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HORNS HOOPS NEW A.D. IN TOWN: ROBINSON MARIELLE HALL: FOOTBALL’S SEASON PREVIEWS STEVE PATTERSON WRANGLES DEFENSE BIG 12 CHAMPION MIDSEASON RUN

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DECEMBER 2013

CONTENTS

Congratulations for Case McCoy (left) and Jaxon Shipley were in order after the overtime victory against West Virginia.

FEATURES

FOOTBALL

Turning Point Before the Longhorns played their first conference game, Mack Brown stated that his team would make a run for the Big 12 title. At a time when the future looked bleak, many didn’t buy into Brown’s statements. Fast forward to the middle of the season and Texas has six consecutive wins under its belt. But the path to success hasn’t been easy for the Longhorns. Associate editor Steve Habel recaps the midseason games and how the Longhorns overcame adversity, once again.

36 M BASKETBALL New Beginnings Last season marked a turning point for Rick Barnes and the men’s basketball program. After a disappointing campaign and the departure of seven players, Barnes had an opportunity to rebuild the roster. With a focus on improving its existing players and building up the skills of the incoming freshmen, Texas builds not only its roster, but a winning program.

40 W BASKETBALL Forward Thinking Karen Aston and her players laid the foundation last year. The team became accustomed to Aston, her playbook and coaching style. This season, the women’s basketball team is ready to move forward and own their success. Publisher James Schleicher provides insight into the Longhorns’ game plan for the 2013-14 season.

M A RK YO U R C A LE N D A R

RO U N D U P

M E D I A VO I C E S

T HE HA B E O N T HE HO RN S — Steve Habel

I N S E A S O N — S T E VE P A T T E RS O N

HE A LT H & W E LLN E S S

FI N A L S C O RE

COVER PHOTO: Jaxon Shipley makes a catch against Kansas. PHOTO BY DON BENDER

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DECEMBER 2013

JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS

DEPARTMENTS

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DECEMBER 2013

CALENDAR MARK YOUR

DECEMBER 2013

UT at Baylor Waco TBA

UT vs. Sam Houston State 2 p.m.

UT vs. Michigan State 3 p.m.

FootBall

M BasketBall

UT at Temple Philadelphia, Pa. 11 a.m.

BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS

M BasketBall

UT vs. Vanderbilt 8 p.m.

W BasketBall

UT vs. Arkansas-Little Rock 7 p.m.

5–7

M/ W sWiMMing & Diving

Texas Invitational 10 a.m. / 6 p.m.

volleyBall

NCAA First & Second Rounds TBA

17–22 U.S. Diving Nationals All Day

UT at Tennessee Knoxville, Tenn. 12 p.m.

13–14

NCAA Regionals TBA

NCAA Semifinals TBA Seattle, Wash.

M BasketBall

UT vs. Texas State 7 p.m.

NCAA Championship TBA Seattle, Wash.

UT at North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. 6 p.m.

M BasketBall

volleyBall

M Diving

volleyBall

W BasketBall

Men’s diving competes at the U.S. Diving Invitationals beginning Dec. 17.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN LONGHORN SPORTS

M BasketBall

W BasketBall

UT vs. Idaho 2 p.m.

M BasketBall

volleyBall

W BasketBall

UT vs. Northwestern State 7 p.m.

DECEMBER 2013

UT vs. Rice 1 p.m.

INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK WWW.TEXASSPORTS. COM FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION

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ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2013

CO URTES Y U T ATHLETICS PH OTOG RAPHY

HALL’S TITLE // ROBINSON’S STRATEGY // LONGHORNS IN THE NBA

GOING THE DISTANCE: Senior Marielle Hall took home the individual title at the 2013 Big 12 Cross Country Championships. Her first-place finish was the first ever for a Longhorn at the conference meet on both the men’s and women’s sides. Hall won the 6,000-meter women’s race with a career-best time of 19 minutes, 38.3 seconds — more than 10 seconds ahead of all other competitors. In her career, Hall owns three of the seven top-10 finishes recorded by Texas women at the Big 12 meet and is also the only runner on the women’s side to record multiple top-10 results at the meet. “Texas is all about history and tradition, so to be able to contribute to that is such an honor,” she said. Hall led the Longhorn women to a fourth-place finish in the team standings. The Texas men finished third in the team standings with 80 points, led by Ryan Dohner in fourth place and Craig Lutz in sixth.

DECEMBER 2013

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DECEMBER 2013

ROUNDUP

FOOTBALL

And it’s Goodbye to A&M – For Good

SLIM POSSIBILITY: Even

with a new athletic director at the helm (Steve Patterson), the Texas-A&M rivalry will likely not be revived.

if new Texas athletic director Steve wants to revive the Longhorns’ rivalry with Texas A&M, but it probably won’t matter. The Aggies made it clear that they have no intention of scheduling any future regular-season games with Texas. “We hope to play them again in a BCS bowl or playoff game at some point,” Texas A&M senior associate athletic director Jason Cook said. He didn’t elaborate any further. In 2014, Texas A&M will play LSU on Thanksgiving, which was the usual date for the Aggies and Longhorns until their series ended in 2011. Texas will play a Big 12 opponent on Thanksgiving night. At the SEC spring meetings in May, Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin was asked by ESPN if he had anything to say about Texas. “I don’t have to anymore,” Loftin said. “It’s not relevant to us anymore.” Texas A&M and Texas played 118 times between 1894 and 2011, until the Aggies left the Big 12 for the SEC.

THERE’S A STORY behind the skin below

Case McCoy’s left eye. He feels no shame about the stretched, discolored skin that marks portions above and below his cheek. Those blemishes are what remain from his eight-year childhood battle with a rare autoimmune disease called scleroderma. “Every time I look in the mirror and see it, I know what I’m doing. I know why I’m fighting the way I am and what I’m fighting for,” McCoy said. “I knew as a young boy that those marks aren’t going away. It’s who I am and I can either embrace them or be embarrassed by them.” During his long bout with scleroderma, his immune system had

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turned against the left side of his body, effectively stunting its growth for a year. “Basically, the doctors said you can try [to play quarterback], but we can’t guarantee you,” McCoy said, “and if you can’t, you are going to have to live with that.” His brother Colt would go to Texas and, well, become Colt McCoy. And McCoy grew up in his big brother’s shadow. When his time came to play for his father, then the head football coach at Graham, McCoy made a demand: “Coach me hard. Make me what you’ve made Colt.” McCoy has been playing — and embracing — the underdog role ever since, constantly buoyed by a belief that, no matter the odds or what anyone says,

DECEMBER 2013

Patterson

UNDERDOG: As a child, Case McCoy had

to prove doctors wrong when they said he wouldn’t succeed in football. Always pegged as the underdog throughout his life, McCoy has a knack for proving people wrong — and showing that he can overcome anything put in his way.

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE TEXAS RELEASED the 2014 football schedule this November. Check out who the Longhorns’ opponents next season.

AUG. 30: North Texas SEPT. 6: BYU SEPT. 13: UCLA SEPT. 27: at Kansas OCT. 4: Baylor OCT. 11: vs. Oklahoma OCT. 18: Iowa State OCT. 25: at K ansas State NOV. 1: at Texas Tech NOV. 8: West Virginia NOV. 15: at Oklahoma State NOV. 27: TCU

FROM LEFT : PAT RICK MERED IT H/UNIV. OF TEXAS, JIM SIGMON/UNI .V OF T EXAS

BEATING THE ODDS

O ONE KNOWS

FOOTBALL

ROUNDUP

NOVEMBER 2013

MAN ON A MISSION: Greg Robsinson keeps his strategy close to his chest, but his passion for the Texas defense is clear.

ROLE CHANGE ONE YEAR AGO, junior running back Joe

Bergeron was considered one of Texas’ main offensive forces. Today, it’s rare to hear his name at all. Although he was hyped up as being one of three strong running backs entering the year, Bergeron has yet to make his mark on this season. But the back is handling this newfound situation the best way he can. “Joe has handled it really well,” coach Mack Brown said. “He’s not getting as many touches at running back, [but] he’s channeled all of that energy into things that will help our team.” At this time last year,

DID YOU KNOW?

FR OM LEFT : JESS E D ROHEN, JIM SIGMON/UNI V. OF T EXAS, JIM S IGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS

As of the Oklahoma State game, kicker Anthony Fera has missed only one field goal all season.

Here’s to You, Mr. Robinson

REG ROBINSON is neither elusive nor evasive, but he does remain something of an enigma. He’s met with reporters only a few times since taking the job as Texas’ new defensive coordinator. When the 62-year-old speaks, he rarely talks specifics about his defense, focusing more on the simple concept of hard work. “It’s easy to say a lot of things, but time will tell,” Robinson said. “I just know this — we’re going to work hard.” This is essentially Robinson’s argument. The players got more reps every week. The coaches

did some fine-tuning. Ask Texas’ defensive leaders what changed since Robinson arrived and they’ll give similar accounts. His imprint on the defense, while understated, stays clear to them. He brings energy and passion to every practice. He demands technicians. Do a drill right or you’ll do it again. He’s taking a hands-on approach with every position on defense, not just the linebackers. He gets his point across without being a rah-rah guy, defensive tackle Chris Whaley said. He’s a positive influence. He gets guys to buy in and believe. And doggone it, people like him. Since Sept. 21, Texas’ defense ranks No. 44 nationally in total yards, 52nd against the run and 53rd against the pass.

