SIFL: Louisiana Swashbucklers Lose League Opener to Columbus Lions

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA (March 27, 2010) In their first game against a SIFL team and hampered by seven turnovers and the absence of two key players, the Louisiana Swashbucklers dropped a hard fought contest 88-32 to the Columbus Lions.

The Swashbucklers, who were coming off a 88-6 trashing of the North Texas Crunch, could not repeat their offensive power of the previous week, were held scoreless in the second half.

The Lions defense held Swashbuckler quarterback Alvin Bartie to only 10 of 26 passing for 253 yards. Bartie was also sacked four times as well as throwing six interceptions.

The Swashbucklers, who trailed the entire game, closed the gap to 13 points at the half.

The absence of kicker Tommy Hebert and offensive lineman Lance Freeman hampered the Swashbuckler offense. Herbert accounted for all Louisiana’s PAT in last weeks match and Freeman provided key protection for Bartie during his passing attacks.

Both players were unavailable for the game due to prior obligations.

Shaun Samuels replaced Bartie early in the fourth quarter, throwing 3 of 7 for 53 yards while being sacked four times.

The Swashbucklers had 311 yards of total offense, with Marcos Wildridge catching seven passes for 137 yards while Sammy Knight made five catches for 140 yards.

The Lions were led quarterback Todd Switzer, who threw 17 of 31 for 224 yards and six touchdowns with one interception and Gerald Gales’ three receiving touchdowns.

The Swashbucklers are now 1-1 on the season and the Lions are 1-0.

Louisiana will get back in action on April 9 as they travel to take on the Greenville Force with Columbus will travel to Albany next Saturday April 4 to tackle the Panthers.

SIFL: The Louisiana Swashbucklers Crush the North Texas Crunch 88-6

(Swashbuckler quarterback Alvin Bartie threw for eight touchdowns and 268 yards against the North Texas Crunch. Photo by Darla S. Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Right Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 20, 2010) With a rousing rendition of the national anthem and the game ball delivered to the officials like the birth of a baby, the Louisiana Swashbucklers kicked off the 2010 SIFL season with a 88-6 trouncing of the North Texas Crunch at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Saturday night.

The Swashbucklers were schedule to play the Houston Lightning to begin the season but due to problems with the Lightning’s failure to secure a venue for games, they dropped out of the SIFL for the season.

The game between two different indoor league champions was not the battle of the titans that everyone expected. The Crunch is the defending IIFL champions and had beaten the East Texas Drillers 49-18 last week.

The Swashbucklers held the Crunch on their first offensive drive and took command of the ball from that point, scoring three times in the first quarter.

At the 9:08 mark, Louisiana scored on their first offensive play with a 38-yard pass from Alvin Bartie to Marcus Wilridge.

Lapeacus Celestine followed up two minutes later with a 1-yard run to make the score 14-0.

Courtney Brooks scored the third Swashbuckler touchdown in the first quarter when he snagged an interception to take the score to 21-0 after 15 minutes.

The second quarter saw the Swashbucklers score four more touchdowns without any response from the Crunch.

Bartie threw all four touchdown passes with the first going to Sammy Knight for a 50-yard score at the 12:46 mark.

Bartie then connected with Jermaine Martin with a 20-yard touchdown pass and came back on the next set of down with a 24-yard pass to Wilridge to add to the score.

He finished out the half with another scoring pass to Knight to take the score to 49-0.















(The Swashbuckler mascot was handing out doubloons to the loyal fans of the home team. Photo by Darla S. Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Right Reserved)

The Crunch finally got on the board in the third quarter with an 18-yard pass from Josh Booker to Jarred Perryman. The one-point conversion failed, to make the score 56-6.

Prior to the Crunch score, the Swashbucklers scored another touchdown when Bartie again found Martin in the end zone with a 5-yard pass.

The Swashbucklers then put Jermaine Davis in at quarterback and he promptly scored with an 11-yard pass to Davis. Bartie returned to the game after Davis hyper-extended his knee and handed the ball off to Celestine. He quickly ran in for the first rushing score of the game to close out the third quarter with a 68-6 score.

