Around the Ohio Valley - April 13

Austin Peay: The Lady Govs softball diamond officially became Cheryl Holt Field this past Saturday. Holt, who served as APSU's first softball coach, was in attendance and was joined on the field by APSU President Tim Hall and others. "This is one of the proudest moments of my life and at the same time one of the most humbling as well," said Holt. Read the full article at apsugovenors.com.

Eastern Illinois: If you follow the OVC, more than likely you know that EIU has a great track and field program. Recently, a few of their athletes have broken a few records. Below is a great video that highlights the accomplishments.

Eastern Kentucky: EKU men's tennis clinched the OVC regular season title at Tennessee Tech Sunday afternoon. That makes 3-straight for the Colonels as they head into the conference championships. Elsewhere, EKU football is gearing up for its spring game on April 16, but I failed to make mention of the volunteer work the team did for the annual Empty Bowl Event a few weeks ago. Read the article to see how their volunteer work helped people in need in their community.

Jacksonville State: Caitlin Vorbeck and Curt Porter have been named as the recipients of the 2010-2011 Eagle Owl Awards at the annual Jacksonville State Athletics Senior Banquet. The Eagle Owl Award was established in 1995 and is given to a male and female athlete who possess outstanding qualities. Elsewhere, Abby Beam has been named interim volleyball head coach as Rick Nold has taken the head coaching job at Auburn. Rick Nold's career at JSU is reflected upon in the recent jsugamecock.com article.

Morehead State: Emma Jonsson was named the OVC Golfer of the Week for the fourth time this week. To go along with her honors, she has one of the best stroke averages in the conference. Read more on her impressive season here. One of these days we will make it through a blog without mention MSU basketball, but not today. Read Demonte Harper's comments on being invited to show off his skills at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in the moreheadnews.com.

Murray State: Enthusiasm was up at practice Tuesday for the Racer football team according tho Head Coach Chris Hatcher, which is something he has been looking for. The Racers will take the field for the their final practice before the Spring Game Wednesday afternoon. Football has more to be excited about than just spring practice, however. Check out the article at goracers.com that details the renovations that players and coaches are conducting to the MSU facilities. The article has photos of the theatre type film room, the new horseshoe lounge and more.

Southeast Missouri: SEMO is pushing the first annual Athletic Alumni Reunion. Every day of the coming weekend features events such as golf tournaments, walk for women athletics, alumni picnic, baseball games, softball games, spring football games, socials and more. Shhhoooo, sure does seem like a good time. Check out the article to review the details of the all-weekend event.

SIU Edwardsville: Erika Taylor tossed a one-hit shutout on Tuesday on SIUE's way to blanking MSU 11-0. She was close to a no hitter but, "they got the hit on a change-up," noted Head Coach Sandy Montgomery. This moves the Cougars to 11-7 in OVC play, and moved them into a tie for fourth with SEMO. See the article and more at siuecougars.com.

Tennessee State: TSU has been making noise of late in track and field. Martinique Guice and Michael Rideout earned Athletes of the Week for the conference this week, both adding to their tallies for the year. Guice recorded her best jump of the season in the long jump and Rideout recorded a personal best in the 400m at the Boston-Moon Classic. Check out tsutigers.com to review their recent success and upcoming schedules.

Tennessee Tech: TTU's new head men's basketball coach, Steve Payne, welcomes the newest signee for the 2011-2012. Lanerryl Esters-Johnson played under Joe Goydish at Walton High School and made a name for himself as a combo-guard. Esters-Johnson's accolades include all-county, all-state and all-region. See the full article at ttusports.com, and read what his new teammates had to say in response.

UT Martin: UTMSports.com features a really special story on Natalie Brundige and her dream come true to compete for UTM. Every since Brundige was a child in middle school she dreamed of becoming a member of UT Martin's rodeo team. Brundige's father will be equally as touched as Natalie, and he admittedly drops everything to see his daughter compete. See the full article here. Elsewhere on campus, head tennis coach, Dennis Taylor, will appear on WUTM FM 90.3 before the conference championships take place.