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V-BALL BREAKS STREAK RECORD

BATTLE IN DALLAS

FOOTBALL HIGHS & LOWS

SOCCER’S OLIVIA BROOK

M/W GOLF UPDATES

g M i a B o (V. 21, NO. 8) DISPLAY UNTIL JAN. 2015

NOVEMBER 2014

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COVERING UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SPORTS

INSIDE MALCOM BROWN’S STELLAR SEASON

NOVEMBER 2014

CONTENTS

Tyrone Swoopes is starting to bring the Texas offense together.

FEATURES

27 FOOTBALL

Getting Offensive Games 4-6 should give Texas fans an optimistic view of the future. Although the football team captured only one win during this line of games, the Longhorn offense showed signs of drastic improvement. By the time Texas stared at Oklahoma from across the line of scrimmage, the Longhorn offense came together enough to double the offensive output when compared to the Sooners. Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes had one of his best games in the Cotton Bowl. And with the Texas defense staying on point, the program is finally showing signs that this team can stand toe-to-toe with the nation’s top teams.

32 FOOTBALL In Macolm, We Trust The season is far from over but pundits are already predicting that junior Macolm Brown will forgo his senior eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL Draft. The 320-pound defensive tackle has the determination and the focus to make his dream a reality — and his stats drill the point home. However, Brown is playing to his highest pontential for much more than a possible future filled with money and fame. He plays for his team. He plays for Texas. And even more important, he plays for his wife and his two daughters.

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

RO U N D U P

S P I RI T O F T HE M O N T H

M E D I A VO I C E S

T HE HA B E O N T HE HO RN S

I N S E A S O N — Golf, Swimming & Diving and Tennis

D A RRE LL K RO YA L FO U N D A T I O N

YO U N G GU N — Olivia Brook

FI N A L S C O RE

COVER PHOTO: MALCOM BROWN (PHOTO: JESSE DROHEN).

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NOVEMBER 2014

DON BENDER

DEPARTMENTS

COVERING UT SPORTS SINCE 1994 AUSTIN CORPORATE OFFICE: 512-626-8513 SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1-855-246-7677 E-MAIL: INFO@HORNSILLUSTRATED.COM

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NOVEMBER 2014

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N NO O VV EE M M BB EE RR 22 00 11 44

FIRST

LOOK The The Texas Texas volleyball volleyball team team has has turned turned Gregory Gregory Gym Gym into into one one of of the the best best home home court court advantages. advantages. After After sweeping sweeping TCU TCU on on Oct. Oct. 22, 22, the the Longhorns Longhorns earned earned their their 34th 34th consecutive consecutive win win at at home home — — and and the the program program record. record. “We “We always always talk talk about about the the people people that that came came before before us us and and that’s that’s what what Jerritt Jerritt [Elliott] [Elliott] said, said, the the players players before before us us built built that that legacy,” legacy,” Haley Haley Eckerman Eckerman said. said. “And “And now now we’re we’re continuing continuing the the legacy.” legacy.”

N NO OVVEEM MBBEERR 22001144

HORNS HORNS ILLUSTRATED ILLUSTRATED

CALENDAR MARK YOUR

NOVEMBER 2014

WHAT’S GOING ON IN LONGHORN SPORTS

Volleyball

UT vs. West Virginia 7 p.m.

M/ W Cross Country

NCAA South Central Cross Country Regional Fayetteville, Ark.

14/16

M basketball

2K Classic benefiting Wounded Warriors Project Regional Round 14 – UT vs. North Dakota State, 7 p.m. 16 – UT vs. Alcorn State, 7 p.m.

Football

CLOCKWISE FR OM TOP LEFT: BETHANY WALT ER /UNIV. OF TEXAS, DON BEN DER , UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY, BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEAXAS

NOVEMBER

Meghan Houston is ready to dive into the 2014-15 season.

W baskeball

Football

UT at Texas Tech Lubbock TBA M/ W Cross Country

Big 12 Championships Lawrence, Kan.

1–2

W roWing

Head of the Hooch Chattanooga, Tenn. (Tennessee River) All Day

Volleyball

UT at Iowa State Ames, Iowa 2 p.m.

3–5

M golF

5–9

W soCCer

Volleyball

UT at Oklahoma Norman, Okla. 7 p.m.

6–9

USTA/ITA National Indoor Championship Flushing, N.Y. All Day

UT at Baylor Waco 7 p.m.

M/ W tennis

W sWiMMing & DiVing

UT vs. Texas A&M 4 p.m. Volleyball

UT vs. Kansas State 7 p.m.

UT at Texas Tech Lubbock 6 p.m.

UT vs. UTSA TBA

Big 12 Championship Kansas City, Mo. TBA

Gifford Intercollegiate CordeValle Golf Club San Jose, Calif. All Day

Volleyball

UT at Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla. TBA

Football

UT vs. West Virginia TBA

W basketball

UT vs. Oklahoma City University 2 p.m.

Volleyball

W basketball

UT at UCLA Los Angeles, Calif. 3 p.m.

20/21

UT vs. St. Francis 7 p.m.

UT vs. UT Pan-American 7 p.m. Volleyball

UT at TCU Fort Worth 6:30 p.m.

Nicole Dalton looks to set up many more wins for Texas volleyball.

M basketball

2K Classic benefiting Wounded Warriors Project Championship Round 20 – UT vs. Iowa, 6 p.m. 21 – UT vs. California or Syracuse, TBA New York, N.Y.

Football

UT vs. TCU 6:30 p.m.

M basketball

UT at Connecticut Storrs, Conn. 11 a.m.

20–22

W basketball

Texas Diving Invitational All Day

Volleyball

UT vs. Tennessee 5:30 p.m.

M/ W sWiMMing & DiVing

UT vs. Florida 1:30 p.m.

M/ W Cross Country

INFORMATION IS BASED ON AVAILABLE SCHEDULES AT PRESS TIME AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

NCAA Cross Country Championships Terre Haute, Ind. Volleyball

Texas swimming is up against its old foe, Texas A&M, on Nov. 7.

W basketball

M basketball

W basketball

UT at Stanford Palo Alto, Calif. 8 p.m.

Jonathan Holmes and the men’s basketball team return to the court on Nov. 14.

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

UT vs. Kansas 3 p.m.

NOVEMBER 2014

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

ROUNDUP NOVEMBER 2014

PAT R ICK M ER E DIT H/UN IV . OF TE X AS

VOLLEYBALL’S WINNING STREAK // ASH’S FAREWELL NOTE // THE LOSS OF A TEXAS ICON

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE: Texas volleyball’s victory over TCU on Oct. 22 at Gregory Gymnasium set a new program record for the most-consecutive home match wins with 34 straight. The streak dates back to Sept. 15, 2012. “It’s impressive and it means a lot in regards to the program,” head coach Jerritt Elliott said. “We have a rich tradition, but more importantly, it’s very hard to maintain being at the top all the time, and we’ve been able to do that. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do.” Texas has won 23-straight Big 12 matches, including the last four in 3-0 fashion. In the match against the Horned Frogs, the Longhorns registered 43 kills and outhit TCU, .309 to .125. The Longhorns produced a typical balanced attack, as Haley Eckerman posted a team-high 12 kills. Sophomores Nicole Dalton and Chloe Collins combined to have 35 assists in the match, with 19 and 16 respectively. Sophomore Chiaka Ogbogu had a match-high four blocks, while freshman Cat McCoy set a season-high four aces in the match.

NOVEMBER 2014

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

NOVEMBER 2014

ROUNDUP

FOOTBALL

STRONG VALUES

TEXAS / OU:

BY THE NUMBERS

SETTING THE EXAMPLE: The NFL has turned to Strong to learn from his commitment to core values.

60-44-5

The series record, in Texas’ favor.

The series record when both teams enter the game immediately following a loss. This last happened in 2007 when Oklahoma defeated Texas 28-21. Both teams entered this year’s game coming off a loss.

S HEAD COACH Charlie Strong sat in his Moncrief office after the team’s shutout victory over Kansas, he received an unexpected phone call. Troy Vincent, NFL’s executive vice president of operations, was on the other end of the line. He and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were in Austin visiting the headquarters of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and wanted to meet with Strong to discuss his commitment to his core values — treating women with respect, honesty, no stealing, no guns and no drugs — before they left town. A few hours later, Goodell and Vincent were overlooking Joe Jamail Field in Strong’s office while they picked the coach’s brain. “We talked about dealing with young people,” Strong said of the meeting, “how to teach them about character and how to deal with some of the issues that we’re facing right now.” Amid a flurry of NFL player misconduct issues ranging from domestic violence to sexual assault, Goodell and Vincent clearly understood they could learn from Strong, who’s demonstrated a penchant for discipline since arriving in Austin. “I told [Goodell] that we’re sending players of questionable character [to the NFL],” Strong said. “We have to do a better job in college of preparing these young men.” In an era where the world of sports is dominated by the idea that winning takes care of everything, Strong is determined to take care of everything, then worry about winning.

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

NOVEMBER 2014

ON THE RECORD:

“First thing I’m thinking about is the turkey leg.”

The number of times the Sooners have lost consecutive regularseason games in the same season under head coach Bob Stoops, who took over at the program in 1999.

– senior CEDRIC REED, describing the Texas-Oklahoma scene.

“We aren’t building a straw house. We’re building a brick house. It’s going to withstand a lot of things. A straw house is built fast and then a strong wind comes and blows it away fast. It’s just one brick at a time, one step at a time.” – defensive coordinator VANCE BEDFORD

17-17

The average score of Texas conand Oklahoma’s first 108 con tests.

The number of losses Texas had entering this year’s game against Oklahoma. This year marked the first time the Longhorns have had three losses prior to the Red River Showdown.

THIS S PREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: PATR ICK MEREDITH/ UNIV. OF TEXAS , JI M S IGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPH, JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS , UT ATHLET ICS PHOT OGRAPHY, JESSE DR OHEN , JES SE DR OHEN

4-4

FOOTBALL

ROUNDUP

NOVEMBER 2014

A FAREWELL NOTE Dear Longhorn Nation, Being the quarterback at Texas has been a huge blessing and one of the biggest reasons is our fans. Throughout my career, you have been awesome in the good times and the tough times.

I’ve recently fallen on some harder times and grateful that you have continued to support me. I can’t thank you enough. The words of encouragement in tweets and messages and the prayers — just know that they matter. I’m appreciative of how y’all have treated me, as well as the opportunity to be a part of this great football program. Growing up, I wasn’t necessarily a Longhorn. My parents didn’t go to school here so we didn’t have any connection to Texas. Now that I’ve been welcomed into the family, it’s a part of who I am, a part of my identity. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a huge blessing to be a part of the Longhorn family. I’ll always be a supporter of Texas. The alumni and the people that make up the Longhorn family are going to be huge for me in the future. As I get older, I can pass along that special feeling of being a Longhorn. So a big ‘Thank You’ to all of the Longhorn Nation! Hook ‘em! David Ash

B A SK ET B A LL

A LEGEND PASSES

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM

ARLEY CLARK, the man responsible for introducing the “Hook ‘em Horns” hand sign at a Texas pep rally in 1955, died Oct. 9 at the age of 78. A retired state district judge, Clark passed away at his beloved farm near Dripping Springs. “Today Texas Exes mourn the passing of a man who embodied the spirit of our beloved university,” said former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, president of the Texas Exes, the university’s alumni organization. “Harley introduced the Hook ‘em Horns hand sign, a symbol of Longhorn pride that’s recognized around the globe. His dedication to UT Austin will never be forgotten.” Clark, who was the university’s head cheerleader in 1955 and student body president in 1957-58, publicly introduced the nowfamous “Hook ‘em Horns” hand sign at the suggestion of classmate Henry “HK” Pitts. The introduction came during a rally in Gregory Gym the day before the big Texas vs. TCU game in 1955. Clark demonstrated the sign to the crowd and declared, “This is the official hand sign of the University of Texas, to be used whenever and wherever Longhorns gather.” The day after the rally, Clark went to the football field before kickoff and saw that many of the students were flashing the hand gesture. By the end of the game, other people in the stands also had their Horns up. A tradition was born.

READY AND WAITING: The women’s basketball team is ready to live up to its preseason expectations.

THE BIG 12 head coaches announced that the Texas

women’s basketball team was selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2014-15 conference title for the third time in conference history. The first-place votes were spread among four teams with Texas tallying five and accumulating a total of 73 points. Baylor was picked second with two firstplace votes and 71 points. The Longhorns, seeking their third Big 12 title, were also picked at the top of the preseason rankings in 2003-04 and 2004-05. Texas won the regular season in 2002-03 and shared the title in 2003-04 with Kansas State. The team features 10 returning letter-winners, including four starters from last season’s squad, which finished third in the Big 12 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championship. ESPN ranks head coach Karen Aston’s incoming recruiting class at No. 11. The Longhorns begin the 2014-15 season with an exhibition contest against Oklahoma City University on Nov. 9 in Austin.

