LINCOLN, NEBRASKA (June 1, 2008) Rice sophomore Jason Colwick placed second in the pole vault at the NCAA Midwest Regional at the University of Nebraska's Ed Weir Stadium. Colwick posted a mark 5.41/17-9 and then passed on jumping at 5.51m/18-1 to make attempts at 18-4, which would have been a personal best.
Kansas' Jordan Scott, also a sophomore, cleared 5.51m/18-1 to win the event. Colwick still holds the nation's top mark at 5.55m/18-2.25.
"We had a very good day with Jason Colwick placing second in the pole vault," said Rice head coach Jon Warren. "He had a chance to win it by clearing 18-4 to set a personal best, but was unable to make it. Ugo (Nduaguba) did well in the triple (jump) and has a shot at earning a trip to nationals."
In the triple jump, freshman Ugo Nduaguba placed 12th with a mark of 15.24m/50-0, while senior Devon Fanfair finished 22nd with a jump of 13.99m/45-10.75.
Rice concluded the two-day affair with eight points to place 23rd overall.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Toros Drop 9-2 Decision to Blue Thunder
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (May 31, 2008) Scoring only two runs off ten hits while leaving 11 men on base, the Bay Area Toros lost to the league leading McKinney Blue Thunder 9-2 Saturday night at Robinson Stadium in Texas City.
The crowd of 376 baseball fans saw the Blue Thunder erupt for nine runs off nine hits while leaving fifteen on base to take the victory.
McKinney starter Donald Furrow went seven innings, giving up all of the Toros' ten hits while striking out three for his first win of the season.
Toros starter Will Smelzter, who had yet to get a win for the Toros this season, went four 1/3 innings, giving up four runs off seven hits, while walking five and striking out three.
Center fielder Mitch Elloitt led the offensive punch for the Blue Thunder, going two for three, scoring two runs and one RBI. Outfielder Ryan Forsythe contributed with two runs off four at-bats and one hit.
The Toros remain in second place in the CBL standings with a record of 5-3, two games behind the Blue thunder, who stand at 7-2.
Action continues tomorrow at 6:35 PM for the rubber game of this three-game series.
Sunday's game is Ice Cream Sunday at Robinson Stadium with League City Wraps gives all kids in attendance at the game one free ice cream.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (May 31, 2008) Scoring only two runs off ten hits while leaving 11 men on base, the Bay Area Toros lost to the league leading McKinney Blue Thunder 9-2 Saturday night at Robinson Stadium in Texas City.
The crowd of 376 baseball fans saw the Blue Thunder erupt for nine runs off nine hits while leaving fifteen on base to take the victory.
McKinney starter Donald Furrow went seven innings, giving up all of the Toros' ten hits while striking out three for his first win of the season.
Toros starter Will Smelzter, who had yet to get a win for the Toros this season, went four 1/3 innings, giving up four runs off seven hits, while walking five and striking out three.
Center fielder Mitch Elloitt led the offensive punch for the Blue Thunder, going two for three, scoring two runs and one RBI. Outfielder Ryan Forsythe contributed with two runs off four at-bats and one hit.
The Toros remain in second place in the CBL standings with a record of 5-3, two games behind the Blue thunder, who stand at 7-2.
Action continues tomorrow at 6:35 PM for the rubber game of this three-game series.
Sunday's game is Ice Cream Sunday at Robinson Stadium with League City Wraps gives all kids in attendance at the game one free ice cream.
Texas Swimmers Place at Open Water Nationals
By Robert Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA (May 31, 2008) Five members of the First Colony Swim Team (FCST) of Houston competed and placed at the USA Swimming 5K Open Water National Championships in Fort Myers, Florida.
In the men 's division, Ryan Littlefield finished in 14th place (1:02:44.900), with Gregory Rice (28th-1:08.35.300) and Daniel Graviss (29th-1:10.45.800) rounding out the Gulf LSC field.
In the women's division Christy Wolterman finished in 25th place (1:11:08.100) while Kaitie Layne took 26th place (1:13.45.000).
The USA Swimming National Open Water Championships continues on Tuesday, June 5 with the 25 kilometer race.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA (May 31, 2008) Five members of the First Colony Swim Team (FCST) of Houston competed and placed at the USA Swimming 5K Open Water National Championships in Fort Myers, Florida.
In the men 's division, Ryan Littlefield finished in 14th place (1:02:44.900), with Gregory Rice (28th-1:08.35.300) and Daniel Graviss (29th-1:10.45.800) rounding out the Gulf LSC field.
In the women's division Christy Wolterman finished in 25th place (1:11:08.100) while Kaitie Layne took 26th place (1:13.45.000).
The USA Swimming National Open Water Championships continues on Tuesday, June 5 with the 25 kilometer race.
Houston Dynamo to Visit White House
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 31, 2008) The two-time defending MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo will visit the White House on Thursday, June 5, to be congratulated by President George W. Bush for the second straight year, the team announced Friday.
Like last year, the Dynamo will go on a tour of the White House and meet with President Bush to honor the team’s 2007 MLS Cup championship, won in Washington, D.C. on November 18, 2007 with a 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution. The Dynamo are the first MLS squad to make consecutive visits to the White House.
The White House visit comes the day after the Dynamo take on D.C. United at RFK Stadium. Last year, the Dynamo visited the White House on May 29 and proceeded to win their next five games and go unbeaten in 11 consecutive league games.
Team president and general manager Oliver Luck, along with equity partner Gabriel Brener, will accompany the Dynamo on the White House trip. The team will be made available to photographers at 11:15 a.m. For White House credential information, media can contact Elizabeth Chervenak at (202) 456-6238.
To celebrate the team’s trip and its two consecutive championships, the first 7,500 fans in attendance for the June 8 game against Toronto FC will receive a specially designed Dynamo championship lapel pin like those worn by the team on its White House visit. The Dynamo’s attire for the visit was provided by Houston business Lucho’s Men’s Clothing.
Like last year, the Dynamo will go on a tour of the White House and meet with President Bush to honor the team’s 2007 MLS Cup championship, won in Washington, D.C. on November 18, 2007 with a 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution. The Dynamo are the first MLS squad to make consecutive visits to the White House.
The White House visit comes the day after the Dynamo take on D.C. United at RFK Stadium. Last year, the Dynamo visited the White House on May 29 and proceeded to win their next five games and go unbeaten in 11 consecutive league games.
Team president and general manager Oliver Luck, along with equity partner Gabriel Brener, will accompany the Dynamo on the White House trip. The team will be made available to photographers at 11:15 a.m. For White House credential information, media can contact Elizabeth Chervenak at (202) 456-6238.
To celebrate the team’s trip and its two consecutive championships, the first 7,500 fans in attendance for the June 8 game against Toronto FC will receive a specially designed Dynamo championship lapel pin like those worn by the team on its White House visit. The Dynamo’s attire for the visit was provided by Houston business Lucho’s Men’s Clothing.
Friday, May 30, 2008
CBL Game Shorts for Friday, May 30, 2008
By Olivia Dodson
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Games of Friday, May 30, 2008:
At Texarkana:
Texarkana Gunslingers-9 Corpus Christi BeachDawgs-1
Win: Brandon Wells. Loss: Garardo Valera.
At Texas City:
Bay Area Toros-8 McKinney Blue Thunder-4
Win: Kevin Cooper. Loss: Andrew Kelne.
Schedule for Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1:
McKinney Blue Thunder at Bay Area Toros
Corpus Christi BeachDawgs at Texarkana Gunslingers
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Games of Friday, May 30, 2008:
At Texarkana:
Texarkana Gunslingers-9 Corpus Christi BeachDawgs-1
Win: Brandon Wells. Loss: Garardo Valera.
At Texas City:
Bay Area Toros-8 McKinney Blue Thunder-4
Win: Kevin Cooper. Loss: Andrew Kelne.
Schedule for Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1:
McKinney Blue Thunder at Bay Area Toros
Corpus Christi BeachDawgs at Texarkana Gunslingers
Rice's Wright Posts Top HJ Mark of the Season
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA (May 30, 2008) At the NCAA Midwest Regional held at Nebraska's Ed Weir Stadium, the Rice Owls track and field squad did not have an athlete advance to Saturday's final from Friday's preliminary rounds.
In the high jump, Omar Wright posted his best mark of the season with a leap of 2.11m/6-11, but did not earn a top eight finish. His previous best was 2.10m/6-10 set four times.
Competing in the 200m, Bubba Heard ran a time of 21.45 and did not qualify for the final and Gary Anderson ran a 21.64 and did not qualify as well. Heard, in the 400m, also did not advance to the final with a time of 48.94.
The Owls have three athletes scheduled for two field events on Saturday. Sophomore Jason Colwick, who owns the nation's number one mark in the pole vault (5.55m/18-2.25) and Ugo Nduagubo and Devon Fanfair in the triple jump.
In the high jump, Omar Wright posted his best mark of the season with a leap of 2.11m/6-11, but did not earn a top eight finish. His previous best was 2.10m/6-10 set four times.
Competing in the 200m, Bubba Heard ran a time of 21.45 and did not qualify for the final and Gary Anderson ran a 21.64 and did not qualify as well. Heard, in the 400m, also did not advance to the final with a time of 48.94.
The Owls have three athletes scheduled for two field events on Saturday. Sophomore Jason Colwick, who owns the nation's number one mark in the pole vault (5.55m/18-2.25) and Ugo Nduagubo and Devon Fanfair in the triple jump.
Owls Compete Well at NCAA Midwest Regional
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA (May 30, 2008) At the NCAA Midwest Regional held at Nebraska's Ed Weir Stadium, the Rice Owls track and field squad had a very successful first day of action.
"We had a great first day," says Rice head coach Jim Bevan. "In every event, we posted better marks than from where we were seeded. We just had excellent performances from everyone."
One of those excellent performances that Bevan spoke of came from senior pole vaulter Rachel Greff. Greff placed second with a mark of 4.16m/13-7.75. Alicia Rue from Minnesota won the event with a mark of 4.26m/13-11.75. Allison Pye, only a freshman, had a great run in the 5000m final with a sixth place finish (17:15.50).
Desarie Walwyn earned a trip to Saturday's final in the 100m with a time of 11.53. Sarah Lyons is in the finals of the 400m with a time 53.30 and Chandra Ewing is in the final of the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:00.81.
The Owls' 4x100m relay squad consisting of Sarah Lyons, Shakera Reece, Brittany Washington, and Desarie Walwyn advanced to Saturday's final. The team's time of 44.92 is faster than its previously posted 45.09.
In the long jump, Lacee Carmon posted a mark of 5.65m/18-6.5, but did not advance to the finals.
The Midwest Regional concludes on Saturday.
"We had a great first day," says Rice head coach Jim Bevan. "In every event, we posted better marks than from where we were seeded. We just had excellent performances from everyone."
One of those excellent performances that Bevan spoke of came from senior pole vaulter Rachel Greff. Greff placed second with a mark of 4.16m/13-7.75. Alicia Rue from Minnesota won the event with a mark of 4.26m/13-11.75. Allison Pye, only a freshman, had a great run in the 5000m final with a sixth place finish (17:15.50).
Desarie Walwyn earned a trip to Saturday's final in the 100m with a time of 11.53. Sarah Lyons is in the finals of the 400m with a time 53.30 and Chandra Ewing is in the final of the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:00.81.
The Owls' 4x100m relay squad consisting of Sarah Lyons, Shakera Reece, Brittany Washington, and Desarie Walwyn advanced to Saturday's final. The team's time of 44.92 is faster than its previously posted 45.09.
In the long jump, Lacee Carmon posted a mark of 5.65m/18-6.5, but did not advance to the finals.
The Midwest Regional concludes on Saturday.
Toros Lose First At Home
TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (May 29, 2008) Bay Area Toros starting First Baseman Ben Burum summed up Thursday evening's 9-2 loss to the Texarkana Gunslingers with only a few words, “We just couldn’t get the key hits we needed.”
Unfortunately, Burum was right on in his assessment. The Toros appeared lackluster at the plate striking out swinging and placing easily played hits. Collectively, the team managed a meager .151 average while the Gunslingers were true to their name, connecting nearly at .300. The two lone bright spots for the Toros were Greg Plecki and Jose Suncar who both scored runs and tied with the most hits at two.
Texarkana continued to exhibit their strength near the middle of their order as Third Baseman Gene Crimoli led the team with three hits out of four at bats. He would also score two runs while knocking in one. Defensively, Gunslinger pitcher Ryan Williams would give the Toros fits as he pitched into the sixth inning only allowing one run and striking out eight. His relief, William Jackel would nearly match his totals in slightly less than three innings. Five Bay Area batters struck out under his watch.
Toro starter Keegan Laycock looked to record his first win in two outings but was harassed by batters in the Second Inning after throwing expertly in the First. Facing a total of eight batters in the Second, Laycock surrendered two hits and walked three. A passed ball by Catcher Corey Thrush allowed the first score while a double by Erik Lingren would bring home three more.
Bay Area’s only response came during the Sixth Inning, ignited by Shortstop Jose Suncar’s triple. He would find home plate with a Greg Plecki single and Plecki would follow suit on an error by Texarkana Second Baseman Dane Peavy.
The mood in the home team clubhouse was somber to say the least following the game. Not only had the Toros given Texarkana their first win in franchise history, but the offense had seemed to disappear.
“We have to hit better, period,” Burum would sigh. “There is so much potential on this team, it is painful to go out and feel like we could have done better.”
The Toros will have to manage to rejuvenate their batting and fielding since the reigning champions McKinney Blue Thunder make their first visit to the Bay Area beginning Friday. The Blue Thunder and Toros will have a three game series with all games beginning at 6:35 PM.
Unfortunately, Burum was right on in his assessment. The Toros appeared lackluster at the plate striking out swinging and placing easily played hits. Collectively, the team managed a meager .151 average while the Gunslingers were true to their name, connecting nearly at .300. The two lone bright spots for the Toros were Greg Plecki and Jose Suncar who both scored runs and tied with the most hits at two.
Texarkana continued to exhibit their strength near the middle of their order as Third Baseman Gene Crimoli led the team with three hits out of four at bats. He would also score two runs while knocking in one. Defensively, Gunslinger pitcher Ryan Williams would give the Toros fits as he pitched into the sixth inning only allowing one run and striking out eight. His relief, William Jackel would nearly match his totals in slightly less than three innings. Five Bay Area batters struck out under his watch.
Toro starter Keegan Laycock looked to record his first win in two outings but was harassed by batters in the Second Inning after throwing expertly in the First. Facing a total of eight batters in the Second, Laycock surrendered two hits and walked three. A passed ball by Catcher Corey Thrush allowed the first score while a double by Erik Lingren would bring home three more.
Bay Area’s only response came during the Sixth Inning, ignited by Shortstop Jose Suncar’s triple. He would find home plate with a Greg Plecki single and Plecki would follow suit on an error by Texarkana Second Baseman Dane Peavy.
The mood in the home team clubhouse was somber to say the least following the game. Not only had the Toros given Texarkana their first win in franchise history, but the offense had seemed to disappear.
“We have to hit better, period,” Burum would sigh. “There is so much potential on this team, it is painful to go out and feel like we could have done better.”
The Toros will have to manage to rejuvenate their batting and fielding since the reigning champions McKinney Blue Thunder make their first visit to the Bay Area beginning Friday. The Blue Thunder and Toros will have a three game series with all games beginning at 6:35 PM.
CBL Game Shorts for Thursday May 29, 2008
By Olivia Dodson
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
The McKinney Blue Thunder dropped the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 4-1 in Continential Baseball League action on Thrsday night.
The Texarkana Gunslingers won their first game of the season, defeating the Bay Area Toros 9-2 in Texas City.
Game stats are below:
At McKinney:
McKinney Blue Thunder 4 Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 1
Win: Marcus Markary (1-0). Loss: Ryan Kondratowiz (0-1).
Save: George Castillo (1). HR: None.
At Texas City:
Texarkana Gunslingers 9 Bay Area Toros 2
Win: Ryan Williams (1-0). Loss: Keegan Laycock (0-1).
HR: None.
Highlights: TEX - Gene Crimoli 3-4 RBI 2 runs; Jay Reynolds 2-5 3 RBI.
BA - Greg Plecki 2-5 RBI 1run; Jose Suncar 2-3 1 run
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
The McKinney Blue Thunder dropped the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 4-1 in Continential Baseball League action on Thrsday night.
The Texarkana Gunslingers won their first game of the season, defeating the Bay Area Toros 9-2 in Texas City.
Game stats are below:
At McKinney:
McKinney Blue Thunder 4 Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 1
Win: Marcus Markary (1-0). Loss: Ryan Kondratowiz (0-1).
Save: George Castillo (1). HR: None.
At Texas City:
Texarkana Gunslingers 9 Bay Area Toros 2
Win: Ryan Williams (1-0). Loss: Keegan Laycock (0-1).
HR: None.
Highlights: TEX - Gene Crimoli 3-4 RBI 2 runs; Jay Reynolds 2-5 3 RBI.
BA - Greg Plecki 2-5 RBI 1run; Jose Suncar 2-3 1 run
BAYLOR BASEBALL ANNOUNCES 2008 TEAM AWARDS
WACO, TEXAS (May 30, 2008) Baylor baseball announced its 2008 team awards Thursday. Sophomore third baseman Shaver Hansen and junior shortstop Beamer Weems were co-winners of the Larry Isbell Most Valuable Player Award. Freshman right-hander Shawn Tolleson earned the Ted Lyons Most Valuable Pitcher Award. Both awards are based upon point totals in key statistical and non-statistical categories.
Hansen also earned the Thornton Sterling Player of the Year Award, which is selected by members of Baylor’s booster club Heart of the Order.
A product of Fruita Monument High School in Grand Junction, Colo., Hansen led the Bears in batting average (.326), hits (72), runs (48), triples (six) and RBI (47). He also was third on the team in doubles (16) and walks (32), tied for the team lead in total bases (118), and was second on the team in slugging percentage (.534) and on base percentage (.413).
Weems, a product of Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, Va., joined Marty Crawford (1995-1996) as the only Baylor players to win the Larry Isbell Award in consecutive seasons. Arguably the best defensive shortstop in Baylor history, Weems hit .267 with seven home runs, 30 RBI, 10 doubles and five stolen bases. Weems was second on the team in walks (33) and was the only Baylor starter with more walks than strikeouts (29). He also tallied 173 assists, eighth in school history and the most at Baylor without benefit of postseason play.
Tolleson, a redshirt freshman from Allen [Texas] High School, shared the team lead with six victories, becoming the 10th freshman in Baylor history to log at least six wins. He led the Bears in starts (14), innings (78.1), complete games (two) and shutouts (two). Both of his shutouts came in Big 12 play, tossing a two-hit gem against Oklahoma State and a three-hit gem at Kansas State to join Kyle Evans as the only pitchers in Baylor history with two Big 12 shutouts. Tolleson is the first freshman to win the Ted Lyons Award, which has been award every year since 1995.
