Random Ramblings

He's only four games into his UCO career, but redshirt freshman running back Josh Birmingham has already shown me -- and many others -- that he can be a special player. I had seen Josh in scrimmage situations during his redshirt year and it was pretty easy to see he had exceptional talent, which has been showcased in many ways already this season.

Quick feet, explosive speed, stronger than he might appear. Makes defenders miss, darts through creases in a blur and is capable of going the distance anytime he touches the ball, whether it be on a handoff or a reception or a kick return.

UCO has had dozens of great backs over the years and I've seen many of them in my 23-plus years. Pinkey Hurley from the late 1980s was under-rated, a tough inside runner with good speed who was a dangerous all-around threat. Joe Aska from '93 and '94 had amazing speed and was a third-round NFL draft pick. Reggie Donner from 1997-99 could run through a brick wall and still outrun most people, a player I felt could have played in the NFL if it weren't for the knee injury that curtailed his career.

It's early - just four games, remember - but Birmingham has a legitimate chance to rank among those all-time greats by the time he's done.


The UCO volleyball squad is off to a great start at 12-4 overall and 4-1 in the conference following Tuesday's road sweep of Southwestern Oklahoma. Senior outside hitters Zuela Adom and Kristen Wilson pace the Bronchos, but there are plenty of good, young players on this team and it will be interesting to see how they continue to progress throughout the rest of the season.


Next Monday and Tuesday will be the only chance for UCO golf fans to see the women's team in action close to home when the Bronchos host their own tournament at Lincoln Park East. The team has a good mix of young talent and veteran experience, with head coach Michael Bond harboring high hopes for his group.


Speaking of golf . . . the men's team had another strong outing this week in Lawton, finishing second at The Oklahoma Collegiate with a 33-under-par total. That's two wins and a second in three fall tournaments for the Bronchos, who have three individuals (Colby Shrum, Josh Creel and Dillon Rust) averaging under par.


Don't look now, but it's almost time for basketball and wrestling. The wrestling team got on the mat last week, while basketball is going through conditioning drills now and is just a couple of weeks away from starting practice.