East Carolina

Carolinas/Region

Conference USA

January 22, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-BVL: ECU contingent in on Hula Bowl victory
-AP: Wave dunks Bucs
-BVL: ECU vs. Tulane Box Score
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Memphis auction includes trip to Dowdy-Ficklen
� Houston coach's collapse leads to technical
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule

From ecupirates.com
-East Carolina Falls To Tulane, 60-52
   Tulane held a 53-47 lead with 39 seconds to go when East Carolina (6-11, 0-4 Conference USA) had a pair of free throws to pull within four.
-Lady Pirate Gameday Central
   The East Carolina women's basketball team will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they travel to Orlando, Fla. to take on UCF Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
-ECU Men's Tennis Opens Season With Three Wins
-Women's Swimming Defeats UMBC, 129-114

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Pirates struggling to find basket and first C-USA win
   The East Carolina men's basketball team has still not found the remedy for its shooting woes.
-Sudden impact- Dekota Marshall wants to hit field right away at ECU
   Apparently, there are two things Dekota Marshall is sure of when it comes to college football, and he hasn't even graduated high school yet.

Wave finds winning way
   Tulane hangs on against ECU for first C-USA win
New Orleans Times Picayune

Tulane captures first C-USA win
   Davis scored a game-high 20 points while Andrew Garcia hit six free throws in the final 33 seconds to lift Tulane to a 60-52 victory over East Carolina Saturday
Baton Rouge Advocate

Tulane Picks Up First League Win Over East Carolina
tulanegreenwave.com

Davis lifts Tulane past frigid ECU
Raleigh News & Observer

Spirit on the sidelines
   The Rev. Wilson is not paid by the Steelers and has other duties with his full-time job.  He began ministering to the team when the position opened up while he was at East Carolina
Pittsburgh Post Gazette

January 21, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Bush summons '66 Miners to watch Glory Road
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town

From ecupirates.com
-Turnovers Prove Costly As ECU Falls To Southern Miss 63-56
   The East Carolina women's basketball team dropped their third Conference USA game of the season Friday night
-ECU Baseball Concludes First Week Of Practice
   Start of the season that is just three weeks away.

Pirate Gameday
Men's Basketball vs. Tulane
 8:00 pm ET - New Orleans, LA
 Gametracker
 AUDIO/VIDEO: CSTV All Access (PPV)

Struggling Pirates head to Big Easy
   For one team, the frustration will come to a temporary end, while it will continue to grow for another
Kinston Free Press

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Along with New Orleans, Tulane is in revival mode
   Life as a first-year college basketball coach can provide more than its share of bumps in the road.   But for Tulane's Dave Dickerson, those bumps have seemed more like mountains this season.
-Fans now better protected at Clark-LeClair
   Protective netting now runs the length of the grandstand at Clark-LeClair Stadium.

Green Wave to try East Carolina
   Both teams are winless in Conference USA play
New Orleans Times Picayune

Wave Men to Host East Carolina on Saturday Night
tulanegreenwave.com

Lady Eagles stun ECU, 63-56
   Southern Mississippi's women's basketball team has something it hasn't had in a while.
Hattiesburg American

Women's Basketball Wins Third Straight Conference USA Game, Defeats East Carolina 63-56
southernmiss.com

From the New Bern Sun Journal
-Whimper, Moore take business trip to Hawaii�s Hula
   Guy Whimper and Chris Moore have been playing on the same football team since they were sixth graders in Havelock.
-Preps: Finally a leader, Bear looks to future
  In early December, the all-purpose athlete committed to play on the collegiate level at East Carolina University

Preps: Well-traveled Fields flourishing at Britt
   Fields� frequent moves didn�t hurt him with college scouts. Last fall he signed a national letter-of-intent, accepting a scholarship with East Carolina.
Fayetteville Observer

SPORTS BRIEFS
   East Carolina offensive lineman Zach Davis... transferred to Liberty and will be eligible to compete next year.
Richmond Times-Dispatch

January 20, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Batten: Football Recruiting Report
� North Johnston star blazes trail to I-A
-O'Brien: Pirate Notebook No. 262
� Garrard now a proven commodity
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Innovative creator of I-formation passes at 92
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town

Lady Pirates brace for another journey away from home
Greenville Daily Reflector

Southern Miss Women's Basketball Team Hosts East Carolina
   The Southern Miss women's basketball team plays its third home game of four, hosting East Carolina in Conference USA action on Friday.
southernmiss.com