Senior outfielder Paul Miles was the winner of the Judge Fred “Red” Harris 110 Percent Award, which is selected by a vote of the team members and is given to the individual who best exemplifies leadership, character and a team-first attitude. Miles started 28 games in center field for the Bears and was second on the team in stolen bases, swiping nine bags in as many attempts.
Sophomore catcher Gregg Glime earned the Spring Award for Academic Excellence, given by the coaching staff each semester to a student-athlete who exhibits a high standard of academic excellence as demonstrated by outstanding commitment or performance. Catcher Andrew Cooley, outfielder Chris Slater and pitcher Kendal Volz were so honored during the fall 2007 semester.
Hansen also earned the Thornton Sterling Player of the Year Award, which is selected by members of Baylor’s booster club Heart of the Order.
A product of Fruita Monument High School in Grand Junction, Colo., Hansen led the Bears in batting average (.326), hits (72), runs (48), triples (six) and RBI (47). He also was third on the team in doubles (16) and walks (32), tied for the team lead in total bases (118), and was second on the team in slugging percentage (.534) and on base percentage (.413).
Weems, a product of Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, Va., joined Marty Crawford (1995-1996) as the only Baylor players to win the Larry Isbell Award in consecutive seasons. Arguably the best defensive shortstop in Baylor history, Weems hit .267 with seven home runs, 30 RBI, 10 doubles and five stolen bases. Weems was second on the team in walks (33) and was the only Baylor starter with more walks than strikeouts (29). He also tallied 173 assists, eighth in school history and the most at Baylor without benefit of postseason play.
Tolleson, a redshirt freshman from Allen [Texas] High School, shared the team lead with six victories, becoming the 10th freshman in Baylor history to log at least six wins. He led the Bears in starts (14), innings (78.1), complete games (two) and shutouts (two). Both of his shutouts came in Big 12 play, tossing a two-hit gem against Oklahoma State and a three-hit gem at Kansas State to join Kyle Evans as the only pitchers in Baylor history with two Big 12 shutouts. Tolleson is the first freshman to win the Ted Lyons Award, which has been award every year since 1995.
Senior outfielder Paul Miles was the winner of the Judge Fred “Red” Harris 110 Percent Award, which is selected by a vote of the team members and is given to the individual who best exemplifies leadership, character and a team-first attitude. Miles started 28 games in center field for the Bears and was second on the team in stolen bases, swiping nine bags in as many attempts.
Sophomore catcher Gregg Glime earned the Spring Award for Academic Excellence, given by the coaching staff each semester to a student-athlete who exhibits a high standard of academic excellence as demonstrated by outstanding commitment or performance. Catcher Andrew Cooley, outfielder Chris Slater and pitcher Kendal Volz were so honored during the fall 2007 semester.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Dynamo Force Draw with FC Dallas
FRISCO, TEXAS (May 29, 2008) Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear will admit that his side came out a bit flat and, because of that, the two-time defending MLS Cup champions found themselves down 1-0 at the break thanks to a 35th-minute goal by Kenny Cooper. But in the second half, the Dynamo awakened and got goals from Corey Ashe in the 59th and Dwayne DeRosario in the 93rd minute to leave Pizza Hut Park with a 2-2 draw.
Both sides finished with 10 men after Houston's Eddie Robinson got his second yellow card of the game in the 80th minute following a confrontation with FCD's Andre Rocha, who was also sent off, and Marcelo Saragosa, who got a yellow for his role in the affair in front of the Dynamo goal.
The scrum started when Saragosa pushed Robinson, who then retaliated. Robinson had already been cautioned in the 57th for a deliberate handball and was shown the door. Rocha earned a red card for his role in activities after the initial confrontation.
"I'm disappointed with the red cards tonight because the guy who started it pretended he was hurt and I don't appreciate that," Kinnear said. "I think if a guy gets pushed in the belly and he holds his head, something is wrong. I'm not standing up for my player because what he did was absolutely wrong, he reacted terribly and deserved a red card. But the guy who started it, his reaction to getting pushed was embarrassing."
Overall, Kinnear was pleased with the end result.
"A pretty emotional game, as it always is with these two teams," he said. "They may consider themselves a little unlucky in the two games they played against us with our late goals in both games, but I give our guys credit for the drive and determination to keep on pushing forward."
About 15 minutes in, Kinnear switched to a three-man back line and it was a move that paid dividends.
"We changed the formation to get more guys forward and to get Dwayne (DeRosario) closer to goal," he said. "I don't think our communication was good and we had some new players out there who hadn't played in a while. Sometimes guys are a little bit timid with their voice and their play."
Ashe came on just after halftime when starter Brian Mullan told Kinnear he was exhausted in the locker room.
"I went to him at halftime and asked him how he felt," Kinnear said. "He said that he felt awful and exhausted. In Chicago a few weeks ago, I think he had a viral infection. I think he's slow coming back from that."
Kinnear had nothing but good things to say about Ashe, who got his first career MLS goal in the tie.
"Corey is a good player," he said. "He has played a lot of games for us and a lot of minutes. I'm glad he got his first goal tonight. He does have that threat to get in behind you and get good goals in the box. He brought us good energy tonight."
The other key move came in the 58th when Brad Davis came on for Kyle Brown, who started up top alongside Brian Ching. That allowed DeRosario to move up top and that tandem helped lead to both Houston scores.
"We definitely have a great understanding of each other," DeRosario said. "We played together forward in San Jose and that rubbed off a little bit tonight. When I'm up front, I have an idea of what he's going to do. So, I just try to put myself in a position to make it easy for him so he has an outlet."
Ashe agreed that the pairing paid big dividends.
"Both of them together are definitely a force," he said. "They have speed, strength and read each other well. They know what one another is going to do. What kills teams is their persistence. They're both competitive guys who don't like to lose. In the 90th minute, they're still going full speed. I think that's also what hurts other teams."
Kinnear also liked the results of pairing Ching and DeRosario together.
"It got us two goals," he said. "I think Dwayne's energy was excellent and gave him more freedom to run. Brian has been a horse in there but still needs service no matter who the pairing is and I think we scored goals from good service in the box."
For Ching, this result showed one thing.
"We've got to start working hard," he said. "It's a mental thing, we're letting points slip away and are going to get punished for it. We have to look into ourselves to start these games with a little bit more intensity and a little bit more bite to us like we are the champions. We need an attitude adjustment. If we can do that, I think we have the talent in this locker room to do well."
They get their next chance on Saturday when they host the New York Red Bulls at Robertson Stadium.
Both sides finished with 10 men after Houston's Eddie Robinson got his second yellow card of the game in the 80th minute following a confrontation with FCD's Andre Rocha, who was also sent off, and Marcelo Saragosa, who got a yellow for his role in the affair in front of the Dynamo goal.
The scrum started when Saragosa pushed Robinson, who then retaliated. Robinson had already been cautioned in the 57th for a deliberate handball and was shown the door. Rocha earned a red card for his role in activities after the initial confrontation.
"I'm disappointed with the red cards tonight because the guy who started it pretended he was hurt and I don't appreciate that," Kinnear said. "I think if a guy gets pushed in the belly and he holds his head, something is wrong. I'm not standing up for my player because what he did was absolutely wrong, he reacted terribly and deserved a red card. But the guy who started it, his reaction to getting pushed was embarrassing."
Overall, Kinnear was pleased with the end result.
"A pretty emotional game, as it always is with these two teams," he said. "They may consider themselves a little unlucky in the two games they played against us with our late goals in both games, but I give our guys credit for the drive and determination to keep on pushing forward."
About 15 minutes in, Kinnear switched to a three-man back line and it was a move that paid dividends.
"We changed the formation to get more guys forward and to get Dwayne (DeRosario) closer to goal," he said. "I don't think our communication was good and we had some new players out there who hadn't played in a while. Sometimes guys are a little bit timid with their voice and their play."
Ashe came on just after halftime when starter Brian Mullan told Kinnear he was exhausted in the locker room.
"I went to him at halftime and asked him how he felt," Kinnear said. "He said that he felt awful and exhausted. In Chicago a few weeks ago, I think he had a viral infection. I think he's slow coming back from that."
Kinnear had nothing but good things to say about Ashe, who got his first career MLS goal in the tie.
"Corey is a good player," he said. "He has played a lot of games for us and a lot of minutes. I'm glad he got his first goal tonight. He does have that threat to get in behind you and get good goals in the box. He brought us good energy tonight."
The other key move came in the 58th when Brad Davis came on for Kyle Brown, who started up top alongside Brian Ching. That allowed DeRosario to move up top and that tandem helped lead to both Houston scores.
"We definitely have a great understanding of each other," DeRosario said. "We played together forward in San Jose and that rubbed off a little bit tonight. When I'm up front, I have an idea of what he's going to do. So, I just try to put myself in a position to make it easy for him so he has an outlet."
Ashe agreed that the pairing paid big dividends.
"Both of them together are definitely a force," he said. "They have speed, strength and read each other well. They know what one another is going to do. What kills teams is their persistence. They're both competitive guys who don't like to lose. In the 90th minute, they're still going full speed. I think that's also what hurts other teams."
Kinnear also liked the results of pairing Ching and DeRosario together.
"It got us two goals," he said. "I think Dwayne's energy was excellent and gave him more freedom to run. Brian has been a horse in there but still needs service no matter who the pairing is and I think we scored goals from good service in the box."
For Ching, this result showed one thing.
"We've got to start working hard," he said. "It's a mental thing, we're letting points slip away and are going to get punished for it. We have to look into ourselves to start these games with a little bit more intensity and a little bit more bite to us like we are the champions. We need an attitude adjustment. If we can do that, I think we have the talent in this locker room to do well."
They get their next chance on Saturday when they host the New York Red Bulls at Robertson Stadium.
River Oaks to host Clay Court Championships through 2012
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 29, 2008) River Oaks Country Club will once again host the US Men’s Clay Court Championships. A four year agreement has been reached with the United States Tennis Association confirming the club will host the annual chamionship through 2012. After pulling off an enormously successful event in 2008 River Oaks Country Club is excited to host the Championship once agai. The USTA’s managing director of tournament operations, Jim Curley, said that River Oaks hosted “ a first class event” and that the tournament would continue to grow and be successful over the next four years.
Tournament Director Van Barry feels that “It’s the right situation for us, the right thing for them, and the right thing for the city of Houston.” Through community partnerships the tournament staff has created a feeling of camaraderie within the Houston tennis community. With eight of twelve sessions sold out last year, Barry encourages everyone to look into tickets early this year. Individual tickets will be on sale in January and season tickets available by September.
The dates for 2009 are April 6 – 12. 2009 marks the 75th anniversary of River Oaks hosting a professional tennis tournament.
Tournament Director Van Barry feels that “It’s the right situation for us, the right thing for them, and the right thing for the city of Houston.” Through community partnerships the tournament staff has created a feeling of camaraderie within the Houston tennis community. With eight of twelve sessions sold out last year, Barry encourages everyone to look into tickets early this year. Individual tickets will be on sale in January and season tickets available by September.
The dates for 2009 are April 6 – 12. 2009 marks the 75th anniversary of River Oaks hosting a professional tennis tournament.
AROUND THE CBL for Wednesday, May 28, 2008
By Olivia Dodson
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Below are the stats and game notes from Wednesday evening's Continenal Baseball League (CBL) games
At McKinney, Texas:
Two games, both scheduled for seven innings, due to rescheduling of Tuesday's game.
Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 6
McKinney Blue Thunder 5
8 innings
The first game is Trey Salinas' first game as field manager of Corpus Christi. He assumes the position from his father, Hector Salinas. The elder Salinas will now focus on his role as BeachDawgs' GM. The younger Salinas enjoyed a nine-year career in professional baseball primarily as an outfielder and catcher, including stops in the Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, and Baltimore organizations, before closing out his playing career at home in the Corpus Christi area with the Coastal Bend Aviators in the Central League in 2004.
Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 2
McKinney Blue Thunder 3
Win: David Kennedy (1-0). Loss: Toro Trevino (0-2).
Former NFL wide receiver Jake Reed (Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints) served as first-base coach for McKinney in the second game.
At Texas City, Texas:
Bay Area Toros 6
Texarkana Gunslingers 3
Win: Alex Fernandez (1-0). Loss: Ryan Zimmerman (0-1).
Schedule for Thursday, May 29:
Texarkana Gunslingers at Bay Area Toros, 6:35pm
Corpus Christi BeachDawgs at McKinney Blue Thunder, 7:00pm
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Below are the stats and game notes from Wednesday evening's Continenal Baseball League (CBL) games
At McKinney, Texas:
Two games, both scheduled for seven innings, due to rescheduling of Tuesday's game.
Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 6
McKinney Blue Thunder 5
8 innings
The first game is Trey Salinas' first game as field manager of Corpus Christi. He assumes the position from his father, Hector Salinas. The elder Salinas will now focus on his role as BeachDawgs' GM. The younger Salinas enjoyed a nine-year career in professional baseball primarily as an outfielder and catcher, including stops in the Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, and Baltimore organizations, before closing out his playing career at home in the Corpus Christi area with the Coastal Bend Aviators in the Central League in 2004.
Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 2
McKinney Blue Thunder 3
Win: David Kennedy (1-0). Loss: Toro Trevino (0-2).
Former NFL wide receiver Jake Reed (Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints) served as first-base coach for McKinney in the second game.
At Texas City, Texas:
Bay Area Toros 6
Texarkana Gunslingers 3
Win: Alex Fernandez (1-0). Loss: Ryan Zimmerman (0-1).
Schedule for Thursday, May 29:
Texarkana Gunslingers at Bay Area Toros, 6:35pm
Corpus Christi BeachDawgs at McKinney Blue Thunder, 7:00pm
Offense and Defense Keep the Gunslingers Winless
TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (May 28, 2008) On Wednesday evening, under a balmy and threatening sky, the Bay Area Toros found themselves ahead of the visiting Texarkana Gunslingers with ample amount of cushion. Before a crowd numbering over five hundred, the Texas City professional ball club would pull together their fourth win on the season, keeping them within a game from first place in the Continental Baseball League.
The bats would provide the Toros with plenty of offensive action during the first four innings pushing Bay Area to a 4-0 lead. Texarkana would counter with two runs of their own in the Fifth Inning, not only threatening the Toros but brewing a determination within the home ballclub that would create two additional runs in the closing innings.
Slugger Ben Burum and crafty Brian Schupp would each bat in two runs with Schupp going 2-3 on the night. With ten hits, the Toros would be outgunned by Texarkana with twelve connections. The difference, however, would be the keen play of the Bay Area defense. Despite Gunslinger Catcher Nick Encisco going 3-5 and Right Fielder Anthony Edwards knocking in two runs, the home-team fielders were on target and mechanically proficient.
Starting right-handed Pitcher Alex Fernandez would throw into the Sixth Inning with only one strikeout with seven hits and two runs, but his defensive mates managed to carefully cover for sixteen outs. Fernandez’s counterpart, Ryan Zimmerman, would last through six innings but would feel the brunt of the Toros’ fury, giving up all six runs and nine hits.
One more game remains between these two teams and it is to be played out tomorrow at Robinson Stadium at 6:35 PM. Texarkana will continue to look for the elusive first win while the Bay Area Toros aim to build upon the new tradition of winning. Through the first fifteen games of the 2007 Season, the team had merely managed a somber 1-14 record. Already the club is on pace to shatter last season’s total in the win column.
“It feels good,” GM Mike Pede stated. “Winning is great. Continuing that trend is going to take hard work.”
After Texarkana, the Toros will have their work cut out for them with a faceoff against the number one ranked team in the league, and reigning Champion, McKinney Blue Thunder.
Continuing the winning ways will be on everyone’s mind in the populous of Texas City.
The bats would provide the Toros with plenty of offensive action during the first four innings pushing Bay Area to a 4-0 lead. Texarkana would counter with two runs of their own in the Fifth Inning, not only threatening the Toros but brewing a determination within the home ballclub that would create two additional runs in the closing innings.
Slugger Ben Burum and crafty Brian Schupp would each bat in two runs with Schupp going 2-3 on the night. With ten hits, the Toros would be outgunned by Texarkana with twelve connections. The difference, however, would be the keen play of the Bay Area defense. Despite Gunslinger Catcher Nick Encisco going 3-5 and Right Fielder Anthony Edwards knocking in two runs, the home-team fielders were on target and mechanically proficient.
Starting right-handed Pitcher Alex Fernandez would throw into the Sixth Inning with only one strikeout with seven hits and two runs, but his defensive mates managed to carefully cover for sixteen outs. Fernandez’s counterpart, Ryan Zimmerman, would last through six innings but would feel the brunt of the Toros’ fury, giving up all six runs and nine hits.
One more game remains between these two teams and it is to be played out tomorrow at Robinson Stadium at 6:35 PM. Texarkana will continue to look for the elusive first win while the Bay Area Toros aim to build upon the new tradition of winning. Through the first fifteen games of the 2007 Season, the team had merely managed a somber 1-14 record. Already the club is on pace to shatter last season’s total in the win column.
“It feels good,” GM Mike Pede stated. “Winning is great. Continuing that trend is going to take hard work.”
After Texarkana, the Toros will have their work cut out for them with a faceoff against the number one ranked team in the league, and reigning Champion, McKinney Blue Thunder.
Continuing the winning ways will be on everyone’s mind in the populous of Texas City.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
THIRD ANNUAL TEXANS ALL ACCESS SET FOR THURSDAY, MAY 29
HOUSTON, TEXAS (may 28, 2008) The Houston Texans will host the third annual Texans All Access event at Reliant Stadium on Thursday, May 29. All Texans season ticket holders and sponsors are invited to the event.
The event, which runs from 6-9:30 p.m., will feature Texans general manager Rick Smith and the 2008 Houston Texans team, as well as appearances by the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, TORO, and the Bull Pen Pep Band. Parking lots will open at 4 p.m. and the Ford Gate, located on the southwest corner of the stadium, in Budweiser Plaza will open at 6 p.m. All fans must enter through the Ford Gate.
Once inside, fans will have the opportunity to get autographs from all members of the 2008 Houston Texans team as well as the Houston Texans Cheerleaders. A select group of Texans players and Houston Texans Cheerleaders will be stationed on the stadium floor, while players and cheerleaders will also be signing autographs on the field level concourse inside the stadium.
Fans will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours of the Texans locker room, weight room, training room, team cafeteria and players’ lounge. The tour will conclude with a walk down the players’ tunnel onto the field level. The Slags, a Houston-area band that won a fan vote at last year’s Texans All Access event, will be performing on the stadium floor during the event as well.
At 7:30 p.m., Smith will introduce members of the 2008 Texans team on the stage. Fans are welcomed to gather around the stage on the field level or to view the introductions from the stands in sections 103-110.
The event, which runs from 6-9:30 p.m., will feature Texans general manager Rick Smith and the 2008 Houston Texans team, as well as appearances by the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, TORO, and the Bull Pen Pep Band. Parking lots will open at 4 p.m. and the Ford Gate, located on the southwest corner of the stadium, in Budweiser Plaza will open at 6 p.m. All fans must enter through the Ford Gate.
