Rice's Colwick Makes NCAA Cut in Pole Vault

(Image courtesy of Rice University Sports Information Office)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 18, 2010) Rice University’s Jason Colwick set a new school indoor record for the pole vault as he cleared 5.62 meters (18 feet 5.25 inches) in winning at the University of Houston's Leonard Hilton Memorial Indoor Track and Field Meet.

Colwick's performance is an automatic qualifying mark for the NCAA Indoor Championship and is the fourth-best mark in the world for 2010.

Rice’s Chris Kato was fifth in the pole vault with a mark of 4.80 meter (15 feet 9 inches) and teammate Clay Baker placed seventh in the weight throw with a mark of 15.65 meters (51 feet 4.25 inches).

Colwick, a senior from San Marcos, Texas, won the NCAA Indoor Championship with a vault of 5.60 meters (18 feet 4.5 inches) and NCAA Outdoor Championship with a 5.70 meter (18 feet 8.25 inches) in 2009.

Prior to the NCAA Outdoor Championship, Colwick had cleared the nation's number one height and fourth in the world for 2009 at 5.72 meters (18 feet 9.25 inches).

Teshome Gelana, Teyba Erkesso Break Records at Houston Marathon

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

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Janaury 17, 2010) Teshome Gelana and defending women’s champion Teyba Erkesso led an Ethiopian sweep of the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon, each breaking course records in the process.

Gelana, running his second marathon in six weeks, broke away from a pack of five runners at the 22-mile mark and finished in 2:07:37. He cut 15 seconds off the previous record set by fellow Ethiopian Deriba Merga last year.

“I did not expect to run this fast. It was unexpected, but I hope the future will bring even more interesting things for me. I think I can run 2:05,” said Gelana.

His personal best prior to the Houston Marathon was 2:11:50, set in 2008.

Ethiopian Zembaba Yigeze finished in second place (2:08:27), while Kenyan Jason Mbote was third (2:08:58).

Erkesso dominated the woman’s race for the second year in a row, crossing the finish line in a course record. Erkesso won by nearly five minutes, lowering her record set last year by 25 seconds with a time of 2:23:53.

Russian Margarita Plaksina (Russia) was the second in the women’s race with 2:28:44. Alemitu Abera (Ethopia) was third in 2:31:01.

Both Galana and Erkesso received $35,000 for their victories.

Antonio Vega (St. Paul, Minnesota) and Shalane Flanagan (Portland, Oregon) claimed 2010 USA Half Marathon Championships with their victories in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Vega finished in 1:01:54, setting a new personal best by more than a minute, while Flanagan shattered the course record in the women’s half marathon championship, finishing in 1:09:41.

“It felt like just another day, just another practice. It wasn’t until the last 400 meters did I say 'okay, this is a race and I need to make sure I seal the deal,'” said Flanagan, who has her long-term sights set on the marathon.

“It was a very good effort, very controlled, and it was just a great day for running.”

Houston Cougars Should Hire Ruffin McNeill and Lincoln Riley

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 16, 2010) The University of Houston is looking for an offensive and defensive coordinator for their football team. Could recent events at Texas Tech play right into the hands of the Cougars and propel them to the next level? I think so.

The Cougars recently fired defensive coordinator John Skladany, and with the departure of offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, to Oklahoma State, Houston needs to fill both these positions with people who can step in and fill the gaps immediately.

My suggestion is hire former Texas Tech defensive coordinator and interim head coach Ruffin McNeill as the Cougars’ defensive coordinator and former Texas Tech assistant Lincoln Riley as offensive coordinator.

Both are coming off leading Texas Tech to a brilliant win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl and would be a perfect fit for the Cougars.

McNeill would bring credibility to the Houston defense and raise them to the next level. The Cougars spent most of the season with one of the worst defensive teams in Conference USA and spent more time trying to outscore their opponents than stop them.

His expertise and the way he relates to players and fans would fit in very nicely to head coach Kevin Sumlin’s overall team philosophy and organization.

Lincoln Riley, on the other hand, would bring the experience and knowledge of having worked up former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach.

The Cougars’ offense, which produced the most points (42.1) and yards per game (563.4) in the nation this past season, could continue in the same direction next season and perhaps get that little something extra they next under Riley’s stewardship.

In any case, hiring either one or both could take the Cougars to the next level. After the beating the Cougars took from Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl, Houston had better make their decision quick so they can get back to the drawing board and prepare to put a team on the field that can win Conference USA.

