First round of Insperity Invitational postponed until Saturday

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

THE WODOLANDS, TEXAS (April 30, 2021) With heavy rainfall continuing throughout the day, the opening round of the 2021 Insperity Invitational was been postponed until Saturday (May 1). The first players will tee off at 7:30 a.m. CDT, from the first and tenth holes. Three inches of rainfall occurred as of 3 p.m. CT on Friday, with more expected in the late afternoon. The second round will take place immediately after the completion of the first round, with each groups starting hole switched from the first round.

Insperity Invitational kicks off Friday

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (April 30, 2021) Eighty-one PGA Tour Champions are slated to compete in the Insperity Invitational, 54-stroke play competition with a no-cut format begin on Friday. The tournament, which was scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. at The Woodland Country Club Tournament Course, was in a holding pattern with rain in the forecast and showers expected to continue into the afternoon.

The week kicked off on Monday and Tuesday with practice rounds, followed by the ever-popular Pro-Am on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will see the actual tournament begin,, which is the fourth event on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule for 2021. 

Each champion from the last eight Insperity Invitationals will tee it up in the tournament, including four-time winner Bernhard Langer and defending champion (2019) Scott McCarron. The Insperity Invitational is the first of three consecutive weeks of events on PGA TOUR Champions, continuing at next week’s Regions Tradition before the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, May 14-16.

The the last edition of the tournament (2019), Scott McCarron made three birdies on the back nine of the final round en route to a two-stroke victory over Scott Parel at the 2019 Insperity Invitational. After Parel birdied Nos. 11 and 12 to even the score at 14-under, McCarron responded with back-to-back birdies of his own to rebuild a two-shot lead through 14.

 

McCarron birdied the 185-yard 16th, hitting an 8-iron to a foot, and regained a two-shot lead with two holes to play. A par-par finish secured McCarron’s second win of the 2019 season, marking his fourth consecutive year with multiple victories on PGA TOUR Champions. He went on to win the Charles Schwab Cup and was named the 2019 PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year.

Sam Houston State drops Monmouth Hawks 21-15 in first round of FCS playoffs

Photo by
Darla Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 20211 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS (April 24, 2021) Number 2 seeded Sam Houston State University punched their ticket to the second round of the NCAA FCS playoffs with a 21-15 win over the Monmouth Hawks at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium on Saturday. The Bearkats (7-0) scored their 21 points, which were unanswered by the Hawks, in the first three quarters. Monmouth mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring all 15 of their points within seven-plus minutes.

Sam Houston kicked off the scoring on their second drive of the game, marching 47 yards in eight plays. Quarterback Eric Schmid (number 3, shown right)who played his prep ball at The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, Texas, connected with Cody Chrest (Cypress Fairbanks HS, Houston, TX) on a 13-yard pass, followed by the successful kicking conversion by Seth Morgan (Klein Oak HS, Houston, TX). The 5-10, 160-pound freshman was successful on all three of the Bearkat extra points.

The remainder of Sam Houston State's points came in the second and third quarters, on two carries by Ramon Jefferson (Truman HS, Bronx, NY). The first TD was the result of a 56-yard run, to cap a three-play, 65-yard drive that lasted 1:10. His second score was a thre-yard run at the 9:49 mark of the third quarter.

The Hawks finally got points on the board after moving the ball 90 yards in eight-plus minutes; ending with a one-yard run by Juwon Farri (Northwest HS, Germantown, MD). Gene Scott (Wall HS, Wall, NJ) pushed the score to 21-8 with a successful three-yard run for the two-point conversion. Their second touchdown occurred with 5:58 remaining in the game when Terrence Greene (St. Joe's Prep, Philadelphia, PA) caught a 30-yard pass from Tony Muskett (West Springfield HS, Springfield, VA). Kaeon Torres (Donovan Catholic HS, Toms River, NJ) split the uprights for the extra point; placing the score to 21-15.

The Bearkats will next face North Dakota State on Saturday, May 1 at a yet undetermined time. The Bisons downed Eastern Washington 42-20. The Bearkat-Bison game will be played at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville.

