By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 25, 2011) Friday night, the University of Houston’s Cougar Field saw a battle of the undefeated as the Houston Cougars (4-1, 0-0 C-USA) faced off against the University of Mississippi Rebels (6-0, 0-0 SEC).
Ole Miss downed the Cougars 4-2 in front of 1233 fans.
The Rebels got on the scoreboard first when Alex Yarbrough doubled down the left field line, scoring Tanner Mathis from second, making the score 1-0.
They scored again in the second inning when Mathis hit a sacrifice fly to left field allowing Zack Kirksey to score on the throw.
Ole Miss added another run in the fourth when Mathis got on base on a fielders choice, advancing Preston Overbey from third to home.
The Cougars finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth when Chase Jensen singles to the third base side, allowing John Cannon scores to score from third.
They added another run on a bases-loaded walk by Caleb Ramsey, scoring Landon Appling.
Ole Miss got back their two-run lead in the top of the seventh when Yarborough singled to left center field, scoring Blake Newalu from second.
The Cougars never could get their bats connecting, recording seven hits in the game while committing two errors.
Appling went 2 for 3 with one run for the Cougars while Newalu went 3 for 4 for Ole Miss.
Matt Crouse got the win, giving up six hits, striking out eight while walking a single batter. He is now 2-0 on the season.
Codey Morehouse took the loss, giving up three runs on five hits. He goes to 1-1 on the season.
Both teams will face off again in game two of the three-game series on Saturday evening with a 7:00pm start.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
UH Baseball Opens 2011 Season Against UT Arlington
HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 16, 2011) The 2011 University of Houston baseball season will kick-off at 6:30 p.m. Friday night at Cougar Field, as the Cougars play host to UT Arlington in a three-game series. The weekend will continue against the Mavericks at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and conclude at 1 p.m.Sunday
Fans can hear all three of this weekend’s games live on UHCougars.com and livestats will also be available via the internet by clicking on the Gametracker link on the baseball schedule page.
The first 250 fans that arrive for Friday’s game will receive an official 2011 Houston Baseball poster or schedule card.
Single game tickets are still on sale beginning at $8 for general admission. A season ticket package for all 27 home games is also still available for $165. Tickets can be purchased at the Houston Athletics Ticket Office in the Athletics/Alumni Center or on the phone at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or online at www.UHCougars.com.
The gates and the ticket booth will be open one hour prior to the start of the game.
The Cougars are under the direction of first-year head coach Todd Whitting, who rejoined the program after spending seven seasons as an assistant coach at TCU.
Whitting has tabbed junior RHP Codey Morehouse as his opening day starter. Morehouse made 14 appearances on the mound last season, all in relief. He finished with a 9.50 ERA and one save. He will face off against the Mavericks’ RHP Collin Reynolds, a junior college transfer playing his first game for UTA.
Saturday’s contest will mark junior lefty Jordan Lewis’ first start as a Cougar. He transferred to UH from West Nevada Junior College. There he guided his team to a third place finish at the Junior College World Series and was named a First-Team All-Conference selection. RHP Lance Day will be making the start in his first game with the Mavericks.
Neither team has named a starter for Sunday’s series finale.
Friday’s opener marks Houston’s 65th season of intercollegiate baseball. UH has enjoyed great success in season openers, posting an all-time record of 38-26 (.593) and reeling off 13-straight victories from 1975-1987.
The Cougars will meet UT Arlington for the seventh time in program history on Friday. UH holds a 5-1 all-time record in the series with a 4-0 mark at Cougar Field. Houston earned an 8-3 win in the last meeting between the two programs on Feb. 24, 2007 at the Southwest Diamond Classic.
Fans can hear all three of this weekend’s games live on UHCougars.com and livestats will also be available via the internet by clicking on the Gametracker link on the baseball schedule page.
The first 250 fans that arrive for Friday’s game will receive an official 2011 Houston Baseball poster or schedule card.
Single game tickets are still on sale beginning at $8 for general admission. A season ticket package for all 27 home games is also still available for $165. Tickets can be purchased at the Houston Athletics Ticket Office in the Athletics/Alumni Center or on the phone at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or online at www.UHCougars.com.
The gates and the ticket booth will be open one hour prior to the start of the game.
The Cougars are under the direction of first-year head coach Todd Whitting, who rejoined the program after spending seven seasons as an assistant coach at TCU.
Whitting has tabbed junior RHP Codey Morehouse as his opening day starter. Morehouse made 14 appearances on the mound last season, all in relief. He finished with a 9.50 ERA and one save. He will face off against the Mavericks’ RHP Collin Reynolds, a junior college transfer playing his first game for UTA.
Saturday’s contest will mark junior lefty Jordan Lewis’ first start as a Cougar. He transferred to UH from West Nevada Junior College. There he guided his team to a third place finish at the Junior College World Series and was named a First-Team All-Conference selection. RHP Lance Day will be making the start in his first game with the Mavericks.
Neither team has named a starter for Sunday’s series finale.
Friday’s opener marks Houston’s 65th season of intercollegiate baseball. UH has enjoyed great success in season openers, posting an all-time record of 38-26 (.593) and reeling off 13-straight victories from 1975-1987.
The Cougars will meet UT Arlington for the seventh time in program history on Friday. UH holds a 5-1 all-time record in the series with a 4-0 mark at Cougar Field. Houston earned an 8-3 win in the last meeting between the two programs on Feb. 24, 2007 at the Southwest Diamond Classic.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Houston Cougars Women's Basketball Moves To 20-4 On The Season; Downs ECU 77-60
(Photo by Robert H Kelly-TexSport Publications, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.)By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 13, 2011) With four players scoring in double digits, the Houston Cougars (20-4, 11-0 C-USA) downed a stubborn East Carolina team 77-60 in Conference USA women’s basketball action at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Led by Brittany Scott’s 20 points and five rebounds, the Lady Cougars started slow, scoring only nine points in the first nine minutes of the game. They fell behind 11-9 at the 11:18 mark of the first half, but quickly tied the game 11-all with 9:35 left in the first half.
From that point, it was Houston all the way; leading 36-27 at the half while building on their lead in the second half.
The Cougars had three other players in double digits; Porsche Landry with 16, followed by Lesslee Mason with 12 and Jasmine Johnson with 11.
Mason scored her fifth double-double of the season with her 12 points and 11 rebounds. He last double-double was against SMU on Jan. 30.
Houston out-total rebounded ECU 49-41 and also led them on both the offensive side (15-11) and on defense (34-30).
The Pirates were led by Ashley Clark with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The Cougars will next face Tulsa on the road on February 17 with a 7:30pm start before returning to the friendly confines of Hofheinz Pavilion on February 20 for a 2:00pm game with UTEP.
Led by Brittany Scott’s 20 points and five rebounds, the Lady Cougars started slow, scoring only nine points in the first nine minutes of the game. They fell behind 11-9 at the 11:18 mark of the first half, but quickly tied the game 11-all with 9:35 left in the first half.
From that point, it was Houston all the way; leading 36-27 at the half while building on their lead in the second half.
The Cougars had three other players in double digits; Porsche Landry with 16, followed by Lesslee Mason with 12 and Jasmine Johnson with 11.
Mason scored her fifth double-double of the season with her 12 points and 11 rebounds. He last double-double was against SMU on Jan. 30.
Houston out-total rebounded ECU 49-41 and also led them on both the offensive side (15-11) and on defense (34-30).
The Pirates were led by Ashley Clark with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The Cougars will next face Tulsa on the road on February 17 with a 7:30pm start before returning to the friendly confines of Hofheinz Pavilion on February 20 for a 2:00pm game with UTEP.
