Texas State overcomes North Texas at SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Story and photos by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

UNIVERSITY PARK, TEXAS (January 3, 2025)  In an exciting finish, the Texas State Bobcats edged the North Texas Mean Green 30-28 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Friday at Gerald J Ford Stadium on the SMU campus. Running back Lincoln Pare led the Bobcats with 143 yards on 21 carries, scoring two touchdowns. His standout moment was a 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, which proved crucial for the team's victory.

Quarterback Jordan McCloud also had a strong performance for Texas State, completing 26 of 35 passes for 307 yards. He threw one touchdown pass to Jaden Williams, who caught eight passes totaling 155 yards. This win marks the Bobcats' second consecutive First Responder Bowl victory, concluding their season with an 8-5 record.

For North Texas, quarterback Drew Mestemaker, a former walk-on, made his first college start. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 393 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also two interceptions. Mestemaker showcased his athleticism with a remarkable 70-yard touchdown run that brought the Mean Green within two points late in the game. Despite his efforts, North Texas was unable to secure the win, finishing their season at 6-7.

The game began with Texas State taking an early lead through a 34-yard field goal by Mason Shipley. North Texas quickly responded with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Mestemaker to Miles Coleman. The teams traded scores throughout the first half, with Texas State holding a narrow 16-14 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Bobcats extended their lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Pare. North Texas answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Mackenzie McGill II, narrowing the gap. However, Pare's explosive 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter gave Texas State a 30-21 advantage. Mestemaker's 70-yard touchdown run brought the Mean Green close, but a late interception sealed the victory for the Bobcats.

North Texas, Boise State to face off in Frisco Bowl

Photo courtesy of Matthewsowell via Wikimedia Commons 

By Chris Price
Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved

FRISCO, TEXAS (December 11, 2022) The City of Frisco will play host to one of the first games of the 2022-23 collegiate bowl game season at Toyota Stadium with North Texas facing off against Boise State in the 2022 Frisco Bowl.

North Texas (7-6) will be making their 14th appearance in a post-season bowl game; along with five bowls games held in Texas, going all the way back to the 1946 Optimist Bowl in Houston. They have also made appearances in the Sun Bowl (1959), Heart of Texas Bowl (2014 and 2016), along with the 2021 Frisco Football Classic.

Boise State comes to Frisco posting a  9-4 record in 2022, including an 8-0 mark in Mountain West games, before falling 28-16 to Fresno State in the conference championship game.

Sean Johnson, Frisco Bowl Executive Director stated:

"We are excited to have two outstanding teams participate in the 2022 Frisco Bowl, the Boise State Broncos and North Texas Mean Green. We are looking forward to hosting this great matchup and to welcoming the teams and their passionate fan bases to Frisco, Texas for an exciting week of bowl events and a fantastic game at Toyota Stadium."

Tickets for the game can be accessed by clicking here.

North Texas' Jaelon Darden Named Walter Camp Second Team All-American

Photo by Ted Gangi
CollegePressBox
(collegepressbox.com) 
Used with permission

DENTON, TEXAS (January 7, 2021) University of North Texas senior wide receiver Jaelon Darden (shown left) was named a Walter Camp Second Team All-America selection on Thursday, officially making him a consensus All-American. Darden is the Mean Green's first consensus All-American since "Mean" Joe Greene was a consensus first team selection in 1968.

Darden is among the nation's leaders in all of the major receiving categories. The Houston native finished with 74 receptions for 1,190 yards and a single-season program record 19 touchdowns in just nine games. His 19 receiving scores are second in the Football Bowl Subdivision, only trailing Alabama's DeVonta Smith, who has 20 through 12 games and was named the Heisman Trophy winner on Monday. Darden ranks seventh in the country in receptions per game (8.2). Darden led the nation in games with three or more receiving touchdowns, with four, and also tied for the most receiving scores in a single game in the country with four. Darden ranks third nationally in receiving yards per game (132.2) and receiving yards (1,190) and fourth in receptions (74). Darden concluded his time in Denton as the program's career record-holder in receptions (230), receiving yards (2,782) and receiving touchdowns (38).

Darden is a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, was named the Conference USA MVP, a First Team All-America selection by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), a First Team All-America selection by Phil Steele, a Pro Football Focus First Team All-American.

Houston swimmers, divers nabs six wins against North Texas

Photo courtsey of
University of Houston Athletics Communications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 31, 2015) The University of Houston Swimming & Diving Team had six individual event champions Saturday afternoon, including the diving team sweeping both events against North Texas at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Natatorium. The Cougars fell to the Mean Green, 164.5-135.5.