NOVEMBER 2014

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

NOVEMBER 2014

ROUNDUP

HONORS / GOLF

ATHLETICS HALL OF HONOR FIVE FORMER Texas student-athletes will be

inducted into the Women’s Athletics Hall of Honor this November. The 15th Longhorn Women’s Hall of Honor class includes the following athletes:

KAROL DAVIDSON (Track & Field, 1986-88) • KATY JAMEYSON GARZA (Volleyball, 1993-96) • COLLEEN LANNE COX (Swimming, 1998-2001) • DEBBIE PETRIZZI (Golf, 1978-81) • YULONDA WIMBISH-NORTH (Basketball, 1985-88)

A GROWING LEGEND FORMER TEXAS men’s golf All-American Jordan Spieth dropped a 2-and-1 decision to Graeme McDowell in singles competition during the final day of the Ryder Cup. Despite the loss, Spieth registered a 2-1-1 overall record in four events during the 2014 Ryder Cup and amassed 2.5 points for Team USA.

MAKING HISTORY: Bertine Strauss recorded a 54-hole total of 207 (-3), breaking Madison Pressel’s mark from 2011.

S 16

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CEDRIC BENSON (Football,

2001-04) • CASEY HAMPTON

(Football, 1996, 19982000) • CORY REDDING (Football, 1999-2002) • HUSTON STREET (Baseball, 2002-04)

ENIOR BERTINE STRAUSS made program history at the Schooner Fall Classic on Oct. 6 after recording a 54-hole total of 207 (-3). The previous mark was held by Madison Pressel, who recorded a 208 en route to winning the 2011 Big 12 Championship. Strauss carded a final round 4-under-par 66 to set the record and finished the tournament in a tie for seventh. The Longhorns set new records as a team, dropping 14 strokes from the second round with a final round team total of 273 — the lowest team mark in 18 holes ever recorded. The 855 Texas shot during the weekend was also the lowest 54-hole mark in program history. The Longhorns ended the tournament with a 10th-place finish. “Today was a terrific day for the team,” head coach Ryan Murphy said. “We started the tournament slowly but we got better each day. To me, this tournament was not where we wanted to finish, but a good note that we wanted to finish on. Today’s round really showed what we are capable of.” In addition to Strauss, three other Longhorns carded either under par or even par scores for the final round. Sophomore Lara Weinstein finished off the tournament with a final round 2-under-par career-low 68, good for a 36th-place finish. Sophomore Julia Beck carded a 1-under-par 69 to finish tied for 43rd, while junior Natalie Karcher ended up in 66th.

NOVEMBER 2014

NINE FORMER Texas student-athletes and staff members are set to be inducted into the Men’s Athletics Hall of Honor this fall. The 58th Men’s Hall of Honor class includes the following athletes:

A STROKE OF SUCCESS

The class of 2014 will be inducted on Friday, Nov. 7 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. The ceremony and luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. Central.

The Europeans won the competition by a 16.5-11.5 margin. Spieth has played in both of the major team competitions in professional golf — the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. In those two events, Spieth has posted a 4-3-1 record. Last year Spieth won his first PGA Tour title, earned his first trip to the Tour Championship and made his first international team as a pro. He also won the Tour’s Rookie of the Year award.

Founded in 1957, the Longhorn Hall of Honor is one of the most cherished athletics traditions at Texas. Its governing body — the Longhorn Hall of Honor Council — is made up exclusively of men who have lettered at Texas. Each year, a selection committee nominates 16 candidates whose names are distributed to the Hall of Honor Council. To be eligible for nomination, a letterman must have completed his eligibility 10 years prior to the year of election. The four honorees receiving a majority of votes are inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor. Special selections Rick Barnes (Basketball, 1998-present) and Ken Dabbs (Football, 1973-95), along with vintage selections Mike Beard (Baseball, 1969-71), Happy Feller (Football, 1968-70) and Delano Womack (Football, 1953-55) round out the class.

SOFTBALL

NOVEMBER 2014

READY TO LEAD MIRACLE MAKERS

OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN: Lindsey Stephens, along with Stephanie Ceo and Rachel Scott, will serve as the team captains this season.

EXAS SOFTBALL campaign came to an end last season at the hands of

Louisiana-Lafayette in a 10-1 routing during Regionals. This season, the Longhorns look to bounce back. “Losing that game — it was heartbreaking,” junior outfielder Lindsey Stephens said. “It was hard to watch the [College] World Series and the Super Regionals after that because I wasn’t ready to finish the season.” As Texas lost four seniors last year and returns only two incoming seniors this year, leadership may be a challenge early on. However, Stephens said others on the team are ready to take on the challenge. “The team as a whole — we were all great leaders at some point, and we can learn how to follow,” Stephens said. “That’s what is really good about us.” The three captains this year — outfielder Rachel Scott, second baseman Stephanie Ceo and Stephens — are juniors who went to the College World Series two years ago. Their experience will be key if the Longhorns want to return to Oklahoma City. “I thought the team and the staff did a great job of being on the same page on who we would have wanted as captains,” head coach Connie Clark said. “Those are three young women that are ready to take on the reins.”

volunteered with the Miracle League of San Antonio during late September, helping children with mental and/or physical challenges play ball in an organized league. The Miracle League gives these children the opportunity to get out in the sunshine and play on a specially equipped field where they can hit, run and catch — just like the best of them. The Longhorns spent the entire morning interacting with the kids, playing games and helping them hit and run the bases. “It was truly a great experience for all of us,” junior outfielder Lindsey Stephens said. “We played games, danced and I even got proposed to! It was a fun time for the whole group. I hoped we helped the Miracle kids, and I’ll definitely go again.” During each Miracle League game, every child is given an opportunity to hit the ball and score a run. Team members are assigned “buddies” who assist them in hitting the ball and running the bases. Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, parents, college students, business leaders or anyone who wishes to volunteer their time.

THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Y UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY, UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY, PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS, PHOTO TO COME, PHOTO TO COME, UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY, PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS

THE SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL teams

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS: Stephanie Ceo is ready to take the lead and help the Texas softball team return to the Super Regionals this season.

ROUNDUP CLU B SPORT S

FENCING SPORTING HIS white jacket and breeches, then-junior Loktao Shing was ready to begin the foil fencing championship match. After a day of both individual and team events at the United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs National Championship, Shing outlasted 40 teams and nearly 700 fencers to stand just 15 touches away from being crowned the 2014 Men’s Foil National Champion. Born in El Paso, and fencing since the age of 6, Shing arrived at the 40 Acres and immediately joined the UT Fencing Club. He captained his foil team of four at the national tournament in Knoxville, Tenn., this past April. “[Shing] is energetic and sometimes hard to control, but he’s absolutely the most understanding teammate,” senior Nick Franzese said. The fencing club trains four times a week, two days for beginners and two for those more experienced. While training for the tournament, Shing upped his practice time to three times a week. During the two-day national competition, Shing fenced his way into the top 16 and direct elimination round for all foil groups. Defeating his opponents by 2 to 10 points, Shing reached the final round against Sidney Leung of Boston University. Although Shing took an early lead in the first few bouts, Leung battled back to tie it up 14-14. It was one bout for the national title and Shing scored the final point within moments. “We were all elated,” Franzese said. “He wiped out everyone along the way but won the last bout in the closest bout of the whole tournament.”

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NOVEMBER 2014

UTSA ROUNDUP

UTSA

CALENDAR

BLOCK NO TURNING VISION:BACK: David Anzaldua After losjoins ing their the Roadrunners fourth consecutive at offensive game tackle. this season, head coach Larry Coker is asking his team to press on and move forward.

NOVEMBER 2014 FOOTBALL

8: at Rice, Houston, TBA 13: vs. Southern Mississippi, 7 p.m. 22: at Western Kentucky, Bowling Green, Ky., TBA 29: vs. North Texas, TBA SOCCER

5-9: Conference USA Tournament Charlotte, N.C., TBA VOLLEYBALL

2: vs. Southern Mississippi , 1 p.m. 7: vs. UAB, 7 p.m. 9: vs. FIU, 1 p.m. 13: at North Texas, Denton, 7 p.m. 15: at Rice, Houston, 1 p.m. 21-23: Conference USA Tournament Hattiesburg, Miss., TBA M/W CROSS COUNTRY

1: Conference USA Championships Denton, All Day 14: NCAA South Central Regional Fayetteville, Ark., All Day M BASKETBALL

BY STEPHEN WHITAKER

O TEAM ENTERS a season with the hope to have a four-game losing streak. But when the

calendar turned past Oct. 5, the UTSA football team found itself in that exact position after a 21-9 loss to New Mexico. After losing a 9-0 third quarter lead, the Roadrunners recorded the program’s second-ever four-game losing streak. “This is a good group,” head coach Larry Coker said. “I told the team, ‘I respect you but we have to do better.’” “When you lose a game like that — or the last two where we were ahead and didn’t get it done — that’s frustrating,” he added. “They’re going to press on.” The last time the Roadrunners lost four consecutive games was in 2012 when the team went 5-0 before hitting its losing streak. UTSA then won three games to end the season 8-4. A number of this year’s players were a part of the 2012 squad — therefore it’s possible that by the time this issue hits newsstands, the Roadrunners could have turned things around. Looking back, the Roadrunners had a chance to win each one of those four games but mistakes, such as penalties and turnovers, kept the team from another fast start. Only one loss came in a conference game, but starting on Oct. 11 (when they face Florida International), the Roadrunners kick off conference play and need to come together before another loss is added to the board. “We have to get back on track and play as well as we can,” Coker said. “I’m not asking for the players to put an ‘S’ on their chests, but to be the best that they can be. I don’t think we are there right now. That’s my responsibility — to get them back on track.”

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

NOVEMBER 2014

vs. Huston-Tillotson, 7 p.m. vs. Texas Pan-American, 7 p.m. vs. Texas State, 2 p.m. vs. Loyola-Chicago, 7 p.m. vs. Southern Utah, Noon

W BASKETBALL

M BASKETBALL THE ROADRUNNER men’s basketball

team would like to forget the 2013-14 season. UTSA finished with an 8-22 record overall and 4-12 in its inaugural season in Conference USA. UTSA ended last season with a six-game losing streak that included a loss in the first round of the conference tournament. This season looks to offer more stability. For the first time since 2011 the Roadrunners will play in the same conference as the previous year. November looks to be a good month for the team as well — all of the Roadrunners’ games take place at home in the Convocation Center. UTSA will be a young team this year, with seven freshmen, two sophomores, three juniors and only three seniors making up the roster. Australian forward Jeromie Hill returns this season; his freshman year came in the program’s final season as members of the Southland Conference back in 2012.

15: 19: 23: 28: 30:

at Texas, Austin, TBA vs. Abilene Christian, 7 p.m. at Lamar, Beaumont, 2 p.m. vs. Drake, 2:30 p.m. vs. Incarnate Word, 5 p.m.

W BASKETBALL LAST SEASON the UTSA women’s basketball team finished with a 14-7 record. The Roadrunners finished 8-7 in their inaugural season as members of Conference USA. This season the Roadrunners will take the court with an experienced team. Thirteen members from last year’s squad return, including McKenzie Adams, who joined the program after starting on the Roadrunner volleyball team for two years. UTSA opens its 2014 season on Nov. 15 against Texas.

FROM LEFT: COURTES Y JEFF HUEHN/UTSA ATHLETICS

BETTER DAYS AHEAD

14: 17: 22: 25: 30:

UTA

NOVEMBER 2014

UTA ROUNDUP CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 2014 VOLLEYBALL

2: at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C. Noon 7: vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, 6:30 p.m. 9: vs. South Alabama, Noon 14: at Louisiana-Lafayette, Lafayette, La. 7 p.m. 21: at Georgia Southern, Statesboro, Ga. 6 p.m. M Basketball 14: at Bradley, Peroria, Ill., 7 p.m. 18: vs. Buffalo, 7 p.m. 20: at Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Ariz. 9 p.m. 22: vs. Houston Baptist, 7:30 p.m. 25: at Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., 6 p.m. 28: at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont. 8:05 p.m. M TENNIS

1-2: Florida Gulf Coast Invitational Fort Myers, Fla., All Day W TENNIS

1-2: Wild West Shootout, Denton All Day CAN YA DIG?: Caitlyn Cooney hit the 1,000-dig mark when she registered 21 digs against LouisianaMonroe. Cooney is the 19th Maverick to complete such a feat.

CROSS COUNTRY

2: Sun Belt Conference Championships Mobile, Ala., 10 a.m. 14: NCAA South Central Regional Fayetteville, Ark. 11 a.m. 22: NCAA Championships, Terre Haute, Ind., 11 a.m.