Houston Cougars Face East Carolina in C-USA Women's Basketball Action
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 13, 2011) With a 1:45pm CT start at Hofheinz Pavilion on the campus of the University of Houston, the Houston Cougars women's basketball team
(19-4, 10-0 C-USA) face the East Carolina Pirates (11-12, 5-5 C-USA).
The Cougars and Pirates are meeting for the 10th time since 2002, as Houston
holds an 8-1 advantage in the series. The Cougars are 4-1 against East Carolina
at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Houston improved to 10-0 in Conference USA action with a 71-51 victory against
Rice on Thursday, marking the best-ever start in league play.
The Cougars have jumped out to the second-best start in school history at 19-4
overall.
Courtney Taylor was named the C-USA Player of the Week for the fourth time this
season after posting 21 points and 18 rebounds at Tulane.
Taylor set the all-time Houston rebounding record (1,012) at UAB on Jan. 20. Taylor
has posted 15 double-doubles this season to push her career total to a school record
55, which also ranks fourth in C-USA history.
Taylor currently places fourth nationally in double-doubles and fifth in rebounds per game (12.1).
Brittney Scott surpassed Houston great Chandi Jones as the all-time 3-point shooter at UAB on Jan. 20.
Scott looks to make her 85th-consecutive start on Thursday, which dates back to the beginning of the 2008-09 season.
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 13, 2011) With a 1:45pm CT start at Hofheinz Pavilion on the campus of the University of Houston, the Houston Cougars women's basketball team
(19-4, 10-0 C-USA) face the East Carolina Pirates (11-12, 5-5 C-USA).
The Cougars and Pirates are meeting for the 10th time since 2002, as Houston
holds an 8-1 advantage in the series. The Cougars are 4-1 against East Carolina
at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Houston improved to 10-0 in Conference USA action with a 71-51 victory against
Rice on Thursday, marking the best-ever start in league play.
The Cougars have jumped out to the second-best start in school history at 19-4
overall.
Courtney Taylor was named the C-USA Player of the Week for the fourth time this
season after posting 21 points and 18 rebounds at Tulane.
Taylor set the all-time Houston rebounding record (1,012) at UAB on Jan. 20. Taylor
has posted 15 double-doubles this season to push her career total to a school record
55, which also ranks fourth in C-USA history.
Taylor currently places fourth nationally in double-doubles and fifth in rebounds per game (12.1).
Brittney Scott surpassed Houston great Chandi Jones as the all-time 3-point shooter at UAB on Jan. 20.
Scott looks to make her 85th-consecutive start on Thursday, which dates back to the beginning of the 2008-09 season.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
UH Baseball Defeats Old Timers 25-10 In Alumni Game
HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 12,2011) In front of a large crowd of fans at Cougar Field, the University of Houston baseball team knocked off the a team of former Cougars 25-10 Saturdayafternoon in the Alumni Game.
The seven-inning affair was a tune-up for the Cougars who will open the 2011 season Feb. 18 against UT-Arlington at Cougar Field.
Houston scored at least one run in each inning of the contest, while holding the alumni scoreless through the firstthree innings.
The Cougars started off strong in the first inning, as Doug Drabek hit his first two batters of the afternoon. Chase Jensen would plate the first run on a double and M.P. Cokinos’ sacrifice fly scored the second run. Jensen would score on a wild pitch to give Houston a 3-0 advantage after one inning.
Houston pushed their lead to 4-0 in the second inning after John Cannon scored on Landon Appling’s sacrifice fly to centerfield after reaching base on an error by the catcher.
The best at bat for the Cougars came in the third inning. UH batted through the line-up and scored nine runs to take a 13-0 lead.
The alumni scored four runs in the fourthinning, highlighted by a three-run home run by Bryan Tully. The Cougars answered by tacking on five runs in the bottom of the inning.
The alumni had their most productive inning of the afternoon in the top of the fifth, scoring five runs. Bruce Rios then hit the alumni team’s second home run of the game in the sixth inning.
Houston scored a run in the fifth inning and David Murphy helped the Cougars score six runs in the sixth inning with a three-run home run. Neither teams scored a run in the final inning.
Houston will open the 2011 season Feb. 18against UT Arlington. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Cougar Field. The series will continue Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. and conclude Feb. 20 at 1 p.m.
The seven-inning affair was a tune-up for the Cougars who will open the 2011 season Feb. 18 against UT-Arlington at Cougar Field.
Houston scored at least one run in each inning of the contest, while holding the alumni scoreless through the firstthree innings.
The Cougars started off strong in the first inning, as Doug Drabek hit his first two batters of the afternoon. Chase Jensen would plate the first run on a double and M.P. Cokinos’ sacrifice fly scored the second run. Jensen would score on a wild pitch to give Houston a 3-0 advantage after one inning.
Houston pushed their lead to 4-0 in the second inning after John Cannon scored on Landon Appling’s sacrifice fly to centerfield after reaching base on an error by the catcher.
The best at bat for the Cougars came in the third inning. UH batted through the line-up and scored nine runs to take a 13-0 lead.
The alumni scored four runs in the fourthinning, highlighted by a three-run home run by Bryan Tully. The Cougars answered by tacking on five runs in the bottom of the inning.
The alumni had their most productive inning of the afternoon in the top of the fifth, scoring five runs. Bruce Rios then hit the alumni team’s second home run of the game in the sixth inning.
Houston scored a run in the fifth inning and David Murphy helped the Cougars score six runs in the sixth inning with a three-run home run. Neither teams scored a run in the final inning.
Houston will open the 2011 season Feb. 18against UT Arlington. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Cougar Field. The series will continue Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. and conclude Feb. 20 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Houston Cougars Down Memphis Tigers 81-68 in C-USA Women's Basketball Action
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 23. 2011) Led by the radar shooting of Brittany Scott and Courtney Taylor, the Houston Cougars (15-4, 6-0 C-USA) increased their winning streak to seven games in defeating the Memphis Tigers (14-6, 3-3 C-USA) 81-68 at Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston.
The Cougars are now 6-0 in conference play and sit alone at the top of the Conference USA standings.
Scott led all Cougar players, scoring 20 points with five rebounds, while Scott added 19 with a game-high nine rebounds.
Porsche Landry and Brittany Mason also helped with the scoring, chipping in 10 and nine, respectively.
The game started out slowly with Houston leading 32-27 at the half. They were 12-29 in two-point range and a meager 1-5 from three-point range.
For the game, Houston shot 50 percent (27-of-54) from the field, 43 percent (6-of-14) from 3-point range and 81 percent (21-of-26) from the free-throw line.
The Cougars edged Memphis in the rebounding battle by a 38-36 margin, while handing out 19 assists and swatting six shots. Houston turned the ball over 23 times compared to 20 miscues for the Tigers.
With the win, the Cougars have won eighth-straight contest against Memphis to improve to 11-10 all-time against the Tigers.
With a 6-0 record in league play, Houston has jumped out to its best-ever start in C-USA action.
Scott made her 80th-consecutive start on Sunday dating back to the beginning of the 2008-09 season.
Brittany Carter led Memphis with 23 points and Jasmine Lee added 18 points in the loss.
Houston returns to action at UCF on Thursday with a 6:00pm start.
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 23. 2011) Led by the radar shooting of Brittany Scott and Courtney Taylor, the Houston Cougars (15-4, 6-0 C-USA) increased their winning streak to seven games in defeating the Memphis Tigers (14-6, 3-3 C-USA) 81-68 at Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston.
The Cougars are now 6-0 in conference play and sit alone at the top of the Conference USA standings.
