SEDONA, Ariz. -- The University of Wyoming women’s golf team concluded round one of the Northern Arizona/Red Rocks Invitational Saturday with an opening 320 (+32), good for seventh place out of 18 teams.
“We are slowly getting back into good form each competitive round we play,” said head coach Josey Stender.
The Cowgirls were led by sophomore Jenna Zamprelli with her inaugural round 79 (+7), which has her tied for 17th-place. Sophomore Molly Black, playing as an individual, matched Zamprelli shot for shot as they both sit in a tie for 17th.
“Jenna really hung in there and fought for her score today,” said Stender. “It was nice to see Molly get some of her confidence back and her stroke as well.”
To close out the field for the Cowgirls, junior Sarah Fogerty and freshman Juanita Rico both shot opening-round 80 (+8). Senior Mikala Henzlik played well, except for one hole, and that set her back to a first-round 81 (+9). Redshirt sophomore Johnna Jeffries had a solid round 82 (+10) as an individual for the Cowgirls. To round out the field for the Cowgirls, junior Jonelle Martinez shot a first-round 86 (+14).
“Mikala played great for us today and if it wasn’t for one hole where she got stuck with a tough shot with a tough lie she would have finished the first round much higher,” said Stender. “Tomorrow if we can individually pick up a couple stokes each, we will be much better as a team.”
The shotgun start will tee off at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Oak Creek Country Club. Results can be found at www.wyomingathletics.com following the round.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Cowboys, Cowgirls finish third at MWC swim championships
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. --- It proved to be one of the best ever Mountain West Conference Championships for the the University of Wyoming swimming and diving program.
For the meet, the Ccowboys and Cowgirls combined for three individual champions, 16 total school records, one MWC record, the diving Coach of the Year award, the Diver of the Year award and both teams finished in third place.
The Cowboys matched their highest finish ever, while the Cowgirls have never been higher than fourth before this year.
UNLV won the men’s championships with 886.5 points, followed by Air Force (613), Wyoming (551), BYU (539.5), TCU (401), and Utah (326).
For the women, BYU took home the conference title followed by UNLV (585.5), Wyoming (483), Utah (468.5), CSU (452.5), San Diego State (375), TCU (354.5), New Mexico (211), and Air Force (128).
After the meet, Wyoming diving coach Ben Herdt was awarded with the 2009 MWC Diving Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s side. Junior Stephanie Ortiz had a phenomenal season and was named MWC Co-Diver of the Year.
"All-in-all, I am proud of our women’s team. It came close at the end but they rallied and surprised me this week," said UW head coach Tom Johnson said. "The divers were incredible. I am very proud of Ben winning coach of the year and Stephanie winning diver of the year. The men were able to hold on to third and end a good week."
On Saturday in the pool, the top Cowgirl swim came from sophomore Lesley Young. A day after winning the 100 breaststroke, Young took second in the 200 breaststroke in 2 minutes, 14.66 seconds to set the school record. Following Young was Kaella Hartigan in 14th after touching the wall in 2:24.95.
Another school record on Saturday came from Cassie Stelow, who finished 11th in the 100 freestyle in 51.00. Teammate Shelby Bull was close behind in 13th in 51.11.
Two Cowgirls finished in the top 10 in the 200 butterfly event. Kari Budd placed ninth in 2:04.04, while Stephanie Vint was 10th in 2:04.83.
In the 1650 freestyle, senior Aimee Stinson placed ninth in 17:09.15, while Carol Jones placed 16th (17:21.57) and sister Krista Jones was 23rd (17:41.08). In other events on the day, Caroline Wells took 13th in the 200 backstroke (2:01.75).
In the final race of the day the Cowgirls broke one more record, as they swam a time of 3:24.88 in the 400 freestyle relay and finished fifth.
"Lesley was in the lead seven of the eight lengths, but was just out-touched at the end. She had a super swim in that event and did a great job this week. Our relay was a nice performance, and Cassie did a tremendous job breaking the school record in the 50 freestyle twice today," Johnson said.
For the Pokes, the best race of the day was the 200 breaststroke. Senior Alex Larkin won the preliminary round, but took third place in 1:57.97, and teammate Brandon Fischer was fifth in 2:00.62.
After winning the 100 backstroke on Friday night, freshman Marshall Dilworth finished eighth in the 200 butterfly in 1:50.87. In the 200 butterfly, fellow freshman Tyler Kybartas took fifth in 1:46.60, while senior Matt Urich was eighth in 1:49.05.
In the 1650 freestyle, Robbie Hilton placed sixth in 15:33.85, the third fastest time in school history. Kyle Wemhoff was eighth (15:34.46), fourth fastest all-time; Brett Henehan 11th (15:38.85); Sam Holmes was 12th (15:42.52), and Matt Jones 20th (16:25.58).
On the diving boards, Mark Murdock set a school record in the preliminary round with a dive total of 346.45 points and was seeded first. Murdock finished second with 335.30. Kyle Bogner and Tyler Miller were fifth and sixth respectively.
"The 400 freestyle relay was DQ’ed, so for three of our divers to be in the top six on the platform was beyond huge," said Johnson. "The divers got us over the hump and were the reason we were able to hold off BYU.
"In the poo.l the 1650 free was a huge race for us today. I am real proud of our distance program. Robbie and Kyle picked up a ton of points. Marshall had a super swim in the morning, but didn’t have the legs in the finals.
"Eli had a tough swim in the 200 freestyle but still managed to do well. I am very proud of Alex who didn’t swim as well in the 100 breaststroke, but swam hard in the 200. We can only hope to continue the pressure on the other teams in the conference and keep our goal at winning a title."
Next up the UW diving team will be the NCAA Zone "E" Diving Championships March 12-14 in Austin, Texas.
For the meet, the Ccowboys and Cowgirls combined for three individual champions, 16 total school records, one MWC record, the diving Coach of the Year award, the Diver of the Year award and both teams finished in third place.
The Cowboys matched their highest finish ever, while the Cowgirls have never been higher than fourth before this year.
UNLV won the men’s championships with 886.5 points, followed by Air Force (613), Wyoming (551), BYU (539.5), TCU (401), and Utah (326).
For the women, BYU took home the conference title followed by UNLV (585.5), Wyoming (483), Utah (468.5), CSU (452.5), San Diego State (375), TCU (354.5), New Mexico (211), and Air Force (128).
After the meet, Wyoming diving coach Ben Herdt was awarded with the 2009 MWC Diving Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s side. Junior Stephanie Ortiz had a phenomenal season and was named MWC Co-Diver of the Year.
"All-in-all, I am proud of our women’s team. It came close at the end but they rallied and surprised me this week," said UW head coach Tom Johnson said. "The divers were incredible. I am very proud of Ben winning coach of the year and Stephanie winning diver of the year. The men were able to hold on to third and end a good week."
On Saturday in the pool, the top Cowgirl swim came from sophomore Lesley Young. A day after winning the 100 breaststroke, Young took second in the 200 breaststroke in 2 minutes, 14.66 seconds to set the school record. Following Young was Kaella Hartigan in 14th after touching the wall in 2:24.95.
Another school record on Saturday came from Cassie Stelow, who finished 11th in the 100 freestyle in 51.00. Teammate Shelby Bull was close behind in 13th in 51.11.
Two Cowgirls finished in the top 10 in the 200 butterfly event. Kari Budd placed ninth in 2:04.04, while Stephanie Vint was 10th in 2:04.83.
In the 1650 freestyle, senior Aimee Stinson placed ninth in 17:09.15, while Carol Jones placed 16th (17:21.57) and sister Krista Jones was 23rd (17:41.08). In other events on the day, Caroline Wells took 13th in the 200 backstroke (2:01.75).
In the final race of the day the Cowgirls broke one more record, as they swam a time of 3:24.88 in the 400 freestyle relay and finished fifth.
"Lesley was in the lead seven of the eight lengths, but was just out-touched at the end. She had a super swim in that event and did a great job this week. Our relay was a nice performance, and Cassie did a tremendous job breaking the school record in the 50 freestyle twice today," Johnson said.
For the Pokes, the best race of the day was the 200 breaststroke. Senior Alex Larkin won the preliminary round, but took third place in 1:57.97, and teammate Brandon Fischer was fifth in 2:00.62.
After winning the 100 backstroke on Friday night, freshman Marshall Dilworth finished eighth in the 200 butterfly in 1:50.87. In the 200 butterfly, fellow freshman Tyler Kybartas took fifth in 1:46.60, while senior Matt Urich was eighth in 1:49.05.
In the 1650 freestyle, Robbie Hilton placed sixth in 15:33.85, the third fastest time in school history. Kyle Wemhoff was eighth (15:34.46), fourth fastest all-time; Brett Henehan 11th (15:38.85); Sam Holmes was 12th (15:42.52), and Matt Jones 20th (16:25.58).