Tuberville to Interview for Texas Tech Job

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (January 5, 2010) Former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville will be interviewing for the head job at Texas Tech.

Athletic department spokesperson Chris Cook has indicted that Tuberville is expected to meet with Texas Tech administrators this week.

Also in the running for the job will be interim head coach Ruffin McNeill, who lead the Red Raiders to 41-31 victory over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl.

Tuberville, who was the head coach at Auburn for 10 years, resigned in December 2008. He had an 85-40 record at Auburn, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2004 and a 2005 Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech.

Before his stint at Auburn, Tuberville revived the football program at Mississippi which was under serious NCAA scholarship sanctions. He also spent a year as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M University when they finished with a 10-0-1 season record.

During the 2009 season Tuberville worked as an analyst for ESPN. He also made a cameo appearance in the movie “The Blind Side.”

Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers has stated he may have a decision on the job by the end of this week.

Alamo Bowl: Action ON The Sidelines and IN The Stands

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (January 3, 2010) There was as much excitement on the sidelines and in the stands as there was on the field at the 2010 Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, where Texas Tech faced Michigan State.

Adam James, the Texas Tech inside receiver who is one of the principles in the firing of former Texas Tech head football coach Mike Leach, was on the sidelines and was receiving as much attention as the game.

James did not suit up for the game, but was clearly visible wearing his number 82 jersey and sporting a black stocking cap on his head.

Tech fans showed their displeasure with him; booing was he was both leaving from and returning to the field at halftime. In addition, fans displayed numerous signs and paraphernalia in support of Leach and disdain for James, Tech chancellor Kent Hance, and athletic director Gerald Myers

One man was spotted wearing a hat decorated with pacifiers attached, labeled “Adam James Commemorative Pacifiers." There was also a sign in the crowd with Hance’s last name with a slash through it.

Stickers stating “Fire Myers” were distributed by a gray-haired alumnus and were observed throughout the stands.

There was even a sign in support of Leach and critical of James, stating “Every Successful Pirate Knows Betrayal” hanging proximately behind the Tech bench.

A ten-year old was even spotted wearing a shot taking a shot at James and his family.

The ever popular pirate flags and pirate hats, symbols of support for Leach, were everywhere in the stadium and the parking lot, along with Team Leach shirts and other tributes to their former coach.

If James noticed all the hoopla, he didn’t act as such. He was seen surrounded by two other non-suited up players and two men in red windbreakers. The red clad men were facing the stands, presumably watching for threats directed against James from the stands.

ESPN showed James on the sidelines, but he showed very little awareness of the negativities at the game.

Ruffin McNeill: The NEXT Head Coach at Texas Tech?

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

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 Texport Publications

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (Jaunary 3, 2010) The Texas Tech Red Raiders showed they can win without Mike Leach at the helm.

On Saturday night (actually Sunday morning) the Red Raiders defeated Michigan State 41-31 in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.

Texas Tech did not seem fazed over the absence of the coach that got them there. In fact, the team seemed to rally behind interim head coach Ruffin McNeill.

Could it be that won the game for Leach, even though he was not present on the sidelines?

Could it be they won the game because they were playing in their school's 10th straight bowl game?

Could it be they won because that was what they were expected to do?

Could it be they won because Michigan State had a depleted team, due to the suspension of 12 players and the dismissal of two others?

Could it be that they won for McNeill?

People can and will debate the reasons for the the Red Raiders' win over Michigan State and the outcome of the Alamo Bowl for years to come.

One thing is certain; the 2010 edition of the Alamo Bowl was one for the ages.

There was more hoopla at this game since the firing of Leach this past Wednesday.

The ESPN announcers were discussing the absence of Leach and the effect it would have on the players, coaches, and the game.

McNeill and Lincoln Riley, who was calling the offensive plays, did appear nervous, but who would not be if they were trust into the same positions?

McNeill stated in the press conference in San Antonio on Friday that he would be interested in the head coaching position if the opportunity presented itself.

The bottom line is the real reason for Texas Tech's win over Michigan State may never be known.

One thing is certain. Ruffin McNeill submitted his resume tonight for the job as the next head football coach at Texas Tech. The powers that be at Texas Tech can take it or leave it.

Atlante Downs Tecos 2-1 in InterLiga 2010

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

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 2, 2010) Houston’s Robertson Stadium was the site of the first doubleheader of InterLiga 2010, with Atlante facing Estudiantes Tecos in the first game of the evening.