Scott led all Cougar players, scoring 20 points with five rebounds, while Scott added 19 with a game-high nine rebounds.
Porsche Landry and Brittany Mason also helped with the scoring, chipping in 10 and nine, respectively.
The game started out slowly with Houston leading 32-27 at the half. They were 12-29 in two-point range and a meager 1-5 from three-point range.
For the game, Houston shot 50 percent (27-of-54) from the field, 43 percent (6-of-14) from 3-point range and 81 percent (21-of-26) from the free-throw line.
The Cougars edged Memphis in the rebounding battle by a 38-36 margin, while handing out 19 assists and swatting six shots. Houston turned the ball over 23 times compared to 20 miscues for the Tigers.
With the win, the Cougars have won eighth-straight contest against Memphis to improve to 11-10 all-time against the Tigers.
With a 6-0 record in league play, Houston has jumped out to its best-ever start in C-USA action.
Scott made her 80th-consecutive start on Sunday dating back to the beginning of the 2008-09 season.
Brittany Carter led Memphis with 23 points and Jasmine Lee added 18 points in the loss.
Houston returns to action at UCF on Thursday with a 6:00pm start.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Houston Cougars Drop Close Game To UTEP Miners; Offensive Rebounds Were The Key
(Photo by Robert H Kelly-TexSport Publications, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.)By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 22, 2011) Coming into tonight’s game, the Houston Cougars (11-7, 3-2 C-USA) held at an 8-10 record against UTEP Miners (16-4, 4-1 C-USA). They were hoping to cut that deficit and move to within one win of breaking even in the series.
Despite the lead changing back and forth with both teams playing a rough and aggressive game, the Miners pulled out a 57-52 win over the Cougars.
The game was like a toy from my youth; “Rock ‘Em' Sock “Em” Robots. One team would hit. The other team would hit. They would trade baskets. They would trade fouls.
The very vocal crowd of students, alumni, and fans was definitely on the side of the Red and White, but there was here and there, a sprinkling of orange, blue, white and silver (the official UTEP school colors).
Rebounding was the key and the Cougars could not find a way to get the ball after they missed a shot. They managed a mire three offensive rebounds in the game.
Match that with the Miners’ 14 offensive boards and that was the deciding factor in the game.
The was obvious to everyone watching the game and Houston head coach James Dickey reinforced that fact in the post game press conference.
He was quoted “The two areas that were significant to the game were offensive rebounds – they had 14 offensive rebounds and 12 second-chance points from that. They also got to the free throw line 22 times, and we only got there 10 times. Free throws and offensive rebounding were the difference tonight.”
Both teams were almost even in defensive boards (UH-28, UTEP-29), but the points off of second-chance shots could (and should) have made the difference for the Cougars.
Adam Brown led the Cougars with 22 points followed by Kirk Van Slyke with 12. No one got into the double digits in rebounds, with Van Slyke leading with seven.
On the Miners’ side of the court, Randy Culpepper led with 18 points while Jeremy Williams chipped in 15.
Julyan Stone led the game with 14 rebounds, 13 of them on defense.
The game was a test for the Cougars, who will next travel across town to face Rice on January 26. The results of that test is that they need to step up on the offensive end of the court.
They need to raise their free throw percentage, get more offensive boards, and second chance points.
If they fail to accomplish these goals, their season is going to come to a screeching stop before their potential is realized.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Houston Astros' 1st Round Draft Pick, Delino DeShields, Jr., Arrested In Georgia
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 16, 2011) It has been reported in various news sources that the 2010 Houston Astros first round draft pick, Delino DeShields, was arrested in Athens, Georgia early Sunday morning and charged with driving under the influence, underage possession of alcohol, and an unspecified traffic violation.
DeShields, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft, was given a $2.15 million signing bonus when he signed with the Astros. The signing bonus was a record for the Astros.
DeShields spent about two hours in jail before posting a $2500 bond.
He signed with the Astros on August 5 and played 16 games for their rookie level affiliate, the Greeneville Astros; hitting .313 along with six doubles, five stolen bases and 18 strikeouts.
He was expected to start for the Lexington Legends, the Astros’ Class A affiliate.
DeShields attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia during high school.
He is the son of Delino DeShields, who spends 13 years in the majors, playing for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, St Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and the Chicago Cubs.
The Astros have declined comment, stating the situation is a police matter.
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 16, 2011) It has been reported in various news sources that the 2010 Houston Astros first round draft pick, Delino DeShields, was arrested in Athens, Georgia early Sunday morning and charged with driving under the influence, underage possession of alcohol, and an unspecified traffic violation.
DeShields, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft, was given a $2.15 million signing bonus when he signed with the Astros. The signing bonus was a record for the Astros.
DeShields spent about two hours in jail before posting a $2500 bond.
He signed with the Astros on August 5 and played 16 games for their rookie level affiliate, the Greeneville Astros; hitting .313 along with six doubles, five stolen bases and 18 strikeouts.
He was expected to start for the Lexington Legends, the Astros’ Class A affiliate.
DeShields attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia during high school.
He is the son of Delino DeShields, who spends 13 years in the majors, playing for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, St Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and the Chicago Cubs.
The Astros have declined comment, stating the situation is a police matter.
AEROS TAKE SOLE POSSESSION OF THIRD PLACE WITH SHOOTOUT POINT
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 16, 2011) The Grand Rapids Griffins battled back from a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 shootout win, but earning a point in extra time was enough to launch the Houston Aeros into sole possession of third place in the AHL’s West Division race. Robbie Earl and Patrick O’Sullivan scored for the Aeros in the Sunday afternoon matchup before 5,486 at Toyota Center.
Thanks to a 5-2 San Antonio loss at Chicago, the Aeros inched a point ahead of the Rampage in the West Division standings. Houston, which has won four of five overall and five of their last six at home, now sits two points behind the first-place Milwaukee Admirals.
The shootout mirrored regulation for the Aeros. Up 2-0 on goals by O’Sullivan and Casey Wellman, the Griffins mustered three unanswered tallies to steal the extra point. Jamie Johnson, Jamie Tardif and Chris Minard provided the offense in extra time for Grand Rapids.
The Aeros opened up a 2-0 lead within a span of 1:55 in the first period. Earl put Houston up 1-0 with his team-leading 12th goal of the season, beating Griffins goalie Adam Pearce with a wrist shot for an unassisted tally at 7:05. O’Sullivan followed up at 9:00 for his second goal in as many games with the Aeros this season.
Tardif cut the lead in half for the Griffins at 15:41 to pull into a tie for his club’s goal-scoring lead. After Grand Rapids successfully killed off a five minute major penalty in the early stages of the third, Derek Meech tied the game at 9:42.
Matt Hackett took the shootout loss for Houston with a 35-save performance.
Thanks to a 5-2 San Antonio loss at Chicago, the Aeros inched a point ahead of the Rampage in the West Division standings. Houston, which has won four of five overall and five of their last six at home, now sits two points behind the first-place Milwaukee Admirals.
The shootout mirrored regulation for the Aeros. Up 2-0 on goals by O’Sullivan and Casey Wellman, the Griffins mustered three unanswered tallies to steal the extra point. Jamie Johnson, Jamie Tardif and Chris Minard provided the offense in extra time for Grand Rapids.
The Aeros opened up a 2-0 lead within a span of 1:55 in the first period. Earl put Houston up 1-0 with his team-leading 12th goal of the season, beating Griffins goalie Adam Pearce with a wrist shot for an unassisted tally at 7:05. O’Sullivan followed up at 9:00 for his second goal in as many games with the Aeros this season.
