Jamaal Charles Enters NFL Draft

By Robert H. Kelly

AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 2, 2007) KXAN, the NBC affiliate in Austin, has reported that University of Texas running back Jamaal Charles has decided to leave the Longhorns to enter the NFL draft. Charles, a junior, this season rushed for 1,619 yards this season.

I feel his is a bad choice by Jamaal. He will be at best a 3rd round pick. There are too many good backs ahead of him (Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Jonathon Stewart, Rashard Mendenhall, Allen Patrick, Mike Hart, Kevin Smith, Steve Slaton, Ray Rice, James Davis). Come draft day, we will see how high he goes. It might have been better for him to stay at Texas for one more year.

Below is a clip from their website:

Charles joined Ricky Williams, Earl Campbell and Cedric Benson as the only Longhorns rush for over 1,500 yards in a season.

Charles had 161 yards and two touchdowns in UT's Holiday Bowl win over Arizona State.

The Longhorns finished 10-3.

Charles had a career-high 290 yards in a 28-25 win over Nebraska. He had 216 yards and three long touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

"I can't thank Coach Brown, Coach Rucker, everyone at UT and all of the fans enough," Charles said. "They gave me a great opportunity and supported me so much. UT is a wonderful place and everyone has been so good to me. But, playing in the NFL has always been my dream and when the NFL report came back, I was happy with the grade and felt like it was best for me to enter the draft."

"I had fun playing with a lot of great players and winning a bunch of games.

"I have so many friends at UT and everyone is close, like a family, so it's really hard to leave. But, after finishing the season strong, I think I'm ready. I've worked really hard and the coaches have done a great job preparing me. I had a lot of success this year but I wouldn¹t have been able to accomplish anything if it wasn't for the great job the offensive line and all of the coaches did. We got better every game and it showed in how we played so I can't thank them, especially my O-line, enough.

"Now, it's my job to get ready for all of the NFL workouts and make everyone proud. I may be going to the NFL but I'll always be a Longhorn. I'm definitely going to continue working towards my degree. Finishing school is really important to me because I want to have a good life after football."

UT Wednesday also announced that assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator Larry Mac Duff, who spent one season on Coach Mack Brown's staff, is leaving.

"Larry and I met this morning and he informed me that he is not returning for the 2008 season, citing philosophical differences," Brown said. "Larry is a great coach and man and we appreciate all he's done for our program. We want to wish him luck in the future and will begin looking for a replacement immediately."

Mac Duff joined the Texas staff after spending four seasons with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.

Its INTERLIGA Time Again

By Robert H. Kelly

HOUSTON, TX, (Janaury 1, 2008) If you are a hard core soccer fan and you’re near Dallas, Houston or Los Angeles, be sure to use these next two weeks to check out Interliga.

The Interliga is a competition used by Mexican clubs to decide which teams get the two automatic qualification berths for the South American club competition Copa Libertadores. All games are played in the United States and officiated by Major League Soceer referees.

The eight qualifying team are divided into two groups and play in round robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to the two final matches, which are being played this year at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on Saturday, January 12, 2008. Since Mexico gets two automatic qualification slots for the Copa Libertadores, winners of both games advance.

The teams competing this year are:
Group A:
Club America (Mexico City)
Atlas (Guadalajara)
Toluca (Toluca de Lerdo)
Morelia (Morelia)

Group B:
Cruz Azul (Mexico City)
Pumas (Mexico City)
Monterrey (Monterrey)
San Luis (San Luis Potosí)

The first set of games will be Wednesday and Thursday in Frisco and Houston.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008 – Pizza Hut Park (Frisco, Texas)
Group B Game 1: Monterrey vs. Pumas
Group B Game 2: Cruz Azul vs. San Luis

Thursday, January 3, 2008 - Roberston Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Group A Game 1: Toluca vs. Atlas
Group A Game 2: Morelia vs. América

TexSport Publications will be on hand in Houston to bring you all the action.

Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

Astros Sign Villarreal to 2-Year Contract

The Houston Astros announced today that the club has signed right-hander Oscar Villarreal to a two-year, $2.85 million contract through the 2009 season ($1 million in 2008, $1.6 million in 2009, $250,000 signing bonus). The deal also includes a $2 million club option for 2010. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Ed Wade.

