NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (June 9, 2009) The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association has awarded Rice University women's head coach Jim Bevan as its South Central Region Coach of the Year. This is his first region coach of the year award. Bevan previously was honored as the 2007 South Central Region Coach of the Year for Cross Country.
During the 2009 outdoor season, Bevan led Rice to its third-consecutive Conference USA Outdoor Championship in being named C-USA Coach of the Year. Bevan, now in his fourth year as head coach and 23rd overall at Rice, leads a contingent of five Rice distance runners at this week's 28th NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in Fayetteville, Ark. Running for the Owls are Nicole Mericle (3000m steeplechase), Allison Pye (5000m), Becky Wade (10,000m), Lennie Waite (3000m steeplechase), and Callie Wells (5000m).
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
Texas State Names Rob Flaska Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
SAN MARCOS, TEXAS (June 8, 2009) Texas State men’s basketball head coach Doug Davalos filled one of the two vacancies on his staff Friday when he announced the hiring of former Centenary head coach and highly successful assistant coach Rob Flaska to his staff for the 2009-10 season.“Rob is a tremendous hire for Texas State men’s basketball,” Davalos said. “He has a wealth of experience as a collegiate head coach and assistant coach. I got to know him while he was the head coach at Centenary and the thing that stood out to me was his passion for coaching and his competitiveness.”
Flaska comes to Texas State after serving 11 years as a collegiate head coach and 15 years as an assistant coach with 12 of those years as an assistant coming at the Division I level.
“He has been a high level assistant coach and a NCAA Division I head coach,” Davalos added. “He knows what a head coach needs and what an assistant should do. That makes him ideal from that standpoint as my right-hand man.”
Last season, Flaska was an assistant coach at Texas Southern after serving the three previous years as the head coach at Centenary, three years as an assistant coach at Arkansas and four seasons at TCU under Billy Tubbs.
While at Arkansas, he was named the school’s recruiting coordinator and helped sign a pair of classes that were nationally-ranked fourth in 2003 and 11th in 2004. He also helped guide the Horned Frogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, and TCU ranked among the Top two scoring teams and had the top recruiting class in the WAC each of the four years he was at the school.
Flaska went to TCU after serving as the head coach at Florida Community College, where he compiled a 64-31 record over three seasons. He also was an assistant coach at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas and was the head coach at Mott College in Michigan, where he posted a five-year record of 121-44. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Indiana State in 1982-84, followed by a two-year stint at the University of Detroit from 1984-86.
Flaska played basketball at Glenn Lake High School in Maple City, Mich., where he earned All-State honors after leading his team to the 1977 state championship. He played at Michigan Tech, and led the team to its first four winning seasons in school history and set school records for assists and steals.
Flaska comes to Texas State after serving 11 years as a collegiate head coach and 15 years as an assistant coach with 12 of those years as an assistant coming at the Division I level.
“He has been a high level assistant coach and a NCAA Division I head coach,” Davalos added. “He knows what a head coach needs and what an assistant should do. That makes him ideal from that standpoint as my right-hand man.”
Last season, Flaska was an assistant coach at Texas Southern after serving the three previous years as the head coach at Centenary, three years as an assistant coach at Arkansas and four seasons at TCU under Billy Tubbs.
While at Arkansas, he was named the school’s recruiting coordinator and helped sign a pair of classes that were nationally-ranked fourth in 2003 and 11th in 2004. He also helped guide the Horned Frogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, and TCU ranked among the Top two scoring teams and had the top recruiting class in the WAC each of the four years he was at the school.
Flaska went to TCU after serving as the head coach at Florida Community College, where he compiled a 64-31 record over three seasons. He also was an assistant coach at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas and was the head coach at Mott College in Michigan, where he posted a five-year record of 121-44. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Indiana State in 1982-84, followed by a two-year stint at the University of Detroit from 1984-86.
Flaska played basketball at Glenn Lake High School in Maple City, Mich., where he earned All-State honors after leading his team to the 1977 state championship. He played at Michigan Tech, and led the team to its first four winning seasons in school history and set school records for assists and steals.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
UH Track & Field to Send Six to NCAA Outdoor Championships
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 3, 2009) The University of Houston track and field team will send six individuals to the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships held June 10-13 in Fayetteville, Ark.Senior Seun Adigun will make her third-consecutive appearance at the NCAA Championships to lead the Cougars, entering the meet ranked second in the nation in the 100-meter hurdles.
Just days after being named the 2009 Conference USA Female Track Athlete of the Year, Adigun won an automatic bid to the national meet by setting a personal best of 12.88 to set a NCAA Midwest Regional record.
Her time ranked as the second fastest in school history, trailing former Cougar standout Jenny Adams' best of 12.86.
Senior Ivan Diggs also snagged an automatic bid to the NCAA championships, taking second in the high jump at the Midwest Regional.
Currently ranked third in the nation, Diggs cleared 2.22m (7-03.25), finishing just one hundredth of a meter off his personal best of 2.23m (7-03.25).
Sophomore Chris Carter locked up the Cougars' final automatic bid, finishing fifth in the triple jump at the regional last weekend after recording a leap of 16.20m (53-01.75).
Sophomore Tyron Carrier (200m), junior Brittani Williams (javelin) and freshman Grecia Bolton (200m) all earned at-large bids and will represent UH at the NCAA meet.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
NBA SUPERSTAR SHAQUILLE O’NEAL TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL FOR BOMBARDIER LEARJET 550K
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (June 3, 2009) Shaquille O’Neal, one of the National
Basketball Association’s most recognizable players, will serve as the Grand Marshal forSaturday’s Bombardier Learjet 550k IndyCar Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.
O’Neal, a 15-time All Star with four NBA titles and a league MVP award to his
credit, will give the command of “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines,” to the startingfield before the second-largest crowd the IndyCar Series travels to during the season.
In addition to that responsibility, O’Neal, the 7-foot-1, 325-pound center for the
Phoenix Suns, will get the special opportunity to ride shotgun in the official pace car thatleads the field to the green flag with three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherfordbehind the wheel.
“We’ve had some big superstars at Texas Motor Speedway over the years but Shaq
may be the biggest – literally,” Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said.
“They don’t call him “The Diesel” for nothing. I don’t foresee him having a problem
getting the fans excited.”
For O’Neal, it will be his first appearance at an IndyCar Series event and first visitto Texas Motor Speedway as well.“I am excited about being the Grand Marshal and coming to my first IndyCar raceat Texas Motor Speedway this weekend,” O'Neal said. “Since they won't let me enter the
race, I'll do the next best thing and start the race in the pace car. I'm sure Johnny
Rutherford can teach me a few things during the ride so when the day comes and I do getto race an IndyCar I'll be ready.”
O’Neal’s enthusiasm for the IndyCar Series developed out of a recent partnership
with the IndyCar Series team, Luczo Dragon Racing. O’Neal and the team will raise moneyand awareness for charities throughout the 2009 season.
The last two years the team has partnered with champion athletes to help raise
more than $1 million for charitable organizations. It has partnered with a number of
athletes including Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana, John Elway, Marcus Allen, and Serena andVenus Williams. Luczo Dragon Racing, which fields the No. 2 entry for Raphael Matos,developed the program to raise money, increase exposure to the sport and encourage aphilanthropic spirit that inspires others to make an impact in their communities.
Basketball Association’s most recognizable players, will serve as the Grand Marshal forSaturday’s Bombardier Learjet 550k IndyCar Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.
