LONGHORNS IN THE NFL DRAFT
COVERING UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SPORTS
FRENCH PITCHES WITH PURPOSE
INSIDE STRONG’S FIRST SPRING
LEADING LADIES: DAVIS & PETRILLOSE
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CONTENTS
This year’s Orange and White game featured some new faces at quarterback, including Miles Onyegbule.
FEATURES
32 FOOTBALL
Tough to the End The annual Orange-White game gives both fans and pundits a sneak peek into how the team is progressing in the offseason. This year’s scrimmage proved two points — that the Texas football team has more work ahead of them and only a short time to reach head coach Charlie Strong’s expectations. But with a five-phase plan in place and the players buying into the new culture, the goal to return to the upper echelon of college football is still attainable. Associate Editor Steve Habel evaluates this season’s Orange-White game and how the players are keeping their head in the game until the season opener against North Texas.
26 BASEBALL Tuck Strong Before the start of the 2014 season, pitcher Parker French dealt with the loss of his close friend and mentor, coach Keith Tuck. Tuck, a softball coach from French’s hometown of Dripping Springs, passed away unexpectedly this past June, leaving French without his “master motivator.” In an attempt to move forward, French is honoring Tuck this season — and playing his best ball yet.
40 SOFTBALL Top of the Class With 13 underclassmen, the Texas softball team needed its freshmen to step up to the plate and make an immediate impact this season. Enter pitcher Tiarra Davis. Fifteen games into the season, head coach Connie Clark named Davis her ace and placed the Longhorns’ pitching game in the hands of a freshman — and she has yet to disappoint.
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M A RK YO U R C A LE N D A R
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RO U N D U P
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S P I RI T O F T HE M O N T H
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M E D I A VO I C E S
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T HE HA B E O N T HE HO RN S — Steve Habel
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I N S E A S O N — Track & Field
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FI N A L S C O RE
COVER PHOTO: DON BENDER
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BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS
DEPARTMENTS
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ALL PHOTOS THI S SPR EAD: PATRICK MER EDI TH/UNIV. OF TEXAS
FIRST
LOOK
Freshman Michael Hixon became the first diver to sweep the springboard events at the NCAA Championships since four-time Olympian Troy Dumais in 2002. The feat marked the sixth time a Longhorn had swept the events at the championship meet. Texas placed second at this year’s NCAA Championships, with the help of Hixon and several other members of th team. Freshman Will Licon scored in all three of his individual events and the 200yard medley relay took second place.
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CALENDAR MARK YOUR
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WHAT’S GOING ON IN LONGHORN SPORTS
8–10 W golf
NCAA Regional TBA
9–11
W tennis
NCAA 1st & 2nd Round TBA
10–11
M tennis
NCAA 1st & 2nd Round TBA
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softBall
UT vs. Baylor 1 p.m.
Big 12 Champion Soren Hess-Olesen is ready for the NCAA Championship.
13 Texas heads into NCAA action on May 8.
5/2–4
M BaseBall
UT at West Virginia 2: 5 p.m., 3: 3 p.m., 4: Noon Morgantown, W Va. softBall
UT vs. Kansas 2: 7 p.m., 3: 3 p.m., 4: 1 p.m.
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UT vs. Texas State 6 p.m.
15–17 M golf
NCAA Regional Championship All Day TBA
15–26 W tennis
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NCAA Championships All Day Athens, Ga.
Longhorn Invitational 10:30 a.m.
15–27
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Big 12 Championship All Day Oklahoma City, Okla.
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softBall
UT at Baylor 6 p.m. Waco
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NCAA Championship TBA Athens, Ga.
The women’s tennis team heads into the first round of the NCAA Championships May 9.
16–18
29–31
30–6/1
NCAA Regionals TBA
NCAA West Preliminary Round All Day Fayetteville, Ark.
NCAA Championships All Day Indianapolis, Ind.
softBall
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UT at. Kansas State 16: 6:30 p.m., 17: 6:30 p.m., 18: 1 p.m. Manhattan, Kan. M/ W tr ack & field
Big 12 Outdoor Championship Lubbock, Texas
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M/ W tr ack & field
29–6/4 softBall
Women’s College World Series TBA Oklahoma City, Okla.
Texas looks to win its sixth outdoor conference title May 16-18.
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INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK WWW.TEXASSPORTS. COM FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
Conference USA Championship All Day Oak Ridge, Tenn.
20–23 W golf
NCAA Championship All Day, Tulsa, Okla.
21–25 ALL PHOTOS T HIS PAGE: JIM S IGM ON /UNIV. OF TEXAS
M BaseBall
Phillips Big 12 Championships TBA Oklahoma City, Okla.
23–25 softBall
NCAA Super Regionals TBA
23–28 M golf
NCAA D-1 National Championship All Day Hutchinson, Kan.
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ROUNDUP MAY 2014
SANTOS’ CALL FOR HELP // HALL AND MARCHES BREAK RECORDS // PATTERSON OFFERS ADVICE
P ATR IC K M E R EDI T H/UNIV . O F TE X AS
STEADY SUCCESS: The men’s swimming & diving team grabbed three individual All-American finishes and an All-American relay to finish second at the NCAA Championships. Competing at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, Texas scored 417.5 points, trailing title-winner California’s 468.5. This marks the 11th NCAA runner-up finish for head coach Eddie Reese, who has won 10 NCAA titles in his 36 years at Texas. Reese said ninth-place finishes hurt the team’s final standing. “We lived and died by our ninths,” he said. “We’re from Texas, so we expect to battle for top three year in and year out and have a legitimate shot for first.” Freshman diver Michael Hixon swept the springboard diving events to secure two NCAA titles and Diver of the Meet honors. Diving coach Matt Scoggin reclaimed his title as the College Swimming Coaches Association of America Diving Coach of the Year. Scoggin said he’s optimistic about placing second with such a young team. “It’s awesome to see young men have the guts to know how great they’re going to do before they even do it,” he said. “We feel very fortunate.” – ANDY GONZALEZ
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ROUNDUP
FOOTBALL
GOING CORPORATE
FAMILY MATTERS: The Longhorn family has helped raise $64K+ to help with Dalton Santos’ Mom’s medical bills (as of April 27th).
RAISING HOPE
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HE RED RIVER RIVALRY is adding corporate flair.
Texas announced that starting this season, its annual rivalry game with Oklahoma will be known as the AT&T Red River Showdown. With the sponsorship, the game logo and team marks will be updated. “As a Texas alumnus, I have long enjoyed the Texas-Oklahoma series and the great tradition it represents for our fans,” athletic director Steve Patterson said. “We look forward to working with AT&T and Oklahoma to generate excitement for the new name and brand.” This year’s meeting marks the 109th between Texas and Oklahoma. The game was first played in 1900 and has been played in Dallas since 1912 and in the Cotton Bowl since 1929. The Longhorns lead the all-time series 60-43-5, having also won the most recent meeting in 2013 despite entering the game as substantial underdogs. The AT&T Stadium in Arlington — home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and the world’s largest video board and affectionately known as “Jerry’s World” after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones — will host the championship of the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2015. Clearly, AT&T will continue reaching its arm into the biggest stages for the biggest games. As long as it doesn’t interfere with the product on the field, no one should mind the corporate partnership.
TEXAS TAKEOVER COLT MCCOY found a new home.
Per the Redskins’ Twitter account, the former Longhorn signed with Washington.
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McCoy served as the backup quarterback last season in San Francisco, but the fifth-year NFL player was not resigned in the offseason to make way for Blaine Gabbert, who was traded to the 49ers in March. In his four NFL seasons, McCoy has started 21 games, all for Cleveland, and appeared in 28. He’s thrown for 4,401 yards, 21 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He played in three games last year with the 49ers
THE LAST FEW weeks of the semester are among the most stressful for students. Between final exams and presentations, students are often overwhelmed as the semester winds down. But for junior linebacker Dalton Santos, academic stress currently ranks as the least of his worries. His mother, Mary Vista Santos, was recently rushed to an emergency room in Tyler where she was
diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. The diagnosis means Mary will need open-heart surgery — news that took Santos some time to digest. “Now it’s me looking at her,” Santos said. “She’s scared — the first time I’ve ever seen her scared, the first time I’ve ever seen her in a hospital bed.” Santos’ mother is a single mom of three and her procedure, which Santos said could cost approximately $150,000, won’t be covered by health
ADDING TO THE HERD: Colt McCoy joined a trio of former Longhorns when he signed with the Washington Redskins this spring.
but attempted only one pass — a 13yard completion. With the Redskins, McCoy will join a trio of other former Longhorns: defensive end Brandon Moore, linebacker Brian Orakpo and linebacker Keenan Robinson.
McCoy will likely be the third quarterback on the roster behind Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins.
insurance. To help get the money necessary for the procedure, Santos created a fundraising page and reached out to his Twitter followers for assistance. As of April 27, over $64,000 had been pledged, shattering the page’s original goal of $5,000. “It makes me tear up,” Santos said. “It makes me feel good inside to know that people are looking after my family and trying to help us. It’s awesome. I’m so thankful.”
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ATHLETICS
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ROUNDUP
EXPERT ADVICE
THIS SPR EAD C LOC KWIWSE FR OM LEFT: PATRI CK MEREDITH/UNIV. O F T EXAS ,JI M SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, PATRICK M ER ED ITH/UNIV. OF T EXAS, COURT ESY @UTBAS EBALLEQ/TWITT ER , PATRI CK ME REDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS
F
Patterson’s comments on Texas A&M got understandable attention, but he was far more passionate about the Northwestern labor lawsuit. As a college administrator who’s also been a pro sports executive and general manager, Patterson has experience on both sides of the fence. While Patterson does support the push to raise student-athlete compensation to full cost of attendance, that’s about as far as he’ll go. Patterson isn’t on board with the Northwestern football players’ attempt to unionize. The reality is professional athletics is completely different,” Patterson said. “If you want to go play minor league baseball out of high school, on your way up to the majors, you can make that decision. You cannot get an education and live on $12,000 a year, if you decide that’s a better path to a long-term outcome for your career in baseball and after baseball.” “The one percent of the student-athletes that are successful in the pros has an average career of four years. They have a half a century, on average, after they’re done playing,” he added. “What are you going to do with that second half-century of your life? If you want to decide that’s a better life, then come to Texas — even if Augie [Garrido] might get on your tail occasionally.” That stance seems to fall closely in line with what Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany and other executives have offered on the topic of paying players.
IN HIS OPINION: Patterson made his thoughts publicly known on whether the Northwestern football players should unionize.
