HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 15, 2010) University of Houston head baseball coach Todd Whitting announced the hiring of Jack Cressend as assistant coach on Thursday.
“Jack is one of the premier pitching coaches in the country and I am very excited he is joining our program,” Whitting said. “His experience on the major league level and strong recruiting ties throughout the country will have an immediate impact on our pitching staff and program.”
Cressend comes to Houston after spending two seasons at Tulane. As a member of Whitting’s staff, he will serve as the program’s pitching coach.
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to come to the University of Houston and to work with Todd Whitting and his staff,” Cressend said. “They have the vision and ideas to take Cougar baseball to the next level. It is an exciting time for the program and this was on opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I am looking forward to getting started.”
The Mandeville, La., native returned to his alma mater, Tulane, in 2009 after an 11-year professional career, including five in the Major Leagues. During that career, Cressend was named the Boston Red Sox’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 1997 and was a member of the American League Central Division Champion, Minnesota Twins. His best season in the major leagues came in 2004 with the Cleveland Indians, when he posted a 2.51 ERA in 43 innings. Throughout his entire professional career Cressend made 370 appearances on the mound with 820 strikeouts.
Prior to his professional career, Cressend played for the Green Wave from 1994-96. He saw action on the mound and in the outfield and was a member of NCAA Tournament teams in 1994 and 1996. The 1996 team also took home the Conference USA Tournament title, with Cressend being named to the All-Tournament Team after pitching a complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts in the championship game against South Florida.
Following his time in professional baseball, Cressend served as an area scout for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2006-2008. During that time he also founded the Louisiana Knights, a traveling baseball team that helps high school players get more exposure to college coaches. During the two years he was associated with the team, he helped more than 40 players reach the college ranks.
For the past two seasons, as a member of the Green Wave staff, Cressend assisted head coach Rick Jones, with recruiting. Additionally, he was in charge of scheduling, summer baseball player placement and served as the team’s pitching coach.
Cressend earned his bachelor’s degree from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane in 2008. He and his wife, Katy, have two sons, Cole and Cameron.
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (July 13, 2010) The first round of the State Farm Home Run Derby is complete and the results are listed below, in the order they batted.
1. Chris Young-Arizona Diamondbacks (RH): 1 Home Run: average: 410 feet; longest: 416feet.
2. Vernon Wells-Toronto Blue Jays (RH): 2 home runs; average: 395 feet; longest: 428 feet.
3. Corey Hart-Milwaukee Brewers (RH): 13 home runs; average: 433 feet; longest: 464 feet
4. Nick Swisher-New York Yankees (LH): 4 home runs; average: 412 feet; longest: 440 feet.
5. Matt Holliday-St. Louis Cardinals (LH): 5 home runs; average: 441 feet; longest: 497 feet
6. David Ortiz-Boston Red Sox (LH): 8 home runs; average: 402 feet; longest: 440 feet
7. Hanley Ramirez-Florida Marlins (RH): 9 home runs; average: 434 feet; longest: 472 feet
8. Miguel Cabrera-Detroit Tigers (RH): 7 home runs; average: 450 feet; longest: 476 feet
Cabrera, Ortiz, Hart and Ramirez advance to the second round.
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (July 12, 2010) Here is the batting order for the State Farm Home Run Derby at the 2010 MLB All Star Game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
1. Chris Young-Arizona Diamondbacks2. Vernon Wells-Toronto Blue Jays3. Corey Hart-Milwaukee Brewers4. Nick Swisher-New York Yankees5. Matt Holliday-St. Louis Cardinals
6. David Ortiz-Boston Red Sox
7. Haney Ramirez-Florida Marlins
8. Miguel Carbrera-Detroit Tigers
I am picking Nick Swisher to win it all.
Here are the rules for the contest:
Opening Round
• Each player gets 10 outs to hit as many home runs as possible.
• The four players with the most home runs hit in the Opening Round advance to the Semi-Final Round.
Semi-Final Round
• Home runs totals from the first round will carry over to the second round.
• Each player gets 10 outs to hit as many home runs as possible per at bat.
• The two players with the most home runs in the Semi-Final Round advance to the Championship Round.
Championship Round
• Home runs from the first two rounds do not carry over to the Championship Round; Opening and Semi-Final Round totals are cleared from the board.
• Each player gets 10 outs to hit as many home runs as possible.
• The player who hits the most home runs in the Championship Round is declared the Home Run Derby champion.
Rules
• An out is registered when a player swings at a pitch and does not hit a home run.
• A ball hit over the fence must be fair to count as a home run.
I will update the results after the first round.
(Photo courtsey of the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows)HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 12, 2010) The 33rd Annual Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows, held July 21 to 25 in Houston’s Reliant Center, boasts two special attractions this year. The first is the AKC Weight Pull competition. The second is an extra specialty club show on Wednesday, July 21, offering “get-in-free” hours -- from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. -- designed to draw shoppers to the Show’s ever popular McScotty Market.