“We designed this weekend to be a challenge, with a high-level meet last night and another high-level meet today,” said head coach Ryan Wochomurka. “I don’t think we were as ready to compete this morning as we were last night. I am proud of how we battled back though; we made a few adjustments in the middle of the meet and we competed better toward the end.”

Despite the loss, Houston produced six event victories, from Delia Weber (1,000-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle), Sharo Rodriguez (200-yard butterfly) Micaela Bouter (1-meter dive, 3-meter dive), and Eleanna Koutsouveli (200-yard backstroke).

“The four student-athletes who won events today continue to be leaders for us,” Wochomurka added. “We look to them for leadership, and the exciting thing is that they’re all underclassmen. They are learning what it means to be in that role, and they are leading the charge.”

The divers swept the meet, going 1-2-3 in both the 1-meter and 3-meter. Leading the pack was Bouter, who finished first in both the 3-meter and 1-meter, scoring 337.05 and 308.85. Senior Danielle Shedd earned second in both events with a score of 335.40 in the 3-meter and 304.13 in the 1-meter. Taylor Olanski rounded out the podium in both the 3-meter and 1-meter with her scores of 316.65 and 281.78.

Houston’s relay teams had four podium finishes in two events.  In the 200-yard medley relay, the Cougars finished second and third. The team of Koutsouveli, Ashley Grijalva, Rodriguez and Doroteja Bednjanec placed second with a time of 1:46.96. They were followed by the team of Jenny Penneck, Cameron Balkom, Taylor Derevyanik, and Caitlin Horner to round out the podium with a time of 1:48.40.

In the 400-yard freestyle relay, the team of Horner, Moore, Bednjanec and Hannah Herbst finished second with a swim of 3:31.41. In third was the team of Julie Gibson, Weber, Maya Owens and Derevyanik in a time of 3:35.11.

Weber won the 1,000-yard freestyle for the second day in a row with a swim of 10:13.26. Freshman Herbst placed second in a time of 10:27.88. Weber’s second win of the night came in the 500-yard freestyle, with a time of 5:02.24 as Herbst tied for second with a time of 5:09.48.

Koutsouveli finished second in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 58.33. Her third individual win of the weekend came in the 200-yard backstroke with a swim of 2:03.02, a collegiate personal best.

In the 100-yard breaststroke, sophomore Balkom placed third, swimming it in 1:06.63. The podium finish led the Cougars in the event.

Rodriguez captured first place in the 200-yard butterfly, swimming a time of 2:04.72. The individual victory was Rodriguez’s second in as many days. She also placed second in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 57.57.

In the 50-yard freestyle, Horner finished second with a time of 24.22 and Bednjanec placed third by swimming a time of 24.34. Horner followed that up by placing third in the 100-yard freestyle, swimming the race in 52.83.

In the 200-yard breaststroke, sophomore Grijalva placed third, leading the Cougars with a time of 2:24.55.

In the last individual event of the day, Koutsouveli swam a team season best and personal colligate best in the 200-yard IM with a time of 2:08.97, good for second. Rodriguez was right behind her with a swim of 2:10.76 for third place.

“For us, this was another learning opportunity,” Wochomurka said. “We are a very young team, and we will get better and 

grow from this weekend.”

North Texas Mean Green drop non-conference game to Houston Cougars, 44-21





Charles Sims rushed for a career high 210 yards
against North Texas. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-
La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2012,
All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2012 TexSport Publications


HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 6, 2012) What a difference a new offense coordinator and four weeks can make.

The Houston Cougars scored 31 points in the first half and running back Charles Sims rushed for 216 yards in three quarters to win their second game of the season by the score of 44-21 over the North Texas Mean Green at Roberson Stadium in Houston.

Four weeks ago, the Cougars suffered a 30-12 loss to Texas State in a game that some predicted would lead to a 0-12 season for the Cougars.

Head coach Tony Levine quickly made changes, including the replacement of his offensive coordinator, and things started happening.

Despite losing their next two games and going 0-3 before their bye week, the Cougars have rallied to beat Rice last week, 37-6 and downing North Texas to raise their season record to 2-3.

The main reason is the improved performance and confidence of quarterback David Piland and his getting the ball into the hands of Sims.

Piland completed 3 1of 41 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns while handing off to Sims for 21 carries.

Sims rushed for 216 yards while only losing six for a net total of 210 yards and one touchdown.

In addition, he also had five receptions for 55 yards and another touchdown.

However the confidence of Piland, who is looking more and more like a quarterback who enjoys commanding the offense and getting the ball to Sims, is one of the reasons for the Cougars  improved performance five games into the season.

Kenneth Farrow also contributed to the rushing total; carrying the ball eight times for 88 yards and a single touchdown.

Piland also kept the ball on two carries for 13 yards, scoring his own rushing touchdown.