The 26-year old Villarreal was acquired from Atlanta in exchange for outfielder Josh Anderson on Nov. 16, 2007. This season, Villarreal was 2-2 with one save and a 4.24 ERA (36ER/76.1IP) in 51 games for Atlanta in 2007. The right-hander has appeared in 223 career Major League games (five starts) and owns a 23-12 record with one save and a 3.71 career ERA (123ER/298.1IP). He has pitched the last two seasons for the Braves (2006-07) after three big league seasons with Arizona (2003-05).

TWO MEXICAN CLUBS TO PROGRESS TO 2008 COPA LIBERTADORES

The two Mexican clubs to join CD Guadalajara (Mexico) in the 2008 Copa Santander Libertadores will be determined by the InterLiga™ tournament that is taking place in three cities (Carson, California; Frisco & Houston, Texas) in the USA from 2-12 January.

The eight-team tournament has two groups of four with Atlas CF, Club América, CA Monarcas Morelia, and CD Toluca in Group A, while Group B has CD SC Cruz Azul, Pumas UNAM, CF Monterrey and San Luis.

The finals will take place on Saturday, 12 January in Carson and will consist of Group A winner taking on Group B runner-up, and then the Group B victor meeting the second-place finisher from Group A. The two winners of Saturday’s encounters will progress to the 2008 Copa Santander Libertadores.

22 OF USA TODAYS 24 ALL-USA TEAM MEMBERS PLAYING IN 2008 U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICAN BOWL

(SAN ANTONIO, TX-December 30, 2007) Twenty-two of the 24 players named today to USA Today’s All-USA football team will be playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on January 5, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. The announcement further solidifies the U.S. Army All-American Bowl’s superiority as high school football’s premier All-American game. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a classic East vs. West match-up featuring the nation’s top 84 high school football players from across the country. The game will be televised live on NBC at 1:00 p.m. (EST). The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is owned and operated by SportsLink.

USA Today’s Offensive Player of the Year (Terrelle Pryor) and Defensive Player of the Year (Patrick Johnson) are also two of the six finalists for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award, which is given to the nation’s most outstanding senior in high school football. The U.S. Army Player of the Year will be crowned during the U.S. Army Awards Dinner on Friday, January 4, 2008, in San Antonio. The winner will be presented with the Ken Hall Trophy, modeled after Ken “Sugar Land Express” Hall, high school football’s all-time leading rusher.

“We have always believed we have the premier All-American game, with the nation’s premier talent. This certainly validates our claim,” said SportsLink Chairman Doug Berman. “We think this game will be one of the best ever in terms of the talent, excitement and energy on display.”

Since its inception, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been considered the nation’s premier All-American game by high school football players, coaches, and fans from across the country, as it’s the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Adrian Peterson and Brady Quinn all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans. Last year the U.S. Army All-American Bowl set its own attendance record, as more than 35,000 fans attended the game at the Alamodome. For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and its related events visit www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com & www.goarmy.com. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is owned by SportsLink, a New Jersey-based sports marketing and event management company.

Other national sponsors of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl are Russell Athletics, Reebok, San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, PlayStation, Schutt Sports, Deloitte, Gatorade, NCSA, and QBU.

TCU Defeats Houston 20-13 at Texas Bowl

By Robert H. Kelly

(HOUSTON, TX, December 28, 2007) TCU tailback Justin Watts scored a fourth-quarter, go-ahead touchdown as TCU's defense shut down Houston en route to a 20-13 victory in the Texas Bowl on Friday.

The Horned Frogs came close to surrendering a 10-point lead with just over three minutes to play, but defensive end Chase Ortiz capped off an all star night by denying Houston quarterback Case Keenum the end zone with one second to play.

It was TCU’s third straight bowl win while the Cougars dropped their eighth straight bowl game, dating back to the Sun Bowl of 1981.

Trailing, 20-10, with 3:17 left in the game, Houston kicker T.J. Lawrence made it a one-possession game with a 32-yard field goal. But when an onside kick failed and the Horned Frogs downed a punt at the two-yard line with 1:30 remaining, it looked like the Cougars were done for the night..

Not wanting to lay down and die, Houston drove all the way down to the Horned Frogs' 19-yard-line with time left on the clock. The Cougars had three shots at the end zone, with two passes falling short, before Ortiz ended the game.

The Horned Frogs took the lead for the first time when Watts scored on a seven-yard run with 14:28 left in the game. The touchdown culminated a 13-play, 80-yard drive.

Horned Frogs place kicker Chris Manfredini knocked in a pair of second-half field goals to combine with Watts in helping TCU rally from a 10-7 halftime deficit.