ECU baseball picked sixth
Greensboro News Argus

RECRUITING NOTEBOOK
   Offensive guard Andrew Farr, who played at Pell City until this past season, has signed a letter of intent with East Carolina and enrolled in the school.
Birmingham News

Late Wave of recruits are arriving
   Wide receiver Alan Mitchell (6-4, 175)...has 4.5 speed and is also qualified. He runs the 400 meters in track and has high-jumped 6 feet, 5 inches. "He is not afraid of running over the middle," ... Mitchell visited East Carolina, Temple and Western Michigan
New Orleans Times Picayune

January 19, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Myatt: View From The 'ville
� First conference win eludes Pirates again
-Mumau: Hoops Recruiting Report
� Jack Britt star brings athleticism to frontcourt
-AP: SMU sinks Bucs in OT
-BVL: ECU vs. SMU Box Score
BVL Audio: ECU-SMU postgame interviews
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Southern Miss extends Bower pact through '09
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town

From ecupirates.com
-Men's Basketball Falls To SMU By Four In Overtime
   East Carolina senior Corey Rouse had a chance to win the game in regulation, but his hook shot hit off the front of the rim and the game went into overtime where SMU scored the first four points and won by that margin, 74-70
-Pirates Picked Sixth In Preseason Conference USA Poll

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Mustangs run past Pirates in OT
   One by one, members of East Carolina's basketball team left the floor of Minges Coliseum Wednesday night with their heads hanging as the sparse remainder of the 4,612 fans looked on.
-Winter chill returns in time to welcome back ECU baseball
   Wind gusts blew strong enough on Wednesday afternoon at Clark-LeClair Stadium to topple the protection screens around the infield and push the batting cage to the side of home plate. With the official start of practice, East Carolina's baseball team wasn't surprised at all by such occurrences.
-East Carolina football adds three big defensive recruits
   Two weekends filled with visiting football recruits at East Carolina yielded some big things. Literally.

Southern Methodist nips ECU in OT
   East Carolina (6-10 overall, 0-3 C-USA) rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit and led by three with less than two minutes...
Kinston Free Press

SMU 74, East Carolina 70 OT
Ft Worth Star Telegram

SMU men top E. Carolina in OT, 74-70
Dallas Morning News

From the Washington Daily News
-Pirates begin baseball practice
-East Carolina drops in OT

Godwin has gusty first day
Rocky Mount Telegram

From PalmettoSports.com
-More Around The State Decide
   Emerald quarterback Dan Wideman (6-2, 210) will sign with East Carolina. Wideman, a North-South all-star selection, threw for 25 touchdowns in the regular season and rushed for 11 more.
-Notes Around The State
-Andrews Commits To USC

Colleges showing only mild interest in Parker
   ... Valdosta State and East Carolina also showed early interest. ... Simmons also has received an offer from East Carolina, which he will visit Jan.27. ...
Tallahassee Democrat

UNLV names new strength and conditioning coach
   Grieco had been assistant strength coach since May 2005 at East Carolina University, in Greenville, N.C., where he directed the Pirates' football strength program in 2004.
Las Vegas Sun

January 18, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Batten: Football Recruiting Report
� Speedy Bear sports all-purpose r�sum�
-Bradsher: The Bradsher Beat
� McCarthy key part of ECU coaching equation
-BVL: ECU reaches wide-ranging deal with ISP Sports
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Holtz, Moore, Whimper team up for Hula Bowl
� ECU reaches wide-ranging deal with ISP Sports
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town

From ecupirates.com
-East Carolina's Holtz, Moore and Whimper Ready For Hula Bowl
   The East Carolina football program will be represented during the 2006 Hula Bowl as head coach Skip Holtz, linebacker Chris Moore and offensive tackle Guy Whimper will have an opportunity to display their talents in front of a live national television audience Saturday night.
-East Carolina and ISP Sports Announce Partnership

Pirate Gameday
Men's Basketball vs. SMU
 7:00 pm ET - Greenville, NC
 AUDIO/VIDEO: CSTV All Access (PPV)

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-ECU plays host to SMU
   The Pirates welcome SMU to Minges Coliseum at 7 tonight, and both teams are sure to be hungry for their first league victory when the ball is tipped.
-ECU niners get to work
   There are 23 calendar days in between East Carolina's start of baseball practice (this afternoon) and the Pirates' first game of the 2006 season (Feb. 10). With so much to accomplish in three-hour increments, the tendency could be to rush and cram as much diamond information as possible.