In the first game, Atlante downed Estudiantes Tecos 2-1 off of goals by outside defender Daniel Arreola in the 10th minute and forward Guillermo Rojas in the 47th minute.

Atlante had 9 shots on goal, while Tecos managed 15 attempts, with Tecos goalkeeper Mario Rodriguez having 3 saves and Atlante goalkeeper Federico Vilar having 4 stops.

Atlante had to play the entire 2nd half a man down after defender Jose Daniel Guevara was sent off in the 45th minute for a violent tackle of Tecos midfielder Rubens Oscar Sambueza.

Atlante came out hard in the 2nd half, despite being a man down and held off Tecos after Rojas’ goal.

Tecos had numerous changes to even the score in the second half, but excellent defense and goalkeeping by Atlante kept Tecos at bay.

Both teams were even with five corner kicks each. Atlante lead the game with seven fouls to six for Tecos, and also had more offside calls, 4-1.

Rice Women Down George Washington 65-57

(Photo courtesy of Rice University Sports Information Department)

WASHINGTON, DC (January 2, 2010) Sophomore Jackie Stanley scored 22 points and senior Tara Watts added 16 as the Rice Owls women’s basketball team won its third straight game with a 65-57 victory over George Washington University at the Charles E. Smith Center. The three-game winning streak is the program’s longest since the Owls captured four straight at the end of the 2008 season (Feb. 23-March 6).

The Colonials outscored Rice (5-7) from the field, 22 field goals to 19, but the Owls made 18 of 22 free throws, while GW was 5-10 from the charity stripe. Rice also committed two fewer turnovers (13 to 15) and made 39 percent of its shots to The Colonials’ 34 percent.

Stanley made 6 of 18 from the field and was 10 for 10 at the free throw line to go along with 7 rebounds. Watts was hot from outside by making 4 three-point bombs in 7 tries. Junior forward Morgan Mayse was also in double-digits with 11 points and she grabbed 7 boards as well. The Owls also received 8 points apiece from guards Jessica Goswitz and D’Frantz Smart. Smart also had a game-high 5 assists.

As a matter of fact the Owls received all of their scoring from their starting five. Reserve guard Amenemope McKinney was 0-1 from the field, while reserve forward Megan Elliott was 0-3 from the field and 0-1 at the free throw line.

The Owls were behind 35-32 at the half, but an increase in defensive pressure by Greg Williams’ squad held the Colonials to only 22 points and 26 percent field goal percentage in the final 20 minutes as Rice totaled 33 points. The Owls are now 2-4 when trailing at half-time.

Kay-Kay Alums led GW (3-9) with 18 points, while Sara Mostafa scored 12 and Shi-Heria Shipp added 10.


Rice returns to Tudor Fieldhouse to host UT-San Antonio (6-5) on Monday (Jan. 4) at 7 p.m.

Air Force Downs Houston 47-20 at Armed Forces Bowl

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2009 TexSport Publications

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 31, 2009) Playing under cloudy skies and with temperatures hovering in the middle 40s, the Air Force Falcons downed the Houston Cougars 47-20 at the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl at Anon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth.

Rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns, Air Force’s Asher Clark was selected the game’s Most Valuable Player, while wide receiver Tyron Carrier received the honor on the Houston side.

The Falcon’s showed why the have the number one pass defense in the country, holding Houston quarterback Case Keenum to 222 yards and allowing him only 24 completions on 41 attempts. He also threw a career high six interceptions in the game.

Air Force was virtually unstoppable, with a combined total of 563 yards on offense while holding the Cougars to 331 yards.

The Falcons were able to control the game offensively, possessing the ball for 41 minutes, which limited the Cougars to only 19 minutes on offense.

The Cougars, who have show showed they can move the ball at-will during the 4th quarter, seemed stymied by the offense and seemed stymied by the Falcon offense.

Air Force finished the 2009 season with a 8-5 mark, while Houston drops to 10-4.

Texas Tech FIRES Mike Leach: THE PLOT THICKENS!!!

(Photo courtesy of Texas Tech Sports Information Department)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2009 TexSport Publications

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (December 30, 2009) Just moments before a court hearing to determine suspended Texas Tech head football coach Mike Leach status to coach at Saturday’s Alamo Bowl, his dismissal and the subsequent filed injunction to be reinstated for the bowl game became a moot point.

It has been reported that Ted Liggett, who is Leach’s attorney, was approached Wednesday morning, by Texas Tech general counsel Pat Campbell outside the courtroom, and told that win, lose or draw in the hearing, Leach was out, effective immediately.