Houston Dynamo FC fall to FC Dallas in final of La Copita tournament

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021 All Right Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 10, 2021) Playing with will undoubtedly be their starting lineup for their first Major League Soccer match in a week, Houston Dynamo FC dropped a 3-0 decision to FC Dallas, which made their in-state rival the champions of the La Copita tournament.

Both FC Dallas and the Dynamo, along with Austin FC, San Antonio FC participate in the inaugural edition of La Copita. The newly formed preseason tournament kicked off ahead of the Major League Soccer (MLS) and United Soccer League (USL) 2021 seasons

The Dynamo contained the Dallas offensive punch until late in the first half. With 13 minutes to go until halftime, forward Franco Jara got the ball past Houston goalkeeper Marko Maric, from outside the penalty area with a shot to the far post, for the score. 

Four minutes later, in the 41st minute, midfielder Andres Ricuarte sneaks the ball past three Houston players into the 6-yard box. Defender Ryan Hollingshead just happened to be "in the right place at the right time," gentling nudging in to the goal for the final score of the first half.

Dallas added an insurance in the 84th minute when Dynamo defender Sam Junqua tried to high ball with his right foot, but he slipped. Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira was there to claim possession. He dribbled into the box and slotted a shot past Maric to the far post.

Dynamo head coach Tab Ramos stated after the game,

“It was good to play a high-quality team like Dallas. I think we certainly could have used a couple more of these games before going into preseason. We needed a match like this where every ball was hard and every play mattered. I’m happy with the team and the first 35-45 minutes. I thought we did quite well. Their goal came sort of against the run of play when we were getting ready to score. Unfortunately, then the other goal came from a freekick where we weren’t ready. I think it was just a preseason mistake. Other than that, the second half was not great for us. I didn’t think we played well in the second half. We had a good overall first half, but the second half wasn’t good enough. Overall, the preseason has been very good, and I think we will be ready for Friday.”

Despite the score, Marić was a stalwart throughout the match, making a number of excellent saves to keep his team in it. In the 11th minute, a Dallas counter resulted in a shot inside the area, but Marić came up with a big save in a one-on-one situation. Unofficially, he finished the afternoon with six saves.

The Dynamo will kick off the 2021 MLS season at home on Friday, April 16 against the San Jose Earthquakes at 7 p.m. CDT.

GK Lindsey Harris shines in Houston Dash draw with Chicago Red Stars

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 10, 2021) The Houston Dash began the defense of their 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup title by battling to a scoreless draw against the Chicago Red Stars on Friday evening. The crowd in attendance at BBVA Stadium saw a spirited defensive battle.in which neither team could get the ball into the goal. With the draw, both teams pick up one point; placing them tied for second in the Cup's West Division standings.

Portland Thorns FC sit atop the West with their 2-1 win over Kansas City. OL Reign hold onto fourth place, having yet to play a match. 

The Dash were playing without the services of seven of their players; six who were away on International Duty. Allysha Chapman, Nichelle Prince, and Sophie Schmidt are currently with the Canadian National Team while Rachel Daly is with England. Jane Campbell and Kristie Mewis are on roster duty for the United States.

Dash goalkeeper Lindsey Harris kept a clean sheet in her Dash debut, a feat that no other goalkeeper before her accomplished. The Austin native made a spectacular diving save in the 18th minute to deny Chicago center back Kayla Sharples. After a Chicago corner was initially cleared, the Red Stars cycled the ball back around to the right flank for a cross. Sharples ran onto it and volleyed it on target from six yards, but Harris leapt across her goal to snatch the shot out of the air. 

When questioned about making the first save of the game early in the first half, Harris stated: 

"Yeah, I usually go into games super nervous until I get my first touches on the ball. It came in (the 18th minute) and (Kayla Sharples) was wide open, but I don't know what happened. I saw it and I just jumped at it. I remember afterwards kind of crawling into a ball and just saying 'don't drop it.' First touch on the ball, so just don't drop it. I kind of curled up into it just to make sure it was safe." 

Head coach James Clarkson talked about the draw in his post game meeting with the press.  

“It was great to be back out there. Ten weeks was a really long time for a preseason – you could see the excitement of the players all the way through. The effort they put in tonight was fantastic. We knew it would be a little bit rusty because we hadn’t played since October other than each other in preseason. We know it's going to take a couple of weeks, but what they could ultimate control was ultimately fantastic.” 