On the diving boards, Mark Murdock set a school record in the preliminary round with a dive total of 346.45 points and was seeded first. Murdock finished second with 335.30. Kyle Bogner and Tyler Miller were fifth and sixth respectively.
"The 400 freestyle relay was DQ’ed, so for three of our divers to be in the top six on the platform was beyond huge," said Johnson. "The divers got us over the hump and were the reason we were able to hold off BYU.
"In the poo.l the 1650 free was a huge race for us today. I am real proud of our distance program. Robbie and Kyle picked up a ton of points. Marshall had a super swim in the morning, but didn’t have the legs in the finals.
"Eli had a tough swim in the 200 freestyle but still managed to do well. I am very proud of Alex who didn’t swim as well in the 100 breaststroke, but swam hard in the 200. We can only hope to continue the pressure on the other teams in the conference and keep our goal at winning a title."
Next up the UW diving team will be the NCAA Zone "E" Diving Championships March 12-14 in Austin, Texas.
Cowgirl tennis beats Portland State
The Wyoming Cowgirls dominated and won their second match of the spring tennis dual season with a 6-1 victory over the Portland State Vikings on Saturday morning at the UW Tennis Complex.
“We are pleased with the way we played today and the crowd helped us a lot,” said head coach Kati Gyulai. “We focused from start to finish and really executed well. We are looking forward to playing against Metro State tomorrow afternoon.”
Wyoming earned the doubles point by sweeping all three matches. The day started with Carly Van Hollen and Sarah Summerfield defeating Molly Knox and Caitlin Stocking, 8-2. In the number two spot, Rebecca Berger and Jamie Nelson beat Alyssa Ferry and Anya Dalkin, 8-3. Carolina Chaix and walk-on Kori Nochbaur finished with an 8-7 win against Victoria Bravo and Kylea Gleason.
The Cowgirls took control early in singles play by taking five of six matches. Summerfield started off in the number one spot with a win against Knox, 6-2, 6-1. Beger followed with a two set win, 6-1, 7-6 over Ferry and Carly Van Hollen beat Dalkin, 6-1, 6-1.
In the number four spot, UW's Chaix defeated Stocking, 6-3, 6-1, while Nelson earned a 6-1, 6-1 win over Bravo. In the number six spot, Nochbaur lost 6-4, 6-0 to Gleason.
The Cowgirls will now head to Colorado Springs to take on Metro State on Sunday, followed by UNC Greensboro on Monday.
“We are pleased with the way we played today and the crowd helped us a lot,” said head coach Kati Gyulai. “We focused from start to finish and really executed well. We are looking forward to playing against Metro State tomorrow afternoon.”
Wyoming earned the doubles point by sweeping all three matches. The day started with Carly Van Hollen and Sarah Summerfield defeating Molly Knox and Caitlin Stocking, 8-2. In the number two spot, Rebecca Berger and Jamie Nelson beat Alyssa Ferry and Anya Dalkin, 8-3. Carolina Chaix and walk-on Kori Nochbaur finished with an 8-7 win against Victoria Bravo and Kylea Gleason.
The Cowgirls took control early in singles play by taking five of six matches. Summerfield started off in the number one spot with a win against Knox, 6-2, 6-1. Beger followed with a two set win, 6-1, 7-6 over Ferry and Carly Van Hollen beat Dalkin, 6-1, 6-1.
In the number four spot, UW's Chaix defeated Stocking, 6-3, 6-1, while Nelson earned a 6-1, 6-1 win over Bravo. In the number six spot, Nochbaur lost 6-4, 6-0 to Gleason.
The Cowgirls will now head to Colorado Springs to take on Metro State on Sunday, followed by UNC Greensboro on Monday.
James wins triple jump to highlight day for Wyoming track and field teams
Wyoming sophomore Jeremiah JamesCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Wyoming sophomore Jeremiah James highlighted what was otherwise a tough final day for the UW track and field teams at the Mountain West Conference Indoor championships on Saturday.
James won the triple jump on Saturday as the Cowboys scored 77 team points for sixth place. The Cowgirls finished in ninth with just 26 points.
On both the men’s and women’s side the championship went to Brigham Young as both teams scored 224 team points.
Individually, senior Jake Shanklin and James came away with their own hardware, as they were awarded with the top-performance and high-point awards. Shanklin won the award for the second straight year for his 71-feet, 9 inches throw in the 35-pound weight throw and James earned 20 points for the Cowboys and shared the honor with Air Force senior Sean Houseworthn who won the 3,000-meter and 5,000-meter run.
James took the championship in the men’s triple jump with his leap of 49-6 1/2. James backed up his long jump championship from day two with his best triple jump of the season. Junior John Alderson finished fourth at 48-10 1/4. As for the Cowgirl jumpers, sophomore Britney Jackson placed 10th in the high jump while senior Lindsey Fuller finished in 14th in the triple jump.
“Jeremiah was third heading into the finals and had enough in the tank to pull out the victory,” said assistant coach Quincy Howe. “John competed very well and stepped up at the right time and had a nice season best today.”
The throwers had a very solid day, as they competed in the shot put events. Senior Cowboy Sam Lambert took fourth-place honors with his toss of 51-9 1/4, while true freshman Toby Wood finished in ninth. The Cowgirls were represented by true freshman Kelly Gray, who failed to make the finals and finished in 18th out of 24 competitors.
The distance crew competed in the 3,000-meter run and the 1-mile run on Saturday. Leading the charge for the Cowgirls was junior Emily Higgins, as she placed sixth in both events. As for the men, senior Michael Huntington finished sixth for the Cowboys in the 1-mile run with his time of 4:25.38. Sophomores Greg Miller and Taylor Kelting placed 11th and 14th respectively in the 3,000-meter run.
The sprint team only had three competing in the finals of their events on Saturday. The Cowboys competed in the 400-meter dash, as junior Kekoa Chavez placed seventh with his time of 48.83 seconds. Fellow junior, Jay Petsch, qualified for the 60-meter hurdles with his record tying time of 8.10, and on Saturday he finished in seventh 8.38.
Cowgirls junior Erica Anderson ran the 10-best 400-meter time in Wyoming history during the preliminaries, but was unable to match it as she finished in seventh in 59.35.
“We had some tremendous performances this weekend from some very good kids. Now, if we can get the rest of the team to compete at that level, we would be pretty tough,” said head coach Don Yentes. “Both teams just left too many points on the board and allowed other teams to take them. We need to take advantage of every opportunity or this is what happens. We have our work cut out for us.”
Up next for the Cowboys and Cowgirls will be the NCAA Championships for Shanklin in the weight throw on March 13-14 in College Station, Texas.
UW has three champions in MWC track meet
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Two Cowboys and one Cowgirl came away with individual titles Friday at the Mountain West Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. As a team, the University of Wyoming men are in second place, while the Cowgirls are in seventh place.
Senior Jake Shanklin became a three-time conference champion in the 35-pound weight throw, with a winning toss of 71-feet, 9 inches. Shanklin is the first three-time conference champion at UW since Wyoming assistant coach Quincy Howe. In the weight throw, Shanklin was followed by fellow senior Sam Lambert with his third-place finish at 66-9 3/4 and freshman Joe Plante, with his freshman record of 58-8 3/4, which was good for sixth place.
“All three of the guys threw very well today. It was also nice to see Joe throw to his potential. He is going to be very good for us in the future,” said assistant coach Paul Barrett. “Jake is really starting to turn well and perfect his timing as the NCAA Championships are just around the corner.”
Jeremiah James won the long jump for Wyoming at 23-6 1/4.
The Cowgirls walked away with one conference championship of their own, as sophomore Amanda Aimone won her first MWC Championship in the 20-pound weight throw. at 58-3 1/4.
“Amanda is quite the competitor, and she wasn’t to be denied today,” said Barrett. “Last year, she placed 10th and this year she was able to win it all. That just shows how much potential she has.”
Several Cowboys and Cowgirls entered their names into the Wyoming record books on Friday. Leading the way was junior Jay Petsch, who tied the fastest 60-meter hurdle time in Wyoming history at 6.10 seconds. Petsch also improved on his third-best heptathlon score with a fourth-place finish and total of 4,995 points. Junior Keith Brauneis wrote his name in the 60-meter dash records with a tie for the ninth best time in school history of 7.05. Junior Kekoa Chavez improved on his fifth place 400-meter dash time of 48.76.
The following Cowboys and Cowgirls qualified for the finals on Saturday: Petsch (60-meter hurdles) and Chavez (400-meter dash), as well as Cowgirls Emily Higgins (1-Mile run) and Erica Anderson (400-meter dash).