O’Neal, a 15-time All Star with four NBA titles and a league MVP award to his
credit, will give the command of “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines,” to the startingfield before the second-largest crowd the IndyCar Series travels to during the season.
In addition to that responsibility, O’Neal, the 7-foot-1, 325-pound center for the
Phoenix Suns, will get the special opportunity to ride shotgun in the official pace car thatleads the field to the green flag with three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherfordbehind the wheel.
“We’ve had some big superstars at Texas Motor Speedway over the years but Shaq
may be the biggest – literally,” Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said.
“They don’t call him “The Diesel” for nothing. I don’t foresee him having a problem
getting the fans excited.”
For O’Neal, it will be his first appearance at an IndyCar Series event and first visitto Texas Motor Speedway as well.“I am excited about being the Grand Marshal and coming to my first IndyCar raceat Texas Motor Speedway this weekend,” O'Neal said. “Since they won't let me enter the
race, I'll do the next best thing and start the race in the pace car. I'm sure Johnny
Rutherford can teach me a few things during the ride so when the day comes and I do getto race an IndyCar I'll be ready.”
O’Neal’s enthusiasm for the IndyCar Series developed out of a recent partnership
with the IndyCar Series team, Luczo Dragon Racing. O’Neal and the team will raise moneyand awareness for charities throughout the 2009 season.
The last two years the team has partnered with champion athletes to help raise
more than $1 million for charitable organizations. It has partnered with a number of
athletes including Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana, John Elway, Marcus Allen, and Serena andVenus Williams. Luczo Dragon Racing, which fields the No. 2 entry for Raphael Matos,developed the program to raise money, increase exposure to the sport and encourage aphilanthropic spirit that inspires others to make an impact in their communities.
Friday, June 05, 2009
San Jacinto College’s Baseball Team Finishes Successful 2009 Season
San Jacinto College head coach Tom Arrington (center) is shown encouraging players at the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado. The baseball team finished another successful season, emerging as the undefeated Region XIV champions and placing tied for third in the nation at the national tournament. (Photo courtesy of San Jactinto College)HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 5, 2009) San Jacinto College’s baseball team recently wrapped up another successful season, dominating in the Region XIV tournament emerging as the undefeated regional champions, and then finishing tied for third in the nation at the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Despite not having a home field to play on this season, San Jac (45-11, 24-3)
finished the regular season ranked seventh in the nation by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), sixth by Perfect Game USA, and second by PG Crosschecker.
Head coach Tom Arrington and several players garnered awards for their outstanding performance on the local, regional, and national level. Arrington was named the 2009 Region XIV South Zone coach of the year, and nine players were selected on the all-conference team. Pitcher Tommy Collier, catcher Gregg Alcazar and outfielder Deric Hawkins were unanimous selections to the All-Conference team. Other San Jac players on the All-Conference team include pitcher Jacob Cowan, shortstop Ryan Burnaman, utility player Jeff Abt, and infielders Danny Hernandez, Devin Shines, and Ryan Still. San Jac players who were named to the All-Region team include Collier, Burnaman, Hawkins, and Alcazar (who was also named the Region XIV Defensive Player of the Year).
Players who were named on the JUCO All-Tournament team include Cowan, Hawkins,
and Shines. Cowan also received the JUCO Robert Purkey Most Valuable Pitcher award, while Hawkins earned the JUCO Rawlings Big Stick Top Hitter award. San Jac claimed the Region XIV title after a convincing 15-3 win over Texarkana College on May 12 in Brenham, advancing to its 20th World Series, which was held May 23-30 in Grand Junction, Colorado.
San Jac dominated throughout the regional tournament, winning four consecutive games and outscoring opposing teams 35-10. Arrington especially relished the regional title run because of the obstacles the team faced this season, including John Ray Harrison Field – home of San Jac baseball – being out of commission due to a renovation project.
“Winning this particular tournament is very rewarding, considering the adversities we had to overcome – our field being renovated and not available,” he commented. “It’s a testament to the complete desire and commitment that our players demonstrated the entire season. Overcoming these kinds of adversities has been a key to our success this season.”
The return trip to the JUCO World Series was the sixth in the last eight years for San Jac, and the 20th in the program’s history. It also marked the sixth time Arrington took a team to the national tournament.
At the national tournament in Colorado, San Jac got off to a great start, relying on their patented combination of solid pitching and timely hitting to defeat nationally ranked Spartanburg Methodist College 7-1, and highly regarded Santa Fe College 9-4 in the first two games.
In the third game, San Jac came very close to handing the tournament powerhouse Howard College its only defeat. In the end San Jac lost a seesaw slugfest 12-11 to the eventual national champion. Howard ended the 2009 season with an astonishing 63-1 record, the best mark of any championship team in the history of NJCAA baseball. The Hawks also set a NJCAA record for most consecutive wins with their 57-game winning streak earlier in the year.
In game four, San Jac was eliminated from the national tournament with a 12-4 loss in a rematch with Santa Fe (the team that finished as the tournament runner-up) in what would be the only game that San Jac lost by a wide margin throughout the regional or the national tournaments.
Coach Arrington reflected on the team’s third place JUCO World Series finish with mixed emotions. “We certainly wanted to go farther in the national tournament and it’s not the way we wanted to end the season, but at least we did end the season in Grand Junction at the World Series,” he commented. “We were very proud to be here and to represent San Jacinto College, one of the greatest baseball programs in the nation. We’re proud of our tradition, and this is what we always strive for. We’ll be back, and we’ll keep pursuing the ultimate dream of winning a national title.”
finished the regular season ranked seventh in the nation by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), sixth by Perfect Game USA, and second by PG Crosschecker.
Head coach Tom Arrington and several players garnered awards for their outstanding performance on the local, regional, and national level. Arrington was named the 2009 Region XIV South Zone coach of the year, and nine players were selected on the all-conference team. Pitcher Tommy Collier, catcher Gregg Alcazar and outfielder Deric Hawkins were unanimous selections to the All-Conference team. Other San Jac players on the All-Conference team include pitcher Jacob Cowan, shortstop Ryan Burnaman, utility player Jeff Abt, and infielders Danny Hernandez, Devin Shines, and Ryan Still. San Jac players who were named to the All-Region team include Collier, Burnaman, Hawkins, and Alcazar (who was also named the Region XIV Defensive Player of the Year).
Players who were named on the JUCO All-Tournament team include Cowan, Hawkins,
and Shines. Cowan also received the JUCO Robert Purkey Most Valuable Pitcher award, while Hawkins earned the JUCO Rawlings Big Stick Top Hitter award. San Jac claimed the Region XIV title after a convincing 15-3 win over Texarkana College on May 12 in Brenham, advancing to its 20th World Series, which was held May 23-30 in Grand Junction, Colorado.
San Jac dominated throughout the regional tournament, winning four consecutive games and outscoring opposing teams 35-10. Arrington especially relished the regional title run because of the obstacles the team faced this season, including John Ray Harrison Field – home of San Jac baseball – being out of commission due to a renovation project.
“Winning this particular tournament is very rewarding, considering the adversities we had to overcome – our field being renovated and not available,” he commented. “It’s a testament to the complete desire and commitment that our players demonstrated the entire season. Overcoming these kinds of adversities has been a key to our success this season.”
The return trip to the JUCO World Series was the sixth in the last eight years for San Jac, and the 20th in the program’s history. It also marked the sixth time Arrington took a team to the national tournament.