Both teams struggled in the first half on the offensive end of the ball with the Houston scoring their only touchdown on a bit of razzle-dazzle. Facing 2nd-and-12 at its 33-yard line, Houston produced the biggest play in Texas Bowl history when Keenum scrambled to his right and when he could not find an open receiver, ran back to his left before connecting with a wide-open Andre Kohn for a 67-yard touchdown.

Kohn freed himself from defenders past the Horned Frog secondary and was not touched until he reached the goal line, giving the Cougars a 7-0 lead with eight seconds left in the first quarter.

TCU, however, answered that score following the Cougars' kickoff. The Horned Frogs marched 75 yards in 11 plays with quarterback Andy Dalton finishing the drive with a 3-yard run.

Dalton completed 21-of-30 passes for 249 yards in the victory, to become TCU's career leader in both pass attempts and completions. He was rewarded at the game's MVP at the post game awards ceremony

Kingwood, Cy Springs Score Upset Wins at Campbell Center

By Robert H. Kelly

Two Houston area basketball teams upset national ranked foes in opening games of the Houston versus the Nation tournament at the Campbell Center.

The Kingwood Mustangs defeated De La Salle (Minnesota) 41-30 on Thursday while Cy Springs Panthers knocked off Montverde Academy (Florida) 65-59 on Frdiay afternoon. De La Salle was ranked number 2 in the nation by ESPN prior to the game.

Kingwood, which started slow in the first half, poured it on in the 4th quarter with a 10-1 run to clinch the win.

"We knew they were a mirror image of how we play," said Royce Huseman, Kingwood head coach. "They're a very strong team defensively, but we were able to change some things and pull away from them."

Cy Springs fresh off winning the Houston ISD Jaycees/Reebok Tournament last weekend, pressed the Eagles from start to finish and relied on scoring from wings Phillip McDonald and Erik Williams to get the job done.

The tournament continues on Friday with final games on Saturday.

Texas Bowl 2007

The 2007 edition of the Texas Bowl will see the Houston Cougars (8-4) facing off against TCU (7-5), representing the Mountain West Conference in the 25th meeting of these Texas football powerhouses. Game time is set for 7:30pm CST in Houston’s Reliant Stadium.

Houston has been to a bowl game in four of the past five years, while TCU finds itself playing in a bowl game in Houston for the third time in seven years.

TexSport Publications will be reporting live from the game with senior writer Robert Kelly reporting with updates as the game progresses.

Check back for updates as game time approaches. Game updates will be posted at Texas Bowl 2007.

Results from Day 1 of University of Houston Phill Hansel Duals Weekend

By Robert H. Kelly

Below is the link to the official results from day one of competition at the Univeristy of Houston Swimming and Diving Phill Hansel Duals Weekend.

Click here to view the results.

University of Houstron Swimming and Diving Splits after First Day at Hansel Duals Weekend

(HOUSTON, TX, October 26, 2007) The University of Houston swimming and diving team stood ahead in two meets and trailed in two meets following the first day of the Phill Hansel Duals Weekend on Friday at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.

The Cougars led Florida International 126-59 and led New Orleans 131-50 while trailing Brigham Young University 128-58 and crosstown rival Rice 115-68.

The two-day meet concludes at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, with the 400-yard medley relay, 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard backstroke, 1-meter diving, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard freestyle, 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard freestyle relay.

Fans and media should note that Saturday's meet begins at 11:30 a.m., not 11 a.m., as originally listed in some publications. The meet is free and open to the public, which is invited to attend.

The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Junior Sasha Schwendenwein won the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:49.95 to finish nearly three seconds ahead of her closest competitor. The Randburg, South Africa, native also provisionally qualified for the 2008 NCAA Championships with her clocking.

Sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, grabbed top honors in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 59.20.

The Cougar divers finished 1-2-3 in their first competition of the season with senior captain Ginni van Katwijk leading the way. The Grootebroek, Netherlands, native finished with 293.45 points.

Freshmen Lacey Truelove and Courtney Forcucci - competing in their first collegiate meets - placed 2-3 with 274.75 points and 267.70 points, respectively.

The Cougars' 200-yard medley relay team of Shamburger, junior Doreen Polotzek, freshman Andrea Kells and Schwendenwein finished third with a time of 1:49.32.

