Ripping off a long winning streak in baseball or softball is probably more difficult than any other sport, given how one player -- a pitcher -- can shut down even the hottest of teams. Or how even one misplayed ball can turn a lead into a loss.
So what do you make of Central Oklahoma's 25-game winning streak on the softball diamond?
Well, amazing comes immediately to mind. Or mind-boggling. How about incredible?
Whatever word you want to use, it would probably fit. But since dropping a 4-2 decision to Central Missouri on Feb. 17 to fall to 2-3, the Bronchos have been simply unbeatable.
They've won mostly in blowouts, with 15 of those 25 wins by at least five runs -- including nine that have ended early on the eight-run mercy rule. But they've also won close games, having prevailed in five one-run decisions.
Now 27-3, UCO is ranked 12th and rising. Playing as an NCAA Division II independent this season while between conferences, the Bronchos can only qualify for the national tournament as an at-large entry and will need to continue their winning ways to make the playoffs.
That, however, shouldn't be much of a problem.
The Bronchos of veteran coach Genny Stidham feature an overpowering offensive attack that overwhelms opponents, though this team still has plenty of speed along with a pair of proven pitchers.
UCO is averaging 8.1 runs a game and ranks among the Division II national leaders in batting average (.375), runs (242), home runs (47) and runs batted in (229). The Bronchos have already broken the school single-season record for homers and will also shatter the marks for runs and RBI, since 18 regular-season games still remain.
Nathalie Timmermans, Kacie Edwards and Megan Whitmire lead UCO's big boppers. That trio has combined for 33 homers and 126 RBI, with Timmermans having tied the school record for homers (14) and Edwards having already surpassed the RBI record with 49.
Then there's Kayce Raines, batting a team-high .474 with an on-base percentage over .500. And Kaylee Brunson, hitting .417 as the lead-off with 16 stolen bases. And Brittany Weaver, with her .353 average and impeccable defense at second base.
Don't forget pitchers Amanda McClelland (14-1, 2.91 earned run average) and Rachael Steverson (13-2, 3.43).
Will the winning streak ever end? Probably so, given the sport, but this is a special team and they're on a special roll.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Coaching Giant
Long-time UCO wrestling coach David James reached a rare milestone last Saturday when the Bronchos downed Ouachita Baptist 25-12, which was acknowledged immediately after completion of the final match when many in the crowd stood and waved signs saying "350".
It was the 350th career win for the 30-year skipper, putting him in rare air indeed. He became just the 40th coach in college wrestling history to reach that number and only the fifth in NCAA Division II.
James, a four-time All-American and two-time national champion for the Bronchos during his days as a competitor, is now 350-125-5 at UCO. Among those 350 wins are 56 over Division I teams, including such heavyweights as Michigan, Michigan State and Boise State. And 76 of his losses -- nearly 61 percent -- are to Division I teams, including powerhouses Iowa, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Penn State.
D.J. has coached 12 national championship teams at UCO and been a seven-time national Coach of the Year honoree. He's had 45 individual national champions and 169 All-Americans. He's had more than 50 former wrestlers go on to become wrestling coaches themselves, many directing some of the best high school programs in Oklahoma and Texas.
In other words, Coach James is one of the coaching giants of his sport. Of any sport, really. And he deserves to be in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
• Two other UCO coaches have had milestone wins this year, with soccer head man Mike Cook and men's basketball mentor Terry Evans both reaching the 200-win plateau.
Cook did it early last fall with a 4-0 home shutout of Southwest Baptist to kick-start a school-record 15-game winning streak that earned the Bronchos their eighth national tournament appearance since 2000. Mike came to Edmond from Southern Nazarene -- his alma mater -- to start the UCO program in 1998 and is now a tidy 214-72-16 with the Bronchos.
Evans got to 200 wins in his 10th year at UCO, reaching that mark in December with a 79-68 victory over Arkansas Tech. Terry has had the two winningest seasons in school history (28 in 2007-08, 30 in 2010-11) and taken the Bronchos to the national tournament seven times in compiling a nifty 205-89 record with three games remaining this year.
It was the 350th career win for the 30-year skipper, putting him in rare air indeed. He became just the 40th coach in college wrestling history to reach that number and only the fifth in NCAA Division II.
James, a four-time All-American and two-time national champion for the Bronchos during his days as a competitor, is now 350-125-5 at UCO. Among those 350 wins are 56 over Division I teams, including such heavyweights as Michigan, Michigan State and Boise State. And 76 of his losses -- nearly 61 percent -- are to Division I teams, including powerhouses Iowa, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Penn State.
D.J. has coached 12 national championship teams at UCO and been a seven-time national Coach of the Year honoree. He's had 45 individual national champions and 169 All-Americans. He's had more than 50 former wrestlers go on to become wrestling coaches themselves, many directing some of the best high school programs in Oklahoma and Texas.
In other words, Coach James is one of the coaching giants of his sport. Of any sport, really. And he deserves to be in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
• Two other UCO coaches have had milestone wins this year, with soccer head man Mike Cook and men's basketball mentor Terry Evans both reaching the 200-win plateau.
Cook did it early last fall with a 4-0 home shutout of Southwest Baptist to kick-start a school-record 15-game winning streak that earned the Bronchos their eighth national tournament appearance since 2000. Mike came to Edmond from Southern Nazarene -- his alma mater -- to start the UCO program in 1998 and is now a tidy 214-72-16 with the Bronchos.
Evans got to 200 wins in his 10th year at UCO, reaching that mark in December with a 79-68 victory over Arkansas Tech. Terry has had the two winningest seasons in school history (28 in 2007-08, 30 in 2010-11) and taken the Bronchos to the national tournament seven times in compiling a nifty 205-89 record with three games remaining this year.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Marching On
Take a glance at the bench before any UCO women's basketball game and what do you see? Head coach Guy Hardaker and assistant Bill Shaw busying themselves with last-minute game preparations. Nine players looking forward to the game, most looking relaxed and laughing.
But what else do you notice?
Well, there's the sweet-shooting Courtney Allen and do-everything Alyssa Fuxa, returning starters from last year's 22-10 team that made it to the Sweet 16. But they're not suited up. Neither is Tarrington Oakes, a key reserve at point guard last season.
Oh, and there's Kasey Tweed. Steady senior veteran, starter of the first nine games this season, but now in street clothes. And then you see Paiten Taylor, a potent inside force with her rebounding and scoring who started the first 12 games. Nope, she's not in uniform either.
And finally there's Britney Morgan. Started every game as a rookie last year and the first 19 games this winter at the point, running the UCO attack. She's in sweats, a bulky brace covering one knee.
Yep, that's six - seven counting Alex Richardson, who is also out - players sidelined by season-ending injury.
But what happened on this Saturday afternoon, when the Bronchos went against a Northeastern State team ranked sixth in the country with a 17-1 record and an 11-game winning streak? A UCO victory of course, 77-71 in overtime.
Never mind that five potential starters were on the bench. Forget that the Bronchos have had to constantly revamp their style of play, with players having to take on different roles than they're used to. Don't worry about freshmen being brought along slowly who all of a sudden are expected to play in crucial situations.
It's simply mind-boggling the amount of injuries the Bronchos have endured this year. It was bad last season, when Tweed, Taylor, Jill Bryan and Rachel New had to sit out, with Oakes going down midway through and Allen toward the end. But nothing like this season.
And still the Bronchos found a way to knock off the No. 6 team in the country. Amazing, to say the least. UCO is 13-8 with five games remaining, which I think is incredible, given what's happened this year.
Kudos to the Coach Hardaker and his staff for being positive, creating ways to stay competitive, not offering excuses. A big tip of the hat to Heather Davis and Savannah Hamilton and Jill Bryan and Rachel New and Autumn Huffman and Courtney Harper and Chelsea Robinson and Paige Locke and Chelsi Dennis, the players who come to the gym every day ready to work.
Those nine players know things would be different if their teammates were suited up with them. They know the record would be better, the playing time were be distributed differently, the roles they play on the court wouldn't be the same.
But that doesn't matter. They show up for the games and leave everything on the court, usually with a smile. And how cool is that?
But what else do you notice?
Well, there's the sweet-shooting Courtney Allen and do-everything Alyssa Fuxa, returning starters from last year's 22-10 team that made it to the Sweet 16. But they're not suited up. Neither is Tarrington Oakes, a key reserve at point guard last season.
Oh, and there's Kasey Tweed. Steady senior veteran, starter of the first nine games this season, but now in street clothes. And then you see Paiten Taylor, a potent inside force with her rebounding and scoring who started the first 12 games. Nope, she's not in uniform either.
And finally there's Britney Morgan. Started every game as a rookie last year and the first 19 games this winter at the point, running the UCO attack. She's in sweats, a bulky brace covering one knee.
Yep, that's six - seven counting Alex Richardson, who is also out - players sidelined by season-ending injury.
But what happened on this Saturday afternoon, when the Bronchos went against a Northeastern State team ranked sixth in the country with a 17-1 record and an 11-game winning streak? A UCO victory of course, 77-71 in overtime.
Never mind that five potential starters were on the bench. Forget that the Bronchos have had to constantly revamp their style of play, with players having to take on different roles than they're used to. Don't worry about freshmen being brought along slowly who all of a sudden are expected to play in crucial situations.
It's simply mind-boggling the amount of injuries the Bronchos have endured this year. It was bad last season, when Tweed, Taylor, Jill Bryan and Rachel New had to sit out, with Oakes going down midway through and Allen toward the end. But nothing like this season.
And still the Bronchos found a way to knock off the No. 6 team in the country. Amazing, to say the least. UCO is 13-8 with five games remaining, which I think is incredible, given what's happened this year.