UNISWAG! SPRING MARKS the time to get out the sunflower seeds and the ball caps and for fans to head to UFCU Disch-Falk Field for Texas baseball. This season the Longhorns have introduced a new piece of swag currently taking baseball by storm — the new Nike MVP Elite Batting Gloves. Texas is one of the first teams to offer this unique equipment to the baseball program. With these particular gloves, the Longhorn logo becomes visible on the palms
IN A RECENT PRESS conference, athletic director Steve
once the player places his hands together. The gloves also feature the newest technology from Nike. A very thin, yet durable palm gives the batter the ability to feel at one with the bat while still receiving the best in performance, durability and protection. The gloves have a supple, one-piece sheepskin leather palm that eliminates any seams, allowing the player to maintain a better grip while swinging. Nike made sure to show off the school’s burnt orange and white color combination while still adding a few pieces of chrome to catch the eye of the crowd. The ventilation systems located on the back of the hand and on the knuckles provide optimal airflow and feel for any player. Texas and Nike have once again brought innovation and style to the Longhorn players that will translate into the “Look Good, Play Good” mentality. — SKYE TILSON
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BASKETBALL/ CLUB SPORTS
And the Winner is... REWARDING WORK: Barnes earned several honors at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season.
H
EAD COACH Rick
Barnes was named the 2014 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) UPS District 8 Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season. District 8 encompasses all 10 institutions of the Big 12 Conference. Barnes previously earned Big
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12 Coach of the Year honors in a vote of the league’s coaches. He’s also one of 15 finalists for the Jim Phelan Award, honoring the nation’s top collegiate basketball coach. In his 16th season at Texas, Barnes helped the Longhorns post a 24-11 mark and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament (round of 32). Texas finished in a tie for third in the Big 12 Conference with an 11-7 league mark. Athletic director Steve Patterson has confirmed Barnes will return for the 2014-15 season. — JAY PLOTKIN
MAY 2014
ON THE RECORD:
“Texas is going to be a beast next year. They don’t have a senior on the team, but they have a lot of young guys who are athletic and talented. They’re a year ahead of schedule.” – NBA and college basketball analyst CHARLES BARKLEY on the men’s basketball team
CLU B SPORT S
SMALL BUT MIGHTY FOR THIS YEAR’S men’s club lacrosse team dealing with a small roster after several players decided to leave, has been the biggest challenge. Team president Josh Francis said this year’s recruiting class was one of the largest, but several players were unable to perform because of school and work-related priorities. Because of the small team, the Longhorns are working to stay healthy throughout the rest of the season and into playoffs. “Our team isn’t as deep as it has been in the past few years,” said senior Turner Kerr. “But I’m more than confident that everything will work out.” Despite being short-staffed, the Longhorns have been impressive in their quest to defend their 2013 Lone Star Alliance division title. Texas already has eight wins on the season and has scored more than 20 points in all three of its divisional contests. The smaller roster has brought the players closer. The team has been on the road playing two to three games every weekend since Jan. 31. The travel time has given the players time to bond, which has proved to be beneficial on the field. “We’re focused on getting to the playoffs and winning one game,” Francis said. “Once we move past the first game, I have no doubt we’ll succeed.” The team has won the Lone Star Alliance Championship the past three years. The Longhorns scheduled tough non-conference games against ranked opponents this season in an attempt to improve their seed heading into the national tournament.
THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: JESSE DROHEN, JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, BETHANY WALETER/UNIV. OF TEXAS, JESSE DROHEN, COURTESY UT LACROSSE
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ROUNDUP
A win for the Seniors THE PROPER SEND OFF: Holiner and the Longhorns recorded their first undefeated season at home since 2010. The final win came on Senior Day.
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HE MEN’S TENNIS team capped off an undefeated regular season
on its home court with a 7-0 victory over TCU on Senior Day. Texas finished the regular season 9-0 at Penick-Allison Tennis Center and 2-0 at the indoor Weller Tennis Center. The string of victories led Texas to its first undefeated home regular season since 2010. The match over TCU also marked the final regular season home match for seniors David Holiner and Sudanwa Sitaram. Holiner and Sitaram have been a part of 71 wins in their four-year playing career at Texas, including a 37-7 record at home. The Longhorns have won 10 consecutive Senior Day contests. The team earned victories on all six singles courts to notch its seventh shutout victory of the season. Junior Soren Hess-Olesen gave the Longhorns a 2-0 lead with his 10th win over a ranked opponent this season. Hess-Olesen cruised to a shutout victory in the first set and rallied from down 5-3 in the second set to preserve his straight-set victory. Sophomore Nick Naumann clinched the team win for the Longhorns by defeating his opponent in three sets. Naumann improved his record to a team-best 17-3 in dual match play, with six consecutive singles victories and a 9-1 mark in the last 10 matches. After three league contests, the Longhorns feature three players with undefeated singles records: Hess-Olesen, Naumann and Clement Homs.
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TENNIS/ SWIMMING & DIVING/ TRACK & FIELD
ROUNDUP
MAY 2014
SW I M M I NG & DI V I NG
SHE’S GOT THE MOVES JUNIOR DIVER Emma Ivory-Ganja finished second in the platform diving event at the NCAA Championships. IvoryGanja sat in fifth place through two of five rounds, but the UCLA transfer vaulted into third place by way of her back two-and-a-half somersault in the tuck position. The dive netted more than 70 points. With four divers remaining in the final round, Ivory-Ganja registered a meetbest 76.80 points on her final dive, a two-and-a-half somersault with oneand-a-half twists. Ivory-Ganja left the NCAA Championships with All-America honors in the platform and three-meter events and an honorable mention All-America finish in the one-meter. Texas placed ninth for a third consecutive season at the NCAA Championships. The Longhorns totaled 144 points.
TOTAL IMMERSION: In her first year at Texas, Ivory-Ganja didn’t waste any time falling in line with the nation’s top talent.
LEADER OF THE PACK MARIELLE HALL continues to prove she’s not only one of the top distance runners in Texas track & field history but also in the nation. After sweeping the mile and 3,000-meter titles at this year’s Big 12 Indoor Championships, Hall smashed the school record in the 5,000 meters at the Stanford Invitational, clocking a time of 15:19.26 to outdistance a field that included 14 professional athletes. In addition to eclipsing the Texas record by nearly 30 seconds, Hall also posted one of the best times in collegiate history. Her time ranks No. 10 on the all-time collegiate 5,000MAY 2014
meter performance list. Over the last five years, only three women have clocked a better time during a collegiate meet. One of them, Abbey D’Agostino of Dartmouth, is the two-time defending NCAA 5,000-meter champion. But Hall wasn’t the only Longhorn senior to have an impressive performance at the two-day, distanceheavy Stanford meet. Brittany Marches snapped her own Texas record in the steeplechase by clocking a time of
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10:26.90. Olivia Mickle, a senior transfer from Brown, clocked a time of 33:40.14 in the 10,000 meters, nearly setting a third school mark.
GOING THE DISTANCE: Hall
broke the 5,000 meter school record at the Stanford Invitational.
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UTSA ROUNDUP
UTSA
CALENDAR
BLOCK VISION: David Anzaldua joins the Roadrunners at offensive tackle.
MAY 2014
BASEBALL
2: at Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 6 p.m. 3: at Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 4 p.m. 4: at Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Noon 9: vs. Rice, 6 p.m. 10: vs. Rice, 2 p.m. 11: vs. Rice, 1 p.m. 13: at Baylor, Waco, 6:30 p.m. 15: at East Carolina, Greenville, N.C.5 p.m. 16: at East Carolina, Greenville, N.C.5 p.m. 17: at East Carolina, Greenville, N.C., 10 a.m. 21-25: C-USA Tournament, Hattiesburg, Miss., TBA SOFTBALL
3: vs. UAB, 1 p.m./3:15 p.m. 4: vs. UAB, Noon 8-10: C-USA Tournament , Boca Raton, Fla. TBA M GOLF
15-17: NCAA RegionalSan Antonio (Briggs Ranch)TBA 27-31: NCAA Championship, Hutchinson, Kan., TBA
TRACK & FIELD THE ROADRUNNER track & field team
had a busy yet victorious weekend heading into April. All-American Keyunta Hayes raced to the nation’s second-fastest 400-meter hurdles time at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, while Phil Steinert broke his program hammer record for the second consecutive weekend. UT San Antonio also received three victories at the Trinity Tigers Relays. Hayes circled the track in a season-best 50.36 during the Texas Relays, marking the second-fastest time in the country this spring. The Tyler native qualified for the final with the secondbest preliminary heats time, 50.73, in the 61-man field. Meanwhile, Steinert added another 3’2” to his school mark in the hammer. Conference USA’s leader tossed the implement 203-8 (62.08m) en route to seventh place in the 25-man field. Mike Medrano (800m/1:53.80), Jared Tyler (discus/155-3/47.33m) and Saul Vasquez (5k/14:56.88) all picked up gold medals at the local Trinity Tigers Relays.
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15-18: C-USA Championships, Houston, TBA 29-31: NCAA Preliminary Rounds Fayetteville, Ark., TBA W TRACK & FIELD
15-18: C-USA Championships, Houston, TBA 29-31: NCAA Preliminary Rounds Fayetteville, Ark.TBA
BY STEPHEN WHITAKER
HE UT SAN ANTONIO football program is rising faster
than a thermometer during a Texas summer. This upcoming season marks the team’s fourth year playing competitive football and the Roadrunners have made their presence known. The Roadrunners are coming off a 7-5 season, during which they went 6-2 in Conference USA. The team fell one game short of winning the West division in its first season as a member of C-USA. UT San Antonio will host Arizona during prime time on Sept. 4 — a game that was originally scheduled for Sept. 6 but was moved to the preceding Thursday. An undetermined national television network will show the game. Two months later, the Roadrunners will host another game during prime time when they face the Southern Mississippi Eagles. Originally scheduled for Nov. 15, the conference moved the game to Nov. 13 so that the game will air on
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national TV. “For the second time, the C-USA television broadcast selection process has made a significant impact on UT San Antonio’s 2014 football schedule,” athletic director Lynn Hickey said. “As we pointed out when the home opener against Arizona was moved to Sept. 4, the visibility from these nationwide Thursday broadcasts is good for the city, the university and the football program.” The Roadrunners may play in a third nationally televised game if their season opener against Houston moves to Aug. 29. Regardless of whether the Roadrunners have another game moved to facilitate a national broadcast, the program continues to rise at a pace never before seen by a startup before in the annals of the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. The fact UT San Antonio has two nationally televised home games in only its fourth season speaks volumes about the future power rising from the banks of the San Antonio River.
