Friday, February 22, 2013

Around the Ohio Valley Feb. 22

Austin Peay
Governor baseball, who were the pre-season pick to finished first in the Ohio Valley Conferences regular season, are set to begin an eight game home stand that starts this weekend. The first game of the stand is today in the first game of a weekend series against Illinois State which wraps-up on Sunday the 24th. That series is followed by midweek games hosting Southern Illinois and Indiana State. The stand is then finished with a series hosting Michigan State March 1-3.

Belmont
Former Belmont men’s tennis assistant coach emeritus Brian Baker is set to be honored at the men’s basketball bracketbuster game against Ohio on Saturday. Baker has been chasing his dream in professional tennis while injuries have continually hindered his progress. Last season Baker advanced to the round of 16, and had a strong start to this season before suffering a meniscus tear in the second round of the Australian Open.

Eastern Illinois
The Panthers play host to the 2013 Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Championships this weekend at Lantz Fieldhouse in Charleston, Illinois. The competition begins this afternoon and will finish Saturday. EIU will also be defending their conference titles in both the men’s and the women’s competitions after claiming team championships each of the last four years.

Eastern Kentucky
Former Colonel wide receiver Tyrone Goard is looking to leave his mark as he participates in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He will be the first Colonel do so since 2008. Goard earned his spot at the combine by posting four 100-yard receiving games last season including a 175-yard game against UT Martin. The combine will be broadcast on NFL Network Feb. 23-26 for fans who would like to follow his progress.

Jacksonville State
Gamecock rifle program has been selected to compete in the NCAA Championships for the 12th time in school history. They are one of eight teams who have the chance to win the 2013 National Championship. The competition will be hosted by The Ohio State University March 8-9 at OSU’s French Field House in Columbus, Ohio. JSU played 6th in the championship last season.

Morehead State
For the Kelly-Tenyer family, Morehead State Athletics has been a family affair. The family has a connection to MSU athletics that now spans over 50 years and three generations. There are currently four members of the family that come to campus everyday.

Murray State
Racer football has set its schedule for the 2013 season. The schedule features six home games, which will be the first time since 2008. The road schedule features games at Missouri and Bowling Green. The game against Missouri will be their first game against SEC competition since 2005. Click here to check out the full schedule.

Southeast Missouri
The Redhawks head into the OVC Indoor Track and Field Championships with some momentum as sophomore Reggie Mille, Jr. was named Ohio Valley Conference Male Indoor Athlete of the Year this week and junior Blake Carter earned adidas® Ohio Valley Conference Male Field Athlete of the Week for the week prior. Miller, Jr. holds the OVC-best height in the high jump with a mark of 7’0.25”, and Carter holds the OVC-best and school record in the long jump with a distance of 25’6”.

SIUE
Coaches and athletes often form special bonds from the time spent together over four-year periods, but the bond between coach Scott Block and athlete Greg Block is brotherly. Literally. Scott holds the SIUE record for indoor and outdoor shot put and the outdoor record for discuss, which earned him All-American honors. He now coaches his younger brother in those events and has high hopes for him. “He’s the hardest working kid you will ever meet,” Scott said of his brother. “I’m not just saying that because it sounds good. He is a tremendously hard worker. He takes everything to the max.”

Tennessee State
97 Tennessee State student athletes were recognized for their academic achievements at halftime of the women’s basketball against UT Martin on Monday night. The honorees were met at half-court by many members of the administration including President Glenda Baskin Glover and Director of Athletics Teresa Philips to congratulate them for their achievements. To be recognized the student-athletes had to maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher during the 2012 year.

Tennessee Tech
When the Golden Eagles host Eastern Kentucky in an OVC Doubleheader on Thursday, February 28 they will also be hosting Military Appreciation Night as well as Scout Night. Both groups will receive free admission to the game. For scouts to earn free admission they will need to come to the game in their scouting uniform and present a scouting ID. Military will need to provide the proper identification to enter for free. The women’s game tips at 5:30 p.m. and the men will follow at approximately 7:30 p.m. at the Eblen Center.