Kudos to the Coach Hardaker and his staff for being positive, creating ways to stay competitive, not offering excuses. A big tip of the hat to Heather Davis and Savannah Hamilton and Jill Bryan and Rachel New and Autumn Huffman and Courtney Harper and Chelsea Robinson and Paige Locke and Chelsi Dennis, the players who come to the gym every day ready to work.
Those nine players know things would be different if their teammates were suited up with them. They know the record would be better, the playing time were be distributed differently, the roles they play on the court wouldn't be the same.
But that doesn't matter. They show up for the games and leave everything on the court, usually with a smile. And how cool is that?
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A New Beginning
To use a baseball term in reference to a football hiring, I'd say UCO hit a home run with Wednesday's announcement that former Broncho fullback Nick Bobeck would take over as the school's new head football coach. A two-out, bottom-of-the-ninth, walk-off grand slam at that.
Not to put any undue pressure on Nick, but this is the guy who can get the Bronchos back where they belong. And where UCO football belongs is among the NCAA Division II elite.
The Bronchos should field a team that annually competes with the best of the best in the rugged Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. UCO should be in the running for a playoff berth virtually every year. Nick Bobeck is the guy who can get those things done.
He can't do it alone and it won't happen overnight, but the history and tradition of the program -- nearly 600 wins, two national titles, 31 conference/division crowns -- demands that the Bronchos be successful.
It was an exciting time during Wednesday's press conference in the Wantland Stadium suites. The place was overflowing with school administrators and coaches, fans and media and -- most noteably -- former players. Guys who played with Nick when he wore No. 45 for the Bronchos from 1999-02 and others who were giddy with the thought of one of their own taking over the reigns of the program.
Guys like Buck Irwin, who played for the Bronchos in the late 1980s. And Max Tuepker, a four-year letterman from the mid-1970s. And Aaron Chester, whose career ended a year before Nick came to UCO. Teammates like Jess Loepp and Brandon Whiteley and John Fitzgerald and Tyler Griffin and B.J. Bender. Former athletic administrators like Skip Wagnon and Jeff McKibbin and Chuck Bailey.
All watching as the poised and polished Bobeck -- looking like he could still suit up and knock down a linebacker or two -- talked with great honesty and humility about his love for UCO and his excitement of getting back to his alma mater. How the university helped shape him as a man and a coach. How he's committed to getting the Bronchos back where they belong. How much he loves to teach and coach and mentor young men, to turn them not only into great football players but responsible members of society.
All waited as Nick went through various one-on-one media interviews following the press conference, wanting to share a handshake and a hug with the man they know will bring the Broncho family back together, with the wins to soon follow.
It was a scene I'll not soon forget. Watching a guy trot around the bases after knocking the ball out of the park to win the game is always something to savor.
Not to put any undue pressure on Nick, but this is the guy who can get the Bronchos back where they belong. And where UCO football belongs is among the NCAA Division II elite.
The Bronchos should field a team that annually competes with the best of the best in the rugged Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. UCO should be in the running for a playoff berth virtually every year. Nick Bobeck is the guy who can get those things done.
He can't do it alone and it won't happen overnight, but the history and tradition of the program -- nearly 600 wins, two national titles, 31 conference/division crowns -- demands that the Bronchos be successful.
It was an exciting time during Wednesday's press conference in the Wantland Stadium suites. The place was overflowing with school administrators and coaches, fans and media and -- most noteably -- former players. Guys who played with Nick when he wore No. 45 for the Bronchos from 1999-02 and others who were giddy with the thought of one of their own taking over the reigns of the program.
Guys like Buck Irwin, who played for the Bronchos in the late 1980s. And Max Tuepker, a four-year letterman from the mid-1970s. And Aaron Chester, whose career ended a year before Nick came to UCO. Teammates like Jess Loepp and Brandon Whiteley and John Fitzgerald and Tyler Griffin and B.J. Bender. Former athletic administrators like Skip Wagnon and Jeff McKibbin and Chuck Bailey.
All watching as the poised and polished Bobeck -- looking like he could still suit up and knock down a linebacker or two -- talked with great honesty and humility about his love for UCO and his excitement of getting back to his alma mater. How the university helped shape him as a man and a coach. How he's committed to getting the Bronchos back where they belong. How much he loves to teach and coach and mentor young men, to turn them not only into great football players but responsible members of society.
All waited as Nick went through various one-on-one media interviews following the press conference, wanting to share a handshake and a hug with the man they know will bring the Broncho family back together, with the wins to soon follow.
It was a scene I'll not soon forget. Watching a guy trot around the bases after knocking the ball out of the park to win the game is always something to savor.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas Wishes
Christmas is nearly here, so I guess it's time to make known my wish list for UCO athletics.
• That UCO's new football coach, whomever it may be, will be able to get the Bronchos out of the mire of mediocrity that has plagued the program recently. UCO has had only three winning seasons in the 2000s and that's unacceptable for a program with such a long history of success. Nearly 600 wins (593) more than any other Oklahoma college team besides OU. Thirty-eight seasons with seven-plus wins. Thirty-one conference/division championships. Two national titles. UCO and winning football should go hand-in-hand.
• That the UCO women's basketball team suffer no more injuries. It's downright amazing how many crucial players coach Guy Hardaker has lost this season to injury. Three, including senior starters Courtney Allen and Alyssa Fuxa, went out before the season even started. Another senior (Kasey Tweed) was lost three weeks ago. And then last week in Las Vegas, freshman stud Paiten Taylor tore her knee up. Allen, Fuxa and Tweed played in 249 combined games for the Bronchos, experience and leadership that can't be replaced. Yet, somehow, UCO is 9-4.
• That the new UCO volleyball coach, whomever it may be, will continue the winning tradition established by Mark Herrin in 1990 and continued by Jeff Boyland. The Bronchos have had 19 winning seasons since 1990 while being guided by Herrin (1990-02) and Boyland (03-11), winning 25-plus matches seven times and making four Division II national tournament appearances. The next coach will have some big shoes to fill and here's hoping they will step right into them.
• That UCO's perennial powerhouse wrestling team gets back in the championship hunt. The Bronchos have won 15 national championships in their storied history, including 12 under 30th-year head coach David James. But UCO's last title came in 2007 and the Bronchos have finished sixth, sixth, 15th and 13th in the four seasons since then. This year's squad is still a young one with only one senior starter, but there's plenty of talent and the potential is there. Helping UCO's cause this year will be hosting the Super Regional Two Tournament at Hamilton Field House on Feb. 25-26.
• That the senior trio of Shane Carroll, Brent Friday and Tyler Phillips make a second semester push in leading UCO's men to yet another national tournament berth. The threesome has played in 294 combined games, scored 2,685 points and appeared in the post-season every year of their careers. Phillips was part of the 2008 team that made it to the Elite Eight before missing the next season with injury when Carroll and Friday joined the program. That 2009 team went to the Division II playoffs again, as did the 2010 and '11 teams the trio played on together. The 8-6 Bronchos will probably need a significant second-semester rally to get back in the national tournament, but the three amigos are ready to lead the charge.
• That all the UCO teams that have yet to start enjoy successful seasons, sprinkled with many wins and - hopefully - a few championships.
• That everyone enjoy a wonderful Christmas along with a safe and prosperous New Year!
• That UCO's new football coach, whomever it may be, will be able to get the Bronchos out of the mire of mediocrity that has plagued the program recently. UCO has had only three winning seasons in the 2000s and that's unacceptable for a program with such a long history of success. Nearly 600 wins (593) more than any other Oklahoma college team besides OU. Thirty-eight seasons with seven-plus wins. Thirty-one conference/division championships. Two national titles. UCO and winning football should go hand-in-hand.
• That the UCO women's basketball team suffer no more injuries. It's downright amazing how many crucial players coach Guy Hardaker has lost this season to injury. Three, including senior starters Courtney Allen and Alyssa Fuxa, went out before the season even started. Another senior (Kasey Tweed) was lost three weeks ago. And then last week in Las Vegas, freshman stud Paiten Taylor tore her knee up. Allen, Fuxa and Tweed played in 249 combined games for the Bronchos, experience and leadership that can't be replaced. Yet, somehow, UCO is 9-4.
• That the new UCO volleyball coach, whomever it may be, will continue the winning tradition established by Mark Herrin in 1990 and continued by Jeff Boyland. The Bronchos have had 19 winning seasons since 1990 while being guided by Herrin (1990-02) and Boyland (03-11), winning 25-plus matches seven times and making four Division II national tournament appearances. The next coach will have some big shoes to fill and here's hoping they will step right into them.
• That UCO's perennial powerhouse wrestling team gets back in the championship hunt. The Bronchos have won 15 national championships in their storied history, including 12 under 30th-year head coach David James. But UCO's last title came in 2007 and the Bronchos have finished sixth, sixth, 15th and 13th in the four seasons since then. This year's squad is still a young one with only one senior starter, but there's plenty of talent and the potential is there. Helping UCO's cause this year will be hosting the Super Regional Two Tournament at Hamilton Field House on Feb. 25-26.
• That the senior trio of Shane Carroll, Brent Friday and Tyler Phillips make a second semester push in leading UCO's men to yet another national tournament berth. The threesome has played in 294 combined games, scored 2,685 points and appeared in the post-season every year of their careers. Phillips was part of the 2008 team that made it to the Elite Eight before missing the next season with injury when Carroll and Friday joined the program. That 2009 team went to the Division II playoffs again, as did the 2010 and '11 teams the trio played on together. The 8-6 Bronchos will probably need a significant second-semester rally to get back in the national tournament, but the three amigos are ready to lead the charge.
