Time for the Central Oklahoma men's basketball all-decade team. Some tough choices here as the Bronchos churned out plenty of good teams and won a lot of games in the 2000s.
My all-decade team captain is a no-brainer -- Sam Belt, who had a sensational four-year career at UCO from 2004-08. Though never the best athlete on the floor, Sam was usually the best PLAYER on the court and he was the quintessential team leader. A consensus All-American as a senior, Sam ended his career as the school's second all-time leading scorer and he's probably the smartest, most efficient player I've ever had the pleasure of watching at UCO.
Next on the team is Anthony Brown, a two-year standout from 2005-07. A.B. was a dominating inside scorer for the Bronchos, a ferocious dunker and intense competitor who was the quiet assassin intent on doing his job with little fanfare. A.B. averaged 18.8 points and 7.5 rebounds a game in his two years while shooting a sizzling 63 percent from the floor.
Jason Pritchett played in the early part of the decade (2000-03) and he makes my team as another big-time inside presence. A defensive-oriented force in the paint who is UCO's career leader in blocked shots, Jason averaged 12.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a game during his three years with the Bronchos.
Another two-year player on the squad is Deshone Henderson, who earned first-team All-Lone Star Conference North Division honors in 2003-04 and '04-05. A slasher with good 3-point range, Deshone averaged 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds a game during his two-year stint with the Bronchos.
Rounding out my starting lineup is Demario Jones, who played from 2001-03. A sensational athlete who could post up and score on one trip down the floor and then drain a long-distance 3-pointer the next, Demario averaged 18.7 points and 6.6 rebounds a game as a senior in leading UCO to its first national tournament appearance in five years.
I had a tough time selecting the sixth man, so opted to split those duties and go with a sixth and seventh man!
Filling those roles are Lance Harper, who ended his three-year career with the Bronchos last year, and current UCO senior Eric Cazenave.
The hyperactive Harper was LSC North Division Player of the Year last season and may have improved more than any player I've seen during the course of his career. Cazenave has been a clutch performer throughout his career, having helped the Bronchos win a ton of games the last three-plus years with his 3-point range and defense.
There you have it, the men's basketball all-decade team of the 2000s.
Coming on the first day of 2010 -- the top 10 teams of the 2000s.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
All-Decade Women's Basketball Team
We came out with the UCO all-decade wrestling team a few days ago and now it's time for my women's basketball squad of the 2000s.
The captain of the all-decade team is easy -- Lizzie Brenner, who finished her fabulous career last year. One of my favorite all-time players in any sport, Lizzie holds eight career school records and was a three-time All-Lone Star Conference North Division pick. A fantastic athlete who played the game with great passion, Lizzie could virtually do it all on the court and led the Bronchos to the best two seasons in school history her last two years.
Next on my list is Laura Hamilton, who was a first-team All-LSC North performer during the 2002-03 and 2004-05 seasons while missing the year between with a knee injury. "Ham" holds school records for season and career 3-point accuracy and was a multi-talented player who absolutely hated to lose.
From the early part of the decade is Keri Smith, who played from 1998-02 and was a first-team All-LSC North selection as a senior when she set a single-season school record for scoring average at 18.3 points a game. Keri, who ranks third on UCO's all-time points list, was virtually impossible to stop when she got position in the post.
Meghan Craig made the list after showcasing a wide range of skills during her two years at UCO from 2004-06. The only player in school history with three 30-point games to her credit, Meghan could hurt teams in a variety of ways offensively and she was also a quality rebounder despite her slender frame.
Rounding out my starting five is a member of this year's team -- senior Cristina Yarbrough. A defensive whiz who has been LSC North Division Defensive Player of the Year the past two seasons, Cristina ranks second on the school's career list for steals and assists and is a key cog in what UCO does both offensively and defensively.
Every team must have an effective sixth man, or woman in this case, and completing my all-decade team is Mallory Markus. A steadying force on the court throughout her four-year career, Mal was also a dangerous long-range shooter who could light up the scoreboard in a hurry with her 3-point accuracy.
So there it is, the UCO women's basketball all-decade team for the 2000s. Coming up in a couple of days will be the men's team.
The captain of the all-decade team is easy -- Lizzie Brenner, who finished her fabulous career last year. One of my favorite all-time players in any sport, Lizzie holds eight career school records and was a three-time All-Lone Star Conference North Division pick. A fantastic athlete who played the game with great passion, Lizzie could virtually do it all on the court and led the Bronchos to the best two seasons in school history her last two years.
Next on my list is Laura Hamilton, who was a first-team All-LSC North performer during the 2002-03 and 2004-05 seasons while missing the year between with a knee injury. "Ham" holds school records for season and career 3-point accuracy and was a multi-talented player who absolutely hated to lose.
From the early part of the decade is Keri Smith, who played from 1998-02 and was a first-team All-LSC North selection as a senior when she set a single-season school record for scoring average at 18.3 points a game. Keri, who ranks third on UCO's all-time points list, was virtually impossible to stop when she got position in the post.
Meghan Craig made the list after showcasing a wide range of skills during her two years at UCO from 2004-06. The only player in school history with three 30-point games to her credit, Meghan could hurt teams in a variety of ways offensively and she was also a quality rebounder despite her slender frame.
Rounding out my starting five is a member of this year's team -- senior Cristina Yarbrough. A defensive whiz who has been LSC North Division Defensive Player of the Year the past two seasons, Cristina ranks second on the school's career list for steals and assists and is a key cog in what UCO does both offensively and defensively.
Every team must have an effective sixth man, or woman in this case, and completing my all-decade team is Mallory Markus. A steadying force on the court throughout her four-year career, Mal was also a dangerous long-range shooter who could light up the scoreboard in a hurry with her 3-point accuracy.
So there it is, the UCO women's basketball all-decade team for the 2000s. Coming up in a couple of days will be the men's team.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
All-Decade Wrestling Team
As the decade of the 2000s comes rapidly to a close, it seemed like a good idea to come up with a few all-decade teams for UCO. I'll start with wrestling and then do men's and women's basketball in the next couple of days.
Mind you, this UCO all-decade wrestling team is from my viewpoint only and I didn't get any input from our coaching staff. But I witnessed countless duals and tournaments -- including every national tournament -- in the 2000s, so I should be somewhat qualified to select such a team.
My all-decade wrestling team features a select group of student-athletes who combined to win 12 NCAA Division II national championships and over 1,000 matches, with the Bronchos capturing three team titles during the 2000s (2002, '03 and '07).
Starting off the squad at 125 pounds is Mark Dodgen, who finished 1-3-1 in three national tournament appearances (2000-01-03). Mark was one of the most exciting lightweights ever to come through UCO and he ended his career with a fall in his last match in the 2003 national finals to help the Bronchos claim the team title.
At 133 we have Cole Province, one of the few four-time national champions in collegiate wrestling history. Perhaps the most intense competitor I've had the pleasure to watch on the mat at UCO, Cole racked up a 130-22 career record from 2001-04 and lost just one match his last two years with the Bronchos.
Next up is Kyle Evans at 141 pounds, a four-time All-American who finished 6-2-1-1 from 2005-08. A takedown machine, Kyle was smooth as silk on the mat and he simply dominated opponents his last two years in finishing with a 125-20 career mark.
At 149 we have Gable Sullivan, a national runner-up in 2000 and '01 after also earning All-America honors in 1998. Gabe punished people on the mat and won a lot of big matches during his career with the Bronchos.