ECU looking for first CUSA victory Tries tonight at home against SMU
Jacksonville Daily News

From the Kinston Free Press
-Holtz, Moore, Whimper to represent ECU in Hula Bowl
-Freshman getting it done for ECU
   In a season of more lows than highs, the play of freshman guard Sam Hinnant has been one of the few bright spots for East Carolina.

Men's Basketball Continues Road Trip at East Carolina
smumustangs.com

Ranking the first year coaches
foxsports.com

January 17, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Bailey: From The Anchor Desk
� Shooting woes plague men and women
-Peele: Woody's Ramblings
� Clearing up history about ranked foes
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Katrina blows friendly faces into UAB crowd
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town
WNCT: Brian Bailey Show

Storm Waive Two, Sign Ricker
   The five-time world champion Tampa Bay Storm have waived quarterback Paul Troth
oursportscentral.com

January 16, 2006
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

From Bonesville.net
-Hinton: Henry's Highlights
� Pirates must regroup for long league gauntlet
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
� Hawaii on itinerary of ECU's Moore, Whimper
� Former ECU assistant Berry joins Miami staff

Recruiting class rankings as unpredictable as weekly polls
   Think things don't happen just as fast during college football's offseason as they do when the ball is headed between the tackles on autumn Saturdays?
Greenville Daily Reflector

Pirates Fall To Virginia Tech In Dual Meet Action
ecupirates.com

January 22, 2006

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Showdown in Seattle
   Panthers likely to rely on Smith to move the ball
-Out of Obscurity- Reserves get chance to shine
-Injured Hoover says he's determined to play
   Fullback, who re-injured an ankle last week, would bolster Panthers' depleted backfield
-N.C. State throttles WFU
   Wolfpack makes 37 of 43 free throws, gets hot in second half to rally past Deacons 92-82
-UNCG slips past Appalachian State

From the Charlotte Observer
-Panthers relish role as spoilers on road
   One more run out of a tunnel, hearing the boos rain down...One more visit to a place where nearly everyone there wants you to fail...One more time...If the Carolina Panthers win the NFC Championship today against Seattle, they will see a far friendlier atmosphere in Detroit at the Super Bowl.
-Battle in Seattle- NFC Championship notes
-Panthers' success unites a region
   Dozens show up early, see team off to Seattle
-49ers fail to keep up with veterans
   Perhaps the best chance Charlotte would have had in its 83-69 loss Saturday to 16th-ranked George Washington was the use of a time machine.

NFL/Panthers: BIG GAME JAKE
   Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme has handled the pressure of the playoffs almost as well as anyone in his brief tenure with the Panthers -- and that includes the likes of Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre
New Orleans Times Picayune

From Columbia (SC) The State
-Odom�s advice line works both ways
   So, too, do Elon�s Ernie Nestor and East Carolina�s Ricky Stokes and Furman�s Larry Davis and DePaul�s Jerry Wainwright and USC Upstate�s Eddie Payne...Each of those coaches served as an assistant under Odom
-What has happened to the 2004 recruits?
   Since 2004, South Carolina has lost 61% of its recruits
-Clemson has kept 91% of its recruits
   The recruiting class of �04 is proving to be the best of Tommy Bowden�s tenure, which helps the Tigers forget about the one who got away
-High school | S.C. short on blue chips in 2006 recruiting game
-�Cats run USC off glory road
   Kentucky�s Rajon Rondo, right, puts up the winning shot over USC�s Tarence Kinsey in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday.
-New look helps Tigers themselves
   Uncharacteristic move to zone defense turns tide in win against Georgia Tech

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Hoyas bust Duke's perfect season
   Clean-up crews at the MCI Center already had their hands full afternoon, trying to prepare the building for a hockey game just a few hours after it had played host to a basketball game.
-Wolfpack too hot for Wake
   Cameron Bennerman seemed to be carrying his N.C. State basketball team for much of Saturday afternoon. But when his teammates finally got into their offensive groove, the recipe was there for an impressive home-court victory.
-Give N.C. State credit
   Say this for N.C. State's basketball team: It had no hangover from last Wednesday night's loss at Duke. "In the ACC, you can't afford to have a hangover or you will lose," Engin Atsur said after the Wolfpack defined balanced scoring with an impressive 92-82 win Saturday afternoon over Wake Forest at the RBC Center.
-'Frustrating' times for UNC-CH
   North Carolina-Chapel Hill has responded to tough situations most of the season. But this could be the harshest adversity the young Tar Heels have encountered so far.
-Last-Place Caps Snap Hurricanes' Streak