• That all the UCO teams that have yet to start enjoy successful seasons, sprinkled with many wins and - hopefully - a few championships.
• That everyone enjoy a wonderful Christmas along with a safe and prosperous New Year!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tough-luck Kid
Kasey Tweed has never been one of Central Oklahoma's big stars on the basketball court. A career scoring average of 4.4 points a game is proof positive of that.
But the senior guard has played a vital role in UCO's success throughout her career in a myriad of other ways. Tough, hard-nosed defense. Leadership. Shear competitiveness. A tipped rebound here, a knocked away pass there. Contributions that sometimes don't show up in a box score.
And now, sadly, it appears Kasey's career is over.
I honestly didn't expect her injury-ravaged right knee to hold up the entire season, especially considering the fearless way she plays on the court, but certainly there was hope that it would.
Kasey tore her ACL in that right knee as a freshman in high school, then again as a sophomore at UCO and then again as a junior. She sat out the entire 2010-11 season rehabbing that knee, even using a personal trainer last summer to get it ready to go for one last go-around.
It actually was holding up pretty good, though there were plenty of days that Kasey couldn't practice much because of the soreness. She averaged 5.9 points a game and had a team-high 15 steals through UCO's 7-2 start and gave the Bronchos a gritty toughness they needed.
So, of course, it wasn't the right knee that went out on Kasey. It was the left. She felt something give in the second game of the season, didn't tell anyone for fear of not being able to play and then tweaked it again during practice last week.
The early diagnosis wasn't bad, but a doctor's visit revealed a partial ACL tear. Rehab it for a few weeks and she might be able to return, though the ultimate result of that would undoubtedly be a full tear and another surgery. Which means that Kasey Tweed has played her final game.
"I've played since I was five years old and just didn't want to give it up," Kasey said. "Now I'm done forever."
How do you measure a player's heart? Their passion? Their love of the game? You watch someone like Kasey Tweed.
But the senior guard has played a vital role in UCO's success throughout her career in a myriad of other ways. Tough, hard-nosed defense. Leadership. Shear competitiveness. A tipped rebound here, a knocked away pass there. Contributions that sometimes don't show up in a box score.
And now, sadly, it appears Kasey's career is over.
I honestly didn't expect her injury-ravaged right knee to hold up the entire season, especially considering the fearless way she plays on the court, but certainly there was hope that it would.
Kasey tore her ACL in that right knee as a freshman in high school, then again as a sophomore at UCO and then again as a junior. She sat out the entire 2010-11 season rehabbing that knee, even using a personal trainer last summer to get it ready to go for one last go-around.
It actually was holding up pretty good, though there were plenty of days that Kasey couldn't practice much because of the soreness. She averaged 5.9 points a game and had a team-high 15 steals through UCO's 7-2 start and gave the Bronchos a gritty toughness they needed.
So, of course, it wasn't the right knee that went out on Kasey. It was the left. She felt something give in the second game of the season, didn't tell anyone for fear of not being able to play and then tweaked it again during practice last week.
The early diagnosis wasn't bad, but a doctor's visit revealed a partial ACL tear. Rehab it for a few weeks and she might be able to return, though the ultimate result of that would undoubtedly be a full tear and another surgery. Which means that Kasey Tweed has played her final game.
"I've played since I was five years old and just didn't want to give it up," Kasey said. "Now I'm done forever."
How do you measure a player's heart? Their passion? Their love of the game? You watch someone like Kasey Tweed.
Monday, November 21, 2011
On The Road
I was in a mini-bus traveling with our women's basketball team to Denton, Texas last Friday morning when word started to reach us about the latest Oklahoma State airplane tragedy.
Shocked and bewilderment were my two immediate reactions, followed quickly by sadness and grief. As an OSU graduate, it hit even closer to home and I just couldn't believe such a catastrophe had happened to the school yet again.
But it also made me realize that accidents involving collegiate athletic programs are really rare. I'm obviously extremely grateful for that, but it's also somewhat amazing if you start to consider how many teams around the country are actually out there traveling the highways and airways during any given day.
UCO alone had its men's basketball, women's basketball and wrestling teams on the road last weekend, with the basketball squads both going to Texas and the wrestlers all the way to Nebraska. All three traveled via bus and two of them didn't arrive back until late Saturday night.
I've been on hundreds of trips during my long career at UCO, traveling virtually every way possible -- car, station wagon, van, mini-bus, charter bus, small airplane, chartered airplane and commercial airplane.
And -- knock on wood -- I've made it here and there and back again on all those trips without an accident. Yes, we hit a deer once during a late-night drive back from a wrestling tournament in Nebraska. And, yes, there's been the occasional flat tire or mechanical issue or weather delay that's hampered a trip.
But those were merely inconveniences, blips on the radar that put us behind schedule and perhaps caused us to be late. And I'm okay with late, as long as we get where we're going and back again safely.
Shocked and bewilderment were my two immediate reactions, followed quickly by sadness and grief. As an OSU graduate, it hit even closer to home and I just couldn't believe such a catastrophe had happened to the school yet again.
But it also made me realize that accidents involving collegiate athletic programs are really rare. I'm obviously extremely grateful for that, but it's also somewhat amazing if you start to consider how many teams around the country are actually out there traveling the highways and airways during any given day.
UCO alone had its men's basketball, women's basketball and wrestling teams on the road last weekend, with the basketball squads both going to Texas and the wrestlers all the way to Nebraska. All three traveled via bus and two of them didn't arrive back until late Saturday night.
I've been on hundreds of trips during my long career at UCO, traveling virtually every way possible -- car, station wagon, van, mini-bus, charter bus, small airplane, chartered airplane and commercial airplane.
And -- knock on wood -- I've made it here and there and back again on all those trips without an accident. Yes, we hit a deer once during a late-night drive back from a wrestling tournament in Nebraska. And, yes, there's been the occasional flat tire or mechanical issue or weather delay that's hampered a trip.
But those were merely inconveniences, blips on the radar that put us behind schedule and perhaps caused us to be late. And I'm okay with late, as long as we get where we're going and back again safely.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
A Special Day
This day - Nov. 2 - will always be a special day to me. It's the anniversary of when I started working at this fine institution we call the University of Central Oklahoma, although it was still Central State University when I came aboard on Nov. 2, 1987.
And here I still am, 24 years later. Who knew? Certainly not me. Although I had worked in media relations - or sports information as we called it - while in college at Oklahoma State, I had been out of the business for five years while working as a sports writer for newspapers in McAlester and Lawton.
But when the job came open back in October of 1987 I took a chance and applied. Skip Wagnon was the athletic director back then and for whatever reason he took a chance on me. For that, and for the unbelievable friend he's become over the years, I'll be forever grateful.
Hard to believe it's actually been 24 years. Time certainly does fly, especially when you're having fun, and I've had a ton of that during the two-plus decades I've had the privilege of working here and living in Edmond.
The profession has certainly changed over time. When I started, weekly press releases were sent via snail mail, fax machines required a special paper and game statistics were kept with pencil and paper before being typed. Scores and sometimes stories themselves had to be dictated over the phone.
Websites weren't around, email didn't exist, nobody had ever heard of a blog.
Now virtually everything is done in the blink of eye and the push of a button. You would think all the advances in technology would make this profession easier, but I'm convinced it's actually made it tougher with all that is expected, mostly in relation to the athletic website.
But it's been a great ride and I've had some unbelievable experiences during my time here, especially when traveling with our teams all around these United States. I've had the good fortune to be with various teams for games from Massachusetts to Hawaii and many, many places in between.
Long bus rides, stranded flights, lost luggage . . . we've had it all and then some.
And the games I've seen. Figuring conservatively, I've witnessed an estimated 3,000 UCO athletic events - home and away - over the past 24 years. That's a lot of wins and losses.
Obviously, the wins and championships stick out more. National titles in wrestling. Conference crowns in a number of sports. Big wins over rivals. Last-minute comebacks over anybody.
And then there's the people. That's what has been really special about this job. Life-long friendships forged with Skip and Jeff McKibbin and David James and Gary Howard and Chuck Stumbaugh and Chris Needham and Chuck Bailey, guys who were here when I first came on board.
That doesn't even begin to count those who have came through the department since that November day in 1987 when I first stepped through the doors of Hamilton Field House as a CSU employee. Nor does it include the student-athletes - the "kids" - that I've met and become friends with. Or the coaches and media relations people at schools we've played against.
UCO is a special place to me and this is a special day. Now I better get back to work, because a wrestling match is on tap and the women's basketball team is on the road. The work, and the fun, seems to never stop.
And here I still am, 24 years later. Who knew? Certainly not me. Although I had worked in media relations - or sports information as we called it - while in college at Oklahoma State, I had been out of the business for five years while working as a sports writer for newspapers in McAlester and Lawton.
But when the job came open back in October of 1987 I took a chance and applied. Skip Wagnon was the athletic director back then and for whatever reason he took a chance on me. For that, and for the unbelievable friend he's become over the years, I'll be forever grateful.
Hard to believe it's actually been 24 years. Time certainly does fly, especially when you're having fun, and I've had a ton of that during the two-plus decades I've had the privilege of working here and living in Edmond.
The profession has certainly changed over time. When I started, weekly press releases were sent via snail mail, fax machines required a special paper and game statistics were kept with pencil and paper before being typed. Scores and sometimes stories themselves had to be dictated over the phone.
Websites weren't around, email didn't exist, nobody had ever heard of a blog.
