait Langston on his final attempt — after it was deflected.)

Go to the Ada Evening News for the rest of the article

LSC Golf Championships

Tournament Recap - Amarillo Globe News
Tournament Recap (Women) - LSC Website
Tournament Recap (Men) - LSC Website

LSC Women
Leaderboard (Tourney Website)
302-300 - Tarleton State
311-301 - Northeastern State
318-322 - Texas A&M Commerce
328-315 - West Texas A&M
327-325 - Cameron
335-325 - Central Oklahoma
345-326 - Southwest Oklahoma
358-338 - East Central

75-69 - Courtney Epps (NSU)
74-72 - Stephanie Bird (NSU)
75-72 - Andrea Lowe (TSU)
75-73 - Raelynn Farthing (UCO)
76-72 - Shraddhanjali Singh (TSU)


LSC Men
Leaderboard (Tourney Website)

288-284-283 - Cameron
285-289-289 - Northeastern State
288-291-284 - Abilene Christian
291-284-290 - Central Oklahoma
290-295-285 - Midwestern State
292-293-287 - Southwestern Oklahoma
290-295-291 - Texas A&M-Commerce
304-294-286 - Southeastern Oklahoma
303-298-291 - East Central
303-304-295 - West Texas A&M

69-69-71 - Pinky Hartline (TAMC)
70-68-72 - Jeff Cox (NSU)
72-67-71 - Peter Svajlen (Cameron)
70-75-67 - Cyril Buoniol (ACU)
67-71-74 - Zach Cleland (UCO)
69-71-72 - Cane Shumaker (Cameron)

All-Conference Teams Announced
Women
Coach of the Year - Jerry Doyle (TSU) & Meredith Jameson (WTAM)
First Team
Stephanie Bird (NSU) - Player of the Year
Carla Cooper (TSU) - Freshman of the Year
Shraddhanjali Singh (TSU)
Andrea Lowe (TSU)
Mollie Peterson (WTAM)

Second Team
Courtney Epps (NSU)
Renee Breeze (Cameron)
Jaryn Rainey (SWO)
Maruy Shock (TSU)
Whitney Osborne (WTAM)

Honorable Mention
Marrik Wooten (Cameron)
Raelynn Farthing (UCO)
Maria Jimenez (UCO)
Katie Miller (NSU)
Melanie Tham (TSU)
Stephanie Boldger (WTAM)
Lacy Torbert (WTAM)

Men's
Coach of the Year - Dax Johnston (UCO)
First Team
Colby Shrum (UCO) - Player of the year
Sam Powell (NSU)
Peter Svajlen (Cameron)
Blake Worden (TAMC)
Patrick McCarthy (SWO)

Second Team
Travis Klutts (MSU) - Freshman of the year
Chance Tatum (UCO)
Patrick Hanauer (ACU)
Mack Hamilton (SEO)
Matt Charlson (ECU)
Brad Aycock (SEO)

Honorable Mention
Erik Manning (ACU)
Cane Shumaker (Cameron)
Mitch Molen (MSU)
Jeff Cox (NSU)
Scott Kulczycki (SWO)

Softball Power Poll - Week 8

  1. (1) Southeastern Oklahoma (Clinched playoff spot)
  2. (2) Angelo State (Clinched playoff spot)
  3. (3) Central Oklahoma (Clinched playoff spot)
  4. (5) Midwestern State(Clinched playoff spot)
  5. (4) Cameron (Clinched playoff spot Tuesday)
  6. (7) Tarleton State (Clinched playoff spot)
  7. (6) Abilene Christian (Clinched playoff spot)
  8. (9) Northeastern State (Eliminated)
  9. (8) Texas A&M-Kingsville (Magic number is 2)
  10. (10) Eastern New Mexico (Eliminated)
  11. (11) West Texas A&M (Magic number is 6)
  12. (12) East Central (Eliminated)
  13. (13) Southwestern Oklahoma (Eliminated)
  14. (14) Texas Woman's (Eliminated)

Big Games in the final week

Texas A&M-Kingsville at Tarleton State - TAMK trying to stay in #4 spot in LSC South
Abilene Christian at West Texas A&M - WTAM has an outside shot at overtaking TAMK
Northeastern State vs. Southwestern Oklahoma - NSU needed sweep, but SWO took first two, eliminating Riverhawks
East Central vs. Cameron - ECU needed to sweep, but teams split first two, clinching spot for Cameron and eliminating ECU


Players of the Week
North Hitter - Benita Sanchez (SEO)
North Pitcher - Lacee Craig (NSU)
North Pitcher - Molly Shivers (UCO)
South Hitter - Jessica Shiery (ACU)
South Pitcher - Kari Galm (ASU)