Show Chair Tom Pincus explains that breeds of all sizes – ranging from Jack Russell Terriers to Alaskan Malamutes -- compete in the weight pull. He reports, “Dogs often haul more than 80 times their own weight. Remarkably, the larger dogs can move more than 2,000 lbs. of paving stones or dog food across a short distance.”
Pincus jokes, “Shoppers may wish they had a Malamute to haul out their purchasers from the McScotty Market.” Here, hundreds of booths offer toys, equipment, grooming supplies and food for dogs plus plenty of dog-related gifts and bling for dogowners. Wednesday’s special shopping hours are perfect for those wanting to save their money on admission and parking fees and spend it instead on a special item from the McScotty Market. If shoppers miss the “get’-in-free” hours on Wednesday, they can still enjoy the McScotty Market -- as well as the rest of the dog show -- on any of the remaining show days.
“Over the five days, a total of six shows actually go on, allowing dogs to compete multiple times during the week to rack up as many points as possible,” he says. “As the fourth-largest cluster show in the country, it’s a wealth of opportunity for competitors and offers several chances for the people to see their favorite events.
”The Show this year will continue to highlight classic events such as Conformation, which involves the judging of nearly perfect examples of more than 150 breeds on standards set by the American Kennel Club.
Meet the Breed is a kid-friendly exhibition giving potential dog owners the chance to get up close andpersonal with selected breeds and talk to experts about what they can expect from each one. The Mari Jon Filla Student Art Exhibition is also a must-see.
“The Art Exhibition will also be another classic to be excited about because expect some of our best artwork ever from local students depicting their love for dogs in crayon, watercolor and inks.”
Pincus says the Performance Events and Exhibitions are usually the most exciting for families.
“If you’re looking for real entertainment, follow the cheers and shouts,” he says, “and you’ll find dogs alone or in teams running and jumping in the agility courses, mastering obedience trials, catching FrisbeesSM like canine acrobats or dancing in the Musical Freestyle.
Attendees should be on the look out for the Sixth Annual C.A.P. Designer Doghouse Competition and Silent auction, where the most glitzy and glamorous doghouses in town are available for sale to benefit Citizens for Animal Protection.
Eukanuba is a major sponsor of the show. Adult admission is $10 per day at the door or via Ticketmaster.
Tickets for senior citizens are $5 and for children 12 or younger are $1 with adult.
Visit www.reliantdogshows.com for specific times and schedules, photos and videos, or follow us on Twitter (@Houstondogshow).
HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 12, 2010) The George R. Brown Convention Center will serve as a major hub of activities when the 2011 Summer National Senior Games take place at 10 Houston-area venues next year.
More than 15,000 athletes age 50 and older will compete in 18 medal competitions and two demonstration sports June 16-30, 2011.
Eight of the 18 medal events take place inside the downtown convention center: archery, badminton, basketball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball.
The games will be preceded with an Olympic-style torch run and flame arrival ceremony on June 15, 2011, with the flame burning for the duration of the games at a downtown location. The Celebration of Athletes event takes place at Toyota Center on June 21, 2011.
“We look forward to welcoming America’s senior athletes with open arms,” Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker said at a press conference Thursday to begin the yearlong countdown toward the games. “Houston has been down this road before and we know how to put on major sporting events.
“In 1986, we hosted the U.S. Olympic Festival to great success. And, of course, we hosted both the Super Bowl and the Major League All-Star Game in 2004. In 2006, we hosted the NBA All-Star Game and next year we also host the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
“This is the largest multi-sport event in the world for athletes over the age of 50 and I am supremely confident that the athletes of the 2011 Summer National Senior Games will enjoy a well-run competition with a heaping helping of Houston hospitality on the side.”
All athletes will have earned the right to compete in these national games by virtue of their performance at their respective state games. With 15,000 athletes and an anticipated 30,000 spectators, the 2011 Games are estimated to create an economic impact of approximately $50 million for the Houston region.
The official competition schedule is posted at www.nsga.com.
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 26, 2010) The Conroe Jaguars indoor professional football team will kick off its home schedule this coming Sunday (June 27) against the LA Conqueres from Louisiana.
The game will be played at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe and is set for a 3:00pm kickoff.
This past weekend, the Jaguars rolled to a 58-0 victory over My Florida Kings in Bronson, Florida in their season-opener. Conroe scored at least two touchdowns in every quarter en route to the big victory.
In the first quarter Josh Lee started the scoring with a quarterback sneak, with Calvin Harris adding a TD run later for a 12-0 lead. In the second quarter Edward Moore had an interception return for a touchdown and Harris caught a 42-yard TD pass, with Jose Zaragosa adding the extra-point.
Ahead 25-0 at halftime, the Jaguars got a five-yard TD reception from Joe Townsend, a safety on a bad snap and a Mickey Williams touchdown on a fumble recovery return for a 39-0 lead entering the final quarter. In the fourth, Townsend caught a five-yard TD pass (Zaragosa extra-point), Reginald Allen scored on a 37-yard interception return and Lee added the final TD on an eight-yard pass.