Bergeron had 104 carries and 16 touchdowns. This year he’s been given the ball only 31 times, tallying just two scores in eight games. Several reasons have led to Bergeron’s diminished playing time, the biggest of which is the rise of running backs junior Malcolm Brown and sophomore Johnathan Gray. One of Bergeron’s most impressive features was his ability to pound the ball into the end zone in goal-line situations. But Brown has taken over the primary role Bergeron used to have. Another problem for Bergeron is the fact that he has fumbled in many prominent situations. Against Iowa State, the junior fumbled in Longhorn territory, which led to a Cyclone score. Nevertheless, Bergeron hasn’t let this reduced play turn negative. He has become a force on special teams, showing up on kickoff coverage, kickoff returns and even on the punt team.

DECEMBER 2013

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BASKETBALL

Leadership Training

STEPPING UP: Chassidy Fussell is taking an active leadership role this season.

is entering her final season as a Texas Longhorn. But this year, the three-time scoring leader is looking to be more than just a sharp shooter. During the offseason, head coach Karen Aston challenged Fussell to be more of a leader for her teammates, especially for the five newcomers and eight underclassmen. “I intentionally worked to become a better leader with the encouragement of coach Aston,” Fussell explained. “My communication is a lot better — on and off the court. Whether it’s class, running or in the weight room, I always try to be competitive with my teammates and make sure we are always pushing each other.” Fussell hopes to lay a foundation of success for Texas in Aston’s second year. “I meet with coach Aston almost every week and she constantly challenges me to push myself and my teammates,” Fussell said. “She wants this team to get to that next level and always reminds me that she’s hard on me because she thinks I can lead this team back to where it belongs.” In the Longhorns’ 119-75 exhibition win over Midwestern State it was clear Fussell has embraced her responsibility as a leader. She led Texas in minutes played (28) and points (24). Fussell shot 8-for-12 from the floor while also gathering six rebounds and three assists.

HASSIDY FUSSELL

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DECEMBER 2013

PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL A total of eight former Texas men’s basketball players appeared on NBA rosters as the league commenced the 2013-14 regular season. LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE Blazers – F Seasons: 8 Age: 28 Twitter: @Aldridge_12

Selected to the NBA All-Star Game for a second consecutive season in 2012–13, Aldridge begins his eighth season in Portland, holding a career average of 18.4 points per game. Averaging more than 20 points per game in each of the last three seasons, he has played his entire professional career with the Blazers. Aldridge was originally selected by the Bulls in the first round (second pick overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft. D.J. AUGUSTIN Raptors – G Seasons: 6 Age: 26

Playing his first season with the Raptors after spending last year with the Indiana Pacers and his first four years with the Charlotte Bobcats (9th pick of the 2008 NBA Draft), the former AllAmerican and Bob Cousy Award winner averaged double-digit points per game and more than six assists per game in his last two seasons. Through his first five seasons in the league, he’s averaging 9.6 ppg and 4.0 apg. AVERY BRADLEY Celtics – G Seasons: 4 Age: 23 Twitter: @Avery_Bradley

Bradley is beginning his fourth season with the Celtics. He started in 50 games last season and totaled 461 points (9.2 per game). He was selected by Boston as the 19th pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. KEVIN DURANT Thunder – F Seasons: 7 Age: 25 Twitter: @KDTrey5

Durant has finished in the top two of the NBA in scoring in each of the last four seasons. He represented the Thunder at the NBA All-Star Game for a fourth consecutive year in 2012-13. Durant reached the NBA Finals in 2011-12. He’s also a four-time All-NBA First Team and 2012 NBA All-Star MVP. JORDAN HAMILTON Nuggets – G-F Seasons: 3 Age: 23 Twitter: @J_Goin_HAM

Hamilton played in a career-high 40 games in 201213, averaging 9.9 minutes and 5.2 points per game. Hamilton was selected by Dallas as the 24th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft (and was later traded to Denver on draft night). CORY JOSEPH Spurs – G Seasons: 3 Age: 22 Twitter: @Cory_Joe

Joseph begins his third season with the Spurs after averaging 4.5 points per game in 28 contests last season. After his freshman season at Texas, Joseph was one of three Longhorns selected in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft as the 29th pick by the Spurs. P.J. TUCKER Suns – F Seasons: 3 Age: 28 Twitter: @PJTUCKER17

After taking a five-year hiatus from the NBA to play overseas, Tucker played 79 games and averaged 6.4 points per game for the Suns in his first season back in the league. Tucker declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft after his junior year. TRISTAN THOMPSON Cavaliers – C Seasons: 3 Age: 22 Twitter: @RealTristan13

The fourth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft started all 82 games as a second-year player last season for the Cavaliers. Thompson averaged nearly a double-double, posting 11.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

FR OM LEFT: PATR IC K M ER EDITH/UNI V. OF T EXAS, ALL OTHER PHOTO S COUR TESY UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY

DECEMBER 2013

ROUNDUP

VOLLEYBALL

ROUNDUP

DECEMBER 2013

B A SEB A LL

WORLD CLASS

BOSTON STRONG

Brandon Workman is a World Series Champion.

FORMER TEXAS LONGHORN and cur-

rent Boston Red Sox pitcher Brandon Workman is a World Series champion. Workman and the Red Sox topped the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 in Game 6 to capture the best-of-seven series, 4-2. A rookie, Workman contributed to the series-clinching victory by pitching a 1-2-3 8th inning to help the Red Sox capture a World Series championship at home for the first time since 1918. A native of Bowie, Texas, Workman made seven relief appearances in the postseason and allowed just one unearned run in 8 2/3 innings. During the regular season — his first in the big leagues after being drafted 57th overall in 2010 — he made 20 appearances and had a 6-3 record with a 4.97 ERA. Workman’s championship marks the second straight season a former Longhorn has been on the World Series championship team. Brandon Belt and the San Francisco Giants won it all in 2012.

WONDER WOMAN: Haley

Eckerman is a student, a national champion and a mother.

FROM LEFT: LEE FEINSWOG/ VOLLEYBALL MAGAZIN E, KEITH ALLISON

REDEFINING THE LINES

ALEY ECKERMAN can blast a volleyball like few others in the college game. The junior outside hitter is a student, a great teammate and a mother to 3-year-old Cayden. “As a coach you have so many chances to win, but most of us go home losing every year. So you’ve got to take something else away from this profession to make this an enjoyable experience,” head coach Jerritt Elliott said. “Seeing young players develop into young women is huge and to see someone like Haley, who has this responsibility and wants to be successful in the classroom and on the

SUPREME COURT team took down No. 25 Oklahoma 3-1 behind a match-high 19 kills by junior All-American Haley Eckerman and a season-high 52 assists from senior Hannah

THE TEXAS VOLLEYBALL

volleyball court — it’s amazing.” Eckerman had Cayden May 10, 2010, at the end of her junior year of high school. She missed the club season but returned to the court for her senior year. On top of having to prepare for motherhood, Eckerman worried about her future at Texas. It turns out she had nothing to worry about. Elliott and associate head coach Salima Rockwell immediately gave their unconditional support. “She’s an inspiration for athletes around the country,” teammate Khat Bell said. “[It’s amazing] how much time and effort she puts into volleyball, being a student and then being a mom. It’s pretty tough on her, but she gets through it.”

Allison. The victory increased the Longhorns’ win streak to 13 matches and kept their perfect Big 12 Conference record intact. Eckerman added 11 digs on the night for her fifth double-double of the season and 12th as a Longhorn. Senior libero Sarah Palmer led both squads with 16 digs, while sophomore middle blocker Molly McCage and Allison had eight blocks each. Ahead 12-11 in game one, Texas broke away from Oklahoma on an 11-2 run for a 23-13 advantage. The Longhorns put the game away

following a kill from McCage and a seventh Sooner mishit. Eckerman led both teams with six kills in game one as Texas outhit Oklahoma .355-.036. The Longhorns built an early 8-3 lead in the second frame following four kills, a pair of blocks and back-to-back hitting errors by the Sooners. After trading points, Texas forged ahead with a 4-0 run to make it 24-15. Bailey Webster clinched the game to put the Longhorns up 2-0. After Oklahoma took the third game, Texas found its momentum in the final set and never looked back.