The final day of the meet begins on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Senior Jake Shanklin became a three-time conference champion in the 35-pound weight throw, with a winning toss of 71-feet, 9 inches. Shanklin is the first three-time conference champion at UW since Wyoming assistant coach Quincy Howe. In the weight throw, Shanklin was followed by fellow senior Sam Lambert with his third-place finish at 66-9 3/4 and freshman Joe Plante, with his freshman record of 58-8 3/4, which was good for sixth place.
“All three of the guys threw very well today. It was also nice to see Joe throw to his potential. He is going to be very good for us in the future,” said assistant coach Paul Barrett. “Jake is really starting to turn well and perfect his timing as the NCAA Championships are just around the corner.”
Jeremiah James won the long jump for Wyoming at 23-6 1/4.
The Cowgirls walked away with one conference championship of their own, as sophomore Amanda Aimone won her first MWC Championship in the 20-pound weight throw. at 58-3 1/4.
“Amanda is quite the competitor, and she wasn’t to be denied today,” said Barrett. “Last year, she placed 10th and this year she was able to win it all. That just shows how much potential she has.”
Several Cowboys and Cowgirls entered their names into the Wyoming record books on Friday. Leading the way was junior Jay Petsch, who tied the fastest 60-meter hurdle time in Wyoming history at 6.10 seconds. Petsch also improved on his third-best heptathlon score with a fourth-place finish and total of 4,995 points. Junior Keith Brauneis wrote his name in the 60-meter dash records with a tie for the ninth best time in school history of 7.05. Junior Kekoa Chavez improved on his fifth place 400-meter dash time of 48.76.
The following Cowboys and Cowgirls qualified for the finals on Saturday: Petsch (60-meter hurdles) and Chavez (400-meter dash), as well as Cowgirls Emily Higgins (1-Mile run) and Erica Anderson (400-meter dash).
The final day of the meet begins on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Young, Dilworth win MWC titles
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Two Wyoming swimmers were crowned Mountain West Conference Champions Friday as Lesley Young won the 100 breaststroke and Marshall Dilworth won the 100 backstroke at the Oklahoma City Community College Aquatics Center.
Not only were both times school records, but Young’s time of 1 minute, 1.42 seconds is the fastest in MWC history. Dilworth’s time of 48.33 is the third fastest in conference history.
The UNLV men are on top of the standings with 584 points. Trailing the Rebels are Air Force (412), Wyoming (372), BYU (364), TCU (272), and Utah (223).
BYU is currently leading on the women’s side with 457. UNLV is next with 397, followed by Wyoming (395), Utah (366), CSU (299), San Diego State (257), TCU (236), New Mexico (174), and Air Force (93).
"The women have improved greatly and I am pleased with their performances," said UW head coach Tom Johnson. "They have battled hard this entire week and have swam well. We kind of dug ourselves in a hole on the first day on the men’s side, but they are still performing well and hopefully can make a comeback tomorrow."
The Cowgirls broke a total of three school records, highlighted by Young’s new fastest MWC time in the 100 breaststroke. That time is also NCAA "B" qualifying. Stephanie Vint swam well with a time of 4:20.19 in the 400 IM and was fifth, also a new school record. Kari Budd finished 12th in 400 IM to give the Cowgirls needed points.
The other school record that was broken on the day was in the 400 medley relay. Kelsey Conci, Young, Shelby Bull, and Cassie Stelow swam a time of 3:45.83 and placed sixth. Other Cowgirls in events today were Kristen Flachbarth (1:51.02) and Aimee Stinson (1:51.46) who finished tenth and 11th respectively in the 200 freestyle. Bull was 12th in the 100 butterfly (56.78), Stelow tenth in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.41), Conci (56.51) 11th and Caroline Wells (57.45) 16th in the 100 backstroke.
"Lesley’s record breaking time was impressive and she made a good drop from her seeded time. Stephanie and Kari swam good races as well in a very tough field. Kristen and Aimee had times that I was very impressed with and helped a lot with the points they earned," said Johnson.
The Cowgirl divers were on the platform event, while the Cowboy divers had the day off. Emily Huth led the way in eighth place with a mark of 206.45 points. Stephanie Ortiz was close behind and finished in ninth with 203.35. Other Cowgirl divers in the event was Allie Smith in 10th (212.40), and Tiffany Izatt (210.45) in 11th.
"It’s hard for the divers on the platform since we don’t have one to train on at our pool. But Emily and Stephanie did a great job and I am proud of their efforts as well as Allie’s and Tiffany’s performances ," Johnson said.
The Cowboy swim of the day came from Dilworth in the 100 backstroke. Behind Dilworth were teammates Tyler Kybartas in 12th (50.39), Devin Hougardy 14th (51.14), and Nathan Fuller in 15th (51.39). In the 400 IM, freshman Brett Henehan was close to winning, but finished third in 3:57.38.
Matt Urich was last year’s champion in the 100 butterfly and placed third this year in 47.80. Kybartas (49.40) and James Rigg (50.08) were 11th and 12th respectively. In the 100 breaststroke, Brandon Fischer swam the fourth best time in UW history and finished fourth in 54.69. Alex Larkin was close behind in seventh in 55.75, while fellow senior Eli Bell was sixth in the 200 freestyle in 1:38.34.
The Cowboy 400 medley relay squad also broke a school record. Dilworth, Fischer, Urich, and Bell swam a time of 3:15. 66 and placed third.
"Marshall had a lot of pressure on him after he was first in the preliminary round, but kept his focus and was able to win the 100 back," Johnson said. "I was very proud of how Brett and Matt swam their events today and Tyler and Eli were very solid, especially in the relay."
Action concludes Saturday in the 200 backstroke, 100 freestyle, 200 breaststroke, 200 butterfly, men’s platform diving, and 1650 freestyle. Preliminary rounds begin at 9 a.m., with finals starting at 5 p.m.
Not only were both times school records, but Young’s time of 1 minute, 1.42 seconds is the fastest in MWC history. Dilworth’s time of 48.33 is the third fastest in conference history.
The UNLV men are on top of the standings with 584 points. Trailing the Rebels are Air Force (412), Wyoming (372), BYU (364), TCU (272), and Utah (223).
BYU is currently leading on the women’s side with 457. UNLV is next with 397, followed by Wyoming (395), Utah (366), CSU (299), San Diego State (257), TCU (236), New Mexico (174), and Air Force (93).
"The women have improved greatly and I am pleased with their performances," said UW head coach Tom Johnson. "They have battled hard this entire week and have swam well. We kind of dug ourselves in a hole on the first day on the men’s side, but they are still performing well and hopefully can make a comeback tomorrow."
The Cowgirls broke a total of three school records, highlighted by Young’s new fastest MWC time in the 100 breaststroke. That time is also NCAA "B" qualifying. Stephanie Vint swam well with a time of 4:20.19 in the 400 IM and was fifth, also a new school record. Kari Budd finished 12th in 400 IM to give the Cowgirls needed points.
The other school record that was broken on the day was in the 400 medley relay. Kelsey Conci, Young, Shelby Bull, and Cassie Stelow swam a time of 3:45.83 and placed sixth. Other Cowgirls in events today were Kristen Flachbarth (1:51.02) and Aimee Stinson (1:51.46) who finished tenth and 11th respectively in the 200 freestyle. Bull was 12th in the 100 butterfly (56.78), Stelow tenth in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.41), Conci (56.51) 11th and Caroline Wells (57.45) 16th in the 100 backstroke.
"Lesley’s record breaking time was impressive and she made a good drop from her seeded time. Stephanie and Kari swam good races as well in a very tough field. Kristen and Aimee had times that I was very impressed with and helped a lot with the points they earned," said Johnson.
The Cowgirl divers were on the platform event, while the Cowboy divers had the day off. Emily Huth led the way in eighth place with a mark of 206.45 points. Stephanie Ortiz was close behind and finished in ninth with 203.35. Other Cowgirl divers in the event was Allie Smith in 10th (212.40), and Tiffany Izatt (210.45) in 11th.
"It’s hard for the divers on the platform since we don’t have one to train on at our pool. But Emily and Stephanie did a great job and I am proud of their efforts as well as Allie’s and Tiffany’s performances ," Johnson said.
The Cowboy swim of the day came from Dilworth in the 100 backstroke. Behind Dilworth were teammates Tyler Kybartas in 12th (50.39), Devin Hougardy 14th (51.14), and Nathan Fuller in 15th (51.39). In the 400 IM, freshman Brett Henehan was close to winning, but finished third in 3:57.38.