 

Houston Dash to face Chicago Red Stars to begin defense of NWSL Challenge Cup title

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 9, 2021) The Houston Dash will kickoff their 2021 season with the defense of their 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup against the Chicago Red Stars. The 2021 edition of the tournament will begin  the first league competition this year for the Dash and an opportunity to defend the Club’s first title. Houston defeated Chicago Red Stars 2-0 at Zions Bank Stadium in Utah on July 26, 2020.

A win will mark the first Dash victory of 2021 after they became the 2020 Challenge Cup Championship and second place in the Fall Series.  A victory will also earn the second consecutive victory against Chicago in addition to their fourth victory against the Red Stars.

Former Dash captain and forward Kealia Watt returns to BBVA stadium for the first time since departing the club in 2019 after spending four years in Houston. Goalkeeper Lindsey Harris is set to make her NWSL debut as Jane Campbell is off in Europe with the US Women’s National Team. 

Defender Allysha Chapman, midfielders Kristie Mewis and Sophie Schmidt along with forwards Nichelle Prince and Rachel Daly will also be absent due to international duty. Defender Katie Naughton and midfielder Shea Groom will lead the team as co-captains against Chicago.

Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. CDT. 

 

Houston Dynamo FC defeat Austin FC 3-2 in La Copita opener

Photo by
Paul-Michael Ochoa
and provided by Houston Dynamo FC
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved
Used with permission

AUSTIN, TEXAS (April 3, 2021)  Houston Dynamo FC defeated Austin FC 3-2 at St. David’s Performance Center earlier today in the opening game of the La Copita preseason tournament for both teams. Houston scored three times in the second half to improve to 5-0-0 overall this preseason and 1-0-0 in La Copita. 

 

Houston scored the game-winning goal in the 71st minute after forward Maxi Urruti launched a long diagonal pass down the left sideline. Speedy Dynamo forward Fafa Picault (shown above right) raced past defender Julio Cascante to force a one-on-one opportunity with the Austin goalkeeper and score his second goal of the match. 

 

Austin took a 1-0 lead into halftime after a well-placed free kick from midfielder Tomás Pochettino in the 16th minute, but Houston equalized in the 54th minute after Picault capitalized on a loose ball inside the box that unbalanced the Austin backline. The forward took a touch toward the near post to create space for a shot that crawled toward the far post. 

 

Houston took the lead two minutes later after midfielder Matías Vera chipped in a ball to Urruti. The ball floated over an Austin defender to the Argentine forward, who spun on his left foot and laced a right-footed side volley into the back of the net with his first touch. 

 

Austin scored their second and final goal of the game in the 66th minute after a rebound off of a save from Dynamo goalkeeper Marko Marić. The Croatian saved Alex Ring’s initial effort from distance, but the ball fell into the path of an oncoming Rodney Redes, who headed the ball into the back of the net.  

 

Maric finished with five saves in his first preseason game against an MLS opponent, including a big save in the final 10 minutes to deny Austin forward Jon Gallagher in a one-on-one situation at close range and preserve the win. 

 

Midfielder Memo Rodriguez scored the only goal in a 30-minute scrimmage that followed the first contest of the day. The scrimmage also featured Homegrown player Daniel Rios and two Dynamo Academy players, Jathan Juarez and Kieran Sargent. 

 

The Dynamo host OKC Energy in La Copita action at 12:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, March 6 at Aveva Stadium. The preseason game is free and open to the public, additional information is available at HoustonDynamoFC.com.  

McNeese Cowboys stuns No. 12 Nicholls Colonels 43-13

Photo by 
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (April 3, 2021) Coming into the game with a 2-3 record and being listed as a two-touchdown underdog, the McNeese Cowboys stunned the No. 13 Nicholls Colonels by the score of 43-31 on Louis Bonnette Field at Cowboys Stadium In Lake Charles. The win raises the Cowboys season record to 3-3 and their Southland Conference record to 2-3. The loss dropped Nicholls to 4-2  (3-2 in conference) and virtually eliminated them from the FCS playoffs.

