Around the Ohio Valley - March 1

Austin Peay & Belmont

Governor infielder, Reed Harper, and Bruin pitcher, Chase Brookshire, have each been named one of 30 baseball finalists for the 2013 Senior CLASS Award®. CLASS is acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School. To be eligible for the award a student athlete must qualify as an NCAA senior in Division I as well as have achievements in these areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition. The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced during the 2013 NCAA College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska June 15-26.

Eastern Illinois

Eastern Illinois Athletic Department Spring Fling is scheduled for April 13 in Lantz Arena at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are now available for the event for $50 per person, which includes entertainment by the Brat Pack, A Taste of Coles County food menu, and live and silent auction items. Call 217-581-2310 to purchase your tickets. The event has sold out the last two years. 

Eastern Kentucky

The Colonel men’s basketball team set a school record with 23 school wins with a victory over Tennessee Tech, as well as clinched the number three seed in the OVC tournament. The Colonels also remain alive for a share of the men’s regular season OVC Championship. In order to get a piece of the prize, they will have to beat Tennessee State on Saturday and Belmont will have to lose to Jacksonville State. 

Jacksonville State

The Gamecocks football schedule for 2013 has been finalized. The season opens on the road at Alabama State on August 31, and features six home matchups. The home opener takes place on September 7 against Jacksonville University.  The homecoming game features a matchup with the Tigers of Tennessee State, while the season wraps up against Southeast Missouri at home on November 23. 

Morehead State 

The Eagle softball team will travel to Johnson City, Tennessee this weekend to compete in the Holiday Inn Buccaneer Challenge. They will start the challenge with a game against Bowling Green at noon on Saturday, and follow it up with a matchup against East Tennessee State. Sunday’s games feature the same matchups with the Eagles taking on BGSU at 11 a.m. and ETSU at 3 p.m.  

Murray State

104 Racer student-athletes were selected to the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll. These student-athletes were celebrated during halftime of Thursday’s game against UT Martin. The students had to earn a 3.25 GPA or higher to qualify for the honor. 13 of the student-athletes were recognized with the OVC Medal of Honor. To receive this distinction you must earn the highest GPA in your sport in the conference. 

Southeast Missouri

For the 3rd straight season the Redhawks have earned a spot in the Men’s OVC Basketball Tournament. They secured the 6th seed after Belmont beat SIUE 73-43 on Wednesday night. This is the program’s 12th trip overall to Nashville to compete in the Music City Madness. The tournament runs March 6-9 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. 

SIUE

The Cougar track team will be represented Friday at the Arkansas Final Qualifier as sophomores Ahmad Evans and Braxton Klavins will compete to qualify for the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships. Evans will compete in the 200m, which will take place at approximately 7:30 p.m., and Klavins will run in the 400m at 6:00 p.m. The events be held inside the Arkansas’ Randall Tyson Track Center. 

Tennessee State

In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the TSU football program traveled to Robert E. Lillard Elementary School to read to the students on Friday morning. Coach Rod Reed as well as players read from many Dr. Seuss books and others to promote the importance of reading and learning to the youth of Nashville. 

Tennessee Tech 

In a matchup with Morehead State on Saturday evening the Golden Eagle Women’s basketball team will say goodbye to five of their seniors. Katherine Barker, Kellie Cook, Kylie Cook, Lashay Davis and Jala Harris will wear their home uniforms for the last time at the Eblen Center. Tip-off for the game in is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with the recognition of the seniors set for halftime. 

UT Martin

The Skyhawk men’s basketball team got out to an early lead in a game at Murray State on Thursday night and held off the Racers down the stretch for the upset in the OVC matchup. The Skyhawks led for nearly the final 28 minutes of the game, and at one point stretched the lead to as many as 14 before hanging on to win in a thriller 69-68. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Around the Ohio Valley - January 25

Austin Peay

As the Govs baseball team prepares for the season, multiple players are already receiving honors. Junior second baseman, Jordan Hankins, was named Preseason Field Player of the Year by CollegeSportsMadness.com, while Reed Harper and Cody Hudson were also recognized by being selected to the first team all conference team. Pitcher, Ryan Quick, joins his teammates as he was selected as a second team pitcher.