The fourth quarter saw Louisiana score three more times. At the 13:57 mark, Bartie again connected with Wilridge on a 48-yard pass.

The Crunch took control of the ball after that, but could not get their offense to put the points on the board.

The Swashbucklers came back to score twice in the final two minutes. With 1:21 left in the game Celestine run from the 8-yard line to score, followed by the two-point conversion.

Bartie closed out the game with 24-seconds left on a 17-yard pass to Knight.

The Swashbucklers had a total of 307 yards of offense, with 279 in the air. The Crunch could only manage 75 yards of total offense and a mere 18 minutes on offense.

Bartie went 10 for 24 and 268 yards in the air while Knight had 121 yards receiving.

Louisiana will return to the field on March 27 when they travel to Georgia to face the Columbus Lions with a 7:30pm start.

SIFL FOOTBALL ACTION KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 19, 2010) – The first weekend of Southern Indoor Football League action kicks off on Saturday evening with two defending champions going head-to-head as well as a possible showcase of the SIFL’s top three quarterbacks on Sunday.

Starting Saturday, The Swashbucklers will be attempting an unprecedented fourth championship run as the host the defending Independent Indoor Football Alliance champion North Texas Crunch. In the last three seasons the Bucs have amassed arguably one of indoor football greatest winning percentages (.950) including winning the Intense Bowl (2007), National Indoor Football Bowl (2008), and the inaugural SIFL Championship (2009).

North Texas rides into Lake Charles after the Houston Lightning and the SIFL decided the franchise would not participate in 2010. Last season, the Crunch played in three SIFL games going 0-3 and was outscored 182-21. The 2009 champions of the IIFA come into Saturday’s contest hot off a 49-18 victory over the East Texas Drillers this past Sunday.

Also kicking off this weekend will be the Lafayette Wildcatters traveling to take on the Greenville Force in a Sunday matinee. Lafayette will feature arguably the SIFL’s top two quarterbacks in both Omar Haughabook and Bo Bartik. Haughabook joins the Wildcatters after spending 2009 with the Houma Conquerors. Omar will unite with Bartik forming one of indoor footballs top quarterback tandems. In 2009, the two combined to amass 3,161 total offense yards along with 44 touchdowns giving Lafayette head coach John Fourcade with plenty of options behind center.

Greenville opens the weekend trying to resolve some issues after a 63-6 drubbing by the hands of the Columbus Lions in an exhibition contest back on March 8th. “When we faced off against the Lions our club got a rude awakening and learned we have a long road ahead of us,” says Greenville Force head coach Tony Wells.

When it came to talking about Lafayette, coach was adamant about how the key to a victory will be stopping the Wildcatters quarterback play. “Biggest thing we can do to earn a victory on Sunday is constrict them from the big plays,” continued Wells. “If we can force them to nickel and dime situations, I like our chances.”
On Sunday, the Force will feature one of the SIFL’s top quarterback-receiving tandems in Andrew Webb and Isaac West. Last season, the two managed to hook up for 17 touchdowns leading Greenville to the number four passing offense in the AIFA (216 yds/gm).

The SIFL season kicks off this Saturday with the Louisiana Swashbucklers taking on the North Texas Crunch of the IIFA at 7:00 pm. The Lafayette Wildcatters will travel and go head-to-head against the Greenville Force on Sunday March 21st at 3:00 pm. Be sure to stay tuned all this weekend’s action by logging on to www.southernifl.com.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M SIGNS TWO-YEAR DEAL TO PLAY IN SHREVEPORT

PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS (March 19, 2010) The Prairie View A&M Department of Athletics has entered into a two-year agreement with the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority and State Fair of Louisiana which will provide the city with one football game each during the 2010 and 2011 seasons at Independence Stadium.

Prairie View’s first contest in the “Port City” will take place on Oct. 23, 2010 versus Southern University. The contest will be a reunion of sorts as both teams met in Independence Stadium during the 2003 campaign.