After trading fumbles early in the first quarter, the Colonels got on the scoreboard when quarterback Lindsay Scott (Zachary HS, Zachary, Louisiana) connected with wide receiver Dontzae Costly (St. James HS, New Orleans, Louisiana) on a 10-yard pass for the first score of the game. Kicker Gavin Lasseigne (Central Lafourche HS, Raceland, Louisiana) split the uprights for the extra point to give Nicholls a 7-0 lead at the 7:38 mark of the quarter. The Cowboys responded three minutes later with a 42-yard field goal by kicker Jacob Abel (Goddard Eisenhower HS, Goddard; Kansas) to cut the Nicholls lead to four. The Colonels pushed the score to 14-2 with eight seconds remaining in the quarter when Scott found wide receiver Dai’Jean Dixon (Edna Karr HS, New Orleans, Louisiana) open; flicking a two-yard pass over the line for their second TD of the game. Again, Lasseigne converted the extra point to end the quarter with a 14-3 score.

Then, something “came over” the Cowboys in the second quarter; scoring 21 unanswered points to take the score to 24-14 in favor of McNeese. Quarterback Cody Orgeron (Mandeville HMS, Mandeville, Louisiana, shown above right, number 8) threw to wide receiver Mason Pierce (Dawson HS, Pearland, Texas shown left, No. 89) for two touchdowns; the first a four-yarder followed by a 95-yard pass. The first TD capped a four-play, 85-yard drive that lasted 32 seconds. The second touchdown lasted eight seconds and consisted of a single play. In between the touchdowns, Wide receiver Walker Wood (Lafayette HS, Lexington, Kentucky) carried the ball the final four yards of an 86-yard, seven play drive that lasted 2:59. Nichols was finally able to stop the Cowboys’ scoring punch with a 26-yard Lasseigne field goal with 4:24 left in the first half, taking the score to 24-17 at the half.

At the 12:08 mark of the third quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead when Orgeron found wide receiver Joshua Matthews (Dunham HS, Baton Rouge, Louisiana) open and connected for a 26-yard touchdown pass to push the score to 30-17. Jacob Abel added the extra point, as he did on all previous McNeese touchdowns, to give the Cowboys a 14-point lead. Nicholls responded with 5:43 left in the third quarter with an eight-yard run by running back Julien Gums (De La Sale HS, New Orleans, Louisiana) to cut the McNeese lead to one possession (24-17).

After 2:12 of play into the fourth quarter, Orgeron again found Matthew; this time with a 13-yard pass to allow McNeese to regain a 13-point lead. Unfortunately, Abel’s conversion kick failed, his first miss of the day.  It did not take much time for Nicholls to regain some of the momentum they had in the first quarter. Lindsay again found Dixon on a first-and-ten play, with an 11-yard pass to complete their 75-yard drive in 1:31. Lasseigne again added the conversion to take the score to 37-31 with 11:17 left on the clock. McNeese put the nail in the Colonels’ coffin 56 seconds later with a 67-yard run by running back Deonta McMahon (Frostproof HS, Frostproof, Florida). After the score, Nicholls took possession of the ball but could not find the endzone.

For McNeese, Orgeron completed 20-of-27 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns. Parker carried the ball 15 times for 39 yards and three touchdowns while Matthews and Pierce ahd two touchdowns each in the air. Defensive back Enos Lewis (Miami Central HS, Miami, Florida) accounted for 11 total tackles, with nine of them being solo.

Scott completed 26-of-53 passes for 289 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for Nicholls. Dixon caught seven passes for 69 yards and two TDs, with Scott carrying the ball 28 times for 127 yards.

Next up for the Cowboys will be a 4 p.m. CDT matchup on Saturday, April 10, against Sam Houston State (4-0, 4-0 SLC) in Huntsville, Texas while Nicholls will host No. 22 Southeastern Louisiana at 3 p.m. CDT on the same date.

Houston Dynamo FC cancel today’s preseason game against Austin Bold FC

Will hold open practice for fans at 1 p.m.

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 31, 2021) The preseason game between Houston Dynamo FC and Austin Bold FC scheduled for this afternoon has been canceled after a positive COVID-19 case in the Austin Bold travel party, the clubs announced this morning.