Up & Coming BASEBALL AMERICA gave the

Texas baseball team’s 2013 recruiting class the No. 2 ranking for the nation. The Longhorns’ class trails only Florida in the rankings, which evaluates newcomers who reported to campus this fall. Texas matched Florida and No. 3 South Carolina with five players ranked in the Baseball America 500: right-handed pitcher Lukas Schiraldi (No. 162), infielder Andy McGuire (No. 198), catcher Tres Barrera (No. 200), infielder Bret Boswell (No. 221), and righthanded pitcher Blake Goins (No. 256). The class is comprised of 12 freshmen and one junior-college transfer (Schiraldi). Five of the 13 incoming players were selected in the 2013 MLB Draft but chose to report to campus. This year’s ranking marks the 12th time in the last 14 years that Texas has earned a spot in Baseball America’s “Dandy Dozen” list. Texas is tops among the four Big 12 teams in the rankings. Oklahoma State (No. 4), Oklahoma (No. 10) and TCU (No. 17) also made the list. The Longhorns open the 2014 season with a four-game series at California which begins on Feb. 14.

DECEMBER 2013

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

DECEMBER 2013

UTSA ROUNDUP

UTSA

A WINNER’S MENTALITY: The UT San Antonio football team is exceeding expectations in Conference USA, with quarterback Eric Soza leading the way.

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2013

M BASKETBALL 4: vs. Huston-Tillotson, 7 p.m. 7: @ Texas-Pan Am, Edinburg, 7 p.m. 18: vs. Cal State Bakersfield, 7 p.m. 22: vs. Georgia State, 1 p.m. 31: vs. Cameron, 2 p.m. W BASKETBALL 5: @ Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Corpus

Christi, 7 p.m. 8: vs. Abilene Christian, 4 p.m. 22: @ Texas State, 1 p.m. 28: vs. North Dakota State, 2 p.m. 29: vs. New Mexico State, 2 p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY NINA HERRERA led the Roadrunners with

BY STEPHEN WHITAKER OMING INTO THEIR

first season as members of Conference USA, few expected the UT San Antonio Roadrunners to be at or above .500 when the calendar turned to November. Thanks to a 10-7 victory over the Tulane Green Wave on Nov. 9 the football team accomplished just that. The Roadrunners positioned themselves as leaders in the conference in mid-November with only a few contests still remaining. “We want to go out and compete to win every game,” head coach Larry Coker said. “We have good football players here. They’re great kids and we have a great coaching staff.” The win against Tulane came on

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the heels of a 34-15 win on the road against a Tulsa team predicted to win the West before the season started. With two games to play, the Roadrunners were in position to finish the season strong. The future is bright for UT San Antonio despite the loss of a senior class that includes starting quarterback Eric Soza. But these last three seasons laid the foundation for the program, and now that the Roadrunners have a stable conference home and the city of San Antonio is behind their team, the possibilities seem limitless. Success will come down to recruiting and the jelling of the present and future Roadrunners. “We want to represent San Antonio to the best of our abilities,” junior center Nate Leonard said.

DECEMBER 2013

SENIOR QUARTERBACK Eric Soza was selected as one of 16 National Football Foundation Scholar Athletes on Nov. 3. The nomination is one of many for Soza, who’s in his third year as a starter for the young Roadrunner program. Soza is also in the running for the Manning Award and the inaugural Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. The 16 finalists for the National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete award will travel to New York City on Dec. 10 for the 56th annual awards dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

ROADRUNNERS: The women’s cross country team tied for the conference championship this season. Nina Herrera led the way, placing fourth.

ALL PHOTOS T HIS PAGE: J EFF HUEHN/UTSA ATHLETICS

LIMITLESS

FOOTBALL

a fourth-place finish, but the team finished with enough points to claim a share of the Conference USA Championship with Tulsa. The championship is the program’s first league crown since 1996, when UTSA was a member of the Southland Conference, and marks the sixth cross country conference title in the team’s history. “This is a proud day for our program,” Aaron Fox, director of track & field and cross country, said. “Coach Scott Slade has done a tremendous job of leading the team this season.”

UTA

DECEMBER 2013

UTA ROUNDUP VOLLEYBALL THE UTA VOLLEYBALL team fell to 15-12 overall and 8-6 against Sun Belt opponents after dropping a pair of matches in the beginning of November at College Park Center. In a hard-fought, 3-2 loss against Georgia State, Shelby Dickson picked up her 11th double-double of the year with 22 digs and 13 kills. Charmaine Whitmore added her second doubledouble with 11 blocks and 10 kills. Unfortunately, things didn’t improve for the Mavericks the following day, as Western Kentucky came to Arlington and walked out with a 3-0 win. UT Arlington’s last home match of the season also was the team’s third consecutive loss. Amanda Welsh and Cassidy Wheeler each had 15 assists for the Mavericks against the Lady Toppers, while Caitlyn Cooney and Dickson added 16 and 10, respectively. The match was the last one at home for Dickson, Whitmore and Megan Casey, all of whom will graduate after this season. The Mavericks will close out the regular season with a stretch of four consecutive matches on the road before the conference tournament, located in Troy, Ala.

BASKETBALL

SOARING TO SUCCESS:

Brandon Edwards and the Maverick basketball team look to move up the conference rankings this season.

HEAD OF THE CLASS

COURTESY ELLMAN PHOTOGR APHY/UTA ATHLETICS

BY STEVE LANSDALE

HE UT ARLINGTON men’s cross country team

successfully defended its Sun Belt Conference Championship on Nov. 2, while the women’s team came up just short, finishing second. The men ran away from their competition, claiming five of the top seven individual places and finishing with 23 team points. Runner-up Arkansas-Little Rock had 54 points. “The guys executed their race plan very well,” said coach John Sauerhage, who was also named Sun Belt Conference Men’s Coach of the Year. “We sent a message early on with our start and we held it throughout the race. We showed our team depth, as our splits from first to fifth were very good.” Craig Lautenslager led the way for the Mavericks, placing second on the eight-kilometer course in 25:31.8. He fin-

ished seconds ahead of teammates Ryan Tilotta, who placed third in 25:39.3, and Emil Blomberg, who finished sixth in 25:52.4. All three were named first-team All-Sun Belt honorees. The women’s team finished second with 63 points, 12 points behind Arkansas State. Hannah Nilsson finished eighth in 18:27.4, followed by Gabriela Alfonzo (ninth, in 18:34.9) and Ashly Wright, who placed 10th (18:35.6). “We lost a heartbreaker on the women’s side,” Sauerhage said. “[Arkansas State] had two runners in front of our pack and we weren’t able to overcome that. But the girls ran well. We’re disappointed we didn’t win, but I’m proud of our effort. We have made a lot of progress with our women’s team and they all return next year.”

THE MEN’S BASKETBALL team was picked to finish seventh in the Sun Belt Conference this year, and senior forward Brandon Edwards was named third-team Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference in a vote by the league’s 10 head coaches. Edwards is the Mavericks’ leading returning scorer and rebounder after starting 26 of the team’s 33 games last season. The Mavericks tipped off the season Nov. 8 at Boise State before beginning a three-game home stand against Samford, Howard Payne and Cleveland State.

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2013

M EN ’S BAS K ET BA L L 3: vs. Dallas Baptist, 7:30 p.m. 7: vs. Weber State, 7:30 p.m. 14: at Houston Baptist, 7:30 p.m. 17: at Oklahoma, Norman, Okla.,

7 p.m. 21: vs. Cal State Bakersfield, 1 p.m. WO M EN’S BAS K E T B A L L 4: vs. North Texas, 7:30 p.m. 14: at Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Ariz.,

11:30 a.m. 18: at Texas-Pan American, Edinburg,

7 p.m. 21: vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi,

3:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 2013

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ALUMNI

SPI R I T OF T H E MON T H

ALPHA PHI OMEGA

BY SARA BETH PURDY

EFORE EVERY FOOTBALL GAME, the 40 Acres showcases a tremendous amount of Texas tradition. And as part of those ongoing traditions, Alpha Phi Omega (APO) — a co-ed service fraternity — proudly carries the world’s largest flag during the pre-game festivities. Texas governor Price Daniel received APO’s original flag from Mississippi governor Ross Barnett as a sign of hospitality during halftime at the 1962 Cotton Bowl. Texas defeated Ole Miss 12-7 that year. The flag made its first appearance during the Thanksgiving Day game against Texas A&M the following season. Since then, running the flag has become a Texas tradition. “My favorite thing about running the flag with Texas APO is the chance to step foot on the Darrell K Royal field,” Sammy DeLeon, one of the APO Flag Coordinators, said. “That’s something that many people don’t ever get to experience.” The members of APO run the flag at every home football game. The organization’s big annual trip takes its members up north to Dallas for the annual Red River Rivalry game. Except for bowl games, this is the only trip the flag takes during the football season. “We’re under a lot of pressure to get the flag trick right or else OU fans will make it a joke for the rest of the year,”