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE COURTESY ELLMAN PHOTOGR AP HY/UTA ATHLET ICS

BY STEVE LANSDALE

UNIOR LIBERO Caitlyn Cooney registered 21 digs against Louisiana-Monroe to become the 19th Maverick to collect 1,000 digs in her career. By the end of her historic performance, Cooney had 1,018. According to Cooney and head coach Diane Seymour, Cooney’s confidence is as valuable as her physical skills. “I’m more confident and relaxed than I used to be when I played, which comes with age,” Cooney said. “That has helped me a lot because I try to just move on to the next ball and let go of the last play.” Seymour said Cooney’s confidence hides some of the stress that goes along with the pass-first role of playing libero. “She’s more confident,” Seymour said. “Passing is hard. It’s not an easy skill and to handle as much of a load as she does — you have to be a confident person.” “She’s another player in a long list of good liberos,” she added. “We specifically go out and look for that kind of player. We

want a game changer and she has been that for us.” Cooney leads the Mavericks with 305 digs. She’s on pace to surpass her 2013 total of 585, which was the fourth-highest singleseason total in school history. Cooney’s ability to get under opponents’ shots and keep the ball alive is one of the major reasons the Mavericks are holding opponents to a .126 hitting percentage. That percentage is the best mark among Sun Belt teams and No. 9 in the entire NCAA. Cooney is third in the Sun Belt and 19th in the country in digs per set (5.19 per) and fourth in total digs (327). Seymour said that Cooney’s ability to inspire her teammates with her competitive fire while also offering a calming presence on the floor is key to the team’s success. “She’s a competitive, hot-headed kid, but can somehow calm herself very quickly to be reassuring to that person next to her,” Seymour said. “That’s not an easy thing to do, when you are burning inside, to let the situation go and get back focused on the task at hand. But that’s an intangible she has.”

CROSS COUNTRY men’s and women’s cross country teams are among the best in the Sun Belt Conference, and based on the first part of the season, that doesn’t appear likely to change any time soon. The UTA men’s and women’s teams each climbed in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) South Central Regional rankings this season. The men jumped to sixth place while the women jumped to eighth; each is the region’s highest-ranked team out of the Sun Belt. One other Sun Belt men’s team (Texas State) has cracked the regional rankings, and Arkansas State (10th) and Georgia State (11th) also are included in the women’s rankings.

UT ARLINGTON’S

NOVEMBER 2014

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

SPIRIT OF THE MONTH / ALUMNI

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

SPI R I T OF T H E MON T H

TIM LUCAS

CHANCE MOCK FOOTBALL (2001-04)

BY JAMES SCHLEICHER

Tim Lucas became a Texas fan thanks to some of his neighbors. His Longhorn fandom grew after visiting the Texas campus during a high school road trip. As an adult, Lucas spent time in Seattle and Phoenix but continued to root for the Longhorns. He finally returned to Austin in 2006 to work with his brother, Michael, and excitedly started attending Texas football home games that fall. “I didn’t dress up for the first few games,” Lucas said. “I was getting a feel for everything. But then I decided to get a costume and I’ve been wearing it ever since.” ROWING UP IN DALLAS,

Before the third game of the 2006 season, Lucas found the burnt orange paint and a white and orange, longhaired wig at the Lucy in Disguise costume shop. To complete his look, Lucas wears a Longhorn T-shirt, a cape and — depending on the weather — Longhorn shorts or pajama pants. For shoes, he sports a pair of oversize burnt orange monster feet. According to Lucas, he can paint his face and put on his costume in less than five minutes. “I’m quicker than a lady doing her make-up,” he claimed. “I just have to be careful doing the UT because it’s backwards in the mirror.” Lucas likes entertaining the fans as well as supporting the team. “The costume entertains people,” Lucas said. “The kids and parents like it. I can get out there and yell and jazz the crowd up.” After showing up for games as “Texas Tim” for the

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

NOVEMBER 2014

past nine years, Lucas has developed quite a following among fans. Most of the staff at DKR-Memorial Stadium recognize Lucas and often give him high fives. “Everybody loves the costume,” Lucas said. “One woman came up to me recently and said, ‘Each year I get a picture of you with my son. I want to keep the streak going.’” Along with the photo opportunities, Lucas tries to keep the crowd lively during the games. “If the crowd dies down, I tell the people around me to stand up and cheer because that’s why they’re there,” he said. “The fans shouldn’t be quiet because they can have an impact on the game. Even if the team falls behind, you shouldn’t leave in the third quarter. You never know what might happen.” During the week, Lucas works with his brother on several different initiatives and currently does patent research. As long as he’s not traveling for work, he attends every home game. “I don’t care who we’re playing or what the spread is — I’m going to be at the game,” Lucas said, “because it’s so much fun.” One of his favorite game memories came when a family at the Texas Exes center offered him a second row seat behind the bench for a game in 2009. “Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley were sitting right there in front of me,” Lucas said. “I was just sitting there thinking, man this is cool.” Lucas gave up his season tickets a few years back but never has a problem finding a ticket. In 2009, Lucas took a road trip out to the National Championship game. He didn’t plan on attending the game but the Austin American-Statesman approached him about following him to the game. Lucas and Michael took an RV — along with a reporter — to California. They also picked up a Texas fan along the way who went by the moniker “BigShoeStew.” Along with the news story, Lucas appeared on several local TV shows, in Texas Monthly and the game’s national broadcast. “It’s like being a kid again,” Lucas said. “I get to get out of the stressful business life and be a kid for the game.”

F O R M E R QUARTERBACK Chance

Mock played four seasons for the Longhorns, recording his best season in 2003 when he split time with thenredshirt freshman Vince Young. Mock passed for 1,469 yards and threw 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions that season. He was highly recruited out of high school and was a member of the ESPN Rise Elite 11 Quarterbacks in 1999, which included Brock Berlin and Matt Cassel. Mock attended the Woodlands High School in Houston and was a Parade All-American in 2000. He also held the No. 9 position on the Austin American-Statesman’s Fab 55 list. Texas recruited the No. 2 class in the nation in 2000, a class that included Mock, Roy Williams, Sloan Thomas and B.J. Johnson. The Longhorns positioned Mock as the backup quarterback during his first two seasons, where he sat behind Chris Simms and Major Applewhite. Following a great spring game, Mock won the starting job over Young. He led the Longhorns to a 4-2 overall record through the first six games of his junior season. Mock’s best game came in 2003 when he passed for 264 yards and threw three touchdowns in a home loss against Arkansas. Later that season Mock came into the Texas Tech game during the fourth quarter, with under two minutes remaining, and led an 86-yard game winning drive. Some fans may argue the home win against the Red Raiders was, in fact, his best game. In 2004, Mock played in six games as Young’s backup. He still holds the school record for the lowest percentage of passes intercepted in a season with 1.1 percent. Until 2011, Mock also held the record for the longest streak without an interception with 106 consecutive pass attempts without a turnover. Case McCoy later broke that record. After his college career, Mock played quarterback for the Austin Wranglers in the Arena Football league. He finished his career with one pass touchdown and four rushing touchdowns in 2006. In 2008 he became an announcer for the Wranglers and now works as a real estate agent in the Austin area. — TAYLOR GRAFFT

CLOC KWIS E FR OM LEFT: D ON BENDER, C OUR TESY UT AT HLETI CS PHOTOGRAPHY, MATT HEMPEL/UNIV. OF TEXAS

NOVEMBER 2014

ROUNDUP

MEDIA VOICES

JOHNNY WALKER REVIEW FORMER LONGHORN GREAT JOHNNY WALKER PROVIDES HIS OPINION ON THE TEXAS OFFENSE AT THE SEASON’S HALFWAY POINT.

ORNS ILLUSTRATED: What are your thoughts on the Longhorn offense?

Given the situation — losing the starting center, quarterback and key players to suspensions — they have done well. They have done a good job of trying to hold everything together and make the most of the situation. JOHNNY WALKER:

HI: Given those setbacks, what grade would you

give the offense?

C or C-. However, this offense has a tremendous upside. Tyrone Swoopes has matured in front of our eyes and each game he just gets better. He didn’t get a fair shake as far as getting reps before he was thrust into the starting role but he’s a fighter. He battles every game. It’s tough to adapt to Big 12 football on the run but that, unfortunately, was the card he was dealt. I think he has handled the situation well. For this team to come out and stay competitive in the majority of the games — with the exception of BYU — it speaks volumes for the coaching staff, especially coach Shawn Watson and Joe Wickline.

JW:

ers this season. What do you think of his performance?

John Harris is phenomenal. I like to see a young man who has hung in there, overcome adversity and then transition it out on the football field. He’s a bright spot. He received a second change with the new coaching staff and has made the most of it. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him just yet.

JW:

would you like to see more of?

Jacorey Warrick and Armanti Foreman. They both have a lot of talent. They’re young and the coaches need to play them sparingly because it’s easy for young players to lose their confidence in the lights and glitter of playing big time college football. Given the circumstances — Texas doesn’t have much else to lose — we need to get them on the field and see what they can do. Getting Daje Johnson back on the field should also help. Hopefully he’ll get the chance to display why people had high expectations for him. I think he’s learned a tremendous lesson and did what he needed to do off the field to make sure he shines on the field. JW:

TYRONE SWOOPES

You always want to give a quarterback time to develop and work his way into a starting role. Swoopes was just thrown in there. I think he’s done a phenomenal job under the circumstances. He’s made some mistakes but he’s getting better. He’s just trying to learn how to use the tools he has to the best of his ability. Swoopes can get over the hump. He needs to develop that confidence. He had very few meaningful reps coming into this season — and to play at his level, against the competition he’s gone against, it speaks volumes to his maturity and how quickly this offense unit has come together.

JW:

FR OMLEFT: JESS E DROHEN, UT ATHLET ICS PHOT OGRAPHY

HI: John Harris has anchored the wide receiv-

HI: What offensive players

HI:: You seem positive about Swoopes’ potential.

HI: How do you feel about the rushing game pow-

ered by Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray?

The rushing game is coming along slowly. Like many others, I expected that to be one of the team’s key

JW:

strengths coming into the season, but no one expected the problems we would have to overcome on the offensive line. We just need to give the young offensive linemen time and allow them to learn on the run.

HI:: Do you think this team can make a bowl

game?

That’s a tough question. If the team continues to progress, we could see a turnaround — but certain things need to fall into place. Texas needs to be consistent and the team needs to limit its number of mistakes. The Longhorns put themselves in a bad situation but they got up and kept fighting. That’s one thing you can’t teach — heart. If Texas cuts out some of those unforced errors, the team will be successful. That light hasn’t come on yet but it’s starting to flicker. When the program turns that corner there will be a tremendous amount of respect and success for this football team.

JW:

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 1989 • Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1990 (4th round)

“

YOU ALWAYS WANT TO GIVE A QUARTERBACK TIME TO DEVELOP AND WORK HIS WAY INTO A STARTING ROLE. SWOOPES WAS JUST THROWN IN THERE. I THINK HE’S DONE A PHENOMENAL JOB UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

”

NOVEMBER 2014

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

MEDIA VOICES

ROD BABERS GIVES HIS POINT OF VIEW ON THE TEXAS DEFENSE. FORMER TEXAS CORNERBACK and AM 1300 The Zone

Sports Buffet host Rod Babers sat down with Horns Illustrated to discuss the state of the Longhorn defense.

ORNS ILLUSTRATED: What are your thoughts on the Texas defense at this point in the season? ROD BABERS: The Texas defense has made

huge strides. Malcom Brown plays like a monster. He may have one of the best seasons by a defensive lineman we’ve ever seen. Quandre Diggs has played fantastic although he might go unnoticed because he hasn’t made a lot of plays on the ball. The sacks and quarterback pressures are a result of the fact that the secondary has everyone covered. The linebackers have played excellent as well. Steve Edmond may have had the best two-game stretch of his career against Baylor and Oklahoma — same thing for Jordan Hicks. Obviously we expected this type of improvement. Charlie Strong improved the defense because that’s what he does. Even Baylor head coach Art Briles said, “That was the best defensive game plan against us that I’ve seen.” After showing what they can do against Baylor and Oklahoma, there’s no reason not to continue that for the rest of the season. Texas doesn’t have any offensive powerhouses on the schedule after Baylor. If you can shut down Baylor, you can shut down anybody.

HI:: How would you grade the defense versus preseason expectations? RB: A-. The defense wears down late in the game, but

that comes down to the offense leaving them on the field way too long. They do give up a lot of rushing yards in the second half. Basically teams smarten up and say, “Hey the defense is going to wear down.” You saw that when Oklahoma picked up the pace in the second half. They were able to run the ball. So the one down side comes when the defense wears out and due to injuries and dismissals, the Longhorns don’t quite have the depth they need. Other than that, the scheme, game plan, effort and execution are unbelievable.

