ENMU Athletics News

Greyhound’s Career Spans the Globe

By Todd Fuqua and Desiree Cooper

Phil Henry (BS 14) is making a name for himself in basketball leagues worldwide, playing for professional teams in 10 countries on four continents. His career allows him to fulfill two dreams – playing professionally and seeing the world.

“Ever since I was young, I always aspired to travel the world to share new experiences and meet great people while doing it,” Phil said. “My love for and ability to play basketball provides me these incredible experiences.”

Phil most recently played as a power forward for BK Pardubice in the Czech National Basketball League (NBL), the highest level of competition in the Czech Republic.

Phil Henry at the free throw line during his days playing with the Cypriot League basketball club Apollon Lemesou in Cyprus.

Courtesy Phil Henry

Phil is the all-time single-season shot block record holder at Eastern, and he majored in communications and public relations while a student. He believes his educational experience gave him the tools to network internationally in his travels and build relationships with teammates, coaches and fans.

When Phil is not working, he volunteers his time for his friend’s annual basketball camp, working to inspire hundreds of young children to play basketball at higher levels.

“The first few years are the hardest. Whether you were the best player on your college team or had a great opportunity to play professionally once you graduate, you are starting over and have to prove yourself,” he said. “Every day is an opportunity to show why you should be here over the other millions of young athletes trying to play professionally around the world.”

Greyhound Athlete Takes Gold at Indoor Meet

By Cameron Brennan

ENMU Senior Malethabo Seema captured the women’s 800-meter dash in the final day of competition at the 2022 Lone Star Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships in February 2022. The women’s program totaled 37 points over the two days, finishing in sixth place. The men’s team totaled 7 points overall, landing in ninth place.

Malethabo Seema

Courtesy ENMU Athletics

Seema took control of the field in the 800-meter dash, only trailing the first 200 meters and then led for the remainder of the race. She crossed the line in a personal record time of 2:16.12, which stands as the fifth-fastest time in program history. Seema had won the outdoor 800-meter dash in 2021 and landed in third during the 2020 LSC ITF Championship. The last Greyhound to win the 800 at an indoor championship was senior Neri Getraide in 2020.

Anderson Finds Success at Utah State

By Todd Fuqua

In his first year as head football coach at Utah State, Blake Anderson (MS 94) led the Aggies to a 11-3 record, earning a Mountain West Conference championship and guiding the team to a Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl victory over Oregon State.

Part of what made Utah State’s season so remarkable is how unremarkable the season before had been when the Aggies went 1-5 in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. It was the second-best one-year turnaround in the nation, behind only Michigan.

Blake Anderson

Courtesy Utah State University

“I was open-minded, but I don’t know if any of us saw 11-3and a bowl game championship,” Anderson said. “We justwanted to be the best team we could be. These guys keptbreaking barriers and had an unreal season.”

Blake is a long way from his days as a graduate assistant coach for ENMU in 1992–93 under Head Coach Howard Stearns.

“Everyone has to start somewhere, and for me coaching at ENMU was a great opportunity,” Anderson said. “I learned a different work ethic needed to be a coach, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

Brandon Misuraca is Next ENMU Men’s Soccer Coach

By Cameron Brennan

ENMU’s men’s soccer program is returning, and Brandon Misuraca will be the coach when the new season starts in fall of 2022. Misuraca is the seventh coach in program history.

Brandon Misuraca

Misuraca joins ENMU after a three season stint at Oklahoma Pan Handle State University. Misuraca was the Aggies first ever coach of the program, posting a winning record in their inaugural season in 2019 (9-6-2). During the 2020 campaign, played in the spring of 2021, OPSU finished 4-8-4.

Prior to leading the Aggies program, Misuraca was the assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s programs at the University of Houston-Victoria. With both programs, Misuraca coached more than 25 All-Conference, All-Region and national award winners. He helped the men’s program to their first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament in 2017.

Cheers at Greyhound Arena

Greyhound Club President Rose Robbins (BS 81), right, raises a glass of wine at Greyhound Arena, served by Dennis Kerg (BS 10) during the Greyhound’s final home basketball games against Western New Mexico, Feb. 26, 2022. The day marked the first time in the arena’s 55-year existence that alcohol was served during any event held there. In a partnership with Enchantment Vineyards, ENMU’s Department of Athletics secured a “picnic license,” allowing ENMU to sell wine from Portales’ own Enchantment Vineyards on a one-time-only basis.

Photo by Kemet Gatchell