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (June 21, 2010) Texas A&M will have three track and field athletes as members of the United States team that competes at the NACAC under-23 meet in Miramar, Florida. The North American, Central American, Caribbean Championships will be held at the Miramar Ansin Sports Complex from July 9-11 this summer.
Aggies Ashika Charan, Curtis Mitchell and Jeneba Tarmoh have been named to the U.S. team that is allowed two entries per event.
Charan will contest the triple jump. Mitchell is in the 200 and Tarmoh will compete in the 100. In addition Mitchell will be part of the relay pool for the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 while Tarmoh is in the relay pool for the 4 x 100.
The NACAC under-23 meet will include athletes representing the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, El Salvado, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turk and Caicos Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United States.
Coverage of the NACAC meet will be provided by usportstv.net via a pay-per-view option online. The webcast starts at 7:35 a.m. (CST) on Friday, July 9, with continued coverage on Saturday, July 10 (6 a.m. CST), and Sunday, July 11 (6 a.m. CST). Cost is $7.95 per day or $17.95 for the weekend.
(Both photos are by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Right Reserved)
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 19, 2010) Facing off in 90 degree temperature at 8:00pm CDT, the Houston Dynamo took the field against CD Aguila in the 2nd Annual Dynamo Charities Cup.
The Dynamo did not waste time getting on the scoreboard as forward Joseph Ngwenya took a pass from midfielder Juan Manuel Quevedo in front of the net to make the score 1-0 at the 8th minute.
They came back in the 28th minute to make the score to 2-0 on a pass from Francisco Navas Cobo to fellow midfielder Corey Ashe.
At the end of the first half, the Dynamo held onto its 2-0 score as they headed to the locker room.
In the 1st half, Aguila was held to 5 shots on goal with goalkeeper Miguel Montes having 3 saves.
The Dynamo took 11 shots on goal with goalkeeper Tally Hall tallying 3 saves.
In the second half, the Dynamo came out just as they had in the 1st half, with midfielder Juan Manuel Quevedo drilling a shot from the top of the box in the 50th minute, which was brilliantly defected by Apulia’s Montes.
Aguila came back on a left side approach on the Dynamo goal with forward Nelson Reyes shooting from about 5-meters out. Hall against found the ball to keep it out of the goal and Aguila off the scoreboard.
The Dynamo kept up the attack when forward Dominic Oduro headed for the goal, took a pass from midfielder Brad Davis and drove the ball into the goal to take the score 3-0 at the 67th minute. He was also assisted Ashe.
Aguila attempted to shut down the Dynamo offense, but looked sluggish and were unable to stop the Orangemen’s on slot of the goal.
Houston came back in the 74th minute when forward Luis Angel Landin took a well place pass from midfielder Sammy Appiah to take the score to 4-0.
Agulia continued to attack on offense, but were unable to find the goal.
The Dynamo won their second annual Charities Cup, while earning needed fund for local charities and those who are affected by the Gulf Oil Spill.
The Dynamo will next take the field on June 26 for a home match against the Colorado Rapids.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (June 18, 2010) The U.S. Men's National Team played Slovenia to an epic 2-2 draw in its second Group C match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. After falling behind 2-0 in the first half, an early second-half strike from Landon Donovan and a fantastic finish off a half-volley from Michael Bradley evened the score and earned the USA a critical point before another boisterous pro-U.S. crowd of 45,573 at Ellis Park.
The result puts the USA’s destiny in their own hands, with a win in their final Group C match on Wednesday, June 23, against Algeria at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria automatically earning the Americans a spot in the knockout phase. With Algeria’s 0-0 draw with England in the other Group C match, the U.S. sits in second place in the group tied with the English on two points, but ahead in the standings based on goals scored (three for the United States and one for England). The U.S. can still advance with a draw against Algeria if England loses to Slovenia or if England draws and the U.S. maintains an advantage in total goals scored.
“I think this team has shown that it keeps fighting until the end and we have now had the experience of pushing games when we’re behind,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. “It’s a credit to the mentality of the players and to the fact that they’re going to fight for 90 minutes every game. We have a third match where we still have the chance to determine our ability to move into the final round.”
The USA comeback began just three-minutes into the second half, with a world-class strike from Donovan, who roofed a shot past Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovic from six yards out after dribbling freely into the right side of the box from a tight angle. Donovan was freed into the area on a perfectly placed pass from the halfway line by standout defender Steve Cherundolo that eluded the Slovenian defense.
After several goal mouth chances for the U.S. throughout the half, the USA finally cashed in for goal number two with one of the most skillful tallies in team history. The goal came in the 82nd minute on a lunging half-volley toe-poke from Bradley, who was set-up in the right side of the penalty area, by a perfectly weighted knocked-down header from Jozy Altidore. The big U.S. forward got his head on a service sent by Donovan from midfield and put it right into the path of the charging Bradley. The ussoccer.com Man of the Match scored his eighth career goal, and his first in a World Cup.
