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.