W TENNIS THE WOMEN’S TENNIS team closed out its
spring home schedule with a 7-0 victory against Lamar. The Roadrunners’ fifth consecutive victory improved their season record to 10-7 and marked their first win against the Lady Cardinals (4-10) since April 25, 2009, at the Southland Tournament in Corpus Christi. UTSA got on the board early with doubles triumphs at the top two spots in the lineup. Jacobea Junger and Miriam Rosell Canudas won their 11th consecutive outing on the first court to improve to 12-1 this season, while Daniela Garcia-Diaz and Alena Shichkova clinched the opening point with an 8-6 victory. Lamar was unable to get on track in singles play, as the Roadrunners won five of the six contests in straight sets.
FROM LEFT: COURT ESY JEFF HUEHN/UT SA AT HLETI CS, STEVE MOAKLEY/UTSA ATHLETI CS
INTO THE SPOTLIGHT
8-10: NCAA RegionalTBATBA 20-23: NCAA ChampionshipTulsa, Okla. TBA
GETTING HIS HANDS DIRTY: Ryan Bottger’s efforts in the infield helped the Mavericks go 4-0 at the beginning of the season.
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UTA ROUNDUP
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M BASKETBALL
CALENDAR
THE MEN’S basketball team lost its third straight
game, 92-89, to Louisiana-Lafayette. The loss dropped the Mavericks to 9-13 overall and 4-6 in games against Sun Belt Conference opposition. Against ULL, the Mavericks fell behind by as much as 25 points before closing the margin to within single digits several times. One time included a two-point deficit with .8 seconds left when guard Jamel Outler was credited with a 3-pointer after a goaltending call against the ULL defense. Guard Lonnie McClanahan hit 12 of 24 field goals en route to scoring a career-high 31 points for the Mavericks, while Outler added 19 —15 of which came from behind the 3-point line.
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BAS EBALL
2: at Arkansas-Little Rock, Little Rock, Ark., 6 p.m. 3: at Arkansas-Little Rock, Little Rock, Ark., 4 p.m. 4: at Arkansas-Little Rock, Little Rock, Ark., 4 p.m. 9: vs. Western Kentucky, 6:30 p.m. 10: vs. Western Kentucky, 2 p.m. 11: vs. Western Kentucky, 1 p.m. 13: at TCU, Fort Worth, 6:30 p.m. 15: vs. Texas State, 6:30 p.m. 16: vs. Texas State, 6:30 p.m. 17: vs. Texas State, 2 p.m. 20: Sun Belt Conference Tournament Mobile, Ala., TBA
SOFTBALL
S O F T BALL
THE MAVERICKS’ rich softball history was recognized when seven former UT Arlington players were named to the Southland Conference’s all-time team. The conference selected the players to the alltime team in conjunction with the commemoration of its 50th anniversary. The former Mavericks named to the team included: • Catcher Samantha Chumcal • Pitcher Katy Cox • Pitcher Debby Day • Catcher Jeannine Duval • Outfielder Katie Jones • Pitcher Tina Northcutt • Outfielder/utility player Brenda Woodard
2-3: at Texas State, San Marcos 1 p.m./ 3 p.m. 4: at Texas State, San Marcos, Noon 7: vs. TBD, Lafayette, La., TBA M GO LF
15-17: NCAA Central Regionals, TBD, All Day 27-30: NCAA National Championship Wichita, Kan. , All Day T RAC K & F IELD
2: Track-It Buster Invitational Wichita, Kan. , All Day 9-11: Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championship, San Marcos, All Day 29-30: NCAA West Preliminary Round Fayetteville, Ark., All Day
TRACK & FIELD
WINNING FORMULA
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C OURTES Y ELLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY/UTA ATHLETICS
BY STEVE LANSDALE
T ARLINGTON swept the Sun Belt Conference’s baseball Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week awards for the week of March 24. Junior infielder Ryan Bottger and senior right-handed pitcher Daniel Milliman helped the Mavericks go 4-0, first running over Baylor 14-3 and then sweeping South Alabama in three games. Bottger had seven hits during the week, including a home run and three doubles. Milliman allowed just three hits over 10 innings in his starts against Baylor and South Alabama. He struck out four and gave up one run and one walk. The Mavericks — who picked up their first Sun Belt Conference sweep in the South Alabama series — improved to 12-16 on the season. “This was a good weekend for us,” coach Darin Thomas said. “Milliman pitched great and we got some timely hitting. That’s four [wins] in a row for us; hopefully that keeps going.”
THE BEST BY FAR: Brandon Waller captured first place in the long jump at the Texas State Bobcat Invitational.
UT ARLINGTON had a strong showing at the Texas State Bobcat Invitational, with the jumpers leading the team. Brandon Waller won the long jump with a personal best of 7.60 meters and finished second in the triple jump with a jump of 14.69 meters. Tobi Fawehinmi finished fourth (14.46 meters) in the triple jump, four places ahead of teammate David Brefo (13.73). Shae Johnson finished second in the women’s triple jump with a leap of 12.23 meters, while Debra Johnson finished fourth (11.91 meters) and Ayofemi Ibrahim finished seventh (11.37 meters). Morgan Dominique placed third in the long jump with a leap of 5.86 meters. The UT Arlington pole vaulters also had a strong day. Connor McGuire tied his outdoor personal best when he cleared 4.72 meters, earning him a third-place finish. On the women’s side, Noemie Forget finished sixth. The Mavericks also had two competitors taking part at the Texas Relays in Austin. Hannah Nilsson placed 14th in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:42.36, while Whitley Ellison placed 14th in the discus with a heave of 40.69 meters.
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SPIRIT OF THE MONTH / ALUMNI
SPI R I T OF T H E MON T H
TEXAS BASEBALL DIAMONDS BY SARA BETH PURDY
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HE TEXAS BASEBALL DIAMONDS are a spirit and service-based organization whose primary mission is to support the Longhorn baseball team. The organization began in 1988 and was first known as the Texas Baseball Diamond Crew. Until a few years ago, the Texas Baseball Diamonds were sponsored under the NCAA as a spirit organization; however, after restructuring, they’re now independent of the NCAA. The group fills a vital role for Texas baseball. In addition to attending games and cheering on the team, the members also organize events, help staff the baseball office on game days and serve as game day ushers.
When they’re not at Disch-Falk Field, the Texas Diamonds are serving Austin through organizations and events such as Partners in Education for Round Rock ISD, Keep Austin Beautiful, SURE Walk and the Longhorn Run. The Texas Diamonds are also finalizing their first official philanthropy — RBI Austin, an organization that serves inner-city youth baseball and softball teams. Stormie Wilfong is the current president of the Texas Baseball Diamonds. Wilfong is a senior who’s studying Health Promotion in the College of Education. As a freshman, Wilfong joined the Texas
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Diamonds to find a place among Texas’ immense student body. She sat down with Horns Illustrated to answer a few questions about the organization. Tell me about a traditional baseball game day. Game days for the Texas Baseball Diamonds are casual. We have tailgates before select games and sometimes join tailgates hosted by the players’ parents or other organizations. We also help the baseball office on game days. A few girls on the concourse help as ushers. For Sunday games, you’ll find the Texas Baseball Diamonds running the “Kids Run the Bases” postgame tradition. What traditions exist outside of game day? Every year we have a Diamonds Thanksgiving. Each member’s family makes a dish and we all come together to give thanks. At the end of the year, we also give out the Diamond Awards to recognize our key members. The Texas Baseball Diamonds participate in numerous social and service-related events. We host large social events like the Fall Formal and an end of the year boat party. We have smaller events within our organization that allow us to get to know each other and cultivate lasting friendships. Why is it important to support Texas athletics? Supporting Texas athletics as a student organization is important because, first and foremost, we are Longhorns! There’s also something about a Texas baseball game that is unique and special. Some fans have had season tickets for over 40 years. Kids are decked out in burnt orange. We support Texas baseball because we love everything about the organization.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MELANIE WALKER TRACK (2005-06) AS BOTH A hurdler and
sprinter, Melanie Walker made a big impact during her two years at Texas. After starting her career at Essex County College in Newark, N.J., Walker joined the Longhorns for the 200506 indoor and outdoor seasons. She started her junior year with a sixth-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2005 NCAA Indoor Championship. During the 2005 NCAA Outdoor Championship, Walker ran legs in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. She also earned a fourth-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles. In 2006, Walker added two indoor All-American awards to her resume. She ran the anchor for 4x400 relay, which took fourth place, helping Texas capture another championship. During the outdoor season, she helped her team to the NCAA 4x100-meter relay title. Walker also earned a third-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles and captured the 2006 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association South Central Regional Athlete of the Year honors. Walker finished her career ranked second all-time in program history in the 400-meter hurdles with her collegiate-best mark of 54.87 seconds, and she still ranks third in the 100-meter hurdles (12.75) and the 60-meter hurdles (8.05). After college, Walker went on to excel as a professional runner on the international stage. Running the 400meter hurdles for her home country of Jamaica, Walker won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and set the Olympic 400-meter hurdles record of 52.64 in the final. She went on to win a World Outdoor title in the 400-meter hurdles in 2009 in Berlin, crossing the finish line in 52.42 — the second-fastest time in history. She was the silver medalist in the event at the 2011 World Outdoor Championships and raced in her second Olympic 400-meter hurdles competition at the 2012 London Games. Originally from Kingston, Walker continues to live and train in Jamaica. In 2013, the Longhorn Hall of Honor inducted Walker as part of its 14th class. — JAMES SCHLEICHER
FROM LEFT: COURT ES Y TEXAS BASEBALL D IAM ONDS, PATR ICK MEREDIT H/UNIV. OF TEXAS
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ROUNDUP
MEDIA VOICES
JOHNNY WALKER
REVIEW
FROM LEFT: JES SE DR OHEN, UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGR APHY
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and pitcher Nathan Thornhill’s decision to return for their senior years after being drafted (by the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros, respectively) is a big catalyst for the Texas baseball team. Their decision shows not only their respect for Texas and coach Augie Garrido but also their commitment to pushing this team back into the College World Series. As both a closer and a starter, Thornhill is stepping into a leading role. As of early April, he has a 0.73 ERA and a 5-0 record. Payton is Mr. Dependable with his .480 on-base percentage, .361 average and 25 RBIs. As of press time, he still holds a running streak of getting on base in 73 games — a streak that dates back to last season. But Thornhill and Payton just represent the tip of the iceberg. Thornhill can play at the head or the tail of a pitching staff that has a 2.12 ERA (as of April 10, and currently the best in the Big 12 Conference). According to Thornhill, helping Garrido mold a young a team played a part in his decision to return. NATHAN THORNHILL The molding part should be easy because this team has players who can contribute from top to bottom. When a team has only a few star players, that team is easy to beat when those players have a rough day. But when a team has a bunch of guys who can play and are focused — that’s a scary team. And with the underclassmen starting to show their batting abilities, this Texas team is becoming more dangerous with each game. By the time Big 12 play started, the younger players seemed to be acclimated to the college baseball life. Adjusting to the travel schedule and keeping up with schoolwork takes time — I know it took me some time. One player who will make an impact is Ben Johnson. Many knew him as the quarterback at UTFIELDER MARK PAYTON
Westwood High School, but watching him at bat I can tell he has talent. Once he earns some consistent playing time, look for some big things out of him. Teamwork is another catalyst in Texas’ resurgence this season. Garrido has preached teamwork for a long time but those younger guys took notice when Payton and Thornhill turned down the big leagues to come back. The entire team made a conscious decision to put the team ahead of themselves — and it seems to be working. Any player appreciates the total team concept because it takes the pressure off the individual. If one guy doesn’t play well, everyone else has his back. With the pressure gone, the team can have fun playing the game. The fun is back in Texas baseball and the team is enjoying playing the game. For the sake of honesty, I admit that when Baylor had a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth with two outs in the series’ opening game, I turned off the television. I thought the game was over. Little did I know that Payton would hit a walk-off three-run double. That play alone shows this team’s ‘never say die’ mentality. The play also told me to never turn off the TV. This game wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. These guys have won two other games this season in walk-off fashion (versus Stanford and UT Pan-Am) and earned a series win at Texas Tech thanks to Madison Carter’s 12th-inning heroics. If Texas continues playing as well as it’s playing, the team will have a shot at winning the Big 12 Conference and competing in the College World Series. As seen by their ability to come back in any situation, and the fact that they have scored the majority of their runs with two outs (77 of the first 155), these players clearly don’t give up. The Longhorns will keep coming at their opponent and those types of teams do well in the super-regionals. Everyone is all-in and I expect big things from this team.