The inspiring U.S. comeback could have netted the team all three points just a few minutes later, but Maurice Edu’s volley into the back of the net on a perfect free kick from Donovan in the 85th minute was disallowed by Malian referee Koman Coulibaly for an apparent foul.
Including Edu, four players made their World Cup debuts for the United States in the match. Edu and midfielder Benny Feilhaber were halftime substitutes that helped spark the U.S. attack. Late sub Herculez Gomez and starter Jose Torres also appeared in their first-ever World Cup matches.
For Donovan, the match was his 10th all-time World Cup appearance, moving him to within one game of the all-time U.S. record (11, Cobi Jones and Earnie Stewart), and his goal was the third of his World Cup career (tied with Brian McBride for second best all-time, just one behind Bert Patenaude). He also became the third player in U.S. history to score in two different World Cups (2002 and 2010), joining McBride and Clint Dempsey.
The first half was a difficult one for the United States, who struggled early to break down the compact Slovenians. Slovenia benefitted greatly from a 13th minute goal from Valter Birsa, who hit a perfectly placed strike into the upper right side of the goal from 27 yards out after finding a soft pocket directly in front of the U.S. backline. The shot from Birsa gave goalkeeper Tim Howard no chance.
In the 42nd minute, Slovenia created its second goal on a fast break following some sustained pressure from the United States. On the goal, forward Milivoje Novakovic beat U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu’s offside trap by playing a perfect ball into the run of midfielder Zlatan Ljubijankic, who tucked his shot easily into the center of the goal underneath an onrushing Howard.
Prior to that goal, the U.S. had been all over the Slovenian net. In the 36th minute, Jozy Altidore was fouled at the top of the box on a dangerous U.S. attack, and Torres expertly hit the ensuing free kick to the near post causing Handanovic to make a diving save. On the corner kick that followed that save a clearance by Slovenia was headed tantalizingly close by defender Jay DeMerit from the top of the box but it flew just outside the left post.
Just three minutes later, forward Robbie Findley was given a yellow card after a dangerous U.S. corner kick when he was whistled for a phantom handball on a cross that ricocheted off his upper chest. With two yellow cards in two games, Findley will be suspended for the USA’s final Group C match against Algeria.
Two minutes after that, the USA’s best attack of the first half preceded Slovenia’s fast-break goal. With a nice build-up in midfield, it was Findley who nicely controlled a ball in traffic at the top of the area and found Dempsey overlapping into the right side of the penalty box. Dempsey took one touch and then slid a pass across the goal mouth that was cleared out of play by defender Miso Brecko just before Donovan could tuck it home from the doorstep.
The USA’s second half chances included a 51st minute free kick from Donovan from the left side that was just out of reach for a sliding Onyewu at the far post. In the 70th minute, Altidore was fouled again at the top of the box and Donovan hit a free kick that bounced around before the 20-year old forward turned fired on goal, but Handanovic made a tough save look easy with a confident catch.
The USA's World Cup continues on Wednesday, June 23, against Algeria in Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The match kicks off at 4 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET) live on ESPN HD and Telefutura, with special pre-game coverage beginning at 9:30 a.m. on ESPN. ESPN Radio and Futbol de Primera Radio will also provide coverage of the game. Fans can also follow along on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker and at twitter.com/ussoccer.
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 14, 2010) After a physical examination this morning, the medical staff has determined there is no need to conduct additional testing on goalkeeper Tim Howard. He continues to make substantial improvement and is expected to be available for the match Slovenia on June 18 in Johannesburg is expected to be available for the match against Slovenia on June 18 in Johannesburg.
During the U.S. Men's National Team opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 12 against England, Howard took a boot from forward Emile Heskey to his right side in the 29th minute while making an excellent diving clearance on a dangerous cross.
Howard stayed down on the play for three minutes, but returned to action to help the USA earn a 1-1 draw and Man of the Match honors.
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s highly anticipated opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against England on ABC was the most viewed World Cup first round match and fifth most-viewed World Cup match ever. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was the most watched U.S. MNT match since 1994.
The two-hour match window averaged a 7.3 household rating (8,391,000 households and 12,956,000 viewers) based on fast nationals. The three-hour telecast, which included one hour of pre-match coverage, delivered a 6.1 household rating (7,034,000 households, and 10,763,000 viewers). In addition, 3.8 million watched the Spanish-language broadcast on Univision.
Other interesting facts have come out of the first three days of the tournament.
The four-goal outburst by Germany against Australia for a 4-0 win marked the only of the first 11 games with more than two goals, and two of those were scored after Australia was reduced to 10 men after a Tim Cahill red card.
Four games have finished 1-0, three have finished 1-1 and there was one scoreless tie.
The tournament has averaged 1.64 goals per game through 11 matches, down from 2.09 through 11 matches in 2006.