Colton Green, another one of the APO Flag Coordinators, said. Texas’ Alpha Rho Chapter of APO was installed in May 1935. APO was established in 1925 at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. A group of Boy Scouts who hoped to continue promoting scouting ideals at the college level founded the fraternity as a service organization. Every year Texas members complete hundreds of service hours, beyond the minimum required for membership. “APO is an organization that strives to make a difference, not just on campus but in the Austin community,” current APO President Austen Griffin explained. “It’s cool to see the people in APO develop leadership abilities that they’ll have for the rest of their lives.” In addition to running the flag at football games, APO makes appearances at Texas volleyball, basketball and baseball games. They also perform “Flag Drops” at events such as Gone to Texas, the Torchlight Parade and the Hex Rally where APO hangs the flag off the UT Tower. “One of the biggest cheers we hear is when the flag comes out,” Griffin said. “It’s great to be part of something that the fans love and are proud of. To be part of this university tradition is special to us.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MEGAN WILLIS SOFTBALL (2004-2007)

MEGAN WILLIS and superstar pitcher Cat Osterman have been linked to one another throughout their college and professional careers. Both players experienced massive success at Texas and currently play together on the USSSA Pride. While at Texas, Willis, who played catcher for the Longhorns, set a Texas and Big 12 record for putouts in a season with 762 in 2006. She started all 55 games her senior year and achieved a .992 fielding percentage. She batted .293 and held a .359 on-base percentage while driving in 19 runs. Willis’ best season came in her junior year, when she had a .996 fielding percentage and recorded only three errors in 762 chances. She finished the final 24 games of that season without a single error. She was a two-time second team All-Big 12 selection — once in 2005 and 2006. After graduation, she embarked on her professional career. Willis has now played professional softball for six seasons. The last two seasons she played on the USSSA Florida Pride. She has won three NPA championships (2009, 2010 and 2013) and made the All-NPA Team in 2010. Last season Willis batted .271 and powered five home runs while driving in 12 RBIs. At the end of August, Osterman, Willis and former Longhorn Blaire Luna helped lead the USSSA Pride to its second NPA Championship. Willis earned her second championship with the Pride after she joined the team in 2010. She finished this season as the Pride’s backup catcher and batted .256 with seven RBIs. — TAYLOR GRAFFT

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ALL PHOT OS THIS PAGE COUR TESY UT ATHLET IC S PHOTOGRAPHY

DECEMBER 2013

ROUNDUP

MEDIA VOICES

CRAIG WAY SPEAKS TO STEVE PATTERSON ABOUT HIS RETURN TO THE 40 ACRES.

SP: This is the kind of experience people have at their alma maters. I graduated from Texas twice. All but one of my brothers and sisters graduated from here. It was a life changing experience and to be able to come back here is a real joy. CW: After being in the professional world and most

RAIG WAY: I imagine the last few days, let alone the last 24 hours, have been a whirlwind? STEVE PATTERSON: Yes. I never planned

to be in this role when I was a student here. I told my wife years ago — she reminded me of this just this week — that, “It would be great to figure out a way to get back to Austin later in my career, or maybe even retire there.” I never had any inkling of doing something like this. But when you fly in and see that tower lit up at night, it’s pretty special.

JON MADANI

recently Arizona State, what’s the biggest difference between the college and the professional ranks? SP: I think it’s the emotional attachment that people

AM 1300 The Zone’s Craig Way sat down with Texas’ newly hired athletics director, Steve Patterson, just after the official announcement of his hiring on Nov. 7.

TWEETS

have to their university. It’s a multi-generational attachment — you don’t find that in professional sports. People start their careers out of the degrees they earned at their universities. They meet their spouses. Their kids follow and attend the university, then their grandkids. They develop a much deeper emotional attachment than you do in the professional world.You need the skill set to help generate revenues, to be competitive in the professional world.You have to help build facilities, service your customers and all the different constituencies. The emotional attachment — that’s the biggest difference between the two. CW: How much are you looking forward to having some Texas Barbeque?

(@Zone_Madani)

Come on UT offense ... Your defense has 6 sacks and has forced 3 turnovers ... Do your share in the second half. ROD BABERS (@rodb314):

Sometimes smart people say really dumb stuff. Trust me, I do it all the time, especially on a 5 hr show. CRAIG WAY

SP: The Kansas Citians like Kansas City barbeque, and CW: One thing people noted is that you seemed

emotional during the announcement, especially when describing the University of Texas. Clearly, as a person

the North Carolinians like North Carolina barbeque. Having grown up in Texas, it’s going to be nice to get some good Texas barbeque.

(@craigway1): The

announcement was just flashed on the Jumbotron here in Morgantown: All beer sales will be cut off at the end of the third quarter. MIKE TAYLOR

‫@(‏‬

MikeTaylorShow): You wanna beat The Man? Go to college. Have a steady job. Don’t get a neck tattoo. Raise your kids. Have honor. Do that and you ARE The Man.

FRIENDLY CONVERSATION:

Steve Patterson and Craig Way took a moment to discuss everything from working in professional sports to Texas barbeque. 24

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FROM LEFT: BETHANY WALT ER /UNIV. OF TEXAS, ALL O THER PHOTOS COUR TESY AM 1300 THE ZONE

Welcome Home

who holds two degrees from the university, it’s going to have its pull on you. From that alone, it shows what this university means to you.

MEDIA VOICES

JOHNNY WALKER

CEDRIC REED

REVIEW

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : JIM SIGMON/UN IV. OF TEXAS, UT ATHLET ICS PHO TOGRAPHY, JESSE DROHEN

HE LONGHORNS found a new identity — one based on consistency. Under Greg Robinson the defense is much more consistent, which bodes well for the overall team. When the offense can count on the defense to get the stop, it changes the complexion of the whole game. This defense shows confidence. Under Manny Diaz — who is a great coach — the players had trouble understanding the concepts and getting to the right places for some reason. Robinson went back to the basics and taught fundamentally sound football. He made the game easier and took away some of the calls. He’s let guys do what they can with their athletic ability and it has worked out well. Jackson Jeffcoat and Cedric Reed are coming into their own. They have the talent but unfortunately weren’t able to put it all together on the field. They’ve taken to Robinson’s scheme and are playing well. They’re letting their natural ability take over and are dominating. This team needed guys to step up and play big-time football. With Jeffcoat, we expected this type of output, but not many expected Reed to step up. He’s definitely a force on defense, and offenses are accounting for him now. When Chris Whaley ran in his second touchdown of the season, I thought, “Let’s move him on over to running back.” That’s a guy who’s will really be missed now that he is out due to injury. The defensive front is playing like the defenses we’ve had in the past. When everyone plays together, you’ll start to see big plays like Whaley’s on a regular basis. The emphasis of all the change rests on Robinson. To come in after a few games and turn around the team like he has is incredible. Momentum plays a huge role, especially at the college level. Texas’ swagger and confidence has suddenly returned — in large part due to the defense. On the offensive side, Case McCoy has dealt with a lot of challenges throughout his career. He hung in there, got his opportunity and now he’s making the most of it. His confidence reminds me of Peter Gardere. Gardere wasn’t a 6’5” golden boy with the rocket arm, but he had confidence. Confidence is essential when you have a young football team

that’s trying to develop. When you put a confident player like McCoy into the huddle, the other players pick it up and the momentum starts to change. The running game was a situation where Texas had three power running backs who, for whatever reason, couldn’t produce. They worked out some things on the offensive side of the ball, and now these guys have the opportunity to show what they can do. Malcolm Brown has shown he’s a natural running back like Ricky Williams or Earl Campbell. That’s oldschool smash mouth Texas football. With the running game dominating, the wide receivers can get one-on-one coverage. Those wide receivers can take advantage of single coverage and make things happen. If Texas continues to play the way it has been playing, it should have a legitimate chance to win the Big 12. The momentum has shifted and because of the Longhorns’ hard work, they’ve earned the right to compete for a Big 12 Championship.

JOHNNY WALKER’S RESUME • Played football and baseball at Texas from 1987-90 • Two-time All-Southwest Conference • Caught the game-winning reception to beat Oklahoma in 1990

ON NEW ATHLETICS DIRECTOR STEVE PATTERSON:

SELF CONFIDENT: Case

McCoy’s confidence is fueling the Texas offense.

“Steve Patterson is a great hire for Athletic Director. I love that they brought in someone who has been a part of Texas. He’s got a great background and experience as a general manager. He’s been at three different professional programs and did a great job with all of them. I was blown away the first time I saw his credentials.”