At the national tournament in Colorado, San Jac got off to a great start, relying on their patented combination of solid pitching and timely hitting to defeat nationally ranked Spartanburg Methodist College 7-1, and highly regarded Santa Fe College 9-4 in the first two games.
In the third game, San Jac came very close to handing the tournament powerhouse Howard College its only defeat. In the end San Jac lost a seesaw slugfest 12-11 to the eventual national champion. Howard ended the 2009 season with an astonishing 63-1 record, the best mark of any championship team in the history of NJCAA baseball. The Hawks also set a NJCAA record for most consecutive wins with their 57-game winning streak earlier in the year.
In game four, San Jac was eliminated from the national tournament with a 12-4 loss in a rematch with Santa Fe (the team that finished as the tournament runner-up) in what would be the only game that San Jac lost by a wide margin throughout the regional or the national tournaments.
Coach Arrington reflected on the team’s third place JUCO World Series finish with mixed emotions. “We certainly wanted to go farther in the national tournament and it’s not the way we wanted to end the season, but at least we did end the season in Grand Junction at the World Series,” he commented. “We were very proud to be here and to represent San Jacinto College, one of the greatest baseball programs in the nation. We’re proud of our tradition, and this is what we always strive for. We’ll be back, and we’ll keep pursuing the ultimate dream of winning a national title.”
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Two Texans Named To The All-Louisiana Softball Team
LAKE CHARLES, LOUSIANA (June 4, 2009) McNeese State pitcher Bethany Stefinsky (Gonzales, Texas) and outfielder Lindsey Langner (Pearland, Texas) have been named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana Softball team. The team is based on nominations by the state's four year colleges and universities that play softball.
Stefinsky (left), a senior from Gonzales, Texas, was a third team pick after leading the Cowgirls all season long in the circle and posted a 21-16 overall record with a 2.67 ERA in her final season with the Cowgirls. She broke McNeese's single season strikeout record and led the Southland Conference with 304 strikeouts this season. Stefinsky also led the Cowgirls and SLC in innings pitched, strikeouts per game with 8.73 and ranked nationally in this category. She helped McNeese State to a second place finish in the SLC race and a runner-up finish at the Southland Conference Tournament. The second team all-SLC selection ended the season by winning six of her last eight game.
Langner (right), a sophomore from Pearland, Texas was named to the honorable mention team after leading the Cowgirls in eight offensive categories including a .269 batting average, 30 runs scored, 49 hits and 15 stolen bases. She also led the Cowgirls with a .979 fielding percent and committed one error on the season in 47 chances. Langner also led the SLC with 212 plate appearances and ranked fifth in stolen bases and runs scored.
Stefinsky (left), a senior from Gonzales, Texas, was a third team pick after leading the Cowgirls all season long in the circle and posted a 21-16 overall record with a 2.67 ERA in her final season with the Cowgirls. She broke McNeese's single season strikeout record and led the Southland Conference with 304 strikeouts this season. Stefinsky also led the Cowgirls and SLC in innings pitched, strikeouts per game with 8.73 and ranked nationally in this category. She helped McNeese State to a second place finish in the SLC race and a runner-up finish at the Southland Conference Tournament. The second team all-SLC selection ended the season by winning six of her last eight game.
Langner (right), a sophomore from Pearland, Texas was named to the honorable mention team after leading the Cowgirls in eight offensive categories including a .269 batting average, 30 runs scored, 49 hits and 15 stolen bases. She also led the Cowgirls with a .979 fielding percent and committed one error on the season in 47 chances. Langner also led the SLC with 212 plate appearances and ranked fifth in stolen bases and runs scored.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Hawkins, Collier Named NJCAA Baseball All-Americans
Outfielder Deric Hawkins is one of two San Jacinto College baseball players to earn NJCAA all-America honors this season. The other is pitcher Tommy Collier. Photo by Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 3, 2009) Freshmen Deric Hawkins and Tommy Collier have been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) all-American teams, the organization announced today.
Hawkins, an outfielder from Houston (St. Pius X High School), was named to the second team after finishing the season hitting .402 behind 78 hits, including 21 homeruns. He also had 10 stolen bases this season.
Collier was one of the top 40 pitchers in the country this season, finishing the regular season with a 2.67 ERA while striking out 128. The Houston (Cy-Fair High School) native was 13-1 this season and earned honorable mention recognition.
“I am very proud of both Deric and Tommy for having been selected as all-Americans,” said eighth-year head coach Tom Arrington. “They are both highly talented ball players that work extremely hard at their skills. It is also very rewarding to be acknowledged by the NJCAA baseball selection committee when thousands of players throughout the country are nominated for this award.”
Despite not having a home field to play on this season due to renovations at J.R. Harrison Field, San Jac (45-11) made its 20th appearance in the JUCO World Series May 23-30, finishing tied for third. Arrington was named the Region XIV South Zone coach of the year, and nine players earned all-conference honors.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Rice Women's Track & Field Places Four on C-USA All-Academic Team
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 2, 2009) Rice, the three-time Conference USA Indoor and Outdoor Champions, was represented by a foursome on the women's all-academic team in Katie Dollinger, Allison Pye, Becky Wade, and Lennie Waite. Dollinger and Waite are also three-time C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll selections. Sophomore Pye and Wade were named to the 2008 U.S. Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team.
Waite is also a two-time recipient of that award. A native of Austin, Texas, she graduated cum laude from Rice last May and maintains a 3.96 GPA. Wade earned All-America honors this spring in the indoor mile run, and was the C-USA Outdoor Champion in both the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase. Waite and Wade qualified for nationals in the 3000m steeplechase after finishing second and fourth at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Norman, Okla.
All-Academic Team members hold at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average and served as a key component to their program's success.
Waite is also a two-time recipient of that award. A native of Austin, Texas, she graduated cum laude from Rice last May and maintains a 3.96 GPA. Wade earned All-America honors this spring in the indoor mile run, and was the C-USA Outdoor Champion in both the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase. Waite and Wade qualified for nationals in the 3000m steeplechase after finishing second and fourth at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Norman, Okla.
All-Academic Team members hold at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average and served as a key component to their program's success.
Monday, June 01, 2009
FROGS CROWD FINAL ITA RANKINGS
FORT WORTH, TEXAS ( June 1, 2009) Four members of the TCU men’s tennis team were included in the season’s final release of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) national rankings, combining for five total entries. The Horned Frogs, which reached NCAA Regional play for the 18th time in 19 years, concluded the season at No. 38 in the national team rankings.
TCU’s final team rating marked the third time in the last four seasons that the squad finished 38th or higher. The four individuals and five entries marked the program’s highest season-ending totals in each category since 2000, when the Frogs finished with six each.
Senior Kriegler Brink, who concluded his career during TCU’s NCAA opening-round loss to Tulsa, finished the season as the highest-rated Frog in singles at No. 77. He posted a team-best 24-9 overall record in 2008-09, including 19-5 in spring dual matches, and went 12-1 when playing at his usual position of No. 3 singles.
Freshman Slah Mbarek finished his first season at TCU rated No. 93 in singles after spending much of the spring filling the top position of the Frog lineup. He posted a 12-10 record in dual-match play after joining the squad at semester. The native of Tunisia climbed as high as No. 61 in the national singles rankings, the highwater mark for any TCU player this season.
Brink and Mbarek also ranked 44th in the final ITA doubles rankings. The pair went 16-2 while playing together and played so successfully that it took over the team’s top doubles position. The duo did not lose a beat once it climbed into the No. 1 spot, going 10-1 down the final stretch of the season for the Frogs.
