Houston downs Memphis; 6-3 on two-run homer by Ashford Fulmer

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 29, 2014) The Houston Cougars scored three runs in the third inning to tie the game and three more late in the game to down the Memphis Tigers by the score of 6-3 in the second game of their three-game series at Cougar Field on Saturday, March 29, 2014.

The Cougars started off slow, with starting pitcher Jake Lemoine giving up two runs on three hits in the first inning to give the Tigers the early lead.

Memphis scores an addition run in the third to take a three-run lead.

The Cougars came storming back the third bottom of the third, scoring three runs when right fielder Kyle Survance singles to left field; scoring second baseman Josh Vidales from second.

First baseman Casey Grayson next reached base on a throwing error by Memphis third baseman Zach Schritenthal to score short stop Frankie Ratcliff and Survance.

Both runs were unearned.

In the seventh inning, Vidales’ sacrifice fly to center field allowed designated hitter Justin Montemayor to score the Cougars’ fourth run.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

Houston increased their lead to three runs when center fielder Ashford Fulmer hit a monster shot over the left field fence for a two run homer; sending third baseman Jordan Stading home from first.

The home run was the second of the season for Fulmer.

Houston head coach Todd Whitting talked with the press after the game and had praised for his players:

"Gutsy performance by (Jake) Lemoine tonight. He got squared up a little bit, but he competed like crazy. He did a good job of keeping us in the game. We played horrendous defense behind him early in the game, but we played good defense late. Tyler Ford was money out of the bullpen. He came in, and was pounding the zone with his fastball. We had timely hits tonight, I told the team we had to put those first three innings behind us, because we can't control that. We just had to be better than them for the next six innings."

Tyler Ford, pitching 3.1 inning in relief got the win; the fourth of the year.

Lemoine saw 5-2 innings of action, giving up seven hits while facing 25 batters.

Memphis starting pitcher Jon Reed received the loss.

With the win, Houston raises its season record to 21-5 and 1-1 in conference play.

Houston drops conference baseball opener to Memphis

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 28, 2014) The Houston Cougars could not overcome an early run by the Memphis Tigers, falling in the first American Athletic Conference baseball game for both teams by the score of 2-1 at Cougar Field on Friday, March 28, 2014.

The Tigers got on the scoreboard in the first inning when lead off hitter Zach Willis scored from third base on a sacrifice bunt by Tucker Tubbs.

Willis reached base on a fielding error by Houston shortstop Frankie Ratcliff.

He advanced to second when Ethan Gross was hit on his first pitch from Cougar starter Aaron Garza.

Memphis scored their second run on a sacrifice by center fielder Jake Little to score third baseman Drew Griffin from third base.

Houston got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth inning on a fielder’s choice by second baseman Josh Vidales to score Caleb Barker.

Caleb Wallingford, pitching seven innings, got his fourth win of the season for the Tigers while Garza, pitching eight complete innings, received his first loss for 2014.

Bryce Beeler, pitching one inning of relief, got the save.

With the loss, the Cougars fall to 20-5 for the season and 0-1 in conference.

The second game of the weekend series will be at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, March 29.

James Dickey steps down as head basketball coach of the Houston Cougars

James Dickey spent four years at the
helm of the Houston Cougars.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Right Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 24, 2014) It is being reported via University of Houston press release and the Houston Chronicle that James Dickey has stepped down as men's head basketball coach at the Houston Cougars.

The announcement from the University of Houston was released via e mail press release on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 4:45 p.m.

The stated reason was given as “private family matters.”

Dickey spent four years at the helm of the Cougars, posting a 64-62 record along with one post season berth in 2013, advancing to the quarterfinals of the CBI tournament; beating the Texas Longhorns in the first round by the score of 73-72.

He holds a 217-196 overall career record, along with previous jobs as the head coach at Texas Tech (10 years) and as an assistant at Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Central Arkansas, Harding College, and Kentucky.

In the 2013-14 season, Dickey’s Houston squad defeated three Top 25 teams and finish the season with a 17-16 record.