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 • Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1990 (4th round)
“Teamwork is another catalyst in Texas’ resurgence this season. Garrido has preached teamwork for a long time but those younger guys took notice when Payton and Thornhill turned down the big leagues to come back. ”
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MEDIA VOICES
ROD BABERS GIVES HIS PREDICTIONS FOR THE 2014 NFL DRAFT.
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S A FORMER NFL athlete who has experienced the draft process in its entirety, Rod Babers knows plenty about how the league evaluates talent and chooses which players to draft. In this edition of Media Voices, the host of AM 1300 The Zone’s Sports Buffet gives his take on how this year’s group of Longhorns might fare in the draft.
Jackson Jeffcoat Jackson Jeffcoat is the highlight of this class. He ran a fast enough 40 time (4.63) that he solidified himself as a player who could play outside linebacker. He doesn’t have enough bulk to play 4-3 defensive end in the league, but people look at him as a 3-4 outside linebacker. The same thing happened with Sam Acho and he ended up as an outside linebacker with the Cardinals. Honestly, former defensive coordinator Greg Robinson made Jeffcoat a lot of money. Before Robinson, many saw Jeffcoat as underachieving. Then Robinson arrived and put Jeffcoat in that “joker” position where he moved around — that showed his versatility. He’s a natural pass rusher. The stats show that Jeffcoat and Cedric Reed came together as the most dynamic and productive defensive end combo in the country. His pedigree helps, as his dad had a great NFL career and now coaches at Colorado. NFL coaches like that fact because he’s already had coaching and that’s less work for them.
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DRAFT PREDICTION: THIRD ROUND
Mike Davis At the combine, Mike Davis did fine. He ran a 40 time (4.42-4.46) at his pro day complimentary of his skills, but that time doesn’t show that he has the breakaway speed. He’s known as a deep threat and a guy who can blow the top off a defense. With his 40 time, he showed just that, but the NFL is a different game. Davis needs to prove that he could run intermediate to short routes and that he can get yards after the catch. This draft class has so much depth at wide receiver — the talent has been touted as the best in 10 years — so he could easily end up dropping.
Z DRAFT PREDICTION: FOURTH OR FIFTH ROUND
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Z DRAFT PREDICTION: SIXTH OR SEVENTH ROUND Carrington Byndom In his sophomore year, Carrington Byndom was one of the best cornerbacks in country. His stats for yards per pass given up ranked with Dre Kirkpatrick and Morris Claiborne. He looked unbelievable. However, injuries played a role in his development and he underachieved his last two years, dropping his draft stock precipitously. He has the size and he ran a high-4.3 or low-4.4 40 at the pro day — numbers I think solidified him as an early fifth-round or late fourth-round pick. He compares well to Chykie Brown. Brown had the body of Cedric Griffin and the athleticism of Michael Huff but it never came together for him at Texas. He ended up getting drafted in the fifth round by the Baltimore Ravens and he’s still on the roster. If a player can show that he has raw potential, every NFL coach figures they can turn his body and raw athleticism into NFL talent. Byndom played safety and corner, plus he has the coach Duane Akina stamp of approval. That’s important because Akina remains the most respected defensive backs coach in all of football.
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DRAFT PREDICTION: FOURTH OR FIFTH ROUND
The Rest of the Class Adrian Phillips may have a chance to go to a camp and make a roster but his route to the NFL will likely go through the Canadian Football League. Chris Whaley’s situation looks very similar to Fozzy Whittaker’s and a team before the start of the season will likely pick him up. He’ll end up on a practice squad to give him time to fully recover from his injuries and have the opportunity to earn a job next year. The last time Texas had an offensive lineman drafted was in 2008. This year, the Longhorns have three who are eligible: Donald Hawkins, Trey Hopkins and Mason Walters. Out of those three, Hopkins has the most potential to get drafted. Hawkins has better NFL size than the other two, but he doesn’t have any film. Hopkins has played every position on the offensive line and that’s an asset that manufactures depth for a team. Walters has the size and a great football character but the question remains whether he has the athleticism to go against the freak defensive fronts in the NFL.
TWEETS JON MADANI (@ Zone_Madani) Does it strike anyone else as odd that the three-time defending national championship wrestling team is at…Penn State? Just saying…
ROD BABERS @ rodb314: #RedRiverRivalry is officially the #RedRiverShowdown. Six months ago I suggested changing it to #StateFairStreetFight
CRAIG WAY @craigway1: Huskies
must love Texas. Three national titles in the Lone Star State — San Antonio, Houston, and now Arlington, or North Texas... or whatever
MIKE TAYLOR @miketaylorshow: Just because you’re an NFL general manager doesn’t make you a scholar. I mean, Jerry’s a GM too.
ALL HEADS HOTS COURT ES Y AM 1 300 THE ZO NE
Mock Draft
Anthony Fera Anthony Fera may get drafted in the sixth or seventh round — he may not get drafted, period —but he may end up having the longest career of any of the Longhorns in this draft class. He has the ability to both punt and kick. Anytime a player can show that they have multiplicity in their skill set, it makes them a commodity for a team. Fera will give a team the luxury of having more players on the roster. He may not get picked, but there’s no question he’ll be on a roster when the season starts and he may be someone’s starting kicker.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME COURTESY JEFF HOWE/HORNS247.COM
JEFF HOWE GIVES HIS INITIAL OPINION ON THE 2015 CLASS.
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PRING WESTFIELD Top247 offensive lineman Toby Weathersby and RockwallHeath safety Deshon Elliott recently committed to Texas, marking a major win for the Longhorns. In landing this pair of standouts, the Longhorns added two talented prospects at positions of need. They also happen to be the prime targets of two other schools — schools that Texas battles against in recruiting. Elliott is a well-rounded safety who can serve different roles in the secondary for special teams coordinator ChrisVaughn and defensive coordinator Vance Bedford. He’s rangy enough to cover hash-toboundary in a Cover 2 scheme or play as a centerfield safety.
the presumed leader up until Weathersby With his great length and revealed his decision to play for the frame, Elliott could become a Longhorns. nickel linebacker. Elliott looks People can talk about more natural in coverage and developing underrated recruits, but has the ability to fill the alley teams win championships with elite and strike someone. players. The two recent pickups suggest Texas also has a need for that this staff is in a position to go in and versatile linemen capable of DESHON ELLIOTT have a legitimate chance to land the state’s playing guard or tackle. The brightest on a consistent basis. 6’4.5”, 295-pound four-star Defensive line coach Chris Weathersby falls into that Rumph and offensive line coach/ category. offensive coordinator Joe Wickline have He’s naturally aggressive, proven track records as recruiters. Both brings plenty of athleticism have spent time in the Southeastern to the table and has the right Conference, and with Wickline recruiting mentality to mash guys at the Texas for Oklahoma State, they both point of attack. Weathersby know how to recruit against the best. has the tools to be a future star TOBY WEATHERSBY That statement also goes for on the line for the Longhorns, Vaughn, linebackers coach Brian Jeanwhich, considering the young Mary and running backs coach Tommie talent on the roster, says a lot. Robinson. These latest commitments and Perhaps even more important than who these players are and what they the momentum behind the 2015 class shows the bring to the table is who the Longhorns beat to get Longhorns have a coaching staff that can and will bring in elite talent. They have Texas back in the both of these guys in the fold. Texas A&M was the primary competition for conversation with the kind of recruits who can help Elliott. If he had selected to play for the Aggies, he win championships on the 40 Acres. If the two new additions to the program would’ve joined a 2015 class that included Sulphur Springs’ safety Larry Pryor and Whitehouse’s safety are any type of indication, Texas is on its way to Justin Dunning. becoming a better football program. — JEFF HOWE The Aggies also offered Weathersby. However, / HORNS247.COM the school Texas truly had to fend off was Oklahoma,
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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. CONTACT INFORMATION: t-association@athletics.utexas.edu 512.471.6864
THE HABE ON THE HORNS BY STEVE HABEL
One for the Record Books
AUGIE GARRIDO STILL HAS SOME TRICKS UP HIS SLEEVE.