Brink and Mbarek each earned spots on both the All-Mountain West Conference Singles and Doubles Teams. Brink concluded his TCU career with respective singles and doubles records of 82-35 and 80-31.
Sophomore Emanuel Brighiu and junior Adrian Simon finished the campaign as TCU’s
top-rated doubles tandem at No. 36. The duo represented the Frogs at the NCAA Individual Championships and concluded the season with a 19-13 overall record. A 3-1 mark in conference play tied the squad for the team lead in MWC wins while earning it a spot on the All-MWC Doubles Team.
Brighiu also finished the year in the ITA singles ratings at No. 115. He opened the year as the Frogs’ No. 1 player, but was forced out of the lineup for a period of time while dealing with a nagging elbow injury. The injury plagued him throughout the season, but he returned to help TCU win the MWC regular season championship by recording a 4-2 record in league play. He finished the season 15-14 overall and 8-11 in dual matches, also earning All-MWC singles status.
TCU’s final team rating marked the third time in the last four seasons that the squad finished 38th or higher. The four individuals and five entries marked the program’s highest season-ending totals in each category since 2000, when the Frogs finished with six each.
Senior Kriegler Brink, who concluded his career during TCU’s NCAA opening-round loss to Tulsa, finished the season as the highest-rated Frog in singles at No. 77. He posted a team-best 24-9 overall record in 2008-09, including 19-5 in spring dual matches, and went 12-1 when playing at his usual position of No. 3 singles.
Freshman Slah Mbarek finished his first season at TCU rated No. 93 in singles after spending much of the spring filling the top position of the Frog lineup. He posted a 12-10 record in dual-match play after joining the squad at semester. The native of Tunisia climbed as high as No. 61 in the national singles rankings, the highwater mark for any TCU player this season.
Brink and Mbarek also ranked 44th in the final ITA doubles rankings. The pair went 16-2 while playing together and played so successfully that it took over the team’s top doubles position. The duo did not lose a beat once it climbed into the No. 1 spot, going 10-1 down the final stretch of the season for the Frogs.
Brink and Mbarek each earned spots on both the All-Mountain West Conference Singles and Doubles Teams. Brink concluded his TCU career with respective singles and doubles records of 82-35 and 80-31.
Sophomore Emanuel Brighiu and junior Adrian Simon finished the campaign as TCU’s
top-rated doubles tandem at No. 36. The duo represented the Frogs at the NCAA Individual Championships and concluded the season with a 19-13 overall record. A 3-1 mark in conference play tied the squad for the team lead in MWC wins while earning it a spot on the All-MWC Doubles Team.
Brighiu also finished the year in the ITA singles ratings at No. 115. He opened the year as the Frogs’ No. 1 player, but was forced out of the lineup for a period of time while dealing with a nagging elbow injury. The injury plagued him throughout the season, but he returned to help TCU win the MWC regular season championship by recording a 4-2 record in league play. He finished the season 15-14 overall and 8-11 in dual matches, also earning All-MWC singles status.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Owls Place Three in Top Six in the Women's 3000m Steeplchase at NCAA Midwest Regional
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA (May 31, 2009) Rice had three runners place in the top six in the 3000m steeplechase at the NCAA Midwest Regional held at Oklahoma's John Jacobs Track and Field Complex.
Lennie Waite placed second with a time of 10:00.71, which is just shy of her all-time fastest time of 10:00.30. Colorado's Jennifer Barringer was first at 9:26.20.
Sophomore Becky Wade was fourth with her all-time best mark of 10:12.16, while Nicole Mericle finished sixth at 10:16.87.
In the team standings, Rice placed 12th with 25 points.
Lennie Waite placed second with a time of 10:00.71, which is just shy of her all-time fastest time of 10:00.30. Colorado's Jennifer Barringer was first at 9:26.20.
Sophomore Becky Wade was fourth with her all-time best mark of 10:12.16, while Nicole Mericle finished sixth at 10:16.87.
In the team standings, Rice placed 12th with 25 points.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Colwick Wins NCAA Midwest Regional Track Title
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA (May 30, 2009) Rice pole vaulter Jason Colwick, owner of the world's No. 2 pole vault mark, lived up to his billing in winning the NCAA Midwest Regional title at Oklahoma's John Jacobs Track and Field Complex. Colwick cleared 5.56m/18-2.75 to place ahead of Texas' Maston Wallace who cleared the same height, but had more misses.
This is Colwick's first-ever NCAA Midwest Regional title after placing second a year ago. It is also the sixth time this outdoor season that he has cleared the 18-feet mark. His season-best is 5.72m/18-9.25.
Colwick cleared his opening height of 5.36m/17-7on his first attempt and then passed on 5.46m/17-11. The sophomore from San Marcos, Texas, cleared 5.56m on his second attempt and then passed on 5.66 before missing his first attempt at 5.76 and passing on his final two tries.
Wallace cleared his opening height of 5.16m/16-11 and then cleared 5.26m/17-3 on his third and final try. He then passed on 5.36m/17-7 and 5.46m/17-11 before clearing 5.56m/18-2.75 on his third attempt.
Ugo Nduaguba placed eighth in the triple jump with a season-best mark of 15.65m/51-4.26.
In other action, freshman Sam McGuffie finished 21st in the long jump with a mark of 6.96m/22-10 and Simon Bucknell, competing in the 1500m placed 10th in heat one with a time of 3:59.76.
This is Colwick's first-ever NCAA Midwest Regional title after placing second a year ago. It is also the sixth time this outdoor season that he has cleared the 18-feet mark. His season-best is 5.72m/18-9.25.
Colwick cleared his opening height of 5.36m/17-7on his first attempt and then passed on 5.46m/17-11. The sophomore from San Marcos, Texas, cleared 5.56m on his second attempt and then passed on 5.66 before missing his first attempt at 5.76 and passing on his final two tries.
Wallace cleared his opening height of 5.16m/16-11 and then cleared 5.26m/17-3 on his third and final try. He then passed on 5.36m/17-7 and 5.46m/17-11 before clearing 5.56m/18-2.75 on his third attempt.
Ugo Nduaguba placed eighth in the triple jump with a season-best mark of 15.65m/51-4.26.
In other action, freshman Sam McGuffie finished 21st in the long jump with a mark of 6.96m/22-10 and Simon Bucknell, competing in the 1500m placed 10th in heat one with a time of 3:59.76.
Friday, May 29, 2009
San Jac finishes fourth at JUCO World Series
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO (May 29, 2009) San Jacinto College finished fourth in the nation after a disappointing 12-4 loss to Santa Fe College at the JUCO World Series on Thursday, May 2 in Grand Junction, Colorado.
San Jac’s normally dominant pitching staff struggled throughout the game, giving up at least one run in every inning except one. In the top of the third inning, San Jac tied the score at 3 when left fielder Steven Vidaurri drilled a two-run home run over the left field wall. But Santa Fe’s offense answered with four runs in the bottom of the third inning, knocking starting pitcher Chris McKenzie out of the game. The Saints never relinquished the lead and finished with 12 runs on 15 hits, with one error. San Jac’s four runs came on seven hits, and the team committed three costly errors.
San Jac’s fourth and final run came in the fifth inning when first baseman Devin Shines brought home center fielder Deric Hawk on a RBI single to center field. San Jac’s head coach Tom Arrington reflected on the team’s disappointing finish with mixed emotions. “We certainly wanted to go farther in the tournament and it’s not the way we wanted to end the season, but at least we did end the season in Grand Junction at the World Series,” he commented. “We were very proud to be here and to represent San Jacinto College, one of the greatest baseball programs in the nation. We’re proud of our tradition, and this is what we always strive for. We’ll be back, and we’ll keep pursuing the ultimate dream of winning a national title.”