Liggett was quoted that he plans to file a lawsuit on Leach’s behalf against Texas Tech “soon.”

Leach was suspended on Monday for alleged mistreatment of redshirt sophomore receiver Adam James. James is the son of former SMU football player and current ESPN analyst Craig James.

This past February, Leach and the school agreed to a five-year, $12.7 million contract.

According to terms of the contact, Leach was due an $800,000 bonus on December 31 if he were still the head coach at Texas Tech.

An individual with knowledge of the contract said in a phone interview on Wednesday that Leach should still get that payment as he’s technically an employee of the university for 10 more days.

Texas Tech’s firing of Leach was listed as “terminated with cause,” meaning that Leach will not get a guaranteed $400,000 per year for the remaining years as per his contract

Unconfirmed sources had stated that Texas Tech may offer a settlement to Leach, but official word of a settlement had not been issued.

Leach was seen at the team hotel in San Antonio after the firing but gave no comment.

Texas Tech's Mike Leach Suspended

(Photo courtesy of Texas Tech Sports Information Department)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2009 TexSport Publications

Texas Tech head football coach Mike Leach has been suspended indefinitely as the result of complaints from a player’s parent.

Most news services are reporting that the player and his parents are unnamed, but anonymous scores are reporting the player was Adam James and his parents are ESPN football analyst Craig James and his wife.

The younger James is a redshirt sophomore wide receiver while his father Craig was former running back for SMU and played in the NFL for the New England Patriots from 1984 to 1988.

The complaint was brought because they (his parents) were concerned about the way Leach treated their son after he was diagnosed with a concussion and an elevated heart rate.

The elder Craig and his wife issued the following statement through ESPN:

“Mr. and Mrs. James took the step with great regret and after consideration and prayer to convey to the Texas Tech Administration that their son had been subjected to actions and treatment not consistent with common sense rules for safety and health. The James family believes this is a matter important to protect all the fine young men involved in Tech football and the University’s reputation for developing and educating young men and women.”

ESPN has reported that sources have told Joe Schad, its college football reporter, that the parents accused Leach of isolating James in an equipment room and later an electrical closet after he suffered a mild concussion and could not practice.
Calls and a text message to Leach, asking for a comment, were not immediately returned.
There has been strife within the Red Raiders football program this season, which resulted to some tongue-lashing of his players by Leach.

He chastised players after a loss to Texas A&M in October for listening to "their fat little girlfriends," and thinking the Aggies were a pushover.

And after the Red Raiders' loss to the Houston Cougars, Leach suspended indefinitely starting offensive lineman Brandon Carter for violating team rules.

That same week Leach banned his players from having Twitter pages after linebacker Marlon Williams posted a question on his account why he was still in a meeting room when "the head coach can't even be on time."

Texas Tech has appointed defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill as the interim head coach to lead the Red Raiders in the Alamo Bowl against Michigan State.

2010 South Texas All-Star Game Starters Announced

Three First-Year All-Stars Highlight Starting Six

TEMPE, ARIZONA (December 28, 2009) The 2010 Central Hockey League (CHL) All-Star game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13 at the Laredo Entertainment Center in Laredo, Texas and today the CHL announced the starting line-up for the South Texas All-Star Team (made up of players from the Laredo Bucks, the Corpus Christi IceRays and the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees) that is scheduled to play a team of CHL All-Stars comprised of the remaining 12 teams. The starters were selected by the South Texas coaching staff made up of head coach Terry Ruskowski from Laredo and assistant co-coaches Brent Hughes from Corpus Christi and Chris Brooks from Rio Grande Valley.

The host team Laredo Bucks feature three players on the starting unit led by one of the co-Most Valuable Players of the 2009 CHL All-Star Game, Darryl Smith. The 2009 CHL Rookie of the Year is averaging nearly a point a game with 12 goals and 11 assists in 24 contests. Smith had a goal and an assist in last year’s game. He is joined on the starting unit by teammates Jean-Philippe Levasseur and defenseman Adam Rivet. Levasseur, a first-time CHL All-Star, is currently in the American Hockey League with the Springfield Falcons. In his 16 games with the Bucks this season, the Victoriaville, Quebec native has a 10-3-3 record with a 2.31 goals against average (second in the CHL). Rivet will be playing in his second CHL All-Star Game. This season, he ranks just outside the top 10 among defensemen in scoring with 16 points (5-11=16).