Dewayne Peace scored the other touchdown for the Cougars while rushing for 83 yards on nine carries.

Matt Hogan was 3-for-3 in field goals, contributing nine points, with a game best of 55-yards along five extra points.

On the defensive side of the ball, Phillip Steward and Everett Daniels each had three solo tackles and nine assists to lead the Cougars with 12 each.

Kent Brooks and Chris Cermin both had one interception.

The Cougars will next face the University of Alabama-Birmingham on Saturday, October 13 with an 11:00 a.m. kickoff at Robertson Stadium.

North Texas Announces 2009 Football Schedule

DENTON, TEXAS (The University of North Texas has announced its 2009 football schedule, which includes six home games for the first time since 1993. Four of North Texas’ 12 opponents in 2009 played in bowl games last season and in addition to the eight-game Sun Belt Conference slate, the schedule features a late-season home game against Army.

The Mean Green will play three of its first five games at home in 2009, which is also the first time that has happened since 1993. The first two games of the season will feature matchups with Mid-American Conference teams. North Texas travels to Ball State to open the season on Thursday, Sept. 3 before returning to Denton for the home-opener against Ohio on Sept. 12. Ball State was ranked as high as No. 12 in the nation last year after starting the season 12-0 and playing in the MAC championship game and the GMAC Bowl. Ohio finished the 2008 season with a 4-8 record but won its final two games of the year.

Swimming and Diving Wins Dual Meets Over the Weekend

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 11, 2008) The University of Houston swimming and diving team won two dual meets this weekend to open the 2008-09 season.

Houston opened the weekend with a 132-88 win over Southwestern and capped it off with a 174-126 win over North Texas on Saturday at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

The Cougars were led by divers Anastasia Pozdniakova and Lacey Truelove. Pozdniakova finished with an NCAA “A” qualifying mark in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events and Truelove notched a “B” qualifying mark in the 1-meter event.

Junior Jessica Shamburger also recorded the schools 10th fastest time in the 100-yard backstroke with her winning time of 57.57 on Saturday.

Houston 174, North Texas 126
In the first event of the afternoon against the Mean Green, Houston finished first and fourth in the 200-yard medley relay. The Cougar “A” team of Jessica Shamburger, Beccy Hillis, Andrea Kells and Paige Bissett finished first with a time of 1:48.68. The “B” team of Rachel Johnson, Natalie Newcomb, Doreen Polotzek and Brittany Copeland finished fourth with a time of 1:55.46.

Co-captain Andrea Pa’lmai won her first event of the afternoon with a time of 10:22.03 in the 1,000-yard freestyle. She was followed by Olga Bordatcheva (11:01.17), Rachel Holcomb (11:49.32) and Markee Johnson (12:18.40) who finished fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively.

Pa’lmai also went on the win the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:06.35 and the 400-yard IM with a time of 4:34.76. Bissett and Rachel Johnson finished sixth (2:15.50) and seventh (2:22.43) respectively in the 200-yard backstroke. Natalie Newcomb was fifth for the Cougars in the 400-yard IM with a time of 4:47.07.

In the third event of the afternoon, North Texas edged Kim Eeson for first place in the 200-yard freestyle. Eeson finished second with a time of 1:53.12. Newcomb added a fourth place finish (2:00.60), while Amber Pace was seventh (2:09.01).

After earning a first place finish in the 200-yard medley relay, Shamburger won her second event of the day finishing first in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 57.57. Her winning time is also the 10th fastest time in Cougar record books. Bissett added a fourth place finish (1:00.73), while Amber Brodeur (1:06.08) was seventh and Rachel Johnson was eighth (1:06.52).

The Cougars followed up the win in the 200-yard medley with win in the 100-yard breaststroke. Hillis won her second event of the day with a time of 1:05.76. Polotzek notched a third place finish (1:09.99), Kells was fifth (1:12.59) and Borbala Juhasz was sixth (1:19.87). Polotzek’s finish set a new career best for the Essen, Germany native.

Hillis won her third event of the day with a 2:20.87 finish in the 200-yard breaststroke. Bordatcheva, Newcomb and Juhasz also finished third (2:29.24), fourth (2:29.57) and seventh (2:57.27) for the Cougars in the event.

Co-captain Sasha Schwendenwein won the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:05.43 and Danica Lubbers was fifth with a time of 2:19.02. Schwendenwein won her second event of the afternoon with a time of 51.92 in the 100-yard freestyle. Copeland, Pace and Stone rounded out the Cougar participants. The trio finish sixth (56.65), seventh (57.63) and eighth (59.55), respectively.

Schwendenwein would also win the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:04.30 and Eeson was second with a time of 5:07.49. Rachel Johnson was seventh (5:48.69) and Markee Johnson was eighth (5:54.58).