Current UCO graduate assistant coach Jason Leavitt is the pick at 157. A three-year starter and two-time national qualifier for the Bronchos, Jason lost a heartbreaking overtime decision in the national finals while helping lead UCO to the 2007 national title.
Shawn Silvis is our 165-pounder and what a consistently great performer he was for the Bronchos. Shawn won back-to-back national titles in 2002 and '03 before dropping a tough match in the finals as a senior the next year in finishing with a 131-28 career record.
I'm going with Jason Tapia at 174, who made quite a mark during two years with the Bronchos. Jason had a disappointing national tournament as a junior in 2003, but he bounced back with a sensational senior campaign and recorded 21 falls en route to winning the gold medal.
At 184 is Jeff Henning, who finished third on UCO's consecutive national championship teams in 2002 and '03. Jeff was a model of consistency during his two years with the Bronchos, a splendid talent and the consummate team player.
Our all-decade 197-pounder is Muhammed Lawal, though he only wrestled at that weight one season after going at 184 his first two years. But Mo -- easily the best pure athlete I've seen on the mat at UCO -- overwhelmed opponents throughout the 2001-02 campaign with a combination of uncanny quickness and strength as he rolled to the national title.
Topping off my team of the 2000s at heavyweight is none other than Dustin Finn, a senior on this year's squad. Already a two-time national runner-up, Dustin is looking to become UCO's first-ever heavyweight national champion -- which would make him an early candidate for my all-decade team of the 2010s!!
Feel free to let me know what you think of my all-decade team at mkirk@uco.edu.
Mind you, this UCO all-decade wrestling team is from my viewpoint only and I didn't get any input from our coaching staff. But I witnessed countless duals and tournaments -- including every national tournament -- in the 2000s, so I should be somewhat qualified to select such a team.
My all-decade wrestling team features a select group of student-athletes who combined to win 12 NCAA Division II national championships and over 1,000 matches, with the Bronchos capturing three team titles during the 2000s (2002, '03 and '07).
Starting off the squad at 125 pounds is Mark Dodgen, who finished 1-3-1 in three national tournament appearances (2000-01-03). Mark was one of the most exciting lightweights ever to come through UCO and he ended his career with a fall in his last match in the 2003 national finals to help the Bronchos claim the team title.
At 133 we have Cole Province, one of the few four-time national champions in collegiate wrestling history. Perhaps the most intense competitor I've had the pleasure to watch on the mat at UCO, Cole racked up a 130-22 career record from 2001-04 and lost just one match his last two years with the Bronchos.
Next up is Kyle Evans at 141 pounds, a four-time All-American who finished 6-2-1-1 from 2005-08. A takedown machine, Kyle was smooth as silk on the mat and he simply dominated opponents his last two years in finishing with a 125-20 career mark.
At 149 we have Gable Sullivan, a national runner-up in 2000 and '01 after also earning All-America honors in 1998. Gabe punished people on the mat and won a lot of big matches during his career with the Bronchos.
Current UCO graduate assistant coach Jason Leavitt is the pick at 157. A three-year starter and two-time national qualifier for the Bronchos, Jason lost a heartbreaking overtime decision in the national finals while helping lead UCO to the 2007 national title.
Shawn Silvis is our 165-pounder and what a consistently great performer he was for the Bronchos. Shawn won back-to-back national titles in 2002 and '03 before dropping a tough match in the finals as a senior the next year in finishing with a 131-28 career record.
I'm going with Jason Tapia at 174, who made quite a mark during two years with the Bronchos. Jason had a disappointing national tournament as a junior in 2003, but he bounced back with a sensational senior campaign and recorded 21 falls en route to winning the gold medal.
At 184 is Jeff Henning, who finished third on UCO's consecutive national championship teams in 2002 and '03. Jeff was a model of consistency during his two years with the Bronchos, a splendid talent and the consummate team player.
Our all-decade 197-pounder is Muhammed Lawal, though he only wrestled at that weight one season after going at 184 his first two years. But Mo -- easily the best pure athlete I've seen on the mat at UCO -- overwhelmed opponents throughout the 2001-02 campaign with a combination of uncanny quickness and strength as he rolled to the national title.
Topping off my team of the 2000s at heavyweight is none other than Dustin Finn, a senior on this year's squad. Already a two-time national runner-up, Dustin is looking to become UCO's first-ever heavyweight national champion -- which would make him an early candidate for my all-decade team of the 2010s!!
Feel free to let me know what you think of my all-decade team at mkirk@uco.edu.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Time For A Break
The holidays are near, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's vacation time . . . at least not for Central Oklahoma's basketball teams.
Both UCO clubs will be in action Dec. 19 and 21 in league crossover games at Abilene Christian and Angelo State then take a brief Christmas break before heading back to Texas. The men go to Austin and the women to San Antonio for games on Dec. 29-30, so not much down time for those two teams.
Neither club has played near to its capability yet, but I look for things to start coming together soon for both.
The second-semester schedule will feature many more home games, including the first of the season for the women on Jan. 5. Make plans now to get out to Hamilton Field House on Jan. 5, 7 and 9 as the Bronchos host doubleheaders on each of those days.
UCO's fifth-ranked wrestling team will get a much-needed respite as the Bronchos don't return to action until Jan. 9-10. David James' crew last competed on Dec. 5 and practiced the week after that, but won't return to the mat until resuming practice on Dec. 27.
The grapplers will have four home matches in the second semester, including one that was recently added. UCO will take on Nebraska-Kearney on Jan. 14 in a showdown that will feature two of the top-five teams in Division II with the Lopers currently ranked third.
Both UCO clubs will be in action Dec. 19 and 21 in league crossover games at Abilene Christian and Angelo State then take a brief Christmas break before heading back to Texas. The men go to Austin and the women to San Antonio for games on Dec. 29-30, so not much down time for those two teams.
Neither club has played near to its capability yet, but I look for things to start coming together soon for both.
The second-semester schedule will feature many more home games, including the first of the season for the women on Jan. 5. Make plans now to get out to Hamilton Field House on Jan. 5, 7 and 9 as the Bronchos host doubleheaders on each of those days.
UCO's fifth-ranked wrestling team will get a much-needed respite as the Bronchos don't return to action until Jan. 9-10. David James' crew last competed on Dec. 5 and practiced the week after that, but won't return to the mat until resuming practice on Dec. 27.
The grapplers will have four home matches in the second semester, including one that was recently added. UCO will take on Nebraska-Kearney on Jan. 14 in a showdown that will feature two of the top-five teams in Division II with the Lopers currently ranked third.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bronchos On The Air
It's been a long time coming, but UCO basketball fans will be able to follow the majority of our men's and women's basketball games on the radio this year. It's been at least 25 years -- and probably longer -- since Broncho basketball has been regularly broadcast by a local radio station and that's great news for everybody involved.
Fox SportsRadio (AM 1340) will air every road game for the men and women the rest of the season, with the exception of both teams' games on Dec. 29 and 30 at classics in Texas. Long-time play-by-play man David Garrett will call all the action.
I've known Dave for 30 years and he's one of the best radio voices out there. He called NFL games for the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints back in the 1990s and we've been fortunate enough to have him do UCO football the last couple of years.
This is a great addition to UCO and one that was sorely overdue. If you can't go on the road to follow the Bronchos, make sure to tune Dave in at AM1340 or their website at http://www.foxoklahoma.com/main.html.