HI::You mentioned Malcom Brown. What stands out about him? RB: I don’t know if he’s still on pace, but he was on pace

to have one of the best seasons for a defensive lineman that we’ve ever seen. You can go back and compare his stats through the first five games and he was projected to be the all-time sack leader and tackles for loss leader for a defensive tackle at Texas. I’m sure that’s slowed down since the Oklahoma game. He’s a beast. He can play 3-4 or 4-3 defensive tackle, he can pass rush and run stop. He’s the total package. He’s a first-round pick from what I’ve been told, so he won’t be here next year. HI:: What have you seen from Jordan Hicks? RB: I’m never shocked with what Hicks can do. He’s an

all-league kind of defender that just couldn’t stay healthy. Now you’re seeing how he would’ve played the entire time if he had stayed healthy. He also plays the coach on the field too. He gets everyone in the right place and that’s important in a new defense because guys aren’t that familiar with the plays. HI:: And Steve Edmond? RB: He’s exceeded expectations far beyond what I

thought he could do. I wasn’t a Steve Edmond believer. I’ve heard the freakish tales about him being able to cover the backfield and his NFL-caliber linebacker ability. In the Baylor and Oklahoma games, he made a believer out of me. He’s physical at the point of attack. I’ve seen him take some of the leadership roles, yelling at guys, trying to get them fired up. He talked trash about Baylor last spring but then he backed it up with 17 tackles and two sacks. HI::What players emerged unexpectedly? RB: We expected most of the younger players to emerge.

Jason Hall is the only big surprise. Most of those guys, I think we expected for them to play larger roles. Caleb Bluiett has been great in that fox role. He’s long and athletic. Dylan Haines is always in the right place. I’m sure he’s out there because of his discipline. HI:: What aspect of the defense has most improved? RB: Making plays on the ball. Texas had 10 total intercep-

tions last year and the defense has already surpassed that total. The team is forcing turnovers this season. Last year we were terrible at that — we didn’t get enough interceptions. This year, the linebackers and defensive backs have done a great job making those plays on the ball. HI:: What areas do you think the defense still

needs to work on? HI:: We talked a lot about toughness in the pre-

season. Do you see that toughness on the field? RB: Yes. The group has a nasty edge. Maybe they feel

disrespected or like everyone was counting them out, but they’re playing like one of the better defenses we’ve seen 22

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

NOVEMBER 2014

RB: Rush defense could use some improvement. We got gashed in the second half of games in the rushing department. I don’t think our defensive backs have been thoroughly tested yet. But our pass rush is so good they can get to the quarterback.

TWEETS ROD BABERS (@rodbabers): I throw up the Horns like I throw up the rock star sign.

So the most infamous #Sooner GotBoz44 calls #ATX home. Where did y’all expect him to live...Norman! Welcome to the dark...burnt orange side

CRAIG WAY (@craigway1): Charlie Strong laughed when asked for a mid-season grade of his team. “We’re sitting here at 2-3 and you’re asking for a letter grade.”

How ironic it may be with a former Longhorn stepping in at QB for Washington with another former Longhorn taking out the Cowboys’ QB. (Oct. 27) Charlie Strong on his senior class: “It’s all about the seniors. We gotta get them to a bowl game.” (Oct. 27)

SEAN ADAMS (@thatsean): Look at it this way — Texas is finally taking someone (Petty) out of the Heisman race instead of launching someone’s campaign. #Perspective I don’t hold grudges, so all the Aggies that cursed me out on Friday when I said Mississippi State would win, I’m accepting apologies accepted until COB.

ALL HEAD SHOTS COURT ESY AM 130 0 THE ZONE

On the Defense

in the last seven to eight years. You have to go back to ‘09 to find a defense that’s this suffocating.

TIEBREAKER

HAGER BREAKS TIES WITH BAYLOR TO FIND HIS PLACE WITH THE TEXAS DEFENSE.

COURTESY HORNS247.COM

HE CLOCK reads 6:45 a.m. It’s one hour into Westlake’s practice and Texas commit Breckyn Hager has his hand in the dirt. Hager wears No. 81 on this Wednesday morning, digits befitting a defensive end. He’ll switch to his customary No. 5 for Friday’s game, the same number eldest brother Bron wore for the Chaps in 2006. Versatility is a hallmark of Hager’s game, as it was for Bron and brother, current Baylor Bear, Bryce. The two starred at linebacker and fullback at Westlake before signing FBS scholarships. Hager’s combination of size and agility, at 6’3”, makes him a candidate to play defensive end or linebacker for Texas, to which he gave his pledge Sept. 24 after being committed to Baylor since May. The commitment of Hager and three-star safety Jamile Johnson of Dallas South Oak Cliff on Sept. 16 brings the 2015 recruiting class for Charlie Strong to 17 members. It’s the top-ranked class in

the Big 12, according to 247Sports. The Longhorns also added commitment No. 2 for the 2016 class recently as Manvel four-star wide receiver Reggie Hemphill committed to Strong before the morning of the Baylor game on Oct. 4.

BRECKYN HAGER

The 247Composite rates Hager as the No. 70 weak-side defensive end in the 2015 class. Mystery is a component when it comes to Hager, as injuries

in high school have limited his film availability and production. So the question remains — linebacker, defensive end, maybe even fullback? I floated the two defensive scenarios to Hager after practice. “Definitely linebacker,” he said, adding he needs to put on 15 pounds. “I would hope to be outside, but inside would be fine too.” And in regards to playing end, he replied, “I wouldn’t mind it, but instincts-wise, it’d be better for me to play linebacker.” In Westlake’s four games, Hager has one sack, eight tackles for loss and 16 total stops. For those who believe in linebacker DNA, there’s no question about throwing an offer Hager’s way. He comes from tremendous bloodlines; father Britt is Texas’ all-time tackles leader and played linebacker nine years in the NFL and Bryce led the Big 12 in stops in 2012. The Longhorns weren’t interested in Bryce back in 2010. Hager’s well more than a “name” take, though. He’s smart, quick and precise to the ball, a strong downhill player toward the ballcarrier and heady enough to fit in multiple schemes. Plus, Hager wants to rival Britt’s Texas career tackles record of 499, part of the allure of flipping his pledge. “It’s a dream come true, to be honest,” Hager said. “A childhood dream.” — TREY SCOTT, HORNS247.COM

NOVEMBER 2014

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

{

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www.facebook.com/ hornsillustrated Horns Illustrated asked our Facebook fans, “How good was the Texas defense against Baylor?” Here is how you responded: Some of you would’ve fired coach Royal. The program was sick to the core and needed a good flushing. Charlie may not be given the four to five years needed to build a long-term program. Those that want instant gratification need to remember that it comes along with short-term success and long-term damage. The ones he sent packing needed to go, and I would bet there are a few more players that need to go as well. Left alone, Strong will do it right. Built right always stands solid, long and strong – Thomas Poe I agree — it was a great defensive effort. However, if you can’t score you can’t win. Let’s just hope next year the offense is better. – Ben Bradford The problem players didn’t just show up when Strong got there. Problems already existed. He’s dealing with them now to bring team together. His plan is to get 39 scholarships out over the next 2 years. Most of them will be JUCO players. Don’t play Heard — give him a year to mature. We’ll be fine next year. – Rose and Steve McKinney

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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

A Winning Tradition ELLIOTT’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM IS HITTING ON ALL CYLINDERS THIS SEASON

HE TEXAS VOLLEYBALL team, ranked second and undefeated as this publication is set to go to press, is without a doubt the most accomplished group of athletes and coaches on the 40 Acres. But then, that’s no revelation. With coach Jerritt Elliott’s guidance, the Longhorns have remained a force in college volleyball for the past decade — and 2014 is no different. Elliott faced a bit of a challenge this season when he had to replace three crucial components of the team that won the national championship in 2012 and was top-ranked entering last season’s Final Four before losing in the semifinals. Gone was prolific outside hitter Bailey Webster, team recordsetting setter Hannah Allison and stalwart defensive specialist Sarah Palmer. JERRITT ELLIOT The Longhorns reloaded, thanks to a roster that’s often pushed in practice more than in its matches against other teams. Elliott understands the situation that his wealth of quality players at every position creates. “We have a lot of talent in our gym and evaluate our progress as a team every day after every practice,” he said. “The players that have been stepping up in practice have been getting the chance to play in our matches. Regardless of what happened the week earlier or in an earlier match, we’re refreshing and evaluating every day.” “That’s made some tough decisions for our coaching staff and forces our players to be a lot more competitive and steady,” he added. “At the end, I think we’ll become a better team because of it.” Players come from far and wide to get a taste of what Elliott is cooking. Seven of the 15 players on the Longhorns’ roster are from outside the Lone Star State. Given that diversity, the team required a little more time to mesh and for the players themselves to understand just what Elliott expected from them. But

the team has successfully found its balance. Perhaps the most important illustration of Texas’ balance is an examination of the squad’s statistics. Such an evaluation proves that it’s hard to determine the starters from its reserves, the leaders from the followers. Six different players led the Longhorns in kills through its first 13 matches this season, a scenario that keeps opponents guessing where Texas’ next winning shot is coming from. “We’re deep and balanced but the important part of that aspect is that all our players work together to be better and give the team what it needs to win,” Elliott said. “This group has great chemistry and understands how to work together, even if the rotations are a little different from match to match.” Elliott makes certain that there’s no apathy or overconfidence in his gym. “We’re not talking about being overconfident, we’re talking about what we need to do,” he said. “We’ve got a good group of girls that understand what it takes to be great and they want that.” “They need help in certain areas, in terms of reminders, to tell them what we want as a staff,” Elliott added. “We know that we can win enough games to get into the tournament and that at some point we could lose a game. But it’s about focusing, improving, getting our continuity and getting better in the areas that we are working on practice.” The Longhorns are set on a course for success, but the only thing that matters for Elliott and his group is winning championships. With the team Elliott has assembled, no one should be surprised to see Texas win another national title. Maybe then Elliott will get a little excited. 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.

NOVEMBER 2014

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

FOOTBALL REVIEW

Getting Offensive

THE GAMES AGAINST KANSAS, BAYLOR AND OKLAHOMA SHOWED SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT FOR THE TEXAS OFFENSE BY STEVE HABEL

JES SE DR OH EN

I EXCUSE ME ... COMING THROUGH: Tyrone Swoopes continued to show improvement in games 4-6. Against Oklahoma, he passed for a career-high 334 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 50 yards and another score on 11 carries.

N GAME FOUR, five and six of the 2014 season, the Texas football team showed just how much the Longhorns improved since their victory over North Texas. Even with just one victory in the stretch, the Burnt Orange Nation has reason to be upbeat. Beginning in late September, the Longhorns faced Kansas (which the team almost always beats) and then played back-to-back games against two of the nation’s best teams — first Baylor, then Oklahoma. Texas had chances to win each of these contests, and in doing so turned the corner, both as a team and as a program. Now what the Longhorns need is a good victory against a team they’re not supposed to beat, such as West Virginia or TCU in Austin. Texas (at 2-4 overall and 1-2 in Big 12 play) looked mostly efficient but not great, in beating Kansas decisively in Lawrence on Sept. 27. The Longhorns, with their defense dominating the first two and a half quarters, held Baylor in check before wearing down at the end. Then in the annual Red River Showdown game in Dallas, the Longhorns — hampered by poor special teams play — did everything they could against an Oklahoma team that might be good enough to play in the College Football Playoff at the end of the season. Coming into the season, most experts opined that Texas didn’t have the talent to beat UCLA, Baylor or Oklahoma. That opinion proved to be correct. What that notion didn’t foresee was that the Longhorns could’ve won two of those games, save for a few crucial plays. But that’s football —

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

teams that make the plays when they count the most are the ones on top of the heap at the end of the season. Can the Longhorns pull themselves together and win enough games to earn a bowl trip? That remains to be seen. But this team is getting better with every game and will not be overwhelmed in any of its final six contests. Here’s a look back at games 4-6.

TEXAS 23, KANSAS 0 SEPT. 27 – MEMORIAL STADIUM, LAWRENCE, KANSAS

Years from now, when fans recall Texas’ win over Kansas during Charlie Strong’s first season at the helm, they’ll remember that Texas won a contest when it needed to the most. A win is a win, even if it’s an ugly one against a team that spent more time beating itself during a picture-perfect afternoon at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kan. The Longhorns found a way to take advantage of Kansas’ many mistakes, including four interceptions by the Jayhawks’ sophomore quarterback, Montell Cozart. The Texas defense made a handful of big plays, allowing the team to walk out of America’s Heartland with its first shutout since 2012. “It’s tough to go in someone’s place and beat them, especially when they play in your conference,” Strong said. “It’s a big win for us. I tell [the team that] anytime you play on the road you’ve got to pack your defense and your special teams. And those two units played well for us.”