San Jac’s normally dominant pitching staff struggled throughout the game, giving up at least one run in every inning except one. In the top of the third inning, San Jac tied the score at 3 when left fielder Steven Vidaurri drilled a two-run home run over the left field wall. But Santa Fe’s offense answered with four runs in the bottom of the third inning, knocking starting pitcher Chris McKenzie out of the game. The Saints never relinquished the lead and finished with 12 runs on 15 hits, with one error. San Jac’s four runs came on seven hits, and the team committed three costly errors.
San Jac’s fourth and final run came in the fifth inning when first baseman Devin Shines brought home center fielder Deric Hawk on a RBI single to center field. San Jac’s head coach Tom Arrington reflected on the team’s disappointing finish with mixed emotions. “We certainly wanted to go farther in the tournament and it’s not the way we wanted to end the season, but at least we did end the season in Grand Junction at the World Series,” he commented. “We were very proud to be here and to represent San Jacinto College, one of the greatest baseball programs in the nation. We’re proud of our tradition, and this is what we always strive for. We’ll be back, and we’ll keep pursuing the ultimate dream of winning a national title.”
Thursday, May 28, 2009
San Jac Loses Slugfest Against Howard
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO (May 28, 2009) San Jacinto College came up a little short, losing 12-11 in a seesaw slugfest against top-ranked Howard College in the third round of the JUCO World Series on Wednesday, May 27 in Grand Junction, Colorado.
On offense, San Jac was led by third baseman Danny Hernandez, who went three for four with one RBI. Center fielder Deric Hawkins went four for five with three runs batted in. Right fielder Jeff Abt went one for three, and his one hit nearly turned the game around for San Jac. He launched a long, two-run home run over the center field fence in the bottom of the ninth inning to bring the score to 12-11 with no outs. Hernandez followed with a single to center field, but Hawkins, second baseman Ryan Still, and left fielder Steven Vidaurri went down in order and left Hernandez stranded at first.
San Jac used four pitchers — starter David Rollins, and relievers Sean Nolin, Dylan Adamek, and Chris Dickerson — and all of them were roughed up by Howard’s hitters. Rollins allowed 8 hits and 6 runs, Nolin allowed 4 hits and 3 runs, Adamek allowed no hits and 2 runs, and Dickerson allowed 2 hits and 1 run. San Jac will next face Santa Fe College on Thursday, May 28 at 3 p.m. San Jac defeated Santa Fe 9-4 on Tuesday, May 26, and must beat them again to advance to the next round of the tournament. There are now four teams left in the tournament. Howard College is the only undefeated team with a 3-0 record. San Jac, Santa Fe, and Western Nevada College all have 2-1 records.
The double-elimination tournament runs through May 30. For a complete tournament bracket and to follow San Jac through its national title run, visit www.jucogj.org.
On offense, San Jac was led by third baseman Danny Hernandez, who went three for four with one RBI. Center fielder Deric Hawkins went four for five with three runs batted in. Right fielder Jeff Abt went one for three, and his one hit nearly turned the game around for San Jac. He launched a long, two-run home run over the center field fence in the bottom of the ninth inning to bring the score to 12-11 with no outs. Hernandez followed with a single to center field, but Hawkins, second baseman Ryan Still, and left fielder Steven Vidaurri went down in order and left Hernandez stranded at first.
San Jac used four pitchers — starter David Rollins, and relievers Sean Nolin, Dylan Adamek, and Chris Dickerson — and all of them were roughed up by Howard’s hitters. Rollins allowed 8 hits and 6 runs, Nolin allowed 4 hits and 3 runs, Adamek allowed no hits and 2 runs, and Dickerson allowed 2 hits and 1 run. San Jac will next face Santa Fe College on Thursday, May 28 at 3 p.m. San Jac defeated Santa Fe 9-4 on Tuesday, May 26, and must beat them again to advance to the next round of the tournament. There are now four teams left in the tournament. Howard College is the only undefeated team with a 3-0 record. San Jac, Santa Fe, and Western Nevada College all have 2-1 records.
The double-elimination tournament runs through May 30. For a complete tournament bracket and to follow San Jac through its national title run, visit www.jucogj.org.
NEW ROLES FOR HBU'S COTTRELL AND MONIACI
HOUSTON, TEXAS (mAY 28, 2009) Houston Baptist University Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Ron Cottrell will be moving into a new role as associate athletic director, allowing him to focus more time on his role as head basketball coach, President Robert B. Sloan announced today. Associate Athletic Director Steve Moniaci will serve as interim athletic director.
According to Sloan, the move makes sense with the University’s move back into NCAA Division I athletics. “For three years, Ron Cottrell and I together planned for HBU’s entrance into NCAA Division I. As both Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Ron has given exceptional leadership in the initiation of this process and the completion of the first major step. He and I have often discussed the fact that he would eventually serve as either Athletic Director or Head Men’s Basketball Coach, given the huge responsibility of NCAA membership and now our membership in the Division I Great West Conference.
“Ron has recently indicated his desire to relinquish the role of Athletic Director and, of course, retain his role as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach. He has done an amazing job in carrying both responsibilities, and the entire HBU family owes him a huge debt of gratitude. But Ron’s first love is still coaching, and his nation-wide success as NAIA Coach and now NCAA bears witness to that fact.”
Sloan also remarked on the importance of the experiences Moniaci brings to the University in making the transition possible. “We are fortunate to have had Steve Moniaci as Associate Athletic Director for more than two years. Steve has been an integral partner with Ron during HBU’s transition to the NCAA, and brings great experience to the role of AD. These two colleagues will continue to play a significant role as HBU moves toward full membership in NCAA Division I.”
Moniaci joined HBU after 26 years of service in the athletic department at Rice University. He began his tenure at Rice as the executive director of the Owl Club and director of athletic promotions. He was named assistant athletic director in charge of operations in 1985, associate athletic director in 1997, and in 2001 he was named senior associate athletic director, a position he held until 2006.
Cottrell is beginning his 19th season as head basketball coach for the Huskies with a career record of 379-208. After years as a perennial NAIA Division I power, the Huskies played their first NCAA Division I schedule during the 2008-2009 season as they joined the Great West Conference. Cottrell had served as athletic director for 15 years.
According to Sloan, the move makes sense with the University’s move back into NCAA Division I athletics. “For three years, Ron Cottrell and I together planned for HBU’s entrance into NCAA Division I. As both Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Ron has given exceptional leadership in the initiation of this process and the completion of the first major step. He and I have often discussed the fact that he would eventually serve as either Athletic Director or Head Men’s Basketball Coach, given the huge responsibility of NCAA membership and now our membership in the Division I Great West Conference.
“Ron has recently indicated his desire to relinquish the role of Athletic Director and, of course, retain his role as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach. He has done an amazing job in carrying both responsibilities, and the entire HBU family owes him a huge debt of gratitude. But Ron’s first love is still coaching, and his nation-wide success as NAIA Coach and now NCAA bears witness to that fact.”
Sloan also remarked on the importance of the experiences Moniaci brings to the University in making the transition possible. “We are fortunate to have had Steve Moniaci as Associate Athletic Director for more than two years. Steve has been an integral partner with Ron during HBU’s transition to the NCAA, and brings great experience to the role of AD. These two colleagues will continue to play a significant role as HBU moves toward full membership in NCAA Division I.”