Once inside, fans will have the opportunity to get autographs from all members of the 2008 Houston Texans team as well as the Houston Texans Cheerleaders. A select group of Texans players and Houston Texans Cheerleaders will be stationed on the stadium floor, while players and cheerleaders will also be signing autographs on the field level concourse inside the stadium.
Fans will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours of the Texans locker room, weight room, training room, team cafeteria and players’ lounge. The tour will conclude with a walk down the players’ tunnel onto the field level. The Slags, a Houston-area band that won a fan vote at last year’s Texans All Access event, will be performing on the stadium floor during the event as well.
At 7:30 p.m., Smith will introduce members of the 2008 Texans team on the stage. Fans are welcomed to gather around the stage on the field level or to view the introductions from the stands in sections 103-110.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
BAYLOR’S VOLZ RECEIVES USA BASEBALL INVITE
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA (May 27, 2008) Baylor sophomore pitcher Kendal Volz has accepted an invitation to the 2008 USA Baseball National Team Trials, the nation’s governing body of amateur baseball announced Tuesday. Volz was among 14 players named Tuesday in the second wave of invitees, joining the 12 initial invitees named earlier this month. In all, 32 players will attend trials and vie for 22 spots on the National Team roster.
A product of Smithson Valley [Texas] High School, Volz is one of six Big 12 Conference players and five pitchers from the league on the trials roster. He joins Missouri pitcher Kyle Gibson, Oklahoma State pitcher Andrew Oliver, Texas A&M pitcher Brooks Raley, Texas pitcher Chance Ruffin and Missouri outfielder Aaron Senne. Of the 26 players currently on the trials roster, 15 are pitchers.
Volz was Baylor’s Friday-night starter throughout the 2008 campaign, missing one start due to injury. Despite finishing third on the Bears’ staff with a 4.20 ERA, Volz was 3-6 on the campaign and was granted the lowest run support of any Baylor pitcher with at least four starts.
A Bulverde, Texas, native, Volz led the team with 85 strikeouts in 70.2 innings. He averaged 10.83 strikeouts per nine innings, a school record and currently 19th nationally. His 58 strikeouts in Big 12 play tied for the eighth-best season total in school history and were the third-most by a Baylor pitcher since the league schedule was reduced to 27 games in 2002. Volz averaged a school-record 11.77 strikeouts per nine innings in Big 12 play. Both strikeouts-per-nine-innings records previously were held by Jason Jennings from the 1999 season.
Last season, Volz became only the ninth freshman in Baylor history to record at least six victories. He was a 2007 honorable mention All-Big 12 selection and was named all-tournament at the Big 12 Championship after setting an event record with 13strikeouts against Oklahoma.
Volz is the first Baylor player to earn a National Team Trials invitation since 2005 when pitchers Jeff Mandel and Cory VanAllen both participated in the trials. Six Baylor players have earned spots on the National Team roster: pitcher Pat Combs (1988), Jennings (1998, 1999), catcher Bryan Loeb (1999), outfielder Jon Topolski (1999), pitcher Zane Carlson (2000) and outfielder Michael Griffin (2003).
A product of Smithson Valley [Texas] High School, Volz is one of six Big 12 Conference players and five pitchers from the league on the trials roster. He joins Missouri pitcher Kyle Gibson, Oklahoma State pitcher Andrew Oliver, Texas A&M pitcher Brooks Raley, Texas pitcher Chance Ruffin and Missouri outfielder Aaron Senne. Of the 26 players currently on the trials roster, 15 are pitchers.
Volz was Baylor’s Friday-night starter throughout the 2008 campaign, missing one start due to injury. Despite finishing third on the Bears’ staff with a 4.20 ERA, Volz was 3-6 on the campaign and was granted the lowest run support of any Baylor pitcher with at least four starts.
A Bulverde, Texas, native, Volz led the team with 85 strikeouts in 70.2 innings. He averaged 10.83 strikeouts per nine innings, a school record and currently 19th nationally. His 58 strikeouts in Big 12 play tied for the eighth-best season total in school history and were the third-most by a Baylor pitcher since the league schedule was reduced to 27 games in 2002. Volz averaged a school-record 11.77 strikeouts per nine innings in Big 12 play. Both strikeouts-per-nine-innings records previously were held by Jason Jennings from the 1999 season.
Last season, Volz became only the ninth freshman in Baylor history to record at least six victories. He was a 2007 honorable mention All-Big 12 selection and was named all-tournament at the Big 12 Championship after setting an event record with 13strikeouts against Oklahoma.
Volz is the first Baylor player to earn a National Team Trials invitation since 2005 when pitchers Jeff Mandel and Cory VanAllen both participated in the trials. Six Baylor players have earned spots on the National Team roster: pitcher Pat Combs (1988), Jennings (1998, 1999), catcher Bryan Loeb (1999), outfielder Jon Topolski (1999), pitcher Zane Carlson (2000) and outfielder Michael Griffin (2003).
Monday, May 26, 2008
CBL GAME SHORT: Toros Lose to BeachDawgs
By Olivia Dodson
Copyright 2008 Texsport Publications
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (May 26, 2008) The Bay Area Toros dropped their second game of the season to the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 5-1 in Corpus Christi. The Toros fall to 2-2 for the season as the BeachDawgs raise their record to 2-2.
The Toros head home for a three game series against the Texarkana Gunslingers on Tuesday through Thursday, while the BeachDawhs travel to McKinney to face the Blue Thunder in a three game series being on Tuesday.
Copyright 2008 Texsport Publications
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (May 26, 2008) The Bay Area Toros dropped their second game of the season to the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 5-1 in Corpus Christi. The Toros fall to 2-2 for the season as the BeachDawgs raise their record to 2-2.
The Toros head home for a three game series against the Texarkana Gunslingers on Tuesday through Thursday, while the BeachDawhs travel to McKinney to face the Blue Thunder in a three game series being on Tuesday.
Bay Area Toros Lose First Game of the Season
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (May 25, 2008) The Bay Area Toros’ first road trip of the season did not begin like they wished. Despite the hard play of the team, rival Corpus Christi would pull out their initial victory of the season, giving the Toros loss number one.
Nine innings proved not to be enough for the previously undefeated Toros. Veteran pitcher Will Smeltzer would start the game for Bay Area and would last five innings. Three innings in, BeachDawg Shortstop Mike Estrada would reach the bases on a single. He would eventually become the first score for Corpus Christi when Center Fielder Pedro Catala struck a Smeltzer pitch out of the park for his first homerun of the season. The scores would put the BeachDawgs ahead 2-1 with the Toro run coming unearned from outfielder Kyle Wade during the top of the Third.
Smeltzer would give up another score during his final inning of the night to Tyler Kmetko. Despite surrendering three hits, the Florida native managed seven strikeouts. His opposition, however, would keep the Toro bats at bay. Travis Parker would allow five hits with eight strikeouts before exiting the game after seven. Toro Trevino would replace Parker and not allow Bay Area to reach any base for the remaining two innings. The final score would be cemented at 3-1.
“A loss is always tough to take,” Toros Manager Jim Bolt said after the game. “But we cannot keep it fresh in our mind. We have to start thinking about the next game. It’s a long season and I’m confident that (the Toros) will rebound without a doubt.”
The Bay Area Toros will finish out the short road trip tomorrow against the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs, ending the four-game matchup before returning home for six straight. The Texarkana Gunslingers will be the first to visit Texas City followed by the McKinney Blue Thunder, each for three games.
Nine innings proved not to be enough for the previously undefeated Toros. Veteran pitcher Will Smeltzer would start the game for Bay Area and would last five innings. Three innings in, BeachDawg Shortstop Mike Estrada would reach the bases on a single. He would eventually become the first score for Corpus Christi when Center Fielder Pedro Catala struck a Smeltzer pitch out of the park for his first homerun of the season. The scores would put the BeachDawgs ahead 2-1 with the Toro run coming unearned from outfielder Kyle Wade during the top of the Third.
Smeltzer would give up another score during his final inning of the night to Tyler Kmetko. Despite surrendering three hits, the Florida native managed seven strikeouts. His opposition, however, would keep the Toro bats at bay. Travis Parker would allow five hits with eight strikeouts before exiting the game after seven. Toro Trevino would replace Parker and not allow Bay Area to reach any base for the remaining two innings. The final score would be cemented at 3-1.
“A loss is always tough to take,” Toros Manager Jim Bolt said after the game. “But we cannot keep it fresh in our mind. We have to start thinking about the next game. It’s a long season and I’m confident that (the Toros) will rebound without a doubt.”
The Bay Area Toros will finish out the short road trip tomorrow against the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs, ending the four-game matchup before returning home for six straight. The Texarkana Gunslingers will be the first to visit Texas City followed by the McKinney Blue Thunder, each for three games.
HOUSTON LEONES BEAT MISSISSIPPI BRILLA 3-0
From Houston Leones Press Release
RICHMOND, TEXAS (May 26, 2008) After lost three games in a row, one in Austin and two in El Paso; Houston Leones won again and repited the dosis of 3 goals in home this time against Mississippi Brilla. With a good attendance, Houston Leones showed why is a good contender in this PDL league.
Houston Leones jumped in the field with the mentality of live behind what happens in Austin and El Paso, and Mississippi Brilla jumped in the field to continue adding points for a place in the 2008 Lamar Hunt Open Cup. Houston Leones started dominating the game and at minute 5’ Erick "Puma" Acevedo had the first opportunity to open the score when with a pass of Hurtado, he passed in the middle of two defenders and lived the goalkeeper behind just to shot aside of the empty goal. But it was at the minute 10, when with a pass of Acevedo Antonio Chavez shot living without a opportunity the goalkeeper of Mississippi Brilla to react and scored the first of the afternoon. From there, it was a complete domination of the game by Houston Leones making impossible to Mississippi Brilla to react and who can not find a way to stop the attacks of Houston Leones. A couple of minutes later, at minute 23 in a free kick centered by Jose Miranda, Miguel Hurtado headed the ball and scored the second goal for Houston Leones before the useless jump of the goalkeeper.
At the second half, Houston Leones continued attacking the goal of Mississippi Brilla who still couldn’t find a way out to stop the attacks of Houston Leones. At the minute 65 and with a pass of Acevedo, Angel Hernandez scored an amazing goal (golazo) living the ball bounce once and hit it before the ball touch the field again; this lived the goalkeeper without opportunity to react before tremendous shot. Houston Leones had more opportunities to score more goals, but some mistakes and some saves of the Mississippi Brilla goalkeeper lived the score without move for long time. Almost at the end of game at the minute 90, Hurtado had another opportunity to score but was knocked down at the penalty area by the Mississippi defender Demmin who also was ejected from the game. Finally, Erick Acevedo decided to shot the penalty kick but failed to score the fourth and last goal in the game.
Houston Leones now have 6 points and are placed in the fifth place of the Southern conference, they also still without losing at home and the next weekend will play against El Paso on Saturday May 31st and against Dallas Tornados on Sunday June 1.
RICHMOND, TEXAS (May 26, 2008) After lost three games in a row, one in Austin and two in El Paso; Houston Leones won again and repited the dosis of 3 goals in home this time against Mississippi Brilla. With a good attendance, Houston Leones showed why is a good contender in this PDL league.
Houston Leones jumped in the field with the mentality of live behind what happens in Austin and El Paso, and Mississippi Brilla jumped in the field to continue adding points for a place in the 2008 Lamar Hunt Open Cup. Houston Leones started dominating the game and at minute 5’ Erick "Puma" Acevedo had the first opportunity to open the score when with a pass of Hurtado, he passed in the middle of two defenders and lived the goalkeeper behind just to shot aside of the empty goal. But it was at the minute 10, when with a pass of Acevedo Antonio Chavez shot living without a opportunity the goalkeeper of Mississippi Brilla to react and scored the first of the afternoon. From there, it was a complete domination of the game by Houston Leones making impossible to Mississippi Brilla to react and who can not find a way to stop the attacks of Houston Leones. A couple of minutes later, at minute 23 in a free kick centered by Jose Miranda, Miguel Hurtado headed the ball and scored the second goal for Houston Leones before the useless jump of the goalkeeper.
At the second half, Houston Leones continued attacking the goal of Mississippi Brilla who still couldn’t find a way out to stop the attacks of Houston Leones. At the minute 65 and with a pass of Acevedo, Angel Hernandez scored an amazing goal (golazo) living the ball bounce once and hit it before the ball touch the field again; this lived the goalkeeper without opportunity to react before tremendous shot. Houston Leones had more opportunities to score more goals, but some mistakes and some saves of the Mississippi Brilla goalkeeper lived the score without move for long time. Almost at the end of game at the minute 90, Hurtado had another opportunity to score but was knocked down at the penalty area by the Mississippi defender Demmin who also was ejected from the game. Finally, Erick Acevedo decided to shot the penalty kick but failed to score the fourth and last goal in the game.
Houston Leones now have 6 points and are placed in the fifth place of the Southern conference, they also still without losing at home and the next weekend will play against El Paso on Saturday May 31st and against Dallas Tornados on Sunday June 1.
FROGS END SEASON WITH NO. 26 NATIONAL RANKING
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (May 26, 2008) The TCU women’s tennis team earned a final ranking of No. 26 for the 2008 season on Friday by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). The Horned Frogs posted an overall record of 20-6 this spring.
With the ranking, the Frogs have spent the final 10 weeks ranked inside the top 30. TCU reached as high as No. 15 this season after garnering a preseason ranking of No. 38.
The Frogs won 13 consecutive contests down the stretch to earn their fifth consecutive NCAA appearance. TCU posted a perfect 8-0 record to earn the Mountain West Conference regular season title outright. Jefferson Hammond was named the MWC Coach of the Year, while four players earned all-conference singles accolades and two doubles teams received recognition.
With the ranking, the Frogs have spent the final 10 weeks ranked inside the top 30. TCU reached as high as No. 15 this season after garnering a preseason ranking of No. 38.
The Frogs won 13 consecutive contests down the stretch to earn their fifth consecutive NCAA appearance. TCU posted a perfect 8-0 record to earn the Mountain West Conference regular season title outright. Jefferson Hammond was named the MWC Coach of the Year, while four players earned all-conference singles accolades and two doubles teams received recognition.
SuperLiga Ticket Package Go On Sale Today
Fans have chance to get best seats to see best of United States and Mexico
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 26, 2008) – One year after hosting large crowds for the inaugural SuperLiga, Houston Dynamo tickets for this year’s SuperLiga are now available, the team announced today.
A special SuperLiga ticket package will be available in an exclusive early period that begins May 26 so that fans can guarantee their seat to watch the Dynamo take on Mexican powers Atlante (July 12) and Chivas de Guadalajara (July 15).
Fans can purchase SuperLiga tickets as part of five-game mini-plans that include popular Dynamo games against the Chicago Fire (Aug. 31) and Los Angeles Galaxy (Oct. 18) and the team’s first playoff game. Mini-plans start at $85 and can be purchased by calling the Dynamo offices or by logging on to houstondynamo.com.
SuperLiga, now in its second season, pits the top four teams from Mexico against the top four teams from Major League Soccer in an eight-team tournament, with teams competing for a $1 million championship prize.
After reaching the semifinals last year and drawing more than 62,000 fans in the process, the two-time defending MLS Cup champion Dynamo have been placed in Group A with 2007 Mexican Apertura champion Atlante; 2006 Mexican Apertura champion Chivas de Guadalajara; and 2007 MLS Supporters’ Shield winner D.C. United.
Group B features Chivas USA, the New England Revolution, defending champion Pachuca, and Santos Laguna. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals July 29-30, with the 2008 SuperLiga champion crowned August 5.
The Houston Dynamo will face FC Dallas on the road Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., and the game can be seen on Channel 55 and Channel 43 and heard on 790 The Sports Animal and 850 La Ranchera. The Dynamo’s next home game is May 31 against the New York Red Bulls. For more information, call (713) 276-2500 or log on to www.houstondynamo.com.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 26, 2008) – One year after hosting large crowds for the inaugural SuperLiga, Houston Dynamo tickets for this year’s SuperLiga are now available, the team announced today.
A special SuperLiga ticket package will be available in an exclusive early period that begins May 26 so that fans can guarantee their seat to watch the Dynamo take on Mexican powers Atlante (July 12) and Chivas de Guadalajara (July 15).
Fans can purchase SuperLiga tickets as part of five-game mini-plans that include popular Dynamo games against the Chicago Fire (Aug. 31) and Los Angeles Galaxy (Oct. 18) and the team’s first playoff game. Mini-plans start at $85 and can be purchased by calling the Dynamo offices or by logging on to houstondynamo.com.
SuperLiga, now in its second season, pits the top four teams from Mexico against the top four teams from Major League Soccer in an eight-team tournament, with teams competing for a $1 million championship prize.
After reaching the semifinals last year and drawing more than 62,000 fans in the process, the two-time defending MLS Cup champion Dynamo have been placed in Group A with 2007 Mexican Apertura champion Atlante; 2006 Mexican Apertura champion Chivas de Guadalajara; and 2007 MLS Supporters’ Shield winner D.C. United.
Group B features Chivas USA, the New England Revolution, defending champion Pachuca, and Santos Laguna. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals July 29-30, with the 2008 SuperLiga champion crowned August 5.
The Houston Dynamo will face FC Dallas on the road Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., and the game can be seen on Channel 55 and Channel 43 and heard on 790 The Sports Animal and 850 La Ranchera. The Dynamo’s next home game is May 31 against the New York Red Bulls. For more information, call (713) 276-2500 or log on to www.houstondynamo.com.
Wang Wins All-Round Title at Visa Championships
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 24, 2008) Lisa Wang of Buffalo Grove, Ill., won her third straight U.S. all-around title in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2008 Visa Championships at Reliant Park in Houston, Texas. She won all four gold medals in the individual events (clubs, hoop, ribbon and rope) during Thursday’s competition.
She posted a two-day score of 131.950 to best Rachel Marmer of Los Angeles, Calif., and Ava Gehringer of Evanston, Ill., who finished second and third, respectively. Marmer posted a 125.100 and Gehringer scored a 123.550.
Wang has decided to retire from competitive rhythmic gymnastics and focus on college. She will enroll at Yale University in the fall.
“I loved being out there,” Wang said of her final competition. “It was great doing the sport that I love. It’s an amazing sport and it was an amazing part of my life.”
Wang retires with 13 career U.S. senior rhythmic gymnastics titles: the all-around, clubs, hoop, ribbon and rope in 2008; the all-around, hoop and clubs in 2007; the all-around, ball and ribbon in 2006; and ball and clubs in 2005. She also won five U.S. titles as a junior: hoop and clubs in 2002; and the all-around, ball and ribbon in 2001. Wang has represented the United States at three World Championships (2003, 2005 and 2007). At the 2007 Pan American Games, she won gold medals in the all-around and ribbon, and placed second in clubs and rope.