Two starters will represent the Killer Bees with forward Jesse Bennefield and defenseman Nathan Ansell named to the starting six. Bennefield has been among the league’s top goal scorers all season and currently sits in second place in the CHL with 17 goals (38 points). He is joined by teammate Ansell who is fifth among defensemen with 22 points (3-19=22). It will be the first CHL All-Star appearance for both players.

Rounding out the starters and making his second All-Star appearance is Corpus Christi forward Justin Quenneville. The Montreal, native is tied for the IceRays team lead with 22 points (11-11=22).

2010 South Texas All-Star Starters
Position- Player (Team), Appearance
Forward - Darryl Smith (Laredo), 2nd
Forward - Justin Quenneville (Corpus Christi), 2nd
Forward - Jesse Bennefield (Rio Grande Valley), 1st
Defenseman - Nathan Ansell (Rio Grande Valley), 1st
Defenseman - Adam Rivet (Laredo), 2nd
Goaltender - J.P. Levasseur (Laredo), 1st

The starters for the CHL All-Star team will be announced on Tuesday, December 29 with the reserves for both teams being announced later in the week.

PRAIRIE VIEW'S ANTHONY BECK EARNS ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

(photo courtsey of TSU Media Relations Department)

PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS (December 26, 2009) Prairie View A&M senior defensive back Anthony Beck added another honor to his resume this past Wednesday as he was named to the 2009 Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision All-America Third Team.

A four-year starter at safety, Beck capped off an impressive career at Prairie View as he holds the school record for interceptions returned for touchdowns (3) in addition to picking off 11 passes and tallying over 160 tackles. The Houston native, who played at Channelview High School, also was named to the 2009 All-SWAC Football First Team for the second straight year along with earning preseason All-American honors by The Sports Network and Consensus Draft Service.

A construction science major, Beck also has aspirations of furthering his playing career as he recently participated in the inaugural Russell Athletic HBCU Bowl last weekend in Montgomery, Ala. During the week of practice leading up to the game, Beck had the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of scouts from the NFL, UFL, Arena Football, and Canadian Football Leagues.

GONZALEZ AND QUERREY COMMIT TO 2010 MEN'S CLAY COURT CHAMPIONSHIPS

(photo courtesy of the International Tennis Federation)

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 25, 2009) The singles field for next year’s US Men’s Clay Court Championship is beginning to take shape with commitments from World No. 11 Fernando Gonzalez and the No. 2 ranked American Sam Querrey to participate in the 2010 event from April 5-11 at River Oaks Country Club.

Gonzalez and Querrey are the first singles players to commit to play in the 2010 event. The World No. 1 team of Bob and Mike Bryan has committed to return to River Oaks Country Club to defend their US Men’s Clay Court Championship doubles title in 2010.

“This is a great holiday gift for us to have commitments from Fernando and Sam to go along with that of the Bryans,” said Tournament Director Van Barry. “Fernando has consistently been among the best players in the game in recent years, particularly on clay, and Sam is emerging as star for the Americans after really breaking out last summer. These are two very talented players that we are excited to welcome to River Oaks.”

Gonzalez won the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in 2000 as a qualifier by defeating countryman Nicolas Massu when the event was held in Orlando. He was defeated in the first round the following year when the tournament moved to Houston, and has not played in it since. This will be the first appearance for Gonzalez at River Oaks. Runner-up at the 2007 Australian Open, Gonzalez is ranked No. 11 in the world and was 39-16 in 2009, including a 16-3 mark on clay. The Chilean posted his career-best French Open result in 2009, reaching the semifinals before falling in five sets to Robin Soderling. Nine of his 12 career titles have come on clay, including his lone triumph of 2009, which came in his home country at Viña del Mar. He has finished in the Top 15 in the world for five consecutive years, joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick and Nikolay Davydenko as the only players to do so.

Gonzalez is the only men’s tennis player to win one of each Olympic medal. At the 2004 games in Athens, he teamed with Massu to win the gold medal in doubles while also defeating Mardy Fish to claim the singles bronze. In 2008, he brought a silver home from Beijing after falling to Rafael Nadal in the gold medal match.