The Dynamo will still welcome fans into BBVA Stadium, and will host an open training session with a 30-minute intrasquad scrimmage beginning at 1 p.m. Fans who have not yet downloaded free tickets for today’s event may still do so at HoustonDynamoFC.com/SingleGame.

Houston will return to BBVA Stadium on April 10 to host FC Dallas in a La Copita preseason game.

McNeese State downs Northwestern State 21-7 in spring football action

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA (March 20, 2021) McNeese State quarterback Cody Orgeron completed 17-of-22 passes and two touchdown as the Cowboys downed the Northwestern State Demons by the score of 21-7 at Turpin Stadium in Natchitoches.

On their second possession, at the 4:42 mark of the first quarter, the Demons drove 91 yards in eight plays to score the first touchdown of the game. Quarterback Kaleb Fletcher (Poteet HS, Mesquite, Texas) completed a 13-yard pass to wide receiver Kendrick Price, Jr. (Lindale HS, Lindell, Texas) for the score. The Cowboys evened the score 2:35 later when tight end Jama Pettigrew (St. Augustine HS, New Orleans, Louisiana) caught a two-yard pass from Orgeron (Mandeville HS, Mandeville, Louisiana) to cap a 59-yard drove that lasted 2:29. Both teams converted the kicking extra points to tie the score at seven after 15 minutes of play. After a spirited and intense second quarter, neither team was able to find the end zone, with the score remaining tied at seven at halftime.

It did not take long for McNeese to find the end zone in the third quarter. On the third play in the second half; a first-and-ten play, Oregron finds wide receiver Trevor Begue (St. Thomas More HS, Lafayette, Louisiana) open on the right side of the field; connecting with a 75-yard pass for the Cowboys' second TD of the game. Jacob Abel (Goddard Eisenhower HS, Goddard, Kansas) added the extra point to give McNeese a 14-7 lead with 13:45 remaining in the third quarter. Not limiting their scoring to the air, the Cowboys added a rushing touchdown to the scoreboard six minutes later. Backup quarterback Walker Wood (Lafayette HS, Lafayette, Kentucky) kept the ball and plunged over the goal line from the one-yard line for the third touchdown for the Cowboys. Abel again added the kicking conversion to push the McNeese lead to 21-7 and the eventual win, 

For McNeese, Begue led the game with 165 receiving yards, on eight catches and one touchdown.  Freshman Josh Parker (Catholic HS, baton Rouge, Louisiana) rushed for 77 yards  on 16 carries, with Sam Andre accounting for seven tackles). The Demons were paced by Fletcher, completing 13-of-18 for 177 yards, while Javon Antonio (East St. John HS, LaPlace, Louisiana) caught six passes for 103 yards. The Cowboys raised their season record to 2-3, with a 1-3 mark in Southland Conference action. The Demons fall to 0-3 in both their season and conference games.

HBU Huskies advanced in SLC Tournament with 74-60 win over McNeese State

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (March 10, 2021) Paced  by the 20 points of Jilija Vujakovic, the No. 8 HBU Huskies downed the number nine ranked McNeese State Cowgirls by the score of 74-60 to advance to the second round of the 2021 Hercules Tires Southland Conference  Women's Basketball Tournament.

Those in attendance at the Leonard E. Merrell Center saw three Huskies join Vujakovic, who hails from Bereldange, Luxembourg, connect for double digit scoring.   

N'Denasija Collins (Timberview HS, Mansfield, Texas) tallied 18 points, with Timia Jefferson (Timberview HS, Mansfield, Texas) adding 16, and Kennedy Wilson (Timberview HS, Mansfield, Texas) chipping in 10. Head coach Donna Finnie only played eight players in the game, with the four mentioned above accounting for 64 of the Husky's 74 points.

Divine Tanks  (Barbe HS, Lake Charles, LA) and Shaela Gardner (Chipola College, Memphis, TN) led the Cowgirls with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Next up for the Huskies, in the second round, will be the number five ranked Central Arkansas Sugar Bears. The Sugar Bears received a first-round bye in the tournament, with their last game being a 45-40 loss to Northwestern State on March 6. Central Arkansas and HBU did not play each other this season; having last played on January 1, 2020. In that matchup, the Sugar Bears came out on top by the score of 63-39.