In the junior all-around, Marlee Shape of Buffalo Grove, Ill., claimed her second straight U.S. junior all-around title with a score of 122.100. Finishing second was Gabrielle Magid of Brooklyn, N.Y., with a score of 114.275, and in third was Rebecca Sereda of Las Vegas, Nev., with a score of 112.850.
She posted a two-day score of 131.950 to best Rachel Marmer of Los Angeles, Calif., and Ava Gehringer of Evanston, Ill., who finished second and third, respectively. Marmer posted a 125.100 and Gehringer scored a 123.550.
Wang has decided to retire from competitive rhythmic gymnastics and focus on college. She will enroll at Yale University in the fall.
“I loved being out there,” Wang said of her final competition. “It was great doing the sport that I love. It’s an amazing sport and it was an amazing part of my life.”
Wang retires with 13 career U.S. senior rhythmic gymnastics titles: the all-around, clubs, hoop, ribbon and rope in 2008; the all-around, hoop and clubs in 2007; the all-around, ball and ribbon in 2006; and ball and clubs in 2005. She also won five U.S. titles as a junior: hoop and clubs in 2002; and the all-around, ball and ribbon in 2001. Wang has represented the United States at three World Championships (2003, 2005 and 2007). At the 2007 Pan American Games, she won gold medals in the all-around and ribbon, and placed second in clubs and rope.
In the junior all-around, Marlee Shape of Buffalo Grove, Ill., claimed her second straight U.S. junior all-around title with a score of 122.100. Finishing second was Gabrielle Magid of Brooklyn, N.Y., with a score of 114.275, and in third was Rebecca Sereda of Las Vegas, Nev., with a score of 112.850.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
McLinney Blue Thunder Win Longest Game in CBL History
By Chris Price
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
MCKINNEY, TEXAS (May 25, 2008) The McKinney Blue Thunder defeated the Texarkana Gunslingers 4-3 in the resumption of their suspended game from Friday, May 23. The two-day game went 14 innings which is the longest in Continental Baseball League (CBL) history. It was also the inaugural game in Texarkana franchise history.
In the second game of their opening weekend series, the Blue Thunder downed the Gunslingers 3-1 in a mutually agreed seven-inning game.
The Blue Thunder raised their season record to 2-0 as the Gunslingers drop to 0-2.
They will continue the Memorial Day Weekend series in Texarkana on Sunday and Monday.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
MCKINNEY, TEXAS (May 25, 2008) The McKinney Blue Thunder defeated the Texarkana Gunslingers 4-3 in the resumption of their suspended game from Friday, May 23. The two-day game went 14 innings which is the longest in Continental Baseball League (CBL) history. It was also the inaugural game in Texarkana franchise history.
In the second game of their opening weekend series, the Blue Thunder downed the Gunslingers 3-1 in a mutually agreed seven-inning game.
The Blue Thunder raised their season record to 2-0 as the Gunslingers drop to 0-2.
They will continue the Memorial Day Weekend series in Texarkana on Sunday and Monday.
BAYLOR BASEBALL EDGED BY KANSAS STATE 3-2
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA (May 25, 2009) Byron Wiley's sixth-inning RBI single snapped a 2-2 tie and proved to be the game-winning hit as seventh-seeded Kansas State defeated sixth-seeded Baylor 3-2 in pool-play action Saturday night at the Big 12 Conference Championship at Bricktown Ballpark. The Bears (32-26) finished third in Pool Two with a 1-2 record.
The Wildcats (29-28) advanced to Sunday's title game, going 2-1 in Pool Two with the tiebreaker over Oklahoma State. Kansas State makes its first Big 12 Championship title game appearance. With Kansas State's berth, all 10 Big 12 schools presently participating in baseball have made at least one title game appearance.
Trailing 2-1, Kansas State scored two runs on four hits in the sixth. Nate Tenbrink and Justin Bloxom opened the inning with back-to-back singles, putting runners on the corners. After Jason King struck out, Drew Biery singled up the middle to tie the game. Wiley laced the first pitch he saw back up the middle, scoring Bloxom as the game-winning run.
Baylor had chances in both the seventh and eighth innings but left the bases loaded in the seventh and a runner at second in the eighth. In all, the Bears stranded 10 runners on the night, including six in scoring position and three at third.
Kansas State starter Justin Murray (3-2) earned the victory; he allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts over 6.0 innings, facing one batter in the seventh. Daniel Edwards closed the game with 1.2 scoreless innings, walking one and striking out three, for his 12th save of the season.
Baylor starter Kendal Volz (3-6) suffered the loss in his first outing since leaving the May 2 game against Texas with a strained oblique muscle. Volz allowed three runs on six hits and one walk with six strikeouts over 5.1 innings.
Kansas State took the game's first lead with a run on one hit in fourth. Tenbrink led off the inning with a single, stole second, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Biery's groundout. Baylor answered in the top of the sixth with two runs on three hits. Booker led off with a double and later scored on Shaver Hansen's single. Hansen stole second and took third on an error before scoring on Dustin Dickerson's sacrifice fly.
Booker, Hansen and Adam Hornung all had two-hit nights for the Bears.
Baylor now awaits word from the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Pairings for the 2008 tournament will be announced Monday, May 26, at 11:30 a.m. CDT on ESPN.
NOTES: Baylor leads the all-time series 29-11, including a 28-10 advantage since the inception of the Big 12 Conference in 1997. However, Kansas State has won both neutral-site meetings, both coming in the Big 12 Championship. ... Dickerson (five games) and Hansen (three games) both extended hitting streaks.
The Wildcats (29-28) advanced to Sunday's title game, going 2-1 in Pool Two with the tiebreaker over Oklahoma State. Kansas State makes its first Big 12 Championship title game appearance. With Kansas State's berth, all 10 Big 12 schools presently participating in baseball have made at least one title game appearance.
Trailing 2-1, Kansas State scored two runs on four hits in the sixth. Nate Tenbrink and Justin Bloxom opened the inning with back-to-back singles, putting runners on the corners. After Jason King struck out, Drew Biery singled up the middle to tie the game. Wiley laced the first pitch he saw back up the middle, scoring Bloxom as the game-winning run.
Baylor had chances in both the seventh and eighth innings but left the bases loaded in the seventh and a runner at second in the eighth. In all, the Bears stranded 10 runners on the night, including six in scoring position and three at third.
Kansas State starter Justin Murray (3-2) earned the victory; he allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts over 6.0 innings, facing one batter in the seventh. Daniel Edwards closed the game with 1.2 scoreless innings, walking one and striking out three, for his 12th save of the season.
Baylor starter Kendal Volz (3-6) suffered the loss in his first outing since leaving the May 2 game against Texas with a strained oblique muscle. Volz allowed three runs on six hits and one walk with six strikeouts over 5.1 innings.
Kansas State took the game's first lead with a run on one hit in fourth. Tenbrink led off the inning with a single, stole second, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Biery's groundout. Baylor answered in the top of the sixth with two runs on three hits. Booker led off with a double and later scored on Shaver Hansen's single. Hansen stole second and took third on an error before scoring on Dustin Dickerson's sacrifice fly.
Booker, Hansen and Adam Hornung all had two-hit nights for the Bears.
Baylor now awaits word from the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Pairings for the 2008 tournament will be announced Monday, May 26, at 11:30 a.m. CDT on ESPN.
NOTES: Baylor leads the all-time series 29-11, including a 28-10 advantage since the inception of the Big 12 Conference in 1997. However, Kansas State has won both neutral-site meetings, both coming in the Big 12 Championship. ... Dickerson (five games) and Hansen (three games) both extended hitting streaks.
TEXAS BOWL WINS AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION CRYSTAL AWARD
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 25, 2008) The Texas Bowl was honored by the American Marketing Association’s Houston chapter with the association’s Crystal Award their anaul banquet. The Texas Bowl was recognized as the Outstanding Non-Profit Special Event for 2007.
“This is a great honor for the Texas Bowl, our staff and the hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly to make the event great,” said Texas Bowl director David Brady. “The bowl is a celebration of the culture, heritage and football tradition of the Lone Star State, and part of that tradition is continually reaching for excellence. We are proud to be recognized by the AMA for the 2007 Texas Bowl, and we are hard at work to make the 2008 Texas Bowl even better.”
“We also want to congratulate our partners who also received Crystal Awards: DePelchin Children’s Center, VT2 Studios and the Houston Zoo,” Brady said.
The Crystal Award nominees were selected by a panel of eight judges, all marketing professionals from outside the Houston area. This year’s field was the most competitive in the history of the award, setting records for the number of entries, up 27 percent over last year, and the number of participating companies/organizations, up by 67 percent.
The 2007 Texas Bowl was a tremendous success, both on and off the field. The bowl boasted over 20,000 season tickets and over 35,000 tickets sold before the matchup was announced. The Texas Bowl has averaged $25 million in local economic impact over the past two years, putting it on par with major conventions such as the Offshore Technology Conference. The Texas Bowl has also donated $130,000 to DePelchin Children’s Center, the official charity beneficiary.
“This is a great honor for the Texas Bowl, our staff and the hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly to make the event great,” said Texas Bowl director David Brady. “The bowl is a celebration of the culture, heritage and football tradition of the Lone Star State, and part of that tradition is continually reaching for excellence. We are proud to be recognized by the AMA for the 2007 Texas Bowl, and we are hard at work to make the 2008 Texas Bowl even better.”
“We also want to congratulate our partners who also received Crystal Awards: DePelchin Children’s Center, VT2 Studios and the Houston Zoo,” Brady said.
The Crystal Award nominees were selected by a panel of eight judges, all marketing professionals from outside the Houston area. This year’s field was the most competitive in the history of the award, setting records for the number of entries, up 27 percent over last year, and the number of participating companies/organizations, up by 67 percent.
The 2007 Texas Bowl was a tremendous success, both on and off the field. The bowl boasted over 20,000 season tickets and over 35,000 tickets sold before the matchup was announced. The Texas Bowl has averaged $25 million in local economic impact over the past two years, putting it on par with major conventions such as the Offshore Technology Conference. The Texas Bowl has also donated $130,000 to DePelchin Children’s Center, the official charity beneficiary.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Toros Win 2nd Game of Season over BeachDawgs
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (May 24, 2008) The Bay Area Toros remain undefeated in the 2008 season, defeating the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 4-3 to close out their two game opening weekend series.
Pitcher Kevin Cooper had a good outing for his first start of the season. He pitched eight innings with eight strikeouts while giving up only two hits and walking two. He was replaced in the ninth inning by closer Drew Swanson who gave up two earned runs to give the BeachDawgs the lead.
Alex Hernandez then replaced Swanson and quickly got the remaining two out by strikeouts.
The Toros went into the bottom of the ninth a run down. BeachDawg pitcher Toro Trevino quickly walked two Toros batters and with center fielder Kyle Wade's successful bunt, loaded the bases.
Toros catcher Kyle Wells reached base on a BeachDawgs error, allowing shortstop Jose Suncar to score and tie the score and outfielder Greg Plecki to score the winning run.
The Bay Area Toros finished the night 2-0 for the season while the BeachDawgs dropped to 0-2. Both teams travel to Corpus Christi to conclude the Memorial Day Weekend with a two games series at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Stadium in Corpus Christi. Both Sunday and Monday's games are set for a 7:00pm start.
Other action around the CBL: The Texarkana Gunslingers and the McKinney Blue Thunder battled to a 3-3 tie in fourteen innings on Friday evening in McKinney. The game was to be completed prior to the start of the regularly-scheduled game on today (Saturday).
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (May 24, 2008) The Bay Area Toros remain undefeated in the 2008 season, defeating the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 4-3 to close out their two game opening weekend series.
Pitcher Kevin Cooper had a good outing for his first start of the season. He pitched eight innings with eight strikeouts while giving up only two hits and walking two. He was replaced in the ninth inning by closer Drew Swanson who gave up two earned runs to give the BeachDawgs the lead.
Alex Hernandez then replaced Swanson and quickly got the remaining two out by strikeouts.
The Toros went into the bottom of the ninth a run down. BeachDawg pitcher Toro Trevino quickly walked two Toros batters and with center fielder Kyle Wade's successful bunt, loaded the bases.
Toros catcher Kyle Wells reached base on a BeachDawgs error, allowing shortstop Jose Suncar to score and tie the score and outfielder Greg Plecki to score the winning run.
The Bay Area Toros finished the night 2-0 for the season while the BeachDawgs dropped to 0-2. Both teams travel to Corpus Christi to conclude the Memorial Day Weekend with a two games series at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Stadium in Corpus Christi. Both Sunday and Monday's games are set for a 7:00pm start.
Other action around the CBL: The Texarkana Gunslingers and the McKinney Blue Thunder battled to a 3-3 tie in fourteen innings on Friday evening in McKinney. The game was to be completed prior to the start of the regularly-scheduled game on today (Saturday).
Bertoletti Edges Chestnut for World Gyro Title
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 24, 2008) Competitive eaters recently converged on Houston, Texas for the Niko Niko’s World Gyro Eating Championships, with Pat Bertoletti edging out Joey Chestnut to take the world title.
The contest was neck and neck, or should I say gyro for gyro, for most of the ten-minute contest. Bertoletti, from Chicago, Illinois, took the title by a single gyro (12-11) over Chestnut. Bertoletti took home the world gyro belt, along with $2000 in prize money while Chestnut received the $1000 second place prize. Chestnut hails from San Jose, California.
Humble Bob Shoudt (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) finished in third place (9.5 gyros-$700) with Nate Beller finishing in fourth place (6 gyros-$300).
The contest is in its fourth year; however this year it is an official tour stop on the Major League Eating Circuit and is associated with the International Federation of Competitive Eating.
The contest was held under the “no dunking” rule which does not allow dipping of the gyrosin water prior to eating. This rule is due to the high spiciness content of the gyros. Drinking of water was allowed once the gyro had been consumed. The contest allowed one addition minute after the ten-minute eating limit to allow each contestant to chew and swallow what is in their mouth. There were no disqualifications in the contest.
Each gyro was 12 ounces and was provide by the contest sponsor Niko Niko’s Greek American Restaurant in Houston.
Over 1000 people witnessed the event that was held in conjunction with the 13th Annual Festival of Greece at Saint Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church.
People who attended the contest were amazed by the event. “I came out to support the church and see the eating event. I am amazed at the organization. The MC did a good job of announcing the contest," stated Kosta Papasideris of Houston who came out to celebrate the culture of Greece.
Another spectator was happy to see the eaters he watches every year on ESPN’s coverage of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Championships in New York on the Fourth of July. “I see Joey Chestnut and Pat Bertoletti eating on TV all the time. It was cool to see them in person,” said Bill Watson of Katy. “I do not know how they eat so much and stay so skinny.”
TexSport Publications will publish photos and video from the championships soon.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 24, 2008) Competitive eaters recently converged on Houston, Texas for the Niko Niko’s World Gyro Eating Championships, with Pat Bertoletti edging out Joey Chestnut to take the world title.
The contest was neck and neck, or should I say gyro for gyro, for most of the ten-minute contest. Bertoletti, from Chicago, Illinois, took the title by a single gyro (12-11) over Chestnut. Bertoletti took home the world gyro belt, along with $2000 in prize money while Chestnut received the $1000 second place prize. Chestnut hails from San Jose, California.
Humble Bob Shoudt (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) finished in third place (9.5 gyros-$700) with Nate Beller finishing in fourth place (6 gyros-$300).
The contest is in its fourth year; however this year it is an official tour stop on the Major League Eating Circuit and is associated with the International Federation of Competitive Eating.
The contest was held under the “no dunking” rule which does not allow dipping of the gyrosin water prior to eating. This rule is due to the high spiciness content of the gyros. Drinking of water was allowed once the gyro had been consumed. The contest allowed one addition minute after the ten-minute eating limit to allow each contestant to chew and swallow what is in their mouth. There were no disqualifications in the contest.
Each gyro was 12 ounces and was provide by the contest sponsor Niko Niko’s Greek American Restaurant in Houston.
Over 1000 people witnessed the event that was held in conjunction with the 13th Annual Festival of Greece at Saint Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church.
People who attended the contest were amazed by the event. “I came out to support the church and see the eating event. I am amazed at the organization. The MC did a good job of announcing the contest," stated Kosta Papasideris of Houston who came out to celebrate the culture of Greece.
Another spectator was happy to see the eaters he watches every year on ESPN’s coverage of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Championships in New York on the Fourth of July. “I see Joey Chestnut and Pat Bertoletti eating on TV all the time. It was cool to see them in person,” said Bill Watson of Katy. “I do not know how they eat so much and stay so skinny.”
TexSport Publications will publish photos and video from the championships soon.
Toros Defeat BeachDawgs in Season Opener 9-5
Bay Area Toros opening day pitcher Keegan Laycock went 4 1/3 innings in the Toros win. (Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography Copyright 2008) By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (May 24, 2008) The weather was not as hot as their bats as 1124 die hard baseball fans saw The Bay Area Toros defeat the Corpus Christi BeachDawgs 9-5 to begin the 2008 Continental Baseball League season on Friday night.
The was the first opening day for the Toros at Robinson Field in Texas City. Last year, the Toros played their opening day game and most of the season at Clear Creek High School baseball field before moving to Texas City.
Keegan Laycock, who was the opening day starting pitcher for the Toros, went 4 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and two runs (one earned) with nine strikeouts. He was replaced by middle reliever Matthew Paradoski.
Paradoski pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run and two strikeouts to get his first win of the season.
The improved pitching performance was largely due to the addition of Jim Mallory as pitching coach. Mallory was brought in to oversee the pitching staff and put some consistency to the staff that as sorely lacking last season.
Mallory was quote after the game: “I was pleased with the pitching performance tonight. It was solid and supported by our bats. Overall, a great game.”
At the plate, the Toros erupted with a flurry in the third inning, scoring four runs. Catcher Kyle Wells lead the way with the first home run of the season, bringing home two runs. One additional run in the inning took the score to 4-1.
The BeachDawgs came back with a one run homer by right fielder Josh Morgan. They also scored twice more, in the seventh and eighth innings to cut into the Toros lead. Solo runs in both the fifth and sixth innings, combined with two runs in the seventh inning kept the leased for to Toros to assure the opening day win.
The Toros will be back on the field on Saturday to clsoe out the two game homestand against the BeachDawgs, with the first pitch at 6:35pm.
De Rosario and Onstad to Compete with Canada in Soccer Friendlies
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 24, 2008) – Houston Dynamo midfielder Dwayne De Rosario and goalkeeper Pat Onstad were called up to the Canadian national team pool for upcoming international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers, the Canadian Soccer Association announced today.
The Dynamo duo will join the Canadian team in preparation for FIFA World Cup qualifying, which begins for Canada on June 15. The Canucks will face off against world power Brazil in Seattle, Wash., on May 31, and meet Panama in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on June 4 to complete their preparation. The two-game qualifying series between Canada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will take place June 15 in Kingston, St. Vincent, and June 20 in Montreal, Québec.