For the second consecutive FIFA World Cup, Germany opened with four goals (in 2006 they opened with a 4-2 win against Costa Rica).
The goal averages in the first 10 games not to include Germany is 1.40 in 2010 and was 1.70 in 2006.
Lionel Messi took four shots on goal in Argentina’s 1-0 win against Nigeria. Not including Argentina, only eight of the 21 teams who have played have more than four shots on goal.
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s highly anticipated opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against England on ABC was the most viewed World Cup first round match and fifth most-viewed World Cup match ever. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was the most watched U.S. MNT match since 1994.
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 14, 2010) The U.S. Men's National Team training staff is closely monitoring Tim Howard’s progress as he receives treatment for the bruised ribs he suffered against England on a challenge from Emile Heskey. Howard will be evaluated once again in the early Monday morning to determine if any tests will be required.
USA will now turn its focus to preparing for their next match against Slovenia on Friday, June 18. Slovenia is currently in 1st place in Group C with their win over Algeria.
Former West Brom midfielder and Slovenia captain Robert Koren scored a 79th-minute goal against a 10-man Algeria side to take first place in Group C after the first round of matches.
Algeria’s Abdelkader Ghezzal received his second yellow card just 15 minutes after coming into the game in the 58th minute, and six minutes later Algeria’s Faouzi Chaouchi misjudged the bouncing shot from Koren that made Slovenia the first team to reach three points after a game that featured just six shots on goal, the same number of shots on goal Tim Howard saved against England.
USA Head Coach Bob Bradley was quote in a press conference in South Africa saying “Slovenia played a tactical game. They are well organized and solid defensively. They got a good goal from Robert Koren, who has been an important player for Slovenia throughout qualifying. In reality, we had five weeks to prepare for the World Cup, and the players will tell you that it was only in the last four or five days that we really turned the focus on England. As a coaching staff, we had done our homework along the way, but we’ve done that with Slovenia and Algeria as well. When you’ve played a match, the day after is regeneration and, for the players who didn’t play, training. As a coaching staff, we’ve gone through the tape and we’ll start to look for some things with the team and getting some things established with Slovenia. The time frame for us is actually the same.”
The game is set for Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 14, 2010) The second annual Dynamo Charities Cup will take place on Saturday, June 19, at Robertson Stadium and feature the Houston Dynamo hosting Salvadoran side Águila.
The Dynamo Charities Cup, an annual event bringing prominent international teams to Houston to raise money for charity, began last year when the Dynamo beat Mexican club Monterrey 2-1. This year, the Dynamo will welcome Águila from San Miguel, El Salvador. Águila finished second during the regular season in the Salvadoran Primera División’s Clausura tournament with a 7-1-10 record. Águila defeated Vista Hermosa in the semifinals, 1-0 on aggregate before falling to Isidro Metapán in the finals.
One of the most successful teams in Salvadoran history, Águila won the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup in 1976 and ranks second in league history with 14 championships. Nine players on its current roster have represented El Salvador internationally.
A portion of the proceeds from the match will go to Dynamo Charities, the charitable arm of the Houston Dynamo. Dynamo Charities’ 2010 programs include Soccer for Success, Pass it Back, Tickets for a Cause, The House That Ching Built, and Kicks for Kids.
PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS (June 10, 2010) For only the second time in school history, Prairie View A&M University has earned the Barbara Jacket/Sadie Magee Award as the top overall women’s sports program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Prairie View A&M, who totaled 80.5 points, finished tied with Jackson State for the award. This past year, the women’s athletic programs at Prairie View boasted several solid performances highlighted by second place finishes in women’s basketball, bowling, soccer and outdoor track and field. The last time Prairie View A&M captured the award occurred during the 1984-85 athletic campaign.
“This award is well-deserved for our female student-athletes,” said Prairie View A&M University Athletic Director Fred Washington. “Our student-athletes carry their leadership and athleticism on and off the field. We would like to thank all faculty, staff and administrators for helping our female student- athletes achieve their accomplishment on their well-deserved award.”
“We’re always excited to see our student-athletes be successful in the classroom and on the playing field,” added Assistant Athletic Director for Female Sports Alicia Pete. “This award represents the hard work and dedication of our female sports and it was earned by our student-athletes, coaches and support staff as they represent the best of our Panther Spirit.”
On the men’s side, Prairie View A&M finished fourth (57.0) in the race for the C.D. Henry Award and wrapped up the 2009-10 campaign ranked fourth overall among SWAC schools in the running for the SWAC All-Sports title with 137.5 points.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 9, 2010) Six University of Houston baseball players were selected during the three-day Major League Baseball Draft, ending Wednesday. With their selections in the draft it marked the ninth consecutive season and the 12th time in the last 13 years that at least one Cougar player was chosen in the annual draft.
The six selections in the draft also are the most in a single season since eight Cougars were taken in 2004.