Speaking of being on the air . . . UCO's wrestling dual at Fort Hays State Thursday night will be video webcast on our athletic site. It should be a close battle, so make sure to watch the Bronchos and Tigers go at it on the mat.
Fox SportsRadio (AM 1340) will air every road game for the men and women the rest of the season, with the exception of both teams' games on Dec. 29 and 30 at classics in Texas. Long-time play-by-play man David Garrett will call all the action.
I've known Dave for 30 years and he's one of the best radio voices out there. He called NFL games for the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints back in the 1990s and we've been fortunate enough to have him do UCO football the last couple of years.
This is a great addition to UCO and one that was sorely overdue. If you can't go on the road to follow the Bronchos, make sure to tune Dave in at AM1340 or their website at http://www.foxoklahoma.com/main.html.
Speaking of being on the air . . . UCO's wrestling dual at Fort Hays State Thursday night will be video webcast on our athletic site. It should be a close battle, so make sure to watch the Bronchos and Tigers go at it on the mat.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Basketball Updates
Final is 78-55 for the Bronchos. Great first half with just four turnovers and a 21-point lead, then a sloppy second half but UCO has no trouble rolling to its third straight win. Ashley Beckley finishes with a game-high 22 points.
Bronchos in cruise control now, up 75-50 with less than four minutes left.
Coach Guy Hardaker's not happy and takes his first timeout of the game as the Bronchos turn it over three times in five possessions against USAO pressure. A 12-2 run has the Lady Drovers within 67-44, still a 23-point cushion with 6:58 left.
It's now a 30-point bulge (60-30) with 12:10 left after consecutive layups by Traci Murphree.
UCO still comfortably in front, 51-29 with 14:47 left to play following a Cristina Yarbrough 3-pointer.
No scoring in final two minutes, so Bronchos go to the locker room with a big 42-21 lead. UCO has 14 layups, Ashley Beckley has 14 points and the Bronchos have 10 steals in forcing 21 turnovers.
UCO fast break is working well tonight. Three straight layups, one after a made bucket and two following turnovers up the lead to 42-21 with under two minutes left in the half.
Bronchos have doubled up USAO, leading 36-18 with 4:22 left in opening half after back-to-back treys by Jordan Stark and Traci Murphree.
Ashley Beckley is dominating inside and already has 14 points with the Bronchos up 27-13 with 7:03 left in the opening half. UCO defense continues to stifle the Lady Drovers, who have 13 turnovers.
Broncho defense is overwhelming the Lady Drovers. UCO has six steals and has forced 11 turnovers in leading 21-9 with 10:56 left in the half.
At the 14:25 mark it's a 14-7 UCO lead as the Bronchos have made six layups.
Bronchos trailed 4-2 early, but Rose Anderson had a steal and length-of-court drive to tie it and Cristina Yarbrough followed with another steal and feed to Ashley Beckley for a layup and a 6-4 lead. A USAO miss led to a Yarbrough layup and it's 8-4, UCO, with 16:39 left in the first half.
No radio or live stats for Central Oklahoma's game with USAO tonight in Chickasha, so we'll bring blog updates every 10 minutes or so as the Bronchos take on the Lady Drovers. UCO fell from 12th to 18th in today's new Division II coaches' poll and will be looking to move to 3-1 on the young season.
Bronchos in cruise control now, up 75-50 with less than four minutes left.
Coach Guy Hardaker's not happy and takes his first timeout of the game as the Bronchos turn it over three times in five possessions against USAO pressure. A 12-2 run has the Lady Drovers within 67-44, still a 23-point cushion with 6:58 left.
It's now a 30-point bulge (60-30) with 12:10 left after consecutive layups by Traci Murphree.
UCO still comfortably in front, 51-29 with 14:47 left to play following a Cristina Yarbrough 3-pointer.
No scoring in final two minutes, so Bronchos go to the locker room with a big 42-21 lead. UCO has 14 layups, Ashley Beckley has 14 points and the Bronchos have 10 steals in forcing 21 turnovers.
UCO fast break is working well tonight. Three straight layups, one after a made bucket and two following turnovers up the lead to 42-21 with under two minutes left in the half.
Bronchos have doubled up USAO, leading 36-18 with 4:22 left in opening half after back-to-back treys by Jordan Stark and Traci Murphree.
Ashley Beckley is dominating inside and already has 14 points with the Bronchos up 27-13 with 7:03 left in the opening half. UCO defense continues to stifle the Lady Drovers, who have 13 turnovers.
Broncho defense is overwhelming the Lady Drovers. UCO has six steals and has forced 11 turnovers in leading 21-9 with 10:56 left in the half.
At the 14:25 mark it's a 14-7 UCO lead as the Bronchos have made six layups.
Bronchos trailed 4-2 early, but Rose Anderson had a steal and length-of-court drive to tie it and Cristina Yarbrough followed with another steal and feed to Ashley Beckley for a layup and a 6-4 lead. A USAO miss led to a Yarbrough layup and it's 8-4, UCO, with 16:39 left in the first half.
No radio or live stats for Central Oklahoma's game with USAO tonight in Chickasha, so we'll bring blog updates every 10 minutes or so as the Bronchos take on the Lady Drovers. UCO fell from 12th to 18th in today's new Division II coaches' poll and will be looking to move to 3-1 on the young season.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Looking Back and Ahead
It's officially on to the winter sports scene at UCO now that cross country, football, soccer and volleyball are over.
Soccer was the final fall sport to have its season ended, with the Bronchos going down in the first round of the national tournament last Friday night in San Antonio. The Bronchos gave great effort in that heartbreaking loss to St. Edward's, a game that could have easily gone either way.
Congrats to coach Mike Cook and his team for the way they bounced back after a horrible start to the season. And extra congrats to defensive stud Alli Miller for the post-season awards she continues to rake in. It was a pleasure watching that young lady perform for the Bronchos the last four years.
Now it's time to really get cranking with men's and women's basketball and wrestling.
The men opened their season Monday with an unbelievable 116-114 double-OT win over Emporia State. Both teams put on an amazing 3-point shooting display, one of the best I've seen in 22+ years at UCO, and the Bronchos pulled out a gritty win.
Ranked 17th in the preseason Division II poll, UCO is on the road for its next three games before coming back home Nov. 30 to host USAO. Do yourself a favor and come out to Hamilton Field House to check Terry Evans' team out.
UCO's women lost a tough one in their opener at Pitt State Sunday, falling 70-69 on a last-second three-point play. The 12th-ranked Bronchos have a tough road to hoe this weekend with games against top-10 NAIA powers Oklahoma Baptist and Oklahoma City in the SWOSU Classic in Weatherford.
Coach Guy Hardaker's crew will be challenged mightly by an early-season schedule that will see them play their first 10 games away from home with seven true road games and three neutral-site battles.
UCO's powerhouse wrestling program is off to a solid start, having had seven placers in each of their first two open tournaments while splitting their first two duals. The Bronchos won three individual matches in falling to OU in the opener, then won nine of 10 bouts in routing OCU earlier this week.
Dustin Finn has proven he's one of the top heavyweights in the country. A two-time Division II runner-up for the Bronchos, he knocked off the defending Division I national champion last week and that just doesn't happen very often.
Keep an eye out for 125-pound freshman Casy Rowell as well. He's one intense rookie and is quickly showing that he will be a force to reckon with this year. In fact, Coach David James has a number of young guys in the lineup right now -- five freshman started against OCU -- and that bodes well for the future of UCO's most successful program.