Belmont

With baseball season just weeks away, the Belmont Bruins find themselves aiming toward a third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The last two seasons Belmont earned a bid by winning the Atlantic Sun Tournament. This year will be their first season competing in the Ohio Valley Conference, and they are receiving votes in the top 25 preseason poll. Belmont opens their season on February 15 at Rose Park in Nashville in a match up with Valparaiso.

Eastern Illinois

EIU wide receiver, Erik Lora, sweeps the FCS All-American teams after being named to the College Sporting News 2012 Fabulous 50 FCS All-American Team. Lora earned first team honors this year from Sports Network, AFCA, Associated Press and Walter Camp after after setting the FCS single-season reception record at 136 for 1,664 yards. 

Eastern Kentucky

12 of the 15 Colonel athletic teams finished the 2012 fall semester with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher. This marks the best academic semester for EKU student athletes since the turn of the century. The women tennis team topped the list of team with an average GPA of 3.69. 45 student athletes recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Jacksonville State

Gamecock freshman defensive back, Jermaine Hough, has been named to the College Sports Journal Freshman All-American Football Team. Hough played in all 11 games, and finished the season with 42 tackles, 29 of which were solo and led the team with 3 interceptions, 11 passes defended, and 8 pass breakups. 

Morehead State

When Super Bowl XLVII kicks off in New Orleans, the Morehead State Community will have much to be proud of. The game marks the first time two brother’s will coach against each other, and one of the brothers coaching experience can be traced back to Morehead State. John Harbaugh coached the Eagle special teams and defensive backs, as well as serving as the strength and conditioning coordinator in 1988 before moving on to Cincinnati.

Murray State

Racer freshman, Erika Sisk, takes home her third consecutive Freshman of the Week Honor. Sisk help the team to two victories last week while averaging 16 point per game, and tied her career-high with 26 points in a game against SIU Edwardsville. She and the rest of the Racer women will look to win a third straight game as they travel to Jacksonville State on Saturday.

Southeast Missouri

As opening day for baseball creeps closer, preseason awards are being awarded. Southeast Missouri junior outfielder, Derek Gibson, was named to the Preseason First Team All-OVC by College Sports Madness on Tuesday morning. In 2012, Gibson Finished the season with a .338 batting average, 7 homeruns, and 38 RBIs. He finished 3^rd in the OVC with 31 RBIs in conference play. 

SIUE

Tierny Austin has become a stand out sophomore on the lady Cougars basketball team.  She and her coaches attribute her success to the hard work and dedication she has shown throughout the preseason workouts, and that has continued on into the regular season practices and games. "After preseason workouts, she would always come in and want to shoot extra. She has worked on her game tirelessly, and it has showed," said SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher. Austin is second on the team in scoring average and first in minutes played per game, field goal percentage, steals, free throws made, and blocks. 

Tennessee State

For TSU, Super Bowl XLVII is not just a match up of Harbaughs. Tiger fans will find names they may recognize on each roster. Lamar Divens, who left TSU as an undrafted free agent, finds himself on the San Francisco 49ers practice squad for this match up. Anthony Levine, a former safety for the Tigers, is currently on the Ravens injured reserve list. No matter the outcome, a Tiger will be guaranteed a ring.

Tennessee Tech

At Saturday’s doubleheader against Austin Peay, Tennessee Tech fans will be asked by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee to give generously to the Ohio Valley Conference initiative “Hoops for Heroes.” The initiative involves student athletes on OVC campus as they raise money in association with the Wounded Warriors Project to bring Veterans and their families to the OVC Tournament.  

UT Martin

Skyhawks senior defensive lineman, Montori Hughes, will play in the Senior Bowl Saturday January 26 in Mobile, Alabama. Hughes is currently ranked as the 19^th best Defensive Tackle entering the 2013 draft by ESPN. He finished the regular season with 42 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. The game kicks at 3:00pm CST and will air on NFL Network. 