De Rosario has made 45 career appearances for Canada and ranks fourth all-time with 13 goals. In his most recent contest with the team, the three-time male Canadian Player of the Year scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Martinique on January 30.
During an international career lasting more than 20 years, Onstad holds a Canadian senior national team record 20 shutouts and stands second overall among goalkeepers with 52 career appearances. The netminder earned his 20th shutout in the win over Martinique.
The Canadian team will begin gathering in Seattle on Sunday, May 25, to begin training for the Brazil contest. If De Rosario and Onstad are in the squad for all four Canadian games, they could miss up to five Dynamo games.
The Houston Dynamo will face the San Jose Earthquakes in front of a national TV audience on May 22 at 9:30 p.m. CT. The Dynamo’s next home game is May 31 against the New York Red Bulls.
The Dynamo duo will join the Canadian team in preparation for FIFA World Cup qualifying, which begins for Canada on June 15. The Canucks will face off against world power Brazil in Seattle, Wash., on May 31, and meet Panama in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on June 4 to complete their preparation. The two-game qualifying series between Canada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will take place June 15 in Kingston, St. Vincent, and June 20 in Montreal, Québec.
De Rosario has made 45 career appearances for Canada and ranks fourth all-time with 13 goals. In his most recent contest with the team, the three-time male Canadian Player of the Year scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Martinique on January 30.
During an international career lasting more than 20 years, Onstad holds a Canadian senior national team record 20 shutouts and stands second overall among goalkeepers with 52 career appearances. The netminder earned his 20th shutout in the win over Martinique.
The Canadian team will begin gathering in Seattle on Sunday, May 25, to begin training for the Brazil contest. If De Rosario and Onstad are in the squad for all four Canadian games, they could miss up to five Dynamo games.
The Houston Dynamo will face the San Jose Earthquakes in front of a national TV audience on May 22 at 9:30 p.m. CT. The Dynamo’s next home game is May 31 against the New York Red Bulls.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Masters Swimmers, Relays Achieve National Rankings
By Chris Price
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
PASADENA-DEER PARK, TEXAS (May 23, 2008) United States Masters Swimming (USMS) recently announced the National Top Ten List for long course meters 2007-2008. The list contains the top ten times in United States swam in a 50-meter pool over the year.
The South Belt Area “All Stars” Swimming Team (SBAS) had three individuals and six relays named to the elite list. SBAS had the second most selections of all Gulf LSC (local swim committee) area teams. The Gulf LSC consists of masters swimming teams from the southeast and Gulf area of Texas.
Former Pasadena High School All-American swimmer Kristine Kelly of Deer Park, who recently completed her second season of competing for the University of Houston, was honored for five of her times. She achieved national rankings in the 100-meter backstroke (9th), 50-meter backstroke (5th), 200-meter backstroke (5th), 200-meter backstroke (4th), 400-meter individual medley (6th). Her times were achieved in the womens 18-24-year-old age group.
Derrick Mauk, who competes in the mens 30-34-year-old age group achieved four top ten national rankings. The former national ranked diver for Sam Rayburn High School achieved his national rankings in the 400-meter freestyle (10th), 50-meter backstroke (7th), 100-meter backstroke (5th), and 200-meter backstroke (8th)
In addition, former J. Frank Dobie head swimming coach and Pasadena ISD aquatic director Dennis Shippey, also achieved four national rankings in the mens 60-64 year-old age group. Shippey trains the SBAS but competes for the Woodlands Aquatics Masters Team. He was selected to the elite list in the 50-meter breaststroke (3rd), 100-meter breaststroke (5th), 200-meter breaststroke (5th), and 50-meter butterfly (8th).
SBAS also had three of their single gender relays selected for the national top ten list. Long course (50-meter) relays are determined by the sum of the ages of all four swimmers on the relay.
The mens 200-meter freestyle relay consisting of Mauk, Rick Price, Landon Howard, and Chuck Medema were ranked fifth in the national in the 100-119 age group. Price was an All State Swimmer for Rayburn in 1995.
The womens 72-99 age group 200-meter medley relay consisting of Kelly, Skylar Walker, Stacey Golden, and Lisa Hernandez were the fifth ranked relay in the 18-and over age group. They also were ranked eighth nationally in the 200-meter medley relay. Walker and Golden were former All American swimmers for Rayburn in 2005 and 1998 respectively
In addition, SBAS had three relays ranked in mixed relay division. The mixed relays consist of two men and two women competing together.
The mixed 72-99 age group 200-meter medley relay consisting of Howard, Walker, Medema, and Golden were ranked eighth, while Price, Walker, Kelly, and Medema were raked sixth in the 100-119 age group 200-meter freestyle relay. Kelly, Price, Mauk, and Hernandez were ranked ninth in the 100-199 age group 200-meter medley relay. Howard, Walker Medema, and Golden combined to obtain the number eight ranking in the mixed 72-99 age group.
The South Belt Area “All Stars” Swimming Team is a select competitive team and is made up made up of national and elite swimmers from the Deer Park, Pasadena, Friendswood, Pearland, Clear Lake and South Belt areas. Their swimmers compete in competitions stationed by various state and national associations including United States Masters Swimming, Amateur Athletic Union, Texas Amateur Athletic Federation and American Swimming Association.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
PASADENA-DEER PARK, TEXAS (May 23, 2008) United States Masters Swimming (USMS) recently announced the National Top Ten List for long course meters 2007-2008. The list contains the top ten times in United States swam in a 50-meter pool over the year.
The South Belt Area “All Stars” Swimming Team (SBAS) had three individuals and six relays named to the elite list. SBAS had the second most selections of all Gulf LSC (local swim committee) area teams. The Gulf LSC consists of masters swimming teams from the southeast and Gulf area of Texas.
Former Pasadena High School All-American swimmer Kristine Kelly of Deer Park, who recently completed her second season of competing for the University of Houston, was honored for five of her times. She achieved national rankings in the 100-meter backstroke (9th), 50-meter backstroke (5th), 200-meter backstroke (5th), 200-meter backstroke (4th), 400-meter individual medley (6th). Her times were achieved in the womens 18-24-year-old age group.
Derrick Mauk, who competes in the mens 30-34-year-old age group achieved four top ten national rankings. The former national ranked diver for Sam Rayburn High School achieved his national rankings in the 400-meter freestyle (10th), 50-meter backstroke (7th), 100-meter backstroke (5th), and 200-meter backstroke (8th)
In addition, former J. Frank Dobie head swimming coach and Pasadena ISD aquatic director Dennis Shippey, also achieved four national rankings in the mens 60-64 year-old age group. Shippey trains the SBAS but competes for the Woodlands Aquatics Masters Team. He was selected to the elite list in the 50-meter breaststroke (3rd), 100-meter breaststroke (5th), 200-meter breaststroke (5th), and 50-meter butterfly (8th).
SBAS also had three of their single gender relays selected for the national top ten list. Long course (50-meter) relays are determined by the sum of the ages of all four swimmers on the relay.
The mens 200-meter freestyle relay consisting of Mauk, Rick Price, Landon Howard, and Chuck Medema were ranked fifth in the national in the 100-119 age group. Price was an All State Swimmer for Rayburn in 1995.
The womens 72-99 age group 200-meter medley relay consisting of Kelly, Skylar Walker, Stacey Golden, and Lisa Hernandez were the fifth ranked relay in the 18-and over age group. They also were ranked eighth nationally in the 200-meter medley relay. Walker and Golden were former All American swimmers for Rayburn in 2005 and 1998 respectively
In addition, SBAS had three relays ranked in mixed relay division. The mixed relays consist of two men and two women competing together.
The mixed 72-99 age group 200-meter medley relay consisting of Howard, Walker, Medema, and Golden were ranked eighth, while Price, Walker, Kelly, and Medema were raked sixth in the 100-119 age group 200-meter freestyle relay. Kelly, Price, Mauk, and Hernandez were ranked ninth in the 100-199 age group 200-meter medley relay. Howard, Walker Medema, and Golden combined to obtain the number eight ranking in the mixed 72-99 age group.
The South Belt Area “All Stars” Swimming Team is a select competitive team and is made up made up of national and elite swimmers from the Deer Park, Pasadena, Friendswood, Pearland, Clear Lake and South Belt areas. Their swimmers compete in competitions stationed by various state and national associations including United States Masters Swimming, Amateur Athletic Union, Texas Amateur Athletic Federation and American Swimming Association.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
TCU'S COTET FALLS IN SECOND ROUND AT NCAA TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
TULSA, OKLAHOMA (May 22, 2008) Men’s tennis player Cosmin Cotet ended his decorated singles career at TCU on Thursday with a loss in the round of 32 at the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Championships in Tulsa, Okla. Cotet will team up with Kriegler Brink at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in the opening round of doubles play.
Cotet, ranked No. 39 nationally, fell to No. 9-16 seed Andre Begemann of Pepperdine by a score of 6-2, 6-1 in the round of 32. Cotet opened play on Wednesday with a straight-sets victory over No. 62 Christoph Muller of Rice, marking the 14th ranked opponent Cotet defeated this season. Cotet ended the season with an overall singles mark of 26-9.
The Iasi, Romania, native will compete in doubles play with Kriegler Brink later today in the opening round of 32. The duo will face the No. 3 seeded doubles team of Carl Sundberg and Daniel Vallverdu of Miami. Brink and Cotet are currently ranked No. 50, and garnered all-conference doubles accolades for the second consecutive year.
Cotet, ranked No. 39 nationally, fell to No. 9-16 seed Andre Begemann of Pepperdine by a score of 6-2, 6-1 in the round of 32. Cotet opened play on Wednesday with a straight-sets victory over No. 62 Christoph Muller of Rice, marking the 14th ranked opponent Cotet defeated this season. Cotet ended the season with an overall singles mark of 26-9.
The Iasi, Romania, native will compete in doubles play with Kriegler Brink later today in the opening round of 32. The duo will face the No. 3 seeded doubles team of Carl Sundberg and Daniel Vallverdu of Miami. Brink and Cotet are currently ranked No. 50, and garnered all-conference doubles accolades for the second consecutive year.
THREE BEARS NAMED HONORABLE MENTION ALL-BIG 12
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA (May 22, 2008) Three Baylor baseball student-athletes were named honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference, the league office announced Tuesday. Sophomore third baseman Shaver Hansen, redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher Shawn Tolleson and junior shortstop Beamer Weems were so honored.
Texas A&M shortstop Jose Duran was named Player and Newcomer of the Year. Missouri right-handed pitcher Aaron Crow earned Pitcher of the Year honors, while Texas right-handed pitcher Chance Ruffin was selected Freshman of the Year. Texas A&M's Rob Childress was named Coach of the Year after leading the Aggies to the regular-season Big 12 title with 19-8 league record that included a conference-record 16-game winning streak.
Hansen, a product of Fruita Monument High School in Grand Junction, Colo., hit .314 with six home runs and 42 RBI this season. He leads the team in runs (44) and triples (5), and he is tied for the team lead in walks (30). Hansen also ranks second on the team in hits (66), total bases (110), slugging percentage (.524) and on base percentage (.402), and he is tied for second in doubles (16) and RBI.
Tolleson, a product of Allen [Texas] High School, is 5-4 on the season with a 5.00 ERA in 13 appearances, all starts. He has recorded 61 strikeouts in 72.0 innings, while holding opponents to a .262 average. Tolleson joined Kyle Evans as the only Baylor pitchers to record multiple shutouts in Big 12 play, tossing a two-hit shutout against Oklahoma State and a three-hit shutout at Kansas State. His other wins were against Kansas, at Mississippi State and at Texas.
Weems earned all-conference honors for the third consecutive season, joining Wayne Connolly (1954-1956) as the only Baylor shortstops to accomplish the feat. Widely regarded as one of the nation's top defensive shortstops, Weems hit .270 with seven home runs and 30 RBI this season. He also collected 53 hits, 10 doubles, two triples, 39 runs and shared the team lead with 30 walks.
Texas A&M shortstop Jose Duran was named Player and Newcomer of the Year. Missouri right-handed pitcher Aaron Crow earned Pitcher of the Year honors, while Texas right-handed pitcher Chance Ruffin was selected Freshman of the Year. Texas A&M's Rob Childress was named Coach of the Year after leading the Aggies to the regular-season Big 12 title with 19-8 league record that included a conference-record 16-game winning streak.
Hansen, a product of Fruita Monument High School in Grand Junction, Colo., hit .314 with six home runs and 42 RBI this season. He leads the team in runs (44) and triples (5), and he is tied for the team lead in walks (30). Hansen also ranks second on the team in hits (66), total bases (110), slugging percentage (.524) and on base percentage (.402), and he is tied for second in doubles (16) and RBI.
Tolleson, a product of Allen [Texas] High School, is 5-4 on the season with a 5.00 ERA in 13 appearances, all starts. He has recorded 61 strikeouts in 72.0 innings, while holding opponents to a .262 average. Tolleson joined Kyle Evans as the only Baylor pitchers to record multiple shutouts in Big 12 play, tossing a two-hit shutout against Oklahoma State and a three-hit shutout at Kansas State. His other wins were against Kansas, at Mississippi State and at Texas.
Weems earned all-conference honors for the third consecutive season, joining Wayne Connolly (1954-1956) as the only Baylor shortstops to accomplish the feat. Widely regarded as one of the nation's top defensive shortstops, Weems hit .270 with seven home runs and 30 RBI this season. He also collected 53 hits, 10 doubles, two triples, 39 runs and shared the team lead with 30 walks.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
FIELD SET FOR BIG 12 BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
IRVING, TEXAS (May 21, 2008) Baylor will be the sixth seed in this week's Big 12 Conference Championship at Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City. The Bears join second-seeded Oklahoma State, third-seeded Nebraska and seventh-seeded Kansas State in Pool Two. Regular-season champion Texas A&M, fourth-seeded Missouri, fifth-seeded Texas and eighth-seeded Oklahoma make up Pool One. The two pool-play winners meet in the title game.
Baylor opens play Wednesday at 4 p.m. CDT against Nebraska. Pool Two teams are not in action Thursday. The Bears return to action Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Oklahoma State. Baylor and Kansas State conclude pool play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
This is the 12th consecutive year Baylor has qualified for the Big 12 Championship, joining Oklahoma and Oklahoma State as the only programs to have participated in each of the postseason tournaments in the league's 12-year history.
2008 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP
Wednesday, May 21
Game 1: 4) Missouri vs. 5) Texas, 9 a.m.
Game 2: 1) Texas A&M vs. 8) Oklahoma, 12:30 p.m.
Game 3: 3) Nebraska vs. 6) BAYLOR, 4 p.m.
Game 4: 2) Oklahoma State vs. 7) Kansas State, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 22
Game 5: Texas A&M vs. Texas, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Missouri vs. Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 23
Game 7: Nebraska vs. Kansas State, 4 p.m.
Game 8: Oklahoma State vs. BAYLOR, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 24
Game 9: Texas vs. Oklahoma, 9 a.m.
Game 10: Texas A&M vs. Missouri, 12:30 p.m.
Game 11: Oklahoma State vs. Nebraska, 4 p.m.
Game 12: BAYLOR vs. Kansas State, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 25
Title Game: Pool One winner vs. Pool Two winner, 1 p.m.
Baylor opens play Wednesday at 4 p.m. CDT against Nebraska. Pool Two teams are not in action Thursday. The Bears return to action Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Oklahoma State. Baylor and Kansas State conclude pool play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
This is the 12th consecutive year Baylor has qualified for the Big 12 Championship, joining Oklahoma and Oklahoma State as the only programs to have participated in each of the postseason tournaments in the league's 12-year history.
2008 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP
Wednesday, May 21
Game 1: 4) Missouri vs. 5) Texas, 9 a.m.
Game 2: 1) Texas A&M vs. 8) Oklahoma, 12:30 p.m.
Game 3: 3) Nebraska vs. 6) BAYLOR, 4 p.m.
Game 4: 2) Oklahoma State vs. 7) Kansas State, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 22
Game 5: Texas A&M vs. Texas, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Missouri vs. Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 23
Game 7: Nebraska vs. Kansas State, 4 p.m.
Game 8: Oklahoma State vs. BAYLOR, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 24
Game 9: Texas vs. Oklahoma, 9 a.m.
Game 10: Texas A&M vs. Missouri, 12:30 p.m.
Game 11: Oklahoma State vs. Nebraska, 4 p.m.
Game 12: BAYLOR vs. Kansas State, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 25
Title Game: Pool One winner vs. Pool Two winner, 1 p.m.
TCU DUO SET FOR NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (May 21, 2008) TCU women’s tennis players Macall Harkins and Anna Sydorska will begin play at the 2008 NCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Individual
Championships in doubles competition on Wednesday (today). The 18th-ranked duo earned an at-large bid out of the Mountain West Conference.
Harkins and Sydorska posted a 13-7 mark this spring at the top doubles position, and an overall record of 20-10 during the 2007-08 season. The TCU tandem notched six wins over ranked opponents this year, including an 8-6 upset of Georgia Tech’s third-ranked duo of McCray and Miller last fall to advance to the semifinals of the ITA Intercollegiate Indoor Championships. The Frog duo is currently ranked No. 18 nationally, and has reached as high as No. 11 this spring.
TCU sophomore Nina Munch-Soegaard is listed as the first alternate in singles play. Munch-Soegaard tallied a 16-8 mark at the top position this spring, and led the team with an overall mark of 26-11 during the 2007-08 season. The Amarillo, Texas, native defeated nine ranked opponents this year, including No. 11 Melanie Gloria of Fresno State.
Championships in doubles competition on Wednesday (today). The 18th-ranked duo earned an at-large bid out of the Mountain West Conference.
Harkins and Sydorska posted a 13-7 mark this spring at the top doubles position, and an overall record of 20-10 during the 2007-08 season. The TCU tandem notched six wins over ranked opponents this year, including an 8-6 upset of Georgia Tech’s third-ranked duo of McCray and Miller last fall to advance to the semifinals of the ITA Intercollegiate Indoor Championships. The Frog duo is currently ranked No. 18 nationally, and has reached as high as No. 11 this spring.
TCU sophomore Nina Munch-Soegaard is listed as the first alternate in singles play. Munch-Soegaard tallied a 16-8 mark at the top position this spring, and led the team with an overall mark of 26-11 during the 2007-08 season. The Amarillo, Texas, native defeated nine ranked opponents this year, including No. 11 Melanie Gloria of Fresno State.
TCU'S BRINK AND COTET PREPARE FOR NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (May 21, 2008)TCU men’s tennis players Kriegler Brink and Cosmin Cotet will begin action at the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Individual Championships in Tulsa, Okla., on Wednesday (today). Brink and Cotet will team up in doubles competition, while Cotet also earned an automatic bid in singles play.
The Horned Frog tandem of Brink and Cotet earned an automatic bid out of the Mountain West Conference to the championships after receiving a No. 50 national ranking. The duo went 14-6 this spring at the top doubles position and 16-7 overall in 2007-08, including a trip to the quarterfinals of the Polo Ralph Lauren/ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa.