Eeson notched her second second-place finish of the afternoon with a 25.07 time in the 50-yard freestyle. Teammates Copeland (25.52), Shamburger (25.70) and Anne Stone (26.70) finished fifth, sixth and eighth, respectively.

Four Cougars swam in the 100-yard butterfly for Houston. Leading the way was Kells with a second place finish of 58:84 and Polotzek finished third (1:00.00). Bissett and Lubbers rounded out the group finishing fifth (1:00.93) and eighth (1:03.23), respectively.

Houston ended the afternoon with a win in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Eeson, Shamburger, Copeland and Schwendenwein combined to finish 3:3.14 in the event. Houston’s “B” relay team of Polotzek, Pace, Pa’lmai and Bordatcheva finished fifth with a time of 3:43.56.

In the diving events, in her first collegiate meet since 2006 after taking a redshirt season to prepare for the 2008 Beijng Olympics, junior Anastasia Pozdniakova won the 1-meter diving competition with 307.43 points. She was followed in second by Lacey Truelove with 260.70 points and Courtney Forcucci in third with 253.35 points. Jessalyn Almond finished fourth with 232.42 points.

With their points total in the 1-meter event, Pozdniakova recorded an NCAA “A” finish, while Truelove notched an NCAA “B” finish.

In the 3-meter event, Pozdniakova again took first with 281.70 points and another NCAA “A” finish. Truelove (265.58 pts.), Almond (261.90 pts.) and Forcucci (254.85 pts.) rounded out the top four.

Houston 132, Southwestern 88
On Friday night, Houston traveled to Georgetown, Texas for a dual meet against Southwestern. UH won the meet with a score of 132-88.

In the 400-yard medley relay, the Cougars “A” relay finished first with a time of 4:13.03. The “A” relay team consisted of Bissett, Schwenedwein, Lubbers and Copeland. The “B” team of Rachel Johnson, Juhasz, Pa’lmai and Pace finished third with a time of 4:28:18.

In the 1,000-yard freestyle Newcomb finished first with a time of 10:56.02 and Bordatcheva took first in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:00.50

Bissett captured first in the 50 yard backstroke with a time of 28:86, while Kells was first in the 50-yard breaststroke with a time of 33.51

Eeson continue the trend of Cougar swimmers finishing first in the 200-yard butterfly, coming in with a time of 2:14.31.

Schwendenwein captured her first individual win of the meet in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25:45 and Pa’lmai finished first with a time of 56:66 in the 100-yard freestyle to take first as well. Schwendenwein captured her third win of the day with a 2:11.45 finish in the 200-yard backstroke and Pa’lmai was once again first in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:29.23.

Bordatcheva captured her second win in the mixed 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:15.86 and Kells notched her second win of the day in the 50-yard butterfly with a time of 27.33.

Houston closed out the meet with two more wins, including a Schwendenwein win in the 200-yard IM (2:10.90) and a top finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Bordatcheva, Shamburger, Copeland and Bissett combined to finish with a time of 3:49.88.

Houston Swimming and Diving Fall to North Texas

DENTON, TEXAS (January 18, 2008) Junior swimmers Andrea Pa'lmai and Sasha Schwendenwein and senior diving captain Ginni van Katwijk each won multiple events, but it would not be quite enough as North Texas claimed a 133-110 win over the University of Houston swimming and diving team Friday afternoon at the Pohl Recreation Center Natatorium.

Although the Cougars won the majority of the individual swimming events and swept the Top Three places in both diving events, the Mean Green began and capped the meet with relay wins to enjoy its first win against UH.

With the loss, the Cougars fell to 8-4 overall in dual meets this season. The Cougars also saw their 13-meet winning streak against the Mean Green come to an end.

Pa'lmai won the 1,00-yard freestyle with a time of 10:30.88 and added a similar finish in the 200-yard individual medley after posting a time of 2:08.22.

The Budapest, Hungary, native capped her day with a first-place showing in the 500-yard freestyle after recording a time of 5:06.00.

Schwendenwein finished first in the 200-yard freestyle with a clocking of 1:51.93. The Randburg, South Africa, native also won the 100-yard freestyle event with a time of 52.32.

van Katwijk led a Cougar sweep of the Top Three places in both diving events. The Grootebroek, Netherlands, native won the 1-meter event with 262.73 points and scored 273.08 points on the 3-meter springboard to grab top honors.

Freshman Andrea Kells grabbed top honors in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 58.64.

Freshman Courtney Forcucci finished second in the 1-meter event with fellow freshman Lacey Truelove placing second on the 3-meter board.

The Cougars wrap up their stay in north Texas when they face No. 12 SMU at 1 p.m., at Perkins Natatorium.

Click here for complete results.