Tardif cut the lead in half for the Griffins at 15:41 to pull into a tie for his club’s goal-scoring lead. After Grand Rapids successfully killed off a five minute major penalty in the early stages of the third, Derek Meech tied the game at 9:42.
Matt Hackett took the shootout loss for Houston with a 35-save performance.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Houston Cougar Quarterback Case Keenum Granted 6th Year Of Eligibility
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 15, 2011) The University of Houston and the NCAA have announced that Cougar quarterback Case Keenum has been granted a sixth year of eligibility.
Houston filed the appeal at season end for the sixth year of eligibility after Keenum suffered a season-ending torn ACL on Sept. 18 in a game vs. UCLA. Keenum also suffered a shoulder injury during his senior season in high school, which prohibited him from participating in competition as a true freshman.
Prior to the injury, Keenun was in the race to break NCAA career records for total offense, passing yards, touchdowns, pass attempts and completions. After two-plus games played in 2010, Keenum wrapped up the season with 14,448 career yards of total offense (7th), 13,586 passing yards (5th), 107 touchdown passes (8th), 1,626 pass attempts (10th), 1,118 pass completions (7th).
In a quote released via press release by the University of Houston, Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades stated "We are extremely happy for Case and his family. He is an exceptional person and his dedication to the University of Houston has been evident through this process. I want to thank the NCAA and Conference USA for their assistance in our appeal. There are so many people within the athletic department that worked tirelessly to make this successful, primarily our Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance Kevin Klotz. Without all these people, our efforts wouldn't have had such an exciting result."
Keenum passed for 274 yards and recorded 22 pass attempts vs. Texas State and with both he became the Houston career record holder in each, passing Kevin Kolb who played from 2003-2006, who currently played for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Keenum is the school record holder in passing yards, total offense, passing touchdowns, attempts and completions. Keenum also holds Houston's single-season records for completions, attempts, passing yards and total offense.
He finished eighth in the 2009 Heisman trophy voting, and led the nation in passing offense and total offense in 2009 and ranked No. 1 in total offense and second in passing in 2008. He led Houston to a No. 1 ranking in the NCAA in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense in 2009.
In addition, Keenum passed for 5,671 yards in 2009, the third-highest passing total in NCAA Division I-FBS single-season history and joined Texas Tech's Graham Harrell as one of only two players to pass for 5,000 yards in two seasons. He has 25 300-yard passing performances in his career and has led Houston to 14 career come-from-behind victories.
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 15, 2011) The University of Houston and the NCAA have announced that Cougar quarterback Case Keenum has been granted a sixth year of eligibility.
Houston filed the appeal at season end for the sixth year of eligibility after Keenum suffered a season-ending torn ACL on Sept. 18 in a game vs. UCLA. Keenum also suffered a shoulder injury during his senior season in high school, which prohibited him from participating in competition as a true freshman.
Prior to the injury, Keenun was in the race to break NCAA career records for total offense, passing yards, touchdowns, pass attempts and completions. After two-plus games played in 2010, Keenum wrapped up the season with 14,448 career yards of total offense (7th), 13,586 passing yards (5th), 107 touchdown passes (8th), 1,626 pass attempts (10th), 1,118 pass completions (7th).
In a quote released via press release by the University of Houston, Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades stated "We are extremely happy for Case and his family. He is an exceptional person and his dedication to the University of Houston has been evident through this process. I want to thank the NCAA and Conference USA for their assistance in our appeal. There are so many people within the athletic department that worked tirelessly to make this successful, primarily our Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance Kevin Klotz. Without all these people, our efforts wouldn't have had such an exciting result."
Keenum passed for 274 yards and recorded 22 pass attempts vs. Texas State and with both he became the Houston career record holder in each, passing Kevin Kolb who played from 2003-2006, who currently played for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Keenum is the school record holder in passing yards, total offense, passing touchdowns, attempts and completions. Keenum also holds Houston's single-season records for completions, attempts, passing yards and total offense.
He finished eighth in the 2009 Heisman trophy voting, and led the nation in passing offense and total offense in 2009 and ranked No. 1 in total offense and second in passing in 2008. He led Houston to a No. 1 ranking in the NCAA in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense in 2009.
In addition, Keenum passed for 5,671 yards in 2009, the third-highest passing total in NCAA Division I-FBS single-season history and joined Texas Tech's Graham Harrell as one of only two players to pass for 5,000 yards in two seasons. He has 25 300-yard passing performances in his career and has led Houston to 14 career come-from-behind victories.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Clavell Named Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week
FRISCO, TEXAS (January 3, 2011) Sam Houston State forward Gilberto Clavell has been named the Southland Conference men’s basketball player of the week, the league office announced Monday.
Clavell averaged 16.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in the Bearkats’ three games last week. He scored 24 points against Air Force in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Classic and added 21 at UTEP on Sunday.
The senior from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico (Florida Air Academy), connected on 53.3 percent of his shots (16-of-30) and sank 17-of-23 free throws (73.9 percent) in the three games, which also included a win over Western New Mexico. This is the second time this season Clavell has been named the conference player of the week.
He was previously honored Nov. 29 after he scored a season-high 29 points in an upset at Colorado State. In 12 games, Clavell is second in the Southland in scoring, averaging 18.9 points to go along with 7.3 rebounds.
Honorable mention this week goes to Stephen F. Austin guard Denzel Barnes, Central Arkansas guard Imad Qahwash, Southeastern Louisiana guard Brandon Fortenberry and Texas State forward Cameron Johnson. To receive honorable mention, a player must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland men’s basketball sports information directors.
Each school’s SID nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his or her own player.
Clavell averaged 16.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in the Bearkats’ three games last week. He scored 24 points against Air Force in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Classic and added 21 at UTEP on Sunday.
The senior from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico (Florida Air Academy), connected on 53.3 percent of his shots (16-of-30) and sank 17-of-23 free throws (73.9 percent) in the three games, which also included a win over Western New Mexico. This is the second time this season Clavell has been named the conference player of the week.
He was previously honored Nov. 29 after he scored a season-high 29 points in an upset at Colorado State. In 12 games, Clavell is second in the Southland in scoring, averaging 18.9 points to go along with 7.3 rebounds.
Honorable mention this week goes to Stephen F. Austin guard Denzel Barnes, Central Arkansas guard Imad Qahwash, Southeastern Louisiana guard Brandon Fortenberry and Texas State forward Cameron Johnson. To receive honorable mention, a player must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland men’s basketball sports information directors.
Each school’s SID nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his or her own player.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
HOUSTON AEROS SIGN JED ORTMEYER TO PTO
HOUSTON, TEXAS (Janaury 1, 2011) Houston Aeros General Manager Jim Mill today announced the American Hockey League (AHL) club has signed right wing Jed Ortmeyer to a professional tryout (PTO) contract.Ortmeyer, 32, is in his eighth professional season and was most recently a member of the San Antonio Rampage. In 20 games with the Rampage this season, he notched three points (2-1-3) and 16 penalty minutes (PIM).
An Omaha, Neb., native, Ortmeyer has appeared in 306 National Hockey League (NHL) games. Last season he played in 76 games with the San Jose Sharks (NHL) and collected 19 points (8-11-19) and 37 PIM.
His NHL totals include 51 points (21-30-51) and 145 PIM in games with the New York Rangers, Nashville Predators and San Jose.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder has appeared in 463 pro games and has registered 118 points and 285 PIM.
Ortmeyer attended the University of Michigan (CCHA) and skated in 145 career games with the Wolverines, collecting 117 points (51-66-117) over the course of four seasons (1999-2003).