Junior shortstop Blake Kelso was the Cougars’ top selection by being taking in the 10th round of the draft by the Washington Nationals. With his selection, Houston has now had three players taken in the first 10 rounds during the last two years.
Kelso, a stable in the Cougar infield at shortstop, has started 181 consecutive games in his three-year career at Houston. He holds a .319 batting average with 41 doubles, 11 triples and eight home runs. The Plugerville, Texas, native also is the school career record holder in assists with 588.
Sophomore pitcher Michael Goodnight followed in the 13th round when he was chosen by the Cleveland Indians. Goodnight was also chosen in the draft out of high school before coming to UH.
The Houston, Texas, native was a member of the weekend pitching rotation, earning 16 starts in his sophomore campaign. He holds a 4.96 ERA in two seasons at Houston with 148 strikeouts. Following his freshman season, Goodnight was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. Early in the 2010 season, he pitched the Cougars to a 1-0 shutout win over Texas and went on to be named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Player of the Week.
The Cougars’ third selection in the draft came in the 16th round when senior catcher Chris Wallace was selected by the Houston Astros. Wallace spent four seasons behind the plate for Houston, posting a .291 career batting average. He was selected to the All-C-USA Second Team in 2009 and led the Cougars in his final season with 10 home runs.
Houston closed out the second day of the draft with its fourth selection. Junior pitcher Ty Stuckey was taken by the Cincinnati Reds in the 26th round. The Spring, Texas, native made 16 starts in three seasons at UH. During his junior season, Stuckey made four starts with 31 strikeouts. Stuckey also saw action at first base as a sophomore, posting a .254 batting average in 15 starts.
Senior pitcher William Kankel was the first Cougar chosen on the final day of the draft. He was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 33rd round. The Brenham, Texas, native spent two years at Houston after transferring from Seminole State College in 2008. He made 10 starts as a senior and was a regular in the weekend rotation.
Also taken in the draft’s final day in the 38th round by the Minnesota Twins was junior pitcher Jared Ray. The Waco, Texas, native sat out the 2010 season following shoulder surgery. As a sophomore he finished with a 4-4 record. Ray pitched 31 scoreless innings during the season for the third longest streak in school history. He would go on to earn a spot on the All-C-USA Second Team.
In addition, Cougar signees Mitchell Taylor (seventh round, Toronto Blue Jays), Jacob Dahlstrand (10th round, Boston Red Sox), Ryan Broussard (18th round, Los Angeles Angles), Chad Rogers (28th round, Cincinnati Reds), Lucas Moran (45th round, Milwaukee Brewers) and Landon Appling (47th round, Colorado Rockies) were also selected in the draft.
(Photo courtsey of the University of Houston Athletics Communications Office)
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 8, 2010) University of Houston shortstop Blake Kelso was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 10th round of the MLB Draft.
The junior business major played 57 games for the Cougars in 2010, hitting .338 with 10 doubles, 5 triples and 3 home runs.
He was named to the 2009 Conference USA All-Academic Team and the 2009 All-Conference USA Second Team. In 2008, he was selected to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America Team.
Kelso has one year of college eligibility remaining.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 8, 2010) Rice University head volleyball coach Genny Volpe has announced the 2010 Rice Owls volleyball schedule. The schedule features matches vs. 2009 NCAA tournament teams, LSU and Tulane.
“The non-conference schedule is very competitive and it’s what this team needs,” comments Volpe, now in her seventh season. “It is a challenging schedule, but one that we embrace.”
Non-conference teams on the slate include the aforementioned LSU, North Carolina, old Southwest Conferene foe Texas Tech, USTSA, SFA, West Coast Conference power Pepperdine, Big XII power Missouri, New Mexico State, and Ole Miss.
“These matches will be fun and intense at the same time,” says Volpe.
The 2010 season gets underway Aug. 27-28 when Rice hosts the Nike Invitational I. Teams involved include Mississippi, Texas Tech, and UT-San Antonio. The Owls then head west to Malibu, Calif., to compete at the Asics Classic (Sept. 3-4), hosted by Pepperdine. Rice will also square off against Missouri and Eastern Washington.
Rice then competes at the LSU Classic (Sept. 10-11) in Baton Rouge, La., against New Mexico State, North Carolina, and host LSU. The Owls return home to host the Nike Invitational II on Sept. 17-18. Teams competing include Samford, Stephen F. Austin, and Arkansas State.
A new Conference USA format for scheduling begins in 2010. With the dismissal of the conference tournament, which Rice hosted and won in 2009, C-USA teams now play 20 conference matches instead of 16.
“With the new 20-match CUSA format and no conference tournament, we are fully aware that we must be consistent from beginning to end if we want to win a conference championship,” says Volpe. “I believe C-USA will be more competitive than ever in 2010 and should be nationally competitive outside of conference as well.”
The C-USA schedule begins with back-to-back matches at Southern Miss on Sept. 24 and 25. Rice then hosts UTEP (Oct. 1), before heading east to play at UCF (Oct. 3). The Tulane Green Wave visit Tudor Fieldhouse for two matches (Oct. 8 and Oct. 9) against the Owls.