UT MartinThe Skyhawk golf team won the Frito Lay/Taco Bell Intercollegiate at Dancing Rabbit Golf Course in Philadelphia, Miss. The Skyhawks shot a first round 284 and led the field of 11 teams by 19 strokes. They were only team to finish the round under par. In the second the team shot a 292, which put them at even par for the tournament, and was good enough to claim the title.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Around the Ohio Valley - February 15


Austin Peay
The Governors will enter the 2013 baseball season as the preseason pick to win the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title. They received 14 out of 20 possible votes from coaches and sports information directors around the league. With an individual honor, Jordan Hankins was picked as the Pre-Season Co-Player of the Year. The Governor’s will open the season today at 3 p.m. against Iowa.

Belmont
For the third week and second consecutive week in a row this season the Bruins are among others receiving votes for the top 25 in both national polls. Additionally, the Bruins rank in the top 50 nationally in 10 NCAA statistical categories, and are in the top 10 in steals per game, three-point field goal percentage, and field goal percentage.

Eastern Illinois
The Panthers softball team will take the field for the first time this week in the Alabama State Hornet Invitational this weekend in Montgomery, Alabama. EIU will play twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday. One game each day versus UNC Greensboro and one each day versus Alabama State. The Panthers have high hopes for the season as they return all but one starting position player.

Eastern Kentucky
The Colonels have selected Melissa Barnes to be the new coach of the women’s soccer program. Barnes will bring a record of winning with her to Richmond. At both of her previous coaching positions she helped to the lead the programs to NCAA tournament appearances. She spent 2005-07 at her alma mater Furman University and 2008-12 at UNC Wilmington.

Jacksonville State
The first pitch of the 64th season of Gamecock baseball will begin today in Kennesaw, Ga. The team begins the season with a three-game series against Kennesaw State. Taylor Shields is projected to be on the mound this afternoon in his first ever career start of JSU. He is a transfer from Calhoun Community College where he posted a record of 15-6 and a 3.20 earned run average.

Morehead State
The next two home games of Eagle basketball will be promotional nights. For the double-header Saturday the first 1,000 fans will receive rally towels to help MSU “blackout” Johnson Arena for their match-up with Tennessee Tech. Monday’s women’s game against Jacksonville State is Health, Wellness and Human Performance night. The HWP will sponsor activities during timeouts and halftime, and all tickets will be half price.

Murray State
The Racers will have a special discount ticket price for the men’s 2013 Ramada Wolrdwide Bracketbuster matchup versus South Dakota State on February 23. The upper concourse end zone seats will only be $5, and the upper concourse seats on the sides will be $10. The game will be televised on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. and will take place at the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky.

Southeast Missouri
Southeast Missouri will play host in their annual Redhawk Invite this evening at the Southeast Missouri State University Recreation Center. The events are schedule to start at 4:00 p.m. as the Redhawks welcome Bethel University and Memphis among others. The team is looking to continue momentum as they are coming off of a string showing at the Samford Invite last weekend.

SIUE
Saturday, the SIUE basketball programs play host to Austin Peay in a double-header. The games will also be used as a promotion to help create awareness for breast cancer research. The women’s Head Coach Paula Buscher has pledged to donate $25 for each three-pointer made by the Cougars during the women’s Pink Zone game. She is challenging fans to match her pledge. Fans who are interested can join by contacting NaDean Schroeder at nschroe@siue.edu.

Tennessee State
BOXTOROW has ranked the top 10 HBCU FCS recruiting classes, and for the seventh time in eight years the Tigers are in the number one spot. The rankings are based on research done by BOXTOROW based upon school releases, local newspaper articles and recruiting boards.

Tennessee Tech
The Golden Eagles will host their annual “Academic Excellence” night on Thursday February 21. On this night they will honor all area elementary Honor Roll Students who will be invited to attend the game as guests of the Golden Eagles. The vouchers for the game will be distributed through the area schools. The matchup is against UT Martin and will tip off at 7 p.m. in the Eblen Center.