Texas Tech Drops Northwestern 45-38 at Ticket City Bowl
(Taylor Potts rushed for one touchdown and threw for four more in Texas Tech's win over Northwestern at the 2011 Ticket City Bowl. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
DALLAS, TEXAS (January 1, 2011) On New Year’s Day two years ago, former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach was preparing to lead the Red Raiders in the Cotton Bowl against Mississippi State. Tech dropped a close game to Bulldogs 47-34.
This time last year, former interim Texas Tech head coach Ruffin McNeill had just come off leading the Red Raiders to a 41-31 win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.
This year, Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville will lead the Red Raiders (7-5 overall, 3-5, Big 12) into their 11th straight bowl appearance in 11 years, facing the Northwestern Wildcats (7-5 overall, 3-5, Big Ten) in the historical Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
The Red Raiders have had three different head coaches at the helm of their storied football program during their past three bowl games.
This year, it was Tuberville’s chance to place his mark in the annals of Red Raider football history.
Texas Tech held true to form, holding off late game charges by Northwestern to win the inaugural Ticket City Bowl 45-38.
The game was an offensive show, with both teams combining for a total of 927 yards.
Red Raider quarterback Taylor Potts, who was selected as the game’s MVP, completed 43 of 56 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 19 yards on two carried with one touchdown.
Eric Stephens added one rushing touchdown off of 126 yards, with Lyle Leong and Austin Zouzalik combining for three receiving touchdowns.
On the Northwestern side, Kain Colter rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns while Evan Watkins completed 10 of 21 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown.
Tech jumped out to an early 10-6 lead on a Matt Williams field goal and the Zolzalik touchdown in the first quarter.
The Wildcats came clawing back at the 6:47 mark of the second quarter on one of Colter’s rushing touchdowns. The rushing conversion failed making the score 10-6 in favor of Tech.
Potts then scored his rushing touchdown to give the Red Raiders a nine point lead.
Leong then scored on a six-yard pass from Potts with 11 seconds left in the half to make the score 24-6.
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald made some adjustments at halftime, and the Wildcats came roaring back in the second half scoring three times in the 3rd quarter.
Stefan kicked an 18-yard field goal at the 11:25 mark, followed by a Colter one-yard touchdown run five minutes later, and a Watkins four-yard run to make the score 38-24.
Northwestern continued to cut the Red Raider lead, when Demetrius Fields caught an 18-yard pass from Watkins to cut Tech’s margin to seven.
Tech then increased their lead back to 14 on another reception from Potts to Leong; making the score 45-31.
Northwestern scored the final point of the game when Jordan Mabin snagged a Potts pass and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown.
Potts’ MVP award marked the second consecutive year he has been received the award. Last year he received the MVP award at the Alamo Bowl.
With the win, the Red Raiders finish the season with an 8-5 record. The Red Raiders have won at least eight games in each of the last nine years.
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications
DALLAS, TEXAS (January 1, 2011) On New Year’s Day two years ago, former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach was preparing to lead the Red Raiders in the Cotton Bowl against Mississippi State. Tech dropped a close game to Bulldogs 47-34.
This time last year, former interim Texas Tech head coach Ruffin McNeill had just come off leading the Red Raiders to a 41-31 win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.
This year, Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville will lead the Red Raiders (7-5 overall, 3-5, Big 12) into their 11th straight bowl appearance in 11 years, facing the Northwestern Wildcats (7-5 overall, 3-5, Big Ten) in the historical Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
The Red Raiders have had three different head coaches at the helm of their storied football program during their past three bowl games.
This year, it was Tuberville’s chance to place his mark in the annals of Red Raider football history.
Texas Tech held true to form, holding off late game charges by Northwestern to win the inaugural Ticket City Bowl 45-38.
The game was an offensive show, with both teams combining for a total of 927 yards.
Red Raider quarterback Taylor Potts, who was selected as the game’s MVP, completed 43 of 56 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 19 yards on two carried with one touchdown.
Eric Stephens added one rushing touchdown off of 126 yards, with Lyle Leong and Austin Zouzalik combining for three receiving touchdowns.
On the Northwestern side, Kain Colter rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns while Evan Watkins completed 10 of 21 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown.
Tech jumped out to an early 10-6 lead on a Matt Williams field goal and the Zolzalik touchdown in the first quarter.
The Wildcats came clawing back at the 6:47 mark of the second quarter on one of Colter’s rushing touchdowns. The rushing conversion failed making the score 10-6 in favor of Tech.
Potts then scored his rushing touchdown to give the Red Raiders a nine point lead.
Leong then scored on a six-yard pass from Potts with 11 seconds left in the half to make the score 24-6.
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald made some adjustments at halftime, and the Wildcats came roaring back in the second half scoring three times in the 3rd quarter.
Stefan kicked an 18-yard field goal at the 11:25 mark, followed by a Colter one-yard touchdown run five minutes later, and a Watkins four-yard run to make the score 38-24.
Northwestern continued to cut the Red Raider lead, when Demetrius Fields caught an 18-yard pass from Watkins to cut Tech’s margin to seven.
Tech then increased their lead back to 14 on another reception from Potts to Leong; making the score 45-31.
Northwestern scored the final point of the game when Jordan Mabin snagged a Potts pass and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown.
Potts’ MVP award marked the second consecutive year he has been received the award. Last year he received the MVP award at the Alamo Bowl.
With the win, the Red Raiders finish the season with an 8-5 record. The Red Raiders have won at least eight games in each of the last nine years.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Armed Forces Bowl 2010: Army Tops SMU 16-14 in Dallas
(Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
DALLAS, TEXAS (December 30, 2010) With the weather cloudy and the game time temperature in the mid 60s, the Army Black Knights (7-6 Overall, Independent) downed the SMU Mustangs (7-7, 6-2 C-USA) 16-14 in the 2010 Armed Forces Bowl played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas.
The Black Knights wasted no time getting on the scoreboard early in the first quarter when Chad Littlejohn sacked SMU quarterback Kyle Padron, causing a fumble.
The ball was picked up by linebacker Josh McNary and returned 55 yards for the touchdown.
With Alex Carlton kicking the extra point, Army took the lead 7-0 at the 13:33 mark.
They came back eight minutes later to score their first offensive touchdown on a 13-yard run by running back Malcolm Brown. Carlton’s kick was blocked to take the score to 13-0 in favor of Army.
Army increased their lead to 16-0 late in the second quarter with Carlton’s attempt of a 44-yard field goal was good.
SMU finally found pay dirt at the 2:56 mark in the third quarter. Pardon found wide receiver Aldrick Robinson open over the middle and connected on an eight yard pass for the score.
Matt Szymanski kicked the extra point to cut Army’s lead to nine.
SMU again found the end zone with 9:20 left in the game. Pardon hit Darius Johnson on a 28-yard pass and combined with another Szymanski PAT, cut the score to 16-14.
Szymanski tried to give SMU the lead at the 4:10 mark in the game with a 47-yard field goal attempt. The kick was wide left, giving Army a 1st in 10 on their 30-yard line.
Army spent the last minutes of the game running out the clock to preserve their first bowl victory since 1985.
In that game, the Black Knights defeated Illinois 31-29 in the Peach Bowl.
The Most Valuable Players of the Game were Army linebacker Stephen Anderson and SMU wide receiver Jeremy Johnson.
Anderson had 14 tackles, with 10 of them being solo, combined with Josh McNary for a sack, and tallied one interception.
Johnson caught nine passes for 152 yards and one touchdown, averaging 16.9 yards a catch.