Houston Swimming and Diving Plays Host to Phill Hansel Duals Weekend

Cougars to Meet Rice, New Orleans, Florida International and BYU in Two-Day Meet

(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 25, 2007) The University of Houston swimming and diving team opens its 2007-2008 home schedule this weekend as it plays host to the second annual Phill Hansel Duals Weekend at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.

The meet is free and open to the public, which is invited to attend. In addition to the Cougars, the two-day meet features crosstown- and C-USA-rival Rice, BYU, New Orleans and Florida International.

All five teams will compete against one another in dual-meet scoring.

Friday's action begins at 5 p.m., with the 200-yard medley relay, 1,000-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard breaststroke, 3-meter diving, 50-yard freestyle, 200-yard individual medley and 400-yard freestyle relay.

The meet concludes at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, with the 400-yard medley relay, 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard backstroke, 1-meter diving, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard freestyle, 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard freestyle relay.

Fans and media should note that Saturday's meet will begin at 11:30 a.m., not 11 a.m., as originally listed in some publications.

The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.

A year ago, the Cougars went 4-1 during the Hansel Duals Weekend, posting wins over Mesa State, Rice, Trinity and New Orleans. Only a loss to Nevada blemished a perfect record.

The Cougars (1-0) come into the meet after enjoying a 116-85 win over Southwestern in Georgetown on Oct. 12. At that meet, Cougar freshmen led the way with Paige Bissett posting first-place finishes in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke.

Other Cougar freshmen to record first-place finishes during their first collegiate meets included Brittany Copeland and Andrea Kells. Freshman Lindsey Graves swam the opening leg of the Cougars' winning 200-yard freestyle relay team.

Following Friday's meet, the Cougars return to action at 4 p.m., Nov. 2, when they face Miami (Fla.) in a dual meet. That meet is part of a weekend trip to the Sunshine State. Following their meet against the Hurricanes, the Cougars face Florida International and Indian River Community College in a tri-meet at 10 a.m., Nov. 3 at the Miami Shores Pool.

2007 Dynamo Awards Announced: Onstad, Mullan named Co-Honda MVP’s

(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 24, 2007) Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad and midfielder Brian Mullan have been named co-recipients of the Honda Most Valuable Player Award for the 2007 season. Onstad and Mullan’s awards were announced on houstondynamo.com, three days before the Dynamo opens its participation in the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs against FC Dallas.

Other awards announced include Joseph Ngwenya as the winner of the 2007 Budweiser Golden Boot Award, Eddie Robinson as the club’s Defender of the Year, and Craig Waibel as recipient of the United States Soccer Foundation Dynamo Humanitarian Award.

Onstad set an MLS single-season record with his 0.82 goals against average. Onstad also posted 11 shutouts and 13 wins, and was a leading force behind the Dynamo defensive streak of 727 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal. That consecutive streak, which Onstad teamed with Zach Wells, is the longest streak in modern day professional team sports in North America.

Mullan played in 28 games, with one goal (vs. Chivas USA June 21) and three assists. The midfielder was instrumental in setting up the Dynamo offensive attack, and is renowned throughout MLS for his steady play and leadership. On July 15 against Toronto FC, Mullan suffered a broken cheekbone and continued play throughout the contest, missing only one subsequent game due to the injury. Mullan is in his seventh MLS season.

Ngwenya won the Budweiser Golden Boot Award for his seven goals and four assists. Ngwenya, Brian Ching and Nate Jaqua each tallied seven times this season; the award went to Ngwenya in an assist tiebreaker (Ngwenya 4, Ching 2, Jaqua 2). Ngwenya was acquired from Columbus in May and went on a streak of three consecutive games with goals (6/3-6/10 vs. FC Dallas, Colorado and Columbus). Ngwenya’s goal against Chicago on July 12 is regarded by many around the league as the potential Goal of the Year.

Robinson repeats as winner of the Dynamo Defender of the Year. Robinson played in 25 games, scoring twice with two assists. Robinson was named to the MLS All-Star team, and in his seventh year in MLS continued his reputation as one of the most intimidating and physical players in the game.

Waibel lends his name to countless charitable efforts around the Houston area and in his native Spokane. Waibel has been feted throughout his eight-year MLS career for his continued community efforts.

The Dynamo opens the MLS Cup Playoffs Saturday, October 27 against FC Dallas in game one of the Western Conference semifinal (Ch. 55, DirectKick, ch. 43 TV Informa, 850am and 101.7fm). The return match in the two game, aggregate-goal series is Friday, November 2 at Robertson Stadium.