"The Shreveport Regional Sports Authority is privileged and proud to partner with Prairie View A&M University to host the Prairie View vs. Southern football game this fall,” said Shreveport Regional Sports Authority Executive Director Mary Ann Tice. “We are also excited to be able to partner with the State Fair of Louisiana to create a State Fair experience for Prairie View and Southern fans, students and alumni. We look forward to a long relationship with Prairie View A&M and it's fine leaders and student-athletes."

During the 2011 season, the Panthers will face Jackson State on Oct. 29.

Both games will take place during the annual State Fair of Louisiana, which is held on the grounds of Independence Stadium.

"The State Fair of Louisiana is very excited to be able to host a college football game featuring Prairie View A&M and Southern University during the 2010 State Fair,” stated State Fair of Louisiana President & General Manager Chris Giordano. “I look forward to working with Prairie View A&M University to make this an experience that the fans won’t forget. It’s been a long time since we have had a college football game during the State Fair and we hope that this is the beginning of a lasting partnership.”

Prairie View A&M Director of Athletics Fred Washington anticipates the move will be beneficial to both Prairie View A&M and the Shreveport-Bossier City area.

“PVAMU looks forward to working with the leaders and community in the Shreveport-Bossier City area to create a venue that the entire family can enjoy,” said Washington. “My experience with the city leaders, community and local fans over the past few weeks made it clear that together we can create something special.”

Shreveport, known as “Louisiana’s Other Side” due to its location and unique combination of Louisiana Cajun culture and East Texas cowboy heritage, boasts a variety of attractions ranging from casinos, shopping and fine dining. The city will host the upcoming SWAC Baseball Tournament in May and recently hosted the 2010 SWAC Basketball Tournament.

"I am thrilled at the prospect of the Prairie View Panthers playing football in Shreveport,” added Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover. “To do so against the Southern Jaguars makes it even more special. Add in a Louisiana State Fair weekend and we have a clear Classic in the making. Not just a game, but an event-filled weekend. I can't wait."

Softball Travels to Orlando for First Conference Road Series of the Season

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 18, 2010) Riding an eight-game winning streak, the University of Houston softball team travels to Orlando, Fla., for its first Conference USA road series of the season. The Cougars (15-9, 3-0) take on the UCF Knights (14-11, 1-1) on March 20-21 with the first pitch slated for noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Houston leads the all-time series 9-3 against the Knights with the advantage of a 4-1 road record. Last season, the teams split the series after inclement weather at the Cougar Softball Stadium limited the meeting to a Sunday doubleheader.

The last time the Cougars played at the UCF Softball Complex was on April 5-6, 2008 when Houston went 1-1 against UCF, winning the first game, 5-1, and dropping the second, 5-6.

Conference USA Hitter of the Week Angela Spittler leads Houston with a .359 batting average and .500 on-base percentage. The College Station, Texas native has recorded at least one hit in seven of her last eight games, including a pair of home runs against Southern Miss and North Dakota State. In the Southern Miss matchup, the junior went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI and three runs.

Freshman Ashleigh Jones follows, batting .358 with a team-high of 29 hits and 81 at bats. The centerfielder went 4-for-7 in Houston’s midweek doubleheader against North Dakota State, driving in an RBI and a run.

Sophomore Melissa Gregson slugs .547 to lead the team in total bases (35), runs (16), RBI (19) and home runs (6). The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., product hit two home runs in game two of the North Dakota State twin bill, tallying three RBI. She was the first Cougar to accomplish this feat since Laurie Wagner belted two over the fence in an 8-3 home win against Baylor on April 16, 2008.

Bailey Watts (8-3) leads the pitching staff with an ERA of 2.50 in 70 innings. Amanda Crabtree worked her way to a winning record this past week, helping the Cougars defeat Monmouth, North Dakota State and Southern Miss twice. The junior pitcher recorded a career-high 14 strikeouts in the first game of the Southern Miss sweep.

Abby McClain leads the Knights with a .317 batting average and 26 total bases. The junior ties for the lead in hits (19) with Natalie Land and runs (15) with Hillary Barrow.

UCF will rely on Ashleigh Cole (9-6) who leads the pitching staff with a 1.58 ERA and 66 strikeouts over 97.2 innings.