Querrey had a remarkable 2009 summer in which he reached four finals, won one title and claimed the Olympus US Open Series crown. He reached consecutive finals in Newport, Indianapolis and Los Angeles, claiming the title in LA. He was also runner-up in New Haven before reaching the third round at the US Open. In addition to his summer success, Querrey opened 2009 by reaching the final in Auckland. He reached a career high ranking of No. 22 in August, and ended the year at No. 25, making him the second highest ranked American behind Roddick (No. 7). Querrey is 0-2 at the US Men’s Clay Court Championship. He was due to play in the 2009, but withdrew from singles following his opening round doubles loss due to injury. The end of Querrey’s season was also cut short by injury. While sitting on a glass table at a tournament in Bangkok, the tabletop gave way and Querrey suffered a severe cut to his right (playing) arm. The wound required 25 stitches to close, but Querrey has completed rehabilitation and is already training for 2010.

The Bryan Brothers had committed to the 2010 earlier this year. The 2009 doubles champions have won two titles in three finals at the event. They own 56 titles together, including seven in 2009, placing them just five titles behind the record-holding duo of Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde.

Season tickets, individual sessions and the finals weekend “Champ Pass” for the 2010 are on sale now. In 2009, the final three days of the tournament sold out by mid-week. Information on tickets can be found at www.mensclaycourt.com/tickets.

2009 BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL TICKET SALES EXCEED 40,000

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 22, 2009) With eight “selling” days left before the kickoff of the 2009 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, more than 40,000 tickets have been sold for the New Year’s Eve game featuring the University of Houston against the United States Air Force Academy at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

The “pass first” 10-3 Cougars of Houston (ranked 25th in the latest USA Today poll and 27th in the AP rankings) meet the 7-5 “pass defense first” Falcons of Air Force in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl here December 31. The seventh annual post-season game kicks off at 11 a.m. (CST) at Amon G. Carter Stadium and will be aired live on ESPN.

“We are very pleased with our sales to date,” said Brant B. Ringler, the executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. “The Armed Forces theme combined with a post-Christmas date has been a definitive plus in our attendance surge the past three years.”

The past two Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowls have featured record crowds. The 2007 game between Air Force and Cal attracted 40,905 fans while Houston’s win over the Falcons last New Year’s Eve was witnessed by 41,127 in-house fans at the sold out 44,358-seat Amon G. Carter Stadium. Prior to 2007, the best attendance mark was for the inaugural game in 2003 when Boise State defeated TCU 34-31 before 38,028 fans.

Ringler, along with many others, feels that this year’s game is one of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl’s most interesting matchups as the contest features the No. 1 passing offense in the country (Houston) against the No. 1 pass defense (Air Force) among the 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools. In addition, Air Force is ranked third in rushing offense.

“This game has created a lot of comments from the national press as one of the most intriguing matchups during the bowl season,” Ringler added. “It is expected to be a high-scoring affair. Houston has a quick-hitting attack featuring a quarterback (Case Keenum) that ranks among the nation’s best. Air Force will try to slow the Cougars by controlling the ball.”

Ticket prices for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl are $50 for sideline seats, $40 for upper deck seats and $20 for end-zone tickets. Military veterans receive half off any $50 or $40 seat and active-duty personnel get in free via the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl corporate military ticket underwriting program. A portion of local ticket sales will go to designated military charities (USO & Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund). Tickets for this year’s game can be obtained by calling the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl office at 817/810-0012, or by going to the Web site for more information at www.ArmedForcesBowl.com.

InterLiga 2010 Referee Pool Announced

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (December 22, 2009) The referees, assistants and fourth officials participating in the seventh edition of InterLiga, the tournament that determines two Mexican berths to the prestigious Copa Libertadores, were announced today. The tournament will begin on Saturday, January 2, 2009 at Robertson Stadium in Houston, Texas with Group A action.

Each match’s official referee designations will be announced 24 hours before each match on the tournament’s official website, www.InterLiga.com.

The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) oversees the designation, evaluation and training of all the officials in the United States, and will assign the teams of four to officiate each match of the tournament. USSF, currently in partnership with the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), will also assign referees from the CSA to participate in these matches. The referee pool follows below:

REFEREE POOL

Mark Geiger

Baldomero Toledo

Jair Marrufo

Ricardo Salazar

Jorge Gonzalez

Silviu Petrescu

Alex Prus

Kevin Stott

Terry Vaughn

Paul Ward

ASSISTANT REFEREE POOL

Adam Garner

Adam Wienckowski

Anthony Vasoli

Brian Poeschel

Chris Strickland

Corey Rockwell

Daniel Belleau

Eric Boria

Fabio Tovar

Frank Anderson

Greg Barkey

Hector Vergara

Jason Cullum

Jeff Hosking

Joe Fletcher

Kermit Quisenberry

Peter Balciunas

Peter Manikowski

Steven Taylor

Thomas Supple

FOURTH OFFICIAL POOL

Alex Prus

Baldomero Toledo

Jair Marrufo

Jasen Anno

Kevin Stott

Paul Ward

Ramon Hernandez

Ricardo Salazar

Terry Vaughn

Yader Reyes

All the matches will be broadcast in the United States on Fox Sports en Español and ESPN Deportes Radio. For more information, visit the official tournament website, www.InterLiga.com.