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Augie Garrido cruised past another career milestone on March 25 when he won his 1,894th game. The victory made him the winningest coach at any level in college baseball history. And as with almost everything associated with the 75-year-old Garrido, his reaction to breaking the record was understated and classy. “Out of respect for everyone — all the players over the years, all the people I’ve worked with — I must stand in front of you and say this means a lot to me, because of them,” he said. “I get the credit, my name is on it, but [this record] belongs to everybody.” When Garrido took over the Texas reins in 1996, he was already a legend, with 1,151 wins and three NCAA titles under his belt. Since joining the Longhorns, he has won 746 games (as of April 3), including seven Big 12 championships and two College World Series titles. And the beat goes on. Baseball is a game where fundamentals and attitude are paramount and no one preaches that mantra better than Garrido. The greatest thing about watching him work with the team is how much Garrido still has in the tank. He mentors as the players’ grandfather rather than their father, and the players respect him and hang onto his every word. Some of Garrido’s detractors, especially in the past few seasons when the Longhorns have underachieved, claim that the coach has lost his touch with his players. They say that he can’t ASEBALL COACH
connect with the team because of the age difference and the way baseball has changed through the years. Sophomore outfielder Ben Johnson said not to believe that for a second. “Coach Garrido wants to win more than anyone,” Johnson expounded. “He’s a competitor, that’s what describes him. He’s dedicated, obviously. He’s been doing this for who knows how many years, and he’ll do anything for any of us and we know it.” Garrido’s success isn’t defined by the victories. His success is based on his relationships with the players and how those players continue on as a reflection of Texas. “I like what I do, and I look forward to doing it,” Garrido said. “I like the relationships involved. I like the teacher’s role — that’s where all the rewards are for me. [This record] doesn’t redefine who I am.” After covering the baseball team sporadically during Garrido’s tenure, I’ve spent extensive time with him this season. As a man who loves baseball, I’ve been lucky enough to talk the game with Garrido in measured amounts and to try to understand baseball from his perspective, as a teacher and a caretaker of the Texas program and, through his role, the game of baseball itself. Given those discussions and the way Garrido has infused his 2014 team with enthusiasm, fundamentals and dedication, the Texas baseball team remains in great hands. 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.
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g n o r t S TUCK
PARKER PARKERFRENCH FRENCHCONTINUES CONTINUES TO TOFIND FINDINSPIRATION INSPIRATIONFROM FROMLATE LATECOACH COACH KEITH KEITHTUCK. TUCK.
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SS PARKER PARKER FRENCH FRENCH PREPARED PREPARED for foraawinnerwinnertake-all take-allplayoff playoffgame gameagainst againstKerrville KerrvilleTivy, Tivy,he he was wasapproached approachedby bylongtime longtimeDripping DrippingSprings Springs softball softball coach coach Keith Keith Tuck. Tuck. What What followed followed became becameone oneofofthe thepitcher’s pitcher’sfondest fondestmemories. memories. “You’re “You’re the the man,” man,” Tuck Tuck told told French French between betweengames. games.“You’re “You’rethe theleader leaderofofthis thisteam. team. These Theseguys guysneed needyou youright rightnow, now,go gomake makeaabig big play play and and win win this this game game for for us. us. Go Go get get ‘em, ‘em, son.” son.” French French homered homered inin his his first first at-bat, at-bat, one one ofof four four home home runs runs hit hit by by Dripping Dripping Springs Springs inin its its series-clinching series-clinching 10-4 10-4 victory victory over over Tivy. Tivy.
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season season opener, opener, French French tweeted tweeted out out aa picture picture of of an an inscription inscription along along the the bottom bottom part part of of the the inside insideof ofhis hisglove: glove:“TUCKSTRONG.” “TUCKSTRONG.” “I“I know know who who I’m I’m honoring honoring this this basebaseball ball season,” season,” French French said said in in the the tweet. tweet. “#KT “#KT #TuckStrong #TuckStrong#Mark923.” #Mark923.” French Frenchwould wouldno nolonger longerhave havethe theface-toface-toface face pregame pregame pep pep talks talks with with Tuck. Tuck. Yet Yet French French knew knew he he needed needed toto commemorate commemorate Tuck Tuck and and give givehim himaaway waytotocontinue continuebeing beingaapart partof ofhis his life. life.Now Nowall allFrench Frenchhas hastotodo dototoremind remindhimself himself of ofTuck Tuckisislook lookatathis hisglove gloveduring duringaagame. game.
directly directly coached coached me, me, he he undoubtedly undoubtedly left left his his mark markon onme.” me.” During Duringthose thosehigh highschool schooldays, days,with withTuck Tuck asas his his mentor, mentor, isis when when French French caught caught the the eye eye of ofLonghorns Longhornspitching pitchingcoach coachSkip SkipJohnson. Johnson.The The numbers numbersshowed showedthat thatFrench Frenchwas wasaaproductive productive player, player,but butaalonger longerlook lookrevealed revealedthe thefiery fierycomcompetitiveness petitivenessbehind behindthe theproduction. production. “He “He fit fit with with the the kind kind of of athlete athlete Texas Texas recruits,” recruits,” Johnson Johnson said. said. “He “He went went out out and and played played catch catch with with the the mitt. mitt. He He didn’t didn’t worry worry about about the the failure failure of of somebody somebody writing writing aa posipositive tive or or negative negative thing thing on on him, him, somebody somebody booing booing him him or or cheering cheering him him on. on. He He just just cared caredabout aboutthrowing throwingthe theball ball totothe themitt.” mitt.” Years Years later, later, Johnson Johnson can can appreciate appreciateboth bothhow howfar farFrench French has has come come since since his his freshman freshman season season and and the the impact impact Tuck Tuck had had on on him. him. According According to to Johnson, Johnson, all all coaches coaches want want toto LASTING LASTINGIMPRESSIONS: IMPRESSIONS: Although AlthoughKeith KeithTuck Tucknever never coached coachedParker ParkerFrench, French,he heleft left his hismark markon onthe theTexas Texaspitcher. pitcher.
was, was,athlete athleteor ornot, not,he hemade madekids kidsfeel feellike likethey they had had importance. importance. He He inspired inspired and and motivated motivated them themtotobelieve believein inthemselves.” themselves.” After After going going 462-115 462-115 over over 16 16 years years asas aa high high school school softball softball coach coach — — aa career career that that included included three three state state tournament tournament appearances appearances — —Tuck Tuckretired retiredthis thisJune. June.Less Lessthan thanfive fivemonths months later, later, the the beloved beloved coach coach died died after after an an apparent apparent heart heartattack. attack.He Hewas was52. 52. Tuck’s Tuck’s death death hit hit French French harder harder than than any any batter batter ever ever could, could, but but he he wanted wanted toto find find the the silver silverlining liningin inthe thesomber sombersituation. situation. Hours Hoursbefore beforetaking takingthe themound moundfor forTexas’ Texas’
“I“I decided decided toto write write ‘TUCKSTRONG’ ‘TUCKSTRONG’ on on my myglove glovebecause becauseitithad hadbecome becomethe therallying rallyingcry cry for forthe theTuck Tuckfamily familyand andfriends friendstotolive livein inhonor honor of of Coach Coach Tuck,” Tuck,” French French explained. explained. “When “When II look look down down and and see see ‘TUCKSTRONG’ ‘TUCKSTRONG’ during during aa game, game, itit reminds reminds me me that that II must must continue continue the the fight fightand andthat thatit’s it’snot notover. over.ItItreminds remindsme meIIneed need totocompete competewith witheverything everythingIIhave havebecause becausethat that isiswhat whatCoach CoachTuck Tuckalways alwayspreached.” preached.” Tuck Tucknot notonly onlyplayed playedaabig bigpart partin inthe thelives lives of of French French and and those those he he coached coached but but also also was was aa cherished cherished and and well-known well-known member member of of the the Dripping DrippingSprings Springscommunity. community. “Coach “Coach Tuck Tuck was was what what I’d I’d call call the the symsymbol bolof ofDripping DrippingSprings,” Springs,”French Frenchsaid. said.“He “Heput put down down his his head head every every day, day, worked worked hard hard and and wanted wantednothing nothingin inreturn. return.He Hewas wasaarallying rallyingcry cry for forDripping DrippingSprings Springsand andrepresented representedthe thetown town asasaawhole. whole.Everyone Everyonein inthe thetown townknew knewwho whohe he was was and and I’m I’m sure sure he he impacted impacted each each and and every every person personhe hetouched touchedin inhis hislife.” life.” French Frenchmet metthe theTuck Tuckfamily familywhen whenhe hewas was in in sixth sixth grade grade but but became became closest closest toto the the late late coach coach during during his his high high school school days days when when he he experienced experiencedfirst-hand first-handthe the“master “mastermotivator.” motivator.” “No “Noone onein inDripping DrippingSprings Springsever everwanted wanted toto let let Coach Coach Tuck Tuck down down and and that that continues continues even even more more so so after after his his passing,” passing,” French French said. said. “I“Iwant wanttotohonor honorhim himby byplaying playingmy myheart heartout out and andIIknow knowthat thatwould wouldmake makehim himmore moreproud proud than than anything. anything. Even Even though though Coach Coach Tuck Tuck never never
have have that that type type of of impact impact on on their their players. players. And And when whenJohnson Johnsonlearned learnedof ofTuck’s Tuck’sdeath deathand andhow how ititaffected affectedFrench, French,he hewas wastouched. touched. “All “All of of us, us, asas players players or or coaches, coaches, have have aa person personthat’s that’sbeen beenin inour ourlife lifethat’s that’smeant meantaalot,” lot,” Johnson Johnsonsaid. said.“What “Whatare arewe wein inititfor? for?We’re We’renot not in initittotocarve carveour ourname nameon onmarble. marble.We’re We’rein initittoto carve carveour ournames nameson onkids’ kids’hearts heartsand andthat’s that’swhat what that thatguy guydid didand andthat’s that’swhy whyyou’re you’reaacoach.” coach.” The Thefirst first10 10appearances appearancesFrench Frenchmade madefor for Texas Texas were were out out of of the the bullpen, bullpen, posting posting aa 3.63 3.63 ERA ERAover overthat thatstretch stretchin in2011. 2011.With Withthe theouting outing against against Stanford Stanford excluded excluded — — an an outing outing during during which which six six of of the the eight eight batters batters he he faced faced scored scored — —and andincluding includingaanine-out nine-outsave savein inaawin winover, over, that thatERA ERAwas waslowered loweredtoto0.54. 0.54. His His performance performance resulted resulted in in French French replacing replacingjunior juniorHoby HobyMilner Milnerin inthe theLonghorns’ Longhorns’ rotation rotation asas the the Saturday Saturday starter. starter. He He tossed tossed four four scoreless scoreless innings innings during during his his first first career career start start against against Texas Texas State. State. After After another another save save later later in in the the week week against against Oklahoma Oklahoma — — an an outing outing durduring ingwhich whichJohnson Johnsonsaid saidFrench Frenchtouched touched97 97mph mph — —French Frenchwas wasin inthe therotation rotationfor forgood. good. Both Bothof ofthose thoseappearances appearanceswere wereaapart partof ofaa ridiculous ridiculousstring stringof of33 331/3 1/3consecutive consecutivescoreless scoreless innings inningsatathome. home.With WithTexas Texasjockeying jockeyingfor forposiposition tionin inthe theBig Big12 12standings standingsand andtrying tryingtotoearn earnan an NCAA NCAATournament Tournamentberth berthfor forthe the13th 13thyear yearin inaa row, row,ititgave gaveFrench Frenchthe thenod nodon onFridays Fridays— —aarole role reserved reservedfor forthe theace aceof ofthe theLonghorns’ Longhorns’staff. staff.