Moniaci joined HBU after 26 years of service in the athletic department at Rice University. He began his tenure at Rice as the executive director of the Owl Club and director of athletic promotions. He was named assistant athletic director in charge of operations in 1985, associate athletic director in 1997, and in 2001 he was named senior associate athletic director, a position he held until 2006.
Cottrell is beginning his 19th season as head basketball coach for the Huskies with a career record of 379-208. After years as a perennial NAIA Division I power, the Huskies played their first NCAA Division I schedule during the 2008-2009 season as they joined the Great West Conference. Cottrell had served as athletic director for 15 years.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Dynamo acquire forward Dominic Oduro from New York Red Bulls
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 27, 2009) The Houston Dynamo acquired forward Dominic Oduro in a trade with the New York Red Bulls, the team announced today.Houston sent a 2010 first-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft and a 2011 second-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft to the Red Bulls in exchange for Oduro.
Oduro, 23, is already in his fourth season in Major League Soccer. Oduro played with FC Dallas from 2006-08, scoring nine goals in 70 games, and has made three appearances with the Red Bulls this season. He played collegiate soccer at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2004-05. A native of Pramso, Ghana, Oduro has been called into camp with the Ghana U-23 national team but has not made any appearances.
“We played against him several times when he was in Dallas, and he always performed well,” Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear said. “His pace really stands out. He will definitely be a good addition to the team.”
Oduro is expected to fly to Houston in time for Thursday’s training and will be available to the media at Thursday’s 1:00 p.m. press conference.
The Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer franchise that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first three seasons and represented the United States in three consecutive regional championships. Currently on a six-game unbeaten streak, the Dynamo will close out their current two-game homestand on Saturday, May 30, against Toronto FC. Be sure to ask about the new Texas Children’s Health Plan Family Section. For more information, please log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.
Rice's Rendon Named A Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA (May 27, 2009) Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon was named one of 30 national semifinalists for the 2009 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award as the nation's premier amateur baseball player, USA Baseball announced Tuesday (May 26) from its headquarters in Durham, N.C.
Rendon, who is also a national semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy as the top college player as selected by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Assoc., was last week the first player in Conference USA history to be named both the C-USA Player and C-USA Freshman of the Year in the same season. Rendon is the only freshman among the Golden Spikes Award national semifinalists. The young standout from nearby Lamar High School has had a sensational debut at the Division I level, leading the conference in home runs (19) and leading the Owls in batting average (.375) and rbi (64).
The Golden Spikes Award has been presented to the nation's top amateur player in each of the last 31 years. The names of the 30 semifinalists will now be forwarded to a voting body of 125 who will select the five finalists and the eventual 2009 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award winner. The 2009 winner will be announced live at MLB's All-Star FanFest in St. Louis as part of a production by Major League Baseball and MLBAM.
"USA Baseball is proud to recognize the 30 semifinalists and their respective baseball programs for the 2009 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award," said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO. "With 25 schools and 14 conferences represented, it is clear that the level of competition within college baseball and for the Golden Spikes Award is as high as ever."
The Rice baseball team begins play in the NCAA Tournament with its home NCAA Regional this Friday (May 29) at Reckling Park. The Owls host longtime rival Sam Houston State at 6 pm. The early game of the Regional features Kansas State and Xavier in a 2 pm start.
Rendon, who is also a national semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy as the top college player as selected by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Assoc., was last week the first player in Conference USA history to be named both the C-USA Player and C-USA Freshman of the Year in the same season. Rendon is the only freshman among the Golden Spikes Award national semifinalists. The young standout from nearby Lamar High School has had a sensational debut at the Division I level, leading the conference in home runs (19) and leading the Owls in batting average (.375) and rbi (64).
The Golden Spikes Award has been presented to the nation's top amateur player in each of the last 31 years. The names of the 30 semifinalists will now be forwarded to a voting body of 125 who will select the five finalists and the eventual 2009 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award winner. The 2009 winner will be announced live at MLB's All-Star FanFest in St. Louis as part of a production by Major League Baseball and MLBAM.
"USA Baseball is proud to recognize the 30 semifinalists and their respective baseball programs for the 2009 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award," said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO. "With 25 schools and 14 conferences represented, it is clear that the level of competition within college baseball and for the Golden Spikes Award is as high as ever."
The Rice baseball team begins play in the NCAA Tournament with its home NCAA Regional this Friday (May 29) at Reckling Park. The Owls host longtime rival Sam Houston State at 6 pm. The early game of the Regional features Kansas State and Xavier in a 2 pm start.
UH Track & Field to Send 27 to NCAA Midwest Regional
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 27, 2009) The University of Houston track and field team will be represented by 27 student-athletes at the upcoming 2009 NCAA Midwest Regional on May 29-30 at John Jacobs Field in Norman, Okla.
All 27 have met the NCAA regional qualifications during the outdoor season to advance to the post-season event.
Competing for the men are senior Ivan Diggs (HJ), sophomore Chris Carter (TJ), sophomore Ed Turner (100m, 200m, LJ), junior Alex Bentley (PV), sophomore Bryan Brown (PV), sophomore Tyron Carrier (100m, 200m), sophomore Lazarus Crumedy (4X100), junior Lamar Delaney (TJ), senior Morgan Floyd (JT, Decathlon), freshman D'Korian Ford (400h), junior Brandon Hubbard (DT), senior Jeremy Kelley (TJ), junior Jason Perez (400h) and freshman Isaiah Sweeney (100m).
Competing for the women are senior Seun Adigun (100H, 100m, 200m, 4X100), freshman Grecia Bolton (100m, 200m), sophomore Candyce Cross (4X400), sophomore Kalyn Floyd (200m, 400m), freshman Whitney Harris (200m, 400m), sophomore Christie Jones (100m, 200m), junior Quin'shundolyn McPherson (LJ, 4X100, 4X400), senior Dayo Ogunniyi (LJ), sophomore Kiara Pulliam (SP), freshman Tai'shea Reese (LJ), junior Brittani Williams (JT) and freshman Nadirah Shakir (TJ).
At the Regional the top five finishers in each event will automatically qualify for the 2009 NCAA Championships held June 10-13 in Fayetteville, Ark. There are four Regional sites making a total of 20 qualifiers with the possibility of five to eight at-large bids.
The 10,000 meters, heptathlon and decathlon have automatic and provisional marks for the NCAA Championships. Automatic qualifiers will make the Championships leaving at-large bids available to athletes with provisional marks.
Last season at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Des Moines, Iowa, the women's team finished in ninth place with 23 points, while the men finished in 28th with five team points.
All 27 have met the NCAA regional qualifications during the outdoor season to advance to the post-season event.
Competing for the men are senior Ivan Diggs (HJ), sophomore Chris Carter (TJ), sophomore Ed Turner (100m, 200m, LJ), junior Alex Bentley (PV), sophomore Bryan Brown (PV), sophomore Tyron Carrier (100m, 200m), sophomore Lazarus Crumedy (4X100), junior Lamar Delaney (TJ), senior Morgan Floyd (JT, Decathlon), freshman D'Korian Ford (400h), junior Brandon Hubbard (DT), senior Jeremy Kelley (TJ), junior Jason Perez (400h) and freshman Isaiah Sweeney (100m).