Texas had a short field to navigate for its two touchdowns in the first half. The first, which came four plays after a gamechanging 41-yard punt return by Jaxon Shipley, began on the Kansas 18. The series ended when quarterback Tyrone Swoopes threw an easy 1-yard touchdown to tight end M.J. McFarland — who was alone in the back of the end zone — with just 55 seconds to play in the first quarter. The Longhorns expanded their lead to 13-0 at the 4:22 mark of the second quarter as Swoopes rumbled 7 yards through the left side of the Jayhawks’ defense for a touchdown. Cornerback Duke Thomas set the table for that score when he intercepted a pass thrown right to him by Cozart and returned the pick 24 yards. The Longhorns made a three-play march that led to Swoopes’ touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Nick Rose made a career-long 42-yard field goal that increased the Longhorns’ lead to 16-0. The drive was set up by another Cozart interception, with this one landing right in the hands of Jordan Hicks. Rose missed an extra-point kick earlier in the game and Kansas blocked his 46-yard field goal attempt. After Kansas failed to convert on fourth-and-4 deep in its own territory in the game’s waning

moments, Texas poured it on as Swoopes completed passes to John Harris and Marcus Johnson. With the completions, Texas picked up easy yardage on its way to Harris’ 16-yard touchdown. The touchdown gave the Longhorns a threescore lead and officially put away a Kansas team undone by the ineptitude of its offense. Cozart, often flushed out of the pocket by the blitzing Texas defense — which recorded four sacks and six quarterback hurries — completed just 12 of his 31 pass attempts for 140 yards. “The bottom line is when you lose the turnover ratio like we did, you’re going to lose most games,” Kansas coach Charlie Weis said. “Our Achilles’ heel on offense is still making productive plays in the passing game, and at the end of the day, that’s what ended up costing us.” Kansas released Weis from his position the day after the game. Swoopes managed the game well, hitting on 19 of 34 passes for 218 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for seven yards and a touchdown on nine carries, many of which were

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE: PATRIC K MER ED ITH/UN IV. OF TEXAS

PERFECT TIMING: The win against Kansas happened when the Longhorns needed it the most. After a string of losses, the win boosted the team’s confidence. (right) Strong congratulates Swoopes for a job well done; (below) Hicks collected his second interception of the season; (bottom right) Shipley had six catches for 81 yards.

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SACKED LUNCH: The Texas defense sacked Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty three times. Coming into the game, Baylor was one of two teams in the nation not to allow a sack.

improvised when his protection broke down and he was flushed from the pocket. Texas only outgained Kansas 329-313 in total yards but had just one turnover — on a botched exchange between center Jake Raulerson and Swoopes near the goal line in the first quarter. “We drove the ball well in the first half and got a field goal blocked,” Strong summarized. “In the second half we had to find a way to run the football. If we established the run game then the passing game would open up for us.” “On first-and-10 we have to get in front of the chains and get a manageable second down,” he added. “We’ve got to be consistent.” Texas’ defense employed a bend-but-notbreak strategy and was helped by the Jawhawks’ inability to make plays when they needed to the most.

DON BENDER

NO. 6 BAYLOR 28, TEXAS 7 OCT. 4 – DARRELL K ROYAL-TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, AUSTIN

For the first 29 minutes of play against Baylor, Texas had just about everything going its way. But all that changed in the drop of a hat, or in this case, a football. After the Longhorns’ unfortunate fumble, the sixth-ranked Bears spent the final 30 minutes and 44 seconds of the game rolling past Texas. Baylor walked away with a 28-7 victory before an announced crowd of 93,727 at Darrell K RoyalTexas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns’ defense had shackled Baylor’s high-powered offensive attack while the offense — doing its best to stay on the field to limit the Bears’ possessions — was on the Baylor 1-yard line with a chance to score the tying touchdown just before halftime. But then Texas fumbled away the game on the most basic part of any play — the exchange between the center and quarterback. With the miscue went the Longhorns’ one real chance to put scare into Baylor and, ultimately, was the obstacle that kept Texas from pulling off the kind of upset that can spur an inexperienced team to play above its ceiling. “We have to learn to win a game like this … we have to learn to finish,” Strong said. “We had our opportunities and didn’t take advantage of them. We have to play better and get over this hump.” Poor special teams play burned the Longhorns and in turn helped Baylor turn the game in its favor — twice. In the first quarter, the Bears’ Beau Blackshear blocked a 52-yard field goal attempt by Texas’ NOVEMBER 2014

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NO. 11 OKLAHOMA 31, TEXAS 26 OCT. 11 – COTTON BOWL, DALLAS

Nick Rose that barely got more than head-high. Baylor’s Terrell Burt snatched the bouncing ball and sprinted down the sideline for a 62-yard touchdown return and a 7-0 lead at the 9:02 mark. While Baylor used its huge defensive stop at the end of the first half to build momentum, it was another special teams play that really got the Bears going. Facing a fourth-and-5 from its own 33, Baylor punter Spencer Roth ran for 19 yards on a fake that caught the Longhorns by complete surprise. “You can’t allow a team to be successful against you with a fake punt,” Strong said. “We had guys in position to stop that from happening but we didn’t get it done. We can’t beat ourselves.” Three plays later, Baylor’s Bryce Petty, reduced to a mostly bit player by the Texas defense until that point in the game, hit Antwan Goodley with a perfect 30-yard touchdown pass. The score gave the Bears a 14-0 lead that exorcised any spell the Longhorns had placed on the talented visitors. Baylor added to its advantage at the 11-minute mark of the fourth quarter when it drove 75 yards in 12 plays, which included 11 runs. The drive ended with a 1-yard scoring plunge by Shock Linwood and a 21-0 lead. A fourth-quarter, 30-yard touchdown pass from Petty to Corey Coleman (one of just three passes he completed in the second half) pushed the Bears’ advantage to 28-0. Texas averted a shutout with a final 12-play, 92-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by Johnathan Gray with 2:42 to play. The Longhorns haven’t been shut out at home since losing to Houston 30-0 in 1976, coach Darrell Royal’s final season on the sidelines. Only one Texas possession in the second half — the Longhorns’ touchdown drive — used more than five plays or gained more than 23 yards. “We had a plan but we didn’t execute it in the second half,” Swoopes said. “It’s little things that we didn’t get done, but those little things hurt us. We have to get better and we know it.” 30

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The Texas football team that lost to No. 11 Oklahoma 31-26 was — without a doubt — better than the team that defeated North Texas in the season opener. This team was a better brand of Longhorns; better than the group that won in Kansas, that lost to UCLA and BYU in September, and to Baylor in Austin on Oct. 4. But even though the Longhorns have improved, they’re still not good enough to beat a seen-it-all-before team like the Sooners. Oklahoma, whose offense was stymied for all but seven minutes spanning the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth quarters, still made enough of the opportunities provided by Texas. The Sooners won thanks to touchdowns on a kickoff return and an interception return — two plays that tipped the scales before a capacity crowd of 92,100 on the grounds of the State Fair of Texas. The Longhorns did everything but beat their most-hated rivals, amassing more than double Oklahoma’s offensive output (482 yards to the Sooners’ 232) while running 34 more plays than OU. Texas even got a more than impressive showing from Swoopes. Swoopes passed for a careerhigh 334 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 50 yards and another score on 11 carries. The Longhorns, however, made too many mistakes. They had a season-high 11 penalties which cost the team 85 yards; one holding pen-

alty turned a 73-yard Swoopes run into a meager 11-yard gain. Texas had another fumble near the goal line — the third time this season a miscue inside its own or its opponent’s 5-yard line cost the Longhorns points. “I love the way we competed and fought in this game, but we made too many mistakes,” Strong said. “We can’t give away opportunities when we have a chance to make plays. We have to continue to build on the good things we did here and work to get better.” Even with all those issues, the Longhorns gave themselves a chance to win. Swoopes led a final drive that ended with his 12-yard touchdown run (with 4:57 to play) that cut the Sooners’ lead to 31-26. A two-point conversion run by the quarterback failed, leaving Texas needing a defensive stand and a touchdown to pull off the upset. But Oklahoma held the ball for all but the final 18 seconds, converting its only third down of the game (it was 1-for-11) when it needed to the most, and held on for the win. “We were confident we could make the plays to stop Oklahoma on that final drive and get the ball back to our offense but we didn’t get the job done,” linebacker Jordan Hicks said. “We have to learn to capture the moment there, in the times when the game is on the line.” The game started just as Texas prescribed. The Longhorns drove 64 yards on 13 plays on their opening possession before settling for a 28-yard Rose field goal. Then the game quickly changed. On the ensuing kickoff, Oklahoma’s Alex Ross’ nearly untouched 92-yard return for a touchdown gave the Sooners a 7-3 lead before their offense even got on the field. That play, unfortunately, was a sign of things to come in the first half for the Longhorns. The Sooners pushed their advantage to 10-3 early in the second quarter when they took advan-

GUT CHECK: Oklahoma entered the game averaging 488.2 total yards per game but was held to 232, including only 29 (on 14 plays) in the first half.

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GAME CHANGER: Johnathan Gray rushed 12 times for 79 yards against the Bears. He moved from 22nd to 19th on the Texas career rushing yards list. His 2-yard touchdown run ensured that the Longhorns didn’t record their first shutout at home since 1976.

The Longhorns outg a i n e d Oklahoma 278-29 in the first half and had 14 first downs to the Sooners’ 1. But Texas also had five penalties for 80 yards (OU had just one for 10 yards) and had two crucial breakdowns in the kicking game. Oklahoma’s offense had its best stretch of the game late in the third quarter, crisply driving 63 yards on five plays to a 24-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Knight to Sterling Shepard that gave the team a 24-13 lead. The Sooners then added to their advantage early in the fourth quarter when Samaje Perine waltzed into the end zone from 13 yards out to seemingly cement the game. Swoopes and the Longhorns fought back, moving 75 yards in 12 plays and scoring on a deadon touchdown pass to Harris in the back corner of the end zone to cut the Oklahoma advantage to 31-20. That set the table for a final Texas score, but ultimately, it was too little, too late. “The effort was certainly there [against Oklahoma],” Watson said. “We make some youthful errors at times, and that’s from a lack of experience. But they overcame those errors. We’re starting to build some resiliency that you need to become a championship program. We all know we are in a process right now, but I like what those kids did.”

STICKY HANDS: John Harris had five receptions for 90 yards and recorded his fifth and sixth touchdown catches of the season.

tage of a short field created by a punt and a personal foul penalty, driving to Michael Hunnicutt’s 44-yard field goal. Then Swoopes, being pressured on a rollout to his right, had his pass intercepted by Oklahoma’s Zack Sanchez, who returned the pick 43 yards for a touchdown and a 17-3 OU lead. The Longhorns’ offense responded, putting together its best drive of the half, moving 75 yards in seven plays. The drive ended with a 38-yard scoring pass from Swoopes to Harris. The touch-

down came as Swoopes stood tall in the pocket and delivered an on-the-mark throw over an Oklahoma linebacker to Harris cutting across the field. Texas crept closer on its final possession of the first half, moving from its own 28 to the Oklahoma 3-yard line before a wild snap on third down bounced off Swoopes’ facemask and was recovered by McFarland. Rose banged home a 20-yard field goal a play later and the score was 17-13 with a half to play.