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“The reason we had him throwing Friday nights was because he was experienced,” Johnson said of French, a freshman at the time. “He’s competitive. It didn’t matter what role he got put in. He’s a team guy. That’s who he’s always been. I don’t think Friday night, for him, was going to be any different than a Saturday or a Sunday.” French’s first Friday start came against a mediocre Missouri team. He was cruising into the bottom of the fifth inning, with Texas holding a 5-0 lead and French yet to allow a hit. But after a leadoff triple and a one-out walk, Milner replaced him on the mound. He didn’t pitch again that season. French had suffered a stress fracture in his right elbow and was unable to throw a baseball for the next two months. Texas failed to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998. He faced a long road to recovery, but as a sophomore French picked up right where he left off — as one of the country’s most effective Friday starters. After going 6-2 with a 2.84 ERA, French lowered his ERA to 2.68, but went just 4-5 on the year. Often the victim of a lack-of-run support, the Longhorns went only 5-8 in French’s 13 starts. Texas dropped those eight games by a combined 15 runs, five of those eight contests being lost by one run. For the second straight year, the Longhorns 30
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missed out on the NCAA Tournament and didn’t win a single series in Big 12 play, finishing in last place of the conference standings for the first time since 1956. French could’ve easily hung his head and allowed discouragement to take over. He could’ve easily given up, especially after the one who had provided so much encouragement for him in moments like this died during the offseason. But he didn’t. He bounced back. He did what he could to turn Tuck’s death into a positive. He refused to let the fact that he hadn’t received the opportunity to pitch in the postseason put a damper on his preparation for his junior season. He went to work. “That’s the one thing that guy does. He is a big-time worker,” Johnson said. “He’s structured with his work ethic, athletically and academically. That speaks volumes to who he is — he’s going to go out there, get ground balls and eat up innings.” Through eight outings this season, French has lowered his ERA to 1.57. He anchors a staff that has posted a 1.98 ERA, making the Longhorns one of six Division I teams with a team ERA below 2.00. He’s lasted at least five innings and allowed no more than three earned runs in every one of his starts. For the first time since he was a freshman, French even earned a save, retiring the side in the ninth inning for a win over Dallas Baptist.
“On any given day, French says, ‘I’m going to beat you to the target,’” Johnson said. “That’s our philosophy. We want to beat the guy to the target.” French surrendered two first-inning runs in his fourth start of the year against Hawaii, a game that was tied 2-2 going into the eighth inning. Texas lost this kind of game last year. As head coach Augie Garrido has said multiple times, the Longhorns “mastered the art of losing the one-run game.” Not this time, however. Texas held on to beat the Rainbow Warriors, 3-2. “Parker could’ve come apart but he trusted himself. He threw the ball to the mitt and the players made the plays behind him,” Garrido said after the victory. “That takes courage. Trust is the most powerful word in teamwork.” While French continues to improve, Texas is back to its winning ways. He has posted a career-high 2.64 strikeout-to-walk ratio this year, up from 1.58 as a freshman and 1.92 as a sophomore. Known for being a groundball pitcher — the reason Johnson most closely identifies him with former Longhorn sinkerballer Cole Green — French is also striking out 19.2 percent of the batters he’s faced this year. This is nearly twice as many as the 10.4 percent he struck out as a freshman and a significant jump from the 14.0 percent he struck out during his sophomore campaign.
PAGES 24- 25 FROM LEFT : JESSE DR OHEN, C OUR TESY PARKER FRENCH, PR EVIO US SPREAD: BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS, COURTESY D RIPPING SPR INGS YEAR BOOK. T HIS PAGE: PATRI CK MEREDITH/UNIV. O F TEXAS
ON HIS GAME: French has struck out 19.2 percent of the batters he has faced this season and has lowered his ERA to 1.57.
“Honestly, going back to my freshman and sophomore years when I didn’t strike out a lot of guys, I got in my two-strike counts. I just wouldn’t make a quality pitch and it would be a ground ball,” French said. “In the offseason we worked on having command of all three of my pitches with two strikes and making those quality pitches.” At 22-7 through 29 games, the Longhorns are well on their way toward returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since a College World Series run in 2010. And, as evidenced by the fact that the Longhorns are a mindboggling 22-3 this season when scoring at least two runs, they can get back to Omaha with an average hitting team. Texas can attribute much of its success this year to French, who would be the first to attribute much of his personal success to someone no longer physically with him but someone he’ll never, ever forget. He’ll always remember the person who had an uncanny ability to inspire him by knowing exactly what to say and when to say it. A person who made a living out of motivating dozens of young people in the Dripping Springs community, including French. A person he can remember by simply looking into his glove. “I know he’s looking down on us right now,” French said, “and every time I take that mound.”
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THE LONGHORNS SHOWED PROGRESS IN THE ORANGE-WHITE GAME BUT STILL HAVE PLENTY OF WORK WAITING FOR THEM THIS SUMMER. BY STEVE HABEL
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WO KEY NOTIONS REMAINED in the minds of Texas football insiders and fans following the annual OrangeWhite game: (1) the Longhorns have more work ahead of them and (2) they have only a short time to get where they need to be by the season opener. The game — which took place April 19 — marked the conclusion of the Longhorns’ first series of drills under head coach Charlie Strong and his staff. The Texas team defeated the Longhorns team 38-14 before 25,000 fans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Texas team, led by sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, scored all of its points after a sluggish start. Swoopes made three touchdown passes while senior running back Malcolm Brown rushed for 82 yards and one touchdown.
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team responded well to Swoopes’ continued growth in the huddle. “Tyrone is a social, relatable and personable guy, and that shows when he's in the huddle,” Espinosa said. “He started off slow but was able to joke around to make things light. He’s able to get over things like interceptions quickly, and once he started going, he was rolling and encouraging us. I like what he was doing.” Swoopes hit on just two of his first nine throws for only 9 total yards. He caught fire in the second quarter when he was given more time to throw and as he gained additional confidence. At one point in the third quarter, Swoopes had a streak of 11 completions in 13 attempts. The Texas team scored on its final five possessions, including four touchdowns. Six of Swoopes’ throws found senior wideout Jaxon Shipley, who had 95 receiving yards, including a 44-yard touchdown catch midway through the fourth quarter. Swoopes also hit Daje Johnson with a 42-yard scoring pass on the final play of the first half and connected with Brown on a nifty 6-yard screen pass for a touchdown in the third quarter. He had a few missteps as well. Swoopes twice overthrew receivers for sure touchdowns and wasn’t close on another pass into the end zone on fourth down. “I like the way Swoopes was able to A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE: Sophomore Tyrone Swoopes took every snap with the first-team offense during the annual scrimmage. With David Ash sidelined with a broken left foot, Swoopes stepped in as the Longhorns’ lead signal caller.
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Watchers were encouraged that Swoopes — who took every snap with the first-team offense as David Ash recovers from a broken left foot — shrugged off some initial doldrums and an interception on his first drive. He eventually passed for 229 yards, finding seven different receivers in the process. Senior center Dominic Espinosa said the
Onyegbule and returned the ball 36 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 with 1:51 left in the first quarter. Earlier in spring camp, new Texas defensive coordinator Vance Bedford remarked that some of his corps lacked the confidence to make a big play. Strong also agreed that confidence is a game-changer for the defense. “The guys need to understand that if you don't believe in yourself no one else will believe in you,” Strong said. “You need to believe you can go make plays and that you are good enough.” Senior cornerback Quandre Diggs said the defense is building its confidence and getting its swagger back. “It’s coming, slowly but surely,” Diggs said. “We're continuing to grow and picking the minds of these coaches.” The team’s No. 1 offense and No. 1 defense refrained from coming together in the scrimmage — a tack Strong decided to take to build confidence in both of his team’s top units. “Usually when you match up ones on ones, the offense doesn't score and then they feel like they’re a long ways away. If the offense just drove the ball on the defense, then the defense feels like they can't stop anybody,” he said. “Defensively we were able to get some turnovers today, and offensively we were able to just play.”
bounce back,” Strong said. “He missed some big throws that you would've liked him to complete, but then he settled down and was able to bounce back. [He was able to get] himself back under control.” Brown said the slow start by the Texas team’s No. 1 offense was quickly pushed aside. “We weren’t in sync as an offense to start and that’s definitely something we need to work on,” he said. “There are guys on the offensive line that are getting more reps than they’re used to. The quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers have to get on the same page so we can come out there playing fast.” Aside from Ash, 13 other players didn’t play in the Orange-White game, including running backs Joe Bergeron, Alex De La Torre and Johnathan Gray; linebackers Jordan Hicks, Kendall Thompson, Tevin Jackson and Deoundrei Davis; offensive lineman Kent Perkins; tight end Greg Daniels; wide receiver Jake Oliver; defensive lineman Paul Boyette Jr.; and, defensive backs Sheroid Evans and Erik Huhn. All but Bergeron (personal) missed the scrimmage due to injury.
DEFENSE SHINES EARLY ON Despite the fact that only a 4-3 scheme was used for both defenses, and a notouch rule was put into place to ensure the quarterbacks’ safety, both defenses got the best of the offenses. Altogether the defenses recorded eight sacks — four for each squad. Texas plans to run its defense out of multiple sets in the fall, but the Longhorns were very vanilla in the Orange-White game. “We showed [the 4-3] because we didn't want to show what we have,” Strong said. “Then everybody would know what our base is. We still have a lot of work and a long way to go.” Cedric Reed, who had 10 sacks last season, stopped the Longhorns’ team quarterback Miles Onyegbule twice behind the line of scrimmage. Reed also had two quarterback hurries. The Texas team had nine total tackles for a loss in the scrimmage. Caleb Bluiett and Demarco Cobbs — who both played for the Longhorns team — recorded eight tackles apiece. Bluiett also had two sacks and one pass breakup. Bryson Echols had three more pass breakups for the Longhorns squad. Mykkele Thompson and Josh Turner had interceptions for Texas. Thompson picked off
BUYING IN AND CHANGING THE CULTURE
THE KEY TO SUCCESS: Confidence will be a key factor this season, for both the defense and the offense. Once their confidence is in place, the players — such as Jaxon Shipley (top) and Adrian Colbert (above) — will be able to make game-changing plays.
One of the team’s true catch phrases from spring drills was “buying in” to the culture change being pushed forward by Strong and his staff. That takes time, but Strong said he’s pleased with the way the majority of the team has responded. “You’ll always have guys who’ll wonder about stuff when things don't go their way,” Strong said. “A large majority of this team understands [what we’re trying to do] and they know what’s expected of them. When they all buy in 100 percent, then you feel like you’re going to have a good football team.” “Once the players understand what we’re looking for, things are going to get much better because they believe in the system,” Strong added. “When they trust and believe in the system, then we’re always going to have a chance.” One of the true roadblocks to buying into a team concept is when individual players overestimate their own talent and get in the way of themselves and the success of the coaches’ programs.