Competing for the women are senior Seun Adigun (100H, 100m, 200m, 4X100), freshman Grecia Bolton (100m, 200m), sophomore Candyce Cross (4X400), sophomore Kalyn Floyd (200m, 400m), freshman Whitney Harris (200m, 400m), sophomore Christie Jones (100m, 200m), junior Quin'shundolyn McPherson (LJ, 4X100, 4X400), senior Dayo Ogunniyi (LJ), sophomore Kiara Pulliam (SP), freshman Tai'shea Reese (LJ), junior Brittani Williams (JT) and freshman Nadirah Shakir (TJ).
At the Regional the top five finishers in each event will automatically qualify for the 2009 NCAA Championships held June 10-13 in Fayetteville, Ark. There are four Regional sites making a total of 20 qualifiers with the possibility of five to eight at-large bids.
The 10,000 meters, heptathlon and decathlon have automatic and provisional marks for the NCAA Championships. Automatic qualifiers will make the Championships leaving at-large bids available to athletes with provisional marks.
Last season at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Des Moines, Iowa, the women's team finished in ninth place with 23 points, while the men finished in 28th with five team points.
Men's Basketball Adds Fifth Member of Signing Class
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 27, 2009) Collin County College guard Adam Brown became the fifth member of the University of Houston men's basketball team signing class with his recent inking, head coach Tom Penders announced Tuesday.
Brown, a native of San Antonio, joins the Cougars after an award-winning career for the last two seasons at Collin County College. As a sophomore in 2008-09, Brown averaged 18.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He averaged 43 percent from behind the arc and recorded 14 games with at least 20 points, including a season-high 33 points against Temple College.
For his impressive efforts, he was named to the Junior College All-America Second Team and was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the North Texas Conference and NJCAA Region V.
Brown competed at San Antonio's Churchill High for head coach Randy Schuster, graduating in 2007.
He selected the Cougars over TCU, Miami (Fla.), Rutgers, Wichita State and Utah State.
With the addition of Brown, the Cougars' signing class grew to five student-athletes. Brown joined forward Maurice McNeil (San Jacinto JC, New York), guard Nick Haywood (Ouachita High, Monroe, La.), forward Kendrick Washington (Huntington High, Shreveport, La.) and forward Kirk Van Slyke (West Point Prep/College Park High, The Woodlands, Texas), who signed in mid May.
Brown joins McNeil as the oldest members of the signing with Haywood, Washington and Van Slyke competing as freshmen in 2009-10.
In 2008-09, the Cougars finished with a 21-12 overall record and advanced to the College Basketball Invitational for the second straight season. It was the program's fourth postseason appearance in the last five years.
Brown, a native of San Antonio, joins the Cougars after an award-winning career for the last two seasons at Collin County College. As a sophomore in 2008-09, Brown averaged 18.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He averaged 43 percent from behind the arc and recorded 14 games with at least 20 points, including a season-high 33 points against Temple College.
For his impressive efforts, he was named to the Junior College All-America Second Team and was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the North Texas Conference and NJCAA Region V.
Brown competed at San Antonio's Churchill High for head coach Randy Schuster, graduating in 2007.
He selected the Cougars over TCU, Miami (Fla.), Rutgers, Wichita State and Utah State.
With the addition of Brown, the Cougars' signing class grew to five student-athletes. Brown joined forward Maurice McNeil (San Jacinto JC, New York), guard Nick Haywood (Ouachita High, Monroe, La.), forward Kendrick Washington (Huntington High, Shreveport, La.) and forward Kirk Van Slyke (West Point Prep/College Park High, The Woodlands, Texas), who signed in mid May.
Brown joins McNeil as the oldest members of the signing with Haywood, Washington and Van Slyke competing as freshmen in 2009-10.
In 2008-09, the Cougars finished with a 21-12 overall record and advanced to the College Basketball Invitational for the second straight season. It was the program's fourth postseason appearance in the last five years.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Field Set for NCAA Regional Baseball Action at Rice
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 25, 2009) The Rice Owls, champions of Conference USA, will welcome Kansas State, Xavier and Sam Houston to Reckling Park this weekend for regional action in the first round of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Championship.
Tickets for the Houston (Rice) Regional are on sale online at RiceOwls.com, or through the Rice Athletic Ticket Office at Rice Stadium. All-session passes are available for $55. Tickets for single games will go on sale on Thursday, May 28. Tickets can be purchased in person or over the phone by calling (713) 522-OWLS during normal business hours from Tuesday through Thursday.
This is the Owls 15th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Baseball Championship, which ranks as the fourth longest active streak in the country. Miami (FL) is in the field for the 37th consecutive year, extending its own record, followed by Florida State (32) and Cal State Fullerton (18),
The Owls (39-15) will open NCAA play against Sam Houston State (36-22) for the second consecutive year when they meet at 6:00 on Friday at Reckling Park. The Owls defeated the Bearkats 3-2 last year in the opener. Kansas State (41-16-1) will take on Xavier (38-19) in the regional opener at 2:00 on Friday.
Kansas State and Xavier are making their first appearances in the NCAA tournament and are two of 29 teams who were not in the 2008 field Binghamton, Cal Poly and Georgia St. are also making the championship for the first time. Utah last was in the field in 1960, Boston College last made it in 1967.
For the first time in four years, the Owls did not receive one of the eight national seeds and their regional has been matched with the LSU (#3 national seed) regional in the bracket.
The field of 64 teams competing for the 2009 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship was announced today by the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee.
The national top eight seeds are Texas (41-13-1), Cal State Fullerton (42-14), LSU (46-16), North Carolina (42-16), Arizona St. (44-12), UC Irvine (43-13), Oklahoma (41-18) and Florida (39-20).
The Big 12 and Southeastern Conference lead all conferences in the number of teams in the championship field with eight, followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with seven. The Big Ten, Big West, Conference USA and Pacific-10 each have three teams each.
Of the 288 championship eligible Division I institutions that sponsor baseball, Coastal Carolina and LSU have the most Division I wins with 46. Twenty-five other teams won at least 40 Division I contests, and all of which but New Mexico St. and San Jose St., are in the field.
Each of the 16 regionals feature four teams, playing a double-elimination format. The regionals are scheduled to be conducted from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1 (if necessary). Selection of the eight super regional hosts will be announced on NCAA.com, Monday, June 1 at approximately 11 p.m. (ET).
The 63rd Men's College World Series begins play Saturday, June 13, at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.
Tickets for the Houston (Rice) Regional are on sale online at RiceOwls.com, or through the Rice Athletic Ticket Office at Rice Stadium. All-session passes are available for $55. Tickets for single games will go on sale on Thursday, May 28. Tickets can be purchased in person or over the phone by calling (713) 522-OWLS during normal business hours from Tuesday through Thursday.
This is the Owls 15th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Baseball Championship, which ranks as the fourth longest active streak in the country. Miami (FL) is in the field for the 37th consecutive year, extending its own record, followed by Florida State (32) and Cal State Fullerton (18),
The Owls (39-15) will open NCAA play against Sam Houston State (36-22) for the second consecutive year when they meet at 6:00 on Friday at Reckling Park. The Owls defeated the Bearkats 3-2 last year in the opener. Kansas State (41-16-1) will take on Xavier (38-19) in the regional opener at 2:00 on Friday.
Kansas State and Xavier are making their first appearances in the NCAA tournament and are two of 29 teams who were not in the 2008 field Binghamton, Cal Poly and Georgia St. are also making the championship for the first time. Utah last was in the field in 1960, Boston College last made it in 1967.