Soccer was the final fall sport to have its season ended, with the Bronchos going down in the first round of the national tournament last Friday night in San Antonio. The Bronchos gave great effort in that heartbreaking loss to St. Edward's, a game that could have easily gone either way.
Congrats to coach Mike Cook and his team for the way they bounced back after a horrible start to the season. And extra congrats to defensive stud Alli Miller for the post-season awards she continues to rake in. It was a pleasure watching that young lady perform for the Bronchos the last four years.
Now it's time to really get cranking with men's and women's basketball and wrestling.
The men opened their season Monday with an unbelievable 116-114 double-OT win over Emporia State. Both teams put on an amazing 3-point shooting display, one of the best I've seen in 22+ years at UCO, and the Bronchos pulled out a gritty win.
Ranked 17th in the preseason Division II poll, UCO is on the road for its next three games before coming back home Nov. 30 to host USAO. Do yourself a favor and come out to Hamilton Field House to check Terry Evans' team out.
UCO's women lost a tough one in their opener at Pitt State Sunday, falling 70-69 on a last-second three-point play. The 12th-ranked Bronchos have a tough road to hoe this weekend with games against top-10 NAIA powers Oklahoma Baptist and Oklahoma City in the SWOSU Classic in Weatherford.
Coach Guy Hardaker's crew will be challenged mightly by an early-season schedule that will see them play their first 10 games away from home with seven true road games and three neutral-site battles.
UCO's powerhouse wrestling program is off to a solid start, having had seven placers in each of their first two open tournaments while splitting their first two duals. The Bronchos won three individual matches in falling to OU in the opener, then won nine of 10 bouts in routing OCU earlier this week.
Dustin Finn has proven he's one of the top heavyweights in the country. A two-time Division II runner-up for the Bronchos, he knocked off the defending Division I national champion last week and that just doesn't happen very often.
Keep an eye out for 125-pound freshman Casy Rowell as well. He's one intense rookie and is quickly showing that he will be a force to reckon with this year. In fact, Coach David James has a number of young guys in the lineup right now -- five freshman started against OCU -- and that bodes well for the future of UCO's most successful program.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Soccer Playoffs
Beth Helm in for the Bronchos and its blocked!
SEU hits and the Hilltoppers win. Great effort by the Bronchos.
Natalie Bernigaud hits one off the keeper and good for 4-3 lead.
SEU ties it.
Summer White scores easily to right side.
Hilltoppers . . . saved by Riley!!!
Shayna Kindsvater takes third shot for the Bronchos . . . and hits high right.
SEU hits and still leads 3-2.
Kelsey Springstead for UCO . . . and she converts to right side.
Hilltoppers answer to lead 2-1.
Katy Kashwer takes first shot for UCO . . . and SEU keeper makes a diving save!
SEU's first shot . . . and it's good.
Each team will get five penalty kicks in the shootout. Bronchos won the Lone Star Conference title over West Texas A&M in a shootout last week and UCO looking to reverse shootout losses in the first round of the national tournament in both 2005 and '06, with the '06 loss to St. Edward's.
27 seconds left and St. Edward's shot from 20 yards looks like it's going in, but bounces off the top post and it's on to a shootout.
1:55 left in second OT and a leaping save for Megan Riley to keep Bronchos in it.
Three minutes left in second OT, both teams appear to be tiring.
Neither team close to scoring midway through second OT, a second straight shootout may be looming for UCO.
Bronchos got off as many shots in 10-minute first OT (three) as they did in 90 minutes of regulation, but it's still nil-nil. These two teams are battling hard, neither one wanting their season to end.
Offense coming to life for the Bronchos. Katy Kasher has a good shot at scoring from 15 yards out but St. Edward's makes the save. UCO offsides with four minutes left in OT.
UCO gets its first corner kick opportunity of the game four minutes into the first OT, but the Bronchos can't get off a good shot. Katy Kashwer follows that with a hard shot that just misses wide.
Overtime. Bronchos got their lone second-half shot with 2:59 left on a Katelyn Cropp effort. St. Edward's has 17-3 lead in shots after regulation.
Five minutes to go, a 17-2 shot lead for St. Edward's and UCO trying to get something going. Bronchos have rarely been past midfield in the second half.
Megan Riley has tied a career high with seven saves and it remains nil-nil with 12 minutes left. St. Edward's owns a 16-2 lead in shots, with UCO yet to get a shot off in the second half.
Twenty-three minutes left to play and it's a 15-2 shot advantage for St. Edward's. Most of second half as been played within 30 yards of UCO goal, but Bronchos continue to hold on.
Still tied at 0-0 through 10 mintues of the second half, though St. Edward's dominated. The Hilltoppers missed three wide-open shots high while keeper Megan Riley had a could of great saves for the Bronchos.
Seeing now how SEU has allowed only six goals all year. UCO still with just two shots on the game to 10 for the Hilltoppers.
Second half about to start. Bronchos need to get offense untracked. UCO did a great job keeping the Hilltoppers at bay in the first 45 minutes.
Scoreless tie at halftime. St. Edward's has a 5-2 lead in shots and took seven corner kicks to none for the Bronchos, with keeper Megan Riley making three saves.
St. Edward's is keeping the Bronchos on their heels, having had four corner kicks and a couple of other scoring opportunities while UCO has yet to get its offense untracked with 14 minutes left in the first half.
No much offense for the Bronchos through the first 20 minutes of the opening half, with good defensive efforts by Alli Miller and Whitney Craft helping thwart a couple of St. Edward's chances.
St. Edward's had a great scoring chance just a minute into the game, but misfired from point-blank range with a shot over the net.
UCO nearly scored seven minutes in when Katelyn Cropp had a free kick from 22 yards out, with SEU's keeper making a nice save. The Hilltoppers broke free seconds after that and UCO keeper Megan Riley made a brilliant save in a one-on-one battle.
It's a beautiful night in San Antonio and UCO is 30 minutes away from taking on St. Edward's in the first round of the NCAA Division II national soccer tournament. Cool with just a hint of a breeze here at Benson Stadium on the campus of Incarnate Word.
It's an arficial turf field, with the UIW using the field for both football and soccer. The Bronchos will play football on this field next September as the school just went through its first year with that sport.
UCO will be without senior midfielder Tiffanie Meek tonight. She's in a walking boot after suffering an ankle injury in practice this week. Coach Mike Cook is hopeful she can play Sunday if the Bronchos can get past St. Edward's.
SEU hits and the Hilltoppers win. Great effort by the Bronchos.
Natalie Bernigaud hits one off the keeper and good for 4-3 lead.
SEU ties it.
Summer White scores easily to right side.
Hilltoppers . . . saved by Riley!!!
Shayna Kindsvater takes third shot for the Bronchos . . . and hits high right.
SEU hits and still leads 3-2.
Kelsey Springstead for UCO . . . and she converts to right side.
Hilltoppers answer to lead 2-1.
Katy Kashwer takes first shot for UCO . . . and SEU keeper makes a diving save!
SEU's first shot . . . and it's good.
Each team will get five penalty kicks in the shootout. Bronchos won the Lone Star Conference title over West Texas A&M in a shootout last week and UCO looking to reverse shootout losses in the first round of the national tournament in both 2005 and '06, with the '06 loss to St. Edward's.
27 seconds left and St. Edward's shot from 20 yards looks like it's going in, but bounces off the top post and it's on to a shootout.
1:55 left in second OT and a leaping save for Megan Riley to keep Bronchos in it.
Three minutes left in second OT, both teams appear to be tiring.