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is where a squad gets bigger, stronger and faster going into spring workouts. Phase Two, the spring drills themselves, is a place to measure effort in assignment, techniques and fundamentals. “We can improve, because in spring ball we had to restart a couple of practices,” Strong said. “Now we get to our summer conditioning that leads to fall camp.”
A PHASED APPROACH: Head coach Charlie Strong is running his players through a five-phase approach to prepare for the 2014 campaign. With two phases complete, Strong — as well as the Longhorn fans — are pleased with the team’s progress thus far. Getting bigger, stronger and faster was a goal for all of the players this summer, while perfecting their technique was the primary focus for the spring.
Junior defensive tackle Malcom Brown said the team is putting in effort that he hasn’t seen in his time on the 40 Acres. “Everybody is improving from what they were doing last year and giving the extra effort they need to get better,” Brown said. “We have some that are still off but they're on their way. We need to come together as a team. Everybody just needs to go hard and know that the person beside them is going to do their job.” Strong said he was happy with the way the Texas players performed in the first two aspects of his five-phase plan heading into the 2014 campaign. Phase One, the team’s winter conditioning,
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QUESTION AT QUARTERBACK Ash and Swoopes were both working with the No. 1 offense before Ash got hurt. With the extra work from the spring under his belt and the confidence he built during the scrimmage,
Swoopes will enter fall camp knowing that he can make plays. There’s also the fact that Ash missed most of 2013 after he suffered a concussion in the BYU game. No one — including Ash himself — knows what will happen the first time he gets sacked or roughed up when Texas faces North Texas on Aug. 30. “The quarterback position is key because you have to manage the offense,” Strong said. “We don't need a great player, just someone to take control. Your team isn't going to go until your quarterback goes. Whether it’s David or Tyrone, we need to play better to be better.” Ash, as was his strength when he started at quarterback the past two seasons, was doing a great job of managing the team’s new offense. Ash had surgery on his foot in mid-April and is scheduled to be back before the start of fall drills. “[Before he was injured] David was doing everything we asked of him,” Strong said. “At the same time, he has to get better. He’s getting better but he can improve even more.” Swoopes was not made available for questions after the spring game but Strong said a key for his quarterback’s growth is to settle down and understand that he can do the job. “I said to Tyrone today, 'Listen, you are a good player. Don't listen to what other people say, you’re a good player,’” Strong stated. “That’s the situation with every guy within this program right now. We need them to be consistent, develop confidence and believe in themselves.” Brown said Swoopes is getting more consistent as he gets the chance to work with the No. 1 offense. “Tyrone is taking over more than when he
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“Some guys never buy into your program, especially when they think they’re better than they are,” Strong explained. “I had a meeting with the parents and I told them if there are any issues with a player then they don't need to contact Facebook, the reporters or Twitter — they just need to contact the position coach or myself.”
came in,” Brown said. “He was shy at first but that happens to us all. As a quarterback, you have to command once you step on campus and he’s done a great job this spring.” Shipley said both quarterbacks have much to offer. “Both throw really good balls — I honestly don't notice much of a difference,” he said. “Obviously David has been here a while and has been through the system, while Tyrone is trying to get more comfortable. We’ll have to see where he is when the season comes around.” Espinosa said regardless of the quarterback, it’s a matter of working together. “I don't think we’re uncertain of anything by any means,” he added. “We’ve been in practice a couple of weeks with Tyrone and things have been going great. It’s a great starting point for us. Going into the summer, we’ll learn more about working together. By two-a-days, we’ll be ready to go.”
THE CLOCK FOR NORTH TEXAS IS TICKING With spring drills completed, Strong planned to meet with each of his players to tell them exactly where they stand going into the summer. “I want the coaches to let them know if they’re a starter, a backup or a scout team player,” Strong said. “Each – QUANDRE DIGGS player will understand the role he has on this football team.” Diggs said the team understands the task ahead and is ready for whatever assignments the coaches hand to the players. “This summer we're going to have one of the toughest offseasons, if not the toughest summer, in the country,” Diggs said. “We're going to continue to grind and not say too much. Talk is cheap, so we'll go out and continue to get better as a team and get ready for two-a-days.” Strong admits that there’s still work to be done. “I wish I had 15 more days, but I don't have them,” he said. “Now we have to get our guys through the summer and into fall camp. We just need to go to work and get a team out there that is consistent. It is all about consistency and that’s what you want to see from a football team each and every day and snap.”
“THIS SUMMER WE’RE GOING TO HAVE ONE OF THE TOUGHEST OFFSEASONS, IF NOT THE TOUGHEST SUMMER, IN THE COUNTRY.”
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NEED FOR SPEED: The women’s 4x400-meter relay team recorded the fastest time in the nation so far this season.
FOR THE RECORD THE LONGHORNS SET THE STANDARD AT THIS SEASON’S TEXAS RELAYS.
In the world of college athletics, no event is quite like the Texas Relays. After 87 years, the four-day invitational has the feeling of a national championship, a professional Grand Prix meet and the Olympics all rolled into one long weekend. The annual March meet is Texas’ recruiting weapon — the majority of former and current Longhorn track & field athletes reference the relays as one of the main reasons for coming to the 40 Acres. To compete as part of the home
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team at a meet of this caliber is a once in a lifetime experience — or possibly four lifetime experiences for those athletes who get to participate all four years. And the Longhorn athletes made the most of the experience this year by putting in big-league performances. The women earned the title of the meet’s Most Outstanding College/University Team. With five first-place finishes, the opposition couldn’t argue with the decision. One of the most dramatic
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finishes of the meet occurred when the 4x200 relay team of Morolake Akinosun, Christy Udoh, Briana Nelson and Ashley Spencer edged Texas A&M by only 0.24 seconds. Texas won with a time of 1 minute, 31.58 seconds. Akinosun also captured first place in the 100-meter dash title in 11.10. While the time was officially marked as wind-aided, her performance set a high benchmark for anyone with a gale at his or her back. At the close of the meet, the
4x400 relay saw repeat gold medal performances from Nelson and Spencer along with Courtney Okolo and Kendall Baisden. The team combined for a time of 3:26.38 to record the fastest time in the nation so far this season. The distance squad also shined as Marielle Hall won the university/college 1,500-meter run with a personal best of 4:17.10. Her 1500-meter time was the fastest time in the nation this year. Olivia Mickle captured yet another victory for the Longhorns
THIS S PREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT : JES SE D ROHEN, BET HANY WALTER/ UNIV. OF TEXAS , JES SE D ROHEN, BET HANY WALTER /UNIV. OF TEXAS, J ES SE DR OHEN, JESS E DR OHEN
By Carlo Bligh
FULL SPEED AHEAD: The Longhorns — both new and old — maintained the program’s tradition of putting forth big-league performances at this year’s Texas Relays. Johannes Hock (top left) took third place in the decathalon after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Marielle Hall (above, No. 7) claimed first place in the 1,500 meters with a personal best and the fastest time in the nation. Morgan Snow (bottom left) and the women’s 4x100 relay team took second. Former Longhorn and Olympic medalist Leo Manzano (left) returned to his home track to win the 800 meters.
when she won the 5,000-meter run with a blistering time of 16:35.43. Teammate Megan Siebert picked up team points in fourth place. The 5000 meters was also a highlight for the men as Mark Pinales won with a personal best time of 14:25.96. Will Nation followed shortly behind, wrapping up the points in sixth place. Maintaining his position among the top decathletes, Johannes Hock finished in third place. His top-three finish was a personal victory — Hock recently
underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and had to throw the javelin with his left arm. The Texas Relays is known for showcasing big talent in the field events and this year lived up to the usual billing. Shanay Briscoe, who recently finished in fifth place in the high jump at the NCAA Indoor Championships, finished second with a jump of 5 feet, 11 ¼ inches. Kaitlin Petrillose, who took the national pole vault indoor national title, won the pole vault with a jump that was just two
inches short of her national record of 15 feet 1 inch. Ryan Crouser turned the heads of the crowd as he set both the school and meet records in the shot put. His gravity-defying throw of 69 feet, 9½ inches pushed him into first place at the relays. The next day he added on a few more points for good measure by placing fifth in an extremely competitive discus field. “It was awesome,” Crouser said, “every time you break the school record at Texas, that’s some-
thing good. Even more when you do it at Texas Relays.” The Texas Relays also featured some of Texas’ greatest athletes, including Trey Hardee and Leo Manzano. “The Texas Relays start with the fans, the atmosphere, the facilities and the city of Austin,” Hardee said. “The energy that all of that brings elicits awesome performances from the athletes, from high school freshmen to 30-yearolds like myself. It’s infectious and people want to be a part of it.”
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TOP OF THE CLASS ONLY A FRESHMAN, TIARRA DAVIS IS ALREADY AT THE CENTER OF THE TEXAS SOFTBALL TEAM. BY STEVE HABEL
FRESHMAN PITCHER TIARRA DAVIS WAS SEEMLY predestined to become the No. 1 pitcher for the Texas softball team. She climbed to the top position within the first 15 games of the 2014 season. Davis has been preparing for this opportunity since middle school, since the day when former Texas assistant coach Marla Looper ventured into the east Texas town of Henderson to watch a gangly lefthander during a club league game. But even team insiders are surprised at Davis’ intensity — she’s standing front and center in the Longhorns’ battle to remain among the sport’s elite. In a season where the performances of the squad’s youngest players could easily impact the entire season (Texas has 13 underclassmen — including seven freshmen — on its 20-member roster), Davis has been a standout as a pitcher and a hitter. Growing up a Longhorn fan, Davis first wanted to play basketball for Texas. That dream changed when Looper made her trip to the Piney Woods. “Back then, I thought of softball more as a sport where I could meet new friends,” Davis said. “When I was that age, basketball was more of my passion. As I got older I noticed I was better at softball, so I chose to play that sport instead.” Davis made her mark as a prep player in Henderson, where she was a four-year letterwinner and three-time Texas Sports Writers Association allstate selection. In her senior season, Davis posted a 0.70 ERA and 171 strikeouts during district play and the playoffs. She also batted .661 with three home runs, three triples, 11 doubles, 15 RBIs and 34 runs scored and didn’t strike out. Her play was one of the chief reasons Henderson advanced to the regional quarterfinals during her senior year.