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Devils at a loss
   .J. Redick scores 41 points, but the Blue Devils' late surge from a 16-point deficit comes up short as Georgetown holds off Duke to win 87-84.
-Panther pride swells in netland
   In the Triangle, where sports fans are likely to identify with N.C. State, Duke or North Carolina, the Carolina Panthers don't expect to claim the undivided attention of a region mad for college basketball.
-Virginia Tech to look into Vick's dismissal
   Virginia Tech president Charles Steger asked a school oversight committee to look into Tech's handling of former quarterback Marcus Vick, who was tossed from the team for a series of offenses.
-Heels exposed in recent losses
   Noel, Hansbrough need more help.

Jacksonville native gets tapped for Packers job
   Before entering the NFL, Sanders coached 22 years in the college game including stints at East Carolina and Duke.
Jacksonville Daily News

January 21, 2006

From Columbia (SC) The State
-Thompson agrees to $101,000 settlement
   Former South Carolina defensive co-coordinator says he bears no ill will toward Spurrier but won�t coach again
-On deck
   Plan on watching South Carolina�s baseball team this spring? Invest in a program. Ray Tanner�s roster features 21 new names, and it brims with potential.
-Former USC player freed in dorm case
   Judge credits Kevin Mainord for time served in last year�s USC burglaries
-USC, UK in same leaky boat
   Underachieving teams ride 1-game win streaks into today�s clash

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Being a target routine for Duke
-Pack looks to bounce back against Deacs

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Wake feeling edgy for State
-Wolfpack target chooses Ole Miss
-NFL/Panthers: Injuries will cost Panthers in the end
-NFL/Panthers: Peppers says he'll play
- NHL/Canes: Hurricanes net benefit of goalie duo

NFL/Panthers: Fox- Playing on road no big deal
Charlotte Observer

NFL/Panthers: Panthers stalking NFL history with team's postseason success
   But if the Panthers can get back [to the Super Bowl] -- and win --- they can lay claim to undisputed recognition as the most successful expansion team in NFL history, with the ultimate postseason win in their 11th season. The Dallas Cowboys won a Super Bowl in their 12th season.
Greenville (SC) News

NFL/Redskins: Winning, the Gibbs way
   In a callous world where fans are fleeced at the ticket window and players are tossed aside like pawns on a chess board, Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs treats everyone like a king.
The Virginian-Pilot

ASU to play UNCG in a battle of slumping teams
Winston Salem Journal

NASCAR: Toyota to run Cup races in 2007
   High Point's Bill Davis Racing is expected to run the Japanese auto maker's cars in racing's top series.
Greensboro News-Record

January 20, 2006

From the Charlotte Observer
-Wahoo! Virginia topples UNC-CH
-NBA/Bobcats: Sean May has anothersurgery on knee
-NFL/Panthers: Peppers misses practice again, is ill

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Heels have no answers
   North Carolina banged around, shots won't go down in loss at Virginia.
-NFL: Taking the long road to Detroit
   Panthers, Steelers travel unusual path. more slowly.
-NHL/Canes: Nine in a row -- twice -- is nice
   Despite a sluggish performance, Carolina becomes the only NHL team with two nine-game win streaks this season.
-UNC-CH picked 3rd in ACC baseball
-Athletes are graduating
   NCAA says overall student bodies earn degrees

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Elon, Western Carolina are two of the surprise teams in SoCon
-Paladins ended streaks of Wildcats and Eagles

Charlotte developer angles for Marlins
   The next trophy in Charlotte's pro sports collection might be a Major League Baseball team.
Greensboro News-Record

A surprising defeat for Old Dominion
   The Monarchs are known as a streaky team capable of scoring points in bunches. Thursday night, they hit a dry spell when Hofstra stopped ODU's six-game winning streak, 78 to 68.
The Virginian-Pilot

ACC has no clear second best
   It's common knowledge that unbeaten and top-ranked Duke is the best basketball team in the ACC. Common sense won't help you a bit determining which team is second best.
Durham Herald-Sun

USC looking to new faces for run to CWS
   South Carolina coach Ray Tanner didn't like having his run of three straight College World Series end last spring. And he's counting on three high-profile newcomers in Reese Havens, Justin Smoak and Shawn Valdes-Fauli to start a new string this season.
Spartanburg Herald-Journal