DECEMBER 2013

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Your Instagram photos could be featured on the Horns Illustrated Fan Photos page when you use the hashtag #horns illustrated

www.facebook.com/ hornsillustrated

Our Facebook page is constantly buzzing with your latest feedback on the football team. One of the hot topics that stirred up fans in November was Mack Brown’s decision to burn Tyrone Swoopes’ redshirt. Check out what people had to say after the Kansas game. It was the right thing to do. We need two quarterbacks and now Swoopes has experience. Kids don’t stay around four years most of the time. Can y’all PLEASE give Coach Brown a break? He knows what he’s doing and most of you have been asking all year for him to do this. We still have a great chance to win the Big 12 so he needs to coach to win it! Hook’em! – Susan Craven Dixon If Ash is done for the year, Swoopes will be the only option at backup. It’s simple really, either we have a backup that’s ready or we have another Alabama /Garrett Gilbert moment. This will also keep him from transferring if you think about it. – Randall Edwards I was concerned that Tyrone was going to take the start away from Case. Case deserves the start. – Cindy Soape This was the right thing to do at this point. Ash may or may not be able to play due to head injuries and Swoopes will have some experience going into next year. – Eddie Torres

SIDE NOTES Does anyone know why Coach Bo Davis always wears a sweatshirt, even in 110 degree weather? Just curious – Kathleen Metz Hunter (via Facebook)

@hornsillus

Case McCoy said he only gets on Twitter on Sundays. “I stay off it. It can be very cancerous.” – KIRK BOHLS (@kbohls)

Mike Davis picked me up from my room. Dragged me out of my bed. Drove me to BFE just for me to beat his ass on NCAA.

– JALEN OVERSTREET (@JalenOverstr3t)

Sunday mornings are what I live for. Sleeping in, pancakes, Pacha lattes, perfect weather. – MOLLY MCCAGE (@MollyMcCage)

Players should rate players. Just like the NFL does. These analysts never played at this level before! Just being real. – KEVIN DURANT (KDTrey5)

With a 35-13 victory vs. Kansas, Texas hasn’t trailed in a game for 12 straight quarters. Last time UT was even tied was the first quarter vs. OU (3-3) – JOHN BIANCO (@UT_Bianco) I think Steve Edmond hurt himself celebrating. He’s being helped off of the field. – JEFF HOWE (@JeffHowe247)

Maybe it’s because I’m feeding them so well. – Case McCoy on the offense’s impressive performance.

horns_illustrated

@spiritcape Horns up for Texas! 26

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@albertag23 Congratulations to Cristina and Michael! After eight years of dating, Michael proposed on the 50-yard line. DECEMBER 2013

@panaromaparty A different view of Texas.

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{

Social Buzz

MEET THE T-ASSOCIATION

The T-Association is an organization made up of former varsity athletics letter winners. An additional designation for the T-Association members is the T-ring, which is awarded to an athlete who lettered for 2 or more years, who did not compete the last 2 years of eligibility anywhere other than The University of Texas and who graduated from college. David McWilliams, former Longhorn head football coach, currently serves as the executive director for the T-Association. T-Association Mission - The T-Association’s mission is to create and maintain an enhanced atmosphere and structure whereby UT student-athletes become lifetime members of The University of Texas Athletics family and are welcomed, involved and encouraged to participate during and after their college tenure. TAPN Mission - The Letter Winner’s Professional Network exists to unite the members of the T-Association on a professional level by providing networking opportunities and a database of contacts, thereby furthering the opportunities, community, education and success of Longhorn Letter Winners.

DON BENDER

CONTACT INFORMATION: t-association@athletics.utexas.edu 512.471.6864

THE HABE ON THE HORNS BY STEVE HABEL

Injury Report

HIT WITH INJURIES, TEXAS’ DEPTH WILL BE KEY TO ITS ENDGAME.

NJURIES — and how a team copes with them — are the wildcard in football. Along with the weather, injuries are something that a coaching staff can’t control when preparing its team. And when injuries strike, like lightning or a flash flood, they can change everything if a team isn’t prepared. Season-ending injuries hit three of the Texas football team’s top players — senior defensive tackle Chris Whaley, junior linebacker Jordan Hicks and sophomore running back Johnathan Gray — through the attrition-riddled first nine games of the season. Then there’s the extended absence of starting quarterback David Ash, who’s played only two quarters after sustaining a concussion during the BYU game. That’s four guys, all in key positions, whom the Longhorns relied on going into this season. Where would the preseason prognosticators have placed Texas if they CHRIS WHALEY knew those four players wouldn’t be available? It’s unlikely the Longhorns would’ve made a blip on my radar screens. Texas’ depth and adaptability will be the key to the team’s successful endgame — and both have been showcased this season. Ash’s absence meant Texas had to completely change its offense from an option-based set that featured the quarterback as a runner to one that revolves around a pocket passer, power running and occasional deep throws. Offensive coordinator Major Applewhite should receive kudos for turning backup quarterback Case McCoy into a weapon and steering the

Longhorns’ offense in the right direction. That task was made more difficult with Gray’s injury in the West Virginia game. Yes, the Longhorns have a great stable of running backs with Malcolm Brown, Joe Bergeron and Jalen Overstreet, but Gray was a difference maker. And a team can never have enough great backs. Hicks was one of Texas’ top tacklers and a leader on the field when he was hurt in the Kansas State game. Fortunately, the defense hasn’t missed a step since Hicks has been on the sidelines. That’s where the depth comes in. Of the four, Whaley will be the most difficult to replace. Not only has the former running back made two of Texas’ signature plays this season — an interception runback for a touchdown against Oklahoma and a fumble recovery and return for a score versus TCU — he also made an impact in the middle on every snap he’s played. Whaley is a mentor for the younger interior linemen as well. The fact that he’ll never be on the field again as a Longhorn hurts everyone, but at least Whaley can take solace that a lengthy NFL career is in his future. History books rarely mention the role injuries play in the season’s final results. How the coaches shuffle the deck and play the cards they’ve been dealt will, ultimately, be what’s remembered the most about this Texas team. Just sayin’, ya know?

The Habe is Steve Habel, Horns Illustrated’s Associate Editor. He was the magazine’s first staff member, in 1994, and has covered Texas sports ever since.

DECEMBER 2013

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FOOTBALL REVIEW

Turning Point

TEXAS’ MIDSEASON WINS BOOST THE TEAM IN THE CONFERENCE TITLE RACE. BY STEVE HABEL

D ON BENDER

HEN MACK BROWN declared that the Longhorns were focused on running the table, winning the rest of their games and earning the conference’s automatic bid to a BCS game, he encountered more doubters than believers. In the months that have passed since he made that declaration at the beginning of the Big 12 season, Texas had reeled off six straight victories. En route to re-entering the Top 25 and forging a top conference spot alongside Baylor, the Longhorns faced their share of difficulties. But the team has pushed those difficulties aside and remains focused on the final three regularseason games. Here’s a look back at the three midseason conference games.

TEXAS TWO-STEP: Case McCoy hit Alex De La Torre on a 2-yard touchdown pass to beat West Virginia in overtime.

TEXAS 30, TCU 7 Texas’ 30-7 weather-delayed win against TCU showcased an explosive offense and a fierce defense, leaving many people surprised by the team’s sudden turnaround. But if the victory in Fort Worth on Oct. 26 proved anything, it was that the Longhorns were the sleeping giant of the 2013 football season. Before a crowd of 48,212 at Amon G. Carter Stadium, Texas brought the heat on both side of the ball for the fourth consecutive game. For Mack Brown, his team’s execution since beginning conference play isn’t surprising. “This is the team we thought we had during the preseason,” Brown said. “Playing like DECEMBER 2013

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this isn’t a surprise. To me the way we played against BYU [a 40-21 loss on Sept. 7] and Ole Miss [a 44-23 Sept. 14 setback] was a surprise. We knew this was a good team.” In the team’s first trip to Fort Worth since 1994, Texas faced a well-coached and feisty Horned Frog team that usually gives its opponents fits. Added to the mix was a 3-hour, 6-minute lightning delay that forced the teams to leave the field after the first 21 minutes of play. The weather posed an additional challenge for Texas — the storm halted the Longhorns’ momentum. Within those 21 minutes, the team had built a 17-7 lead over TCU. “We handled the three-hour delay much better than the two-hour [pre-game] delay at BYU. We have experience now,” Brown said. “There are still things we can fix, but I’m proud of how they came back after the delay and played.” The Longhorns’ offense — with quarterback Case McCoy at the helm — took advantage of a TCU defense hell-bent on stopping the run. Texas threw the ball down the field, hitting four pass plays of 30 yards or more. Even with the Horned Frogs crowding the line (and oftentimes putting nine defenders in the box to stop the run), Texas dominated at the line of scrimmage and rushed for 187 yards on 52 carries. Johnathan Gray gained 94 yards on 22 attempts, and Malcolm Brown added 51 yards and two touchdowns on 17 totes. “We wanted to establish the run and try to exploit the match ups we had on their cornerbacks,” offensive coordinator Major Applewhite said. “Running the ball was going to be difficult because TCU played right on the line, but our 30

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offensive line was able to clear some room. The runners made the most of the space they had, especially in the third quarter.” The Texas defense manhandled TCU and its two quarterbacks, allowing just 246 yards. The Horned Frogs’ lone score came on a nifty double pass that stunned the Longhorns more than it hurt them. After that scoring play, TCU only ran two plays in Texas territory and was unable to cross midfield on its last 11 possessions. “The team you saw out there [against TCU] is the team we know we can be in every game — one that’s determined and plays physical Texas football,” defensive tackle Chris Whaley said. “We wore them down and took away everything they tried to do.” Against a rough and tumble TCU defense, Texas took a page from its winning strategy

THE HITS KEPT COMING: Jackson Jeffcoat recorded six tackles against Kansas and played a key role in Chris Whaley’s 40-yard defensive touchdown.