Around the Ohio Valley - January 18

Austin Peay

Austin Peay’s Red Coat Society will welcome a new member Saturday, January 19. Local businessman Charles Hand, chairman and CEO of Hand Family Companies and long-time supporter of Austin Peay State University's athletics programs, will be inducted at halftime of the basketball game against Eastern Illinois Saturday evening.  The Red Coat society serves as a Hall of Fame for Austin Peay’s booster club, the Governors Club. 

Belmont

Former Belmont men’s tennis coach, Brian Baker, had won his first round match in the Australian Open, as well as the first set in the second round before his knee gave out on him in the second set. Due to the injury, he was unable to finish the match. The injury has been reported to be a torn meniscus. Baker is expected to be out 4 months.

Eastern Illinois

EIU will be hosting an event to celebrate Title IX March 1st and will go through the 2nd. Eastern Illinois Alumnus and NCAA Vice President Dr. Joni Comstock will be the keynote speaker, as the EIU Athletic Department pays tribute to the successes of women’s athletics. To register online to attend the event or for more information, click here.  

Eastern Kentucky

Several EKU student-athletes visited Lee and Owsley High Schools last week to speak about the importance of continuing their education after high school. The program is called “Colonels in Education” and this is the third year for EKU student-athletes to reach out to regional high schools to encourage education. 

Jacksonville State

The OVC announces on Wednesday the JSU softball team has been picked to finish first in the Eastern division of the conference for the 2013 season. The Gamecock’s did so by receiving 21 of 24 first places votes. “Competing for championships is where we expect to be as a program, but we don't put any emphasis on preseason polls. We are just excited and eager to get the season started, and hope to be there at the end of the season,” Head Coach Jana McGinnis said. 

Morehead State

The Eagles football program has announced they have hired former Kentucky Wildcat quarterback, Andre Woodson, to be the Wide Receivers coach. Woodson led UK to two bowl games and passed for over 9,000 yards as a Wildcat. Head Coach Rob Tenyer had this to say about the hire, “Andre played football at the highest level of Division I, and all indications point to him being a fantastic college coach.” 

Murray State

MSU quarterback Casey Brockman and offensive tackle Roderick Tomlin will come together one more time to compete in the inaugural Raycom College Football All-Star Classic on January 19. Kick-off is set for 2:00 p.m. The game can be seen on the CBS Sports Network. 

Southeast Missouri

The women’s Redhawks basketball team will be hosting a Youth Night on January 21. The game will be played against Morehead State, and all youth teams and players are welcome. Each player will receive free admission to the game as well as other exciting opportunities. 

SIUE

The SIUE Student Athlete Advisory Committee held its second annual talent show to raise money for the OVC’s “Hoops for Heroes” initiative. The event raised more than $400, which will go towards assisting veterans in attending the 2013 OVC Basketball Championship in Nashville, Tennessee March 6-9. 

Tennessee State

On January 15, members of the Tigers basketball team took a trip to the Monroe Carroll Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to give back to the Nashville Community. “We talk a lot about basketball and the stuff that goes on in our world, but I think it was important for our players to see what life is truly about and impact someone else's life," head coach Travis Williams said.

Tennessee Tech

TTU has announced Bonnie Bynum will take over as the Golden Eagles softball head coach effective immediately. Bynum is a former member of the Golden Eagle softball team, and was twice names OVC Pitcher of the Year. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to build on an already great program that Coach Acheson has established and I’m looking forward to the future of Tennessee Tech softball,” Bynum said. “I want to thank Tory for everything he has done for me in my career, both as a player and as a coach.

UT Martin

The UT Martin softball team earned an average GPA of 3.43 for the fall semester, as 90 percent of the team earned University Honor Roll honors. Four of those players earned a perfect 4.0 in the classroom. In order to be named to the Honor Roll the student must achieve a 3.20 for the semester. 