In the press release from the University of Houston, Dickey was quoted:

“This has been a difficult decision to make. I continually preach to my players about being an everyday guy, and the balance of your personal and professional life is a major part of it. With that being said, I have a family matter that requires my time and energy, and I will regretfully step down from my current position at the University of Houston. I am extremely appreciative of Mack Rhoades (Houston athletic director) for the opportunity and for the value he brings professionally and personally. I cannot thank my coaching staff and our players enough for the experience and memorable moments over the past four years. The system of support set forth by our Athletic Department staff is world class, and I’m appreciative of every member of the Houston Athletics family. I would like to thank the Houston fans for their support through the years and greatly encourage them to continue their support of the program in the future.”

Houston will immediately begin a national search for Dickey’s replacement.

Five Texan gymnasts to compete for USA in Pacific Rim Championships

Simone Biles will lead the USA gymnasts
at the Pacific Rim Championships.
Photo by John Cheng/USA Gymnastics

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (March 24, 2014) Five athletes from Texas were selected to represent the United States at the 2014 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships in Canada on April 9-11, 2014.

2013 World all-around champion Simone Biles of the World Gymnastics Centre will lead the team of elite American gymnasts to the competition in Richmond, B.C.,

Simone is the 2013 World Championships all-around & floor exercise gold medalist, vault silver medalist and balance beam bronze medalist. She also finished fourth in the uneven bars final.

In addition, she is the 2013 U.S. all-around champion and vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise silver medalist and the 2013 AT&T American Cup silver medalist.

The Spring, Texas native will be accompanied on the artistic team by fellow Texan Bailie Key (Montgomery, Texas) of Texas Dream Gymnastics.

Bailey is the 2013 P&G Championship junior division gold medalist in all-around, balance beam, and floor exercise.

On the men’s side, Houston’s Chris Brooks of Team Hilton HHonors and Cypress Gymnastics and Katy’s Davis Grooms of Champions Gymnastics will also compete in Canada.

Brooks is the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge all-around champion, high bar silver medalist, and an alternate for the 2013 U.S. Olympic Team.

Grooms is the 2013 Men's Junior Olympic (13-14) national champion in the all-around, high bar and still rings.

In addition, Nicky Wojtana of Plano, Texas and the Texas Rhythmic Academy will compete in the female junior rhythmic competition.

The Pacific Rim Championships is a major regional gymnastics competition held every two years and is open to teams from member nations of the Pacific Alliance of National Gymnastics.  

Member countries include Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, United States and other nations on the Pacific coast.

Scott Kormos secures second tie-down roping title at Houston Rodeo

Photo by Darla Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 23, 2014) With the time of 8.0 seconds, Scott Kormos clinched his second Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo title by winning the tie-down roping event on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

Those in attendance at Reliant Stadium saw the Teague, Texas native advance through six rounds of competition to take the overall Shootout title and $55,300 in prize money.
He captured his first Houston title in 2005.

In Super Series II, he tallied times of 9.6, 8.8, and 7.6 seconds in three rounds to place second with an aggregate time of 26.0 seconds.

In the semi-finals, he scored a solid 9.1 seconds to place third and advance him into the championship.

He then posted a ride of 8.8 seconds to secure his place in the Shootout.
Kormos, who has competed in Houston 11 times, was quoted in the post-event press conference:

“Houston is something every cowboy wants. Every year I’ve come here, I’ve wanted this. It’s been a tough winter; I’ve been struggling with some tough luck. I feel blessed to have this win today.”

Rhen Richard from Roosevelt, Utah, who was competing in his fourth Houston Rodeo, took runner-up honors, taking home $26,100.

Third place went to Reese Riemer of Stinett, Texas.

The 15-year veteran of competing in rodeo secured $13,850 in his first Houston appearance.

Cody Ohl secured fourth place with a 10.2 second ride to take home $11,050 in winnings.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the Super Shootout, with champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.

Feild takes top honors in bareback riding at Houston Lifestock Show and Rodeo

By Robert H Kelly

Photo By Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

Copyright 2014, TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 23, 2014) Taking home his second Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo title in bareback riding, Kaycee Feild road his way to a score of 91 and as a result, pocketed $57,150 in prize money on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

The married father of one from Spanish Fork, Utah, stated in the post-event press conference that the win was special:

“I have some stuff I can spend it on, and share the wealth with my family.”

Feild, who has competed in Houston six times, advanced through Super Series II with scores of 85, 84, and 85 to place first with an aggregate score of 254 points.