Appalachian�s Moore in Paradise for Hula Bowl
Appalachian State University

January 19, 2006

From the Fayetteville Observer
-Grobe knows way around area well
   When he took over as head coach at Wake Forest five years ago, Grobe said his first goal was to blanket North Carolina in recruiting and avoid going out of state to sign players until all candidates from North Carolina had been contacted.
-Pack shot down
   N.C. State senior Cameron Bennerman wanted little to do with J.J. Redick�s courteous handshake Wednesday night. As the final seconds ticked off No. 1 Duke�s 81-68 victory over the No. 14 Wolfpack, Bennerman stood stunned with disappointment, hesitantly opening his palm to Redick.

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Duke's veterans pave way to victory
-Dockery makes the difference
-Pack's Simmons posts strong showing in loss

From Columbia (SC) The State
-Elitist theory
   With eight starters returning, Jack Leggett and Clemson aim to regain their status as one of the nation�s top programs � and take a summer trip to Omaha
-Hoke hasn�t heard from Spurrier
   More than a year after turning down a job offer from Steve Spurrier, Jon Hoke said he has not had any conversations with the USC coach about his current opening.
-Tigers catch cold in Miami
-An ending that�s Tre� different
   Kelly keys rally in second-half, scores career-high 29 points in OT win vs. Vandy

From the Anderson Independent
-Tigers trounced by Hurricanes
   Hurricanes hold Tigers to 38 points
-Purnell looking to Saturday after ugly loss

All Hale! Deacons finally end skid
Greensboro News Record

Gamecocks earn first SEC victory
Greenville (SC) News

Duke, N.C. State sign linemen out of Florida
Charlotte Observer

Canes' sneaky streak
   Team looks for 9th straight win.
Raleigh News & Observer

The arena is half empty, but ODU sees it as half full
The Virginian-Pilot

Transfers part of college game
   ... a fresh start somewhere else, Wise agreeing -- and the coaching staff reached out to several...programs on his behalf, including East Carolina...
Torrington (CT) Register Citizen

January 18, 2006

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-If history repeats, Devils can't lose
   The majority of N.C. State's players haven't played at Cameron Indoor Stadium but say they are looking forward to tonight's trip.
-Doherty gets win in return to N.C.
   Matt Doherty has coached several big games in the state of North Carolina. Tuesday night was no different, at least not to him. The game was a key conference clash before a capacity crowd in a hostile environment.

From the Charlotte Observer
-49ers pull away from Saint Joseph's in 2nd
-True southern grit
   Jake Delhomme is better in the playoffs than he is during the regular season for the same reason he is better on the final drive of a close game than on the 11 drives that precede it.

Canes storm back
Raleigh News & Observer

From Columbia (SC) The State
-Clemson men's basketball | Big Dance steps start in January
-The turning point
   A once promising season has become problematic for Dave Odom and the Gamecocks since their 19-point loss to archrival Clemson

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Deacs facing uphill battle
   WFU will try for its first ACC win tonight
-Two linemen commit to Appalachian State
-Duke lands three defensive backs

January 17, 2006

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Pack football recruit rescinds commitment
   Wakefield defensive tackle Gavin Smith, the first player in the Class of 2006 to commit to N.C. State, no longer plans to join the Wolfpack in the fall.
-Doherty having fun coaching
   No Chapel Hill-type pressure at Florida Atlantic.
-Duke no longer unanimous No. 1
-Play it forward
   Dean E. Smith center... turning twenty
-Pick a team, any team
   As wins stack up, fans in the Triangle are feeling no pain.

From the Charlotte Observer
-... the tough get Goings
   Reserve RB replaces injured Foster, who is out for season
-Rest a luxury 49ers' stars aren't getting
-Paul, Hornets top Bobcats
   Former Wake Forest star scores 24 in matinee game
-Winthrop puts size to work
   James Shuler dominated. Torrell Martin's athleticism helped him overcome a sub-par shooting performance. Craig Bradshaw was unstoppable in the low post.