Now virtually everything is done in the blink of eye and the push of a button. You would think all the advances in technology would make this profession easier, but I'm convinced it's actually made it tougher with all that is expected, mostly in relation to the athletic website.
But it's been a great ride and I've had some unbelievable experiences during my time here, especially when traveling with our teams all around these United States. I've had the good fortune to be with various teams for games from Massachusetts to Hawaii and many, many places in between.
Long bus rides, stranded flights, lost luggage . . . we've had it all and then some.
And the games I've seen. Figuring conservatively, I've witnessed an estimated 3,000 UCO athletic events - home and away - over the past 24 years. That's a lot of wins and losses.
Obviously, the wins and championships stick out more. National titles in wrestling. Conference crowns in a number of sports. Big wins over rivals. Last-minute comebacks over anybody.
And then there's the people. That's what has been really special about this job. Life-long friendships forged with Skip and Jeff McKibbin and David James and Gary Howard and Chuck Stumbaugh and Chris Needham and Chuck Bailey, guys who were here when I first came on board.
That doesn't even begin to count those who have came through the department since that November day in 1987 when I first stepped through the doors of Hamilton Field House as a CSU employee. Nor does it include the student-athletes - the "kids" - that I've met and become friends with. Or the coaches and media relations people at schools we've played against.
UCO is a special place to me and this is a special day. Now I better get back to work, because a wrestling match is on tap and the women's basketball team is on the road. The work, and the fun, seems to never stop.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Fall Update
*Big win for the UCO football team last Saturday at Wantland Stadium, one the Bronchos badly needed after stumbling out of the gate 0-4.
Plenty of heroes in the 41-21 win, with running back Joshua Birmingham and cornerback Creadell Pennon getting the lion's share of the credit for their incredible individual performances. All Birmingham did was rush for 233 yards -- sixth-best game in school history -- with a 74-yard touchdown scamper while breaking two other long runs to set up scores. Pennon was not to be outdone, intercepting three passes and running one back 100 yards for a TD. The other two were fourth-quarter picks, both in UCO territory.
There were plenty of others who played key roles in the win, from Ethan Sharp's efficient performance at quarterback that included two scoring passes and a TD run to Sam Moses, Keno Meadows, Tucker Cason and Brandon Williams coming up with key defensive stops. And don't forget place-kicker Chris Robbs, who booted a pair of fourth-period field goals when the Bronchos pulled away. It was the best overall effort of the seaosn for UCO, with offense, defense and special teams all playing a big role in the win.
UCO goes back on the road the next two weeks and both will be amazingly hard tests. First up is a long trip to San Luis Obispo, Calif. this Saturday to take on Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) member Cal Poly and then next week the Bronchos go to Topeka, Kan. to meet Washburn, currently ranked fifth in Division II.
After that, though, UCO ends the season with four straight home games.
*This week's Division II women's soccer poll had a familiar name in it for the first time this year -- UCO, which came in at No. 23. The Bronchos have been ranking regulars since 1999, but didn't crack the top 25 all last season and made it for the first time in 2011 thanks to an on-going seven-game winning streak.
Mike Cook's crew has outscored its last seven opponents 21-3 while pitching four shutouts and is definitely on a roll right now. UCO returns from a nine-day break from competition Sunday, hosting Southwestern Oklahoma at 1 p.m.
*Volleyball started a four-match homestand Wednesday night with a three-set throttling of Oklahoma Panhandle, giving up just 15 points in winning the last two (25-6 and 25-9). The Bronchos, now 12-9, are back home Friday against Harding before hosting Texas-Permian Basin Sunday and Newman next Tuesday.
*UCO's rowing team opened its fall schedule last weekend at the Oklahoma River in the Head of the Oklahoma Regatta and fared well despite stiff competition that had the Bronchos as the lone Division II school in every race. First-year head coach Andrew Derrick has his team pointed in the right direction and is ready to make some serious noise next spring.
*The youthful UCO women's golf team came through with a fine third-place finish at their own UCO Golf Classic earlier this week at Lincoln Park in Oklahoma City. The Bronchos had two sophomores and three freshmen in the starting lineup and still shot rounds of 294-291, with the 291 the third-lowest in school history. Sophomore Chaney Uhles finished third with a one-under-par 139 total after shooting 70-69 and looks like a legitimate All-America contender.
*UCO's cross country team continues to be paced by freshman phenom Brooke Klimek, who came in 11th at the rugged Cowboy Jamboree last week to lead the Bronchos to a seventh-place team finish. Klimek won the first two meets of the season and will be a threat to win every race UCO competes in the rest of the way.
*Don't look now, but the winter sports teams are about to start practice. UCO's wrestling squad, which has 15 national championship banners hanging in Hamilton Field House, will get started Oct. 10 when teams can finally get on the mat. The basketball teams won't be far behind, with the first official practices for both set for Oct. 15. UCO's men and women both made it to the Sweet 16 last year in winning a combined 52 games (30 for men, 22 for women) and both figure to be quite good again this year.
Plenty of heroes in the 41-21 win, with running back Joshua Birmingham and cornerback Creadell Pennon getting the lion's share of the credit for their incredible individual performances. All Birmingham did was rush for 233 yards -- sixth-best game in school history -- with a 74-yard touchdown scamper while breaking two other long runs to set up scores. Pennon was not to be outdone, intercepting three passes and running one back 100 yards for a TD. The other two were fourth-quarter picks, both in UCO territory.
There were plenty of others who played key roles in the win, from Ethan Sharp's efficient performance at quarterback that included two scoring passes and a TD run to Sam Moses, Keno Meadows, Tucker Cason and Brandon Williams coming up with key defensive stops. And don't forget place-kicker Chris Robbs, who booted a pair of fourth-period field goals when the Bronchos pulled away. It was the best overall effort of the seaosn for UCO, with offense, defense and special teams all playing a big role in the win.
UCO goes back on the road the next two weeks and both will be amazingly hard tests. First up is a long trip to San Luis Obispo, Calif. this Saturday to take on Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) member Cal Poly and then next week the Bronchos go to Topeka, Kan. to meet Washburn, currently ranked fifth in Division II.
After that, though, UCO ends the season with four straight home games.
*This week's Division II women's soccer poll had a familiar name in it for the first time this year -- UCO, which came in at No. 23. The Bronchos have been ranking regulars since 1999, but didn't crack the top 25 all last season and made it for the first time in 2011 thanks to an on-going seven-game winning streak.
Mike Cook's crew has outscored its last seven opponents 21-3 while pitching four shutouts and is definitely on a roll right now. UCO returns from a nine-day break from competition Sunday, hosting Southwestern Oklahoma at 1 p.m.
*Volleyball started a four-match homestand Wednesday night with a three-set throttling of Oklahoma Panhandle, giving up just 15 points in winning the last two (25-6 and 25-9). The Bronchos, now 12-9, are back home Friday against Harding before hosting Texas-Permian Basin Sunday and Newman next Tuesday.
*UCO's rowing team opened its fall schedule last weekend at the Oklahoma River in the Head of the Oklahoma Regatta and fared well despite stiff competition that had the Bronchos as the lone Division II school in every race. First-year head coach Andrew Derrick has his team pointed in the right direction and is ready to make some serious noise next spring.
*The youthful UCO women's golf team came through with a fine third-place finish at their own UCO Golf Classic earlier this week at Lincoln Park in Oklahoma City. The Bronchos had two sophomores and three freshmen in the starting lineup and still shot rounds of 294-291, with the 291 the third-lowest in school history. Sophomore Chaney Uhles finished third with a one-under-par 139 total after shooting 70-69 and looks like a legitimate All-America contender.
*UCO's cross country team continues to be paced by freshman phenom Brooke Klimek, who came in 11th at the rugged Cowboy Jamboree last week to lead the Bronchos to a seventh-place team finish. Klimek won the first two meets of the season and will be a threat to win every race UCO competes in the rest of the way.
*Don't look now, but the winter sports teams are about to start practice. UCO's wrestling squad, which has 15 national championship banners hanging in Hamilton Field House, will get started Oct. 10 when teams can finally get on the mat. The basketball teams won't be far behind, with the first official practices for both set for Oct. 15. UCO's men and women both made it to the Sweet 16 last year in winning a combined 52 games (30 for men, 22 for women) and both figure to be quite good again this year.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Season Update
Three weeks into the sports year and here's what we've learned from last time!
* For once I was right about something. There was no way the UCO soccer team was going to continue to play like it did in getting out of the gate 0-3 and that's exactly what happened. Since that tough start the Bronchos have reeled off four straight wins, including a huge 2-0 road upset of No. 2-ranked St. Edward's Sunday. Mike Cook's crew has started to play lock-down defense -- having given up just two goals with two shutouts in the current streak -- and the offense has started to find its rhythm. And speaking of Coach Cook . . . congats to to the veteran skipper for picking up his 200th career win with the Bronchos back on Sept. 10 in UCO's 4-0 blanking of Southwest Baptist. Quite an accomplishment for quite a coach.
* The football team seems to have regressed. I saw a lot of encouraging signs during UCO's season-opening 31-10 road loss to what is now the No. 2-ranked Division II team in the country in North Alabama, a talent-laden squad that features 30-plus Division I transfers, but the Bronchos seem to have taken a step back the last couple of weeks. Defensively, UCO played real solid in last week's 20-0 setback at Angelo State and could have easily given up a lot more points with the field position the Rams enjoyed throughout the second half. Offensively, the Bronchos never got untracked last week and that was surprising given some of the skill position people we appear to have. At any rate, Saturday's game at Southwestern Oklahoma looms large for UCO. It will be the 87th meeting between the two old rivals and it could also be the last one as moves by both schools to different conferences will prevent future meetings, at least for the foreseable future.