TEXAS 35, KANSAS 13 When Mack Brown laid out the operational plan for the 2013 season, he focused on power running from a series of backs, clutch quarterback play, a hard-hitting defense and a solid kicking game. All he wanted was a chance to be in the mix for a Big 12 Conference championship and BCS bowl game.

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RAIN OR SHINE: Even a three-hour lightning delay couldn’t stop the Longhorns’ momentum against TCU. Texas rushed for 187 yards on 52 carries, with Johnathan Gray leading the way with 94 yards on 22 carries.

against Oklahoma two weeks prior. Applewhite called a game where the Longhorns hit the offense where they weren’t looking and took the big shots down the field. TCU came into the game ranked first in the Big 12 and 17th nationally by allowing just 115.3 rushing yards per game. Texas ended up with 415 total yards of offense despite the fact that McCoy completed 9 of 19 passes. When asked after the game about his penchant for throwing the deep pass, McCoy had some fun with the press. “Six months ago you guys said I couldn’t throw the ball that far,” he said with a smile. “Our plan was to take advantage of our match ups on the outside and hit them with some big plays. TCU stuck with its strategy to crowd our receivers at the line and do all they could to stop the run, so we took what they gave us.”

Some of the cast members have changed but the team still successfully executed the plan against Kansas on Nov. 2. The Longhorns rolled past the Jayhawks 35-13 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on a glorious afternoon. And because Texas won its fifth straight conference game, the carrot at the end of the stick remains within reach. The victory marked the Longhorns’ 11th win — out of 13 contests — against Kansas. “The objective was to get a W and we did,” Brown said. “When you can win, but still have things to fix, it’s wonderful. [This game] was better than last year’s.” Texas, starting slowly, assumed a 14-0 lead late in the second quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run by Brown — the second of his four touchdown runs on the day. The Jayhawks countered with field goals from 21 and 27 yards by Ron Doherty that bridged halftime. The game was suddenly one or two plays away from being up for grabs. But the Texas defense made the play that ended any doubt. Kansas quarterback Jake Heaps, trying to scramble away from defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat, ran right into Cedric Reed, who poked the ball away. The fumble bounced once and then straight into the hands of running backturned-defensive tackle Chris Whaley, who carried it 40 yards for a touchdown. Halfway through the third quarter, Texas led 21-6. Brown added another touchdown on a 1-yard plunge with 45 seconds to play in the third and then put a capper on his big day with a 30-yard scoring burst early in the fourth quarter. He carried the ball for all five plays of the 63-yard drive. “We want to run tough every week,” Malcolm said. “Our offensive line did a great job and made it easier on me. We just want to grind those yards out and that’s what we came out and did today.” The Longhorns out-gained Kansas 418-306, had 21 first downs to the Jayhawks’ 13 and rushed for 221 yards. Texas’ win and the overall results are even more impressive considering that the Longhorns were slow at the start. “Let’s credit our defense for keeping us in there until the running game was able to establish some things on the ground,” Applewhite said. “But we want to start off faster and we want to be more explosive; the way Kansas played had something to do with that.” The Longhorn defense has established itself as a force, especially in the past three games. Texas has allowed a league-low 10 touchdowns (just three in the past three outings) and has surrendered only 91 points (18.2 points per game) in five conference contests. “Things are clicking more and we’re starting to understand what the coaches want from us,” Jeffcoat said. “Everybody has each other’s backs. We realize that there’s going to be down times, but through adversity you have to keep fighting.” DECEMBER 2013

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McCoy was efficient at quarterback, hitting 20 of 29 passes for 196 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Seven of his throws went to Daje Johnson, which at times were limited to shovel passes as Johnson ran from one side of the formation to the other. TEXAS 47, WEST VIRGINIA 40, OT After Texas made all the right moves to force overtime against West Virginia — a team that just had won an overtime contest against TCU — the cards still seemed to be stacked in the Mountaineers’ favor. After all, 17 years had passed since Texas played an overtime game and this particular one marked a first for Mack Brown. In his 38 years of coaching, he had never coached an overtime game.

That is, until Nov. 9. The Longhorns handled the extra period like it was old hat, dusting off a play they haven’t successfully used all season and executing on some old favorites. In doing so, Texas beat West Virginia 47-40 before a crowd of 58,570 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. Texas won when McCoy hit little-used fullback Alex De La Torre on a 2-yard touchdown pass in overtime. “We took a chance on that play because there was no middle ground — either West Virginia was going to drop everyone [into the end zone and passing lanes] or we were going to score,” Applewhite said. After the Longhorns scored, West Virginia looked to do so as well. The Mountaineers picked

up 20 yards on a nifty reverse run by Mario Alford to set up shop at the Texas 5-yard line. But the Longhorn defense stood firm, denying the Mountaineers on four plays — the final one coming on a fourth-down interception by linebacker Steve Edmond in the end zone. The celebration immediately started. Edmond raced to the southeast corner of the stadium to strut his stuff with his teammates and the small group of Texas fans that made the 1,400-mile trip to Morgantown. “West Virginia tried the same play on third down but to the other side,” Edmond said. “I almost had that one, and I thought then that I could’ve ended the game if I would’ve caught it. I was surprised they came back my way again.” This game was anything but easy. The Longhorns basically spotted West Virginia (4-6, 2-5) the game’s first nine points and slept-walked through the first quarter. Texas’ first four drives resulted in a safety on a blocked punt, a fumble by Daje Johnson as he maneuvered into traffic after catching a pass, an interception when the ball was jarred loose from Mike Davis, and a punt. The Texas defense kept the team in the game, allowing just seven points during that rocky stretch. The defense jumpstarted the offense by knocking West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett out of the game and forcing three Moutaineer fumbles on sacks. Down 40-37, the final opportunity belonged to the Longhorns. Taking over at its own 36 with 2:35 to play, Texas methodically marched down the field to Fera’s gametying 24-yard field goal with 13 seconds left in regulation to force overtime. From there, the Longhorns and their fans seemed to have little doubt that Texas would win. “We had all the momentum with the way we tied the game at the end of regulation so I felt good about things,” Brown said. “Once we scored 32

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ALL PHOTOS THI S SPR EAD: JIM S IGMO N/ UNIV. OF TEXAS

HIS FOR THE TAKING: Steve Edmond’s fourth-down interception shut down the West Virginia offense in overtime.

UNTOUCHABLE: A little hand in the face mask didn’t deter Jaxon Shipley from making key plays against West Virginia. Case McCoy’s 9-yard pass to Shipley converted a fourth-and-seven situation with 52 seconds to play.

a touchdown with our possession, I knew the defense had a final stop in them. We escaped a tough place to play against a tough team to get a win. I sure wouldn’t bet against us.” The game’s key play was McCoy’s 9-yard pass to Jaxon Shipley. The play converted a fourth-and-7 situation at the West Virginia 47-yd. line with 52 seconds left. “I just know where Ship’s going to be and he’s the first one I look for to make plays in those situations,” McCoy said. “I know that if I can get it to him, he’s going to catch it — now that’s real security.”

The Longhorns will have to call on their resolve to finish the season strong, especially in light of the fact that Whaley (left knee) and Gray (right Achilles) will be lost for the season. Add that to the earlier loss of starting quarterback David Ash, who is still suffering from concussion symptoms from an injury he suffered Sept. 7 against Brigham Young, and Texas has lost three of its key cogs and leaders. “We have the depth now that we haven’t had in the past. We have guys that are going to step up, just like they did to beat West Virginia,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of determination on this team. We have momentum and enough experience to be strong in this stretch of the season.”

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BACK TO HIS ROOTS: A graduate of the university, Steve Patterson returns to the 40 Acres with an impressive resume and passion for Texas sports.