Matt Urich was last year’s champion in the 100 butterfly and placed third this year in 47.80. Kybartas (49.40) and James Rigg (50.08) were 11th and 12th respectively. In the 100 breaststroke, Brandon Fischer swam the fourth best time in UW history and finished fourth in 54.69. Alex Larkin was close behind in seventh in 55.75, while fellow senior Eli Bell was sixth in the 200 freestyle in 1:38.34.
The Cowboy 400 medley relay squad also broke a school record. Dilworth, Fischer, Urich, and Bell swam a time of 3:15. 66 and placed third.
"Marshall had a lot of pressure on him after he was first in the preliminary round, but kept his focus and was able to win the 100 back," Johnson said. "I was very proud of how Brett and Matt swam their events today and Tyler and Eli were very solid, especially in the relay."
Action concludes Saturday in the 200 backstroke, 100 freestyle, 200 breaststroke, 200 butterfly, men’s platform diving, and 1650 freestyle. Preliminary rounds begin at 9 a.m., with finals starting at 5 p.m.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Cowgirls still second; Cowboys third in MWC swim and diving championships
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- The Wyoming Cowgirls continue to sit in second place, with the Cowboys in third after the second day of the Mountain West Conference Swimming and Diving Championships on Thursday
BYU leads the women's field with 263 points, one point ahead of Wyoming. Following the Cowgirls are Utah (195.5), UNLV (187.5), Colorado State (151), San Diego State (129), TCU (129), New Mexico (124), and Air Force (48).
The Cowboys are third in the rankings with a score of 222. UW trails UNLV (295) and Air Force (243). Behind the Pokes is BYU (221), TCU (189), and Utah (123).
"All in all, it was a solid day for us, possibly one of the best days we have ever had here," said UW head coach Tom Johnson. "I am very pleased with the women today, breaking five school records. The men have also started to climb back into it with their performances today."
The women’s 500 freestyle race was the highlight of the day for the Cowgirls. Senior Aimee Stinson broke her own school record with a time of 4 minutes, 50.33 seconds and finished second. Sophomore Stephanie Vint finished in third with a time of 4:50.52, the second best mark in school history. Kristen Flachbarth inished in 12th and her time of 4:57.10 is the fourth best at UW. Sophomore Lesley Young added points for the Cowgirls in the 200 IM by placing fifth. Young’s time of 2:03.05 is also a new school record.
Cassie Stelow swam a record-breaking time in the 50 freestyle. Stelow’s time of 22.93 was a fourth place finish and broke her previous record that she set last year and the MWC Championships. A pair of freshman also added points for the Cowgirls in the 50 freestyle. Kelsey Conci placed 12th (23.57) and Shelby Bull finished in 14th (23.72).
In the only relay of the day, the Cowgirls set their fourth school record of the day. Stelow, Bull, Vint, and Conci swam the 200 freestyle relay in 1:32.59 and finished fifth.
"The women’s 500 freestyle was impressive. Aimee and Stephanie were both under the old school record. Kristen Flachbarth was awesome in that event as well and picked up some points for us," said Johnson. "Lesley broke the school record twice, once in the prelims and then again in the finals in the 200 IM and I thought Caroline did very well too. Another great performance was Cassie in the 50 free. She is the only Cowgirl to ever swim that event in under 23 seconds."
For the Cowboys, day two started with a fourth-place finish for senior Matt Urich in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:27.05. Behind Urich was freshman Brett Henehan in 12th (4:29.24), and junior Sam Holmes in 14th (4:32.81). Freshman Marshall Dilworth swam the second best time in school history in the 200 IM. Dilworth hit the wall in 1:48.60 and finished fourth, while sophomore James Rigg was close behind in sixth with a time of 1:50.02, fourth best in UW history.
In the 50 freestyle, junior Tommy Gregory was 20.42 and placed seventh. In the preliminary round, Gregory had a personal best time of 20.40, which is now the second best in school history. The Cowboys 200 freestyle relay placed fifth after a time of 1:21.80.
"Matt was a stud in the 500 free today, he moved from eighth to fourth to really help us out. Marshall also did a tremendous job. For a freshman to nearly break the school record and win third place is a great accomplishment," Johnson said. "James moved into the top-five all that time in that event today and swam very well in the relay. Tommy had a nice prelim and final round to move his name into the record books too."
The Wyoming divers continued their MWC Championships as well and contributed greatly to the scores of the team. A day after winning the MWC three-meter championship, Stephanie Ortiz scored 289.20 points on the one-meter board and finished in second place. Emily Huth, who was second behind Ortiz on Wednesday, placed fourth with a score of 282.50, and Allie Smith was in fifth at 271.95.
The Cowboys had three divers in the top eight in the three-meter finals. Sophomore Mark Murdock led the way in third place with a score of 332.20, only four points behind first place. Fellow sophomore Kyle Bogner came in seventh with 302.75, while senior Tyler Miller placed eighth with 298.95.
"The divers battled hard all day and Mark nearly won the event on his last dive. They were great today like they have been all year," Johnson said. "We had an overall solid day and I am excited to see how tomorrow will turn on."
Action will continue on Friday at the Oklahoma City Community College Aquatics Center. On the schedule will be the 400 IM, 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 100 backstroke, women’s platform diving, and 400 medley relay. Preliminary rounds will begin at 9 a.m. and the finals will begin at 5 p.m.
BYU leads the women's field with 263 points, one point ahead of Wyoming. Following the Cowgirls are Utah (195.5), UNLV (187.5), Colorado State (151), San Diego State (129), TCU (129), New Mexico (124), and Air Force (48).
The Cowboys are third in the rankings with a score of 222. UW trails UNLV (295) and Air Force (243). Behind the Pokes is BYU (221), TCU (189), and Utah (123).
"All in all, it was a solid day for us, possibly one of the best days we have ever had here," said UW head coach Tom Johnson. "I am very pleased with the women today, breaking five school records. The men have also started to climb back into it with their performances today."
The women’s 500 freestyle race was the highlight of the day for the Cowgirls. Senior Aimee Stinson broke her own school record with a time of 4 minutes, 50.33 seconds and finished second. Sophomore Stephanie Vint finished in third with a time of 4:50.52, the second best mark in school history. Kristen Flachbarth inished in 12th and her time of 4:57.10 is the fourth best at UW. Sophomore Lesley Young added points for the Cowgirls in the 200 IM by placing fifth. Young’s time of 2:03.05 is also a new school record.
Cassie Stelow swam a record-breaking time in the 50 freestyle. Stelow’s time of 22.93 was a fourth place finish and broke her previous record that she set last year and the MWC Championships. A pair of freshman also added points for the Cowgirls in the 50 freestyle. Kelsey Conci placed 12th (23.57) and Shelby Bull finished in 14th (23.72).
In the only relay of the day, the Cowgirls set their fourth school record of the day. Stelow, Bull, Vint, and Conci swam the 200 freestyle relay in 1:32.59 and finished fifth.
"The women’s 500 freestyle was impressive. Aimee and Stephanie were both under the old school record. Kristen Flachbarth was awesome in that event as well and picked up some points for us," said Johnson. "Lesley broke the school record twice, once in the prelims and then again in the finals in the 200 IM and I thought Caroline did very well too. Another great performance was Cassie in the 50 free. She is the only Cowgirl to ever swim that event in under 23 seconds."
For the Cowboys, day two started with a fourth-place finish for senior Matt Urich in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:27.05. Behind Urich was freshman Brett Henehan in 12th (4:29.24), and junior Sam Holmes in 14th (4:32.81). Freshman Marshall Dilworth swam the second best time in school history in the 200 IM. Dilworth hit the wall in 1:48.60 and finished fourth, while sophomore James Rigg was close behind in sixth with a time of 1:50.02, fourth best in UW history.
In the 50 freestyle, junior Tommy Gregory was 20.42 and placed seventh. In the preliminary round, Gregory had a personal best time of 20.40, which is now the second best in school history. The Cowboys 200 freestyle relay placed fifth after a time of 1:21.80.
"Matt was a stud in the 500 free today, he moved from eighth to fourth to really help us out. Marshall also did a tremendous job. For a freshman to nearly break the school record and win third place is a great accomplishment," Johnson said. "James moved into the top-five all that time in that event today and swam very well in the relay. Tommy had a nice prelim and final round to move his name into the record books too."
The Wyoming divers continued their MWC Championships as well and contributed greatly to the scores of the team. A day after winning the MWC three-meter championship, Stephanie Ortiz scored 289.20 points on the one-meter board and finished in second place. Emily Huth, who was second behind Ortiz on Wednesday, placed fourth with a score of 282.50, and Allie Smith was in fifth at 271.95.
The Cowboys had three divers in the top eight in the three-meter finals. Sophomore Mark Murdock led the way in third place with a score of 332.20, only four points behind first place. Fellow sophomore Kyle Bogner came in seventh with 302.75, while senior Tyler Miller placed eighth with 298.95.