Cotet received an automatic bid for singles competition after compiling a dual-match record of 21-6 at the top position and an overall mark of 25-8. Cotet, a native of Iasi, Romania, is currently ranked No. 39 nationally and defeated 13 ranked opponents during the 2007-08 season. The TCU senior has won five consecutive contests, including four against ranked opponents. Cotet has defeated three players ranked in the top 20 this season, including an upset win over No. 2 Steven Moneke of Ohio State last fall in Tulsa.
The Horned Frog tandem of Brink and Cotet earned an automatic bid out of the Mountain West Conference to the championships after receiving a No. 50 national ranking. The duo went 14-6 this spring at the top doubles position and 16-7 overall in 2007-08, including a trip to the quarterfinals of the Polo Ralph Lauren/ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa.
Cotet received an automatic bid for singles competition after compiling a dual-match record of 21-6 at the top position and an overall mark of 25-8. Cotet, a native of Iasi, Romania, is currently ranked No. 39 nationally and defeated 13 ranked opponents during the 2007-08 season. The TCU senior has won five consecutive contests, including four against ranked opponents. Cotet has defeated three players ranked in the top 20 this season, including an upset win over No. 2 Steven Moneke of Ohio State last fall in Tulsa.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Independent League Offers Local Baseball Fans A Unique Surprise
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (May 19, 2008) It first happened 57 years ago, when baseball maverick owner Bill Veeck called upon Edward Carl “Eddie” Gaedel to come to the plate on behalf of his St. Louis Browns baseball team to face the Detroit Tigers. Gaedel was signed to a contract before the first game of a doubleheader that day and popped out of a paper-mache birthday cake in between the games.
The 3-foot, 7-inch, 65-pound Gaedel, an American dwarf, came to the plate against pitcher Bob Cain in the first inning and took four, high pitches for a walk after being introduced as a pinch-hitter for Frank Saucier. As Gaedel said after the game, “for a minute, I felt like Babe Ruth.”
Ron Baron, the part owner of the Corpus Christi Beach Dawgs, may feel the same way this coming Monday night when he watches the start of his team’s game against the Bay Area Toros. Baron was raised in New York and remembers when Gaedel died in Chicago in 1961, alone in a room at the age of 36. So, to honor Gaedel, and to reinforce the idea that all men and baseball players are created equal, Baron decided to sign 4-foot, 6-inch Chris Dube, aka "Little Kato" to wrestling fans, to a one-day contract to face the Toros at Fairgrounds Field on May 26 in an official Continental Baseball League game. Dube weighs 114 pounds.
It gives a whole new slant to playing “small ball” as some managers are often heard to say.
“The whole idea of Independent League baseball is to entertain families and young boys and girls, and along the way teach them the history of the great game that I have known for almost 50 years,” said Baron. “Our league is built around the idea of keeping ticket and concessions prices at a minimum, keeping things small if you will. So with that in mind, why not sign a small player to a pro contract, to give him an opportunity.”
Baron also wanted to salute the late Bill Veeck, who “always remembered the little people in the game.”
The idea of signing a small player the May 26th holiday game also into the post-game activities when there will be a Midget Wrestling Exhibition that is sure to delight those in attendance. Little Kato will also participate in that show. Already, Baron says, the feedback from local fans about this special post-game wrestling event has been so strong that the CBL is considering a few more similar events at other ballparks later this season.
“I’ve been looking for the ideal lead-off guy for our team all spring,” said Beach Dawgs general manager and manager Hector Salinas, “and Little Kato caught my eye right away. He’s got a level swing, fast hands and of course, I love that small strike zone. I just had to make sure we could find a uniform for him.
“I think some of our younger fans under 8 years old will be able to identify with Little Kato. They can see him in the batter’s box and imagine what it might be like to go to the plate in one of our games. It’ll be a fun experience for our young fans. I just hope he gets on base for us. I heard he has fast feet.”
Dube, 44, is looking forward to facing off against the Toros on Monday night.
“It’s another chance to show folks that size doesn’t matter in life,” said Dube. “They used to tell me that I shouldn’t be wrestling, but it’s OK for two tall men to wrestle, right? And it’s OK for two women to wrestle in oil and with hardly any clothes on, right? Yet some folks want to complain about midget wrestling. It’s a bunch of BS. I don’t have time for those kind of people.”
CBL director of league operations Bob Ibach worked for the Chicago Cubs for 10 seasons and on several occasions had the opportunity to meet with Bill Veeck, including once when he wrote a book on the Cubs entitled “Cub Fan Mania.” “Bill was one of a kind and certainly had the fans in mind when he unveiled Eddie Gaedel in that ballgame many years ago. Having Chris appear for the Beach Dawgs is also a tribute to Bill’s imagination and creativity, and his idea of entertaining all fans, young and old, big and small. He always had the paying fan in mind and wanted to ensure that fans came to the park and had a good time. It’s the same vision we have for fans coming to our games in the Continental Baseball League.”
The Beach Dawgs will kick off their first season in the CBL on Friday, May 23, at Texas City, TX against the Bay Area Toros, and made their home debut on Sunday, May 25. After Monday’s 7:05 p.m. Memorial Day contest, the Beach Dawgs hit the road for a 6-game trip, with three games at McKinney, TX and three more at Texarkana before returning home for a 6-game set with the same two opponents beginning on June 3. The McKinney Blue Thunder is the league’s defending champion, managed by former Texas Ranger Curtis Wilkerson. Texarkana is in its first season and is managed by former Chicago Cubs star pitcher Steve Trout.
The first 200 youngsters who attend Beach Dawg games this summer will be able to meet and greet their hometown players on the field for the playing of the national anthem, as well as participate in free post-game clinics with Beach Dawg players. Youngsters can also run the bases and get autographs following each home game. In addition, there are plans to honor “local heroes” such as firefighters, military and police in the community on an on-going basis, along with literacy programs to enhance reading and verbal skills for youngsters.
Highlighting the early June homestand will be Free Kiddie Ride Night on June 3, followed by a free Texas Holdem Poker Tournament on June 4 and the first of many Thirsty Thursdays on June 5 when all beers are just $1 all night.
The 3-foot, 7-inch, 65-pound Gaedel, an American dwarf, came to the plate against pitcher Bob Cain in the first inning and took four, high pitches for a walk after being introduced as a pinch-hitter for Frank Saucier. As Gaedel said after the game, “for a minute, I felt like Babe Ruth.”
Ron Baron, the part owner of the Corpus Christi Beach Dawgs, may feel the same way this coming Monday night when he watches the start of his team’s game against the Bay Area Toros. Baron was raised in New York and remembers when Gaedel died in Chicago in 1961, alone in a room at the age of 36. So, to honor Gaedel, and to reinforce the idea that all men and baseball players are created equal, Baron decided to sign 4-foot, 6-inch Chris Dube, aka "Little Kato" to wrestling fans, to a one-day contract to face the Toros at Fairgrounds Field on May 26 in an official Continental Baseball League game. Dube weighs 114 pounds.
It gives a whole new slant to playing “small ball” as some managers are often heard to say.
“The whole idea of Independent League baseball is to entertain families and young boys and girls, and along the way teach them the history of the great game that I have known for almost 50 years,” said Baron. “Our league is built around the idea of keeping ticket and concessions prices at a minimum, keeping things small if you will. So with that in mind, why not sign a small player to a pro contract, to give him an opportunity.”
Baron also wanted to salute the late Bill Veeck, who “always remembered the little people in the game.”
The idea of signing a small player the May 26th holiday game also into the post-game activities when there will be a Midget Wrestling Exhibition that is sure to delight those in attendance. Little Kato will also participate in that show. Already, Baron says, the feedback from local fans about this special post-game wrestling event has been so strong that the CBL is considering a few more similar events at other ballparks later this season.
“I’ve been looking for the ideal lead-off guy for our team all spring,” said Beach Dawgs general manager and manager Hector Salinas, “and Little Kato caught my eye right away. He’s got a level swing, fast hands and of course, I love that small strike zone. I just had to make sure we could find a uniform for him.
“I think some of our younger fans under 8 years old will be able to identify with Little Kato. They can see him in the batter’s box and imagine what it might be like to go to the plate in one of our games. It’ll be a fun experience for our young fans. I just hope he gets on base for us. I heard he has fast feet.”
Dube, 44, is looking forward to facing off against the Toros on Monday night.
“It’s another chance to show folks that size doesn’t matter in life,” said Dube. “They used to tell me that I shouldn’t be wrestling, but it’s OK for two tall men to wrestle, right? And it’s OK for two women to wrestle in oil and with hardly any clothes on, right? Yet some folks want to complain about midget wrestling. It’s a bunch of BS. I don’t have time for those kind of people.”
CBL director of league operations Bob Ibach worked for the Chicago Cubs for 10 seasons and on several occasions had the opportunity to meet with Bill Veeck, including once when he wrote a book on the Cubs entitled “Cub Fan Mania.” “Bill was one of a kind and certainly had the fans in mind when he unveiled Eddie Gaedel in that ballgame many years ago. Having Chris appear for the Beach Dawgs is also a tribute to Bill’s imagination and creativity, and his idea of entertaining all fans, young and old, big and small. He always had the paying fan in mind and wanted to ensure that fans came to the park and had a good time. It’s the same vision we have for fans coming to our games in the Continental Baseball League.”
The Beach Dawgs will kick off their first season in the CBL on Friday, May 23, at Texas City, TX against the Bay Area Toros, and made their home debut on Sunday, May 25. After Monday’s 7:05 p.m. Memorial Day contest, the Beach Dawgs hit the road for a 6-game trip, with three games at McKinney, TX and three more at Texarkana before returning home for a 6-game set with the same two opponents beginning on June 3. The McKinney Blue Thunder is the league’s defending champion, managed by former Texas Ranger Curtis Wilkerson. Texarkana is in its first season and is managed by former Chicago Cubs star pitcher Steve Trout.
The first 200 youngsters who attend Beach Dawg games this summer will be able to meet and greet their hometown players on the field for the playing of the national anthem, as well as participate in free post-game clinics with Beach Dawg players. Youngsters can also run the bases and get autographs following each home game. In addition, there are plans to honor “local heroes” such as firefighters, military and police in the community on an on-going basis, along with literacy programs to enhance reading and verbal skills for youngsters.
Highlighting the early June homestand will be Free Kiddie Ride Night on June 3, followed by a free Texas Holdem Poker Tournament on June 4 and the first of many Thirsty Thursdays on June 5 when all beers are just $1 all night.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Independent League Offers Fans an Opportunity to Be Part of the Game
DALLAS, TEXAS (May 19, 2008) It is a dream that most every young man had as a child. And today, maybe a few young women, too.
The opportunity to be In The Show. To be signed to a professional baseball contract. To be a pro!
Ron Baron, the Continental Baseball League’s commissioner and also part owner of the Corpus Christi Beach Dawgs, grew up in New York with that dream. So did Bob Ibach, his CBL partner and director of baseball operations who later spent nine seasons with the Chicago Cubs as a front office executive.
Both men never made it to The Show as a player.
“But my son (Kevin) did sign a pro contract, so I got close to seeing that dream through him,” said Ibach.
But now, as the CBL enters its second season of independent league play, Baron and Ibach are offering fans 21 and older a chance to sign an official CBL contract that the owner can hang up in his or her office. The one-day contract will include an opportunity to take batting practice before a CBL regular season game and get evaluated by a professional manager or coach. Along with this opportunity will come the chance to throw out the first pitch before a CBL game, take the starting lineup to home plate and get introduced during the game by the public address announcer.
But it is a limited offer for the 2008 season—only the first 200 fans will get this chance.
“It’s the ultimate gift idea,” said Baron, “and we’re only making this available to the first 200 fans who sign up throughout the league. It will be open to fans from the four cities, and from anywhere else in the United States. What a nice gift idea for Father’s Day, for a birthday or just as a nice idea to reward a special person who loves the game of baseball.
“Imagine getting a chance to step on a pro baseball field and take batting practice and get your swing evaluated by a pro coach. Hey, you never know just how good you are? And, of course, having that one-day official CBL contract to hang on the wall to show to all of your friends will certainly be a great conversation piece for the owner.”
The cost, which includes the framed signed official CBL contract, is $290 per person, with 20 percent being donated to youth baseball teams for equipment in the area of the home team.
“We want to give back to the community so that some of the money can go towards helping youngsters who watch CBL games get a chance to live out their dreams on the youth league baseball diamonds,” said Ibach.
These days, many executives pay $5,000 to $7,500 to play in pro fantasy camps for a few days alongside their heroes of yesteryear. At that price, Baron figures only those of wealth can afford such an opportunity.
“With our concept, and at this price level, we want to get the everyday baseball fan involved, and at the same time also do something good for youngsters in each of our markets,” said Baron.
To get more information on this special offer, contact Ron Baron at the CBL headquarters (214-234-0018) or write to him at ronbaron@CBLproball.com.
The opportunity to be In The Show. To be signed to a professional baseball contract. To be a pro!
Ron Baron, the Continental Baseball League’s commissioner and also part owner of the Corpus Christi Beach Dawgs, grew up in New York with that dream. So did Bob Ibach, his CBL partner and director of baseball operations who later spent nine seasons with the Chicago Cubs as a front office executive.
Both men never made it to The Show as a player.
“But my son (Kevin) did sign a pro contract, so I got close to seeing that dream through him,” said Ibach.
But now, as the CBL enters its second season of independent league play, Baron and Ibach are offering fans 21 and older a chance to sign an official CBL contract that the owner can hang up in his or her office. The one-day contract will include an opportunity to take batting practice before a CBL regular season game and get evaluated by a professional manager or coach. Along with this opportunity will come the chance to throw out the first pitch before a CBL game, take the starting lineup to home plate and get introduced during the game by the public address announcer.
But it is a limited offer for the 2008 season—only the first 200 fans will get this chance.
“It’s the ultimate gift idea,” said Baron, “and we’re only making this available to the first 200 fans who sign up throughout the league. It will be open to fans from the four cities, and from anywhere else in the United States. What a nice gift idea for Father’s Day, for a birthday or just as a nice idea to reward a special person who loves the game of baseball.
“Imagine getting a chance to step on a pro baseball field and take batting practice and get your swing evaluated by a pro coach. Hey, you never know just how good you are? And, of course, having that one-day official CBL contract to hang on the wall to show to all of your friends will certainly be a great conversation piece for the owner.”
The cost, which includes the framed signed official CBL contract, is $290 per person, with 20 percent being donated to youth baseball teams for equipment in the area of the home team.
“We want to give back to the community so that some of the money can go towards helping youngsters who watch CBL games get a chance to live out their dreams on the youth league baseball diamonds,” said Ibach.
These days, many executives pay $5,000 to $7,500 to play in pro fantasy camps for a few days alongside their heroes of yesteryear. At that price, Baron figures only those of wealth can afford such an opportunity.
“With our concept, and at this price level, we want to get the everyday baseball fan involved, and at the same time also do something good for youngsters in each of our markets,” said Baron.
To get more information on this special offer, contact Ron Baron at the CBL headquarters (214-234-0018) or write to him at ronbaron@CBLproball.com.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
BELIZE-MEXICO WORLD CUP QUALIFIER TO BE BROADCAST NATIONALLY BY TELEMUNDO
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 18, 2008) The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying match between Belize and Mexico will be televised nationally by Telemundo, Lone Star Sports & Entertainment announced today. The match is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start on Sunday, June 15 at Reliant Stadium.
The match will air in Houston on KTMD Ch. 47. Futbol de Primera will broadcast the match nationally on the radio. Locally, it will be carried on LaRanchera 850 AM.
Tickets for the first-ever World Cup qualifier in Houston range from $30-75 and are available at all TicketMaster outlets, including all Houston-area Fiesta stores. Fans may also purchase tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com, over the phone at 713-629-3700 or at the Reliant Stadium box office. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets together by calling 832-667-2390. As of Thursday morning, nearly 23,000 tickets have been sold for the match.
ABOUT THE BELIZE vs. MÉXICO MATCH:
The match will be the first FIFA World Cup qualifier to be played in Houston. The match is the first of a home-and-home series between the nations as they begin the quest to compete in the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010. Belize will be the home team for the match, with the teams set to face off in Mexico on Saturday, June 21, 2008.
This match marks the beginning of the second round of World Cup qualifying. Belize defeated St. Kitts and Nevis by an aggregate score of 4-2 in round one, while Mexico had a bye in the first round. There are four rounds of qualifying which will conclude next summer, when the top three teams from the CONCACAF region will qualify for World Cup South Africa 2010 and the fourth place team will play a home-and-home series against the fifth place CONMEBOL team for one final spot.
The match will also mark Belize’s debut in the city. Mexico will be making their third trip to Houston in the last 12 months and sixth overall. They played a pair of matches in Houston during last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup and faced the United States in a friendly match in February. Mexico made their Houston debut versus the United States on May 8, 2003. They played a pair of CONCACAF Gold Cup matches in Houston in 2005 and faced Bulgaria on November 16, 2005.
For the second consecutive year, Reliant Stadium will host a major international soccer event featuring the Mexican men’s national team on Father’s Day. In 2007, the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal matches were played on Sunday, June 17. Mexico defeated Costa Rica, 1-0, and Guadeloupe topped Honduras, 2-1, before a crowd of 70,092—the third-largest soccer crowd in Texas history
Likely making his debut in official international competition will be new Mexico coach Jesus Ramirez. Mexico will play three friendly matches under Ramirez – all in the United States – but the match against Belize will be his first in a competitive setting. Mexico faces China in Seattle on April 16, Argentina in San Diego on June 4and Peru in Chicago on June 8.
Broadcast information will be announced at a later date.
The match will air in Houston on KTMD Ch. 47. Futbol de Primera will broadcast the match nationally on the radio. Locally, it will be carried on LaRanchera 850 AM.
Tickets for the first-ever World Cup qualifier in Houston range from $30-75 and are available at all TicketMaster outlets, including all Houston-area Fiesta stores. Fans may also purchase tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com, over the phone at 713-629-3700 or at the Reliant Stadium box office. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets together by calling 832-667-2390. As of Thursday morning, nearly 23,000 tickets have been sold for the match.
ABOUT THE BELIZE vs. MÉXICO MATCH:
The match will be the first FIFA World Cup qualifier to be played in Houston. The match is the first of a home-and-home series between the nations as they begin the quest to compete in the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010. Belize will be the home team for the match, with the teams set to face off in Mexico on Saturday, June 21, 2008.
This match marks the beginning of the second round of World Cup qualifying. Belize defeated St. Kitts and Nevis by an aggregate score of 4-2 in round one, while Mexico had a bye in the first round. There are four rounds of qualifying which will conclude next summer, when the top three teams from the CONCACAF region will qualify for World Cup South Africa 2010 and the fourth place team will play a home-and-home series against the fifth place CONMEBOL team for one final spot.