He tallied the score of 93 to take first place in the semi-finals and capped that performance with the score of 88 in the championships.

He advanced to the Shootout, topping three other competitors to take the title.
Field has competed in Houston six times in his eight year rodeo career which stretches back to 2006.

Redmond, Oregon native Steven Peebles took runner-up honors with the score of 89; securing $20,717 in prize money.

Third place went to Bobby Mote (Stephenville, Texas) scoring 89 points for $19,317.
Tom O’Connell from Zwingle, Iowa rounded out the top four places with the score of 89 and $16,667.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the event part of the Super Shootout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.
Competition will be contested in bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling.

Heith Demoss takes top honors in saddle bronc riding at Houston Rodeo

Keith Demoss won the saddle bronc riding
at the Houston Rodeo, winning $55,783 in prize money.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 23, 2015) Topping three other finalists with the score of 92, Heith Demoss took the saddle bronc riding title at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at Reliant Stadium on Saturday evening, March 22, 2014.

Saving his best ride for last, the married father of two tallied rides of 83, 84 and 86 in the Super Series for a aggregate score of 253 and third place.

Advancing to the semi-finals, he score 84 for sixth placing, forcing him into the wildcard round with a chance to qualify for the championship.

He recorded his best score of the competition, to that point, when the judhes awarded him an 88; placing first.

He matched that’s core in the championship, which advanced him to the Shootout named his eventual title.

In the post-event meeting with the press, Demoss was quoted:

“It’s just been a thing that’s seemed like a far off dream. It’s my entire life; everything I’ve got is from rodeo. I’d love to dedicate it to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my wife Hallie.”

With the win, Demoss deposits $55,783 into his bank account.

Cort Scheer, hailing from Elsmere Nebraska, put together solid scores of 85 in the championship and 89 in the Shootout to secure second place.

He received $29,610 for his performance.

Dustin Flundra, from Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada placed third with the score of 86, pocketing $15,500.

Rounding out the top four places was Rusty Wright from Milford, Utah, earning $13,760.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the Super Shootout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.

HBU women's golf sits in third place after round one of MSU Oscala Invitational

Christina Cantu
Photo courtesy of 
HBU Media Relations Department

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

DUNNELLON, FLORIDA (March 23, 2014)  Houston Baptist University senior Christina Cantu is tied for third place after the first round of the MSU Oscala Invitational in Dunnellon, Florida.


Cantu fired an even par-72 on the Juliette Falls Golf Resort course on Sunday, March 23, 2014 to lead the Huskies.


Teammate Rachel Mulkey shot a one-over par-73, tying for fifth place and placing junior fifth in the field.


Senior Katie Paxton connected for a 75 (15^th place) with sophomore Brook Johnson shooting 79 (51^st place)


Junior Caitlyn Cassity finished up the Husky scoring with a 81 (71^st place).


HBU sits in third place with a 299 and is tied with North Florida.


Dayton State leads the field with a 295, followed by Florida Gulf Coast in second with a 298.


Round two will be contested on Monday, March 24.

College of Charleston swept by Houston Cougars in college baseball series

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 23, 2014) The Houston Cougars raised their season record to 19-4 by sweeping their three-game series against the College of Charleston Cougars with a 7-1 win on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Cougar Field in Houston Texas.

They also improved their record to 15-1 while playing at Cougar Field.

The Cougars kicked off the sweep on Friday, March 21, 2014, downing the Cougars 8-3 on the pitching of starter Aaron Garza.

The junior right-hander pitched the first complete game of his career, allowing only two earned runs, while striking out six.

With the win, he raised his record to 6-0 in 2014.

Sophomores Kyle Survance and Justin Montemayor each drove in three runs to aid in the effort.

On Saturday, March 22, they returned to Cougar Field to down CofC by the score of 3-2 for the win.

Sophomore starter Jake Lemoine improved to 4-1 on the year, going 5.0 innings while allowing just one hit and five walks in addition to six strikeouts.

On Sunday, March 23, starting pitcher Jared West struck out 11 batters in eight innings, and gave up a single run as Houston made it three-in-a-row by downing CofC by the score of 7-1.

College of Charleston fell to 16-7 after the sweep by Houston.