LSC in the Polls
NFCA National Poll
Angelo State is #4, Southeastern Oklahoma slips to #14 and Central Oklahoma is #24
St. Mary's is #9 and St. Edwards is receiving votes

Regional Poll
Not yet released

Monday, April 21, 2008

Baseball Power Poll - Week 9

  1. (1) Abilene Christian (36-13, 32-7) - Swept Cameron (Clinched Playoff spot, Tarleton upcoming)
  2. (2) Southeastern Oklahoma (30-18, 27-13) - Took 3 of 4 from TAMK (Clinched Playoff spot, ECU upcoming)
  3. (3) Angelo State (35-16, 28-12) - took 3 of 4 from ECU (Clinched Playoff spot, TAMK upcoming)
  4. (4) Cameron (30-20, 23-17) - swept by ACU (Clinched Playoff spot, SWO upcoming)
  5. (5) Central Oklahoma (32-19, 23-16) - split with Tarleton (Clinched Playoff spot, NSU upcoming)
  6. (6) Texas A&M-Kingsville (26-25, 21-19) - lost 3 of 4 to SEO(Magic Number 1, ASU remaining)
  7. (9) Tarleton State (24-28, 18-22) - split with SWO (Magic Number 8, ACU remaining)
  8. (7) Eastern New Mexico (22-25, 15-21) - lost 3 of 4 to UCO (Eliminated (We're almost certain), WTAM remaining)
  9. (8) Northeastern State (20-26, 15-21) - won 3 of 4 from WTAM (Eliminated (We're almost certain), UCO remaining)
  10. (10) East Central (19-33, 16-24) - lost 3 of 4 to ASU (Eliminated)
  11. (11) Southwestern Oklahoma (12-32, 10-29) - split with Tarleton(Eliminated)
  12. (12) West Texas A&M (9-39, 6-33) - lost 3 of 4 to NSU outscored 61-46 (Eliminated)


ACU clinches LSC crown - Article from Abilene Reporter News. After a 1-5 start, ACU has gone 35-18.

Players of the Week - LSC Weekly Release
Hitter - Tyler Hayes (ENMU)
Hitter - Mike Elkerson (ACU)
Pitcher - Josh Livingston (TAMK)

Collegiate Baseball Poll
Abilene Christian #10, Southeastern Oklahoma RV
Southern Arkansas #3, Delta State #5, Valdosta State #15, West Alabama #17, Ouachita Baptist #25, St. Edwards #29

Pingbaseball.com
Abilene Christian #12, Angelo State #28
Delta State #3, Southern Arkansas #4, West Alabama #9, Ouachita Baptist #18, St. Edwards #26, St. Marys #29, Valdosta State #30


Big Games this week
Southern Arkansas at Southeastern Oklahoma - SEO drops both 10-3, 2-1
Angelo State at St. Edwards - ASU big 14-1 San Angelo Standard Times Recap

Texas A&M-Kingsville at Angelo State - Four game series starting Friday at 7:00 Audio
Tarleton State at Abilene Christian - Four game series starting Friday at 6:00 Live Stats
The #6 seed is up for grabs and while TAMK has a tough series to clinch, Tarleton has an even tougher one and a 3 game deficit to overcome.

Spring Practice Update - Texas A&M Commerce

Balanced Offensive Attack Featured in Blue-Gold Scrimmage



From the Texas A&M-Commerce Website
For more pictures go the the Photo Gallery

If the spring Blue-Gold scrimmage is any indication, the Texas A&M University-Commerce offense could have a balanced attack in 2008.

Running back Marcus Graham and quarterback Terry Mayo led the first-team blue offense to two scores as it outscored the gold offense, 14-0, on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.

Graham opened the contest with an eight-yard run before taking the ball up the gut and racing 55 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown two plays later. The drive covered 70 yards on three plays, with Graham piling up 63.

Mayo found wide receiver Willie Thornton for a 7-yard reception between Graham's runs.

It was all Mayo during the blue's third possession in the second quarter. After getting sacked for a 8-yard loss, Mayo connected with Thornton for a 2-yard gain before lofting a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Miller, who snatched the ball one-handed and dove into the end zone. The touchdown capped a three-play, 38-yard drive right before the half.

Mayo didn't play in the second half, but finished 5-of-7 for 81 yards and a score.

Graham rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown on five carries in the first, and ended with nine totes for 115 yards.

Trent Miller quarterbacked the blue offense in the second half and started with two straight completions of 12 and 15 yards to Thornton, but completed only one more pass the rest of the half. He came close to a score on the game's final possession, but Chris Miller's catch was out of bounds.

Lions head coach Scotty Conley said Thornton would be a player to watch in the scrimmage, and he was right as the receiver finished with five catches for 55 yards. It looked as though he could have scored a touchdown as he beat a defender deep up the middle, but a defender grabbed his jersey and was called for pass interference to stop the potential score.