SE Louisiana, HBU Huskies advance to 2nd round in SLC Tourney

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (March, 9, 2021) The No 8 Southeastern Louisiana Lions and No. 10 HBU Huskies advanced to the second round of the 2021 Hercules Tires Southland Conference Men's Basketball Tournament at the Leonard E. Merrell Center in Katy.

Game One
Southeastern Louisiana Lions: 71
McNeese State Cowboys: 68

The Lions edged the number 9 seeded McNeese State Cowboys by the score of 71-68.   Starting forward Gus Okafor led the Lions with 26 points followed by Startinbg guard Isiah Kirby with 14. Starting forward Nick Caldwell pulled down 13 rebounds.

For the Cowboys, starting forward Carlos Rosario scored 18 points with eight rebounds, while starting guard A.J. Lawson added 12 points.

Game Two

HBU Huskies: 80

Incarnate Word Cardinals: 68

The Huskies shot 50% from the field (27/54) from the field and 73% from the free throw line in the win. 

Starting guards Hunter Janacek and Pedro Castro scored 18 and 21 points to pace the Huskies, with Castro pulling down nine boards. Starting Center Zach Iyeyemi added 10 points.

For the Cardinals, starting guard Keaston Willis scored 19 points and pulled down eight rebounds.

UIL Updates due to Winter Weather Complications

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 19, 2021) The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has released updated basketball playoff information to account for the interruptions created by the severe weather. Complete information can be found on the UIL website. This information includes:

• Girls State Championship games will be played March 10th-11th at the Alamodome;
• Playoff round certification deadlines have been adjusted to allow all playoff games to be played;
• Schools who have experienced delays in playoff rounds may be required to complete three rounds in a one-week period.

Additionally, due to power outages and water shortages in San Antonio, the UIL Girls State Swimming and Diving Championships have been rescheduled to Monday and Tuesday, March 1st-2nd. Tickets purchased for the girls meet will be valid for the new dates.

The UIL Boys State Swimming and Diving Championships continue to be scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 26th-27th.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina to bid to host 2027 World University Games

By Chris Price
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

It is being reported by The Sports Examiner that the International University Sport Federation has designated the Raleigh-Durham area as its candidate in a bid to bring the 2027 World University Games to the United States.

The area in and around Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary, North Carolina, which is referred to in the North Carolina area, as “The Triangle” has previously hosted 1987 U.S. Olympic Festival. The 1987 Festival set numerous attendance records and totaled 464,423 spectators, the most at a U.S. Olympic Festival (also know as  the National Sports Festival) up to that time.

Hill Carrow, who headed up the 1987 Festival organizing committee, and is in a similar role for the 2027 Games, brings invaluable experience to the task of bidding and, if successful, staging the event.

The United States is already slated to host the 2023 Winter World University Games in Lake Placid, New York. New U.S. International University Sports Federation President Dan Guerrero was quoted: 

“We are very excited about the possibility of bringing the Summer World University Games back to the U.S., where it has only previously been held one time, in 1993 in Buffalo, New York. The next available year to bid on the Games, 2027, holds a lot of promise for Olympic sports in the United States as it is the year prior to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California.

In addition, our country has strong momentum for attracting the Summer World University or the ames, thanks to excellent work being done by the Local Organizing Committee in Lake Placid, New York, where they are slated to host the Winter World University Games in 2023 and are receiving very positive reviews for their Games preparations.”

The selection of the 2027 host is expected to be made in the spring of 2022.

She Believes Cup kicks off on Thursday, February 18

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (February 18, 2021) Today the 2021 edition of the She Believes Cup kicks off at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. When the United States takes to the pitch at 6 p.m. CST to face long-time rival Canada, two current members of the Houston Dash will be on the roster of the USA. 

Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell and midfielder Kristie Mewis will be part of the 23-player roster for the United States.  Campbell played college football at Stanford University from 2013–2017 where she was a member of the Stanford Cardinal. She signed with the Houston Dash as the 15th pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft. She represented her national team United States at both junior and senior levels in several tournaments. The She Believes Cup will be her fifth cap for the United States. The She Believes Cup will be the nineteenth cap for Mewis. She has scored  three goals for the United States in international competition. 