Neither team close to scoring midway through second OT, a second straight shootout may be looming for UCO.
Bronchos got off as many shots in 10-minute first OT (three) as they did in 90 minutes of regulation, but it's still nil-nil. These two teams are battling hard, neither one wanting their season to end.
Offense coming to life for the Bronchos. Katy Kasher has a good shot at scoring from 15 yards out but St. Edward's makes the save. UCO offsides with four minutes left in OT.
UCO gets its first corner kick opportunity of the game four minutes into the first OT, but the Bronchos can't get off a good shot. Katy Kashwer follows that with a hard shot that just misses wide.
Overtime. Bronchos got their lone second-half shot with 2:59 left on a Katelyn Cropp effort. St. Edward's has 17-3 lead in shots after regulation.
Five minutes to go, a 17-2 shot lead for St. Edward's and UCO trying to get something going. Bronchos have rarely been past midfield in the second half.
Megan Riley has tied a career high with seven saves and it remains nil-nil with 12 minutes left. St. Edward's owns a 16-2 lead in shots, with UCO yet to get a shot off in the second half.
Twenty-three minutes left to play and it's a 15-2 shot advantage for St. Edward's. Most of second half as been played within 30 yards of UCO goal, but Bronchos continue to hold on.
Still tied at 0-0 through 10 mintues of the second half, though St. Edward's dominated. The Hilltoppers missed three wide-open shots high while keeper Megan Riley had a could of great saves for the Bronchos.
Seeing now how SEU has allowed only six goals all year. UCO still with just two shots on the game to 10 for the Hilltoppers.
Second half about to start. Bronchos need to get offense untracked. UCO did a great job keeping the Hilltoppers at bay in the first 45 minutes.
Scoreless tie at halftime. St. Edward's has a 5-2 lead in shots and took seven corner kicks to none for the Bronchos, with keeper Megan Riley making three saves.
St. Edward's is keeping the Bronchos on their heels, having had four corner kicks and a couple of other scoring opportunities while UCO has yet to get its offense untracked with 14 minutes left in the first half.
No much offense for the Bronchos through the first 20 minutes of the opening half, with good defensive efforts by Alli Miller and Whitney Craft helping thwart a couple of St. Edward's chances.
St. Edward's had a great scoring chance just a minute into the game, but misfired from point-blank range with a shot over the net.
UCO nearly scored seven minutes in when Katelyn Cropp had a free kick from 22 yards out, with SEU's keeper making a nice save. The Hilltoppers broke free seconds after that and UCO keeper Megan Riley made a brilliant save in a one-on-one battle.
It's a beautiful night in San Antonio and UCO is 30 minutes away from taking on St. Edward's in the first round of the NCAA Division II national soccer tournament. Cool with just a hint of a breeze here at Benson Stadium on the campus of Incarnate Word.
It's an arficial turf field, with the UIW using the field for both football and soccer. The Bronchos will play football on this field next September as the school just went through its first year with that sport.
UCO will be without senior midfielder Tiffanie Meek tonight. She's in a walking boot after suffering an ankle injury in practice this week. Coach Mike Cook is hopeful she can play Sunday if the Bronchos can get past St. Edward's.
Soccer Updates
Here in sunny San Antonio awaiting Central Oklahoma's game with St. Edward's in the first round of the South Central Regional in the NCAA Division II Soccer Championship. Game time is 7 p.m. at Incarnate Word, the regional host who will take on tonight's winner at 1 p.m. Sunday.
The UCO team came in Wednesday, practiced Thursday and went through another light workout this morning. I came via air early this afternoon and will ride the bus back with the team, hopefully arriving late Sunday night!
I'll post updates throughout tonight's game, so make sure to check back frequently as the Bronchos begin their quest for a national championship.
The UCO team came in Wednesday, practiced Thursday and went through another light workout this morning. I came via air early this afternoon and will ride the bus back with the team, hopefully arriving late Sunday night!
I'll post updates throughout tonight's game, so make sure to check back frequently as the Bronchos begin their quest for a national championship.
Friday, November 6, 2009
UCO Is Awesome
UCO is awesome. Why, you ask? Because, that’s why. I feel like you’re asking too many questions. Just accept how awesome UCO is and this whole process will be a lot easier.
Here we are, located in a central location (hence the name of our extraordinarily awesome university), with a small school vibe and big school tradition. Have you been to Hamilton Field House and seen the ridiculous number of national championship banners? If so, you are a part of what makes UCO so awesome. If not, you are probably lacking in the awesomeness category and should step up your game.
With men’s and women’s basketball (both ranked nationally and preparing to defend LSC North titles) and wrestling right around the corner (ranked sixth in the country) it probably would be a good idea for you to get your pretty little self over to our beautiful UCO campus to take in some heart-pounding collegiate competition.
I know what you’re thinking, “How do I know if I am worthy of this awesome Broncho tradition you speak of?” Well, fear not, our crack team of scientists in the UCO athletic department has devised a quiz consisting of one question to gauge your worthiness. Answer honestly; we'll know if you're lying.
Question #1 (only question, so get it right)
Please choose the best answer to the following question.
The ideal evening for me is _________
a. Sitting alone eating a stale Hungry Man dinner and wondering why I don’t have any friends
b. Watching the newest episode of Tabitha’s Salon Takeover and wondering why I don’t have any friends
c. Listening to old, depressing records by The Cure and habitually checking my facebook account and wondering why I don’t have any friends.
d. Taking a pleasant stroll by Broncho lake in the crisp autumn air on my way to witness a UCO victory and wondering how I got so many friends.
FYI, the correct answer is D…. Come to a game and let’s be friends.
Brandon Birdwell
Director of Sales, Marketing and Annual Gift
Here we are, located in a central location (hence the name of our extraordinarily awesome university), with a small school vibe and big school tradition. Have you been to Hamilton Field House and seen the ridiculous number of national championship banners? If so, you are a part of what makes UCO so awesome. If not, you are probably lacking in the awesomeness category and should step up your game.
With men’s and women’s basketball (both ranked nationally and preparing to defend LSC North titles) and wrestling right around the corner (ranked sixth in the country) it probably would be a good idea for you to get your pretty little self over to our beautiful UCO campus to take in some heart-pounding collegiate competition.
I know what you’re thinking, “How do I know if I am worthy of this awesome Broncho tradition you speak of?” Well, fear not, our crack team of scientists in the UCO athletic department has devised a quiz consisting of one question to gauge your worthiness. Answer honestly; we'll know if you're lying.
Question #1 (only question, so get it right)
Please choose the best answer to the following question.
The ideal evening for me is _________
a. Sitting alone eating a stale Hungry Man dinner and wondering why I don’t have any friends
b. Watching the newest episode of Tabitha’s Salon Takeover and wondering why I don’t have any friends
c. Listening to old, depressing records by The Cure and habitually checking my facebook account and wondering why I don’t have any friends.
d. Taking a pleasant stroll by Broncho lake in the crisp autumn air on my way to witness a UCO victory and wondering how I got so many friends.
FYI, the correct answer is D…. Come to a game and let’s be friends.
Brandon Birdwell
Director of Sales, Marketing and Annual Gift
Friday, October 30, 2009
Big Soccer Weekend
It's a huge season-ending weekend for the Central Oklahoma soccer team as the Bronchos try to capture their seventh Lone Star Conference title since 2000.