The Knights went 1-1 against Memphis last weekend and dropped a midweek matchup against Drake on Wednesday. So far this season, they have claimed wins against two ranked teams, No. 16 Tennessee and No. 9 Alabama.

National MS Society Raises Handlebar with 26th Annual BP MS 150 Bike Ride, April 17 – 18

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 18, 2010) An estimated 13,000 cyclists will make the two-day, 180-mile journey from Houston to Austin as part of the 26th Annual BP MS 150, supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society:

Lone Star in its quest to create a world free of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Throughout its 26-year history, the Houston-to-Austin MS 150 has experienced monumental growth, evolving from 237 cyclists that raised $117,000 in 1985 to its current capacity of 13,000 riders that endeavor to raise a record $18 million this year. Funds raised support research, programs and services provided Lone Star that benefit an estimated 20,000 people affected by MS in 174 Texas counties.

“The passion shared by cyclists, sponsors and volunteers alike is a significant component to the success of this event year after year,” explained Mark Neagli, Regional Executive Vice President. “The BP
MS 150 is a unifying force that connects all involved with the thousands of people who live with MS every day. We’ve seen cyclists join the ride with fitness as the primary motivator, only to be transformed into some of our most avid supporters. It’s a powerful movement that compels people to take action.”

The BP MS 150 has long been regarded as one of the nation’s premier fundraising rides due to its experienced management and commitment to safety. As part of this commitment, and new this year, BP MS 150 cyclists will have access to TrainingPeaks, the official training software of Bike MS events nationwide that places safety at the forefront. The complimentary subscription includes custom cycling training plans
created specifically for the National MS Society by Joe Friel, a highly regarded trainer of endurance athletes.

For beginner and intermediate cyclists, the National MS Society now offers Get there Safely, an online video that enables viewers to put safety tips into practice, with a focus on what to wear, bike condition, food and hydration, how to ride in a group and additional resources.

Cyclists will begin the ride in Houston on Saturday, April 17, 2010, and finish in downtown Austin near the State Capitol on Sunday, April 18, 2010, after an overnight celebration in La Grange. Three starting points will be offered this year – Omni Houston Hotel Westside, Rhodes Stadium in Katy and Waller High School Stadium in Waller. On day two, riders can opt for one of two routes out of La Grange as they make their way to Austin.

Louisiana Swashbucklers To Open Season Against North Texas Crunch

By Robert H. Kelly

Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 17, 2010) The Louisiana Swashbucklers were scheduled to take on the Houston Lightning in the season opener for both teams this coming Saturday evening at the Lake Charles Civic Center at 7:00pm.

In a press release posted on their website, the Houston Lightening has announced they will not play during the 2010 season and are shutting down operations.

Our season is set to open March 20, 2010, against the Louisiana Swashbucklers After meeting with Tom Hager, President of the SIFL, on March 10, 2010 we have made the decision to not field the Houston Lightning this year. This decision is directly related to an agreement to play in a specific local arena which is now not being honored, by them. We have spent an enormous amount of time, effort, and money to replace our original arena. Understand that we have not sold a single ticket, nor taken any advertising dollars. This issue for our organization is not a financial decision, but one of fairness and integrity.

We do not make this decision lightly as it affects so many lives in and around our organization; fans, players, coaches, staff, sponsors, other team owners, and those employees of all the vendors in support of us. With such a short time to our first game we cannot in good consciousness attempt to field a team and meet the level of quality and experience we demand of ourselves, let alone our fans and sponsors. It would also be financially irresponsible to our organization at this point to attempt this.

The Houston Lightning would like to thank our staff and coaches for their support and hard work since our inception. We also want to take a moment to thank the SIFL for the opportunity to bring arena league football to Houston. We also want to acknowledge all the players who came to our tryouts and worked so hard to live their dream.

We wish the SIFL all the best, and still believe that Houston is a city that can support an arena league team successfully.

Calls to the Lightning’s offices were unanswered and no other information was given.

As a result, the Swashbucklers will face off against the North Texas Crunch on Saturday, March 20.