A Smooth Transition STEVE PATTERSON STEPS INTO THE ROLE AS TEXAS’ MEN’S ATHLETIC DIRECTOR.

to fill the boots of retiring athletic director DeLoss Dodds was a daunting task for the University of Texas. But the powers that be — including President Bill Powers — have found the fit they were looking for in Steve Patterson, who was introduced as the Longhorns’ new men’s athletic director in a press conference on Nov. 7. Patterson, 55, comes to the 40 Acres after a 17-month stint as the athletic director at Arizona State — his only experience as a college sports administrator. Patterson and West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck were the final two candidates for the job, but Patterson eventually received the nod because of his marketing and business experience. According to sources, Patterson will receive a five-year deal starting around $1.4 million per year. Prior to running the athletics department at Arizona State, Patterson worked in professional sports for more than 20 years. He was an executive for the NBA’s Houston Rockets (where he was general manager from 1989-93) and the Portland Trail Blazers (team president, 2003-07), the NFL’s Houston Texans (senior vice president and chief development officer from 1997-2003) and the Houston Aeros hockey team. “Steve has the right values [and is a] stand-up person,” Powers said. “Everybody speaks so well of him, and he’s been very successful. That was what we were looking for, and that’s what we found.” Thanks to his predecessor — Dodds, who retired in early October

INDING THE PERFECT PERSON

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after 32 years as Texas’ athletic director – Patterson inherits one of the marquee programs in all of college sports. “How do you follow somebody like DeLoss, who built this program?” Patterson said at his introductory press conference. “He built [Texas] into the envy of college athletic departments across the United States. I look forward to continuing that tradition. This is a premier program. It has been for decades. We want to compete for championships day in and day out. We want to continue to graduate our students and do it with great ethics.” Once the University of Texas System Regents formally approve the hiring, Patterson will become the seventh men’s athletic director. He should be on the job and moved into his office in Bellmont Hall by the end of November. Patterson, who earned both an undergraduate and law degree from Texas, will be responsible for managing a $150 million budget. He’ll also be responsible for the eventual building of a new arena and practice facilities for the Texas basketball teams as the Erwin Center will be engulfed by the new medical school. The new athletic director said he’d take some time to evaluate the culture, the people and where the organization is heading before making any decision on changes. “I don’t see this as an organization that’s over in the ditch,” Patterson said. “It’s a place that has had tremendous success for many years and it has all the resources it needs. Texas has some great people that have been working in the organization for a long time, and I hope to grow that.”

PATR ICK M EREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS

by STEVE HABEL

NOVEMBER 2013

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MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW

NEW

BEGINNINGS

Rick Barnes looks to the latest crop of players to turn around the program. BY STEVE LANSDALE

OLLEGE COACHES face the same challenge each year — replacing the players who departed the previous season. Players graduate, exhaust their eligibility, and in many cases, leave before reaching their fourth season. The ongoing cycle is the cost of doing business in college sports. Texas men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes replaced more than the normal number of players coming into the 2013-14 season. It’s one thing to lose a superstar before graduation — Barnes dealt with that in 2008 when Kevin Durant bolted for the NBA after just a single season in Austin — but it’s another thing altogether when an offseason brings an overhaul of half the roster. That’s exactly what Barnes is facing this year, as seven of the players who suited up for the Longhorns in 2012-13 no longer appear on the Texas roster. The purge ran deep. Last year’s top four scorers are gone, along with two of the top three rebounders, the team’s leader in assists and four of the top six in steals. Of course, the team didn’t perform up to expectations last year, going 16-17 overall and 7-11 in Big 12 games. Unusual circumstances contributed to the team’s season, most notably the suspension of guard Myck Kabongo. Some fans may think that the departed players were the root cause of all that ailed the Longhorns last season, but that’s grossly unfair. Their departures, even when coupled with the arrival of a talented group of freshmen, changed the Longhorns’ perspective for the upcoming season. Last season was considered a disappointment in Austin, positioning the Longhorns as an underdog. The role, however, allows Texas to take aim at other teams. Texas lost some considerable talent — most notably Kabongo — but Barnes took the steps to restock the stable, inking a class of heralded recruits to the team. The quintet of fresh faces includes four guards — Kendal Yancy, Isaiah Taylor, Demarcus Croaker and Martez Walker — as well as forward Danny Newsome, who is lanky but adds much-needed height (he carries 190 pounds on his 6’9” frame) to the Texas lineup. The 36

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THE YOUNG & RESTLESS: With a number of new faces on this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roster, the Longhorns look to rebuild a winning program.

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The top returning scorer — guard Javan Felix — averaged 6.8 points per game in his freshman season. Felix also averaged 4.1 assists per game (trailing only Kabongo’s average of 5.5 per game). Next among returning players is Demarcus Holland, who averaged a single assist per game. To improve the team’s scoring they need to improve the passing, which is possible for a Texas team that averaged just 11.4 assist per game — a total that ranked 271st in the country. Barnes and his staff are looking to the incoming class to not only score, but also to find an open teammate for an easy shot.

Consider this: Felix is the top returning scorer but stands just 5’11”. His height doesn’t mean he can’t score — there are players at all levels who are south of 6’0” and can put points on the board. Felix, however, will face mismatches against taller, long-armed guards. Combine that with the fact that Felix and the Longhorns’ secondleading returning scorer, junior forward Jonathan Holmes, combined for 13.2 points per game last season and it’s easy to see why this season’s crop of youngsters should receive ample chances to put up shots. Barnes said Felix, Holmes and center Cameron Ridley, who averaged 4.1 points per game and was second (behind Holmes) among returning players with 4.3 rebounds per game, will be counted upon to lead the way. “The returning players have improved a great deal,” Barnes said. “We’re expecting a lot from Cameron, Jonathan and Javan, [who] proved a year ago he’s capable of putting up numbers.” Barnes is focused on what the Longhorns can accomplish defensively in 2013-14 as much as he is on the team’s ability to score. The NCAA instituted several rule changes this season that directly impact the way teams can defend. Defensive players no longer can try to draw a charge by sliding under or in front of an offensive player after he’s left the ground in an effort to get to the basket. Officials are also being asked to call the rules regarding hand-checking and players extending their arms in an effort to create more room for players to run. The rules are the NCAA’s direct response to the drop in scoring in each of the last four seasons. The 67.5 points per game teams averaged nationwide last season was the lowest in 31 seasons. “I’m more concerned about our defense with these new rules,” Barnes said. “It’s a different game. In the last two weeks, we had to think long and hard about how we’re going to play without fouling, because we’ve worked hard at trying to get fouled.” The rule changes might redirect the focus of Barnes and his staff toward the defensive end of the floor, but in the immediate future, he has to get his team ready for the upcoming season. If Felix can prove he’s fully recovered from his offseason hip surgery, if Holmes and Ridley can continue their offensive development and if some of the freshmen can show a work ethic that matches their athleticism, the Longhorns have a chance to show significant improvement over last year. “At the start of every season — if you have a passion for what you’re doing — you’ll find a way to get things done,” Barnes said. “There’s always more pressure when you’re being hunted. But if you’re hunting somebody, you need to be prepared because the opportunity [to win] is there, and you’ve got to be ready.”

PR EVIOUS S PREASD: JIM S IGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS

best of the bunch may turn out to be Yancy, who turned down more than 20 scholarship offers from other schools, including Arkansas, Gonzaga and Missouri. Coaches often insist that unless a Durantlike talent arrives, asking too much, too soon of a freshman can be dangerous. But Barnes and his staff may not have a choice this year and will need the freshmen to make an offensive impact. And even without the exodus of last year’s top four scorers, asking the freshmen to score would likely still be the case. The Texas offense was anemic, ranking 227th in the country by scoring just 65.4 points per game.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW

FORWARD FORWARD THINKING After a season filled with adversity, the Longhorns look ahead to a new year and new goals.

BY JAMES SCHLEICHER

HE TEXAS WOMEN’S basketball team celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Over the past 40 years, the program has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. Ask anyone who has spent time around the program since the early days. They’ll likely tell you about the van rides and small budgets, as well as the National Championships and overwhelming support. A quick look at the 2012-13 season may lead to the thought that the season was a low point in the program’s storied history. However, the current crop of Longhorns learned from overcoming adversity last year to become a better team this year. The team initially faced the dual challenges of learning the playbook of first-year head coach Karen Aston and overcoming their youth — only three players had significant Division-I playing time. Then, by midseason, the injury bug bit and the team lost several cornerstone players. The Longhorns finished the season with a 12-18 overall record and a 5-13 record in Big 12 play. They tied for eighth place in the conference. For the first time in five years the team didn’t qualify for the NCAA tournament.

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“What was hard was to keep them built up, to keep them positive and to help them understand that they were doing a lot of good things,” Aston said about the challenges of last year. “They’re playing against people that are juniors and seniors, and that have been through the fires — they knew how to make those last plays and take those last steps in games.” And while her players learned a lot last year, Aston admits she learned a few lessons along the way as well. “You learn something every year; there’s no question about that,” she said. “I learned how to deal with the adversity. I had to take a step back and go, ‘This is no one’s fault, and let’s make the most of it.’ It wasn’t fun last year, but now they have that experience to fall back on, and it won’t be so daunting to them.” The Longhorns spent the summer working intensively with strength and conditioning coach Shaun McPherson. The team even spent time on the court this offseason. Unlike previous years, a new NCAA rule allows coaches to give players instruction in the summer months. With that work and a year of experience under their belts, the team looks forward to the 2013-14 season. The veterans now know Aston’s program, and the group has fully bought into an “Own it” mentality, which they have set as this

UT TOWERS: Ashley Roberts, Chassidy Fussell, head coach Karen Aston and GiGi Mazionyte.