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IN MALCOM, WE TRUST FOCUSED FOCUSED AND AND DETERMINED, DETERMINED, MALCOM MALCOM BROWN BROWN ISIS THE THE TYPE TYPE OF OF PLAYER PLAYER YOU YOU WANT WANT ON ON YOUR YOUR TEAM TEAM BY BY STEVE STEVE HABEL HABEL

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O NE LOOK AT JUNIOR DEFENSIVE

tackle Malcom Brown and one can easily understand the type of impact he makes every football game. If Brown were a member of the Fantastic Four, he’d be the Thing — a superhero who possesses prodigious strength and endurance due to the nature of his stone-like flesh. And when an opponent lines up against Brown, it’s just as the fictional character says: “It’s clobberin’ time.” Just watch the middle of the offense and follow the football. Watch how the offensive linemen lined up across from him have to react as Brown comes their way. The Longhorns’ massive lineman rams into them and gets after the

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quarterback, the running back or anyone else in his path. Halfway through his junior year, Brown has become one of the Longhorns’ most valuable players. He’ll likely be the first Texas player picked in the 2015 NFL Draft if he leaves for professional football after this season. Through the first five games of 2014, the 6’2”, 320-pound Brown leads the team in tackles for loss (nine), is tied for the team lead in sacks (3.5) and is third in tackles (33). He has played in 31 career games (with 18 starts) and is a member of the watch list for the 2014 Chuck Bednarik Award, given annually to the nation’s best defensive player. “I can still improve and grow — I’m not perfect,” Brown said. “I still make mistakes just like everybody else. I need to get better and better.” Brown started all 13 games in 2013 at defensive tackle and finished the season tied for third on the team in pass breakups (five). He was third in tackles for loss (12) and quarterback pressures (six) and seventh on the team in tackles (68). He came to Texas and immediately earned playing time, getting in all 13 games his freshman season. Reflecting back to his first season, Brown sees how much he’s grown. “In my freshman year, I worried too much,” he said. “I would ask myself, ‘What’s the play? What if I mess up? They’re going to take me out of the game and I won’t get any reps.’ Now I’m confident in what I do and just play.” Brown, who’s from Brenham, was a 2014 preseason first-team All-Big 12 selection by Athlon and ESPN.com, and a second-team choice by Lindy’s and Phil Steele. He was an AllAmerican as a prep star in 2012 when he was

considered the second-best defensive tackle in the nation by ESPNU. “Malcom can push the pocket and he can beat you one-on-one,” defensive coordinator Vance Bedford said. “He’s a vocal leader. He lets you know what’s going on and he’ll get on the other guys. He’s a type of guy you look for. He’s been very disruptive versus offenses this year. We need some other guys to step up to be like him and find a way to get in the backfield and make plays.” He shared the team’s Joseph W. Moore Tenacity Award for Defense with Jackson Jeffcoat and Chris Whaley, the latter of whom is Brown’s role model and mentor. “Chris was my big brother,” Brown said. “He took me in right off the bat. That spring, when we had 7-on-7, he’d teach me the plays. He’d tell me, ‘Get to know the plays because I feel like you’re going to play this year.’ He always motivated me before the game and he still texts me to this day.” Brown is already considered the next in line of Texas’ great defensive tackles to play — and excel — in the NFL. He has all of the same physical tools as seen from past standout tackles such as Casey Hampton, Shaun Rogers, Roy Miller and Rod Wright. The Longhorn coaches marvel at Brown’s ability to power his way through those trying to block him, as well as his ability to chase down runners on screen passes or downfield in pursuit. “Malcom just changes things on the defensive line,” center Dominic Espinosa said. “He’s one of the best I’ve gone against and helped me out as an offensive lineman. Working against him made games easier because he’s a tough guy to go against in practice. He’s a technique guy and really works on his fundamentals.” The fact that Brown has a wife and two

PREVIOUS S PREAD: D ON BENDER, T HIS SPR EAD: D ON BENDER

MAN ON A MISSION: Malcom Brown attacks every practice and every game with a purpose — to provide the best possible life for his family.

young daughters will certainly add fuel to his decision to turn pro. While he remains focused on finishing his degree in physical culture and sports, he’s also chasing down a dream to play on Sundays. Taking care of his family is priority No. 1. “I’m not playing for the satisfaction of my goals. I’m playing for them, too,” Brown said of his family. “I want the best life I can provide for them.” The time Brown does have away from the field is spent with his wife, Faith, and their children at home. He admits that he doesn’t watch much football on television, preferring to laugh

at cartoons with his girls. With so much on the line, Brown adheres to his constant goal to attack every drill in practice and every snap with purpose. So far, so good. “There are guys who aren’t playing for anything,” Brown said. “Some are playing for themselves, some are playing for family and then you have some who just don’t want to be told anything. They want to do their own thing. Teamwork isn’t about them, it’s about everybody.” Out on the recruiting trail, Bedford is on the lookout for another player who possesses

Brown’s all-around qualities and talent. Bedford said Brown is driven by his hunger to do things the right way — for his family and for the Longhorns. “He’s hungry to do well for his family,” Bedford explained. “He has a chip on his shoulder and that’s the kind of guy you want on your football team. When you leave the football field and the lights go out, you don’t have to worry about him because he’s motivated to be successful. You want a guy that’s hungry and a guy that wants to do right. You want a guy you can trust — that’s Malcom.”

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STAYING ABOVE WATER: A roster heavily populated by underclassmen may bring some programs down — but not Texas. With talented underclassmen such as Will Licon (below) and Murphy Bromberg (bottom right), coaches Eddie Reese (right) and Carol Capitani can keep their sights on the next round of conference titles.

SW I M M I MG

Rising Stock

BY STEVE LANSDALE

season for the Texas swimming & diving teams is like going to watch a new Tom Hanks movie — the actor has won so many awards that even if you don’t know the plot, you can still bet you’re in store for a good film. Based on the Longhorns’ remarkable run of success in the pools, one can easily say that both teams will be more than “good” this season. The Longhorns have every reason to compete for the Big 12 Championship and perhaps a national title. REDICTING A

The Men Sixteen members of the men’s team earned All-American honors last season, and 14 are back this season. Head coach Eddie Reese is entering his 36th season in Austin,

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with 10 NCAA championships, 27 top-three NCAA finishes, 34 consecutive top-10 NCAA finishes and three NCAA Coach of the Year awards on his résumé. Last season his Longhorns finished runner-up in the National Championship and seventh in the final CollegeSwimming.com rankings. Reese welcomes back an embarrassment of riches on his

NOVEMBER 2014

roster this season, including his top contributors, who are all underclassmen. The Longhorns are not without veteran leadership, however. Senior Clay Youngquist is a fourtime All-American, a two-time NCAA champion, a two-time Big 12 champion and a member of the 2014-15 USA Swimming National Team. Youngquist won confer-

ence titles last season in the 200meter freestyle (1:34.21) and 500 freestyle (4:15.68). Fellow senior Tripp Cooper also returns after a season in which he claimed a Big 12 title in the 200-meter butterfly (1:42.64). But if opposing teams think they have a chance to gain ground — or water in this case — on the Longhorns in the near future, they

THIS S PREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: J IM SIGM ON/UNIV. OF TEXAS , UT AT HLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY, BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS

THE LONGHORNS REMAIN AMONG THE NATION’S ELITE TEAMS — EVEN WITH A LARGE GROUP OF UNDERCLASSMEN

The men also welcome back a talented group of divers, with the exception of two-time NCAA Champion Michael Hixon, who chose to transfer in the offseason. However, the future still looks bright for this team. Junior Cory Bowersox won the Big 12 Championship and earned AllAmerican honors in the 3-meter platform. Sophomore Mark Anderson, who won the 10-meter platform crown and placed in the top 25 in all three diving events at the NCAA Championship, also returned this season. The Women As she prepares to enter her third season as the women’s swimming & diving head coach, Carol Capi-

may want to think again. The core of the Texas squad is made up of a crew of talented sophomores, including Will Licon, who won the Big 12’s 200-meter title in 1:55.40, and All-American Jack Conger. Conger is a two-time member of the USA Swimming National team and a 2013 World University Games gold medalist who won the conference crowns

in the 200-meter backstroke (1:40.56) and in the 100-meter butterfly (45.56). The group is rounded out by 2012 Israeli Olympian Imri Ganiel, who won the conference title in the 100-meter breaststroke (53.34), and Austin Vacek, who won the 200-meter individual medley (1:46.05).

tani looks to keep the Longhorns’ elite status among the nation’s top schools. Last season the women finished ninth at the NCAA Championships. Nine Longhorns earned All-American honors in 2014, with Lily Moldenhauer earning the Big 12 Swimmer of the Year award. Moldenhauer is gone along with three-time Big 12 50-meter

freestyle champion Ellen Lobb. And even though the women lost more to graduation than their male counterparts, the Longhorns return enough talent to compete, once again, for the Big 12 Championship. The team should also fare well at the NCAA Championship. The most decorated returner is senior Sarah Denninghoff, a 13time All-American honoree (and five-time honorable mention AllAmerican) who’s among the most successful backstroke specialists in school history. Through her first three seasons at Texas, Denninghoff has four of the top 10 times in the 100-meter backstroke in program history, and two of the top five (including second) in the 200. Kelsey LaNeave, the top distance specialist in the Big 12 and one of the best in the nation, is back after her junior season. Last season she claimed the conference titles in the 500-meter freestyle (4:42.92) and in the 1,650meter freestyle (16:19.52). AllAmerican breaststroke specialist Gretchen Jaques, who won conference crowns in the 100-meter (1:00.21) and 200meter (2:09.86) events, is also back this year. Sophomore Murphy Bromberg should help reduce — if not entirely eliminate — the void created by the departure of Maren Taylor, who finished her stellar Texas career last season. A member of the 2013-14 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team, Bromberg won the 10-meter platform event at the Big 12 Championship in her first season in Austin.

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FALL FALLPREVIEW: PREVIEW:The Theefforts effortsput put forth forthby byTezira TeziraAbe Abe(below) (below)and and Gavin GavinHall Hall(bottom) (bottom)during duringthe thefall fall season season prove provethat thatthe theTexas Texasgolf golf teams teamswill willhave haveaastronghold strongholdininthe the Big Big12 12conference. conference.

G GOL OLFF

Breakout Performance THE THE MEN MEN AND AND WOMEN’S WOMEN’S GOLF GOLF TEAMS TEAMS SET SET THE THE TONE TONE FOR FOR THE THE SPRING SPRING SEASON. SEASON.

he he Men Men Led Led by by Gavin Gavin Hall’s Hall’s incredible incredible final final round round atat the the Golf Golf Club Club of of Georgia, Georgia, the the men’s men’s golf golf team team took took home home the the top top overall overall spot spot Oct. Oct. 19 19 atat the the U.S. U.S. Collegiate Collegiate ChampionChampionship. ship. AA mere mere one one stroke stroke separated separated the the Longhorns Longhorns — — who who claimed claimed their their first first fall fall season season victory victory this this year year— —and andthe thehighly highlyranked rankedVirVirginia ginia Cavaliers. Cavaliers. Freshman Freshman Scottie Scottie SchefScheffler fler and and Hall, Hall, aa sophomore, sophomore, shot shot 5-under-par 5-under-par in in the the final final round round to to barely barely edge edge out out Virginia. Virginia. Hall Hall impressively impressively improved improved 11 11 spots spots on on the the leaderboard leaderboard during during the the final final round, round, ending ending with with aa 67-7567-7567=209, 67=209, -7 -7 over over the the course course of of the the championship. championship. Not Not to to be be topped, topped, Scheffler Scheffler improved improved 13 13 spots spots on on the the final final day day to to finish finish with with aa 6-under-par 6-under-par overall. overall. There There really really was was no no other other

competition competition for for the the crown crown other other than than the the two two front-runners, front-runners, with with third-place third-place LSU LSU shooting shooting aa 7-un7-under-par der-par -7 -7 for for the the tournament. tournament. Texas Texas boosted boosted its its ranking ranking and and its its standing standingin incompetitors’ competitors’eyes eyeswith with the the inspiring inspiring win. win. Texas Texas was was six six strokes strokes off off the the lead lead after after Round Round 11 with with aa 1010under-par, under-par, with with Virginia Virginia leading leading atat 16-under-par. 16-under-par. Hall Hall shot shot aa -5 -5 to to take take fourth fourth and and Scheffler Scheffler was was atat -4, -4, right right behind behind him him on on the the first first day. day. Day Day two two wasn’t wasn’t as as kind kind to to

38 38 HORNS HORNS ILLUSTRATED ILLUSTRATED N NO OVVEEM MBBEERR 22001144

the the top top two two Longhorns, Longhorns, but but sesenior nior Kramer Kramer Hickok Hickok lifted lifted the the team team up up and and helped helped them them get get even even further further under under par par with with aa 4-under-par 4-under-par 68, 68, the the third-best third-best showing showing in in round round two. two. Adding Adding to to the the impressive impressive outing, outing, itit was was Hickok’s Hickok’s first first of of the the fall fall season. season. Sophomore Sophomore Beau Beau Hossler, Hossler, who who shot shot aa 1-under-par 1-under-par 215 215 overall, overall, had had aa 2-under-par 2-under-par along along with with Scheffler Scheffler in in Round Round 22 as as Texas Texas went went from from six six strokes strokes back back to to taking taking over over the the lead lead from from VirVirginia ginia by by just just one one stroke. stroke.

THIS SPR SPR EAD EAD C C LOCKWISE LOCKWISE FRO FRO M M LEFT LEFT :: BET BET HANY HANY WALTER/ WALTER/ THIS UNIV. OF OF T T EXAS, EXAS, P P ATR ATR ICK ICK MEREDITH/UNIV. MEREDITH/UNIV. O O FF T T EXAS, EXAS, UNIV. BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. WALTER/UNIV. O O FF T T EXAS, EXAS, UT UT ATHLETICS ATHLETICS BETHANY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

BY BY HABEAB HABEAB KURDI KURDI

EARLY EARLYIMPACT: IMPACT:Talented Talentedunderunderclassmen, classmen,such suchas assophomores sophomoresBeau Beau Hossler Hossler(right) (right)and and Lara LaraWeinstein Weinstein (bottom), (bottom),continue continueto topositively positively impact impactthe theTexas Texasgolf golfprograms. programs.