Houston head coach Todd Whitting talked about the sweep in his post-game meeting with the press:

"It was a great weekend for us, to be able to come out and sweep College of Charleston. I think that was the best team we've played all year. They're very offensive, and they are very physical. They pitch well throughout and their starting pitching is really good. We played well and we knew we had to play well coming into this series, to win it. To be able to sweep was big for us. Jared West today, was outstanding with 11 punch outs. He hadn't had great stuff the past couple of weeks, so it was encouraging to see him bounce back as we get ready for conference play."

Houston will next face cross-town rival Rice on Tuesday, March 25 in game two of their Silver Glove Series with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The Cougars won game one of the series on February 19 when they downed the Owls by the score of 3-0 at Reckling Park.

Tyler Smith scores 90 to win Super Series bull riding at Rodeo Houston

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 23, 2014) It took a score of 90 to secure the championship title in bull riding at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at Reliant Stadium on Saturday, March 22, 2013.

Tyler Smith, who hails from Fruita, Colorado, returned to Houston for the fourth time to compete in the Super Series bull riding and showed the crowd that in attendance that he came to win.
He stated in the post-event press conference:

“I was just trying to focus on riding bulls, jump for jump. And it all worked out.”

With the win, the veteran of 18 years of rodeo competition pockets $50,000 for his championship ride, raising his prize money from Houston in 2014 to $56,200.

He only had one eight-second ride, earning him the score of 91, in Super Series III, having been bucked off the bull on his first and third rides. He advanced to semi-finals, scoring a 94 to place first. In the championship round he scored an 86, which placed him second going into the Shootout.

That is where he scored 90 to best the three other riders on this dirt of Reliant Stadium.
Elliot Jacoby, from Fredericksburg, Texas placed second with the score of 89, pocketing $23,200 in prize money for his efforts.

Third place was taken by Clayton Foltyn with the score of 88, earning the Winnie, Texas native $15,150.

Corey Atwell, from Moravian North Carolina, took home $12,350 in prize money after placing fourth in the event.

More bull riding will be contested on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the event part of the Super Shootout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.

Rogers, Petsak combine to win team roping at Rodeo Houston

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 22, 2014) Teaming up to with their first Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo team roping championship, Erich Rogers and Cory Petska roped their way to the time of 4.2 seconds on the dirt inside Reliant Stadium on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

Rogers from Round Rock, Arizona, riding in the header position, Petska, from Lexington, Oklahoma, riding heeler, saved their best ride for last, scoring 52., 6.1 and 5.6 seconds in their Super Series rounds.

In the semi-finals, they scored 5.9 seconds to advance to the championship.
Their time of 5.3 seconds in the championship advanced them to the Shootout and their eventual title.

With the win, they pocked a total of $114,500 in prize money.

Petska was quoted after their win:

“It is equally amazing. I still got the same nerves, hands shaking. It is a great feeling.”

Rogers added:

“I think once I get on the road, it will sink in a lot more and realize I actually won that Rodeo.” 

The team of Arky Rogers (Lake City, Florida) and Travis Woodard (Stephenville, Texas) finished in second place with the time of 4.7 seconds, earning $59,000.
Nick Sartain (Yukon, Oklahoma) and Rich Skelton (Llano, Texas) placed third with the time of 5.2 seconds, collecting $27,500 in prize money.

The brother duo of Riley and Brady Minor from Ellesnburg, Washington recorded the time of 5.2 seconds and $22,400 for fourth place.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the Super Shootout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.

Nancy Hunter repeats as barrel racing champion at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

Nancy Hunter took top honors and a check for 

$55,000 by winning her second consecutive barrel racing event in Houston.

Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (MARCH 23, 2014) The ladies got into the action on Saturday, March 22, 2014 as the Super Series finals in barrel racing was contested at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Four ladies took to the dirt inside Reliant Stadium, with Nancy Hunter taking the championship title.

Hunter, who along with her horse Fuzz, raced around the three barrels in the time of 14.25 second to claim $55,000 in prize money.

The mother of four, from Neola, Utah, repeated as barrel racing champion, having won the same event in 2013.

This was her second appearance in Houston and stated in the post-event press conference:

 “When you get around that third barrel, you just lean down to your horse and yell. That’s where luck comes in, or angels. When I went down that alleyway that last time, I thought, ‘this one is for my grandpa.’ He is the reason I’m here.”