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year’s theme. “Our players have a better understanding of what they’re supposed to do on a daily basis — and I don’t just mean basketball,” Aston said. “I also mean how they’re handling their business off the court, how they’re approaching practice and

PREVIOUS SPR EASD : UT AT HLET IC S PHOTOGRAPHY. ALL PHO TOS THIS PAGE: PATRI CK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS

COMING TOGETHER: (Top) Chassidy Fussell, now in her senior season, is pushing the team to put in the extra work. Known for her work ethic, she’s setting the example for her teammates. (Top Right) Head coach Karen Aston said the players have a better understanding of what they need to be doing on a daily basis.

academics.” “On the academic side, I couldn’t be more pleased with the progress we’ve made,” she added. “I can’t speak specifically about it, but I’m thrilled with our commitment.” As the season begins, Aston hopes to see that commitment carry over into games. With lingering injuries still hindering a few players and the majority of the team still learning how to play at the college level, Aston expects this team to be a work in progress in the early going. “We’re a work in progress, and early on we won’t look like the team that we’re going to look like in January,” Aston said. “That may be a good thing as opposed to last year, when our best game was our first one.” Senior Chassidy Fussell will, with little doubt, captain the team this year. She led the team in scoring average each of the past three seasons and will likely take the crown again. Every possession will flow through her and she’ll continue to solidify her role as a team leader. “She’s taking the responsibility of trying to be the leader on the court, setting the example, communicating with the young players and she’s doing a great job at it right now,” Aston said. The point guard from Troy, Tenn., has a reputation for her work ethic. Fussell’s extra time in the gym has paid off — she has averaged 15.6 points per game throughout her career. Heading into the summer, Aston tasked Fussell with getting her teammates in the gym for extra workouts. In doing so, she was able to build a better bond with her fellow players. “She’s done exactly what we’ve asked her to do,” Aston said. “[Building a bond with her teammates] is something she invested a lot of time into this summer and you can tell the difference in her rapport with her teammates.” Fussell admitted she has grown into the role and learned a lot since the beginning of last season. “Patience, more than anything,” Fussell said about the lessons she learned from last season. “And then this year, I think you learn how to teach the freshmen instead of how to teach yourselves.” Junior Nneka Enemkpali ranks right behind Fussell as the second-most experienced player on the court. As a freshman, she saw time in all 32 games, and as a sophomore she grew into a force at forward, starting 29 games. Enemkpali led the team in points (377), field goals made (141), free

throws made and attempted (92-134) and total offensive rebounds (109). She also had 13 double-doubles and set a record for most consecutive double-doubles (six) last season. “I would consider Nneka a leader by example,” Aston said. “Every day — I call it bringing her lunch pail — she gets in between the lines and goes to work. She sets an example for our three young post players.” Aston expects Enemkpali, along with Imani McGee-Stafford, to serve as the Longhorns’ power in the paint and to bring down the rebounds with fury. Enemkpali and McGeeStafford each averaged 9.4 rebounds per game last year. Playing women’s basketball at Texas comes with certain expectations, but McGee-Stafford faced an even higher bar before she stepped foot onto the Erwin Center floor. Due to her height (6’7”) and the talent she displayed at the high school level (she was the 11th-ranked overall player in the 2012 class by ESPN.com), Texas expected McGee-Stafford to perform the first game of her freshman year. McGee-Stafford lived up to those expectations, earning honors as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and spots on the Big 12 All-Defensive and All-Freshman Team. She set a Texas record for blocks in a season by a freshman (75) and ranked third in the Big 12 in blocks (she was first among the conference freshmen). The sophomore also averaged 9.4 rebounds per game last season. With her length, McGee-Stafford can force turnovers and block shots with ease. “Defense is my favorite part of the game,” McGee-Stafford said. “Defense is easier because there’s a set rule of what you should be doing.You just lock down the D.” While she may not be at full strength at the beginning of the year — she took some time this summer to rehab some lingering injuries — McGee-Stafford will play a pivotal position at post for the team. According to Aston, she just needs to catch up on her conditioning. “Once she gets there, you’re going to see a stronger, more solid player. Imani’s basketball IQ is tremendous,” Aston stated. “Once her conditioning and mental toughness catch up, she’s going to do some really special things.” The conference named McGee-Stafford to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team and gave Enemkpali an honorable mention. Aston said that Fussell, Enemkpali and McGee-Stafford all have the talent to earn All-American honors. “If they get some help and are able to do what they’re capable of doing, each one of them has the potential to be an All-American,” she said. Two more seniors will return with Fussell this season — GiGi Mazionyte and Ashley Roberts. Both players transferred to Texas last year. “I appreciate them because they took a chance on coming to Texas in a non-traditional way,” Aston said. DECEMBER 2013

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Roberts, hampered by a knee injury, will play a key role upon her return. Mazionyte will move up to forward full time, where last year she shared the three guard duties. “She has the ability to stretch a defense and move out to the three-point line,” Aston said of Mazionyte. “GiGi is like Nneka in that she brings her lunch pail every day and goes to work.” Last year, some of the guards appeared overwhelmed at times. This season, the team has a core group of guards — including sophomores Empress Davenport, Brady Sanders, Celina Rodrigo and junior transfer Krystle Henderson — all of whom have had time in the fire. “[Henderson] is a seasoned player,” Aston said. “She has a great personality and a passion for basketball that spills over into our team. The thing that I like about her is that she’s not all caught up in minutes. She’s here to help our team become better.” Aston called Davenport one of the most improved players on the team. “She put in an enormous amount of time in the spring and summer,” she said. “Last year she was overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility she had as a freshman guard, and this year she’s more prepared.” This year Aston will ease the freshmen into playing at the college level, unlike last season when the youngest players were thrown into the heat of battle on an ongoing basis. Among the four incoming freshmen are centers Kelsey Lang (6’5”) and Lilley Vander Zee (6’4”). Brianna Taylor and Nekia Jones are currently injured, but when they return they will contribute. In fact, every player will need to make an impact this season if the Longhorns plan to reach their number one goal — making it to the playoffs. Texas will face tough competition in the Big 12, which still stands as one of the premier conferences in women’s basketball. A Big 12 team has won the national title two of the last three seasons, with Baylor most recently taking the crown in 2012. The conference also had three teams advance to the Sweet 16 last season. Baylor is the early favorite, but Aston expects the Big 12 to show balance from top to bottom. “We’re all going to chase Baylor until someone beats them,” Aston said. Prior to conference play, the Longhorns face a challenging preconference schedule including games against perennial powers Stanford (at home) and Tennessee, as well as a tournament in the Virgin Islands over Thanksgiving weekend. “It’s a challenging schedule,” Aston said. “Last year we got a false sense of security early on. We would play one game and then not get challenged for two or three games.” The players plan to take the season on game at a time and focus on achieving their goal of reaching the postseason. “That has to be our goal,” Aston said. “We have get back to the postseason.”

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Horns Illustrated (ISSN 1096-2573), Volume 20, Number 9. Copyright ÂŠ 2013 by Texan Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Published nine times a year (monthly in January, February, March/ April, May, June, July, October, November and December) in the United States by Horns Illustrated, 1505 Ridgecrest Drive, Austin, TX 78746. Subscription inquiries: Send new or renewal notices or change of address (send both old and new addresses) to Horns Illustrated, P.O. Box 50069, Austin, TX 78763. Allow 6-8 weeks for change of address. Subscription problems: Call 855-246-7677. Subscription costs: U.S. and its possessions, one-year basic rate, $49.95. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; send address changes to Horns Illustrated - P.O. Box 50069, Austin, TX 78763. Tel. (512) 626-8513. Publisher disclaims all responsibility to return unsolicited editorial matter, and all rights in portions published vest in publisher. Letters to Horns Illustrated magazine or its editors are assumed intended for publication in whole or in part without permission from the writer. Any similarity between persons or places mentioned in the fiction or semi-fiction and real places or persons living or dead is coincidental. Single copies: $4.95 in U.S.

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Men of Honor Eight decorated former Texas student-athletes and staff members were inducted into the Men’s Athletics Hall of Honor on Nov. 1. The Hall’s 57th class included Brian Cisarik (Baseball, 1984-88), a two-time All-Southwest Conference and current Texas record holder for single-season batting average; T.J. Ford (Basketball, 2002-2003), the 2003 Naismith and Wooden awards winner; Quentin Jammer (Football, 1997-98; 2000-01), a unanimous AllAmerican and Texas’ first Thorpe Award finalist; and Roy Williams (Football, 2000-03), a three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection. Founded in 1957, the Hall of Honor is one of the most cherished athletics traditions at the university. To be eligible for nomination, a letterman must have completed his eligibility 10 years prior to the year of election. The four nominees receiving a majority of votes are inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor. Vintage selections Lou Bagwell (Baseball, 1968-70), Rene Ramirez (Football, 1957-59), Julius Whittier (Football, 1970-72) and Larry Falk (Assistant AD for Operations Administration, 1981-present) rounded out this year’s class.

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ALL PHOT OS THIS PAGE: BETHANY WALTER /UNIV. OF TEXAS

FINAL SCORE