The Crunch are a member of the Independent Indoor Football Alliance (IIFA) and are the 2008 and 2009 Alliance Bowl champions.

The Swashbucklers are a member of the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) and are the 2009 SIFL champions.

Texas Rangers' Ron Washington Fails Drug Test For Cocaine

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

PASADENA, TEXAS (March 17, 2010) Texas Rangers manager and former MLB infielder Ron Washington has admitted he used cocaine during the first half of last season.

Reports indicate he tested positive for the drug last July and has since completed a drug treatment program. He also stated he had notified Rangers and MLB officials about the usage and entered the treatment program.

The Texas Rangers, in a statement released on their website, that Washington claimed he only used the drug once.

Washington offered to resign, but club president Nolan Ryan, general manager Jon Daniels and other officials decided not to accept the offer after they were convinced that Washington had used cocaine just once.

Some questions come to mind when I heard this information.

1. What is a 57-year-old man doing using cocaine?

2. What kind of leadership are his actions showing to his players?

3. Why did he notify officials about his drug use after his drug test?

4. Why does someone enter a drug treatment program after only one-time usage?

5. Where does a 57-year-old man get cocaine?

Many more questions are going to arise from this story. I think there is much more to this story than has been reported.

Houston Cougars Face San Francisco, California In Baseball Action

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSON, TEXAS (March 16, 2010) The University of Houston baseball team will place their six game winning streak on the line Tuesday night as they continue their extended road trip with a 4pm contest against San Francisco.

The Cougars (8-5) will face a winning Dons team, who are 10-8 on the season after going 2-2 at the San Diego Tournament this past weekend.

Taylor Hammack (1-0, 2.25 ERA) will take the mount for the Cougars, with Jordan Remer (1-0, 0.00 ERA) handling the pitching duties for San Francisco.

Outfielder Jared Denham leads the Dons with a .439 batting average with eight doubles and six RBI, while infielder Stephen Yarrow has eight homeruns.

The game will be the fourth meeting between the two programs with Houston have a 2-1 all time record.

The Cougars will continue their west coast trip on Wednesday as the face California in a 4:30pm game.

The Bears are 9-5 for the season, after splitting a 4-game series this past weekend against Rice.

Chadd Krist leads Cal with a .462 batting average, including eight doubles, a triple and five home runs. Erik Johnson leads all pitchers with a 3-0 record and a 0.00 ERA in 19 innings of work.

The Cougars and Bears have not faced off on the baseball field since 1984 and Houston is 2-1 all-time.

After these two games in California, Houston will travel to Tempe, Arizona to face Arizona State in a three game series beginning on Friday.

Houston Cougars Win C-USA, Head To NCAA Basketball Tournament

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 16, 2010) The University of Houston men's basketball team's exciting run in the Conference USA Tournament culminated in a 4-game win streak, the 2010 C-USA Tournament Championship and a No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The Cougars face No. 4 seed Maryland Friday night at the Midwest Regional in Spokane, Washington.

Coach Tom Penders, NCAA leading scorer Aubrey Coleman, University President Renu Khator and others talk about the play of the Cougars heading into their first tournament appearance in 18 years.

The video below was supplied by the University of Houston Multimedia Department.

UHs Goodnight Named C-USA Pitcher of the Week

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 8, 2010) Leading the University of Houston to a 1-0 win over No. 3 Texas at the Houston College Classic, sophomore pitcher Michael Goodnight was named the Conference USA Pitcher of the Week.

The Houston native went seven innings against the Longhorns, giving up two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks.

The win gave Goodnight the first shutout of his career.

For his performance, Goodnight was also named to the Houston College Classic All-Tournament Team.

Houston recorded back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1998, following a defeat of Missouri on Friday.

Houston will next hit the road for a three-game series against Cal Poly on March 12-14.

Houston Defeats Texas Tech 15-8 at Houston College Classic

(M.P. Cokinos had 5 RBI off two hits in the Houston Cougars' win over Texas Tech. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 7, 2010) Using 10 runs in the bottom of the second inning, the Houston Cougars closed out their appearance in the 2010 Houston College Classic with a 15-8 victory over Texas Tech.