"The divers battled hard all day and Mark nearly won the event on his last dive. They were great today like they have been all year," Johnson said. "We had an overall solid day and I am excited to see how tomorrow will turn on."
Action will continue on Friday at the Oklahoma City Community College Aquatics Center. On the schedule will be the 400 IM, 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 100 backstroke, women’s platform diving, and 400 medley relay. Preliminary rounds will begin at 9 a.m. and the finals will begin at 5 p.m.
UW opens MWC track championships
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Junior Jay Petsch and sophomore Britney Jackson kicked off the pentathlon and heptathlon for the Wyoming track and field team Thursday in the Mountain West Conference Championships.
Jackson finished the pentathlon in sixth place with her total of 3,306 points. Jackson who already owns the third-best pentathlon in UW history, improved on that spot and moved into second-place and trails Patty Harrington by 34 points. She set personal best’s in the 60-meter hurdles (9.23 seconds), 800-meter dash (2:38.39), shot put (29-feet, 5. 1/2 inches) and tied her personal best in the long jump (16-8 1/2).
“Britney really did a nice job of finishing the pentathlon in the 800-meter dash and really executed the game plan perfectly and moved up a spot after that race,” said assistant coach Quincy Howe. “She stumbled a little bit in the shot put and long jump, but continues to improve with every competition, give her one more year at this and she will be atop the UW list.”
Petsch currently sits in fourth place with 2,938 points with three events to finish on Friday. Petsch competed in the the 60-meter dash, long jump, shot put and the high jump on Thursday. He improved on two personal bests in the 60-meter dash (7.08) and the high jump (6-2 3/4).
“It was an all-around solid day for Jay with his two big personal bests,” said Howe. “We need Jay to come out tomorrow and have a strong 60-meter hurdle time and minimize the gap in the pole vault, and he should finish strong.”
The rest of the Cowboys and Cowgirls will compete Friday, with action beginning at 1 p.m. with the women’s 20-pound weight throw and men’s long jump. The track events will kick off with the women’s 5,000-meter run at 1:30 p.m. Live stats can be found at www.themwc.com.
Jackson finished the pentathlon in sixth place with her total of 3,306 points. Jackson who already owns the third-best pentathlon in UW history, improved on that spot and moved into second-place and trails Patty Harrington by 34 points. She set personal best’s in the 60-meter hurdles (9.23 seconds), 800-meter dash (2:38.39), shot put (29-feet, 5. 1/2 inches) and tied her personal best in the long jump (16-8 1/2).
“Britney really did a nice job of finishing the pentathlon in the 800-meter dash and really executed the game plan perfectly and moved up a spot after that race,” said assistant coach Quincy Howe. “She stumbled a little bit in the shot put and long jump, but continues to improve with every competition, give her one more year at this and she will be atop the UW list.”
Petsch currently sits in fourth place with 2,938 points with three events to finish on Friday. Petsch competed in the the 60-meter dash, long jump, shot put and the high jump on Thursday. He improved on two personal bests in the 60-meter dash (7.08) and the high jump (6-2 3/4).
“It was an all-around solid day for Jay with his two big personal bests,” said Howe. “We need Jay to come out tomorrow and have a strong 60-meter hurdle time and minimize the gap in the pole vault, and he should finish strong.”
The rest of the Cowboys and Cowgirls will compete Friday, with action beginning at 1 p.m. with the women’s 20-pound weight throw and men’s long jump. The track events will kick off with the women’s 5,000-meter run at 1:30 p.m. Live stats can be found at www.themwc.com.
Cowboy wrestlers hold off UNC
GREELEY, Colo. – Closing out a successful dual season proved to be difficult for the University of Wyoming wrestling team on Wednesday night against Northern Colorado. The Cowboys defeated the Bears by a score of 21-15 at Butler-Hancock Sports Pavilion, but not before some tense moments against a motivated Western Wrestling Conference opponent.
Wyoming finishes the dual season with a 15-3 overall record, 5-0 in the WWC. Northern Colorado ends the year 5-11-1 overall, 3-3 in league duals.
By remaining undefeated in the WWC, the Cowboys claim a share of the WWC regular season dual championship along with Northern Iowa. UW had five league victories, while UNI had only four wins within the conference and did not wrestle Wyoming and Utah Valley.
Against the Bears, the ‘Pokes won six of 10 matches wrestled and had key wins by redshirt freshmen Michael Martinez at 125 pounds and No. 18-ranked Shane Onufer at 174 pounds.
"Tonight was a dangerous situation for us and we knew coming in that Northern Colorado had a good team," Wyoming head coach Mark Branch said. "There was good and bad tonight. We trained hard this past week and I expected our guys to be tired. I’ve worn them out. However, we are well conditioned and that was not the reason we lost the matches that we did. The theme tonight was that we were sloppy.
"We’ve been talking about eliminating the type of sloppiness that we portrayed in several matches and tonight it cost us. It cost us matches and it cost us bonus points in matches we won."
UW won three matches to start the evening and gave themselves a 9-0 team lead. UNCo then won three straight to take a brief 12-9 advantage, before the Cowboys got victories in three of the last four bouts.
Heavyweight was the first weight class wrestled and in that slot UW got a 6-1 victory from freshman Jacob Scharbrough. Scharbrough wore down his much larger opponent late in the match and used a second period nearfall, as well as a third period takedown to secure the win.
Martinez then had the match of the night, beating Tony Mustari 8-2. UW’s light-weight kept the pressure on Mustari all match, breaking through with a takedown late in the second period and then dominating the third period with two more takedowns, plus riding time. Mustari had beaten Martinez earlier this season in the championship match at the Cowboy Open, was an NCAA wild-card qualifier in 2008 and has spent parts of this season in InterMat’s Top-20 rankings.
"Michael’s (Martinez) match was a hump he needed to get over," Branch said. "It was a great win for him for NCAA qualification purposes. He stayed in great position, did not get sloppy and put together a solid match against a guy that has given him problems in the past."
At 133 pounds, Wyoming’s Cory VomBaur was the beneficiary of two technical violation points against Brett Bahe and escaped a close match with an 8-7 sudden victory win in the first overtime period.
The Cowboys then dropped three straight match-ups, as Cole Dallaserra was reversed and pinned by Kenny Hashimoto at 141 pounds despite leading in the match, Chase Smith lost an 8-3 decision at 149, and Eric Coxbill was narrowly beaten by a score of 5-4 at 157 pounds.
Redshirt freshman Dallas Hintz stopped the bleeding with a 9-5 decision in favor of UW in the 165-pound weight class.
Onufer then had his way with Brandon Kammerzell at 174 pounds, getting the fall at 6:23, his 13th pin of the season. He had three takedowns, a nearfall and a reversal in the match. Onufer led 12-2 at the time of the pin, with 4:35 racked up in riding time. He now has a season record of 39-9, which ties Onufer for sixth all-time at UW with Mike Hamel (1984-85) in single season victories.
No. 8-ranked Joe LeBlanc got Wyoming’s final win of the night, a 13-8 decision over Ryan Johnson. He had six takedowns during the match, but never secured back points towards a nearfall and had to settle for only three points towards the team total. The win was LeBlanc’s 38th of the season, tying him for eighth in single season victories at UW.
Freshman Alfonso Hernandez fell just short of a big come-back at 197 pounds and lost 9-8. He trailed 5-0 to begin the match in the first period.
Next, UW will compete in the West Regional and Western Wrestling Conference Tournament on March 7. That event will also be in Greeley at Butler-Hancock and will be hosted by UNCo. Brackets and the event schedule will be released next week.
"We will now go through one more three-day training cycle and then start pulling back for the conference tournament. We want to peak at the right time," Branch said.
Wyoming finishes the dual season with a 15-3 overall record, 5-0 in the WWC. Northern Colorado ends the year 5-11-1 overall, 3-3 in league duals.
By remaining undefeated in the WWC, the Cowboys claim a share of the WWC regular season dual championship along with Northern Iowa. UW had five league victories, while UNI had only four wins within the conference and did not wrestle Wyoming and Utah Valley.
Against the Bears, the ‘Pokes won six of 10 matches wrestled and had key wins by redshirt freshmen Michael Martinez at 125 pounds and No. 18-ranked Shane Onufer at 174 pounds.
"Tonight was a dangerous situation for us and we knew coming in that Northern Colorado had a good team," Wyoming head coach Mark Branch said. "There was good and bad tonight. We trained hard this past week and I expected our guys to be tired. I’ve worn them out. However, we are well conditioned and that was not the reason we lost the matches that we did. The theme tonight was that we were sloppy.