UCO takes on Texas A&M-Commerce Friday and then closes against Texas Woman's Sunday, with two wins needed to clinch the outright title for the Bronchos. Both games will be at Wantland Stadium, where Mike Cook's crew has played all its home games this season after summer renovations resulted in field drainage issues that have left Tom Thompson Field unplayable.
Six teams are bunched up within three points of each other in the conference standings. Teams get three points for a win and one point for a tie in league games and UCO leads with 18 points, while Abilene Christian (17 points), West Texas A&M (16), A&M-C (15), TWU (15) and Midwestern State (15) are still in the hunt.
ACU has one game remaining while the other five teams have two games left. Two wins gives UCO an uncatchable 24 points, which would result in yet another league title for the Bronchos along with the right to host the LSC Tournament next week.
Coach Cook's team has improved by leaps and bounds during the course of this season, overcoming a rugged start to get to this point. UCO gave up 10 goals in opening the season 0-3-1, but has allowed just seven in the last 14 games while going 12-2.
Sunday's finale with TWU will be the final regular season home appearance for four UCO standouts -- Alli Miller, Tiffanie Meek, Meghan Saliba and Whitney Craft. That foursome has led the Bronchos to 62 wins the past four years and Miller will go down as one of the program's best-ever defenders, ranking up there with Lisa Hansen and Stephanie Gulisao.
UCO takes on Texas A&M-Commerce Friday and then closes against Texas Woman's Sunday, with two wins needed to clinch the outright title for the Bronchos. Both games will be at Wantland Stadium, where Mike Cook's crew has played all its home games this season after summer renovations resulted in field drainage issues that have left Tom Thompson Field unplayable.
Six teams are bunched up within three points of each other in the conference standings. Teams get three points for a win and one point for a tie in league games and UCO leads with 18 points, while Abilene Christian (17 points), West Texas A&M (16), A&M-C (15), TWU (15) and Midwestern State (15) are still in the hunt.
ACU has one game remaining while the other five teams have two games left. Two wins gives UCO an uncatchable 24 points, which would result in yet another league title for the Bronchos along with the right to host the LSC Tournament next week.
Coach Cook's team has improved by leaps and bounds during the course of this season, overcoming a rugged start to get to this point. UCO gave up 10 goals in opening the season 0-3-1, but has allowed just seven in the last 14 games while going 12-2.
Sunday's finale with TWU will be the final regular season home appearance for four UCO standouts -- Alli Miller, Tiffanie Meek, Meghan Saliba and Whitney Craft. That foursome has led the Bronchos to 62 wins the past four years and Miller will go down as one of the program's best-ever defenders, ranking up there with Lisa Hansen and Stephanie Gulisao.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Random Thoughts
Central Oklahoma has its first fall sport enter postseason competition Saturday when the women's cross country team goes to Canyon, Texas for the Lone Star Conference Championships, hosted by West Texas A&M. The Bronchos of long-time coach J.D. Martin have had an up-and-down year while battling a host of injuries, but are looking to push for a top-three finish.
Midwestern State appears to be a heavy pre-meet favorite, with several teams lined up to take advantage should the Mustangs falter. UCO will be one of those teams and has the potential to spring an upset if stalwarts Evelyn Berko and Alina Istrate run like they're capable of.
Berko has been a consistent force throughout her career with the Bronchos and the senior is looking to become a rare four-time All-LSC performer Saturday. Evelyn has finished eighth in the league meet each of the last three years and aims to make significant improvement in her final try.
Istrate has been slowed by injury the last month and didn't compete in UCO's last meet, but the junior looks to be ready now and the Bronchos definitely need a top showing from her if they are to compete for the team title.
UCO's wrestling team drew the No. 6 ranking in the NCAA Division II preseason poll that came out earlier this week, which is exactly where the Bronchos have finished in the national tournament the past two years. And sixth place is not quite up to the standards that 28-year head coach David James demands of his program.
Dustin Finn was the top-ranked heavyweight and the senior standout will definitely be a top favorite to win that title. He's had two straight national runner-up finishes and should benefit from being on the mat all year instead of having to wait until late November and the end of football. Dustin is looking to becoming UCO's first-ever heavyweight national champion.
Here's an interesting fact about the wrestling team . . . there are five sets of brothers on the squad. Ben and Seth Johnson, Colby and Conner Robinson, Dustin and Patrick Finn, Casy and Cody Rowell and Jarrett and Jordan Edison. Those five families make up 24 percent of the roster (10 of 41) this season.
UCO will preview the 2009-10 team on Wednesday, Oct. 28, with the annual Bronze-Blue intrasquad match at Hamilton Field House. And don't forget to circle Nov. 11 on your calander as the Bronchos welcome the OU Sooners to town that night for a dual.
Brandon Noohi had one of the best individual performances in school history during UCO's 41-23 football win over Southwestern Oklahoma last Saturday. The senior quarterback accounted for 416 total yards and five touchdowns in the contest, showing he can beat teams with his legs and his arm as he rushed for 146 yards and passed for 270 more.
The beat-up Bronchos ended a five-game losing streak with that much-needed win, but face a stern test Saturday at No. 17-ranked Midwestern State. The Mustangs are coming off a big 38-7 "upset" of No. 7-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville and are fighting for their playoff lives.
UCO will finish the season with a game at East Central on Oct. 31 and then the home finale against Northeastern State on Nov. 7.
Midwestern State appears to be a heavy pre-meet favorite, with several teams lined up to take advantage should the Mustangs falter. UCO will be one of those teams and has the potential to spring an upset if stalwarts Evelyn Berko and Alina Istrate run like they're capable of.
Berko has been a consistent force throughout her career with the Bronchos and the senior is looking to become a rare four-time All-LSC performer Saturday. Evelyn has finished eighth in the league meet each of the last three years and aims to make significant improvement in her final try.
Istrate has been slowed by injury the last month and didn't compete in UCO's last meet, but the junior looks to be ready now and the Bronchos definitely need a top showing from her if they are to compete for the team title.
UCO's wrestling team drew the No. 6 ranking in the NCAA Division II preseason poll that came out earlier this week, which is exactly where the Bronchos have finished in the national tournament the past two years. And sixth place is not quite up to the standards that 28-year head coach David James demands of his program.
Dustin Finn was the top-ranked heavyweight and the senior standout will definitely be a top favorite to win that title. He's had two straight national runner-up finishes and should benefit from being on the mat all year instead of having to wait until late November and the end of football. Dustin is looking to becoming UCO's first-ever heavyweight national champion.
Here's an interesting fact about the wrestling team . . . there are five sets of brothers on the squad. Ben and Seth Johnson, Colby and Conner Robinson, Dustin and Patrick Finn, Casy and Cody Rowell and Jarrett and Jordan Edison. Those five families make up 24 percent of the roster (10 of 41) this season.
UCO will preview the 2009-10 team on Wednesday, Oct. 28, with the annual Bronze-Blue intrasquad match at Hamilton Field House. And don't forget to circle Nov. 11 on your calander as the Bronchos welcome the OU Sooners to town that night for a dual.
Brandon Noohi had one of the best individual performances in school history during UCO's 41-23 football win over Southwestern Oklahoma last Saturday. The senior quarterback accounted for 416 total yards and five touchdowns in the contest, showing he can beat teams with his legs and his arm as he rushed for 146 yards and passed for 270 more.
The beat-up Bronchos ended a five-game losing streak with that much-needed win, but face a stern test Saturday at No. 17-ranked Midwestern State. The Mustangs are coming off a big 38-7 "upset" of No. 7-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville and are fighting for their playoff lives.