The Cougars bats exploded for 16 hits in the win, scoring all their runs in the first three innings.

They first got on the board on a M.P. Cokinos single to right field, which resulted in the first two runs. The Red Raiders answered back when Michael Reed doubled to right field to send two runs home.

The Cougars then exploded for 10 runs in the bottom of the second. Cokinos added three more RBI to his total with a three run home run to left field. His total of five RBI in the game tied the Houston College Classic Record.

The 10 run inning for the Cougars also established a new Classic record.

Houston added two more runs in the bottom of the third to close out their scoring.

The Red Raiders scored three runs in the third and three more in the eighth to close out their scoring.

Taylor Hammack was credited with the win; his first of the season, while Tech’s Louis Head was given the loss.

Hammack saw action for 2.2 innings, giving up two hits while striking out three and walking three.

Head, who dropped to 1-1 for the season, pitched for 1.1 innings, giving up six runs off four hits while raising his ERA to 8.71.

Houston is now 5-5 for the season and will head out on a 10-game road trip beginning Mar. 12. They will play a two game series against Cal Poly followed by one game against Sam Francisco on Mar. 16.

They will then play a single game against California on Mar. 17 and finish up the road trip with a three game series against Arizona State.

The Cougars return home on Mar. 24 against Stephen F. Austin in a 3:00pm game.

Houston Downs No. 3 Texas 1-0 at College Classic

(Michael Goodnight pitched Houston to a 1-0 win over No. 3 Texas. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 6, 2010) Scoring in the bottom of the 1st inning on a wild pitch by Brandon Workman, the Houston Cougars knocked off No. 3 Texas at the Houston College Classic.

The lone Cougar run scored went Blake Kelso bolted for home on a Workman’s wild pitch. Kelso hit a triple in the bottom of the first to lead off the inning.

Michael Goodnight started the game on the mound for Houston; saw seven innings of action while giving up only two hits on seven strikeouts and two walks.

Ty Stuckey can into the game in the 8th and recorded two strike outs in relief. Matt Creel finished the game on the mount, facing seven batters and striking out two.

Goodnight notched his second win of the season, while Creel got his second save.

Workman pitched the entire game of the Longhorns, striking out seven while
giving up four hits.

With the win, Houston snapped a five-game losing streak against Texas, improving to 30-90-2 all time.

The Cougars are now 2-0 in the tournament and will face Texas Tech on Sunday, Mar. 7 at 2:30pm.

Texas will conclude their tournament on Sunday with an 11:00am game against Big 12 foe Missouri.

Houston Downs Missouri 3-0 at Houston College Classic

(Houston pitcher Chase Dempsay went five innings for the Cougars, allowing only four hits. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 5, 2010) Left fielder Caleb Ramsey went 2 for 3 with one stolen base and triple to lead the Houston Cougars to 3-0 win over the Missouri Tigers at the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park.

The Cy-Fair High School product also stole one base and scored a run to take the Cougars to 3-5 on the season and 1-0 in the tournament.

Chase Dempsey when five innings for the Cougars, allowing four hits, while striking out two and walking four.

Matt Creel came into the game in relief, pitching 1.3 innings with two strikeouts while allowing only a single.

Center fielder Joel Ansley got Houston on the scoreboard in the top of the 1st when he scored off a sacrifice fly by Matt Creel.

First baseman Matt Murphy scored the Cougars second run from second base off a Blake Kelso double.

The Cougars did not get on the board again until the 8th inning when Ramsey hit a triple to center field and scored on a M.P. Cokinos single to center field.

The Tigers were able to manage eight hits, but could get any runs on the board.

Eric Anderson was credited with the loss, after pitching 5.2 innings; allowing six hits and only striking out one.

The Cougars will now face the No. 3 Texas Longhorns on Saturday 3:30pm. RHP Michael Goodnight (1-1, 6.52) will take the mount for the Cougars, while RHP Brandon Workman (1-0, 4.09) will pitch for the Longhorns.