"We’ve been talking about eliminating the type of sloppiness that we portrayed in several matches and tonight it cost us. It cost us matches and it cost us bonus points in matches we won."
UW won three matches to start the evening and gave themselves a 9-0 team lead. UNCo then won three straight to take a brief 12-9 advantage, before the Cowboys got victories in three of the last four bouts.
Heavyweight was the first weight class wrestled and in that slot UW got a 6-1 victory from freshman Jacob Scharbrough. Scharbrough wore down his much larger opponent late in the match and used a second period nearfall, as well as a third period takedown to secure the win.
Martinez then had the match of the night, beating Tony Mustari 8-2. UW’s light-weight kept the pressure on Mustari all match, breaking through with a takedown late in the second period and then dominating the third period with two more takedowns, plus riding time. Mustari had beaten Martinez earlier this season in the championship match at the Cowboy Open, was an NCAA wild-card qualifier in 2008 and has spent parts of this season in InterMat’s Top-20 rankings.
"Michael’s (Martinez) match was a hump he needed to get over," Branch said. "It was a great win for him for NCAA qualification purposes. He stayed in great position, did not get sloppy and put together a solid match against a guy that has given him problems in the past."
At 133 pounds, Wyoming’s Cory VomBaur was the beneficiary of two technical violation points against Brett Bahe and escaped a close match with an 8-7 sudden victory win in the first overtime period.
The Cowboys then dropped three straight match-ups, as Cole Dallaserra was reversed and pinned by Kenny Hashimoto at 141 pounds despite leading in the match, Chase Smith lost an 8-3 decision at 149, and Eric Coxbill was narrowly beaten by a score of 5-4 at 157 pounds.
Redshirt freshman Dallas Hintz stopped the bleeding with a 9-5 decision in favor of UW in the 165-pound weight class.
Onufer then had his way with Brandon Kammerzell at 174 pounds, getting the fall at 6:23, his 13th pin of the season. He had three takedowns, a nearfall and a reversal in the match. Onufer led 12-2 at the time of the pin, with 4:35 racked up in riding time. He now has a season record of 39-9, which ties Onufer for sixth all-time at UW with Mike Hamel (1984-85) in single season victories.
No. 8-ranked Joe LeBlanc got Wyoming’s final win of the night, a 13-8 decision over Ryan Johnson. He had six takedowns during the match, but never secured back points towards a nearfall and had to settle for only three points towards the team total. The win was LeBlanc’s 38th of the season, tying him for eighth in single season victories at UW.
Freshman Alfonso Hernandez fell just short of a big come-back at 197 pounds and lost 9-8. He trailed 5-0 to begin the match in the first period.
Next, UW will compete in the West Regional and Western Wrestling Conference Tournament on March 7. That event will also be in Greeley at Butler-Hancock and will be hosted by UNCo. Brackets and the event schedule will be released next week.
"We will now go through one more three-day training cycle and then start pulling back for the conference tournament. We want to peak at the right time," Branch said.
Ortiz wins 3-meter board for Cowgirls
Junior diver Stephanie OrtizOKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Wyoming junior diver Stephanie Ortiz gave the Cowgirls their first title of the Mountain West Conference Championships on Wednesday.
Ortiz came into the final round ranked first on three-meter competition and then broke her own school record with a dive total of 325.90 points. Teammate Emily Huth was right behind Ortiz in second place with a score of 304.55, the third best mark in school history. Freshman Tiffany Izatt added an eighth place finish with a score of 267.85.
“Stephanie was incredible today. She made a mistake on her first dive, but showed a lot of poise to make up for that mistake and still win,” said UW diving coach Ben Herdt. “Emily Huth did a tremendous job today as well to place second. Those two have worked very hard and it is great to see their hard work paying off.”
The Cowboys also had a successful day as they competed on one-meter board, three of the four Pokes finished in the top eight. Last year’s champion, Kyle Bogner, tallied a final total of 326.40 to finish in second place. Senior Tyler Miller was close behind in third with a score of 311.35, and sophomore Mark Murdock placed eighth with 279.15.
“The men’s event was up in the air and I think they performed very well today. Kyle and Tyler were right on the heels of the diver who won it,” Herdt said. “I am very excited to see how both the Cowboys and Cowgirls perform tomorrow.”
In the swimming pool, the Cowboys broke the school record in the 200 medley relay and finished second with a time of 1 minute, 28.35 seconds. With that time, Wyoming ranks in the NCAA top 25 in that event. In the only other race of the day, the 800 freestyle relay, the Cowboys were disqualified.
For the Cowgirl swimmers, the 200 medley relay finished fourth with a time of 1:42.65, a new school record as well. The 800 freestyle relay team also had a school record breaking time of 7:24.32, and finished in fifth.
“The Cowgirl relays improved greatly from last time we swam,” said UW head coach Tom Johnson. “They were both school records and NCAA “B” qualifying times. On the men’s we were obviously disappointed in the 800 free relay, but the 200 medley was the fastest in school history. There are three more days of swimming and a lot more opportunities.”
The action will continue Thursday at the Oklahoma City Community College Aquatics Center. Events that will take place are the men’s three-meter diving, women’s one-meter diving, 500 freestyle, 200 IM, 50 freestyle, and 200 freestyle relay.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
UW Racquetball Club competes
Members of the University of Wyoming's newest club sports team, racquetball, won several matches at a tournament last weekend in Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Four UW players competed in the top division's double elimination bracket. Denver University and the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs also competed in the day-long tournament.
UW's Erik Elgin from Riverton placed third, winning three of five matches. Teammate Jacob Stutheit, Casper, posted the same record; Green River's Luke Brandjord split his four matches; and Michael Campbell of Rapid City, S.D., had a 1-2 record.
A round-robin format was used in division two competition. UW's Josh Jones, Lander, took second place with two wins and two losses. The team's first female player, Jade Stutheit, Casper, competed against her male counterparts, to claim took third place, also with a 2-2 record. Playing in his first racquetball tournament, Chris Cronick, Anchorage, Alaska, went 0-4.
"There was stiff competition, especially from Denver University, and our team competed solidly," said Lena Edmunds, the club's adviser/coach and UW AWARE Program coordinator. "All of the games were close and quite a few matches went to tie-breaker. Our team played a lot of racquetball in a short period of time and was able to maintain good fundamental racquetball skills throughout the tournament. I was proud of how our team competed."
Four UW players competed in the top division's double elimination bracket. Denver University and the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs also competed in the day-long tournament.
UW's Erik Elgin from Riverton placed third, winning three of five matches. Teammate Jacob Stutheit, Casper, posted the same record; Green River's Luke Brandjord split his four matches; and Michael Campbell of Rapid City, S.D., had a 1-2 record.
A round-robin format was used in division two competition. UW's Josh Jones, Lander, took second place with two wins and two losses. The team's first female player, Jade Stutheit, Casper, competed against her male counterparts, to claim took third place, also with a 2-2 record. Playing in his first racquetball tournament, Chris Cronick, Anchorage, Alaska, went 0-4.
"There was stiff competition, especially from Denver University, and our team competed solidly," said Lena Edmunds, the club's adviser/coach and UW AWARE Program coordinator. "All of the games were close and quite a few matches went to tie-breaker. Our team played a lot of racquetball in a short period of time and was able to maintain good fundamental racquetball skills throughout the tournament. I was proud of how our team competed."
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
UW swimmer and divers ready to contend in MWC Championships
The season long wait is over for the Wyoming swimming and diving team, as they travel to Oklahoma City, Okla. to compete in the 2009 Mountain West Conference Championships. The Cowboys enter the meet seeded second, while the Cowgirls finished the regular season in sixth. The meet will begin Wednesday and run through Saturday at the Oklahoma City Community College Aquatic Center.
"We have been talking about this week all season, and I feel like we can contend for a title, especially on the men’s side," said UW head coach Tom Johnson. "We need to have our divers dominate like they have all season, and for the relays to be at their very best."
The Cowboys finished the 2008-09 campaign with an overall mark of 12-1, and MWC record of 4-1. The Cowgirls closed out the season with a MWC dual record of 4-4,12-4 overall.
UNLV enters this week’s meet as the top-seed on the men’s side after finishing with an undefeated record in MWC dual meets. The Rebels are currently ranked 24th by the College Swim Coaches Association of America. UNLV was the only team to defeat the Cowboys this season.
On the women’s side, BYU finished the MWC dual season 8-0,17-1 overall, and will look to win their third consecutive championship. Colorado State follows the Cougars in the standings with a conference record of 6-2.