The United States second game will be against Brazil on Sunday, February 21 with a 2 p.m. CST start. Their final game will be on Wednesday, February 24 at 6 p.m. CST against Argentina. 

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE CHANGES ANNOUNCED

FRISCO, TEXAS (February 15, 2021) The Southland Conference has announced the postponement of two matchups for the McNeese men’s basketball program, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.

The Cowboys’ upcoming two conference matchups against UIW (February 17) and New Orleans (February 20) will be rescheduled in consultation with the two opponents and the Southland office.
 

HBU vs. TAMU-CC men's basketball game postponed

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 15, 2021) Monday's Southland Conference men's basketball game between the HBU Huskies and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi scheduled to be played in Corpus Christi has been postponed due to inclement weather across the state impacting travel.

Information on rescheduling the game will be released in conjunction with the conference  office when a decision is made.

The Huskies are set to host Sam Houston on Saturday, February 20, in Sharp Gym at 5:00 p.m.

Qualifiers for 2021 Southland Conference men's basketball tournament shaping up

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 14, 2021) With three weeks remaining in the Southland Conference men's basketball regular season, the list of qualifiers for the conference tournament is shaping up nicely. Eight teams will play in the 2021 Southland Conference Tournament, with the ultimate prize of being the automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament, which begins in March.

As of today, Abilene Christian would top the list as the number one seed. The Wildcats post a 10-1 conference record (18-3 overall), which is matched by Sam Houston State. The Bearkats would be the number two seed due to the difference in their season record (16-6).

The number three seed would belong to Stephen F Austin (8-1 SLC) with Nicholls owning the fourth seed. The Colonels post a  9-2 conference record, followed by Northwestern State (number 5 seed) with a  6-4 record. Incarnate Word (5-5) comes in as the sixth seed, followed by New Orleans (4-7) in seventh and Southeastern Louisiana (4-7) in eighth. The Houston Baptist Huskies (3-6) are currently in ninth place, with a shot at making the tournament top eight.

The conference tournament will  be held March 10-14, 2021 at the Leonard E. Merrell Center, in Katy, Texas.

TAMU Women’s 4x400m Breaks Collegiate Record

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS (February 13, 2020) The Texas A&M women’s 4x400m relay team stunned the track & field world by clocking 3:26.27 to break the all-time collegiate record as the Aggies wrapped up the Tyson Invitational on Saturday at the Randal Tyson Track Center.

The Aggie foursome of Jania Martin, Syaira Richardson, Charokee Young and Athing Mu combined to stop the clock at 3:26.27, breaking the four-year-old collegiate record of 3:27.03 previously set by USC’s Cameron Pettigrew, Amalie Luel, Deanna Hill and Kendall Ellis.

Martin came out the blocks hot, clocking 53.04 in the first 400m. Richardson, running second leg, split 51.86 before handing the baton to Young. Trailing Florida, Young blew past the Gators with a 51.12 split before Athing Mu ran a 50.27 400m as the Aggies made history.

The time not only set a collegiate record, but is a world-leading mark and is the ninth-best performance in world history and set a Randal Tyson Track Center facility record. The quartet became the No. 4 relay team in world history.

“This week in training we had talked about getting it together and trying to run well this week,” said head coach Pat Henry. “We haven't put any pressure on running a time yet and we didn't put much pressure on running a time today. I just wanted them to get the absolute best out of themselves today, take a chance and put it on the line. Remember, there are three other people and everything you do affects those other three people. You've got to be a great teammate to be on a great relay and we got four young ladies right now that are running extremely well. That's a big time performance by those ladies.”

Along with the 4x400m coming away victorious, Tyra Gittens also claimed an event title. She won the high jump with a clearance of 1.88m/6-2. It was the second highest jump in Aggie history, only behind her own school record of 1.91m/6-3.25. Lamara Distin finished third with a jump of 1.82m/5-11.5, which is No. 5 on the Texas A&M performer list.

Mason Corbin cleared 2.08m/6-9.75 to finish second in the men’s high jump, a half inch short of his personal best.

 A day after claiming victory in the long jump, Deborah Acquah placed second in the triple jump with a mark of 13.58m/44-6.75.