Around the Ohio Valley - January 11

Austin Peay
Dr. Bruce Myers is a co-recipient of the inaugural Ohio Valley Conference Thurston Banks Award of Distinguished Academic Service. Myers is currently the Chair of the Computer Science and Information Technology Department at Austin Peay. He has served the university for a total of 40 years.

Belmont

Coach Byrd and the men’s basketball team are adjusting to life in the Ohio Valley Conference rather quickly as they just recorded their third straight win in conference and are off to a 3-0 start in their first season as a part of the OVC … The Lady Bruins have started quickly as well. Coach Ezell has her team off to a 3-1 start in conference, as they look forward to a match-up with UT Martin Saturday, January 12, at home in the Curb Event Center. That game is the first part of a double-header with the men facing off in the nightcap…To the read the feature article on Coach Byrd in The Tennessean Click Here.

Eastern Illinois
Dr. Gail Richard has been named one of two inaugural winners of the Ohio Valley Conference Thurston Banks Award for Distinguish Academic Service. Dr. Richard has served the university for 30 years both in academics and athletics. She is currently the Department Chair for Communications Disorders and Sciences.

Eastern Kentucky
EKU’s Aaron Adams and Tyrone Goard have been selected to play in two upcoming college football all-star games. Adams is a two-time first team all-OVC selection and was selected to be a second team All-American and The Sports Network. Adams will be playing in the Casino del Sol All-Star game tonight, January 11, at 8 p.m. The game will be available on WatchESPN.com … Goard finished this season with four 100-yard receiving games including a 175-yard game against UT Martin. He will leave EKU ranked in the top ten in receiving yards and touchdown. Goard will be competing East-West Shrine game on January 19 at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on NFL Network.

Jacksonville State
Jacksonville State’s new head football coach, Bill Clark, recently announced 9 new assistants to who will be joining the Gamecock’s coaching staff. Four on the offensive side, while the other five will handle the defense. The offensive side of the ball includes John Grass (Offensive Coordinator), Mike Bennefield (Offensive Line), Cornelius Williams (Wide Receivers), and Jimmy Ogle (Running Backs), who will be retained from the previous staff. Duwan Walker (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties), Chuck Dunn (Inside Linebackers), Daric Riley (Outside linebackers/Special Teams), David Reeves (Defensive Line), and Blake Shrader (Cornerbacks) will make up the defensive staff.

Morehead State
A pair of Morehead State Softball student-athletes have been named to the College Sports Madness Preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference Teams. Amber Riddle, senior infielder, was a first team selection, and Stephanie Etter, a junior infielder, was named to the second team.

Murray State

Roderick Tomlin selected to play in the second annual Casino Del Sol College All-Star game (his second selection to the game). Tomlin started his final 37 games at MSU, and was selected to the second team All-OVC team following the 2012 season.

SIUE
SIUE recorded a record breaking GPA for the Fall Semester of 2012. Coming in with a GPA of 3.233, the student athletes set the record for the highest average GPA in school history. While this achievement alone is impressive it is just part of the accomplishment. SIUE’s student athletes have now recorded 13 consecutive semesters with an average GPA of over a 3.0. 79 of which, were awarded Dean’s List honors for posting a 3.5 or higher.

Southeast Missouri
Junior point guard, Jordan Hunter, has been recognized by the Ohio Valley Conference for two awards over the last week. She earned the OVC’s women’s basketball player of the week and Newcomer of the week. Hunter averaged 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the two victories this last week.

Tennessee State
TSU’s sophomore softball player, Shea Morris, has been selected to the College Sports Madness Preseason All-OVC second team. As a freshman, Morris set a freashman record for most strikeouts recording 190 and finished second overall in the conference.

Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech Athletics Director’s Honor Roll hit 215 names for the fifth time in seven semesters. This was the second highest total for a semester in school history, coming just two students short of the record. Each student named to the list has recorded a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

UT Martin
The UT Martin cross country teams earned an average GPA of 3.4 for the 2012 Fall semester. The Skyhawk teams also combined for 13 members who were selected to the Dean’s List.