USOC CHAIRMAN PETER UEBERROTH SIGNS OFFICIAL INVITATION TO SEND U.S. TEAM TO 2008 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES

(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 19, 2007) The 2007 U.S. Olympic Assembly concludes Sunday in Houston, Texas, after five days of meetings and panels involving more than 300 members of the U.S. Olympic Family. At Saturday’s luncheon, Former President George H. W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush were welcomed as special guests, and U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Chairman of the Board Peter Ueberroth named President Bush the Honorary Chef de Mission of the 2008 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams for the 2008 Games in Beijing, China. This is the first time the USOC has bestowed the title of Honorary Chef de Mission upon an individual.

President Bush and Ueberroth then participated in a signing ceremony, during which the USOC officially accepted the invitation for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams to compete in the 2008 Games.

Friday was highlighted by the USOC Board of Directors meeting. Primary topics for the USOC Board were:
• The 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, and the USOC’s preparations from logistical and competitive standpoints
• USOC international relations efforts, including the Chicago 2016 bid and the AIBA World Boxing Championships
• The ongoing analysis of the USOC Olympic Training Center needs, NGB headquarter needs and USOC headquarter needs
• The fight against doping in sport

Saturday’s keynote address: “Amazing Awaits: Shaping the Future of America’s Olympic Movement,” was delivered by USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr, USOC Chief Operating Officer Norman Bellingham and Chicago 2016 Chief Executive Officer Pat Ryan. Other panel discussions included: “The Strength of the Olympic Brand: What Makes Us Different, Makes Us Strong” and “The Fight Against Doping in Sport: The New Frontier.”

The Athletes Advisory Council and the U.S. Olympians Association took strong roles in USOC community outreach while in Houston, visiting four local schools as part of the USOC Champions in Life program and McDonald’s Passport to Play program. In addition, Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes visited a Ronald McDonald House in Houston, honoring everyday heroes – the seriously ill children receiving treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Other guest speakers at Saturday’s luncheon were Olympic wrestler Brad Vering, World track cycling champion Sarah Hammer and Paralympic track & field hopeful Scott Winkler. The three athletes shared their inspirational stories with the full assembly during a question and answer session, and visited with President and Mrs. Bush at the head table.

President Bush has long been a supporter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. He spoke to America’s athletes in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games as the head of the official White House Delegation. He welcomed the 1992 Olympic and Paralympic Teams to the White House during his presidency. He has strong ties to China, the host of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Early in his public service career, President Bush served as chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China from 1974-1976.

This third annual U.S. Olympic Assembly brought together the various members of the USOC and organizations associated with the U.S. Olympic Movement in an effort to foster communication, collaboration and the development of new initiatives to support America’s athletes.

Kelly Named University of Houston Swimming and Diving Announcer

By Chris Price

(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 20, 2007) TexSport Publications editor and senior writer Robert Kelly has been named the meet announcer for the University of Houston Swimming and Diving Team for 2007-2008.

Kelly began serving as the announcer for the Cougars last season and finished up the year being appointed by Conference USA and the University of Houston as the announcer for the Conference USA Swimming and Diving Championships which was hosted by the University of Houston.


He will return to the microphone to kick off the Cougars home meets on October 26-27 as they play host to Brigham Young University, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. The two-day meet begins at 5 pm Friday, October 26 and wraps up at 11 am on Saturday, October 27.


When you attend the meets, listen for Kelly's color commentary, calling of the races, and the unique swimming trivia he brings to the microphone.

Freshmen Lead Charge in Season-Opening Win at Southwestern

(GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, October 12, 2007) Freshman Paige Bissett won two individual events to lead a charge of newcomers during the University of Houston swimming team's 116-85 win over Southwestern on Friday at the Robertson Center Natatorium.

Bissett, competing in her first collegiate meet, won the 200-yard individual medley after a clocking of 2:19.08. The Rumson, N.J., native also finished first in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:02.15.

However, she was just part of a Cougar newcomer attack. Freshman Brittany Copeland won the 50-yard freestyle competition with a time of 25.71, while Andrea Kells won the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 59.73.

Freshman Lindsey Graves swam the opening leg on the Cougars' 200-yard freestyle relay team that finished first with a time of 1:45.39.