Rice is then on the road to UAB (Oct. 15) and Memphis (Oct. 17), before hosting SMU (Oct. 22) and Tulsa (Oct. 24). The Owls then travel to East Carolina (Oct. 29) and to Marshall (Oct. 31).
November begins with a four-match homestand starting with Memphis on Nov. 5 and UAB on Nov. 6. Rice then hosts Marshall (Nov. 12) and East Carolina (Nov. 13) to conclude the home portion of the schedule. The Owls then finish the regular season with three matches on the road starting with Tulsa on Nov. 19 and at SMU (Nov. 21). The last match of the season is at Houston on Nov. 26.
Rice, in 2009 posted a 23-9 record and won its first-ever Conference USA Volleyball Championship. The Owls also played in the NCAA Championship for the second-consecutive year and third time overall.
2010 looks to be just as promising as Rice returns three starters from the 2009 squad including All-C-USA First Team players, senior Meredith Schamun, senior Tracey Lam, and junior Ashleigh McCord , the squad's top outside hitter at 3.92 kills per set.
Sophomore Riley Hornback swings for a double in the second inning of the 2010 Alpine Bank National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) JUCO World Series championship game Saturday. Photo courtesy of Amanda L. Booren, San Jacinto College marketing department.
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO (June 6, 2010) The top-ranked San Jacinto College (SJC) baseball team held on to a 4-3 lead late in the national championship game before No. 5 Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) scored two runs in the eighth inning to clinch the title Saturday night at the 2010 Alpine Bank National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) JUCO World Series at Suplizio Field.
Iowa Western got on the board early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning off San Jac starter Chris McKenzie (Framingham, Mass. / Marian HS). San Jac bounced back in the second, when Sweeny’s Riley Hornback doubled to left field and advanced to third on an error. Hornback scored on the next play to get San Jac on the board.
SJC scored three more runs in the third inning to take a 4-3 lead. Freshman Jarrett Higgins (Bellaire / Bellaire HS) tripled to third, his fourth triple of the season, and designated hitter Will Fontnow (Vidor / Vidor HS) followed with a single, bringing Higgins home. Ryan Hornback walked on the next at bat, advancing Fontnow to second, and Deric Hawkins would single in both runs.
Heading in to the eighth inning, San Jac held its 4-3 lead, but a triple by Iowa Western allowed put the tying run in scoring position. IWCC tied the game on a fielder’s choice, and added the go-ahead run off a wild pitch for the final 5-4 score.
“I’m really proud of this group,” said San Jac Head Coach Tom Arrington. “They worked hard all year, and gave it everything they had.”
San Jac scored its four runs on 10 hits with two errors. Riley Hornback went 3-of-4, scoring one run, and Fontnow went 2-of-5 with one RBI, also scoring one run.
Iowa Western got its 5 runs on 9 hits, also committing two errors.
San Jacinto College (52-12) finishes the 2010 season as the national runner up, the third second-place finish for San Jac under Arrington (2003, 2004, 2010), who completes his 10th year with the program. Riley and Ryan Hornback were named to the all-tournament team, as were pitchers Sean Nolin (Seaford, New York / Seaford HS) and Miguel Peña (La Joya / La Joya HS). Nolin also earned the outstanding pitcher of the tournament award.
This was the 21st trip to the JUCO World Series for San Jacinto College, the 12th national championship game, and the seventh national runner-up.
PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS (June 3, 2010) Prairie View A&M University head women’s soccer coach Abe Garcia announced today the addition of seven student-athletes to play soccer for the Lady Panthers next season.
Last season, Prairie View made history and advanced to the finals of the SWAC Soccer Tournament for the first time ever before falling short in the finale. With the loss of several key players from last season’s squad, Garcia feels his new group should contribute immediately as they prepare for 2010.
“I feel this class will add much-needed depth to the team as we lacked it at times last season,” said Garcia. “I foresee competition within the team elevating which will make us stronger. Two of the players I recruited bring collegiate experience with them and I hope they’re able to adapt to our system of play right away. (Assistant) Coach (Nick) Morrison and I are very excited to get on the field and begin working with all the girls and pick up where we left off.”
Heidi Carroll
Defender/Midfielder
5-6 ● Freshman, H.S.
Waco, Texas ● Midway
Served as tri-captain and played a key role in leading her high school team to a 21-3-3 mark in 2010, District 33-4A Championship, Region III title and state semifinal appearance…also ran cross country and plans to major in nursing.
Debbie Arguelles
Midfielder
5-7 ● Freshman, H.S.
Albuquerque, N.M. ● Highland
Earned Class 5A District 5 first-team honors…finished the year with five goals and seven assists…played club soccer for Rio Vista FC ’92…also played basketball and received academic all-district honors.
Maria Sanchez
Midfielder
5-4 ● Freshman, H.S.