Individually for the Cowgirls, sophomore Lesley Young ranks second in the MWC in the 100 breaststroke and third in the 200 breaststroke, while junior Cassie Stelow ranks in the top 10 in the 50 freestyle. Senior Aimee Stinson won the 1650 freestyle last year at the championships, and will look to repeat in that event. Stinson ranks third in the MWC in the 1000 freestyle and in the top-15 in both the 500 and 1650 freestyle. The 200 medley relay team holds the second best time in the conference as well.
For the Cowboys, two seniors will look to win their third career MWC Championship. Alex Larkin, the MWC 200 breaststroke champion in 2006 and the 100 breaststroke champion in 2007, enters this week with the fourth best time in the 200 breaststroke. Fellow senior Matt Urich won both the 100 and 200 butterfly a year ago, and ranks third in the 100 butterfly and eighth in the 200. Senior Eli Bell and junior Tommy Gregory will lead the way for the Pokes in the freestyle events, while freshman Marshall Dilworth ranks in the top-ten in both the 100 and 200 backstroke.
On the diving boards, Wyoming has a number of top performances in the MWC. Junior Stephanie Ortiz, six-time MWC Diver of the Week, owns the top score on the three-meter board (313.73 points) and second on one-meter (309.45). For the Pokes, Mark Murdock set the school record on platform with a score of 332.10 earlier this season. That score is also the top mark in the conference thus far. Tyler Miller ranks second on one-meter spring board, while last year’s champion Kyle Bogner, is third.
"For the men, we need to swim well in the distance and sprint events and come out with wins in the events we are strong at. The relays need to be competitive, which they can be, and the divers to continue their success." Johnson said. "The women are good at the relays, especially the medley relays. I am hoping Aimee (Stinson) can defend her title and Lesley (Young) can win her events as well. Our diving and relays will have to carry the women’s team."
Scheduled events on Wednesday’s opening day include men’s one-meter diving, women’s three-meter diving, the 200 medley relay and 800 freestyle relay.
Live stats will be available online by visiting http://themwc.cstv.com/livestats/c-swim/results/index.htm.
"We have been talking about this week all season, and I feel like we can contend for a title, especially on the men’s side," said UW head coach Tom Johnson. "We need to have our divers dominate like they have all season, and for the relays to be at their very best."
The Cowboys finished the 2008-09 campaign with an overall mark of 12-1, and MWC record of 4-1. The Cowgirls closed out the season with a MWC dual record of 4-4,12-4 overall.
UNLV enters this week’s meet as the top-seed on the men’s side after finishing with an undefeated record in MWC dual meets. The Rebels are currently ranked 24th by the College Swim Coaches Association of America. UNLV was the only team to defeat the Cowboys this season.
On the women’s side, BYU finished the MWC dual season 8-0,17-1 overall, and will look to win their third consecutive championship. Colorado State follows the Cougars in the standings with a conference record of 6-2.
Individually for the Cowgirls, sophomore Lesley Young ranks second in the MWC in the 100 breaststroke and third in the 200 breaststroke, while junior Cassie Stelow ranks in the top 10 in the 50 freestyle. Senior Aimee Stinson won the 1650 freestyle last year at the championships, and will look to repeat in that event. Stinson ranks third in the MWC in the 1000 freestyle and in the top-15 in both the 500 and 1650 freestyle. The 200 medley relay team holds the second best time in the conference as well.
For the Cowboys, two seniors will look to win their third career MWC Championship. Alex Larkin, the MWC 200 breaststroke champion in 2006 and the 100 breaststroke champion in 2007, enters this week with the fourth best time in the 200 breaststroke. Fellow senior Matt Urich won both the 100 and 200 butterfly a year ago, and ranks third in the 100 butterfly and eighth in the 200. Senior Eli Bell and junior Tommy Gregory will lead the way for the Pokes in the freestyle events, while freshman Marshall Dilworth ranks in the top-ten in both the 100 and 200 backstroke.
On the diving boards, Wyoming has a number of top performances in the MWC. Junior Stephanie Ortiz, six-time MWC Diver of the Week, owns the top score on the three-meter board (313.73 points) and second on one-meter (309.45). For the Pokes, Mark Murdock set the school record on platform with a score of 332.10 earlier this season. That score is also the top mark in the conference thus far. Tyler Miller ranks second on one-meter spring board, while last year’s champion Kyle Bogner, is third.
"For the men, we need to swim well in the distance and sprint events and come out with wins in the events we are strong at. The relays need to be competitive, which they can be, and the divers to continue their success." Johnson said. "The women are good at the relays, especially the medley relays. I am hoping Aimee (Stinson) can defend her title and Lesley (Young) can win her events as well. Our diving and relays will have to carry the women’s team."
Scheduled events on Wednesday’s opening day include men’s one-meter diving, women’s three-meter diving, the 200 medley relay and 800 freestyle relay.
Live stats will be available online by visiting http://themwc.cstv.com/livestats/c-swim/results/index.htm.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
UW names 2009 Hall of Fame class
Two outstanding football players, an eight-time conference champion in track and field, an exceptional two-sport athlete, the 1961 National Champion rodeo team, a star basketball point guard and two accomplished individuals who have meant a great deal to Wyoming athletics comprise the latest class of the University of Wyoming Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, Selection Committee Chairman Ken Cook announced on Saturday.
The dinner and induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame's 17th class will be held on Sept. 4 at the UW Convention Center Hilton Garden Inn.
The inductees are Jesseca Cross (basketball and track, 1994-98), Sean Fleming (football, 1988-91), Quincy Howe (track, 1999-2002), Gene Huey (football, 1966-68), Mike Jackson (basketball, 1980-83), Al Simpson and Pete Simpson (special achievement) and the 1961 National Champion Rodeo Team.
"As is the case every year, we are extremely proud of this class," Cook said. "This group certainly left its mark on the University and the state of Wyoming. We are looking forward to the banquet in September."
A total of 103 individuals and nine teams have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1993. It's plaque display is located on the second floor of the Rochelle Athletics Center.
The Hall of Fame Committee met in January to make its final selections for this year's class. The inductees must fit into one of five categories: student-athlete, coach, team, athletics staff members or special achievement. Special achievement includes individuals who have contributed to the ideal of sports at the University. Each nominee must receive at least 75 percent of the committee's vote to be eligible for induction.
Members of the committee are Cook (chairman), Ron Flack, Stig Hallingbye, Dave Madia, Margie McDonald, Kevin McKinney, Molly Moore, Brian Morgen, Lisa Skiles Parady, Bruce Pivic, Mike Schutte and Dave Walsh.
---
Jesseca Cross
Hometown: Powell
Wyoming Sport: Basketball, Track & Field
Years: 1993-98
A multi-talented athlete, Cross starred in basketball for the Cowgirls from 1993-97. As a four-year letterwinner, Cross was first team all-conference in 1995-96 and second team all-conference in 1996-97. She was a three-time academic all-WAC selection and a three-time WAC Scholar-Athlete, and was honored as Wyoming's NCAA Woman of the Year in 1996-97. A terrific all-around player, Cross is still listed in the Wyoming record books as 14th all-time in scoring, 11th in assists, 11th in rebounds, 18th in steals, and 7th in three-point field goals made. Following her basketball playing days, Cross embarked on a stellar career as a thrower for UW's track and field team. She earned All-America honors three times, once in the indoor 20 lb. weight throw (1996), and in the indoor and outdoor shotput (1998). She still holds the UW records in the indoor and outdoor shot put, while ranking 3rd in the discus, 6th in the hammer throw, and 8th in the indoor 20 lb. weight throw. In 1998, Cross was honored as a National Strength & Conditioning All-American. Cross competed in the 2000 Olympic Games in both the shot put and the hammer, becoming the first female athlete ever to compete in both of those events at the same Games.
Sean Fleming
Hometown: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Sport: Football
Years: 1988-91
The greatest scorer in UW football history, Fleming holds virtually every UW place-kicking record. During his four-year career, Fleming scored a total of 324 points, including 153 extra points and 57 field goals. He also set the single-season scoring record for a kicker with 110 points (17 field goals, 59 extra points) in 1988, as well as the single-game scoring record with 20 points (six field goals and two extra points vs. Arkansas State in 1990). Fleming is also Wyoming's career leader in field goals made (57) and extra points made (153), as well as the record for consecutive extra points made in a season with 59 straight in 1988. Fleming led the team in scoring in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Also the team's punter from 1989-91, Fleming averaged 42.3 yards per punt in 1989, 39.3 yards per punt in 1990, and 39.7 yards per punt in 1991. He holds the UW record for longest punt with a 90 yard boot against Louisville in 1990. In just his fourth collegiate game, Fleming kicked the game-tying and game-winning field goals in a 48-45 comeback victory over Air Force in Colorado Springs in 1988. Wyoming won one conference championship and went to two bowl games during Fleming's career. After leaving UW, Fleming had a stellar career in the Canadian Football League playing sixteen seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos. He was a four-time CFL West Division All-Star, two-time CFL All-Star, and three-time Eskimos nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian. He played in five Grey Cup championships, winning three, and was named the 81st Grey Cup's Most Valuable Canadian. Also the Eskimos' all-time leading scorer, Fleming holds virtually every Edmonton place-kicking and punting record as well.