Both Both squads squads were were on on their their game game in in Round Round 3, 3, with with each each the the Longhorns Longhorns and and Cavaliers Cavaliers improvimproving ing by by 10 10 strokes strokes in in the the finale finale as as Derek DerekBard Bardtook tookthe thetop topindividual individual

— — the the Longhorns Longhorns are are in in position position to to compete compete at at the the top top during during the the spring spring campaign. campaign. Strauss Strauss nearly nearly cracked cracked the the top-10 top-10 at at the the Betsy Betsy Rawls Rawls InvitaInvita-

She’s She’s going going to to be be an an All-American All-American this this year. year. She’s She’s pretty pretty much much aa leadleader erin inevery everyway waythat thataacoach coachwould would want want aa senior senior to to be. be. We’re We’re lucky lucky to to have have her her on on this this team.” team.”

spot spot for for Virginia Virginia with with aa 15-under15-underpar par overall. overall. Brax Brax McCarthy McCarthy shot shot aa 222 222 overall overall with with aa steady steady 74-77-71 74-77-71 performance performance over over the the three-day three-day tournament, tournament, with with each each of of the the Longhorns’ Longhorns’ top top five five needing needing every every stroke, stroke, especially especially as as the the Cavaliers Cavaliers finished finished with with the the top top two two individindividual ual performers performers in in Bard Bard and and Denny Denny McCarthy McCarthy (63-72-72-207). (63-72-72-207). The The next next trip trip for for the the LongLonghorns horns will will be be aa dandy dandy as as they they start start the the spring spring season season back back up up at at King’s King’s Course Course in in Waikaloa, Waikaloa, Hawaii. Hawaii.

tional tional earlier earlier in in October, October, with with the the team team taking taking eighth eighth place place overall. overall. Last Last year year the the Longhorns Longhorns didn’t didn’t have have aa team team top top 10 10 finish finish during during the the fall fall campaign, campaign, and and Strauss’ Strauss’ 15th-place 15th-place finish finish in in the the Northrop Northrop Grumman Grumman Regional Regional Challenge Challenge was was the the best best individual individual perforperformance mance of of the the entire entire year. year. After After finishing finishing second second at at the the Big Big 12 12 Conference Conference ChampionChampionships, ships, the the women’s women’s team team has has been been on on the the upswing upswing ever ever since. since. Strauss Strauss demonstrated demonstrated the the team’s team’s overall overall improvement improvement in in fantastic fantastic fashion fashion during during the the SchooSchooner ner Fall Fall Classic Classic in in Norman, Norman, Okla., Okla., by by setting setting aa program program record record by by shooting shooting aa 3-under-par 3-under-par 207 207 over over 54 54holes holesto tobecome becomethe thenew newrecordrecordholder. holder. Previously, Previously, Madison Madison Pressel Pressel held held the the record record with with aa 208 208 at at the the 2011 2011Big Big12 12Championships, Championships,which which she she won. won. Adding Adding to to it, it, Strauss Strauss also also had hadthe thesecond-best second-bestround roundin inLongLonghorn horn history history with with her her final final round round 4-under-par 4-under-par to to help help her her set set the the rerecord, cord, and and she she finished finished tied tied for for sevseventh enth at at the the tournament. tournament. “She “She brings brings aa lot,” lot,” Murphy Murphy said said to to TexasSports.com. TexasSports.com. “She’s “She’s aa great great person. person. She’s She’s aa terrific terrific player. player.

Sophomore Sophomore Lara Lara Weinstein Weinstein continued continued her her improved improved play play with with aa2-under-par 2-under-parin inthe thefinal finalround roundof of the the tournament, tournament, which which was was aa perpersonal sonal best best round round for for her her and and landlanded ed her her in in 36th 36th place. place. Meanwhile, Meanwhile, fellow fellow sophomore sophomore Julia Julia Beck Beck also also had had aa great great last last day day with with aa 1-un1-under-par der-par to to take take 43rd 43rd overall. overall. Juniors Juniors Natalie Natalie Karcher Karcher and and Tezira Tezira Abe Abe have have helped helped bolster bolster aa solid solid group group for for the the Longhorns, Longhorns, along along with with sophomores sophomores Sara Sara ScarScarlett, lett, Anne Anne Hakula Hakula and and Delainey Delainey Peterson. Peterson. Texas Texas played played in in the the Alamo Alamo Invitational InvitationalOct. Oct.26-28 26-28to tofinish finishthe the fall fall season. season. Things Things will will get get started started up up again again in in February February when when the the Longhorns Longhorns take take to to the the course course at at the the UCF UCF Challenge Challenge in in Orlando, Orlando, Fla. Fla. The The Big Big 12 12 Championships Championships are are April April 24-26 24-26 in in San San Antonio, Antonio, paving paving the the way way for for the the NCAA NCAA ReRegional gional Championship Championship and and the the endendof-season of-season NCAA NCAA Championship Championship during during May May in in Bradenton, Bradenton, Fla. Fla. “I “I didn’t didn’t know know how how hard hard they they were were going going to to work,” work,” MurMurphy phy said said about about his his team. team. “There’s “There’s talent talent on on this this team team and and they’re they’re very very hungry hungry for for success.” success.”

The The Women Women Turning Turning the the women’s women’s golf golf team team into into aa national national contender contender isn’t isn’t aa daunting daunting challenge challenge to to first-year first-year head head coach coach Ryan Ryan Murphy. Murphy. Under Under Murphy’s Murphy’s tutelage, tutelage, the the Longhorns Longhorns have have seen seen signifisignificant cant improvement improvement since since last last seaseason, son, and and the the confidence confidence on on the the team team isis building building with with every every tourtournament nament finish. finish. With With the the fall fall season season comcoming ing to to aa close close at at the the end end of of OctoOctober, ber, the the youthful youthful squad squad — — led led by by mostly mostly underclassman underclassman except except for for top top player player senior senior Bertine Bertine Strauss Strauss

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IN SEASON

TTE EN NN NIISS

National Contender AFTER AN UNBELIEVABLE 2013-14 SEASON, HESSOLESEN SETS HIS SIGHTS ON A NATIONAL TITLE

EXAS EXASTENNIS TENNISplayer player Søren Søren Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen isis looking looking for for aa national national title title this this year, year, preferably preferably in in both both singles singles and and doubles doubles competicompetition. tion. After After coming coming so so close close last last year year in in both both NCAA NCAA comcompetitions, petitions, Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen isis confident confident he he has has what what itit takes. takes. The The senior, senior, who who isis the the top top player player at at Texas Texas and and will will be be leading leading the the Longhorns Longhorns through through this this seaseason, son, isis starting starting the the 2014-2015 2014-2015 seaseason son with with aa 5/4 5/4 ITA ITA singles/doubles singles/doubles ranking. ranking. His His ranking ranking coming coming into into this this season season was was well well earned. earned. HessHessOlesen Olesenfinished finishedthe the2013-14 2013-14season season with with an an 11/10 11/10 ITA ITA singles/doubles singles/doubles ranking ranking after after combining combining for for 62 62

wins wins in in both both singles singles and and doubles. doubles. He He was was also also named named the the 2014 2014 Big Big 12 12 Player Player of of the the Year. Year. At At the the NCAA NCAA ChampionChampionship, ship, Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen became became the the first first player player to to reach reach the the semi-fisemi-finals nals in in the the singles singles competition competition in in 21 21years. years.He Helost lostto toUCLA’s UCLA’sMarcos Marcos Giron Giron who who later later went went on on to to win win the the national national title. title. In In the the doubles doubles competition, competition, Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen and and his his partner, partner,Lloyd LloydGlasspool Glasspooladvanced advanced to to the the quarterfinal quarterfinal round. round. “Søren “Søren had had an an unbelievunbeliev-

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able able season,” season,” head head coach coach Michael Michael Center Center said said after after last last year’s year’s chamchampionship. pionship. “He “He fought fought so so hard hard to to represent represent the the team team and and the the school school at at the the highest highest level. level. He He has has estabestablished lished himself himself as as one one of of the the best best players players in in college college tennis. tennis. ItIt was was aa season season as as good good as as anyone anyone has has had had at atthe theUniversity Universityof ofTexas Texasin inaalong long time.” time.” Reflecting Reflecting back back on on last last seaseason, son, Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen understands understands how how close close he he came came to to defeating defeating the the national national champion. champion.

“I’m “I’m right right there,” there,” he he said. said. “I “I think think ifif [Giron [Giron and and I]I] played played tomorrow tomorrow I’d I’d have have aa good good chance chance at at winwinning.” ning.” But But the the NCAA NCAA Tournament Tournament wasn’t wasn’t the the highlight highlight of of Hess-OlesHess-Olesen’s en’s season, season, in in his his opinion. opinion. His His favorite favorite match match from from last last season season was was the the team’s team’s victory victory over over thenthenNo. No. 33 Oklahoma. Oklahoma. Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen defeated defeated Oklahoma’s Oklahoma’s Axel Axel Alvarez Alvarez Llamas Llamas to to secure secure the the Longhorns’ Longhorns’ 4-3 4-3 win. win. The The level level of of excitement excitement expressed expressed by by the the coaches coaches and and the the

IM SI SI GMON/UNIV. GMON/UNIV. OF OF TEXAS TEXAS JJ IM

BY BY SAR SARA A BETH BETH PURDY PURDY

ALL ALLTHE THERIGHT RIGHTMOVES: MOVES: Søren Søren Hess-Olesen’s Hess-Olesen’s performance performance last last season season pushed pushed him him into into the the Intercollegiate Intercollegiate Tennis Tennis Association’s Association’s top top five five for for 2015. 2015. The The 2014 2014 ITA ITA All-American All-American walked walked away away from from last last season season with with an an individual individual conference conference title title in in No. No. 11 singles, singles, as as well well as as the the Big Big 12 12 Player Player of of the the Year Year award. award. He He also also defeated defeated 13 13 nationally nationally ranked ranked singles singles opponents. opponents.

at at the the junior junior Davis Davis Cup Cup and and was was an an 18-and-under 18-and-under national national singles singles and and doubles doubles champion champion in in DenDenmark. mark. He He also also competed competed for for DenDenmark mark at at the the European European ChampionChampionships ships in in both both 2008 2008 and and 2009. 2009. “He’s “He’s aa tremendous tremendous stustudent, dent, athlete athlete and and tennis tennis player player who’ll who’ll only only get get better better during during his his time time at at Texas,” Texas,” Center Center said said when when he he signed signed Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen in in 2010. 2010. But But Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen didn’t didn’t alalways ways want want to to play play tennis tennis at at this this level. level. As As aa child, child, he he and and his his twin twin brother brother Esben Esben fell fell in in love love with with

“IF YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE, YOU’RE GOING TO PLAY THE GAME YOU WANT TO PLAY.”

players players made made the the win win that that much much sweeter. sweeter. “I “I never never beat beat Oklahoma,” Oklahoma,” Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen said. said. “The “The last last coucouple ple of of years, years, they they beat beat us us so so bad bad — — but but II knew knew that that was was the the year year to to beat beat them.” them.” Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen isis from from AarAarhus, hus, Denmark Denmark — — the the secondsecondlargest largest city city in in the the country. country. Center Center recruited recruited the the athlete athlete after after hearing hearing about about the the tennis tennis star’s star’s skills skills from from Hess-Olesen’s Hess-Olesen’s father father and and seeing seeing him him play play at at the the Danish Danish National National