The 5-10, 175-pound transfer from the University of Central Florida showed his speed and quick chemistry with both Mayo and Miller.

The gold offense, or No. 2s, never really threatened with their longest drive covering 13 yards.
Adrain Turner picked off a pass and recorded two tackles to lead the defense. Defensive linemen Andree Smith and Luke Higgins each had two sacks, or quarterback touches, as it was illegal to hit the passers.

The scrimmage ends spring practices for A&M-Commerce, which will get started again in the fall. The Lions travel to play Northwestern State (La.) on Aug. 30 for their season opener at 6 p.m.

Spring Practice Update - Southeastern Oklahoma

DEFENSE SWARMS "O", HOLDS ON FOR 28-26 WIN



From GoSavageStorm.com
DURANT, Okla. – Despite a light rain and hovering clouds, the 2008 Southeastern Oklahoma State spring game went on as scheduled with the defense pulling out a 28-26 win.

“It was a good game,” said head coach Ray Richards, “They had a lot of fun, they played hard and they did a lot of good things. The weather really cooperated with us and we really had a successful spring.”

The contest featured a hybrid scoring system to help determine a winner as the offense all wore white, while the defense wore blue.

Offensively, a touchdown was worth six points as usual, with two-point conversions still counting as two. The offense was also able to pick up three points when they could move inside the 20-yard-line and not go for it on fourth down.

Defensively, a forced turnover was worth six points and a three-and-out was worth three. They could also pick up one point for stopping the offense outside the 20 yard line.

The offense came out firing and drove 70 yards to score, taking an 8-0 lead on the two-point conversion.

The defense followed by swarming the offense on consecutive possessions and at one point had built a double-figure lead.

The offense, however, found its stroke down the stretch scoring on back-to-back drives and took a one point lead.

A late stop by the defense picked up the three valuable points that gave the “D” the 28-26 win.
“They adjusted and got used to it,” said Richards about the quarterbacks dealing with the wet weather, “They did a great job with it and we scored some points and it was good to see that.”

The spring game brings to a close the spring session of practice and will now leave players, coaches and fans alike looking forward to August.

“Outstanding,” said Richards about the spring practice, “We got a lot done. We got to evaluate a lot of young kids and we had a lot of guys step up and play well.”

The fans’ next opportunity to see the Savage Storm in action will come on August 28 at 7 p.m. when SOSU opens the 2008 season on the road at Tarleton State at 7 p.m.

The season will continue on September 6 again on the road at Midwestern State at 7 p.m., before returning to Paul Laird Field on September 13 at 6 p.m. for the home opener against Eastern New Mexico.

The Storm will host Abilene Christian on September 20 at 6 p.m., and will then hit the road again to face Football Championship Subdivision Northwestern State (La.) in Natchitoches, La., at 6 p.m.

A home contest against Southwestern Oklahoma State at 6 p.m. on October 4 will precede another two-game road swing with games at Central Oklahoma on October 11 and Angelo State on October 18, both at 6 p.m.

On October 25, SOSU returns home for the first afternoon game of the season against Northeastern State at 2:30 p.m., which will also serve as Homecoming Weekend.

The final road trip of the season will be the shortest as the team travels to Commerce, Texas, to face Texas A&M Commerce on November 1, before closing the season at home against rival East Central at 2 p.m. on November 8.

Spring Practice Update - Angelo State

Spring game shows ASU football team still has work to do


Sunday, April 20, 2008

Spring games in the world of college football have officially become big business.

Some 43,000 fans went to the Orange-White game that concluded the University of Texas spring football workouts three weeks ago.

The University of Florida's spring game last week was broadcast on ESPN.

Things were a little different Saturday morning at San Angelo Stadium as Angelo State concluded its spring workouts with a nearly two-hour long intrasquad game.

Only a couple of hundred people were on hand.

Go to the San Angelo Standard Times for the rest of the story.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Softball Power Poll - Week 7

Week 7? What happened to week 6? Life happened, and we apologize for not getting our rankings up last week. We hope it is a one time occurance.