* UCO's volleyball squad is up-and-down. That shouldn't be too surprising given the amount of newcomers who are playing key roles for Jeff Boyland's Bronchos, who will undoubtedly get more consistent as the season progresses. This team can play at an extremely high level one match and then really struggle the next, but you have to like the make-up of the squad and I think the future is really bright.
* This may be the best cross country team UCO's had since the 2000 club won the Lone Star Conference championship. It may be too early to say that since the Bronchos have had only one meet, with last week's race at Missouri Southern cancelled by lightning, but it's hard not to be excited about this bunch. I know Coach J.D. Martin likes what he sees and that man's been around cross country/track long enough to know. Freshman Brooke Klimek had an amazing collegiate debut in running away with the individual title at the season-opening UCO Land Run on Sept. 10 and you need to keep an eye on this team.
* The UCO men's golf team is good. Real good. National championship-type good. Okay, I'm not going out on a limb much with that statement given the Bronchos returned four starters and several other key players from last year's team that was ranked No. 1 for much of the spring and was fifth in the first Division II national poll of the fall, but still. Two tournaments this fall, two tournament titles. The latest one, which wrapped up Tuesday, was a 26-shot romp over a runner-up team ranked No. 3 in the country. Yep, they're good all right.
* For once I was right about something. There was no way the UCO soccer team was going to continue to play like it did in getting out of the gate 0-3 and that's exactly what happened. Since that tough start the Bronchos have reeled off four straight wins, including a huge 2-0 road upset of No. 2-ranked St. Edward's Sunday. Mike Cook's crew has started to play lock-down defense -- having given up just two goals with two shutouts in the current streak -- and the offense has started to find its rhythm. And speaking of Coach Cook . . . congats to to the veteran skipper for picking up his 200th career win with the Bronchos back on Sept. 10 in UCO's 4-0 blanking of Southwest Baptist. Quite an accomplishment for quite a coach.
* The football team seems to have regressed. I saw a lot of encouraging signs during UCO's season-opening 31-10 road loss to what is now the No. 2-ranked Division II team in the country in North Alabama, a talent-laden squad that features 30-plus Division I transfers, but the Bronchos seem to have taken a step back the last couple of weeks. Defensively, UCO played real solid in last week's 20-0 setback at Angelo State and could have easily given up a lot more points with the field position the Rams enjoyed throughout the second half. Offensively, the Bronchos never got untracked last week and that was surprising given some of the skill position people we appear to have. At any rate, Saturday's game at Southwestern Oklahoma looms large for UCO. It will be the 87th meeting between the two old rivals and it could also be the last one as moves by both schools to different conferences will prevent future meetings, at least for the foreseable future.
* UCO's volleyball squad is up-and-down. That shouldn't be too surprising given the amount of newcomers who are playing key roles for Jeff Boyland's Bronchos, who will undoubtedly get more consistent as the season progresses. This team can play at an extremely high level one match and then really struggle the next, but you have to like the make-up of the squad and I think the future is really bright.
* This may be the best cross country team UCO's had since the 2000 club won the Lone Star Conference championship. It may be too early to say that since the Bronchos have had only one meet, with last week's race at Missouri Southern cancelled by lightning, but it's hard not to be excited about this bunch. I know Coach J.D. Martin likes what he sees and that man's been around cross country/track long enough to know. Freshman Brooke Klimek had an amazing collegiate debut in running away with the individual title at the season-opening UCO Land Run on Sept. 10 and you need to keep an eye on this team.
* The UCO men's golf team is good. Real good. National championship-type good. Okay, I'm not going out on a limb much with that statement given the Bronchos returned four starters and several other key players from last year's team that was ranked No. 1 for much of the spring and was fifth in the first Division II national poll of the fall, but still. Two tournaments this fall, two tournament titles. The latest one, which wrapped up Tuesday, was a 26-shot romp over a runner-up team ranked No. 3 in the country. Yep, they're good all right.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
And We're Off!
A week into the new sports year and here's what we know.
• UCO's volleyball team is resilient. The Bronchos, relying heavily on a sophomore transfer at setter and several true freshmen at key positions, have bounced back from a season-opening loss to win four straight. And two of those have been down-to-the-wire five-set marathons, winning one of those 20-18 and the other 16-14. Rookies Jordan Jacobs and Juliette Smith have shined.
• UCO's football team has some impressive young talent. The Bronchos played 14 freshmen -- seven true and seven redshirt -- in last week's 31-10 road loss to No. 6 North Alabama and four of those really stood out. Wide receivers Christian Hood and Steve Caldwell were fearless in catching a combined 17 passes against a mean UNA defense, while defensive lineman Tyler Newton and linebacker Terry Williamson both made a series of big plays.
• UCO's soccer team is struggling. The Bronchos have scored just one goal in losing their first three games of the season for just the second time in school history and were completely whipped in Wednesday's home-opening loss to Abilene Christian. But something else I also know . . . there's too much talent on this team and Mike Cook is too good a coach for that trend to continue.
• UCO's cross country squad is ready to get started. Coach J.D. Martin's crew finally opens its season Saturday when the Bronchos host the UCO Land Run at Mitch Park in Edmond. Four runners are back from last year, an injury-plagued senior is ready to go and a pair of newcomers look to make an impact.
• Two of our sports that basically have two seasons -- fall and spring -- are also eager to get going. The men's and women's golf teams will open their fall campaigns next Monday and Tuesday, with new coach Pat Bates taking a loaded men's team to a tournament in Abilene, Texas while women's skipper Michael Bond and his youthful squad travel to Dallas.
• UCO's volleyball team is resilient. The Bronchos, relying heavily on a sophomore transfer at setter and several true freshmen at key positions, have bounced back from a season-opening loss to win four straight. And two of those have been down-to-the-wire five-set marathons, winning one of those 20-18 and the other 16-14. Rookies Jordan Jacobs and Juliette Smith have shined.
• UCO's football team has some impressive young talent. The Bronchos played 14 freshmen -- seven true and seven redshirt -- in last week's 31-10 road loss to No. 6 North Alabama and four of those really stood out. Wide receivers Christian Hood and Steve Caldwell were fearless in catching a combined 17 passes against a mean UNA defense, while defensive lineman Tyler Newton and linebacker Terry Williamson both made a series of big plays.
• UCO's soccer team is struggling. The Bronchos have scored just one goal in losing their first three games of the season for just the second time in school history and were completely whipped in Wednesday's home-opening loss to Abilene Christian. But something else I also know . . . there's too much talent on this team and Mike Cook is too good a coach for that trend to continue.
• UCO's cross country squad is ready to get started. Coach J.D. Martin's crew finally opens its season Saturday when the Bronchos host the UCO Land Run at Mitch Park in Edmond. Four runners are back from last year, an injury-plagued senior is ready to go and a pair of newcomers look to make an impact.
• Two of our sports that basically have two seasons -- fall and spring -- are also eager to get going. The men's and women's golf teams will open their fall campaigns next Monday and Tuesday, with new coach Pat Bates taking a loaded men's team to a tournament in Abilene, Texas while women's skipper Michael Bond and his youthful squad travel to Dallas.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Game Week
It's finally here.
It's game week for three of UCO's fall teams -- football, soccer and volleyball.
Football gets it started Thursday night when the Bronchos take on long-time Division II power North Alabama, which is ranked sixth in the pre-season poll. Game-time is 7 p.m. and check out the advance on bronchosports.com for links to follow the game via TV broadcast, radio broadcast or live stats.
It will be quite the challenge for UCO, with the Lions featuring a team loaded with dozens of Division I transfers. UNA went 9-4 last year in making the second round of the playoffs and is expected to be a prime national championship contender this fall.
But it will also be quite an opportunity for the Bronchos. Taking on a well-established power on the field that has hosted the Division II national championship game the last 20 years should have Coach Tracy Holland and his team ready to play at a fever pitch.
Soccer takes the field Friday afternoon in Omaha, Neb., going against a Nebraska-Omaha team that won the Division II national title just a couple of years ago and is now in the process of moving to Division I. UCO follows that with another game Sunday in Omaha, this one against Truman State.
The Bronchos have plenty of returning talent -- 10 starters are back from 2010 -- and a host of newcomers who are chomping at the bit to get on the field and contribute as well. This has the makings of a very good fall for Coach Mike Cook and his crew.
And speaking of Coach Cook . . . the veteran skipper will be going after his 200th win at UCO in Friday's opener against UNO. Mike is 199-68-16 since he debuted as the program's only coach in 1998, which is some kind of good.
Volleyball also opens up on Friday, with the Bronchos in Joplin, Mo. for two days of play in the Missouri Southern Invitational. UCO will play twice each day, going against Harding and the host Lions on Friday before taking on Quincy and Newman on Saturday.
The Bronchos will have a bunch of new faces this year with a large group of newcomers, but look for Coach Jeff Boyland to once again put an exciting -- and winning -- product on the court.
The volleyball team, by the way, will be the first one to play at home this year when they host Southeastern Oklahoma on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Soccer follows the next day with an afternoon contest against Abilene Christian to start a three-game homestand and then cross country will kick off its season at home on Saturday, Sept. 10 with the UCO Land Run.
It's game week for three of UCO's fall teams -- football, soccer and volleyball.
Football gets it started Thursday night when the Bronchos take on long-time Division II power North Alabama, which is ranked sixth in the pre-season poll. Game-time is 7 p.m. and check out the advance on bronchosports.com for links to follow the game via TV broadcast, radio broadcast or live stats.