UT Martin
Assistant coach David Russell of the women’s Skyhawk basketball team is among 12 people who will be inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Russell won an impressive six state championships and more than 950 games during his 35 year career in the preps at Bradford and Gibson County I. “I’ve had a chance to look at that (Hall of Fame) list, and I’m humbled to be included on it,” Russell said. 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Around the Ohio Valley - February 8


Austin Peay
Dr. Cooper Beazley, a former athletic trainer for the Govs, along with two others will be inducted into the APSU athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday morning (Feb. 9). He will be joined by the Governors baseball coach, Gary McClure, and former basketball star from the 1930s, Andrew Lorentzson, at the induction ceremony at 9 a.m. in the Dunn Center Lobby.

Belmont
Earlier this week it was announced the Bruins will take on Ohio University in Ramada World Wide Bracketbusters on Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. CT at the Curb Event Center and will be aired live on ESPN2. Each team ranks in the top 20 in the NCAA in field goal percentage, three-point field goals per game, assists per game, steals per game, and turnover margin.

Eastern Illinois
Mariah King was named the Ohio Valley Conference player of the week for her performances on the court last week. The team posted a record of 2-0, as they held onto their first place position in the conference. King averaged 21 points and 9 rebounds per game in the two victories.

Eastern Kentucky
The Colonels will take on Valpariaso University on ESPNU as part of the 2013 Ramada Worldwide Bracketbusters on Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. The two teams have posted and even record of 17-6 to this point in the season, while EKU has an RPI of 83 and the Crusaders RPI ranking is 93. This will be the first time the Colonels will appear in a Brackbusters TV matchup.

Jacksonville State
Former Gamecock receiver, Alan Bonner, has officially received an invitation to the 2013 National Football League Combine. This year’s combine will be held in Indianapolis from Feb. 20-26. The receivers will workout on Sunday, Feb. 24 with the quarterbacks and running backs. Bonner finished his career second on the Gamecocks career receiving yards list with 1,986 yards and touchdowns with 20.

Morehead State
The Eagle men’s soccer coach, Warren Lipka, was named the Ohio Valley Conference Soccer Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2011, and has recently been rewarded for is efforts with a contract extension through 2015 season. “We’ve had great success here the past four years,” Lipka said. “I know we struggled this past season, but the pieces are in place to get us back to where we belong.”

Murray State
In the Ramada Worldwide Bracketbusters the Racers will be paired up with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The game will tip at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN2. This will be the second straight year season the Racers have been selected for a TV game. “We’re excited to a televised game on ESPN2 and to be paired with an outstanding program in South Dakota State,” MSU Head Coach Steve Prohm said. “Our fans will be excited to see the game and our team will be excited to be a part of it once again.”

Southeast Missouri
The 2012 Hall of Fame Class will be honored during a dinner and induction ceremony at the Show Me Center tonight (Feb. 8). The doors open at 5 p.m. CT with the dinner and ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. The inductees this year will be Jim Hamby, Beverly Slaughter, Ron Hines, Mary Hines, Christine (Ridenour) Vanetta, Galen McSpadden, as well as the 1999-2000 Men’s Basketball Team.

SIUE
The Cougar track and field program performed some work in the community last weekend, as the helped to build trails for the Gateway Off-Road Cyclists (GORC). The trails are used by both the SIUE students and the surrounding community. “It’s easy to take things for granted,” Assistant Coach Eileen McAllister said. “Without the help of volunteers, they wouldn’t be available for our community to enjoy.”

Tennessee State
This year marks the 40 year anniversary of Title IX. Throughout the year the Ohio Valley Conference has been celebrating by honoring former student-athletes, coaches and administrators that have had a positive impact on women’s intercollegiate sports. TSU’s Director of Athletics, Teresa Lawrence-Phillips, has been recognized for her many accomplishments, including being the first female to ever coach an NCAA Division I men’s basketball team.

Tennessee Tech
The Golden Eagles home matchup against Jacksonville State Saturday night (Feb. 9) will also be Community Night at the Eblen Center. Every business in the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce has been invited to the game. The night will also be Youth Basketball Night, and Play 4 Kay, a women’s basketball initiative to raise awareness for breast cancer care and research.