UCO will finish the season with a game at East Central on Oct. 31 and then the home finale against Northeastern State on Nov. 7.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Random Thoughts
Random thoughts while still trying to figure out exactly why three members of the Oklahoma City Thunder were in attendance at UCO's Lone Star Conference volleyball match against Abilene Christian Thursday night in Hamilton Field House. Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Kyle Weaver walked in midway through the first set and stayed throughout the nearly two-hour match, casually nibbling on popcorn while chatting with several UCO basketball players and other fans who happened by.
It was a great effort by Jeff Boyland's crew in the tough five-set loss to ACU. The Bronchos had as good a comeback as I've seen in awhile in the fourth set to come back from a 23-16 deficit to pull out a 26-24 win and force a fifth set, but the Wildcats simply had too much firepower in the end. It's always good to see a team not give up when the odds are stacked against them, so kudos to the Bronchos for battling back the way they did. This is a team with just one senior, so better days are ahead.
Kasey Tweed of the UCO basketball team may already be the runaway winner of the tough-luck award for 2009. The junior guard tore her ACL during the Lone Star Conference Tournament last March and missed out on UCO's run to the South Central Regional finals but spent months of hard rehab work to get back on the court. So what happens on the first day of practice Thursday? Kasey takes a hard elbow to the face, breaking her nose and putting her out of action for at least a couple of weeks. She should be back by the time the season opens and the Bronchos need her on the court for the toughness she brings to the team.
Big game for the UCO football team Saturday at Wantland Stadium against long-time rival Southwestern Oklahoma. Bronchos are going nowhere at 1-6, but can establish some much-needed momentum for the off-season with a good late-season push. Tracy Holland has a lot of young guys getting some extensive playing time and that will pay off in the years to come. Kickoff is 6 p.m. Saturday as the Bronchos take on their oldest rival.
It was a great effort by Jeff Boyland's crew in the tough five-set loss to ACU. The Bronchos had as good a comeback as I've seen in awhile in the fourth set to come back from a 23-16 deficit to pull out a 26-24 win and force a fifth set, but the Wildcats simply had too much firepower in the end. It's always good to see a team not give up when the odds are stacked against them, so kudos to the Bronchos for battling back the way they did. This is a team with just one senior, so better days are ahead.
Kasey Tweed of the UCO basketball team may already be the runaway winner of the tough-luck award for 2009. The junior guard tore her ACL during the Lone Star Conference Tournament last March and missed out on UCO's run to the South Central Regional finals but spent months of hard rehab work to get back on the court. So what happens on the first day of practice Thursday? Kasey takes a hard elbow to the face, breaking her nose and putting her out of action for at least a couple of weeks. She should be back by the time the season opens and the Bronchos need her on the court for the toughness she brings to the team.
Big game for the UCO football team Saturday at Wantland Stadium against long-time rival Southwestern Oklahoma. Bronchos are going nowhere at 1-6, but can establish some much-needed momentum for the off-season with a good late-season push. Tracy Holland has a lot of young guys getting some extensive playing time and that will pay off in the years to come. Kickoff is 6 p.m. Saturday as the Bronchos take on their oldest rival.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Winter Sports
Don't look now, but the winter sports season at Central Oklahoma is just around the corner. And all three teams figure to be legitimate national contenders this year.
UCO's powerhouse wrestling program -- the one that has 15 national championship trophies on display at Hamilton Field House -- has been on the mat for a couple of weeks now as the Bronchos look forward to the 2009-10 campaign that will start with the annual Bronze-Blue intrasquad match on Oct. 28.
David James' crew will be ranked somewhere in the top 10 when the preseason poll comes out and that's not good enough for the long-time skipper, who has directed UCO to 12 of its 15 national titles and is eager for another one. Seven starters return, but the Bronchos do have a number of questions to answer and there's liable to be some new faces in the lineup before the season is over.
Dustin Finn is a two-time national runner-up and leads the way, with UCO needing to get big production from seniors Colby Robinson, Scott Berens, Mikey Morgan and Daniel Morrison if they want to contend for the team title in 2010.
The UCO women's basketball program has grown by leaps and bounds under fourth-year head coach Guy Hardaker and the Bronchos look to make another big step this season. Practice starts next week, with the season-opener on Nov. 15.
UCO won a school-record 27 games last year in making it to the Sweet 16 and though the loss of Lizzie Brenner and Mallory Markus -- two of my all-time favorites -- will be tough to overcome, I expect the Bronchos to once again be a force in the Lone Star Conference in addition to making noise on the national level. Expect to see this team ranked in the top 15 when the preseason Division II polls come out shortly.
Rose Anderson, Cristina Yarbrough and Ashley Beckley will pave the way in 2009-10 and I'm looking forward to seeing the Bronchos play. Most fans will have to wait a while to see the team in action, however, as UCO amazingly doesn't make its home debut until Jan. 5!
We're also ready for another banner season from the UCO men's basketball team of eighth-year head man Terry Evans. The Bronchos have won four of the last five LSC North Division titles and made five national tournament appearances under Evans and it should be more of the same this season.
UCO has won 52 games the past two years, following up a school-record 28-win campaign in 2007-08 with a 24-win effort last season. The Bronchos lost quite a bit from last year, but the return of Eric Cazenave, Tyler Phillips and a host of others along with some talented newcomers will keep this team among the best in Division II.
Ranked as high as third in the country last year, UCO figures to be a top-15 team in the preseason poll. The Bronchos will get some national exposure and face two big tests early, taking on Baylor and Oklahoma State in exhibition games.
Make plans now to get out and see these three teams in action this winter. You won't be disappointed.
UCO's powerhouse wrestling program -- the one that has 15 national championship trophies on display at Hamilton Field House -- has been on the mat for a couple of weeks now as the Bronchos look forward to the 2009-10 campaign that will start with the annual Bronze-Blue intrasquad match on Oct. 28.
David James' crew will be ranked somewhere in the top 10 when the preseason poll comes out and that's not good enough for the long-time skipper, who has directed UCO to 12 of its 15 national titles and is eager for another one. Seven starters return, but the Bronchos do have a number of questions to answer and there's liable to be some new faces in the lineup before the season is over.
Dustin Finn is a two-time national runner-up and leads the way, with UCO needing to get big production from seniors Colby Robinson, Scott Berens, Mikey Morgan and Daniel Morrison if they want to contend for the team title in 2010.
The UCO women's basketball program has grown by leaps and bounds under fourth-year head coach Guy Hardaker and the Bronchos look to make another big step this season. Practice starts next week, with the season-opener on Nov. 15.
UCO won a school-record 27 games last year in making it to the Sweet 16 and though the loss of Lizzie Brenner and Mallory Markus -- two of my all-time favorites -- will be tough to overcome, I expect the Bronchos to once again be a force in the Lone Star Conference in addition to making noise on the national level. Expect to see this team ranked in the top 15 when the preseason Division II polls come out shortly.
Rose Anderson, Cristina Yarbrough and Ashley Beckley will pave the way in 2009-10 and I'm looking forward to seeing the Bronchos play. Most fans will have to wait a while to see the team in action, however, as UCO amazingly doesn't make its home debut until Jan. 5!
We're also ready for another banner season from the UCO men's basketball team of eighth-year head man Terry Evans. The Bronchos have won four of the last five LSC North Division titles and made five national tournament appearances under Evans and it should be more of the same this season.