It will be quite the challenge for UCO, with the Lions featuring a team loaded with dozens of Division I transfers. UNA went 9-4 last year in making the second round of the playoffs and is expected to be a prime national championship contender this fall.
But it will also be quite an opportunity for the Bronchos. Taking on a well-established power on the field that has hosted the Division II national championship game the last 20 years should have Coach Tracy Holland and his team ready to play at a fever pitch.
Soccer takes the field Friday afternoon in Omaha, Neb., going against a Nebraska-Omaha team that won the Division II national title just a couple of years ago and is now in the process of moving to Division I. UCO follows that with another game Sunday in Omaha, this one against Truman State.
The Bronchos have plenty of returning talent -- 10 starters are back from 2010 -- and a host of newcomers who are chomping at the bit to get on the field and contribute as well. This has the makings of a very good fall for Coach Mike Cook and his crew.
And speaking of Coach Cook . . . the veteran skipper will be going after his 200th win at UCO in Friday's opener against UNO. Mike is 199-68-16 since he debuted as the program's only coach in 1998, which is some kind of good.
Volleyball also opens up on Friday, with the Bronchos in Joplin, Mo. for two days of play in the Missouri Southern Invitational. UCO will play twice each day, going against Harding and the host Lions on Friday before taking on Quincy and Newman on Saturday.
The Bronchos will have a bunch of new faces this year with a large group of newcomers, but look for Coach Jeff Boyland to once again put an exciting -- and winning -- product on the court.
The volleyball team, by the way, will be the first one to play at home this year when they host Southeastern Oklahoma on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Soccer follows the next day with an afternoon contest against Abilene Christian to start a three-game homestand and then cross country will kick off its season at home on Saturday, Sept. 10 with the UCO Land Run.
Monday, August 22, 2011
School Is Here
It's Monday, Aug. 22, the first day of the fall semester for UCO and its 17,000-plus students. Which means that finding a parking place has become even more of a challenge than the past two weeks, when students first starting moving in.
More importantly, it also means we're just over a week away from the fall sports season starting.
Football gets things started first, opening the season next week with a Thursday night game at North Alabama, an NCAA Division II playoff team last year. The Lions have a roster full of Division I transfers and were ranked sixth in the pre-season national poll.
Volleyball and soccer both open next weekend, both hitting the road for classics. Soccer goes to Omaha, Neb. to take on Nebraska-Omaha (Sept. 2) and Truman State (Sept. 4), while volleyball travels to Joplin, Mo. to play four matches in the Missouri Southern Classic Sept. 2-3.
The cross country squad doesn't start up until the next weekend, hosting the UCO Land Run Sept. 10 at Mitch Park.
All four teams have been busy getting ready, with two-a-day practices the norm instead of the exception. From all reports, much progress has been made as coaches try to mesh together returners from last year with newcomers, be they freshmen or transfers.
Football has had a pair of intrasquad scrimmages and it's readily apparent the Bronchos have more team speed than in recent years. There is some special talent at several positions, but depth in certain areas is thin and a brutal schedule will provide an extra challenge.
Volleyball scrimmaged an outside opponent last Friday and a young squad that must grow up in a hurry had some impressive moments. There will be several new players who will play key roles this fall, so look for the Bronchos to make impressive progress throughout the year.
Soccer also had a scrimmage last week and this team appears ready to make a big splash. Ten starters returned and a host of talented newcomers have shown their ability to contribute, with the Bronchos ready to reclaim their status as a perennial national tournament team.
Cross country also has a good mix of returners and newcomers, with this group putting in lots of miles during morning and afternoon workouts to get ready for the fast-approaching season.
It should be a fun fall, even if I can't find a parking place.
More importantly, it also means we're just over a week away from the fall sports season starting.
Football gets things started first, opening the season next week with a Thursday night game at North Alabama, an NCAA Division II playoff team last year. The Lions have a roster full of Division I transfers and were ranked sixth in the pre-season national poll.
Volleyball and soccer both open next weekend, both hitting the road for classics. Soccer goes to Omaha, Neb. to take on Nebraska-Omaha (Sept. 2) and Truman State (Sept. 4), while volleyball travels to Joplin, Mo. to play four matches in the Missouri Southern Classic Sept. 2-3.
The cross country squad doesn't start up until the next weekend, hosting the UCO Land Run Sept. 10 at Mitch Park.
All four teams have been busy getting ready, with two-a-day practices the norm instead of the exception. From all reports, much progress has been made as coaches try to mesh together returners from last year with newcomers, be they freshmen or transfers.
Football has had a pair of intrasquad scrimmages and it's readily apparent the Bronchos have more team speed than in recent years. There is some special talent at several positions, but depth in certain areas is thin and a brutal schedule will provide an extra challenge.
Volleyball scrimmaged an outside opponent last Friday and a young squad that must grow up in a hurry had some impressive moments. There will be several new players who will play key roles this fall, so look for the Bronchos to make impressive progress throughout the year.
Soccer also had a scrimmage last week and this team appears ready to make a big splash. Ten starters returned and a host of talented newcomers have shown their ability to contribute, with the Bronchos ready to reclaim their status as a perennial national tournament team.
Cross country also has a good mix of returners and newcomers, with this group putting in lots of miles during morning and afternoon workouts to get ready for the fast-approaching season.
It should be a fun fall, even if I can't find a parking place.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Are You Ready For Some Football?
It's here.
The season doesn't open for another three weeks, but football officially arrived at UCO Thursday, Aug. 11, with the start of practice. More than 100 players reported to campus Tuesday, with Wednesday spent on physicals, equipment check-out and meetings before Thursday morning's first workout.
The Bronchos have plenty of returning players eager to make amends for last year's 2-9 record that included a number of heart-breaking losses -- including two by one point in overtime -- and voluntary summer workouts were well attended. Also in the mix is a huge group of newcomers, which includes a freshman class the coaching staff raves about and several transfers who are expected to have an impact.
Three weeks isn't a lot of time to get ready for the first game, especially when that opener is at long-time Division II powerhouse North Alabama. A brutally long bus trip to take on a returning national playoff team with a large volume of Division I transfers in the lineup will certainly test the Bronchos right off the bat, but that's just one of many challenges UCO will face this fall.
Four straight road games to open the season also won't be much fun, with the Bronchos not making their home debut until the Oct. 1 Homecoming contest against East Central. And that home opener is followed by a long trip to California to face a tough Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) team in Cal Poly.
But all those obstacles are still a ways away. Right now, coaches and players are just excited to be back on the football field.
The season doesn't open for another three weeks, but football officially arrived at UCO Thursday, Aug. 11, with the start of practice. More than 100 players reported to campus Tuesday, with Wednesday spent on physicals, equipment check-out and meetings before Thursday morning's first workout.
The Bronchos have plenty of returning players eager to make amends for last year's 2-9 record that included a number of heart-breaking losses -- including two by one point in overtime -- and voluntary summer workouts were well attended. Also in the mix is a huge group of newcomers, which includes a freshman class the coaching staff raves about and several transfers who are expected to have an impact.
Three weeks isn't a lot of time to get ready for the first game, especially when that opener is at long-time Division II powerhouse North Alabama. A brutally long bus trip to take on a returning national playoff team with a large volume of Division I transfers in the lineup will certainly test the Bronchos right off the bat, but that's just one of many challenges UCO will face this fall.
Four straight road games to open the season also won't be much fun, with the Bronchos not making their home debut until the Oct. 1 Homecoming contest against East Central. And that home opener is followed by a long trip to California to face a tough Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) team in Cal Poly.
But all those obstacles are still a ways away. Right now, coaches and players are just excited to be back on the football field.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Winter Schedules . . . Odds and Ends
Since the water in Oklahoma's ever-shrinking ponds and lakes must be near the boiling point with the repeated 100-degree days we're having it seems only appropriate to talk about winter. As in UCO's winter sports schedules.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, it will be a light home schedule for men's/women's basketball and wrestling this coming season. The Bronchos are competing as NCAA Division II independents in 2011-12 as we transition from the Lone Star Conference to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, which UCO will join for the 2012-13 school year.
Not being part of a conference has played a huge role in the scheduling difficulties experienced by many of our teams, particuarly football and basketball. Wrestling hasn't been a conference sport for decades and has always had its own difficulties.
The final result is that UCO will have just 15 home basketball games -- combined -- this coming season and four home wrestling duals, though the Bronchos will host the all-important Super Regional II Tournament in late February.
There will be only five basketball doubleheaders at Hamilton Field House -- two in November, one in January and two in February. And two of those will be against state rival Northeastern State, a team UCO's men and women will face four times apiece this winter.
The best thing for three three teams involved is that they should all be good. Very good. Maybe even very, very good. The men and women's hoops teams both return four starters from Sweet 16 teams. The wrestling squad has back all 10 starters from a 15-4 team.
...
UCO's fall sports teams will be reporting soon to begin preparing for their fast-approaching seasons. Football is first, with the Bronchos coming in Aug. 9 before practice starts Aug. 11.
Soccer, volleyball and cross country will all report the week of Aug. 15.
...
About the only thing left to finish off the installation of new turf at Wantland Stadium is the clean-up and with not much time to spare since practice starts next week. It looks really good, though the color in both end zones and the big UCO sign in the middle is not quite the modern version. That will be fixed before UCO's first home game, though, so no worries.
...
And finally, we've a KD sighting. As in Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the best basketball players in this whole wide world. KD used Hamilton Field House for a practice session Sunday afternoon, going at it for 2 1/2 hours. Now we know yet another reason he's as good as he is.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, it will be a light home schedule for men's/women's basketball and wrestling this coming season. The Bronchos are competing as NCAA Division II independents in 2011-12 as we transition from the Lone Star Conference to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, which UCO will join for the 2012-13 school year.