The freshmen were part of a dominating Cougar team that won seven individual events and one relay event to upend the Pirates for the second straight season. A year ago, UH enjoyed a 105-63 win on Oct. 20, 2006, to push its season-opening winning streak to five straight dual matches.

Sophomore Donna MacLeod captured first place in the 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 11:25.94 to finish more than 20 seconds ahead of her closest competitor.

Sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2006 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, won the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 56.11.

Sophomore Linda Fox claimed top honors in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:32.25.

The Cougars' 200-yard freestyle relay team of freshman Graves, Copeland, Shamburger and junior Doreen Polotzek capped UH's day with a first-place finish after posting a time of 1:45.39.

The swimming team will reunite with their diving counterparts and compete together Oct. 26-27 as they play host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.

The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Houston Swimming Opens Season Friday Evening at Southwestern University

(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 11, 2007) ­ The University of Houston swimming team opens its 2007-08 season at 5 p.m., Friday when it faces Southwestern at the Robertson Center Natatorium in Georgetown.

The Cougars return 11 letterwinners from last season¹s squad, which finished among the Top 25 team leaders at the NCAA Championships for the seventh consecutive season. The program also welcomes seven award-winning newcomers in 2007-08.

UH enters the meet after competing in its annual Red and White Meet on Wednesday at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium. The Red Team, under the leadership of team captain Doreen Polotzek, captured a 125-89 win to break a streak of four straight ties in the intrasquad scrimmage.

Junior Sasha Schwendenwein won three individual events, while Polotzek captured top honors in two events to lead the Red Team.

White Team member Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, led her squad with a pair of first-place finishes.

Following Friday's meet, the Cougars will take two weeks off before returning to action. The entire team will compete together Oct. 26-27 as it plays host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.

The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.

This marks the second straight season that the Cougars have faced the Pirates. A year ago, the Cougars enjoyed a 105-63 win to extend their season-opening winning streak to five straight meets.

Red Team Takes Win in Houston Swimming and Diving Meet

(HOUSTON, Texas, October 10, 2007) After four years of battling to a tie with their White Team counterparts, the Red Team finally broke through with a 125-89 win during the University of Houston swimming and diving team’s annual Red and White Meet on Wednesday afternoon at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.

Under the leadership of Red Team captain Doreen Polotzek, Red Team members Sasha Schwendenwein, Michelle Hall, Linda Fox, Brittany Copeland, Courtney Forcucci, Markee Johnson and Paige Bissett enjoyed the first win in five years of the annual Red-White meet.

The previous four intrasquad scrimmages had ended in mysterious ties.

The White Team consisted of team captain Andrea Pa'lmai, Donna MacLeod, Jessica Shamburger, Kristine Kelly, Andrea Kells, Lacey Truelove and Lindsay Graves.

The Cougars competed in their first meet-like environment of the season with timers, judges and a meet announcer. However, the event remained laid back with off events like the 250-yard medley relay, 125-yard freestyle, 100-yard individual medley, 75-yard backstroke and 300-yard freestyle relay.

The Red Team claimed first place in all three relay events and six of the nine individual events to enjoy the win.

Individually, Schwendenwein led all swimmers during the meet with three first-place finishes. She won the 125-yard freestyle competition with a time of 1:10.94 and earned a similar finish in the 75-yard butterfly after posting a time of 43.42. The Randburg, South Africa, native finished her day with another first-place finish in the 300-yard individual medley with a time of 3:31.01.

Polotzek won the 100-yard individual medley with a time of 1:04.60 and finished first in the 75-yard breaststroke with a time of 52.80.

Freshman Brittany Copeland, competing in her first event as a Cougar, won the 75-yard freestyle with a time of 41.82 to help lead the Red Team.

White Team sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, was the only member of her team to win multiple events, taking top honors in the 25-yard freestyle with a time of 11.95and in the 75-yard backstroke with a time of 43.49.

White Team sophomore Kristine Kelly finished first in the 800-yard freestyle with a clocking of 9:42.82. White Team freshman Lindsay Graves won the 350-yard freestyle with a time of 4:05.74.

The Cougar Swimming team opens the regular season at 5 p.m., Friday when it faces Southwestern in Georgetown.

The entire team will compete together Oct. 26-27 as it plays host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.

The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.

SMU's San Juan Cisneros Honored as Conference USA Swimmer of the Week

(IRVING, TX, October 9, 2007) Southern Methodist University’s Angela San Juan Cisneros is Conference USA’s first swimmer of the week for the 2007-08 season after helping set two pool records last weekend as the Mustangs won the Mean Green Relays.