  1. (2) Southeastern Oklahoma (Clinched playoff spot)
  2. (1) Angelo State (Clinched playoff spot)
  3. (3) Central Oklahoma (Clinched playoff spot)
  4. (5) Cameron (Magic number is 3)
  5. (4) Midwestern State (Magic number is 2)
  6. (6) Abilene Christian (Magic number is 1)
  7. (7) Tarleton State (Clinched playoff spot)
  8. (9) Texas A&M-Kingsville (Magic number is 2)
  9. (8) Northeastern State (Magic number is 8)
  10. (11) Eastern New Mexico (Magic number is 12)
  11. (10) West Texas A&M (Magic number is 9)
  12. (12) East Central (Magic number is 6)
  13. (13) Southwestern Oklahoma (Eliminated)
  14. (14) Texas Woman's (Magic number is 12)

LSC Players of the Week

LSC Weekly Release
North Pitcher - Marjorie Johnson - SEO
North Batter - Rachel Lynn - SEO
South Pitcher - Brooke Saulters - Tarleton
South Pitcher - Kari Galm - Angelo State
South Batter - Brittnee Rice - Tarleton

Regional Rankings
  1. Angelo State (38-9, 35-8)
  2. Southeastern Oklahoma (39-7, 38-7)
  3. St. Marys (43-9, 33-7)
  4. Central Oklahoma (29-7, 23-5)
  5. St. Edwards (30-12, 28-10)
  6. Midwestern State (29-21, 23-17)
  7. Colorado School of Mines (26-16, 23-14)
  8. Mesa State (22-14, 22-13)
  9. Metro State (23-16, 22-15)
  10. Cameron (30-22, 21-21)

The 1-4 teams are virtually assured of a regional spot and St Edwards is in a good spot.

NFCA Poll

Angelo State is #4, Southeastern Oklahoma is #7, St. Mary's is #17, and Central Oklahoma is #24.

Baseball Power Poll - Week 8

Coming down to the final two weekends of the regular season.

  1. (1) Abilene Christian (32-13, 28-7) - Swept NSU (Clinched Playoff spot, Cameron and Tarleton upcoming)
  2. (2) Southeastern Oklahoma (27-17, 24-12) - Swept WTAM (Magic Number 1, TAMK and ECU upcoming)
  3. (3) Angelo State (32-15, 25-11) - took 3 of 4 from SWO (Clinched Playoff spot, ECU and TAMK upcoming)
  4. (4) Cameron (30-16, 23-13) - split with TAMK (Magic Number 2, ACU and SWO upcoming)
  5. (5) Central Oklahoma (29-18, 20-15) - split with Tarleton (Magic Number 4, ENMU and NSU upcoming)
  6. (6) Texas A&M-Kingsville (25-22, 20-16) - split with Cameron (Magic Number 5, SEO and ASU remaining)
  7. (9) Tarleton State (22-26, 16-20) - split with UCO (Magic Number 13, SWO and ACU remaining)
  8. (7) Eastern New Mexico (21-22, 14-18) - lost 3 of 4 to ECU (Magic Number 12, UCO and WTAM remaining)
  9. (10) East Central (18-30, 15-21) - won 3 of 4 from ENMU (Magic Number 14, ASU and SEO upcoming)
  10. (8) Northeastern State (17-25, 12-20) - swept by ACU (Magic Number 15, WTAM and UCO remaining)
  11. (11) Southwestern Oklahoma (10-30, 8-27) - lost 3 of 4 to ASU (Eliminated)
  12. (12) West Texas A&M (8-36, 5-30) - swept by SEO (Eliminated)

Players of the Week

LSC Release
Hitter - Dusty Rowland ECU
Pitcher - Sam Strickland TAMK

Regional Rankings

  1. Southern Arkansas (36-4, 28-3 in region)
  2. West Alabama (34-8, 20-6)
  3. Delta State (32-8, 22-8)
  4. Abilene Christian (32-13, 30-13)
  5. Ouachita Baptist (37-10, 22-10)
  6. St. Edwards (28-11, 28-11)
  7. Angelo State (31-15, 29-14)
  8. Southeastern Oklahoma (27-17, 27-17)

Collegiate Baseball Newspaper

Abilene Christian is #13 and Southeastern Oklahoma is receiving votes.

Southern Arkansas is #2, Delta State is #6, Valdosta State is #18, West Alabama is #19, Ouachita Baptist is #24, St Edwards is receiving votes.

PingBaseball.com

Abilene Christian is #18

Southern Arkansas is #2, Delta State is #5, West Alabama is #9, Ouachita Baptist is #16, St. Edwards is #22, Valdosta State is #29, and St Marys is #30.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

High School All Star Games News

Oil Bowl

Roster (LSC players)


Matt Lantz OL-DL Clinton, OK (Central Oklahoma)
Torrance McBruyer WR-CB Clinton, OK (Central Oklahoma)
Brian Loyd WR-CB Rush Springs (East Central)
Dalton Smith OT Wichita Falls Rider (Midwestern State)
John Fisher LB Wichita Falls Rider (Midwestern State)
Adam Lambert OT-DE Boyd, Tx (Midwestern State)
Stephen Anderson OL Wylie, Tx (Northeastern State)
Kyle Beam TE-LB Broken Bow, Ok (Northeastern State)
Barrett Schoenky RB-S Aubrey, Tx (Southeastern Oklahoma)
Jesse Renschler G-DE Sapulpa, OK (Southeastern Oklahoma)