The match will also mark Belize’s debut in the city. Mexico will be making their third trip to Houston in the last 12 months and sixth overall. They played a pair of matches in Houston during last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup and faced the United States in a friendly match in February. Mexico made their Houston debut versus the United States on May 8, 2003. They played a pair of CONCACAF Gold Cup matches in Houston in 2005 and faced Bulgaria on November 16, 2005.
For the second consecutive year, Reliant Stadium will host a major international soccer event featuring the Mexican men’s national team on Father’s Day. In 2007, the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal matches were played on Sunday, June 17. Mexico defeated Costa Rica, 1-0, and Guadeloupe topped Honduras, 2-1, before a crowd of 70,092—the third-largest soccer crowd in Texas history
Likely making his debut in official international competition will be new Mexico coach Jesus Ramirez. Mexico will play three friendly matches under Ramirez – all in the United States – but the match against Belize will be his first in a competitive setting. Mexico faces China in Seattle on April 16, Argentina in San Diego on June 4and Peru in Chicago on June 8.
Broadcast information will be announced at a later date.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
BAYLOR BASEBALL PUMMELS TEXAS TECH 13-3
LUBBOCK, TEXAS (May 17, 2008) Raynor Campbell was 4-for-6 with a home run, and Ben Booker tallied three doubles as Baylor defeated Texas Tech 13-3 in Saturday's Big 12
Conference action at Dan Law Field. The Bears (31-23, 11-15) clinched a spot in next week's Big 12 Championship with the victory; Baylor will be the sixth seed in the event. The Red Raiders (24-30, 8-18) were eliminated from postseason contention with the loss.
It was Baylor's largest margin of victory in a Big 12 road game since a 13-2 victory at Kansas in 2005. The Bears, who averaged 2.5 runs per game in 12 conference road games before Saturday, scored in six of nine innings. Baylor produced 16 hits, 10 of which were for extra bases.
Shaver Hansen got the scoring started with a two-out, three-run homer in the top of the first. After Texas Tech got a Jason Seefeld leadoff homer in the second, the Bears answered with a four-run third to take control of the game. Campbell opened the inning with a double, and Beamer Weems followed with a homer down the line in right. Dustin Dickerson added an RBI single, and Adam Hornung capped the inning with an RBI double. The Red Raiders never threatened again.
Mace Thurman (3-1) earned the victory for the Bears, allowing one run on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 4.1 innings of relief. Starter Craig Fritsch was touched for two runs on three hits and five walks with one strikeout over 4.1 innings; he left the game after consecutive walks to load the bases with one out in the fifth. After Thurman ran into trouble in the ninth, loading the bases on three singles, Randall Linebaugh retired Doug Thennis on a fly ball to deep center to end the game.
Baylor pushed its lead to 10-1 thanks to Campbell's leadoff homer in the fourth and two runs on a wild pitch and Gregg Glime's sacrifice fly in the fifth. Tech got a run back on Roger Kieschnick's RBI groundout in the bottom of the fifth. Joey Kenworthy's RBI double in the seventh cut Baylor's lead to 10-3, but the Bears closed strong. Booker clubbed an RBI double, and Dustin Dickerson had a sacrifice fly in the eighth. Glime doubled with one out in the ninth and scored on Campbell's RBI single.
Tech starter Chad Bettis (4-5) took the loss, allowing eight runs on eight hits and three walks with two strikeouts over 3.0-plus innings; he left the game after Campbell's leadoff homer in the fourth.
Eight of Baylor's nine starters collected at least one hit. Dickerson, Hornung and Weems all joined Booker and Campbell with multiple-hit games, each collecting two hits. Campbell, Dickerson and Weems each had two RBI. Booker and Campbell scored three times each, and Dickerson touched home twice.
Baylor and Texas Tech conclude the series Sunday at 1 p.m. CDT. The Bears are not yet settled on a starter; it will be either right-hander Tim Matthews (5-1, 3.33 ERA) or right-hander Willie Kempf (6-2, 3.79). The Red Raiders are scheduled to start right-hander Nate Karns (2-6, 9.00 ERA).
NOTES: Texas Tech leads the all-time series 69-66, including a 43-21 advantage in games played at Lubbock. The Bears are 19-28 against Tech during head coach Steve Smith's tenure. Baylor is 18-21 against the Raiders during the Big 12 era, including a 15-20 mark in regular-season meetings. ... Baylor moves to 2-12 at Dan Law Field since 2000. This was Baylor's first Saturday victory at Texas Tech since 1993; the Bears had lost six straight such games. ... Campbell (five games), Miller (four games), Weems (four games), Booker (three games) and Hornung (three games) all extended hitting streaks. ... Campbell's four-hit game was the second of his career; he also had four hits at Kansas last season. ... Booker established a career-high with three doubles. ... Saturday was Baylor's fifth game this season with at least three home runs. ... The Bears have hit 50 home runs this season, the most by a Baylor team since the 2004 squad hit 54.
Conference action at Dan Law Field. The Bears (31-23, 11-15) clinched a spot in next week's Big 12 Championship with the victory; Baylor will be the sixth seed in the event. The Red Raiders (24-30, 8-18) were eliminated from postseason contention with the loss.
It was Baylor's largest margin of victory in a Big 12 road game since a 13-2 victory at Kansas in 2005. The Bears, who averaged 2.5 runs per game in 12 conference road games before Saturday, scored in six of nine innings. Baylor produced 16 hits, 10 of which were for extra bases.
Shaver Hansen got the scoring started with a two-out, three-run homer in the top of the first. After Texas Tech got a Jason Seefeld leadoff homer in the second, the Bears answered with a four-run third to take control of the game. Campbell opened the inning with a double, and Beamer Weems followed with a homer down the line in right. Dustin Dickerson added an RBI single, and Adam Hornung capped the inning with an RBI double. The Red Raiders never threatened again.
Mace Thurman (3-1) earned the victory for the Bears, allowing one run on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 4.1 innings of relief. Starter Craig Fritsch was touched for two runs on three hits and five walks with one strikeout over 4.1 innings; he left the game after consecutive walks to load the bases with one out in the fifth. After Thurman ran into trouble in the ninth, loading the bases on three singles, Randall Linebaugh retired Doug Thennis on a fly ball to deep center to end the game.
Baylor pushed its lead to 10-1 thanks to Campbell's leadoff homer in the fourth and two runs on a wild pitch and Gregg Glime's sacrifice fly in the fifth. Tech got a run back on Roger Kieschnick's RBI groundout in the bottom of the fifth. Joey Kenworthy's RBI double in the seventh cut Baylor's lead to 10-3, but the Bears closed strong. Booker clubbed an RBI double, and Dustin Dickerson had a sacrifice fly in the eighth. Glime doubled with one out in the ninth and scored on Campbell's RBI single.
Tech starter Chad Bettis (4-5) took the loss, allowing eight runs on eight hits and three walks with two strikeouts over 3.0-plus innings; he left the game after Campbell's leadoff homer in the fourth.
Eight of Baylor's nine starters collected at least one hit. Dickerson, Hornung and Weems all joined Booker and Campbell with multiple-hit games, each collecting two hits. Campbell, Dickerson and Weems each had two RBI. Booker and Campbell scored three times each, and Dickerson touched home twice.
Baylor and Texas Tech conclude the series Sunday at 1 p.m. CDT. The Bears are not yet settled on a starter; it will be either right-hander Tim Matthews (5-1, 3.33 ERA) or right-hander Willie Kempf (6-2, 3.79). The Red Raiders are scheduled to start right-hander Nate Karns (2-6, 9.00 ERA).
NOTES: Texas Tech leads the all-time series 69-66, including a 43-21 advantage in games played at Lubbock. The Bears are 19-28 against Tech during head coach Steve Smith's tenure. Baylor is 18-21 against the Raiders during the Big 12 era, including a 15-20 mark in regular-season meetings. ... Baylor moves to 2-12 at Dan Law Field since 2000. This was Baylor's first Saturday victory at Texas Tech since 1993; the Bears had lost six straight such games. ... Campbell (five games), Miller (four games), Weems (four games), Booker (three games) and Hornung (three games) all extended hitting streaks. ... Campbell's four-hit game was the second of his career; he also had four hits at Kansas last season. ... Booker established a career-high with three doubles. ... Saturday was Baylor's fifth game this season with at least three home runs. ... The Bears have hit 50 home runs this season, the most by a Baylor team since the 2004 squad hit 54.
Texas Senior Circuit: Photo Finishes Highlight Second Evening of Swimming
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (May 17., 2008) THE second night of swimming at the Texas Senior Circuit meet held in College Station featured plenty of close calls. Eric Shanteau also claimed a pair of event titles.
Martina Moravcova led the second night of swimming off with a triumph in the women's 100 fly when she hit the wall in 59.06. Samantha Woodward, 17, earned second-place honors with a time of 1:00.00, while backstroke specialist Leila Vaziri grabbed third with a time of 1:00.82.
Matt Donch clocked a time of 55.13 to win the men's 100 fly title, while Brian Wilson finished second in 55.99 and Justin Smith took third in 56.30. In the consolation final, Dan Rohleder posted a 55.82 to win the heat. Advertisement
In the women's 100 breast, Elizabeth Tinnon touched out Anne Poleska by the slimmest of margins, 1:11.07 to 1:11.08, while Spindrift Beck (1:11.11) and Alia Atkinson (1:11.13) made it nearly a four-way dead heat heading into the wall. Kirsty Coventry finished sixth in 1:14.18 in an off event.
In another close contest, Eric Shanteau edged Vlad Polyakov, 1:02.28 to 1:02.59, in the men's 100 breast, while Alejandro Jacobo finished third in the event with a 1:03.24.
After a string of close calls, Jessica Rodriquez had a much easier time of it in the women's 200 free with a time of 2:00.28. Jennifer Blackman placed second in 2:01.77, while Chris Marshall took third in 2:02.05. In another off event, Coventry finished fifth in 2:03.43.
The tight finishes returned in the men's 200 free with Matt McGinnis upending Neil Walker, 1:50.25 to 1:50.57. Caleb McDermott placed third in 1:51.80.
Two previous world-record holders went to battle in the women's 50 back with the more recent standard setter emerging victorious. Hayley McGregory knocked off defending world champion Leila Vaziri, 28.24 to 28.63, in the race, while Julia Wilkinson finished third in 29.31.
In the men's sprint back, David Cromwell raced to victory in 26.10 with Longhorn teammate Neil Walker finishing second in 26.38. Pontus Renholm rounded out the top three in 26.42.
After a pair of sprint events, Julie Stupp topped the longer distance women's 400 IM with a time of 4:49.71 as she comfortably defeated Melissa Hain, who took second in 4:55.51. Spindrift Beck completed the podium with a third-place 4:56.21.
Eric Shanteau completed the individual events for the night with a victory in the men's 400 IM when he stopped the clock in 4:23.38. Matt Thompson snared second in 4:29.16, while Bryan Collins wound up third in 4:31.85.
In the 400 medley relays, Petra Klosova, Spindrift Beck, Catia Weickgenant and Jennifer Blackman won the women's race for the Mustangs in 4:19.54, while teammates Pontus Renholm, Jerr Merritt, Nate Clark and Thomas Fadnes took the men's race in 3:51.62.
Martina Moravcova led the second night of swimming off with a triumph in the women's 100 fly when she hit the wall in 59.06. Samantha Woodward, 17, earned second-place honors with a time of 1:00.00, while backstroke specialist Leila Vaziri grabbed third with a time of 1:00.82.
Matt Donch clocked a time of 55.13 to win the men's 100 fly title, while Brian Wilson finished second in 55.99 and Justin Smith took third in 56.30. In the consolation final, Dan Rohleder posted a 55.82 to win the heat. Advertisement
In the women's 100 breast, Elizabeth Tinnon touched out Anne Poleska by the slimmest of margins, 1:11.07 to 1:11.08, while Spindrift Beck (1:11.11) and Alia Atkinson (1:11.13) made it nearly a four-way dead heat heading into the wall. Kirsty Coventry finished sixth in 1:14.18 in an off event.
In another close contest, Eric Shanteau edged Vlad Polyakov, 1:02.28 to 1:02.59, in the men's 100 breast, while Alejandro Jacobo finished third in the event with a 1:03.24.
After a string of close calls, Jessica Rodriquez had a much easier time of it in the women's 200 free with a time of 2:00.28. Jennifer Blackman placed second in 2:01.77, while Chris Marshall took third in 2:02.05. In another off event, Coventry finished fifth in 2:03.43.
The tight finishes returned in the men's 200 free with Matt McGinnis upending Neil Walker, 1:50.25 to 1:50.57. Caleb McDermott placed third in 1:51.80.
Two previous world-record holders went to battle in the women's 50 back with the more recent standard setter emerging victorious. Hayley McGregory knocked off defending world champion Leila Vaziri, 28.24 to 28.63, in the race, while Julia Wilkinson finished third in 29.31.
In the men's sprint back, David Cromwell raced to victory in 26.10 with Longhorn teammate Neil Walker finishing second in 26.38. Pontus Renholm rounded out the top three in 26.42.
After a pair of sprint events, Julie Stupp topped the longer distance women's 400 IM with a time of 4:49.71 as she comfortably defeated Melissa Hain, who took second in 4:55.51. Spindrift Beck completed the podium with a third-place 4:56.21.
Eric Shanteau completed the individual events for the night with a victory in the men's 400 IM when he stopped the clock in 4:23.38. Matt Thompson snared second in 4:29.16, while Bryan Collins wound up third in 4:31.85.
In the 400 medley relays, Petra Klosova, Spindrift Beck, Catia Weickgenant and Jennifer Blackman won the women's race for the Mustangs in 4:19.54, while teammates Pontus Renholm, Jerr Merritt, Nate Clark and Thomas Fadnes took the men's race in 3:51.62.
Groome Selected to Compete in Olympic Qualifer Event in Beijing
By Robert H. KellyCopyright 2008 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 17, 2008) Kirsten Groome of the First Colony Swim Team in Houston, Texas)as been selected to represent the United States in Beijing, China in the final Olympic qualifier for the 10K open water swim on May 31-June 1, 2008. Chloe Sutton of Roseville, California will join Groome in Beijing.
While the U.S. will send both Sutton and Groome to the Beijing Test Event, only one U.S. swimmer can only qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games at the competition. Top finishers at the Beijing Test Event will fill the remaining places for the Olympic 10K marathon swim as only 25 women and 25 men can compete in the event’s Olympic debut.
Groome recently competed in the 5th FINA Open Water World Championships in Seville, Spain, where she placed 21st in the 10K open water swim. The top 10 swimmers in the 10K event at World Championships earned an automatic Olympic berth.
Torres Shines During First Night at Texas Senior Circuit
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (May 17, 2008) 41-year-old Olympian Dara Torres returned from a short rehab stint with a vengeance as she put together a strong 100 freestyle in the Texas Senior Circuit's first night of swimming.
Triin Aljand touched out Chesapeake's Samantha Woodward, 27.14 to 27.16, in front of a hometown crowd in the women's 50 fly. Longhorn Tanica Jamison placed third in 27.44, while Coral Spring's Leila Vaziri finished fourth in 27.80.
Ian Crocker put together a quick time of 24.46 in the men's sprint fly as he downed Camilo Becerra of Fort Worth, who took second in 24.98. Matt Donch rounded out the top three in 25.02. Advertisement
Hayley McGregory posted her best time of the year with a 2:10.96 to win the women's 200 back. That time cleared her previous best this year of 2:11.25 set in March. McGregory finished well ahead of Erica Meissner, who placed second in 2:17.20 with Kristen Heiss taking third in 2:17.28.
Nick Thoman secured an upset over teammate David Cromwell in the men's 200 back with a time of 1:59.84 against Cromwell's 2:00.54. Thoman had enough in the tank to overtake Cromwell in the final 50 after trailing 1:29.89 to 1:30.17 at the 150-meter mark as Thoman beat Cromwell, 29.67 to 30.65, in the last stretch.
Dara Torres, 41, demonstrated she is well on pace to making history at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a winning time of 54.17 in the women's 100 free. That performance is tied for ninth in the world this year and is only behind Natalie Coughlin's newly-minted 53.39 as the second-fastest American this year. Martina Moravcova and Mustang teammate Jennifer Blackman took second and third in 56.07 and 56.37.
Neil Walker gave Longhorn another victory when he hit the pad in 49.49 in the men's 100 free. Matt McGinnis finished second in 49.99, while Dale Rogers took third in 50.24.
In the women's 200 breast, Anne Poleska walked away with the title in 2:28.82, while Spindrift Beck snatched second in 2:29.66. Julie Stupp picked up third in 2:31.69.
With teammate Brendan Hansen competing in the Santa Clara meet, Eric Shanteau had an easy time of winning the men's 200 breast in 2:13.12. Coral Springs' Vlad Polyakov claimed second back in 2:15.52, while Scott Spann, swimming for Longhorn, took third in 2:17.81.
Jessica Rodriquez of Longhorn won the women's 400 free with a time of 4:14.51, while Kirsty Coventry finished second in 4:17.31 in an off event.
Caleb Veazey of the Mustangs clipped the Trials cut with a winning time of 3:59.28 in the men's 400 free, while Sean Patton finished second in 4:00.51. Bryan Collins took third in 4:02.03.
Triin Aljand touched out Chesapeake's Samantha Woodward, 27.14 to 27.16, in front of a hometown crowd in the women's 50 fly. Longhorn Tanica Jamison placed third in 27.44, while Coral Spring's Leila Vaziri finished fourth in 27.80.
Ian Crocker put together a quick time of 24.46 in the men's sprint fly as he downed Camilo Becerra of Fort Worth, who took second in 24.98. Matt Donch rounded out the top three in 25.02. Advertisement
Hayley McGregory posted her best time of the year with a 2:10.96 to win the women's 200 back. That time cleared her previous best this year of 2:11.25 set in March. McGregory finished well ahead of Erica Meissner, who placed second in 2:17.20 with Kristen Heiss taking third in 2:17.28.
Nick Thoman secured an upset over teammate David Cromwell in the men's 200 back with a time of 1:59.84 against Cromwell's 2:00.54. Thoman had enough in the tank to overtake Cromwell in the final 50 after trailing 1:29.89 to 1:30.17 at the 150-meter mark as Thoman beat Cromwell, 29.67 to 30.65, in the last stretch.
Dara Torres, 41, demonstrated she is well on pace to making history at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a winning time of 54.17 in the women's 100 free. That performance is tied for ninth in the world this year and is only behind Natalie Coughlin's newly-minted 53.39 as the second-fastest American this year. Martina Moravcova and Mustang teammate Jennifer Blackman took second and third in 56.07 and 56.37.
Neil Walker gave Longhorn another victory when he hit the pad in 49.49 in the men's 100 free. Matt McGinnis finished second in 49.99, while Dale Rogers took third in 50.24.
In the women's 200 breast, Anne Poleska walked away with the title in 2:28.82, while Spindrift Beck snatched second in 2:29.66. Julie Stupp picked up third in 2:31.69.