Not being part of a conference has played a huge role in the scheduling difficulties experienced by many of our teams, particuarly football and basketball. Wrestling hasn't been a conference sport for decades and has always had its own difficulties.
The final result is that UCO will have just 15 home basketball games -- combined -- this coming season and four home wrestling duals, though the Bronchos will host the all-important Super Regional II Tournament in late February.
There will be only five basketball doubleheaders at Hamilton Field House -- two in November, one in January and two in February. And two of those will be against state rival Northeastern State, a team UCO's men and women will face four times apiece this winter.
The best thing for three three teams involved is that they should all be good. Very good. Maybe even very, very good. The men and women's hoops teams both return four starters from Sweet 16 teams. The wrestling squad has back all 10 starters from a 15-4 team.
...
UCO's fall sports teams will be reporting soon to begin preparing for their fast-approaching seasons. Football is first, with the Bronchos coming in Aug. 9 before practice starts Aug. 11.
Soccer, volleyball and cross country will all report the week of Aug. 15.
...
About the only thing left to finish off the installation of new turf at Wantland Stadium is the clean-up and with not much time to spare since practice starts next week. It looks really good, though the color in both end zones and the big UCO sign in the middle is not quite the modern version. That will be fixed before UCO's first home game, though, so no worries.
...
And finally, we've a KD sighting. As in Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the best basketball players in this whole wide world. KD used Hamilton Field House for a practice session Sunday afternoon, going at it for 2 1/2 hours. Now we know yet another reason he's as good as he is.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Summer Thoughts
It's blazing hot, I can't remember the last time it rained and no UCO team will be playing for at least another month and a half. Which means it must be the middle of July in Oklahoma.
Some random thoughts as we get through the dog days of summer . . .
Work continues at Wantland Stadium, where new turf is being installed to replace the original one that went in before the 2003 season. It didn't take long to strip off the old turf, but repairs have to be made to the drainage system and other areas before the new green stuff can be put down.
Everything will be ready by the time practice starts in early August and the new field will look far better than the old one, though most UCO fans won't see it until Oct. 1 when the Bronchos host East Central in the 2011 home opener. And that will be Homecoming, by the way.
Work is also going on in the Hamilton Field House weight room, but I'm talking about the kind where guys of all sizes are flinging around massive amounts of iron. Dozens of UCO football players are busy preparing for the upcoming season with daily sessions in the weight room and early-morning runs, with seven-on-seven work being conducted several times a week during the evening.
Several of those guys graciously helped last week with the filming of a public service announcement being done by KOKH Fox 25 for the upcoming Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Labor Day Telethon. "Make a muscle, make a difference" was the slogan, with Joshua Birmingham, Herbert Byrd, Tucker Cason, Bryce Davis, Matt Jackson Sam Moses, Keno Meadows and Justin Pruitt participating in the the commercial that was filmed at three different locations on campus. Kudos to those guys for taking time out of their day to help out.
Volleyball camp is going on this week at Hamilton Field House. A boys basketball camp was held last week, which followed a girls basketball camp, which followed a boys/girls soccer camp, which followed a softball camp, which followed a baseball camp. You get the idea. Summer is a time for camps and there have been plenty on them this summer as hundreds of kids of all ages come to campus for the various camps held by our coaches.
Summer will be over soon, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Some random thoughts as we get through the dog days of summer . . .
Work continues at Wantland Stadium, where new turf is being installed to replace the original one that went in before the 2003 season. It didn't take long to strip off the old turf, but repairs have to be made to the drainage system and other areas before the new green stuff can be put down.
Everything will be ready by the time practice starts in early August and the new field will look far better than the old one, though most UCO fans won't see it until Oct. 1 when the Bronchos host East Central in the 2011 home opener. And that will be Homecoming, by the way.
Work is also going on in the Hamilton Field House weight room, but I'm talking about the kind where guys of all sizes are flinging around massive amounts of iron. Dozens of UCO football players are busy preparing for the upcoming season with daily sessions in the weight room and early-morning runs, with seven-on-seven work being conducted several times a week during the evening.
Several of those guys graciously helped last week with the filming of a public service announcement being done by KOKH Fox 25 for the upcoming Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Labor Day Telethon. "Make a muscle, make a difference" was the slogan, with Joshua Birmingham, Herbert Byrd, Tucker Cason, Bryce Davis, Matt Jackson Sam Moses, Keno Meadows and Justin Pruitt participating in the the commercial that was filmed at three different locations on campus. Kudos to those guys for taking time out of their day to help out.
Volleyball camp is going on this week at Hamilton Field House. A boys basketball camp was held last week, which followed a girls basketball camp, which followed a boys/girls soccer camp, which followed a softball camp, which followed a baseball camp. You get the idea. Summer is a time for camps and there have been plenty on them this summer as hundreds of kids of all ages come to campus for the various camps held by our coaches.
Summer will be over soon, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Friday, July 1, 2011
My Uncle Joe
My Uncle Joe was an avid golfer most of his life, often playing five times a week or more well into his 80s. He often said as he got older that if you don’t have a reason to wake up in the morning then what’s the use?
Getting up to play nine holes or whatever he had the strength to muster at his beloved Twin Hills Golf Club – easily my favorite course in Oklahoma – was one of the main things that kept Uncle Joe going as the years went by. Or sometimes he would just hit balls on the practice range.
That image cracks me up. Here’s a man in his 80s still trying to get better at a game that’s impossible to master and easy to get frustrated at and discouraged by. He still wanted to hit it a little straighter or, hopefully, a little farther.
We can all learn something from that. Never give up. Keep moving forward. Live for today, not tomorrow or yesterday.
Uncle Joe got his first hole in one just a few years back after having played for nearly 60 years. Talk about persistence! I didn’t have an ace of my own at that time, but I made sure to call Uncle Joe soon after I ended my 30-year drought three years ago and he couldn’t have been happier for me.
I know this is space is suppose to be about all things UCO, but my Uncle Joe is worth a brief interruption. A World War II veteran, he always had a suaveness about him that I envied. He was my mom’s older brother and always took care of her. He was all class, all the time.
We lost Uncle Joe late Wednesday night. The spirit and mind were willing, but his body finally just wore out. He was still sharp as a tack when I last visited him on Sunday, even cracking a couple of jokes, but his time was coming and we both knew it when we said our good byes that day.
I’m going to miss my Uncle Joe. But I’m going to think of him every time I have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, knowing that life is out there and you have to live it to the fullest just like he did.
Getting up to play nine holes or whatever he had the strength to muster at his beloved Twin Hills Golf Club – easily my favorite course in Oklahoma – was one of the main things that kept Uncle Joe going as the years went by. Or sometimes he would just hit balls on the practice range.
That image cracks me up. Here’s a man in his 80s still trying to get better at a game that’s impossible to master and easy to get frustrated at and discouraged by. He still wanted to hit it a little straighter or, hopefully, a little farther.
We can all learn something from that. Never give up. Keep moving forward. Live for today, not tomorrow or yesterday.
Uncle Joe got his first hole in one just a few years back after having played for nearly 60 years. Talk about persistence! I didn’t have an ace of my own at that time, but I made sure to call Uncle Joe soon after I ended my 30-year drought three years ago and he couldn’t have been happier for me.
I know this is space is suppose to be about all things UCO, but my Uncle Joe is worth a brief interruption. A World War II veteran, he always had a suaveness about him that I envied. He was my mom’s older brother and always took care of her. He was all class, all the time.
We lost Uncle Joe late Wednesday night. The spirit and mind were willing, but his body finally just wore out. He was still sharp as a tack when I last visited him on Sunday, even cracking a couple of jokes, but his time was coming and we both knew it when we said our good byes that day.
I’m going to miss my Uncle Joe. But I’m going to think of him every time I have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, knowing that life is out there and you have to live it to the fullest just like he did.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Good-bye To An Old Friend
You meet a lot of different people in the sports world, especially when you’ve been involved with it for 30-plus years like I have. Some good, some bad, some in-between.
Bob Hersom is definitely on the good list. And it’s always especially sad to see the good ones leave us, as Bob did Monday afternoon when the former Oklahoman sports writer succumbed to liver disease.
I met Bob in the mid-1980s while working as a sports writer at the Lawton Constitution and had off-and-on contact with him during my four-year tenure there before coming to UCO in 1987.
He covered many of our teams and events over the years, especially during a stretch as the newspaper’s college wrestling writer. Bob didn’t exactly know a lot about wrestling, but he dove into his new assignment with his typical gusto and went on the road to cover the national tournament with us one year.
Bob went on to staff several UCO football games and would occasionally call or email to check in with me even when he wasn’t covering the Bronchos. He was always the consummate professional when we were talking about work and a truly interested friend when talking about family or other subjects.
The world needs more people like Bob Hersom.
So long, Bob. Thanks for being my friend.
Bob Hersom is definitely on the good list. And it’s always especially sad to see the good ones leave us, as Bob did Monday afternoon when the former Oklahoman sports writer succumbed to liver disease.
I met Bob in the mid-1980s while working as a sports writer at the Lawton Constitution and had off-and-on contact with him during my four-year tenure there before coming to UCO in 1987.
He covered many of our teams and events over the years, especially during a stretch as the newspaper’s college wrestling writer. Bob didn’t exactly know a lot about wrestling, but he dove into his new assignment with his typical gusto and went on the road to cover the national tournament with us one year.
Bob went on to staff several UCO football games and would occasionally call or email to check in with me even when he wasn’t covering the Bronchos. He was always the consummate professional when we were talking about work and a truly interested friend when talking about family or other subjects.