The register nurse posted the times of 23.1, 14.7 and 14.2 seconds, with an aggregate time of 53.3 second to place fifth in Super Series IV.

She placed first in the first semi-finals with the time of 14.3 second and advanced to the Shootout with the time of 14.4 seconds and a second place finish.

Lisa Lockhart from Oelrichs South Dakota, placed second with the time of 14.4 second to claim $29,200 in prize money.

Third place went to Sherry Cervi, from Marana, Arizona with the time of 14.6 seconds, earning her $17,100.

Christy Loflin rounded out the top four, earning $11,200 with the time of 14.7 seconds.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo concludes on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the Super Shootout, with champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.

Olin Hannum wins steer wrestling at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Olin Hannum was first place in steer
wrestling at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 22, 2014) After 19 days of competition, it came down to four contestants on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in the Super Series Steer WrestlingChampionship at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo inside Reliant Stadium.

Olin Hannum, from Malad, Idaho, claimed top honors, taking home the title after posting the time of 4.6 seconds.

The former quarterback at North Carolina State also took home a check for $54,325.

His win was a mere two-tenths of a second faster than second place finished Luke Branquinho.

Branquinho, who hails from Los Alamos, California, claimed second place with the time of 4.8 seconds and the prize money in the amount of $26,850.

Dean Gorsuch, from Gering, Nebraska, was third place with the time of 13.9 seconds; winning $12,900.

Gorsuch was assessed a 10 second penalty after jumping the gun out of the shoot.

Fourth place was Kale Rinehart from Highmore South Dakota.

He failed to complete the ride and won the fourth place prize money of $10,650.

Hannum, who competed in the Super Series IV, tallied times of 5.6, 6.6, and 4.9 seconds for an aggregate time of 17.1 seconds to place second in the series.

He advanced to the first semi-final round, placing second with the time of 4.4 seconds.

In the championship, he posted the time of 3.6 seconds, which advanced him into the Shootout in first place.

Rodeo competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo concludes on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the Super Shootout, with champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.

Competition begins at 3:45 p.m. with the Zac Brown Band taking to the circular stage inside Reliant Stadium.

The Band Perry rocks the crowd in Reliant Stadium at RodeoHouston

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 22, 2014) The Band Perry took to the revolving stage inside Reliant Stadium on the next to last night of performances, Saturday, March 22, 2014, to entertain the rodeo and country music fans in attendance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The family trio, consisting of Kimberly, Reid, and Neil Perry, performed a variety of their hits, including “Chainsaw,” “If I Die Young," “Better Dig Two," and “Done.”

Kimberly, decked out on a black top, black and gold skirt and black boots, sang lead vocals and played guitar and piano.

Brothers Reid, playing bass guitar and singing background vocals, and Neil, playing mandolin, drums, accordion and singing background vocals, added to the mix, playing their unique brand of American country music.
They were nominated for four awards in 2013: “Top Vocal Group” by the Academy of Country Music Awards, “Top Vocal Group” by the CMY Music Awards, and “Best “If I Break-Up Song “DONE” and Best Country Group at the Teen Choice Awards.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

In 2008, The Band Perry was discovered by Bob Doyle, who was Garth Brooks’ manager which eventually led to being signed to the Republic Nashville label.
That followed up with their debut single “Hip to My Heart, which was written by all three siblings, along with Brett Beavers.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the the Super Shootout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.
After the rodeo competition, the Zac Brown Band will perform for the fans in attendance to close out 2014.

Grand Champion steer sold for $400,000 at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 22, 2014) Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicked off with the Junior Market Steer Auction. Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion were determined on Friday evening with Flint Newman receiving top honors and Kaden Hatla earning reserve honors.

Newman, representing Martin County 4-H of Stanton Texas, sat back and watched a bidding war for his Grand Champion Charolais, with the group of consisting of Evelyn and Roger Bethune; Vanessa, Chris, Kyle, and Rhianna Bruegger; Sally and Rigo Flores; and Mary Alice and Ed Lester bidding $400,000.

The winning bid was more than the winning bid in 2013 of $360,000, but was well below the world record price of $600,001 set in 2002. The 18-year old will receive a guaranteed payment of $75,000 with a potential payment of $85,000.