With teammate Brendan Hansen competing in the Santa Clara meet, Eric Shanteau had an easy time of winning the men's 200 breast in 2:13.12. Coral Springs' Vlad Polyakov claimed second back in 2:15.52, while Scott Spann, swimming for Longhorn, took third in 2:17.81.
Jessica Rodriquez of Longhorn won the women's 400 free with a time of 4:14.51, while Kirsty Coventry finished second in 4:17.31 in an off event.
Caleb Veazey of the Mustangs clipped the Trials cut with a winning time of 3:59.28 in the men's 400 free, while Sean Patton finished second in 4:00.51. Bryan Collins took third in 4:02.03.
Visa Gymnastics Championships Headed for Houston
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (May 17, 2008) The USA’s best gymnasts in men’s gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling are heading to Houston for the 2008 Visa Championships, May 22-24, at Reliant Park. 2007 U.S. men’s all-around champion David Durante of Garwood, N.J./Team Chevron, 2006-07 U.S. rhythmic all-around champion Lisa Wang of Buffalo Grove, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic, and 2007 U.S. trampoline champions Chris Estrada of Lafayette, La./OTC Trampoline Team, and Brittany Dircks of Orland Park, Ill./Ultra Twisters, seek to retain their titles. Also slated to compete are Jonathan Horton of Houston/Team Chevron, who finished fourth in the all-around at the 2007 World Championships, 2004 Olympic all-around champion Paul Hamm of Waukesha, Wis./Team Chevron, and 2004 Olympic team silver-medalists Morgan Hamm of Waukesha, Wis., and Blaine Wilson of Columbus, Ohio.
For men’s gymnastics and trampoline, the Visa Championships serve as part of their Road to Beijing: for the men, it is the qualifying event for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics, June 19-22 in Philadelphia; and for trampoline, it is the third of four events where athletes earn points toward Olympic selection. One man and one woman will represent the USA in trampoline at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Below are quick snapshots of the fields for rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling. The men’s field was previously released, but is also recapped. The complete field for the 2008 Visa Championships is listed below by state.
Rhythmic gymnastics
Wang is the defending U.S. champion in the all-around, hoop and clubs. Other rhythmic gymnasts in the field include Rachel Marmer of Los Angeles/Eurogymnastics, the 2007 U.S. rope champion, and Julie Zetlin of Bethesda, Md./Rhythmflex, the 2007 U.S. ribbon champion. Marlee Shape of Buffalo Grove, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic, who competes in the junior division, earned four medals, including three gold medals in the all-around, hoop and ribbon, in 2007.
The rhythmic field breaks down into 23 seniors and 26 juniors, representing 11 states.
Trampoline and tumbling
Eight athletes who claimed medals at the 2007 World Championships are scheduled to compete at the Visa Championships: Susannah Johnson of Roanoke, Va./Capital Gymnastics, Leanne Seitzinger of Stafford, Va./Novaks' Gymnastics Center, and Kaitlin Tortorich of Fredericksburg, Va./Capital Gymnastics (women’s tumbling team gold medal); Kalon Ludvigson of Sterling, Utah/Team Revolution, Andrew Muzzarelli of Rockford, Ill./Gymnastics Academy of Rockford, and Stephen Raymond of Byron Center, Mich./Great Lakes Griffins (men’s double mini-trampoline team silver medal); Aubree Balkan of Carlsbad, Calif./Bounce California, and Sarah Prosen of Apple Valley, Minn./Gleason's Gypsy Flyers (women’s double mini-trampoline team bronze medal). Ludvigson also won an individual bronze medal in men’s double mini.
In addition to Dircks and Estrada, the other defending U.S. champions in the trampoline and tumbling senior division are: Alaina Williams of Amarillo, Texas/OTC Trampoline Team, women’s synchronized trampoline; Logan Dooley of Lake Forest, Calif./OTC Trampoline Team and Steven Gluckstein of Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Ultra Twisters, men’s synchronized trampoline; and Ludvigson, men’s tumbling and double mini. Erin Blanchard of Lafayette, La./OTC Trampoline Team, and Alaina Hebert of Broussard, La./OTC Trampoline Team, claimed the U.S. women’s trampoline titles in 2006, and in 2001 and 2005, respectively.
The trampoline and tumbling field of 79 represents 19 states and includes 32 seniors and 47 juniors (two athletes are competing as seniors in one event and juniors in another).
Men’s gymnastics
The senior men’s 44-man field also includes all seven members of the 2007 World Championships Team. The U.S. champions and the 2008-09 U.S. Men’s National Team will also be determined in Houston.
The seven members of the 2007 World Championships Team that finished fourth are: Guillermo Alvarez of Denver/Team Chevron; Alexander Artemev of Lakewood, Colo./Team Chevron; Sean Golden, Camden of N.J./Team Chevron; Sho Nakamori of Albany, Calif./Stanford University; Kevin Tan of Fremont, Calif./Team Chevron; Durante and Horton. At the 2007 World Championships, Horton placed fourth in the all-around, and Alvarez and Tan finished fourth in the floor exercise and still rings, respectively.
In addition to the seven world team members, Paul Hamm and Wilson, the members of the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team in the field are: Raj Bhavsar of Houston/Team Chevron; Joseph Hagerty of Rio Rancho, N.M./Team Chevron; David Sender of Arlington Heights, Ill./Stanford University; Justin Spring of Burke, Va./Team Chevron; Yewki Tomita of Tucson, Ariz./Team Chevron; and Sean Townsend of Houston/Team Chevron.
At the 2004 Olympic Games, Paul Hamm became the first U.S. man to win the all-around Olympic crown. Both Hamms were also members of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team, and Wilson is a three-time Olympian (1996, 2000 and 2004). Since returning to competitive gymnastics at the 2007 Visa Championships, Paul Hamm won the all-around at the 2008 Winter Cup Challenge, the 2008 Tyson American Cup and the 2008 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships presented by Gillette Venus.
The junior men’s field includes 2007 U.S. junior champions Glen Ishino of Santa Ana, Calif./SCATS – Huntington Beach, who won the still rings in the 16-18 year-old division, and John Orozco of Bronx, N.Y./World Cup Gymnastics, who claimed the all-around, still rings, parallel bars and horizontal bar titles in the 14-15 year-old division. Jake Dalton of Sparks, Nev./Gymnastics Nevada, and Donothan Bailey of Lake Forest, Calif./Azarian Gymnastics, won the floor exercise and pommel horse, respectively, in the 14-15 year-old division at the 2007 Visa Championships and are competing in this year’s 16-18 year-old division. Sam Mikulak of Newport Coast, Calif./SCATS – Huntington Beach, who finished first on vault in 2007, is again competing in the 14-15 year-old division.
The men’s field breaks down into 44 seniors and 35 juniors, 17 in the 14-15 year-old age group and 18 in 16-18 year-old age bracket.
About the Visa Championships
Single-session tickets are still available and range from $20-85 for men’s gymnastics, with those for rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline selling for $15 and $20. Tickets may be purchased charge by phone at 713-629-3700; online at www.ticketmaster.com; at all Ticketmaster outlets; or at the Reliant Stadium South Box Office. Visa is the only card accepted for the 2008 Visa Championships.
The schedule for men’s artistic gymnastics is: Thursday, May 22—senior men’s first day of competition at 7 p.m.; and May 24—junior men’s all-around and individual event finals at 12:30 p.m., and the final day of the senior men’s competition at 6 p.m. On May 23, Reliant Arena will host the U.S. Classic, a women’s gymnastics event. To view a participant list for the U.S. Classic, go to www.usa-gymnastics.org.
The schedule for rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline is: Thursday, May 22—junior rhythmic all-around prelims and individual event finals at 10 a.m., and senior rhythmic all-around prelims and individual event finals at 2:30 p.m.; Friday, May 23—junior trampoline and tumbling prelims at 10 a.m., and senior trampoline and tumbling prelims at 2:30 p.m.; and Saturday, May 24—junior rhythmic all-around and trampoline and tumbling finals at 10 a.m., and senior rhythmic all-around and trampoline and tumbling finals at 2:30 p.m.
The Visa Championships traces its history back to 1897 for the men.
For men’s gymnastics and trampoline, the Visa Championships serve as part of their Road to Beijing: for the men, it is the qualifying event for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics, June 19-22 in Philadelphia; and for trampoline, it is the third of four events where athletes earn points toward Olympic selection. One man and one woman will represent the USA in trampoline at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Below are quick snapshots of the fields for rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling. The men’s field was previously released, but is also recapped. The complete field for the 2008 Visa Championships is listed below by state.
Rhythmic gymnastics
Wang is the defending U.S. champion in the all-around, hoop and clubs. Other rhythmic gymnasts in the field include Rachel Marmer of Los Angeles/Eurogymnastics, the 2007 U.S. rope champion, and Julie Zetlin of Bethesda, Md./Rhythmflex, the 2007 U.S. ribbon champion. Marlee Shape of Buffalo Grove, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic, who competes in the junior division, earned four medals, including three gold medals in the all-around, hoop and ribbon, in 2007.
The rhythmic field breaks down into 23 seniors and 26 juniors, representing 11 states.
Trampoline and tumbling
Eight athletes who claimed medals at the 2007 World Championships are scheduled to compete at the Visa Championships: Susannah Johnson of Roanoke, Va./Capital Gymnastics, Leanne Seitzinger of Stafford, Va./Novaks' Gymnastics Center, and Kaitlin Tortorich of Fredericksburg, Va./Capital Gymnastics (women’s tumbling team gold medal); Kalon Ludvigson of Sterling, Utah/Team Revolution, Andrew Muzzarelli of Rockford, Ill./Gymnastics Academy of Rockford, and Stephen Raymond of Byron Center, Mich./Great Lakes Griffins (men’s double mini-trampoline team silver medal); Aubree Balkan of Carlsbad, Calif./Bounce California, and Sarah Prosen of Apple Valley, Minn./Gleason's Gypsy Flyers (women’s double mini-trampoline team bronze medal). Ludvigson also won an individual bronze medal in men’s double mini.
In addition to Dircks and Estrada, the other defending U.S. champions in the trampoline and tumbling senior division are: Alaina Williams of Amarillo, Texas/OTC Trampoline Team, women’s synchronized trampoline; Logan Dooley of Lake Forest, Calif./OTC Trampoline Team and Steven Gluckstein of Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Ultra Twisters, men’s synchronized trampoline; and Ludvigson, men’s tumbling and double mini. Erin Blanchard of Lafayette, La./OTC Trampoline Team, and Alaina Hebert of Broussard, La./OTC Trampoline Team, claimed the U.S. women’s trampoline titles in 2006, and in 2001 and 2005, respectively.
The trampoline and tumbling field of 79 represents 19 states and includes 32 seniors and 47 juniors (two athletes are competing as seniors in one event and juniors in another).
Men’s gymnastics
The senior men’s 44-man field also includes all seven members of the 2007 World Championships Team. The U.S. champions and the 2008-09 U.S. Men’s National Team will also be determined in Houston.
The seven members of the 2007 World Championships Team that finished fourth are: Guillermo Alvarez of Denver/Team Chevron; Alexander Artemev of Lakewood, Colo./Team Chevron; Sean Golden, Camden of N.J./Team Chevron; Sho Nakamori of Albany, Calif./Stanford University; Kevin Tan of Fremont, Calif./Team Chevron; Durante and Horton. At the 2007 World Championships, Horton placed fourth in the all-around, and Alvarez and Tan finished fourth in the floor exercise and still rings, respectively.
In addition to the seven world team members, Paul Hamm and Wilson, the members of the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team in the field are: Raj Bhavsar of Houston/Team Chevron; Joseph Hagerty of Rio Rancho, N.M./Team Chevron; David Sender of Arlington Heights, Ill./Stanford University; Justin Spring of Burke, Va./Team Chevron; Yewki Tomita of Tucson, Ariz./Team Chevron; and Sean Townsend of Houston/Team Chevron.
At the 2004 Olympic Games, Paul Hamm became the first U.S. man to win the all-around Olympic crown. Both Hamms were also members of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team, and Wilson is a three-time Olympian (1996, 2000 and 2004). Since returning to competitive gymnastics at the 2007 Visa Championships, Paul Hamm won the all-around at the 2008 Winter Cup Challenge, the 2008 Tyson American Cup and the 2008 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships presented by Gillette Venus.
The junior men’s field includes 2007 U.S. junior champions Glen Ishino of Santa Ana, Calif./SCATS – Huntington Beach, who won the still rings in the 16-18 year-old division, and John Orozco of Bronx, N.Y./World Cup Gymnastics, who claimed the all-around, still rings, parallel bars and horizontal bar titles in the 14-15 year-old division. Jake Dalton of Sparks, Nev./Gymnastics Nevada, and Donothan Bailey of Lake Forest, Calif./Azarian Gymnastics, won the floor exercise and pommel horse, respectively, in the 14-15 year-old division at the 2007 Visa Championships and are competing in this year’s 16-18 year-old division. Sam Mikulak of Newport Coast, Calif./SCATS – Huntington Beach, who finished first on vault in 2007, is again competing in the 14-15 year-old division.
The men’s field breaks down into 44 seniors and 35 juniors, 17 in the 14-15 year-old age group and 18 in 16-18 year-old age bracket.
About the Visa Championships
Single-session tickets are still available and range from $20-85 for men’s gymnastics, with those for rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline selling for $15 and $20. Tickets may be purchased charge by phone at 713-629-3700; online at www.ticketmaster.com; at all Ticketmaster outlets; or at the Reliant Stadium South Box Office. Visa is the only card accepted for the 2008 Visa Championships.
The schedule for men’s artistic gymnastics is: Thursday, May 22—senior men’s first day of competition at 7 p.m.; and May 24—junior men’s all-around and individual event finals at 12:30 p.m., and the final day of the senior men’s competition at 6 p.m. On May 23, Reliant Arena will host the U.S. Classic, a women’s gymnastics event. To view a participant list for the U.S. Classic, go to www.usa-gymnastics.org.
The schedule for rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline is: Thursday, May 22—junior rhythmic all-around prelims and individual event finals at 10 a.m., and senior rhythmic all-around prelims and individual event finals at 2:30 p.m.; Friday, May 23—junior trampoline and tumbling prelims at 10 a.m., and senior trampoline and tumbling prelims at 2:30 p.m.; and Saturday, May 24—junior rhythmic all-around and trampoline and tumbling finals at 10 a.m., and senior rhythmic all-around and trampoline and tumbling finals at 2:30 p.m.
The Visa Championships traces its history back to 1897 for the men.
Friday, May 16, 2008
BAYLOR BASEBALL BLANKS STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 11-0
WACO, TEXAS (May 16, 2008) Seniors Tim Matthews and Paul Miles made their final games at Baylor Ballpark memorable. Matthews tossed a three-hit shutout, and Miles was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI as Baylor defeated Stephen F. Austin 11-0 in seven innings Wednesday night. The Bears (30-22) finished the regular season 21-10 at home and improved to 26-0 all-time against Stephen F. Austin (24-27).
Matthews (5-1), who recorded the first complete game and the first shutout of his career, faced two over the minimum and allowed only four base runners all night. He tallied six strikeouts against only walk and retired 14 consecutive batters between Jeffrey Kello’s leadoff single in the third and Adam Bosley’s two-out walk in the seventh. After Bosley walked, Justin Roland ended the game with a single that hit Bosley between first and second; by rule, Bosley was called out, and the 10-run mercy rule was enforced.
Aaron Miller’s two-out, two-run double in the bottom of the first gave the Bears the early lead. Baylor added an unearned run in the second, but it was a six-run third that put the game out of reach. The Bears’ first seven batters reached safely. Raynor Campbell, Ben Booker and Miles all had RBI hits in the inning, and Beamer Weems added an run-scoring groundout; the other two runs scored on a balk and a wild pitch.
Adam Hornung’s sacrifice fly in the fifth pushed the Bears’ lead to 10-0, and Gregg Glime capped the scoring with an RBI groundout in the sixth.
Stephen F. Austin’s only legitimate threat was in the first inning when Kai Kirby led off with a single and then stole second and third. However, Kirby was thrown out on an attempted steal of home. Kello was stranded at third after his leadoff single in the third.
Weems finished the night 3-for-4 with two RBI and two doubles, while Booker, Campbell and Miles all had two-hit games. Each of Baylor’s nine starters scored at least once; Campbell and Miles scored twice each.
Baylor concludes its regular-season schedule this weekend, traveling to Lubbock, Texas, for a three-game Big 12 Conference series at Texas Tech. The Bears and the Red Raiders meet Friday at 6:05 p.m. CDT, Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Baylor enters the weekend in sixth place in the Big 12 standings and in need of one victory to clinch a berth in next week’s Big 12 Championship at Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City.
NOTES: Baylor leads the all-time series 26-0, including a 22-0 advantage in games played in Waco. … Hansen extended his hitting streak to nine games, matching his career long established earlier this season. … Matthews’ sixth strikeout of the night was the 100th of his career.
Matthews (5-1), who recorded the first complete game and the first shutout of his career, faced two over the minimum and allowed only four base runners all night. He tallied six strikeouts against only walk and retired 14 consecutive batters between Jeffrey Kello’s leadoff single in the third and Adam Bosley’s two-out walk in the seventh. After Bosley walked, Justin Roland ended the game with a single that hit Bosley between first and second; by rule, Bosley was called out, and the 10-run mercy rule was enforced.
Aaron Miller’s two-out, two-run double in the bottom of the first gave the Bears the early lead. Baylor added an unearned run in the second, but it was a six-run third that put the game out of reach. The Bears’ first seven batters reached safely. Raynor Campbell, Ben Booker and Miles all had RBI hits in the inning, and Beamer Weems added an run-scoring groundout; the other two runs scored on a balk and a wild pitch.
Adam Hornung’s sacrifice fly in the fifth pushed the Bears’ lead to 10-0, and Gregg Glime capped the scoring with an RBI groundout in the sixth.
Stephen F. Austin’s only legitimate threat was in the first inning when Kai Kirby led off with a single and then stole second and third. However, Kirby was thrown out on an attempted steal of home. Kello was stranded at third after his leadoff single in the third.
Weems finished the night 3-for-4 with two RBI and two doubles, while Booker, Campbell and Miles all had two-hit games. Each of Baylor’s nine starters scored at least once; Campbell and Miles scored twice each.
Baylor concludes its regular-season schedule this weekend, traveling to Lubbock, Texas, for a three-game Big 12 Conference series at Texas Tech. The Bears and the Red Raiders meet Friday at 6:05 p.m. CDT, Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Baylor enters the weekend in sixth place in the Big 12 standings and in need of one victory to clinch a berth in next week’s Big 12 Championship at Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City.
NOTES: Baylor leads the all-time series 26-0, including a 22-0 advantage in games played in Waco. … Hansen extended his hitting streak to nine games, matching his career long established earlier this season. … Matthews’ sixth strikeout of the night was the 100th of his career.
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