Courte Gilbert SE-CB Burleson, Tx (Tarleton State)




Texas High School Coach's Association All-Star Game

Complete Rosters


Will Foster OL Mesquite Poteet, Tx (Abilene Christian)
Kellen Gierke CB Christoval, Tx (Angelo State)
Kedric Carver WR New Deal, Tx (Eastern New Mexico)
James Ervin LB Nacadoches, Tx (Midwestern State)
K.K. Francis DT Mesquite, TX (Midwestern State)
Steven Welch DL Copperas Cove, Tx (Tarleton State)
Hadley Mann OL Seminole, Tx (West Texas A&M)

Javelinas visit Driscoll Children's Hospital


Corpus Christi Caller Article
by Stuart Duncan
Ashley Suggs, 13, couldn't help but smile after receiving an autographed media guide from Porky, Texas A&M University-Kingsville's mascot, Wednesday afternoon at Driscoll Children's Hospital.

Her tonsillitis hasn't given her much to grin about lately, her mother, Kathryn Suggs, said.

"It was just good to see her smile again," Kathryn Suggs said.

Ashley, of Portland, was one of several hospital patients visited by 18 members of the A&M-Kingsville football team.

"It was awesome," Ashley said.

Nathan Navarro, 14, of Ingleside, also received a miniature blue football that the players passed out to the patients.

"I'm going to go play with (the mini ball) whenever I'm able to," a smiling Nathan said, his left arm in a still-white cast.

Linda Leyba was happy that players stopped by to visit her 6-year-old daughter, Zoey, at Driscoll.

"It's great, because so many kids look up to those football players -- we really appreciated their visit," Linda said, while Zoey shied away from questions.

Javelinas junior offensive lineman Markeith Wesley had visited the hospital with team members in the past.

Wesley recently requested that the team visit the hospital again, to which first-year coach Bo Atterberry obliged.

"This really touched my heart," Wesley said with a smile. "These kids are battling some serious things that we don't even know about. So to be able to see their happy faces -- it's wonderful. We enjoy doing it -- we just love it."

While the visit was Atterberry's first, he said it probably won't be his last.

"We're excited to be here," Atterberry said. "It was a great opportunity to put some smiles on some faces and allow our players to come together. We'd be more than happy to come back as much as we can."

Spring Practice Update - SEO


FOOTBALL WRAPS SPRING DRILLS, SET FOR ANNUAL SPRING GAME

DURANT, Okla. – As football’s second season winds to a close, the Southeastern Oklahoma State football team will brings its spring to an end on Thursday, April 17, when it puts on the annual spring game to conclude the 2008 spring season.

The spring game will be played at Paul Laird Field with the team taking the field at 6 p.m. for the normal pregame warmup, with the actual game commencing at about 6:30 p.m.

With the possibility of inclement weather on Thursday, the spring game may be moved to 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Please continue to check GoSavageStorm.com for updates.

“It’s been a good spring ball season,” said head coach Ray Richards, “We’ve gotten a lot done. We’ve got the base offense and the base defense put in, so we have it pretty well taught.”

The spring season is for learning and improving, but it can also be a time of worry as teams try to avoid being bitten by the injury bug.

This spring has been one that featured its fair share of bumps and bruises, however, knock on wood, no major issues.

“We’ve gotten through it relatively healthy,” said Richards, “We have a couple of injuries, but nothing that is going to hold anyone out next fall.”
The spring is also a time for players to hone their game and for younger players to step into bigger roles.

“We’ve got some players that are very good,” said Head Coach Ray Richards, “And have shown themselves to be great players. Guys like Daniel Nichols, Johnny Seals and Bernard Daniel. Alex Moore is turning into a great player and Baylen Laury is looking like a great player.”

Overall, SOSU coaches have been pleased with spring progress.

“It has been good evaluation for us,” said Richards, “We’ve gotten a chance to evaluate a lot of young players and redshirt-type guys.”

And as the spring drills come to a close, excitement builds for not only the spring game, but also the summer beyond that as the school semester also winds to a close.

“I think so,” said Richards when asked about the excitement building for the spring game, “Sometimes it can get old in the end, but our guys have done a really good job of digging in and getting after it and trying to get better every day.”

“They are looking forward to playing that last game,” he continued, “And they are looking forward to having summertime and working to get ready for the fall.”