Houston, Texas ● Reagan
Earned District 43-4A first-team honors…guided team to the playoffs and tied for third on the team with 12 goals scored…earned four varsity letters.
Valerie Villalobos
Goalkeeper
5-7 ● Freshman, H.S.
Flower Mound, Texas ● Marcus
Received District 6-5A honorable mention honors…led team to first round of playoffs…earned three varsity letters.
Jade Miller
Midfielder
5-5 ● Freshman, H.S.
Katy, Texas ● Morton Ranch
Played club soccer for Albion Hurricanes FC ’93 Team…named an I-10 Soccer Depot All-Star.
Lesiy Olivares
Forward
5-5 ● Junior, J.C.
Houston, Texas ● Navarro JC
Junior college teammate of fellow signee Sylvia Vasquez…guided team to 13-5 overall mark in 2009…helped Navarro achieve regional and national rankings during her two years on the field.
Sylvia Vasquez
Midfielder
5-5 ● Junior, J.C.
Corsicana, Texas ● Navarro JC
Guided team to 13-5 overall mark in 2009…logged three assists from the midfield…junior college teammate of fellow signee Lesiy Olivares…helped Navarro achieve regional and national rankings during her two years on the field.
By Matthew Hester
Southern Indoor Football League
Media Relations Director
LAKE CHARLES, LA (June 2, 2010) Louisiana Swashbucklers fullback Kendrick Perry, Albany Panthers defensive lineman James Harris and Louisiana Swashbucklers kicker Blake Bercegeay have been named the Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams Players of the Week respectively by the Southern Indoor Football League.
In their 51-31 defeat over the Columbus Lions this past Saturday, Kendrick Perry (6’2 245, Southeastern) earned the Offensive Player of the Week by leading the Bucs to a rushing attack that rolled out a SIFL team record 146 yards. Perry rushed the ball 16 times for 108 yards and one touchdown guiding Louisiana back to .500 for the second time this season.
Garnering the Defensive Player of the Week is Albany Panthers defensive lineman James Harris (6’1 250, Albany State). In the Panthers defensive shutdown of the Force, Harris collected two fumble recoveries returning both for touchdowns. Harris two recoveries were of a nine turnover evening by Albany in their 71-6 domination over Greenville this past Saturday.
Taking home is first Special Teams Player of the Week nod is Louisiana Swashbucklers kicker Blake Bercegeay (6’1 185, McNeese State). Blake’s 15 point evening helped keep the Bucs in front of the Lions for majority of Saturday nights contest. Going a perfect 6 for 6 on PAT’s, 2 for 3 on field goal attempts and notching three uno’s guided Louisiana’s much needed 51-31 win over Columbus.
Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Columbus WR Tirone Morris (16 rec. 121 yards – SIFL record), Albany QB Cecil Lester (15/23, 216 yards, and 6 TD’s)
Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Louisiana DB Koty Knox (8 tackles), Columbus LB Justen Rivers (7 tackles).
Special Teams Player of the Week candidates included: Columbus K Trey Crum (3/4 PAT’s, 1/3 FG’s, 1 Uno).
By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (May 29, 2010) In a must win game to keep a chance of a home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs, the Louisiana Swashbucklers manhandled the Columbus Lions 51-31 in Southern Indoor Football League action at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Swashbucklers quarterback Freddie Harrison went 10 for 23 and two touchdowns in the air, while Kendrick Perry had 16 carries for 108 yards and one touchdown.
The Swashbucklers and the Lions were pretty much even in terms of offense statistics. Louisiana had 274 total yards (146 rushing and 128 passing) while Columbus had 252 total yards (7 rushing and 245 passing).
The time of possession was also fairly equal; with Columbus controlling the ball 30 minutes 58 seconds and Louisiana having possession 29 minutes 2 seconds.
What made the difference in the scoring was 3rd down conversions. Louisiana managed to convert six of eight on 3rd down, while the Lions could only manage to convert two of their six attempts.
The Swashbucklers’ used a balanced offensive attack, with five players getting on the scoreboard.
Wide receiver Sammy Knight caught six passes for 97 yards and one touchdown, while fellow receiver Damian Henderson caught one pass for 13 yards, which lead to another touchdown.
Philip O’Neal also added to the scoring frenzy, rushing for 10 yards on two carries and one touchdown.
Kicker Blake Bercegeay booted two field goals for 25 yards and 31 yards, along with six extra points and two “uno” scores on kickoffs.
Columbus quarterback Chris McCoy completed 27 passes on 44 attempts, threw one interception, and scored two passing touchdowns; the longest of 29 yards. He was sacked three times.
The Swashbucklers will next face off against their I-10 rivals, the Lafayette Wildcatters (3-4) on Saturday, while the Lions will play the league leading Albany Panthers (6-1) at home.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 15, 2010) University of Houston head baseball coach Todd Whitting announced the hiring of Jack Cressend as assistant coach on Thursday.
