ENMU Athletics News

Richardson Celebrates 99

Professor Emeritus and former coach Dr. Calvin “Carl” Richadrson (BA 48) celebrated his 99th birthday quietly at his home in Portales, New Mexico on July 25.

Carl wore many hats at ENMU – coach of the football, tennis, golf, baseball, basketball and track teams; professor of physical education; and director of the Health and Physical Education Department.

As a coach, Carl was named NAIA District 7 Coach of the Year nine times in three different sports. His tennis teams had a 113-32 record and four NAIA District 7 championships, while the football team was 59-37, including an undefeated season in 1957. As a baseball coach, he guided the Greyhounds to a 52-12 record in a four-year span, and led the golf team to four NAIA District 7 championships.

All this athletic excellence was underscored by a commitment to academic excellence, as he always expected his athletes to make the grades and maintain strong working relationships with faculty.

After his retirement in 1986, he tirelessly recruited for his alma mater, travelling the area and speaking to community groups.

To help us celebrate Carl’s birthday, donate to the Carl Richardson and B.B. Lees Scholarship online at enmu.edu/donate.

Fall 2020 Athletic Seasons Postponed

As uncertainty associated with COVID-19 continues to throw athletic seasons into doubt, ENMU has made the decision to postpone all athletic practices, competitions or organized activities this fall.

In a July 28 statement appearing on the ENMU website, University President Patrice Caldwell stated athletic competitions might return in the spring.

"Although we are extremely disappointed that the renewed safety concerns are taking us in a different direction, we all believe this is the right decision for the health and safety of our Greyhound family," President Caldwell said.

As of July 28, the Lone Star Conference (LSC) decided to delay fall sports practice to no earlier than August 24, 2020, with competition beginning September 21, 2020. Eastern's decision to postpone the fall sports schedule was made independently of the LSC. If the conference continues with its plans to play sports in the fall, it will be without ENMU's participation.

According to President Caldwell, "the University will not take chances with the lives of students, faculty and staff." For up-to-date information, visit goeasternathletics.com.

Engraved Bricks Still Available at Greyhound Stadium

There is still a chance for ENMU alumni to become a part of history, as the final 25 spaces remain at Greyhound Arena to engrave their names in stone.

Cost for each 8x8-inch brick is $250, with the bricks displayed near the home side entrance to the stadium.

There are also only 26 metal locker plaques available. Each plaque is 5x3 inches and will be engraved with the name of the alumnus’ choice. These plaques – at $1,000 each – will be placed in the Hounds’ home locker room, used both by ENMU and visiting high school teams for Portales High School home games.

To order a brick or locker plaque, please call Kourtney Paiz at the ENMU Foundation at 575.562.2412.

Student Athletes Staying Fit, Staying Positive

By Todd Fuqua

As the fall semester approached this year, there was excitement and anticipation over the new school year and sports seasons at ENMU.

Unlike years past, however, there was also a great degree of uncertainty, as the COVID-19 pandemic put the future of education, sports and just about everything else in limbo.

Greyhound volleyball team members leap during a workout in June, shortly after workouts of five athletes or less were allowed.

As a result, student-athletes had to rely on their own discipline to stay fit. That’s what the ENMU volleyball team did throughout the summer.

“We decided to do the team fitness challenge,” said Volleyball Coach Sia Poyer (MS 98 BS 96). “On any given summer, our kids are given a workout by our strength and conditioning coach, Larry Varnado (MS 11 BS 06). But this was an unusual situation because of COVID and we felt like we needed to be more in contact with our players.”

Using the group communication application Band, Coach Poyer and the team remained in contact throughout the spring and summer months, monitoring and commenting on each other’s workouts. They offered challenges and encouragement throughout.

“We score them based on their interactions – posting a video or photos of their workouts, making positive comments, or if they offer a challenge to other teams,” Poyer said. “We tally their points and the winner has bragging rights and healthy competition.”

Greyhound senior volleyball player Jasmine Gannon lifts during summer workouts. She and other ENMU athletes have been doing what they can to keep in shape and stay positive about the upcoming – and uncertain – fall sports seasons.

Volleyball team captain and senior Jasmine Gannon said she and the team were glad to have the team challenges and look forward to whatever the new school year may bring.

“I have been keeping a positive mindset and looking forward to having a season,” Gannon said.“If we do not have a season this fall, I know things will work out the way they are supposed to. I’m continuing to work as if our season is guaranteed.”

Volleyball wasn’t the only sport waiting to see if it would be facing live competition in the fall – men’s and women’s soccer, cross country and football were also dealing with an uncertain future.

ENMU football coach Kelly Lee says his players received texts daily from the coaching staff and kept up with one another through weekly remote meetings. But have they been staying in shape?

“We certainly hope so!” Coach Lee said. “Our players were provided with a summer workout manual that detailed daily weight, running, flexibility, agility and plyometric activities. We also provided them with body weight workouts in case they did not have access to a weight room.”

Lee said, “Eastern has been a bit behind other schools in the Lone Star Conference (LSC), as they allowed athletes back on campus starting June 1. ENMU has been more deliberate in opening its campus.”

Coach Poyer said the coordination with other sports has been encouraging.

“We have all been meeting with our teams as much as possible, and offered advice and ideas to each other to deal with the changes due to COVID-19,” Coach Poyer said. “I’ve had similar meetings with NCAA Division 2 volleyball coaches across the nation and throughout the LSC.”