Houston College Classic Kicks Off At Minute Maid Park

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 5, 2010) On Friday, March 5, the 10th annual Houston College Classic kicks off at Minute Maid Park.

The Classic will feature three days of games, with three games being played each day.

TCU and Texas Tech will play at noon in the first game on Friday, followed by Houston and Missouri at 3:30 p.m. Rice will face Texas at 7:00 p.m. in the nightcap.

Saturday will see Missouri and TCU at noon, followed by the Houston-Texas game at 3:30 p.m. and Rice-Texas Tech at 7:00 p.m.

Missouri and Texas will play at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, with Texas Tech playing Houston at 2:30 p.m. and TCU and Rice at 6:00 p.m.

Let’s look at the teams involved in the Houston College Classic.

HOUSTON COUGARS

The Houston Cougars will be making their ninth appearance in the Houston College Classic. They have a 10-17 record in the Classic.

Last season they had a 27-31 record, while posting a 13-11 record in Conference USA.

They were eliminated from the Conference USA Championship, falling to the Rice Owls, 7-2.

The Houston Cougars bring a 2-5 overall record into this weekend's Houston College Classic. The Cougars suffered an 8-2 setback against crosstown rival Rice on Tuesday evening at Reckling Park and have now dropped their last two games.

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

The Texas Tech Red Raiders will be making their sixth appearance in the tournament, bring a 5-10 record in Classic action.

Texas Tech was part of the inaugural college classic back in 2001 and coincidentally played TCU in the first game of that tournament (a 5-4 win over the Frogs).

The Red Raiders returned to the classic again in 2002 but then began alternating every other year with Texas.

Last year, they sported a 25-32 record including a 12-15 posting in the Big 12 Conference,

Their 2009 season came to an end as Texas A&M scored nine runs in the first three innings and went on to notch an 11-4 win over the Red Raiders in the Big 12 Tournament.

Currently, the Red Raiders are 9-2 on the 2010 season.

RICE OWLS

The Rice Owls will be making their 10th appearance in the Classic, posting a 20-7 record in the tournament.

Last season, Rice won the Conference USA tournament and advanced to the NCAA Super Regional, eventually losing to LSU. They posted a 43-18 season record.

The No. 9 Owls got off to a slow start to the 2010 season but have rebounded by winning their last five games and stand at 5-4 on the year.

The Owls won a pair of mid-week games against cross-town rival Houston (8-2) on Tuesday and a 5-0 shutout at Texas State on Wednesday night.

TEXAS LONGHORNS

The Texas Longhorns bring a 7-8 record in five appearencs at the Classic.

Last season, Texas lost the NCAA championships to LSU while posting a 50-16-1 season record and a 17-9-1 record in Big 12 action.

The Longhorns are 6-2 this season, having swept Stanford last weekend.

TCU HORNED FROGS

The TCU Horned Frogs are 5-4 in three Classic appearances.

The 2009 Horned Frogs came up short in their bid for a trip to Omaha with a 5-2 loss to Texas. They finish the year with a 40-18 record.

They bring a No. 7 national ranking and a 6-1 record into the tournament.

The Frogs held off UTSA 17-12 on Tuesday night in Fort Worth just two days after claiming a three-game series win at No. 6 Cal-State Fullerton.

MISSOURI TIGERS

Missouri will be making its first appearance in the Classic.

Last season, Mizzou saw its season come to an end after an 11-6 loss to Western Kentucky in the NCAA Oxford Regional.

They finished the season with a 35-27 record with a 16-11 record in Big 12 play.

Currently they are 4-2, including two wins in the Auburn Invitational Tournament.

SCHEDULE

The overall schedule for the Houston College Classic is as follows:

Friday, March 5, 2010
12 noon: TCU-Texas Tech
3:30pm: Houston-Missouri
7:00pm: Rice-Texas

Saturday, March 6, 2010
12 noon: Missouri-TCU
3:30pm: Texas-Houston
7:00pm: Rice-Texas Tech

Sunday, March 7, 2010
11:00am: Missouri-Texas
2:30pm: Texas Tech-Houston
6:00pm: TCU-Rice

All home teams are listed second.