Indoor Indoor Championships. Championships. The The decision decision to to come come to to Texas Texas was was an an easy easy one one for for HessHessOlesen, Olesen, who who was was attracted attracted to to the the 40 40 Acres Acres because because of of Texas’ Texas’ rich rich traditions traditions and and excellence excellence in in sports. sports. “I “I never never doubted doubted where where II wanted wanted to to go,” go,” he he said. said. “I “I knew knew itit was was aa good good team team with with tradition.” tradition.” Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen came came to to Texas Texas as as the the No. No. 11 junior junior tennis tennis player player in in DenDenmark. mark. Before Before arriving arriving in in the the U.S., U.S., he he represented represented his his home home country country

soccer soccer and and started started to to play play competcompetitively. itively. The The two two started started juggling juggling two two sports sports — — soccer soccer and and tennis tennis — — after after playing playing aa friendly friendly tennis tennis match match with with his his older older brother brother and and father father during during aa family family vacation. vacation. Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen comes comes from from aa family family with with aa rich rich tennis tennis backbackground. ground. His His older older brother brother and and his his father father played played tennis tennis competicompetitively tively at at one one time time so so the the transitransition tion to to the the sport sport was was natural. natural. At At the the age age of of 14, 14, Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen and and Esben Esben gave gave up up soccer soccer so so they they could could solely solely focus focus on on tennis. tennis. The The identical identical twins twins decided decided that that itit was was best best for for their their respecrespective tive careers careers to to attend attend different different universities universities so so they they could could escape escape “the “the twins” twins” label label and and develop develop their their own own playing playing skills skills and and perpersonal sonal identities. identities. Esben Esben plays plays tennis tennis for for the the University University of of North North Carolina. Carolina. “We “We wanted wanted our our own own place,” place,” Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen told told NCAA. NCAA. com. com. “I “I wanted wanted Texas Texas to to be be my my place place and and for for Chapel Chapel Hill Hill to to be be his his place.” place.” Despite Despite being being many many miles miles

apart, apart, the the two two brothers brothers still still face face each each other other on on the the court. court. DurDuring ing their their first first season season in in college, college, Texas Texas traveled traveled to to Chapel Chapel Hill Hill and and Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen faced faced his his brother brother for for the the first first time time as as aa true true competicompetitor. tor. The The switch switch from from rooting rooting for for one one another another to to trying trying to to outplay outplay each each other other was was unnerving unnerving for for the the brothers. brothers. This This February, February, HessHessOlesen Olesen will will get get another another chance chance to to compete compete against against his his brother, brother, as as Texas Texas will will travel travel to to North North CaroCarolina lina to to face face the the Tarheels. Tarheels. This This past past September, September, HessHessOlesen Olesen competed competed for for Denmark Denmark in in the the Davis Davis Cup Cup helping helping the the Danes Danes defeat defeat Moldova Moldova 4-3. 4-3. DenDenmark mark competed competed in in the the Group Group IIII Europe/Africa Europe/Africa but but thanks thanks to to the the win, win, Denmark Denmark will will be be promoted promoted to to Group Group 11 in in 2015. 2015. The The event event marked marked Hess-Olesen’s Hess-Olesen’s first first Davis Davis Cup Cup nomination. nomination. Entering Entering his his senior senior season, season, Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen has has set set the the bar bar high high for for himself. himself. In In 2013 2013 and and 2014, 2014, he he was was named named an an ITA ITA All-American. All-American. He He was was named named Big Big 12 12 Player Player of of the the Year Year last last season, season, while while capcapturing turing the the conference conference title title in in No. No. 11 singles. singles. He He was was also also an an All-Big All-Big 12 12 singles singles selection selection in in 2012, 2012, 2013 2013 and and 2014. 2014. Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesenand andhis hisdoubles doubles partner, partner, Lloyd Lloyd Glasspool Glasspool were were the the USTA/ITA USTA/ITA Texas Texas Regional Regional DouDoubles bles Champions Champions in in 2013. 2013. Academically, Academically, he he has has been been selected selected to to the the Academic Academic All-Big All-Big 12 12 First First Team Team in in 2013 2013 and and 2014 2014 and and earned earned aa spot spot on on the the Big Big 12 12 Commissioner’s Commissioner’s Honor Honor Roll Roll three three times. times. However, However, one one achievement achievement isis missing missing from from the the list list — — aa nanational tional title. title. “Before “Before the the season season starts starts you you never never think think about about how how itit could could turn turn out out because because you you really really do do take take itit one one match, match, one one practice, practice, one one day day at at aa time,” time,” Hess-Olesen Hess-Olesen said. said. “If “If you you have have confidence, confidence, you’re you’re going going to to play play the the game game you you want want to to play. play. That’s That’s what what happened happened to to me me last last year year — — II got got confident confident by by beating beating some some good good players players early early on. on. II just just need need to to keep keep working working hard hard every every day day and and never never take take anything anything for for granted.” granted.”

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41 41

DK R FUND

Raising

AWARENESS FORMER LONGHORNS COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT THE DKR RESEARCH FUND FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE BY STEVE HABEL

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

NOVEMBER 2014

and friends Big Al Anderson, Don Schlitz and Sunny Sweeney at The Moody Theater at ACL Live in downtown Austin. Approximately 1,800 guests attended to celebrate Royal’s life and his influence on his players, family and friends. Hundreds of friends, former athletes and supporters from around the state committed to honoring Royal and making a difference in the battle against this debilitating disease. Edith Royal, Royal’s wife, called the two events and the fundraising a true testament to the legacy established by her husband. UNIFIED FRONT: (from left to right) Al Matthews, Matt Anderson, Ben Crenshaw and John Haines and William Graham came together to support the Darrell K Royal Research Fund — and play a little golf.

“Darrell always looked to the future, the next game, the next season, the next opponent,” Edith said. “I’m excited that we can look to the future with the scientists and doctors whose projects we will fund to make a difference, change lives and change minds.” Scientists across the state proposed grants in a competitive environment. A nationally distinguished panel of out-of-state reviewers led by Dr. Ron Petersen from the Mayo Clinic chose the 2014 recipients. The event awarded $825,000 in grant funds to six Texas researchers including Dr. Maya Henry (The University of Texas at Austin), Dr. Marie Monfils (The University of Texas at Austin), Dr. Chandramallika Basak

T HIS S PREAD FROM LEFT: CO UR TES Y J ER RY MCC LUR E, DON BEND ER

HE 2014 BEN-WILLIE-DARRELL Presents “Links & Lyrics” gala and golf tournament raised more than $1 million for the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer ’s Disease on Sept. 5. The fund, named in honor of the iconic Texas football coach, represents the pinnacle of commitment to excellence in research and care for Texans in an attempt to cure Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in our lifetimes. Royal was an American football legend both as a player and a coach. He won more games than any other coach in Texas football history. He was diagnosed with AD late in life and passed away on Nov. 7, 2012, as a result of complications from the disease. As a result, his family and friends have taken on the mission of funding cutting-edge collaborative research and raising awareness for this debilitating disease. The goal is to expand research into mild cognitive impairment and expand the paradigms of care and access for Texans, enabling exposure to preventive care and treatment strategies aimed at combating the epidemic of AD. The event’s golf tournament, held on a cloudless and hot afternoon at Barton Creek Country Club’s Crenshaw Cliffside course, drew 128 players — including representatives from Horns Illustrated magazine. The gala featured a sumptuous dinner and a performance by Vince Gill

(The University of Texas at Dallas), Dr. Steven Patrie (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center), Dr. Florian Plattner (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center) and Dr. Murat Durakoglugil (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center). Also announced was the establishment of the Edith Royal Caregiver Support Fund. The Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Capital of Texas Chapter

will manage the $25,000 permanent and restricted endowment. The fund will provide vital education and support for those caring for a loved one afflicted with this terrible disease.

MUSIC FROM THE HEART: Vince Gill and several other music artists came together to perform at the gala and show their support.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

YOUNG GUN

S O C CE R

Olivia Brook

ONLY A FRESHMAN, BROOK HAS ALREADY MADE AN IMPACT ON TEXAS SOCCER BY JESSICA BURROLA

Olivia Brook continues to push Texas soccer toward success since making her debut on the team. The 19-year-old’s talent and athleticism is proven through her stats for the season. Since beginning her collegiate career, she has racked up six goals and has played in every game this season. Brook credits her success to her competitive nature — a characteristic she exhibited as a child. She grew up in Houston, surrounded by an athletic family. Her father played football for Stephen F. Austin and her mother was a professional dancer. Both her siblings participated in some

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PUTTING HER BEST FOOT FORWARD: Brook is the first freshman in program history to start her career by scoring five goals over her first five matches.

of form of athletics for Baylor and TCU. Growing up with a family full of athletes pushed Brook to stay determined and work hard — qualities that easily transferred to the soccer field. “There was always a very competitive environment in my household,” Brook said. “We fed off each other’s energy.”

NOVEMBER 2014

Her family travels from Houston to Austin to watch Brook dominate the field during home games. When the team traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii, for the Outrigger Resorts Shootout, her parents made the trip, taking advantage of the opportunity to celebrate their anniversary as well. Whether she’s playing at home or across the

country, her family enjoys making the trip to watch her play. Although a decorated track & field athlete while in high school, Brook always knew she wanted to play soccer at the college level. Yet she didn’t consider playing for Texas at first. But as her career at Memorial High School came to an end, she started to evaluate

BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF T EXAS

RESHMAN FORWARD

the Longhorns’ program. She saw Texas as the right place for her to start her college career. The atmosphere, resources and coaching staff were a few reasons why she chose Texas. Another reason was the opportunity to work with soccer legend Kristine Lilly, someone Brook watched as a child. Brook views Lilly as a valuable coach, not only to her, but to the team as the season rolls into conference play. “To have someone I look up to, with her experience and work ethic, she makes me want to do better every day on and off the field,” Brook said. The entire squad pushes Brook, and as the new freshman on campus, she appreciates the support she has received from her teammates. She became quick friends with her roommate, freshman midfielder Erin Geiger. Senior defender Julie Arnold helped Brook prepare for the team’s workouts. “The seniors helped us adjust and understand the team’s standard,” Brook said. Junior goalkeeper Abby Smith has also been a valuable asset — not only for Brook, but for the entire team. “She has such a presence; she’s very positive. She gets everyone going and ready to compete.” Off the field, Brook and her teammates watch Texas football games, eat dinner together and hang out at each other’s homes. Brook understands the importance of building a strong bond with her teammates on and off the field. Their friendships thrive during the victories and hold them up during the losses. Individually, Brook has always wanted to show her highest potential as a soccer player. She knew she needed to play her best and try to reach that potential when the 2014 season started. “When I got here, I wanted to work the hardest I possibly could and put my best foot forward,” Brook reflected. “We’re growing on the field as we go.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

NOVEMBER 2014

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

Head coach Angela Kelly continues to maintain the motto of “one day at a time” with her players. Kelly wants her team to treat the present game as the most important game. Brook takes the motto to heart. She stays calm and collected during each game. While other athletes can crumble under the pressure, Brook takes each practice and each game one day at a time. “I want to do my best that day,” Brook said. “I don’t think of the pressure, just that I need to show up for my team.” Texas has experienced its share of victories and losses this season. Even so, Brook and her teammates have difficulty accepting the losses. After back-to-back losses at the USF Soccer Classic in Tampa, Fla., the players wore their jerseys inside out for three weeks. The act served as a reminder to everyone that they needed to better represent Texas. “I’m pretty hard on myself after losing,” Brook said. “As a team, we knew we had to turn something around.” After a loss, the team understands how to regroup and bounce back. For Brook, she does her best to use the loss as a way to stay motivated. She looks to learn from the mistakes she made so she can improve in the next game. And by doing so, Brook leads the team in goals and is ranked among the top five overall scoring leaders in the Big 12 Conference. Brook’s competitive nature may come from her family and her motivation to play her best may come from her team, but the forward claims she plays for an audience of one. “I play for God,” she said. “I always want to honor my faith.” Brook’s strong characteristics — her faith, competitiveness and motivation — will continue to fuel her success over her college career. She’s a rare athlete and a player to keep an eye on for the next three years. With all the other big name universities out there, the Texas coaching staff, her teammates and the fans are glad

Brook chose Texas. She contributes so much to the squad — besides points — and is developing into a positive role model for younger generations in the sport of soccer. “Olivia is the type of individual that embraces competition and shies away from no one,” Kelly said. “She has been gifted with athleticism and is a natural. Her instincts around the goal are incredible and cannot be taught. In order to have success over a long period of time you must be humble, you must be coachable and you must be willing to put your neck on the line. Olivia will continue to find success in our culture because she embodies this mentality.”

Horns Illustrated (ISSN 1096-2573), Volume 21, Number 8. 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. NOVEMBER 2014

HORNS ILLUSTRATED

FINAL SCORE

THE POWER OF MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY

– MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY’S SPEECH TO THE TEAM BEFORE ITS VICTORY OVER KANSAS

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NOVEMBER 2014

JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS

“I just wanted to have a conversation with you, see how y’all are doing, look some of you in the eye. I didn’t come to preach anything. Last night I thought about what I do and about what y’all do. I ask myself this question all the time: Why do I do what I do? Why am I an actor? I was going to ask y’all — why do y’all play football? There’s no right answer. Ask yourself when you look in the mirror tonight, ‘Why do I play this game? Why am I doing this? Why do I come out to practice? Why am I out here busting my ass in the middle of the heat everyday?’ It feels good coming out on Saturdays when it’s the big show, right? Hell yeah it does. And it feels a whole lot better after a ‘W’ than after an ‘L.’ Some of you may play because you love football. Some of you may play for your grandmother. Some of you may play for your older brother, your dad. Some of you may play for the coaches. Some of you may play for the university. At the end of the day every single one of you is playing for one person. When you do well, you feel it and you can look in the mirror and go, ‘That’s right. I earned that. I did that.’ If everybody is thinking that, if everyone has looked himself in the mirror at the end of the night, it’s a lot easier to play for the guy next to you. It’s a whole lot easier to play for the Longhorns. It’s a whole lot easier to put on that jersey, that helmet on, and be out here sweating your ass off playing for each other. Well, I did start preaching, didn’t I?”