Signing Day (Non-Football)

Men's Basketball
East Central - Three sign with ECU men's basketball
Texas A&M-Commerce - (Not New) Brad Hambrick Signs with A&M-Commerce , P.J. Colley Signs with Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M-Kingsville - Former Spring Klein star head to Kingsville


Women's Basketball
Angelo State - Christoval guard Hargraves signs with Angelo State
Midwestern State - Two prep standouts sign with Midwestern State
Northeastern State - RiverHawks Women's Basketball Sign Three In-State Student-Athletes
Texas A&M-Commerce - (Not New) Update on Lions Signee - Rekeshia Jones, Lions Land Big East Transfer
Texas A&M-Kingsville - Former Paris Junior College Star Rejoins Coach Hyland At Texas A&M-Kingsville


Baseball
Angelo State - Rams Baseball Adds Four To 2009 Roster

Volleyball
Abilene Christian - ACU signs Colorado standout
Angelo State - Allard Signs with 'Belles
Eastern New Mexico - Falkenhagen Makes Additions to Zia Roster for 2008
Midwestern State - (Not new) Midwestern inks four
Southeastern Oklahoma - (Not New) SOSU Volleyball Adds Two to 2008 Roster
Tarleton State - Hartman signs NLI for TexAnn volleyball
Texas A&M-Commerce - (Not New) Volleyball Signs Three
Texas A&M-Kingsville - Volleyball Signing Class Grows To Five With Addition Of Four High School Seniors, Franklin Senior signs with A&M-Kingsville
West Texas A&M - WT Volleyball Adds to 2008 Signing Class, Beck, McKinney Set to Join the Lady Buff Volleyball Program
Soccer
Abilene Christian - (not new) Soccer announces signees
Angelo State - Womens Soccer adds 8 for 2008, another one, and another one
Eastern New Mexico - Elizondo Adds Three Midfielders and a Goal Keeper for 2008 Season
Eastwood star signs
Midwestern State - Mustangs ink seven prep standouts
Northeastern State - (Not New) RiverHawks Soccer Sign 15
Southwestern Oklahoma - (Not New) Soccer Signs Eight Players

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Baseball Power Poll - Week 7

  1. (1) Abilene Christian (28-13, 24-7) - took 3 of 4 from Angelo State (Magic Number 3, Series remaining #8, #4, #9)
  2. (3) Southeastern Oklahoma (23-17, 20-12) - took 3 of 4 from Central Oklahoma (Magic Number 7 , Series remaining #12, #6, #10)
  3. (2) Angelo State (28-14, 22-10) - dropped 3 of 4 to Abilene Christian (Magic Number 5, Series remaining #11, #10, #6)
  4. (4) Cameron (27-14, 21-11) - took 3 of 4 from WTAM (Magic Number 6, Series remaining #6, #1, #11)
  5. (5) Central Oklahoma (27-15, 18-13) - dropped 3 of 4 to SEO (Magic Number 9, Series remaining #9, #7, #8)
  6. (6) Texas A&M-Kingsville (23-20, 18-14) - took 3 of 4 from Tarleton (Magic Number 9, Series remaining #4, #2, #3)
  7. (7) Eastern New Mexico (20-19, 13-15) - took 3 of 4 from SWO (Magic Number 15, Series remaining #10, #5, #12)
  8. (8) Northeastern State (16-21, 12-16) - split at ECU (Magic Number 17, Series remaining #1, #12, #5)
  9. (9) Tarleton State (19-24, 14-18) - dropped 3 of 4 to TAMK (Magic Number 17, Series remaining #5, #11, #1)
  10. (10) East Central (15-29, 12-20) - split with NSU (Magic Number 19, Series remaining #7, #3, #2)
  11. (11) Southwestern Oklahoma (9-27, 7-24) - dropped 3 of 4 to ENMU (Magic Number 23 , Series remaining #3, #9, #4)
  12. (12) West Texas A&M (8-32, 5-26) - dropped 3 of 4 to Cameron (Eliminated)

Toughest schedule to close out season - Texas A&M Kingsville will close out the LSC slate against teams with a combined 78-45 record (63-33 in LSC). ECU and SWO are close behind and face almost impossible roads to the LSC tourney.

Easiest schedule to close out season - SEO's remaining LSC opponents are 46-81 (35-60 in the LSC). Angelo State and ENMU are close behind in ease of remaining schedule.

Players of the Week

Pitcher - Randall Clay of SEO

Hitter - Trey Watten of ACU

Click here for the LSC Weekly release

National Rankings

Collegiate Baseball Newspaper

Abilene Christian remains #19, SEO is receiving votes (one actually) and Angelo State drops out of the rankings and doesn't receive a single vote.

Southern Arkansas drops a spot to #2, Delta State up 5 spots to #6, Valdosta State falls 3 to #18, West Alabama stays #20, Ouachita Bapist inches up a spot to #21 and St. Edwards falls 9 spots to #30. St. Marys, North Alabama, and Montevallo are in the receiving votes category.