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“That’s the way it goes with freshmen; they keep it exciting every day,” Clark explained. “Tiarra wants the ball. She wants to pitch in big scenarios. She’s got the physical skill set — it’s about becoming consistent. She’s got to deal with the ups and downs to get better.” Texas senior catcher Mandy Ogle works with Davis before every game to see how she’s feeling and to calm her down if she’s nervous. “I get her ready to go,” Ogle said. “Tiarra bounces back quicker than a lot of pitchers I’ve worked with. She’s special because of the movement on her pitches — it’s hard for the batter to react to the way Tiarra’s pitches come out of her hand. She’s getting better every time out and she’s improving her confidence.”
“The games before the conference season were a tryout of sorts for four pitchers and the competition was wide open. Tiarra went out and earned the right to be our ace,” Clark said. “She’s tremendous. She was kind of an under-the-radar kid, but we knew how good she was in all aspects of the game. We’d love to see her in the lineup every day, whether she’s pitching or not.” The responsibility has yet to sway the freshman’s confidence. “Everybody had a fair shot,” Davis said. “Fortunately, I got the job.” In the Longhorns’ first home league series against Texas Tech, Davis won twice, allowing just two earned runs while striking out 17. She got knocked around some in the second game of the series, giving up four runs on four hits in just 2.1 innings in a 6-5 loss to the Red Raiders. Clark understands that hitching the team’s success to such a young player is somewhat of a rollercoaster ride at times.
Davis agrees with her catcher. She knows she needs to be tougher and more mentally prepared as each game takes on added pressure and meaning. “I’m making adjustments and I have to be tougher mentally,” Davis said. “Early on, I was nervous about everything but I’m becoming more confident about facing the best hitters in the country.” Davis, the Longhorns’ first left-handed
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pitcher since Cat Osterman, understands that she’ll be compared to the All-American and former Olympian. But she wants to create her own legacy on the 40 Acres. “Ever since I chose to focus on softball, I wanted to play for the Longhorns — and watching Cat pitch had a lot to do with that decision,” Davis said. “Being compared with her is awesome and a little bit daunting, but I’m trying to make my own way here.”
FRONT AND CENTER: Coach Connie Clark named Davis her ace at the start of the conference season. Faced with the responsibility to pitch the majority of games, the freshman continues to work on her confidence as she faces the best hitters in the country. She’s carrying that tough mentality to all aspects of her game, including batting.
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As a junior, Davis hit .484 with 19 RBIs and 19 doubles. She went 19-7 in the circle with a 1.76 ERA and 207 strikeouts in 170.2 innings pitched. She batted .547 with a home run and 22 RBIs as a sophomore, while finishing 22-4 with a 1.31 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 149.2 innings pitched. As a freshman, Davis hit .346 with 23 runs scored while putting up a 1.45 ERA with 158 strikeouts in 111 innings pitched. Davis was a great player throughout her high school career, but the adjustment to the college game has been eye opening. Coach Connie Clark declared Davis as her ace by the start of the conference season — a role that requires her to pitch the majority of the team’s games, even all three of a three-game series.
A NEVER-QUIT ATTITUDE: After returning home from South Dakota, Petrillose found herself without a dedicated coach and a clear goal. Focused and determined, she found a way to succeed.
T R ACK & F I E L D
The Journey Back Home
DETOURS AND ROADBLOCKS ASIDE, KAITLIN PETRILLOSE HAS FINALLY FOUND SUCCESS IN HER HOME STATE. BY CARLO BLIGH
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specializes in flying through the air at staggering altitudes. Her ability to soar at heights that few other athletes can reach separates her — literally — from the pack. Ironically, Petrillose’s goal for the year contradicts her athletic talents. “I’m just trying to keep my feet on the ground,” she said. In pole vault, athletes sprint at top speed down a runway while carrying a long pole. When the pole hits the exact target on the ground, the athlete uses the pole
to catapult his or her body into the sky and over a bar, hopefully landing on the cushy mat on the other side. Pole vault isn’t a sport for the timid or perhaps the sane. An athlete must have speed, incredible strength and an ability to twist their body while in midair. Petrillose continues to conquer the event, earning the reputation as one of the best pole vaulters in the nation. She took a long journey to reach this level, traveling thousands of miles in a circle to land on the 40 Acres. When Petrillose moved to Round Rock from Corpus Christi after junior high, she made the decision to stop gymnastics. “I was getting too tall for gymnastics and I injured my hamstring,” Petrillose said. “It was going to hurt my body even more so I had to quit.” Little did she know that her life of acrobatics and tumbling remained far from over. As a high school freshman, Petrillose had health class with Glenn Roberts, the head coach for the men’s track & field team. When she told Roberts of her time running hurdles in middle school (and setting the 100- and 300-meter school records), he nudged her into joining the woman’s cross country and track program. “Distance running wasn’t what I wanted to do,” she laughed. “I would go on ‘nature runs’ with my friends. The fast runners would go in one direction and we would go in the other.” When track & field season started, she became more focused as a coach pushed her toward pole vault. “I met Brian Elmore in his trademark overalls, Texas hat and sunglasses. That one meeting started it all,” Petrillose recalled. Elmore, who volunteers as
BETHANY W ALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS
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the Texas pole vault coach, had already coached two male athletes at McNeil to state gold medals. “I caught on quickly because of my gymnastics background,” Petrillose said. “I did well my freshman year and told someone ‘I’m good at this pole jumping.’” She was so good at “pole jumping” that she was the state runner up her junior year and the state champion her senior year. The title came as the perfect ending to an unexpected high school career. With high school ending on a high note, Petrillose’s future looked bright and everything seemed in order for the next step. But that next step was the first one of a three-part journey that would eventually lead her back to Texas. Part I – The Badlands “I was 18 years old and I knew everything — or at least I thought I did.” Petrillose made the decision to head north to South Dakota for college. Like many recent high school graduates, she wanted to
move far from home. “I wanted to go somewhere away from home and have the experience of being alone,” she said. “South Dakota has a great pole vault coach and the small school feel attracted me.” After living in Texas her entire life, Petrillose wanted to experience something different. And South Dakota was nothing if not different. But even with the goal to start off in a new state, she still gave Texas a call. Surprisingly, the Longhorns weren’t interested. “Texas wasn’t recruiting me. I called and never got a call back,” she said. “Pole vault wasn’t getting recognized at Texas at the time unless you were male. I needed to go somewhere that would help me financially if I planned on attending college. South Dakota made me an offer so I took it.” She had a successful start to college, both academically and athletically. But life has a special knack for being complicated and developments at home would alter
Petrillose’s path in profound ways. “My mom had cancer and I knew she was sick when I came home for Christmas. She wasn’t the same,” Petrillose explained. While she physically returned to South Dakota after break, her heart was still at home with her mother. “I couldn’t go down that road. I spent the spring trying to get back home.” Part II – The Second Chance “I had to make sacrifices — especially financially. I’ll have to pay off loans but I don’t care.” This is the reality that Petrillose faces, but she doesn’t doubt the decisions she made in the past. She wanted to be with her family and this time around Texas accepted Petrillose as a walk-on. The Longhorns had already allocated scholarship money to other athletes so Petrillose put herself in debt to stay close to her mother. The sacrifice also meant leaving one of the best pole vault
programs in the country to join a program that Petrillose couldn’t even label because it didn’t even seem to exist. “My first year, we didn’t really pole vault,” she recalled. “We were in the weight room and running on the track way more than needed — and it hurt. I don’t know what I was training to be.” While she was thrilled to be back home, her athletic drive couldn’t be contained within the walls of a weight room. Petrillose took matters into her own hands and trained the same routine she learned in South Dakota. “Being so young, I had to take what I had learned and go with it,” she said. While the situation was far from ideal, she worked her way to a 10th place finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships that year. It was a finish that would make any athlete feel accomplished — except the one who wants to be the best.
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BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS
Part III – The Final Stop “Physically, I’m where I need to be, but mentally, I’m continuing to work.” Unlike the first part of her journey, Petrillose’s final stop didn’t require traveling across the country. A total upheaval took place in the Texas track & field program before her sophomore year. Both the men and women’s programs found themselves placed under the guidance of head coach Mario Sategna. Coach Ty Sevin stepped in to work with the pole vaulters and provided guidance to Petrillose. She finally understood what her coach was training her for — to become the nation’s best. A new coach usually means breaking down technique and starting at a square one, but Sevin’s style felt familiar. He previously worked with Petrillose’s coach from South Dakota at the Olympic Training Center and trained his athletes with a similar program. “Any time you start over, you’re trying to feel each other
out,” Sevin said. “You have to respect the kids and start slowly building the blocks of success. We’re not concerned with the past VAULTING INTO HISTORY: Petrillose is leading the way for future pole vaulters.
and what they were doing. I try to individualize their training that meets each of their needs.” Sevin’s individualized train-
ing paid off. In her second year as a Longhorn, things started to fall into place for Petrillose. In 2014, at her second appearance at the NCAA Indoor National Championships, Petrillose became the first Texas female pole vaulter to win an indoor national title. Her vault of 15 feet, 1 inch set the meet and collegiate records, and put her in the No. 10 position on the alltime U.S. performers list. Those achievements only strengthened her resume, which now includes three conference titles (two indoor and one for outdoor). Having a career of this nature would inflate the egos of some athletes, but Petrillose is working hard to stay grounded. Petrillose explained that if anything can undo her, it’s the mental aspect of the sport — especially overthinking a process that now feels instinctual after years of training.
“There are so many things I can’t think about. When I went to nationals, I wasn’t thinking national champion, I was thinking about my bars and getting over the top,” she said. “I have goals in my head, but I don’t want to expect things. It’s too much stress. I still have work to do.” Still in the thick of the outdoor track season, Petrillose’s second year at Texas remains far from over. She has a lot of flying left to do before she can wrap up this leg of her journey. For now she’s focused on winning the National Championship and winning a steak dinner by out jumping her boyfriend, who’s also a pole vaulter. And so each day she keeps training and trying to fly through the air as high as humanly possible. “Pole vaulters are definitely wired differently than the other athletes. We’re crazy,” she said. “No reasonable person would take that jump. You need guts to take that leap.”
Horns Illustrated (ISSN 1096-2573), Volume 21, Number 4. Copyright © 2014 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 – 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. MAY 2014
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FINAL SCORE
Springing into Action
JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS
After two months of hiring new coaches, recruiting and adjusting to life in Austin, Charlie Strong finally led his team onto the field for spring practice. Though the season opener against North Texas is months away, Strong and the Longhorns came ready for the 15 spring workouts. The players returned to the field in tip-top shape after undergoing Pat Moorer’s offseason conditioning program, but Strong still needed to measure their progress. So he lined up and ran sprints alongside the players. Strong has a reputation as a workout warrior, so the team shouldn’t be surprised that he decided to mix things up and tighten his laces. To say Strong takes his job seriously is an understatement. The hands-on coach hasn’t hesitated to spring into action to ensure this year’s squad gets off to a great start.
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