Mays talks for first time since suspension
   Suspended sophomore forward James Mays said Saturday he is not currently enrolled in classes at Clemson, but plans on returning to the Tigers� roster next season.
Anderson Independent Mail

Injury-depleted Panthers hope plan 'C' works
Greensboro News Record

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Paul leads Hornets to victory
   Rookie guard from Winston-Salem pours in 24 points against Bobcats
-Crouch leads Mocs past Apps
-Deacons' inability to finish inside was a key factor in their loss to Terrapins

January 16, 2006

From the Charlotte Observer
-Bears silenced
   Finally, the difference between the 1985 Chicago Bears defense and the current one has been determined. The Monsters of the Midway of two decades ago never had to face Steve Smith.
-Road wide open for underdog Panthers
   Indianapolis was the best team in the NFL this season. The Colts are gone. New England, the defending champion, is the Team Nobody Wanted to Play. The Patriots also are gone.

Wake Forest off to first 0-3 ACC start since 1989-90
Greensboro News Record

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Gray's heroics not enough to save Deacs in loss
    Wake Forest still winless in ACC play after 90-86 defeat at Maryland
-Foster's season ended too early, teammates say
   "The leg got caught up underneath me," Foster said. "I heard it pop, so I knew right away (it was broken)."

Doherty successful in return to Tar Heel state
   Who says you can't go home again? Sunday's game at Gardner-Webb marked the first contest for first-year Florida Atlantic head coach Matt Doherty back in the Tar Heel state after being fired from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kinston Free Press

Recruiting- Weekend results in haul for USC
Columbia (SC) The State

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Canes win on Staal's hat trick
-Williams- Heels' youth no excuse

January 22, 2006

From the Houston Chronicle
-Penders' collapse puts scare into UH in loss
   UAB posted a 82-79 victory over Houston Saturday night. Houston Coach Tom Penders collapsed on the sideline late in the first half, but returned to coach the second half.
-Owls let lead slip away, lose to SMU in OT

From the Dallas Morning News
-SMU AD Copeland passes on William & Mary
   SMU athletic director Jim Copeland was contacted about becoming the vice president in charge of development at William and Mary but says he's staying put.
-SMU tops Rice in OT, 80-69
   This was about character and the toughness that SMU coach Jimmy Tubbs has been talking about since he arrived on campus.

Block by Peppers saves UCF's victory
Orlando Sentinel

Tulsa's defense can't overcome Golden Knights
   The Hurricane will get a full week of work before returning to the court for next Saturday's road game at East Carolina.
Tulsa World (Subscription Required.)

From the Hattiesburg American
-Eagles make Tigers work for it
   Reed Green Coliseum was the place to be on Saturday afternoon. And the city of Hattiesburg knew it.
-Prep football recruits enjoy campus visit
   At the top of the student section of Reed Green Coliseum during Southern Mississippi's men's basketball game against Memphis Saturday, a group of football recruits sat and watched the action.

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Tiger depth downs USM
   Think Duke without J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams. Think Connecticut without Rudy Gay and Josh Boone. Think Texas without Daniel Gibson and LaMarcus Aldridge. Now think of the consequences.
-Tigers replay
-Tiger-Vol classic had everything but ESPN

Memphis fends off Golden Eagles
   Missed free throws doom USM
Biloxi Sun-Herald

From the Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger
-Tigers too tough
   Southern Miss basketball coach Larry Eustachy said the Golden Eagles took big strides toward respectability with better efforts in their first three Conference USA games
-Eagles show uncommon spunk
-Baseball: Repaired arm makes Russum eager

Blazers streak reaches 10 wins
   The biggest shot in UAB's biggest Conference USA game to date didn't come at the end of a well-played possession.
Birmingham News

UTEP squeaks by Herd
   Ron Jirsa couldn't have been more prophetic.
Huntington Herald-Dispatch

From the El Paso Times
-Fickle fans a mystery at the Don
   Why is attendance lagging for the UTEP men's basketball program -- a program coming off two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and a program with a storied history unlike any sports outfit in this area?
-Memories reappear in final moments
   Marshall's Joe Miles let go a heave just before the buzzer ended this game and, for one fleeting second, visions of Fresno State flittered uglily through Miner minds.
-Williams chases history
   Williams needs just 16 more points to hit the 1,000-point plateau and he will then become just the 20th member of UTEP's 1,000-point, 500-rebound club.

January 21, 2006

Five C-USA Pitchers Named to Clemens Award Watch List
conferenceusa.com

No. 4 Memphis tough test for USM
   With the changing face of Conference USA, Memphis assumed the mantle as the league's flagship men's basketball program.
Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger

No. 4 Memphis in town
   Don't be scared
Hattiesburg American

USM braces for No. 4 Memphis
   Tough matchup awaits Eagles
Biloxi Sun-Herald

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-No. 4 Tigers vs. Southern Miss
-Setting U of M's career record for 3-pointers not part of Carney's plans
-Lineman looks for Tiger star

Miners focused only on the Herd
El Paso Times

From the Charleston (WV) Gazette
-Herd needs to reverse woes at the foul line
   You know the line � 15 feet from the basket, nobody guarding the shooter.
-Jason Williams vs. the Herd?