UT Martin
The Skyhawk equestrian coach, Meghan Corvin, and her husband David have been recognized nationally for their regional leadership activities by being named one of three runners-up for the Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award at the American Farm Bureau Federation 94th annual meeting in Nashville. The couple is involved in many leadership activities, including volunteering with local chapters of the FFA and 4-H youth development organization. 

Friday, February 1, 2013

Around the Ohio Valley Conference - Feb. 1


Austin Peay
This offseason for former APSU baseball player, A.J. Ellis, has been an eventful one. The current Dodgers catcher followed the season with knee surgery, as well as a new addition to family in the form of a baby girl. What Ellis wasn’t expecting was for his new daughter to be born in the passenger seat of his in-laws car.

Belmont
The Bruin men’s basketball team is continuing a dominant first season in the OVC after defeating Morehead State in a home game Thursday evening. The team is now 9 – 0 in conference and has a 2.5 game lead over Tennessee State in the East Division.

Eastern Illinois
In the midst of basketball season, the Panthers football team continues to make news. Head football Coach Dino Babers has announced the new offensive line coach with Matt Mattox. Mattox’s playing days were spent under Art Briles at Houston and also served as a graduate assistant with the team. He has also spent 6 years in the junior college ranks coaching offensive line and tight ends.

Eastern Kentucky
The Colonel Student Athlete Advisory Committee is raising money for “Hoops for Heroes.” An initiative set forth by the OVC to send veterans to the OVC basketball tournament in Nashville. To raise money, the student athletes are holding a talent show called “Jock’n Roll” on February 12 in the Brock Auditorium at 9 p.m.

Jacksonville State
The Gamecock softball team will be hosting its annual Fan Day on Sunday, February 3 at University Field. The event will begin at 2 p.m. and admission is free for all fans. The day will be filled with many giveaways including snack, free t-shirts, as well as all members of the team being available for autographs throughout the day.

Morehead State
Kenneth Faried, former Morehead State star and current Denver Nugget, has been named to the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston, Texas. Faried is averaging 11.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and just over a steal per game this season.

Murray State
Racer golfer, Patrick Newcomb, has been selected to compete in the Jones Cup Invitational February 1-3 in Sea Island, Georgia. In December, Newcomb was invited to play in the South Beach International Amateur in Miami, Florida. After this tournament he will return to MSU to prepare for the Spring portion of the 2012-13 schedule with his teammates, which begins in early March.

Southeast Missouri 
The Redhawks guard, Nick Niemczyk, has earned First-Team All Capital One Academic All-District honors, as he was selected by the College Sports Information Directors America on Thursday. Niemczyk earned a 3.8 GPA in Higher Education as a graduated school student. He was one of two OVC players honored.

SIUE
Raven Berry led the Cougars to a victory over Southeast Missouri on Monday, but that wasn’t all she accomplished. The senior scored a career-high 28 points, and set a career rebounding record for the Cougars with 928 rebounds. Berry also recorded a double-double on the evening, as she grabbed 13 rebounds for the game.

Tennessee State
Earlier this week, the Tiger head basketball coach, Travis Williams, spoke to Brick Church Middle School about his upbringing and the tough times he had growing up. The message was to inspire the kids, and show they can be successful now matter what their situation is if they make the right decisions. "When I was growing up, I wish I had the opportunity for somebody to give me advice. I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to try and help these kids," Williams said.

Tennessee Tech
Golden Eagle receiver, Da’Rick Rogers, has earned the CFPA Elite Wide Receiver Award for his performance over the last two seasons. In 2012, Rogers caught 61 passes for 893 yards while tying a school record for 10 touchdowns in a season. In a game against Southeast Missouri he caught 18 passes for 303 yards, which were school records in each category.

UT Martin
Kristen Lackey, a member of the Skyhawk softball team, was named Miss UTM last Saturday night, which earns her the opportunity to compete in the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant later this year in Jackson. Lackey is a junior majoring in education.