PingBaseball.com

Abilene Christian is the lone LSC team and they check in at #29 this week.

Southern Arkansas is still #1, Delta State still #5, Ouachita Baptis is #10, West Alabama #11, St. Edwards is #23, Valdosta State is #25, West Georgia #26 and St. Marys #27.

Spring Practice Update - UCO


EDMOND (April 8) -- Much progress has been made halfway through Central Oklahoma's spring football drills, with the Bronchos looking to accomplish even more in the final two weeks.

Approximately 70 players are participating in spring practice and new UCO head coach Tracy Holland has been pleased with his team so far. The Bronchos, will conclude its spring schedule on April 19 with a 6 p.m. scrimmage at Wantland Stadium.

"It's gone really well," said Holland, who took over the UCO reigns on Dec. 27. "Obviously we're doing quite a few things differently, especially offensively, but the players have been excited about the changes and the direction we're going."

The Bronchos had their first intrasquad scrimmage last Saturday and the defense had the upper hand.

"As expected, our defense is further along right now and they played well," Holland said. "The really rallied to the ball and did a great job. The offense struggled at times, but they made some big plays and you can see the players are starting to get it."

"It" would be the new wide-open offense the Bronchos have installed, a fast-paced attack that promises plenty of excitement.

"Our offense is based on high reps, a no huddle that gets lots of snaps and takes a toll on a defense," Holland said. "The concept is to create space, to get the ball in space to an athlete and let them run with it.

"We're excited and pleased with how it's coming along. It's a real challenge right now for our offensive line because it's a drastic departure from what they're used to, but they're doing well with it and our receivers love it."

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

ACU alum in the Masters

India's Chiranjeev Milkha Singh has been invited to play in the Masters Tournament this week. This is the second Masters for Singh, who played golf at ACU and won the division II championship in 1993. His first Masters appearance was last year, making the field as one of the top 50 golfers worldwide. He shot 72-75-76-79 for a total of 302, tied for 37th winning a cool $30,800.

Click here for the Wall Street Journal Story.

Jeev's Masters Profile

Midwestern State Fundraiser for Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams Sports Saturday set for this weekend

from the MSU website

The Midwestern State athletic department will hold Jeff Williams Sports Saturday on April 12 on campus.

The day will begin at noon with the MSU spring football game at the practice field.

The Mustangs softball team will take on Southeastern Oklahoma in a doubleheader at Mustangs Park at 3 p.m.
To wrap up the day, the men’s soccer team will play an exhibition game at 7 p.m.

The football team will play host to a free youth clinic that will begin right after the spring game. The Grove Apartments are sponsoring T-shirts. Commemorative bracelets will also be available.
All proceeds will go toward the Jeff Williams Fund, to help defray medical expenses.
Wlliams, a redshirt freshman football player, was injured in an automobile accident on Feb. 22. He suffered a broken pelvis and wrist and was in a coma for about two weeks. He has begun rehabilitation and could be released from Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas within the week.

“He continues to make progress,” Jewell Randle, Williams’ mother, said. “He’s growing tired of the hospital, but knows he is not ready to leave yet. They had him up walking with the parallel bars and in the pool.”

Randle said Williams will transfer to another in-patient facility after his release from Baylor.

Midwestern State names new women's basketball coach

Noel Johnson named MSU women's basketball coach



By J. Scott Russell
Tuesday, April 8, 2008



Noel Johnson was at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Tampa, Fla., when she got the call Sunday from Midwestern State Athletic Director Charlie Carr offering her a job.

It looks like the Stanford Cardinal and the Tennessee Lady Vols will have to play for the national title tonight without her in the stands.

Johnson was introduced Monday as the new women’s head basketball coach at MSU, becoming the eighth Mustangs coach.

Click here for the rest of the Story at the Times Record News.


Click here for the news release from the Midwestern State Website.

Monday, April 7, 2008

NFL Draft Prospect - Ryan O'Hara



NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan O'Hara, QB, Central Oklahoma
by Michael Abromowitz, 4/6/08.
Don't let the small school label fool you, Ryan O'Hara is a big man who has played Division I-A ball. Just like Joe Flacco, who originally played at Pitt, O'Hara transferred to Central Oklahoma from Arizona. At 6'6, 235 lbs, O'Hara has a great frame, and is very mobile and could be a great quarterback sleeper in the draft.
Most interesting question and answer.
TheFootballExpert.com: How instrumental Coach Langston in your progression?

Ryan O’Hara: Chuck Langston (U. Central Oklahoma) was not much of an influence. He was fired my senior year for NCAA violations. Mike Stoops at U. Arizona was a great deal of help because I learned a lot about defenses from him.