Pressure on Herd's post
   The Miners are deep around the basket, placing the onus on Lavar Carter and other inside reserves.
Huntington Herald-Dispatch

UAB will try to keep leash on Cougars
   The Bartow Arena seats won't be empty and his practice gear will be hanging in his locker.
Birmingham News

Young waits for his shot with Cougars
   Satisfaction has been hard to come by, but UH's Richard Young, who has played only 17 minutes in four games, isn't pouting . That's what being a father and a college student will do to you.
Houston Chronicle

College baseball steps up to plate with video game
Orlando Sentinel

Baseball Team Opens Practice On Monday
southernmiss.com

January 20, 2006

Men's Basketball Notebook
   Memphis, UAB and UTEP will look to remain unbeaten in Conference USA play as the trio joins the nine other league teams for a full-slate of Saturday action on the hardwood.
conferenceusa.com

Bradshaw charged with burglary
   Marshall running back Ahmad Bradshaw was accused Thursday of stealing another student�s video game system.
Bluefield (WV) Daily Telegraph

Bradshaw arrested for PS2 theft
Huntington Herald-Dispatch

Bradshaw arrest- misunderstanding?
   Source says Herd star borrowed game system, didn�t steal it
Charleston (WV) Gazette

Teammates among nine visiting U of M
   Weaver, a first-team Marietta Daily Journal selection, played with UofM linebacker Greg Jackson at Marietta two years ago. Weaver has taken trips to Conference USA schools East Carolina and UCF.
Memphis Commercial Appeal

'NO REGRETS AT ALL'
   Things were supposed to be different for Jason Forte when he came to the Southern Miss campus in 2002 to begin his basketball career.
Biloxi Sun Herald

Blazers nearly out of scholarships to offer
   Only two more recruiting weekends remain before National Signing Day but UAB isn't planning to welcome any recruits to campus for official visits this weekend.
Birmingham News

Golden Knights Return to C-USA Play Versus Tulsa
ucfathletics.com

From the El Paso Times
-Miners try to stretch streak
-Ebell all business for Hula Bowl in Hawaii

New deal for Bower
   Ending a month of speculation, the University of Southern Mississippi extended the contract of longtime head football coach Jeff Bower on Wednesday.
Hattiesburg American

Eagles to entertain 9 off 'C-L' Top 40 list
   For Southern Miss, this weekend appears to be the more the merrier.
Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger

From the Houston Chronicle
-Almond becomes more than a scorer for Owls
-UH names strength coach
   Ex-Aggie Jackson played in NFL, was at OU for two years

Ho-hum season means big cash for some coaches
   This column is for all you parents who worry about the career paths of your children in these volatile economic times.
A little advice: Forget about steering your son toward law or medical school. Let him major in P.E. and become a college football coach -- the only profession in the world that rewards mediocrity with a lifetime of financial security.
Orlando Sentinel

January 19, 2006

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Memphis needs late run to escape Vols
   In crunch time and with the game in the balance, Shawne Williams abandoned his natural need for the perimeter, set up on the left block, put Dane Bradshaw on his back and begged for the ball.
-This one lived up to pregame billing

South Dakota St. stuns UCF
   There were lots of reasons, but very few words being used afterward to describe what likely will be remembered as one of the worst losses in UCF's basketball history.
Orlando Sentinel

Rice a Unanimous Pick to Win C-USA Regular Season Title
conferenceusa.com

From the El Paso Times
-UTEP still perfect
-Miners ratchet up their defensive effort
-Team makes statement with classroom grades
-Miners make the grade, won't lose scholarships due to new APR

UTEP runs past generous Wave
New Orleans Times Picayune

Blazers win 9th in row
   UAB's once-comfortable lead on Wednesday dissolved quickly once Rice's Morris Almond got hot.
Birmingham News

From the Houston Chronicle
-Rice tumbles against UAB 75-68
-UH beats Southern Miss to shake skid