The world needs more people like Bob Hersom.
So long, Bob. Thanks for being my friend.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Playing as an NCAA Division II independent in 2010-11 will create plenty of challenges for the majority of Central Oklahoma’s teams, particularly in regards to scheduling.
The Bronchos have completed their 20-plus year association with the Lone Star Conference and don’t join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association until the start of the 2011-12 academic year, so this is a year of transition for UCO.
Obviously, the most difficult item to deal with this year is finding teams to play since there is no built-in conference schedule.
A look at UCO’s football slate shows just how tough it was.
The Bronchos managed to come up with an 11-game schedule -- including five at Wantland Stadium -- but six of the first seven games are on the road, including the opening four.
Long-time state rivals East Central, Southeastern Oklahoma and Southwestern Oklahoma are back. Former LSC foe Angelo State is there along with future MIAA opponents Fort Hays State and Washburn.
But UCO will also face four teams for the first time ever, traveling to long-time Division II power North Alabama and Football Championship Subdivision member Cal Poly in addition to hosting Division II newcomers Black Hills State and Lindenwood.
It’s an interesting schedule and also a very tough one that will definitely require the Bronchos to play at a high level, starting right off the bat with a trip to North Alabama.
Soccer and volleyball will also have limited home contests this fall, though those sports didn’t have as tough a time filling their schedules.
Soccer will play eight of its 18 games at Tom Thompson Field, with the twist being that the Bronchos will play three teams – ECU, SWOSU and Northeastern State – twice, once at home and once away.
Volleyball will also have home-and-home matches with three schools (ECU, SWOSU and SOSU), but UCO’s 33-match schedule will actually include more contests at Hamilton Field House this year (10) than last (eight).
The men's and women's basketball schedules aren't official, but it appears each will have at most seven home games and both teams are set to play NSU and Lindenwood four times apiece.
It remains to be seen what UCO's other schedules will look like.
Such are the hazards of playing as an independent, but thankfully it's a short-term problem before the Bronchos join NSU, Lindenwood and Nebraska-Kearney as new MIAA members in the fall of 2011.
The Bronchos have completed their 20-plus year association with the Lone Star Conference and don’t join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association until the start of the 2011-12 academic year, so this is a year of transition for UCO.
Obviously, the most difficult item to deal with this year is finding teams to play since there is no built-in conference schedule.
A look at UCO’s football slate shows just how tough it was.
The Bronchos managed to come up with an 11-game schedule -- including five at Wantland Stadium -- but six of the first seven games are on the road, including the opening four.
Long-time state rivals East Central, Southeastern Oklahoma and Southwestern Oklahoma are back. Former LSC foe Angelo State is there along with future MIAA opponents Fort Hays State and Washburn.
But UCO will also face four teams for the first time ever, traveling to long-time Division II power North Alabama and Football Championship Subdivision member Cal Poly in addition to hosting Division II newcomers Black Hills State and Lindenwood.
It’s an interesting schedule and also a very tough one that will definitely require the Bronchos to play at a high level, starting right off the bat with a trip to North Alabama.
Soccer and volleyball will also have limited home contests this fall, though those sports didn’t have as tough a time filling their schedules.
Soccer will play eight of its 18 games at Tom Thompson Field, with the twist being that the Bronchos will play three teams – ECU, SWOSU and Northeastern State – twice, once at home and once away.
Volleyball will also have home-and-home matches with three schools (ECU, SWOSU and SOSU), but UCO’s 33-match schedule will actually include more contests at Hamilton Field House this year (10) than last (eight).
The men's and women's basketball schedules aren't official, but it appears each will have at most seven home games and both teams are set to play NSU and Lindenwood four times apiece.
It remains to be seen what UCO's other schedules will look like.
Such are the hazards of playing as an independent, but thankfully it's a short-term problem before the Bronchos join NSU, Lindenwood and Nebraska-Kearney as new MIAA members in the fall of 2011.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Golf Teams Ready; LSC Farewell
Congrats to the UCO men’s and women’s golf teams, who both earned invites to the NCAA Division II post-season party that begins with regional competition on May 1.
The 13th-ranked women go to Amarillo, Texas for the West Regional May 1-3, while the top-rated men – yes, that’s No. 1 in the nation – travel to Georgetown, Ky. For the South Central/Central Regional May 2-4.
Nine teams make up the women’s field, with every squad ranked in the top 19 nationally. Three of those nine, along with three individuals, qualify for the national tournament.
Michael Bond’s squad has enjoyed a good year, having placed in the top six in all 10 tournaments in 2010-11. The Bronchos have six top four finishes, winning their own UCO/Mahogany Classic last fall at Lincoln Park in Oklahoma City.
Freshman Chaney Uhles has the team’s best scoring average at 77.2, while juniors Emily Leahey (77.9) and Erica Bensch (77.9) have also been consistent performers. Rookie Taylor Neidy (79.0) and junior Mychael McWhorter (81.5) round out the team that will be gunning to earn UCO’s first-ever national tournament berth.
Twenty teams comprise the men’s super regional, with the top five and two individuals advancing on to the national championships.
Dax Johnston and the Bronchos have put together simply an amazing year, having won a school-record eight tournaments in 11 tries. UCO finished runner-up in two other tournaments with its worst finish, a fifth at the St. Edward’s Invitational in early March, the direct result of an injury that forced the team to play a man short.
This veteran, close-knit unit obviously has the ability to be a prime national championship contender. They’re not ranked No. 1 in the country for nothing, taking over that top spot in the latest coaches poll after capturing the Lone Star Conference title May 20 in San Antonio.
Senior stud Colby Shrum leads the way, carrying a salty 70.7 scoring average with a school-record five individual championships to his credit. Sophomore Josh Creel has a 71.3 average and nine top-10 finishes, including two titles.
Juniors Andrew Green (72.0) and Baer Aneshansley (73.9) and sophomore Chris Muriana (75.0) complete the powerhouse squad that has its sights set high for the month of May.
And on another note . . . the Lone Star Conference Track and Field Championships in Stephenville, Texas on May 6-8 will mark the end of an era for the Central Oklahoma athletic department.
It will be the final LSC event the Bronchos will ever compete in as the school starts its transition to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, a process that will have UCO competing as NCAA Division II independents next year before joining the MIAA for the 2012-13 academic year.
It will be sad to leave a league I’ve been around since we joined back in the late 1980s and I’ll certainly miss all the people in the conference office and from the LSC affiliated teams whom I’ve come to know over the years.
But it will also mean the start of some new and exciting rivalries with schools various UCO teams have met off-and-on over the years. The Bronchos have gone against Northwest Missouri, Pittsburg State, Central Missouri, Washburn, Emporia State and other MIAA teams in several sports over the years and there’s no question our new league ranks among of the best in Division II.
So, after next week, it will be farewell to the LSC. It was good to know you.
The 13th-ranked women go to Amarillo, Texas for the West Regional May 1-3, while the top-rated men – yes, that’s No. 1 in the nation – travel to Georgetown, Ky. For the South Central/Central Regional May 2-4.
Nine teams make up the women’s field, with every squad ranked in the top 19 nationally. Three of those nine, along with three individuals, qualify for the national tournament.
Michael Bond’s squad has enjoyed a good year, having placed in the top six in all 10 tournaments in 2010-11. The Bronchos have six top four finishes, winning their own UCO/Mahogany Classic last fall at Lincoln Park in Oklahoma City.
Freshman Chaney Uhles has the team’s best scoring average at 77.2, while juniors Emily Leahey (77.9) and Erica Bensch (77.9) have also been consistent performers. Rookie Taylor Neidy (79.0) and junior Mychael McWhorter (81.5) round out the team that will be gunning to earn UCO’s first-ever national tournament berth.
Twenty teams comprise the men’s super regional, with the top five and two individuals advancing on to the national championships.
Dax Johnston and the Bronchos have put together simply an amazing year, having won a school-record eight tournaments in 11 tries. UCO finished runner-up in two other tournaments with its worst finish, a fifth at the St. Edward’s Invitational in early March, the direct result of an injury that forced the team to play a man short.
This veteran, close-knit unit obviously has the ability to be a prime national championship contender. They’re not ranked No. 1 in the country for nothing, taking over that top spot in the latest coaches poll after capturing the Lone Star Conference title May 20 in San Antonio.
Senior stud Colby Shrum leads the way, carrying a salty 70.7 scoring average with a school-record five individual championships to his credit. Sophomore Josh Creel has a 71.3 average and nine top-10 finishes, including two titles.
Juniors Andrew Green (72.0) and Baer Aneshansley (73.9) and sophomore Chris Muriana (75.0) complete the powerhouse squad that has its sights set high for the month of May.
And on another note . . . the Lone Star Conference Track and Field Championships in Stephenville, Texas on May 6-8 will mark the end of an era for the Central Oklahoma athletic department.
It will be the final LSC event the Bronchos will ever compete in as the school starts its transition to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, a process that will have UCO competing as NCAA Division II independents next year before joining the MIAA for the 2012-13 academic year.
It will be sad to leave a league I’ve been around since we joined back in the late 1980s and I’ll certainly miss all the people in the conference office and from the LSC affiliated teams whom I’ve come to know over the years.
But it will also mean the start of some new and exciting rivalries with schools various UCO teams have met off-and-on over the years. The Bronchos have gone against Northwest Missouri, Pittsburg State, Central Missouri, Washburn, Emporia State and other MIAA teams in several sports over the years and there’s no question our new league ranks among of the best in Division II.
So, after next week, it will be farewell to the LSC. It was good to know you.
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