Army had 229 yards of total offense compared to 413 yards for SMU. The difference was in rushing yards, where Army led (199 to 111) and passing yards, where SMU held the advantage (302-30).
The loss was SMU’s first in a bowl game since 1983 when they went down to Alabama 28-7 in the Sun Bowl.
SMU is now 5-7-1 in bowl games, dating back to January 1, 1925 when they lost the Dixie Classic Bowl, 9-7 to West Virginia Wesleyan at Fair Park in Dallas.
The bowl was phased out after the 1934 game, with only three games played (1922, 1925, and 1934) in favor of the Cotton Bowl
With the win, Army goes to 3-2 in bowl games, going back 26 years to their win, 10-6 over Michigan State in the Cherry Bowl in the Pontiac Silverdome.
The bowl was only played for two years (1984 and 1985) due to a lack of financially viability.
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
DALLAS, TEXAS (December 30, 2010) With the weather cloudy and the game time temperature in the mid 60s, the Army Black Knights (7-6 Overall, Independent) downed the SMU Mustangs (7-7, 6-2 C-USA) 16-14 in the 2010 Armed Forces Bowl played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas.
The Black Knights wasted no time getting on the scoreboard early in the first quarter when Chad Littlejohn sacked SMU quarterback Kyle Padron, causing a fumble.
The ball was picked up by linebacker Josh McNary and returned 55 yards for the touchdown.
With Alex Carlton kicking the extra point, Army took the lead 7-0 at the 13:33 mark.
They came back eight minutes later to score their first offensive touchdown on a 13-yard run by running back Malcolm Brown. Carlton’s kick was blocked to take the score to 13-0 in favor of Army.
Army increased their lead to 16-0 late in the second quarter with Carlton’s attempt of a 44-yard field goal was good.
SMU finally found pay dirt at the 2:56 mark in the third quarter. Pardon found wide receiver Aldrick Robinson open over the middle and connected on an eight yard pass for the score.
Matt Szymanski kicked the extra point to cut Army’s lead to nine.
SMU again found the end zone with 9:20 left in the game. Pardon hit Darius Johnson on a 28-yard pass and combined with another Szymanski PAT, cut the score to 16-14.
Szymanski tried to give SMU the lead at the 4:10 mark in the game with a 47-yard field goal attempt. The kick was wide left, giving Army a 1st in 10 on their 30-yard line.
Army spent the last minutes of the game running out the clock to preserve their first bowl victory since 1985.
In that game, the Black Knights defeated Illinois 31-29 in the Peach Bowl.
The Most Valuable Players of the Game were Army linebacker Stephen Anderson and SMU wide receiver Jeremy Johnson.
Anderson had 14 tackles, with 10 of them being solo, combined with Josh McNary for a sack, and tallied one interception.
Johnson caught nine passes for 152 yards and one touchdown, averaging 16.9 yards a catch.
Army had 229 yards of total offense compared to 413 yards for SMU. The difference was in rushing yards, where Army led (199 to 111) and passing yards, where SMU held the advantage (302-30).
The loss was SMU’s first in a bowl game since 1983 when they went down to Alabama 28-7 in the Sun Bowl.
SMU is now 5-7-1 in bowl games, dating back to January 1, 1925 when they lost the Dixie Classic Bowl, 9-7 to West Virginia Wesleyan at Fair Park in Dallas.
The bowl was phased out after the 1934 game, with only three games played (1922, 1925, and 1934) in favor of the Cotton Bowl
With the win, Army goes to 3-2 in bowl games, going back 26 years to their win, 10-6 over Michigan State in the Cherry Bowl in the Pontiac Silverdome.
The bowl was only played for two years (1984 and 1985) due to a lack of financially viability.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
RING OF CHAMPIONS SHOWCASE PARTNER TO HOST SIFL COMBINES
ORLANDO, FLORIDA (December 28, 2010) The Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) announced today that the Ring of Champions Showcase (ROCS) has become their official partner for hosting league wide player combines. ROCS is comprised of former and current professional football coaches, managers and scouts from across the U.S. and Canada. With hundreds of collective years experience in pro football, ROCS produces player combines in order to collect and deliver player personnel testing and data to the league.
SIFL Commissioner stated “This is a great opportunity for us to have ROCS on board as our official partner. There are no better football people in the scouting business and I am honored to be working with them again. I feel one hundred percent confident that we will receive the best available players through ROCS efforts”.
ROCS is headed by CEO Bruce Cowdrey a long time arena football coach winning more championship rings than most. He has championship rings from four different professional leagues and his staff have earned over forty rings and garnered more professional players than any other organization. He and the ROCS staff will be personally testing and reporting on the players and their league potential. “It is great to be part of the SIFL and what they are trying to achieve with players. As long as I have been a recruiter I think this represents the best opportunities yet for players to get a chance to play in the pros” said Cowdrey.
The SIFL/Ring of Champions Showcase kicks off their regional workouts January 15 in San Antonio, TX and continues through June at various locations across the country. For a complete listing of player combines log onto www.southernifl.com www.fanteractive.com or www.canamrocs.com .
SIFL Commissioner stated “This is a great opportunity for us to have ROCS on board as our official partner. There are no better football people in the scouting business and I am honored to be working with them again. I feel one hundred percent confident that we will receive the best available players through ROCS efforts”.
ROCS is headed by CEO Bruce Cowdrey a long time arena football coach winning more championship rings than most. He has championship rings from four different professional leagues and his staff have earned over forty rings and garnered more professional players than any other organization. He and the ROCS staff will be personally testing and reporting on the players and their league potential. “It is great to be part of the SIFL and what they are trying to achieve with players. As long as I have been a recruiter I think this represents the best opportunities yet for players to get a chance to play in the pros” said Cowdrey.
The SIFL/Ring of Champions Showcase kicks off their regional workouts January 15 in San Antonio, TX and continues through June at various locations across the country. For a complete listing of player combines log onto www.southernifl.com www.fanteractive.com or www.canamrocs.com .
Monday, December 27, 2010
Gary Kubiak: The Time To Replace Him As The Houston Texans Head Coach Has Come
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
PASADENA, TEXAS (December 27, 2010) The time has come. The fans know it. The players know it. Heck, even Gary Kubiak knows it. The time for a change has come.
The only question is does Bob McNair know it?
The time for Gary Kubiak to step aside and give someone else a chance is long overdue.
Kubiak was hired with much fanfare in 2006 as the replacement for Dom Capers. He has had a one winning season in six years, posting a 9-7 record in 2009.
2010 was going to be the year that the Texans, to paraphrase Bum Phillips, were going to “kick the door in.”
The kick never happened. In fact, the Texans took quite a bit of kicking themselves.
After starting the season with a 4-2 record, they dropped eight of their next nine games and fell into a “funk” that no one seemed to be able to pull them out of.
It does not matter whose fault it was; the players, the coaches, the owner. The ultimate fall guy is and always will be the head coach.
Kubiak is not the first head coach to be “relieved of command.” He will not be the last.
But the time has come to place the future of the Houston Texans in someone else’s hands.
As I stated earlier, the fans know it, the players know it, and Gary Kubiak knows it.
I guess it comes down to Bob McNair. He may already know it. What do I mean “may.” Of course he knows.
The question is when he will decide to act?
The sooner he acts; the better. There are more than a couple of NFL teams that are looking for a new head coach. He had better get cracking if he wants to get a quality coach who will take the Texans to the next level.
In my mind, the best choice for the Texans would be to hire Bill Cowher. The lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl title and has the tools and credentials to lead the Texans.
He has express an interest in getting back into coaching and if Mc Nair wants make it to the big time, Cowher may be the only way to go.