UCO has won 52 games the past two years, following up a school-record 28-win campaign in 2007-08 with a 24-win effort last season. The Bronchos lost quite a bit from last year, but the return of Eric Cazenave, Tyler Phillips and a host of others along with some talented newcomers will keep this team among the best in Division II.
Ranked as high as third in the country last year, UCO figures to be a top-15 team in the preseason poll. The Bronchos will get some national exposure and face two big tests early, taking on Baylor and Oklahoma State in exhibition games.
Make plans now to get out and see these three teams in action this winter. You won't be disappointed.
Friday, October 2, 2009
UCO Hall of Fame
Friday will be big night at UCO as eight new members will be inducted into the UCO Athletic Hall of Fame during a banquet on campus.
I've had the pleasure of watching and/or working with five of the new inductees during my long career at UCO, so it will be extra special to see Francis Baxter, Genny (Honea) Stidham, Kevin Freeman, Greg Oplotnik and Elton Rhoades go in.
Francis served as tennis coach for both the men and women from many years and produced some great teams and individuals. He was also the driving force in bringing the NCAA Division II national tournament to Edmond several times in the 1990s and is without question one of the nicest gentlemen I've ever met.
Genny was an incredible player for the Bronchos in the 1990s and then came back in '98 as head coach. One of the most intense competitors I know, Genny has been a great friend for many years and I'm especially proud to see her make the Hall of Fame.
One of the first great wrestlers I got to work with when I arrived at UCO in the fall of 1987 was Kevin Freeman, who was in his senior year that season. Kevin was fun to watch on the mat and had a great career that earned him a well-deserved spot in the Hall.
I have too many stories to share about Greg, who was thrown to the wolves as a true freshman and grew into one of UCO's all-time great big men. He was a raw talent who turned himself into a national champion and was a treat to be around. Anybody who still goes by the name Opie nearly 20 years after graduating college has my respect!
Elton had an up-and-down career with the Bronchos before really taking off his last two years. His senior season in 1994 was one of the best I've seen by a UCO defensive back.
It will be a fun night for those five and the other three inductees -- Alfred Murrell, Edmund Martin and Marita Hynes -- as kudos to former softball coach Gerry Pinkston for all the hard work she's done getting everything ready for the banquet.
I've had the pleasure of watching and/or working with five of the new inductees during my long career at UCO, so it will be extra special to see Francis Baxter, Genny (Honea) Stidham, Kevin Freeman, Greg Oplotnik and Elton Rhoades go in.
Francis served as tennis coach for both the men and women from many years and produced some great teams and individuals. He was also the driving force in bringing the NCAA Division II national tournament to Edmond several times in the 1990s and is without question one of the nicest gentlemen I've ever met.
Genny was an incredible player for the Bronchos in the 1990s and then came back in '98 as head coach. One of the most intense competitors I know, Genny has been a great friend for many years and I'm especially proud to see her make the Hall of Fame.
One of the first great wrestlers I got to work with when I arrived at UCO in the fall of 1987 was Kevin Freeman, who was in his senior year that season. Kevin was fun to watch on the mat and had a great career that earned him a well-deserved spot in the Hall.
I have too many stories to share about Greg, who was thrown to the wolves as a true freshman and grew into one of UCO's all-time great big men. He was a raw talent who turned himself into a national champion and was a treat to be around. Anybody who still goes by the name Opie nearly 20 years after graduating college has my respect!
Elton had an up-and-down career with the Bronchos before really taking off his last two years. His senior season in 1994 was one of the best I've seen by a UCO defensive back.
It will be a fun night for those five and the other three inductees -- Alfred Murrell, Edmund Martin and Marita Hynes -- as kudos to former softball coach Gerry Pinkston for all the hard work she's done getting everything ready for the banquet.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Random Thoughts
As the UCO Athletic Media Relations Office makes its first official Broncho Blog installment today, we take a quick look at what each of our fall sports is up to during this busy week.
Soccer: Mike Cook's Bronchos put a seven-game winning streak on the line Tuesday night against league rival Southwestern Oklahoma at Wantland Stadium. This UCO club has improved by leaps and bounds over the past three weeks and is ready to show it is a viable contender for the Lone Star Conference crown. The Bronchos follow tonight's game with two important road contests this weekend, none bigger than Friday's showdown against preseason LSC favorite West Texas A&M.
Volleyball: The Bronchos take a break from their conference schedule this weekend for a trip to the Arkansas Tech Invitational, where UCO will play three matches. Jeff Boyland's crew has lost some tight matches this year, but the Bronchos were impressive in two LSC wins last weekend and look to be finding their way after some shuffling around of personnel trying to find the right combination to put on the court.
Football: Hard to believe we're already at the halfway point of the football season, but such is the case. It's Homecoming for the Bronchos Saturday afternoon against a dangerous Southwest Baptist squad and UCO is still stinging from a last-second loss at Texas A&M-Commerce last week. There should be plenty of offensive fireworks at Wantland Stadium Saturday, with the Bronchos ready to get back on the winning track and jumpstart a second-half comeback.
Cross Country: UCO is battling through some injury issues right now and may not be at full strength for Saturday's Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater. The Bronchos are still a young team with only one senior on the roster and have made improvement every time out this fall.
Rowing: Ready for its second year of competition is the rowing team that will be in action at the Oklahoma River Saturday for the Boot of the Oklahoma Regatta. UCO normally has to travel great distances to compete in this sport, so this is a rare opportunity for family and fans alike to see the Bronchos in action.
And finally, congratulations to the newest member of the UCO Athletic Family . . . women's track and field head coach Martha Brennan. Martha led her former team, Wisconsin-River Falls, to the Division III national championship two years ago and will be a great addition to UCO as women's track returns after an eight-year hiatus.
Soccer: Mike Cook's Bronchos put a seven-game winning streak on the line Tuesday night against league rival Southwestern Oklahoma at Wantland Stadium. This UCO club has improved by leaps and bounds over the past three weeks and is ready to show it is a viable contender for the Lone Star Conference crown. The Bronchos follow tonight's game with two important road contests this weekend, none bigger than Friday's showdown against preseason LSC favorite West Texas A&M.
Volleyball: The Bronchos take a break from their conference schedule this weekend for a trip to the Arkansas Tech Invitational, where UCO will play three matches. Jeff Boyland's crew has lost some tight matches this year, but the Bronchos were impressive in two LSC wins last weekend and look to be finding their way after some shuffling around of personnel trying to find the right combination to put on the court.
Football: Hard to believe we're already at the halfway point of the football season, but such is the case. It's Homecoming for the Bronchos Saturday afternoon against a dangerous Southwest Baptist squad and UCO is still stinging from a last-second loss at Texas A&M-Commerce last week. There should be plenty of offensive fireworks at Wantland Stadium Saturday, with the Bronchos ready to get back on the winning track and jumpstart a second-half comeback.
Cross Country: UCO is battling through some injury issues right now and may not be at full strength for Saturday's Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater. The Bronchos are still a young team with only one senior on the roster and have made improvement every time out this fall.
Rowing: Ready for its second year of competition is the rowing team that will be in action at the Oklahoma River Saturday for the Boot of the Oklahoma Regatta. UCO normally has to travel great distances to compete in this sport, so this is a rare opportunity for family and fans alike to see the Bronchos in action.
And finally, congratulations to the newest member of the UCO Athletic Family . . . women's track and field head coach Martha Brennan. Martha led her former team, Wisconsin-River Falls, to the Division III national championship two years ago and will be a great addition to UCO as women's track returns after an eight-year hiatus.
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