In the Reserve Grand Champion auction, the Champagne Cowgirls bid $201,000 for Hatla’s Limousin.

The group of 18 women matched the winning bid from 2013, but came in under the $365,000 price from 2001. The 17-year-old Nazareth FFA student from Dimmitt, Texas will receive a guaranteed payment of $40,000 with a maximum possible payout of $45,000.

The activities continued on Saturday afternoon and early evening with the championships of each event in the rodeo.

The top four places in the champion round advance to the Shootout finals will the winners becoming Rodeo Houston champions.

After the rodeo competition, the musical performance of the evening began with The Band Perry taking to the circular stage on the dirt inside Reliant Stadium.

Houston Dynamo goes to 2-0 in 2014 with win over Montreal Impact

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 15, 2014) Will Bruin scored his third goal of the season in the 40th minute Saturday evening, March 15, 2014, to enable the Houston Dynamo to down the Montreal Impact by the score of 1-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. 

Bruin got the ball from forward Giles Barnes and directed the shot into the edge of the box.

The ball defected off Impact goalkeeper Troy Perkins and into the net for the score.

The Dynamo raised their season record to 2-0-0 (six points) while Montreal fell to 0-2-0 (0 points).

The game did not seem to be hampered by the constant rain during the match and the 18,245 fans in attendance were treated to a lively game that saw five yellow cards issued.

Houston’s Kofi Sarkodie and Jermaine Taylor both picked up the cautions for fouls while Montreal players Felipe Martins, Hassoun Camera, and Heran Bernardello received the cautions.

Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear, when questioned in the post-game press conference about the play of Bruin in the first two games of the season, he responded:

"He's not doing anything different. It's just that the balls are going in. If you hit the target you give yourself a chance to score. He was a bit lucky tonight, but he's been unlucky at times as well. Sometimes it evens out. The bounce went our way, and that's what it took to win the game."

The Dynamo will have two weeks to prepare for their next match as the travel to Canada to face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, March 29, 2014.

They will return to BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday, April 5, 2014 where the plat in-state rival, FC Dallas with a 7 p.m. start.

Broiler, Turkey Grand Champion named at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 15, 2014) Competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is not limited to events such as bull riding and steer wrestling. On Thursday, March 13, 2014, the Junior Market Poultry Auction was held and record amounts were earned by the broilers and turkeys in the auction.FFA and 4-H members from around the state of Texas prepare just as hard as traditional athletes for what they consider the championship season of their chosen passion.

The Grand Champion Market Broilers was won by 10-year old Weston Bauer, representing Bastrop Country 4-H from Red Rock, Texas. The winning bid of $165,000 was made by Tommy Fogle, Greg Miller, John Schiller, and Mitzy and Tom Fleissner, , representing Energy XXL. Their bid exceeded the winning price from 2013; $160,000, but was well below the world record price of $201,000 set in 2007. Bauer will receive a guaranteed payment if $30,000 with a potential maximum payment of $40,000.

In the Tom Turkey Division, the Grand Champion Turkey was won by 18-year old Andrew Horacefield of Crosby, Texas, representingHarris County 4-H. The winning bid was $115,000 by Statoil, Terre Albert, Vanessa and Chris Bruegger and Belinda and Mark Young. Their bid exceeded the 2013 price ($110,000) but was also under the world record set in 2007 of $175,000. Horacefield will also receive a guaranteed payment if $30,000 with a potential maximum payment of $40,000.

The Reserve Grand Champion Market Broiler went to B. F. Terry High School FFA student Grant Hruzek. The 18-year-old from Rosenberg, Texas tallies a $125,000 price for his entry.Beverly Wren was the highest bidder, with her bid beating the 2013 price of $105,000.

The Reserve Grand Champion Junior Market Turkey went to 18-year-old Clay Glaze of the Wharton County 4-H of El Campo, Texas. A world record was set with the winning bid; $140,000 by Shirley and Randy Meyer, Robin Young-Ellis and Joe Ellis, Deanna L. and Larry C. Johnson, Kelly and Becky Joy.

Both Hruzek and Glaze will receive a guaranteed payment of $15,000, with a potential maximum payment of $20,000.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues through March 23, 2014.