From the Jackson (MS) Clarion Ledger
-USM adds 2 years to Bower's contract
   With signing day two weeks away, Southern Miss football coach Jeff Bower received a nice commitment Wednesday, but it didn't come from a prospect.
-2nd-half dry spell dooms Eagles

From the Huntington Herald-Dispatch
-Herd can't stem Tulsa tide
   A 10-point first half lead was erased by halftime and the Thundering Herd (7-8, 1-2) suffered a 66-57 men's basketball setback to Tulsa (7-9, 2-1) before a lively crowd of 5,619 at Reynolds Center.
-Marshall gets commitment from Redick

Foul free throws doom Herd
Charleston (WV) Gazette

Revenge is a dish best served cold
   Although UCF is the university with the largest enrollment in Conference USA, the Golden Knights rank last in attendance at men's basketball games.
Central Florida Future

Ex-Marshall coach returns to Florida hospital
   Pruett re-admitted
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

January 18, 2006

From conferenceusa.com
-Three C-USA Teams Ranked in Preseason NCBWA Poll
-Tulane Suspended Sports Make Spring 2006 Decisions
-Indoor Track and Field Notebook

Eagles eager for a win on the road
   Houston needs C-USA victory
Biloxi Sun Herald

From the Birmingham News
-UAB gets used to Autry Court before game
   Mike Anderson took his UAB basketball team to Autry Court on Tuesday for an early evening practice to get used to the surroundings.
-UT at Memphis- Why not Bama against UAB?

Miners look for another C-USA win
El Paso Times

Recruiting nears end
   The next two weeks will play a significant role in the future fate of the University of Southern Mississippi football team.
Hattiesburg American

UH Notebook- Ironing out the details for a promising season
Houston Chronicle

Versatile Tulsa tough matchup for Herd
Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch

Marshall hopes to bounce back from UAB setback
Charleston (WV) Gazette

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-No. 4 Tigers vs. Tennessee
-Feud plus crime talk spicing up this rivalry
-Memorable Tigers-Vols matchups

Tulane reinstates 2 sports shelved in wake of storm
New Orleans Times Picayune

January 17, 2006

Men's Basketball Notebook
conferenceusa.com

From tulsahurricane.com
-Work Begins in North End Zone for Case Athletic Complex
   This three-story, 30,000 square-foot structure will consolidate football operations and provide a dramatic anchor to Skelly Stadium.
-TU Alumnus Tommy Hudspeth Returns to Hurricane
   former TU football standout and NFL Head Coach Tommy Hudspeth will rejoin the University to assist in the area of development and fundraising for TU athletics
-Tulsa Athletics Recognized with Diversity Award
   Tulsa is among 10 Universities to be awarded

Bennett Awarded Contract Extension
  SMU Head Football Coach Phil Bennett has been awarded a contract extension, Athletic Director Jim Copeland announced today. Bennett, who had three years remaining under his current agreement, is now under contract to the university through the 2009 season.
smumustangs.com

Baseball To Open Spring Practice Tuesday At Zephyr Field
tulanegreenwave.com

UCF Cheerleaders No. 4 in the Nation
  The UCF Cheerleaders took home the No. 4 spot at the 2006 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship Sunday night at Disney's Wide World of Sports�.
ucfathletics.com

Herd's Humphrey can be a show himself
  When the 12 football recruits making official visits to Marshall University left the Henderson Center, they went away talking about one player. His name is Markel Humphrey
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

Miners sitting pretty so far
  UTEP now owns a 9-5 overall record, and those three consecutive losses came to quality programs -- Georgetown, Texas Tech and Syracuse.
El Paso Times

Spradlin leaving UH staff
  Offensive line coach headed for Abilene Cooper
Houston Chronicle

Tiger backcourt still evolving
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Wojcik faces a challenge at Tulsa
  Wheeling native picking up the pieces after back-to-back 9-20 seasons
Charleston (WV) Gazette

January 16, 2006

Around Conference USA - Basketball
USA Today

Men's Basketball Round-Up
conferenceusa.com

Giannini pushes forward as Southern Miss AD
   University of Southern Mississippi athletic director Richard Giannini had a vision for the athletic department when he took his job in 1999.
Hattiesburg American

From the Huntington Herald-Dispatch
-Marshall tries to focus on the finish
   Herd can compete with elite teams, but have to avoid late-game collapse
-Pair picks Marshall
-Highly touted recruit returns to Herd

O'Leary, UCF negotiations in motion
   Negotiations for George O'Leary's next contract at UCF have begun.
Orlando Sentinel