Dynamo’s Cameron, Davis Up for U.S. National Team Camp

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 22, 2009) Houston Dynamo midfielders Geoff Cameron and Brad Davis were named to the roster for the United States national team’s January training camp in California, U.S. Soccer announced today.

Cameron and Davis were among 30 players, including 25 from Major League Soccer, named to the squad that will train at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., from Jan. 4-23, concluding the camp with a friendly against Honduras on Jan. 23.

Cameron, 24, was invited to his first national team camp last January but was forced to withdraw due to injury on the second day of the camp. In 2009, his second season as a professional, he was named to the MLS Best XI, was a finalist for MLS Defender of the Year, and won the Dynamo’s Defender of the Year and Defensive Play of the Year awards. Cameron made 22 starts on defense and seven in midfield in league play for the Dynamo but began his pro career as a midfielder in 2008 and is listed as a midfielder by United States head coach Bob Bradley.

Davis, 28, had a career year in 2009 and was named the Dynamo’s MVP after factoring directly in a career high 17 goals (5 goals, 12 assists) during the regular season. The left-sided midfielder tied for the league lead with 12 assists, was named to the MLS All-Star Game, and scored the All-Stars’ goal in a 1-1 tie with Everton. He made a career-high 26 starts during the 2009 regular season. Davis has three previous for the United States, with his last appearance coming on January 19, 2007, in a win over Sweden. Davis also helped the U.S. to the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup title with a game-winning penalty kick in the championship shootout win over Panama.

2009 BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL FEATURES TOP-RANKED PASS OFFENSE, DEFENSE SCHOOLS

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 6, 2009) The 2009 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl will pit the top passing team in the country against the school with the best defense against the pass as this year’s New Year’s Eve game will feature a rematch between the University of Houston and the United States Air Force Academy at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

For only the seventh-time in the history of collegiate football bowl competition, two schools will face each other in back-to-back post-season games as the “pass first” 10-3 Cougars of Houston (ranked 25th in the USA Today poll this week and 27th in the AP rankings) meet the 7-5 “pass defensive first” Falcons of Air Force in the seventh annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl here December 31 for the 11 a.m. (CST) game at Amon G. Carter Stadium to be aired live on ESPN.
Previous bowl games with back-to-back match-ups were the Cotton (1970-1971, Notre Dame and Texas; 1993-1994, Notre Dame and Texas A&M), Rose (1973-1974-1995, USC and Ohio State), Orange (1990-1991, Notre Dame and Colorado; 1993-1994, Florida State and Nebraska) and the Outback (2001-2002, South Carolina and Ohio State). Three of the previous six match-ups featured splits with Notre Dame (Texas A&M), Florida State and South Carolina completing two-game sweeps.

“We are excited about our match up that brings the nation’s top passing team in Houston to Amon G. Carter Stadium to play an Air Force team that has the country’s best pass defense,” said Brant B. Ringler, the executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. “The game also presents two contrasting styles of offensive football as Air Force continues to feature one of the best rushing attacks in the country. It will be a very attractive matchup for the fans.”

With the second-best scoring offense in the nation among the 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools with 43.9 points a game, Houston will be seeking to duplicate its 34-28 win over the Falcons in the 2008 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. The Cougars compiled 415 total yards against the Falcons last New Year’s Eve to even the series between the two schools at 1-1.

The ESPN Regional Television (ERT) owned-and-operated event will feature Houston’s top-ranked offensive (581.2 yards per game) and passing attack (450.0) against an Air Force defense that is listed first in pass defense (148.1), third in turnover margin (1.42 per game), ninth in scoring defense (15.3) and 10th in total defense (284.8).

On the other side of the ball, Air Force ranks fourth in the nation in rushing offense (273.6) and Houston is 112th in rushing defense (213.1). The Falcons offense in 2009 compiled 355.9 total yards and 28.3 points a game. The Falcons did score 28 points in last year’s Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl while accumulating 352 total yards.