Spring Practice Updates - ACU, WTAM, SWO

ACU caps spring practice with scrimmage



By Troy Shockley (Contact)
Saturday, April 5, 2008

Their offensive line was a bit patchwork, many of the skill-position stars weren't playing and every play was scripted.

Still, it was football, and Abilene Christian University looked good.

With so many offensive stars returning in 2008, the Wildcats have been putting the focus this spring on working out young players. Some will be filling in holes left by departed seniors. Some will be counted on to serve in a backup role and be ready to play should injury strike. All, however, will be needed as ACU looks to return to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the third straight year.


Click here for the rest of the story.

ACU Website Story




Defenses excel in WT spring game


By Greg Jaklewicz
gregory.jaklewicz@amarillo.com

On the map, Perryton and Follett are 38 miles apart.


On Saturday, the distance shrank to 6 yards.

The only touchdown of the second half of West Texas A & M's annual Maroon and White Game came when former Perryton quarterback Ryan Howard connected with former Follett standout Tanner Woods on an out play. The TD provided the final scoring in the White team's 31-6 victory before 300 fans at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.
Click here for the rest of the story

WTAM Website story

Game Ends Spring Practice
From the SWO Sports Information Department
April 5, 2008
WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State University put the wraps on its 2008 spring football practice with a spirited intrasquad game Saturday afternoon in Weatherford.
The “Visitors”, which featured players on the first-team defense and second-team offense, emerged as 14-2 winners against the home team which was the first-team offense and second-team defense.

Backup quarterbacks Cody Gragg and Brandon Cobb each threw for short touchdown passes and the first-team defense repeatedly closed the door on their offensive counterparts.

Fourth-year coach Ryan Held was pleased with the overall effort and said he saw some encouraging signs from a number of players during the 50-play scrimmage.

“We had some people step up and show just what they can do for our football team,” Held said.
“This game allowed us to take a look at a number of players, and a lot of them made a good case for themselves.”

While Held stopped short of identifying individual standouts, he felt that it was a productive spring and certainly will give the team momentum heading into falll drills in August.

The Visitor’s first score came after Gragg connected on a 34-yard pass to Saumuel Burnett down to the Home 4. Gragg then found J.R. Hammon on a four-yard pass to put the Visitor’s up 7-0 with 29 seconds left in the second quarter.

The Home team’s only score came on an errant snap during a third-quarter punt play in which the ball sailed out of the back of the endzone making it 7-2.

The Visitor’s put it away in the fourth as Cobb made a couple of impressive fourth-down conversions off draw plays. He then completed the drive with an 11-yard pass to Lane Ross to put the Visitor’s ahead for good at 14-2 with 4:33 to play.

SWOSU will open the season Thursday, Aug. 28 at longtime rival Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Spring Practice Update - Angelo State

Rams get physical in Spring


Courtesy ASU Sports Information
Release 4-3-2008

One week into spring practices, Angelo State head football coach Dale Carr is excited about his Rams this fall.

The addition of two new coaches on the defensive side of the ball delayed the Rams' spring drill one month later than the normal schedule for Carr in his previous two springs, but he feels the break in tradition was not a bad thing.

"We come into the spring wanting to have more physical off-season practices than we have had in the past," Carr said. "The irony is that we are practicing later than we have the past couple seasons. This fall, we want to be one of the more physical teams that people see. We plan to come out of the spring used to a lot of contact and more consistent with our execution.

"Carr is most excited about the many familiar faces in spring workouts. The Rams loss just five players from the 2007 squad due to graduation and experience is showing in the drills this past week.

"We've thrown a lot on the team offensively in the first week and have just about everything in that we finished the season with," Carr said. "That's something you can do when you have a more mature team and when you bring most of the squad back. Defensively, our upperclassmen have picked up a lot and have not lost a step.

"We showed great strides in the weight room leading up to spring practices," Carr continued. "This is the strongest that we have had entering spring drills since I've been here. The upperclassmen did great and the set a good example for the underclassmen. The later practices allowed us to get more done in the weight room.

"Helping to mentor the defense this fall will be defensive coordinator Matt Fryar and defensive line coach Brandon Lacy. Fryar returns to his alma mater after spending the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator at powerhouse Odessa Permian High School while Lacy comes to ASU from Rice University.

"Matt and Brandon take the field with enthusiasm," Carr commented. "They are two young coaches and bring newness to our program that has infused our defense with confidence.

"The Rams will have their first of three scheduled scrimmages on Friday afternoon, Apr. 4. The scrimmage will begin approximately 3:15 p.m. on the Rams' practice field next to the ASU Multipurpose Sport Complex.

"Our first scrimmage will be very scripted and without officials," Carr said. "It won't be a game-like situation, but it will be a good test for our guys."

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