For the first time in four years, the Owls did not receive one of the eight national seeds and their regional has been matched with the LSU (#3 national seed) regional in the bracket.
The field of 64 teams competing for the 2009 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship was announced today by the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee.
The national top eight seeds are Texas (41-13-1), Cal State Fullerton (42-14), LSU (46-16), North Carolina (42-16), Arizona St. (44-12), UC Irvine (43-13), Oklahoma (41-18) and Florida (39-20).
The Big 12 and Southeastern Conference lead all conferences in the number of teams in the championship field with eight, followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with seven. The Big Ten, Big West, Conference USA and Pacific-10 each have three teams each.
Of the 288 championship eligible Division I institutions that sponsor baseball, Coastal Carolina and LSU have the most Division I wins with 46. Twenty-five other teams won at least 40 Division I contests, and all of which but New Mexico St. and San Jose St., are in the field.
Each of the 16 regionals feature four teams, playing a double-elimination format. The regionals are scheduled to be conducted from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1 (if necessary). Selection of the eight super regional hosts will be announced on NCAA.com, Monday, June 1 at approximately 11 p.m. (ET).
The 63rd Men's College World Series begins play Saturday, June 13, at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.
Rice Selected To Host NCAA Baseball Regional
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 25, 2009) The NCAA Division I Baseball Committee announced 16 regional sites for the 63rd annual NCAA Division I Baseball Championship on Sunday evening, and for the eighth time in the past nine years, Rice's Reckling Park will serve as a site for the opening round of The Road to Omaha. As a host site for the a 2009 regional, the Owls have qualified for their 15th-consecutive NCAA Baseball Championship by virtue of their 8-6 win over Southern Miss Sunday afternoon in the C-USA Championship game.
Competition for the Houston (Rice) Regional will get underway on Friday, May 29 with a pair of games. The list of competing teams will be released on Monday at 11:30 am on ESPN as part of the release of the 2008 NCAA Baseball tournament bracket. The NCAA will also announce the teams who have earned national seeds at that time.
Tickets for the Houston (Rice) Regional are on sale online at RiceOwls.com, or through the Rice Athletic Ticket Office at Rice Stadium. All-session passes are available for $55. Tickets for single games will go on sale on Thursday, May 28. Tickets can be purchased in person or over the phone by calling (713) 522-OWLS during normal business hours from Tuesday through Thursday.
The 16 regional sites, with host institutions and records are as follows: Arizona State (43-12 through Saturday, May 23), Tempe, Ariz.; UC Irvine (42-13 through Saturday, May 23), Irvine, Calif.; Cal State Fullerton (41-14 through Saturday, May 23), Fullerton, Calif.; Clemson (40-19), Clemson, S.C.; East Carolina (42-17), Greenville, N.C.; Florida (39-20), Gainesville, Fla.; Florida St. (42-15 through Saturday, May 23), Tallahassee, Fla.; Georgia Tech (35-17-1), Atlanta; LSU (45-16 through Saturday, May 23), Baton Rouge, La.; Louisville (44-15), Louisville, Ky.; Mississippi (40-17), Oxford, Miss.; North Carolina (42-16), Chapel Hill, N.C.; Oklahoma (41-18), Norman, Okla.; Rice (39-15), Houston; Texas (40-13-1 through Saturday, May 23), Austin, Texas; TCU (36-16), Fort Worth, Texas.
By virtue of being awarded a regional, all 16 host institutions have also been selected to the 64-team field. Cal State Fullerton, Clemson, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and TCU have made the field as at-large selections.
Arizona State (Pacific-10), UC Irvine (Big West), Florida St. (Atlantic Coast), Louisville (Big East), LSU (SEC), Rice (Conference USA), Texas (Big XII) have clinched automatic berths by virtue of winning their conference tournament championships.
Each regional field features four teams, playing a double-elimination format. All 16 regionals are scheduled to be conducted from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1. Florida State is hosting for record 28th time, while this will be the 19th time that Arizona State and LSU have hosted a regional. Clemson (12th) is the only other institution to host 10 or more times since the NCAA went to the regional format in 1975.
Georgia Tech is hosting for the ninth time, while Cal St. Fullerton, Florida and Rice are hosting a regional for the eighth time. Mississippi and North Carolina are hosting for the fifth time.
Oklahoma is the host for the fourth time and East Carolina for the third time. Hosting for the first time are UC Irvine, Louisville and TCU. Six institutions (Arizona State, Cal State Fullerton, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina and Rice) also hosted in 2008.
Thirty Division I conferences receive an automatic berth in the field of 64, along with 34 at-large selections. The 63rd Men's College World Series begins play Saturday, June 13, at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.
Competition for the Houston (Rice) Regional will get underway on Friday, May 29 with a pair of games. The list of competing teams will be released on Monday at 11:30 am on ESPN as part of the release of the 2008 NCAA Baseball tournament bracket. The NCAA will also announce the teams who have earned national seeds at that time.
Tickets for the Houston (Rice) Regional are on sale online at RiceOwls.com, or through the Rice Athletic Ticket Office at Rice Stadium. All-session passes are available for $55. Tickets for single games will go on sale on Thursday, May 28. Tickets can be purchased in person or over the phone by calling (713) 522-OWLS during normal business hours from Tuesday through Thursday.
The 16 regional sites, with host institutions and records are as follows: Arizona State (43-12 through Saturday, May 23), Tempe, Ariz.; UC Irvine (42-13 through Saturday, May 23), Irvine, Calif.; Cal State Fullerton (41-14 through Saturday, May 23), Fullerton, Calif.; Clemson (40-19), Clemson, S.C.; East Carolina (42-17), Greenville, N.C.; Florida (39-20), Gainesville, Fla.; Florida St. (42-15 through Saturday, May 23), Tallahassee, Fla.; Georgia Tech (35-17-1), Atlanta; LSU (45-16 through Saturday, May 23), Baton Rouge, La.; Louisville (44-15), Louisville, Ky.; Mississippi (40-17), Oxford, Miss.; North Carolina (42-16), Chapel Hill, N.C.; Oklahoma (41-18), Norman, Okla.; Rice (39-15), Houston; Texas (40-13-1 through Saturday, May 23), Austin, Texas; TCU (36-16), Fort Worth, Texas.
By virtue of being awarded a regional, all 16 host institutions have also been selected to the 64-team field. Cal State Fullerton, Clemson, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and TCU have made the field as at-large selections.
Arizona State (Pacific-10), UC Irvine (Big West), Florida St. (Atlantic Coast), Louisville (Big East), LSU (SEC), Rice (Conference USA), Texas (Big XII) have clinched automatic berths by virtue of winning their conference tournament championships.
Each regional field features four teams, playing a double-elimination format. All 16 regionals are scheduled to be conducted from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1. Florida State is hosting for record 28th time, while this will be the 19th time that Arizona State and LSU have hosted a regional. Clemson (12th) is the only other institution to host 10 or more times since the NCAA went to the regional format in 1975.
Georgia Tech is hosting for the ninth time, while Cal St. Fullerton, Florida and Rice are hosting a regional for the eighth time. Mississippi and North Carolina are hosting for the fifth time.
Oklahoma is the host for the fourth time and East Carolina for the third time. Hosting for the first time are UC Irvine, Louisville and TCU. Six institutions (Arizona State, Cal State Fullerton, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina and Rice) also hosted in 2008.
Thirty Division I conferences receive an automatic berth in the field of 64, along with 34 at-large selections. The 63rd Men's College World Series begins play Saturday, June 13, at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.
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