 Other notables on the track include Jon Bishop and Allon Clay, each recording a top-five finish in their respective events. Clay clocked a personal best 1:48.45 to place fifth in the 800m. His time makes him the fastest freshman in the NCAA this season and is ranked No. 7 on the Aggie all-time performer list. Bishop recorded a personal best mile time of 4:01.97, which makes him the fifth best performer in school history.

JJ Watt and the Houston Texans agree to part ways

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

By Lou Roesch

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 13, 2021) The Houston Texans and DE J.J. Watt have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced today.

Watt is the franchise’s all-time sacks leader (101.0), a three-time Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner (2012, 2014-15) and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

“Change is never easy, especially when it involves the ones you love. J.J.’s impact on not only our organization, but the entire Houston community, is unlike any player in our franchise’s history,” said Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair. “I told J.J. earlier this week that we will forever consider him a Texan. We take solace in knowing that this is not a goodbye but a ‘see you soon.’ For now, we will build upon the foundation that J.J. created here and forge ahead with our unwavering mission to bring a championship to our city, create memorable experiences for our fans and do great things for Houston.”

“Simply put, there has been no person in the past decade who has made a greater impact on the Texans organization than J.J. Watt,” said Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice S. McNair. “J.J.’s dominance on the field was unprecedented and resulted in countless moments that will go down in Texans history. To me, what best represents J.J.’s connection to Houston is his tradition of playing catch with the fans before every home game. The number of people who wear #99 jerseys with smiles on their faces totally encapsulated J.J.’s passion for bonding with Texans fans at every possible opportunity. His commitment to the community is unlike any player in NFL history. We are forever grateful to J.J. and his family.”

“The connection I have with the people of Houston is special, and I will never take that for granted because I know how rare it is. I just want you to know that I love you and I appreciate you,” said Watt via a message to fans via social media. “I want to thank the McNair family for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NFL. Thank you, Houston.”

The Texans selected Watt with the 11th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he appeared in 128 games for the team across 10 seasons (2011-20). A five-time Pro Bowl selection and AP First-Team All-Pro (2012-15, 2018), Watt set franchise records in sacks (101.0), tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (281) and forced fumbles (25) to go along with 531 total tackles, 61 passes defensed and 16 fumble recoveries. He owns the four highest single-season sack totals in team history (2012, 2014, 2015, 2018) and remains the only player in league history who has accumulated at least 15.0 percent of a single franchise’s sacks.

Watt is one of only three players in NFL history to win at least three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards, doing so in 2012 and 2014-15. Since entering the NFL in 2011, he leads the league in tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (281), multi-sack games (26) and sack yards (713.5), while ranking second in sacks (101.0). In 2020, Watt, who led the NFL in sacks twice (2012 and 2015), became the fourth-fastest player in NFL history to total 100.0 sacks, doing so in just his 120th career game.

From 2012-15, Watt logged four straight seasons with at least 10.0 sacks, including two seasons with 20.5 in 2012 and 2014. During that time, he earned six of his seven career AFC Defensive Player of the Week awards and five of his six career AFC Defensive Player of the Month awards. Watt is also the only player in NFL history with 20.0-or-more sacks and 10-or-more passes defensed in the same season (2012 and 2014), and he ranks tied for fifth among defensive linemen in league history with six regular season touchdowns, including three receiving touchdowns.

Off the field, Watt’s response to the disastrous Hurricane Harvey in 2017 helped him earn the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The hurricane made landfall in Houston as Watt and the Texans were away playing their third preseason game. While watching the events unfold from afar, Watt posted a video on social media announcing a fundraising campaign with a very attainable goal of $200,000, to which he intended to match the first $100,000. Little did he know that in just 19 days, he would help raise more than $37 million, a total that eventually grew to more than $41 million. Watt dedicated himself to finding organizations that applied the funds in the ways that he promised the donors and victims of the disaster. He also ensured that every dollar went directly to the people of Houston and its surrounding areas that were in need.

Watt started the Justin J. Watt Foundation while he was a junior at the University of Wisconsin in 2010 out of a desire to help underserved kids. His personal motto of “Dream Big, Work Hard” culminated into a mission that he has used to impact communities all over the country. The foundation has provided more than $6 million in funding to schools and organizations that either have insufficient funding for their youth after-school athletic programs or simply no after-school athletic programs at all.