The senior was part of the winning 400-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle relay teams that established new pool records, as well as helping the 300-yard butterfly relay team to a win.
San Juan Cisneros competed in three events at last week’s Mean Green relays, helping set new pool records in two.

The senior swam as part of the 400-yard medley relay team that set a new pool record by three and a half seconds (3:51.39). She was also part of the foursome that set a new pool record in the 400-yard freestyle relay. The squad bested the previous record by over 12 seconds (3:28.84).

In addition, the reigning C-USA Newcomer of the Year competed in the 300-yard butterfly relay, helping her squad to an almost-four second victory over TCU (2:52.41). The weekly award is the first for the 2007 All-American.

Houston Cougars to Hold Red-White Intrasquad Meet

(HOUSTON, TX, October 9, 2007) - The University of Houston swimming and diving team takes its first step toward the 2007-08 season when it competes in the annual Red & White meet at 3 p.m., Wednesday, at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.

Admission for the meet is free, and the public is invited to attend.

"Obviously, we are early in our season, but we are looking good," assistant coach Jarrod Marrs said. "We're happy with the progress we have already made and are looking forward to getting started and seeing where we are at."

The 13-event meet will consist of off events like the 250-yard medley relay, 125-yard freestyle, 75-yard butterfly, 75-yard breaststroke and the 300-yard individual medley. Although the events are nothing like what they will compete in during a regular-season dual meet, the intrasquad scrimmage gives the team a chance to compete.

"We're just looking for an opportunity to race and get the team in a meet environment," assistant coach Jarrod Marrs said. "We are especially curious to see what will happen when we put our newcomers on the starting blocks."

This marks the fifth consecutive season that the Cougar swimmers and divers have squared off against one another in a preseason meet. The meet will be looking for its first true winner as the four previous events have ended in ties.

Head coach Mark Taylor, diving head coach Jane Figueiredo, Marrs and assistant coach Jaime Lewis divided the team and selected the respective team captains.

Under the leadership of junior Doreen Polotzek, the Red Team will consist of juniors Sasha Schwendenwein and Michelle Hall, sophomore Linda Fox and freshmen Brittany Copeland, Courtney Forcucci, Markee Johnson and Paige Bissett. The White Team, under junior Andrea Pa'lmai, will be composed of sophomores Donna MacLeod, Jessica Shamburger and Kristine Kelly and freshmen Andrea Kells, Lacey Truelove and Lindsay Graves.

Following Wednesday's meet, the Cougar Swimming team opens the regular season at 5 p.m., Friday when it faces Southwestern in Georgetown.

The entire team will compete together Oct. 26-27 as it plays host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.

The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Marion Jones Pleads Guilty to Lying to Feds

By Robert H. Kelly

(WHITE PLAINS, NY, October 5, 2007) Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones pleaded guilty on Friday to lying to federal investigators about using steroids.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist also announced her retirement from the sport. In grand jury testimony, Jones had adamantly defended herself against allegations of steroid use before the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where she won five medals.

This humble reporter has followed Jones' career for a very long time, first observing her as a 17-year-old high school sprinter who made the Olympic team in 1992 as an alternate on the 4 X 100 sprint relay.

Over the years, I have watched her blaze down the track and destroy all comers in the sprints. Before the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, I remember watching her defend her the husband C.J. Hunter as he faced questions concerning his positive drug test prior to the Games.

At that time, I began to have my doubts about Jones. Her body was one big muscle and I felt at the time she was on performance-enhancing drugs. As time went on, I became more and more convinced that she was on something, no matter how many drug tests she passed. During the BALCO investigation, the evidence that I read pointed to her involvement. I remember thinking during all of this that "she was protesting way too much."

Well....now it all came to past today. She admitted that she did lie and was on performance-enhancing drugs in Sydney. She stated in a press conference that she did lie and she was retiring from track and field.

WOW....an athlete that admitted she cheated. I wonder why did she that? Did the feds have something else on her and offered her a deal? We may never find out. But one thing is certain. She will be stripped of her Olympic and World Championships medals, her performances removed from the record books, and she will do some time in a 6 foot by 8 foot prison cell.

This is all a shame. She had such a promissing career and felt she needed to cheat to compete. Hopefully she has learned a lesson that should have been drilled into her head at a young age. "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

I wonder how long until Barry Bonds has the same fate?