I will add in another tale to the mix; how about hiring Mike Singletary as the defensive coordinator. I understand as of yesterday he is looking for a job.
In any case, the sooner McNair acts, the better it will be. It will be better for the fans, better for the players, and better for the Texans.
It is as simple as that.
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
PASADENA, TEXAS (December 27, 2010) The time has come. The fans know it. The players know it. Heck, even Gary Kubiak knows it. The time for a change has come.
The only question is does Bob McNair know it?
The time for Gary Kubiak to step aside and give someone else a chance is long overdue.
Kubiak was hired with much fanfare in 2006 as the replacement for Dom Capers. He has had a one winning season in six years, posting a 9-7 record in 2009.
2010 was going to be the year that the Texans, to paraphrase Bum Phillips, were going to “kick the door in.”
The kick never happened. In fact, the Texans took quite a bit of kicking themselves.
After starting the season with a 4-2 record, they dropped eight of their next nine games and fell into a “funk” that no one seemed to be able to pull them out of.
It does not matter whose fault it was; the players, the coaches, the owner. The ultimate fall guy is and always will be the head coach.
Kubiak is not the first head coach to be “relieved of command.” He will not be the last.
But the time has come to place the future of the Houston Texans in someone else’s hands.
As I stated earlier, the fans know it, the players know it, and Gary Kubiak knows it.
I guess it comes down to Bob McNair. He may already know it. What do I mean “may.” Of course he knows.
The question is when he will decide to act?
The sooner he acts; the better. There are more than a couple of NFL teams that are looking for a new head coach. He had better get cracking if he wants to get a quality coach who will take the Texans to the next level.
In my mind, the best choice for the Texans would be to hire Bill Cowher. The lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl title and has the tools and credentials to lead the Texans.
He has express an interest in getting back into coaching and if Mc Nair wants make it to the big time, Cowher may be the only way to go.
I will add in another tale to the mix; how about hiring Mike Singletary as the defensive coordinator. I understand as of yesterday he is looking for a job.
In any case, the sooner McNair acts, the better it will be. It will be better for the fans, better for the players, and better for the Texans.
It is as simple as that.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
GENERAL MCKINLEY TO SERVE AS BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL HONORARY TEAM CAPTAIN
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 22, 2010) The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl has named General Craig R. McKinley as the honorary team captain for the 2010 postseason college football bowl game. As part of his team captain duties, General McKinley will perform the game’s coin toss prior to the 11 a.m. (CST) kickoff on Thursday, Dec. 30. McKinley will also be responsible for performing the induction ceremony at halftime for recruits present from all five branches of the military.“We are honored to have General McKinley serve in this capacity at this year’s game,” said Brant B. Ringler, executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. “General McKinley has demonstrated great devotion to this country and will be an excellent representative of service to guide these young men and women into the armed forces.”
General Craig R. McKinley is Chief, National Guard Bureau, a joint activity of the Department of Defense, Arlington, Va. As Chief, he is the senior uniformed National Guard officer responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, programs and plans affecting more than half a million Army and Air National Guard personnel. Appointed by the President, he serves as principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on National Guard matters. He is also the principal adviser to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on all National Guard issues. As National Guard Bureau Chief, he serves as the department's official channel of communication with the Governors and Adjutants General.
General McKinley is no stranger to the home of the 2010 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Southern Methodist University’s Ford Stadium, as he completed his undergraduate degree at SMU in 1974, receiving his commission as a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program. He has served in numerous assignments in flying and operations, as well as command positions at group, wing, sector and field operating agency levels. His assignments include Commander, 1st Air Force, Air Combat Command, and Commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. He has served as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Director, Mobilization and Reserve Affairs Directorate, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany.
McKinley is a command pilot with more than 4,000 hours, primarily in the T-38, F-106, F-16 and F-15. Additionally, General McKinley has been pilot in command in the C-131 and C-130 operational support airlift aircraft. Prior to his current assignment, General McKinley served as Director of the Air National Guard.
Owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television, Inc., the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl will kick off on Thursday, Dec. 30 from Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas and will air at 11 a.m. (CST) on ESPN and ESPN Radio. The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl has featured a military theme since 2006 with patriotic overtones recognizing all five branches of the military throughout the game. Past Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowls have included fan-fest areas showcasing military hardware; flyovers; demonstrations by several of the military’s top skydiving teams; on-field induction ceremonies; military bands and honor guards; and the awarding of the annual “Great American Patriot Award” (GAPA) presented by Armed Forces Insurance. Admiral Thad Allen (Retired) will accept the 2010 GAPA award at half-time. For more information on the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, visit www.ArmedForcesBowl.com.
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, joined the bowl on August 23, 2006 as the title sponsor of the postseason college football game formerly known as the PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl (2003, 2004) and the Fort Worth Bowl (2005). 2006 marked the first year for the adoption of the “Armed Forces Bowl” name, making the official title the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. Bell Helicopter has exercised its option for title sponsorship of the game twice. The current agreement was signed September 2009 to continue the sponsorship for the 2010 and 2011 games.
HOUSTON BOAT SHOW PREPARING FOR THE BEST
Organizers of Nation's Largest Indoor U.S. Boat Show Get Ready for More Motivated Crowd This Year
HOUSTON, TEXAS, (December 21, 2010) After an economic downturn had boat and camper sellers bracing for the worst, there seem to be signs of a recovery. The Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show, the largest indoor show of its kind in the country, will open its doors at Reliant Center on January 7 – 16, and organizers believe crowds will be bigger and will include more serious boat and camper buyers.
For many years, experts have turned to boat and camper sales as an economic indicator. Several factors have resulted in a drop in boat and camper sales over the past few years, including the obvious—plummeting discretionary spending due to loss of jobs and fears about the economy in general. Also, in the midst of a record number of foreclosures, creditors tightened their belts, making it very difficult for potential boat and camper buyers to get financing.
Despite this, the Houston Boat Show has ridden out the economic storm as many other boat shows in the country have shut their doors.
Houston Boat Show President Ken Lovell says local boat and camper dealers have dealt with slower sales, but at the same time Houston has many more boating and travel opportunities compared to other areas of the country, "When it comes to boating, we have every type of body of water you can imagine at our backdoor. Also, Texas has very easy access to the water with hundreds of free or very low cost boat ramps, and there are plenty of storage facilities. So it's easier and much less expensive to operate a boat here. The same goes for operating a camper in Texas—you don't have to waste much gas to get to an amazing camping area."
Lovell says, "We have seen so many give up their pricey vacation homes and expensive airfares in exchange for a new boat or camper, which opens the door to so many more fun and cost-effective options—close to home or out of state." In addition, he says creditors, suffering from a decline in car sales, have loosened their restrictions on boat and camper financing.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, (December 21, 2010) After an economic downturn had boat and camper sellers bracing for the worst, there seem to be signs of a recovery. The Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show, the largest indoor show of its kind in the country, will open its doors at Reliant Center on January 7 – 16, and organizers believe crowds will be bigger and will include more serious boat and camper buyers.
For many years, experts have turned to boat and camper sales as an economic indicator. Several factors have resulted in a drop in boat and camper sales over the past few years, including the obvious—plummeting discretionary spending due to loss of jobs and fears about the economy in general. Also, in the midst of a record number of foreclosures, creditors tightened their belts, making it very difficult for potential boat and camper buyers to get financing.
Despite this, the Houston Boat Show has ridden out the economic storm as many other boat shows in the country have shut their doors.