The past two Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowls have featured record crowds as the 2007 game between Air Force and Cal attracted 40,905 fans while Houston’s win over the Falcons last New Year’s Eve was witnessed by 41,127 in-house fans at the sold out 44,358-seat Amon G. Carter Stadium. Prior to 2007, the best attendance mark was for the inaugural game in 2003 when Boise State defeated TCU 34-31 before 38,028 fans.

Houston second-year coach Kevin Sumlin has utilized the talents of Case Keenum to help lead the Cougars to a 10-3 record this season. Keenum has passed for 5,449 yards by completing 71 percent of his attempts for 43 touchdowns. A junior from Abilene, Texas, Keenum has passed for 12,728 yards and 101 touchdowns in his career.

With three-straight winning seasons under third-year coach Troy Calhoun, the 7-5 Falcons are led offensively by running backs Jared Tew (66.4 yards rushing a game) and Asher Clark (61.3). Air Force also has one of the nation’s top placekickers in Erik Soderberg, who is tied for seventh nationally in field goals made per game (1.7).
2009 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, December 6, page 2

With a combined 17 wins, six of the two school’s eight losses were by a touchdown or less. All three of the Houston setbacks were in league play, including a 38-32 setback at East Carolina Saturday in the Conference USA championship game where Keenum passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns. The Cougars opened 2009 with back-to-back wins over Big 12 Conference schools Oklahoma State (46-35 at Stillwater) and Texas Tech (29-28 at home).

Four of the five Air Force defeats were by a touchdown or less with two setbacks in overtime. Three of the Falcon losses were to MWC schools (TCU, BYU and Utah) ranked among the top 25 teams in last week’s Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings. The fourth and fifth setbacks were to bowl-bound Minnesota of the Big Ten Conference and to independent Navy in overtime.

The 2009 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl will be the 20th post-season game for both schools as each owns an 8-10-1 record bowl record. Houston will be playing in its sixth bowl in the last seven seasons while Air Force will be appearing in the post-season for the third-straight year after being absent the previous four seasons.

The Cougars, who snapped an eight-game bowl losing streak by defeating Air Force last New Year’s Eve, will be making their 13th appearance in a bowl game played in the state of Texas. Houston, who also competed in the 2005 Fort Worth Bowl with a 42-13 setback to Kansas, is 5-6-1 in Texas bowls while Air Force is 1-2-1, including a 42-36 setback to Cal in the 2007 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.

This year’s New Year’s Eve contest will be the third meeting between the two schools. Air Force won the initial meeting between the two teams in 2008 with a 31-28 victory over the Cougars as the September 13 game was moved from Houston to SMU’s Ford Stadium due to Hurricane Ike. Houston evened the series mark 110 days later as running backs Bryce Beall and Jared Tew were named the most valuable players for the Cougars and Falcons, respectively.

Both Houston (33-15) and Air Force (30-11) have had success against teams from Conference USA and the Mountain West, respectively. In bowl games between the two conferences, Conference USA leads 7-5 with Houston playing in the last two post-season meetings, including a 20-13 setback to TCU at the 2007 Texas Bowl.

Ticket prices for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl are $50 for sideline seats, $40 for upper deck seats and $20 for end-zone tickets. Military veterans receive half off any $50 or $40 seat and active-duty personnel get in free via the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl corporate military ticket underwriting program. A portion of local ticket sales will go to designated military charities (USO & Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund). Tickets for this year’s game can be obtained by calling the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl office at 817/810-0012, or by going to the Web site for more information at www.ArmedForcesBowl.com.

UH-East Carolina Football: Half Time Update

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2009 TexSport Publications

GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA (December 5, 2009) With rain beginning to fall to begin at the second half at the 2009 Conference USA Football Championship Game, Houston has jumped out to a 19-14 lead over East Carolina.

Houston QB Case Keenum broke the C-USA championship game record for completions in the first half with 31. His 31-of-37 for 289 yards and three touchdowns. The three TD passes match the C-USA Championship Game record.

James Cleveland has rocked the first half for the Cougars, shattering the C-USA Championship Game record for receptions with 11 in the first half (for 140 yards and two scores). The old record was eight, held by Tulsa's Garrett Mills (2005) and Houston's Vincent Marshall (2007).

Dominique Lindsay and Giavanni Ruffin each have rushing touchdowns for East Carolina.

University of Houston vs. East Carolina: C-USA Championship Preview

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 3, 2009) The Houston Cougars travel to Greenville, N.C. to play East Carolina at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009. Coach Sumlin and UH players talk about the matchup and the road to the C-USA Championship Game.