Houston Boat Show President Ken Lovell says local boat and camper dealers have dealt with slower sales, but at the same time Houston has many more boating and travel opportunities compared to other areas of the country, "When it comes to boating, we have every type of body of water you can imagine at our backdoor. Also, Texas has very easy access to the water with hundreds of free or very low cost boat ramps, and there are plenty of storage facilities. So it's easier and much less expensive to operate a boat here. The same goes for operating a camper in Texas—you don't have to waste much gas to get to an amazing camping area."
Lovell says, "We have seen so many give up their pricey vacation homes and expensive airfares in exchange for a new boat or camper, which opens the door to so many more fun and cost-effective options—close to home or out of state." In addition, he says creditors, suffering from a decline in car sales, have loosened their restrictions on boat and camper financing.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Houston Drops Sam Houston 75-73 In Last Game For Both Teams Before Christmas
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2010) Leaving the court at halftime trailing by three points, the Houston Cougars (7-5, 0-0 C-USA) came back, winning a close game, 75-73 over the Sam Houston Bearkats (6-4, 0-0 SLC) at Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston.
This game gave the Cougars a 2-0 record this season over the Bearkats, extending their lead over Sam Houston to 26-6 all-time.
Houston beat the Bearkats 75-71 on December 4 in Huntsville, with the game decided in overtime.
Rebounding and free throws were the key to the game, with Houston hitting 17 of 30 from the line, while the Bearkats hit 20 of 28.
Adam Brown led the Cougars with 21 points and six rebounds, while Maurice McNeil chipped in 18 with nine boards.
Rebounding was again a problem for the Cougars, with three players; McNeil, Brown and Kendrick Washington (six rebounds) accounting for 21 of Houston’s 34 total rebounds.
The Cougars could manage only eight offensive rebounds, with McNeil, Brown and Washington accounting for seven of the eight.
The Cougars must hit the offensive boards with more aggressiveness if they want to survive their upcoming C-USA matchups beginning January 5.
Southern Mississippi is averaging 45.4 rebounds per game, which is ranked fourth in the nation while Marshall has a 40.9 average per game.
The Cougars will play Southern Mississippi at Home on January 5, while having to wait until February 1 to meet Marshall.
The Cougars will have off until December 26, when Houston head coach James Dickey stated his players would be back in Houston for practice.
The Cougars will next face Rogers State on December 30 with a 6:00pm start. This will be their last non-conference game before kicking off the C-USA schedule on January 5 against Mississippi State.
The Bearkats will next face Air Force on December 28 in El Paso at the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, followed by Western New Mexico on December 29.
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2010) Leaving the court at halftime trailing by three points, the Houston Cougars (7-5, 0-0 C-USA) came back, winning a close game, 75-73 over the Sam Houston Bearkats (6-4, 0-0 SLC) at Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston.
This game gave the Cougars a 2-0 record this season over the Bearkats, extending their lead over Sam Houston to 26-6 all-time.
Houston beat the Bearkats 75-71 on December 4 in Huntsville, with the game decided in overtime.
Rebounding and free throws were the key to the game, with Houston hitting 17 of 30 from the line, while the Bearkats hit 20 of 28.
Adam Brown led the Cougars with 21 points and six rebounds, while Maurice McNeil chipped in 18 with nine boards.
Rebounding was again a problem for the Cougars, with three players; McNeil, Brown and Kendrick Washington (six rebounds) accounting for 21 of Houston’s 34 total rebounds.
The Cougars could manage only eight offensive rebounds, with McNeil, Brown and Washington accounting for seven of the eight.
The Cougars must hit the offensive boards with more aggressiveness if they want to survive their upcoming C-USA matchups beginning January 5.
Southern Mississippi is averaging 45.4 rebounds per game, which is ranked fourth in the nation while Marshall has a 40.9 average per game.
The Cougars will play Southern Mississippi at Home on January 5, while having to wait until February 1 to meet Marshall.
The Cougars will have off until December 26, when Houston head coach James Dickey stated his players would be back in Houston for practice.
The Cougars will next face Rogers State on December 30 with a 6:00pm start. This will be their last non-conference game before kicking off the C-USA schedule on January 5 against Mississippi State.
The Bearkats will next face Air Force on December 28 in El Paso at the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, followed by Western New Mexico on December 29.
TEXAS BOWL TICKET SALES SURPASS 60,000
Less than 10,000 tickets remain with a week to go until the game
HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2010) Ticket sales for the 2010 Texas Bowl have surpassed 60,000, the Texas Bowl Committee announced today. With the game eight days away, less than 10,000 tickets remain available for purchase.
The 2010 Texas Bowl will kick off at 5 p.m. CT, Wednesday, Dec. 29. It will be televised on ESPN and can be heard nationally on ESPN Radio and locally on ESPN 97.5 FM. The game will feature Baylor and Illinois in the first year of the bowl’s new matchup between the Big 12 and Big Ten.
Baylor finished the year 7-5 and will be making its first bowl appearance since 1994, while Illinois returns to postseason play for the first time since the 2007 season after a 6-6 season.
The Texas Bowl, which is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), Inc., a subsidiary of ESPN, held the fifth choice among non-BCS bowls in each conference. Baylor will be the designated home team for the game.
Tickets went on sale to the general public on November 1 following an exclusive pre-sale window for those who bought tickets to the 2009 Texas Bowl. Tickets, which start at $30, may be purchased online at TicketMaster.com, on the phone at 832-667-2390 or in person at the Reliant Stadium box office inside Budweiser Plaza.
Game tickets will also grant fans admittance to TexFest, a Texas-sized pregame party featuring a live performance by popular Texas country artist Roger Creager on the Bud Light Stage, as well as “Spirit Walks” when the teams arrive.
The Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field over its first four years. The bowl has generated an average of $25 million per year for the Houston economy. The bowl has over 25,000 season ticket holders and sold over 50,000 tickets before its teams were announced last year.
Over its four-year history, the Texas Bowl has donated over $300,000 and more than $5 million in promotional support and publicity to DePelchin Children’s Center, the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2010) Ticket sales for the 2010 Texas Bowl have surpassed 60,000, the Texas Bowl Committee announced today. With the game eight days away, less than 10,000 tickets remain available for purchase.
The 2010 Texas Bowl will kick off at 5 p.m. CT, Wednesday, Dec. 29. It will be televised on ESPN and can be heard nationally on ESPN Radio and locally on ESPN 97.5 FM. The game will feature Baylor and Illinois in the first year of the bowl’s new matchup between the Big 12 and Big Ten.
Baylor finished the year 7-5 and will be making its first bowl appearance since 1994, while Illinois returns to postseason play for the first time since the 2007 season after a 6-6 season.
The Texas Bowl, which is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), Inc., a subsidiary of ESPN, held the fifth choice among non-BCS bowls in each conference. Baylor will be the designated home team for the game.
Tickets went on sale to the general public on November 1 following an exclusive pre-sale window for those who bought tickets to the 2009 Texas Bowl. Tickets, which start at $30, may be purchased online at TicketMaster.com, on the phone at 832-667-2390 or in person at the Reliant Stadium box office inside Budweiser Plaza.
Game tickets will also grant fans admittance to TexFest, a Texas-sized pregame party featuring a live performance by popular Texas country artist Roger Creager on the Bud Light Stage, as well as “Spirit Walks” when the teams arrive.
The Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field over its first four years. The bowl has generated an average of $25 million per year for the Houston economy. The bowl has over 25,000 season ticket holders and sold over 50,000 tickets before its teams were announced last year.
Over its four-year history, the Texas Bowl has donated over $300,000 and more than $5 million in promotional support and publicity to DePelchin Children’s Center, the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.
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