Quincy Hayden Howe
Hometown: Parrylands, Guapo, Trinidad
Sport: Track & Field
Years: 1998-2002
A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Howe came to Wyoming in 1998 and proceeded to rewrite the record books. A two-time NCAA All-American in the triple jump, Howe also was an eight-time conference champion in that event -- winning all eight conference championships in which he competed. He still holds the UW and Mountain West Conference records in both the indoor and outdoor triple jump with marks of 54' 9 14" and 54' 4 3/4". In 2002, he competed in the NACAC Games placing third and in the Commonwealth Games placing ninth, representing his native country of Trinidad and Tobago. He was also a Pan-Am Games team selection in 2003, and was named to the prestigious MWC 10th Anniversary Indoor Track & Field Team in the fall of 2008. Howe received his bachelor's degree in bioelectrical engineering from UW in 2003 and is pursuing a master's degree in biomechanics. Howe is currently in his 6th year as an assistant track coach at Wyoming.
Gene Huey
Hometown: Uniontown, Penn.
Sport: Football
Years: 1966-68
Huey starred as a split end and defensive back during the 1966, 1967 and 1968 seasons, setting a number of records and leading the Cowboys to a pair of bowl appearances. Huey, who captained the Cowboys in 1968, played on three Western Athletic Conference championship teams. In 1966, the Pokes finished 10-1 with a 28-20 victory over Florida State in the Sun Bowl. In 1967, the Cowboys finished their regular season 10-0 amd took heavily-favored Louisiana State to the limit before falling 20-13 in the Sugar Bowl. And, in 1968, Huey led Wyoming to a 7-3 mark and its third straight WAC title. Along the way, Huey set 13 UW pass receiving records. Huey is still tied for fifth all-time in UW career touchdown receptions with fourteen. In 1967, he finished 14th in the nation in receiving with 53 receptions for 868 yards and five touchdowns. In 1968, he had 43 receptions for 626 yards and nine touchdowns, while also recording 25 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass breakups on defense, and earned "Lineman of the Week" honors in Sports Illustrated for his outstanding play in the Cowboys' 48-3 win over Utah State. Huey led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 1967 and 1968. Huey went on to play in the All-American Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game and played two seasons in the NFL with the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and San Diego Chargers. Huey earned his bachelor's degree in physical education at UW in 1971. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for his alma mater in 1972, and coached at New Mexico, Nebraska, Arizona State, and Ohio State before joining the Indianapolis Colts in 1992 as running backs coach.
Mike Jackson
Hometown: Aurora, Colo.
Sport: Basketball
Years: 1980-83
An outstanding all-around player, Jackson started at point guard for the Cowboys as a freshman. He led the team in assists in 1981, 1982 and 1983, and was named second-team all-conference in 1982 and first-team all-conference in 1983. With Jackson running the point and playing outstanding defense, the Cowboys won 80 games, two conference championships, and twice went to the NCAA Tournament. He was elected team tri-captain and voted team MVP for the 1982-83 season. Jackson is 5th all-time in career assists, holds the second-best assist average for a season with 5.2 in 1982-83, and has the second-best mark for assists in a game with 14 against Colorado in 1982. Although a knee injury suffered with five games remaining in his senior year cut short his Cowboy career, he was still drafted by the Kansas City Kings in the fourth round of the 1983 NBA Draft.
Senator Alan K. Simpson
Hometown: Cody,
Special Achievement
Al Simpson lettered in football and basketball at the University of Wyoming in 1952 and 1953. Upon his graduation in 1954, he served in the U. S. Army for two years. He returned to UW in 1956 and earned his law degree in 1958. He practiced law in Cody for eighteen years and was very active in local and state politics. He was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives in 1964 and served for 13 years. In 1978, Simpson was elected to the U. S. Senate and served three terms, including 10 years as Assistant Majority Leader. After retiring from the Senate, Simpson was a visiting lecturer and Director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government for two years. He then returned to the University of Wyoming as a visiting lecturer in the Political Science department. Simpson remains a partner in a law firm in Cody and continues to serve on numerous corporate and non-profit boards and travels the country giving speeches on a variety of subjects. His book, Right in the Old Gazoo: A Lifetime of Scrapping with the Press, chronicles his personal experiences and views of the Fourth Estate. He continues to be a vocal and passionate supporter of the University of Wyoming and its athletics department, including serving as emcee at several of the Hall of Fame banquets.
Peter K. Simpson
Hometown: Cody
Special Achievement
Peter Simpson lettered in basketball and earned his bachelor's degree in history at UW in 1953. Since then he has been a tireless contributor to the University of Wyoming. After serving four years in the U. S. Navy and several years in private business, Simpson returned to UW for his master's degree in History. He then moved to the University of Oregon to earn his Ph.D., also in History. In the early 1970s, Simpson returned to Wyoming and began a career as an administrator. He served as an assistant to the President at Casper College, then became Dean of Instruction at Sheridan College. While in Sheridan, he was elected to and served two terms in the State Legislature. In 1984, Simpson became UW Vice President for Development and Executive Director of the UW Foundation. He resigned from that post to run for Governor in 1986, and returned to UW as vice president for development and alumni affairs and later vice president for institutional advancement. After retiring in 1997, Simpson taught at UW as an adjunct professor of history and was the Milward Simpson Distinguished Visiting Professor in 1999 and 2000. An energetic and highly visible supporter of UW Athletics, Simpson has served as an emcee at several of the Hall of Fame banquets.
1961 National Champion Rodeo Team
Team Members: Leon Cook, Jerry Kaufman, Jim Moore, Frank Shepperson, Al Smith and Fred Wilson.
The only national champion men's rodeo team in UW history, the 1961 Cowboys were all Wyoming natives. In the regional championships, Moore finished fifth in bareback riding, Wilson was first in bareback riding and second in saddle bronc riding, Shepperson was fifth in saddle bronc riding, Kaufmann was third in ribbon roping, Smith finished sixth in ribbon roping Cook was fourth in steer wrestling and fourth in saddle bronc riding. As a team, the Cowboys ranked in the top two at the Regional Championships and earned a slot in the 1961 College National Finals Rodeo. At the CNFR in Sacramento, Calif., Moore finished third in bareback riding, Wilson was fourth in saddle bronc riding, Shepperson competed in five events, Smith was second in calf roping and fourth in ribbon roping, and Cook placed in the steer wrestling, earning enough points to give Wyoming the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) team title. Wilson went on to win the NIRA bareback riding championship in 1962, and Shepperson won the NIRA steer wrestling championship in 1964. All except for Cook went on to rodeo professionally. Shepperson won the PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler in 1975. Kaufman won the Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping championship in 1971. Moore served as the PRCA Steer Roping Director in 1977-78. All the members of the team still live in Wyoming at least part of the year, and all have been leaders in the Wyoming ranching and livestock industry.
The dinner and induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame's 17th class will be held on Sept. 4 at the UW Convention Center Hilton Garden Inn.
The inductees are Jesseca Cross (basketball and track, 1994-98), Sean Fleming (football, 1988-91), Quincy Howe (track, 1999-2002), Gene Huey (football, 1966-68), Mike Jackson (basketball, 1980-83), Al Simpson and Pete Simpson (special achievement) and the 1961 National Champion Rodeo Team.
"As is the case every year, we are extremely proud of this class," Cook said. "This group certainly left its mark on the University and the state of Wyoming. We are looking forward to the banquet in September."
A total of 103 individuals and nine teams have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1993. It's plaque display is located on the second floor of the Rochelle Athletics Center.
The Hall of Fame Committee met in January to make its final selections for this year's class. The inductees must fit into one of five categories: student-athlete, coach, team, athletics staff members or special achievement. Special achievement includes individuals who have contributed to the ideal of sports at the University. Each nominee must receive at least 75 percent of the committee's vote to be eligible for induction.
Members of the committee are Cook (chairman), Ron Flack, Stig Hallingbye, Dave Madia, Margie McDonald, Kevin McKinney, Molly Moore, Brian Morgen, Lisa Skiles Parady, Bruce Pivic, Mike Schutte and Dave Walsh.
---
Jesseca Cross
Hometown: Powell
Wyoming Sport: Basketball, Track & Field
Years: 1993-98
A multi-talented athlete, Cross starred in basketball for the Cowgirls from 1993-97. As a four-year letterwinner, Cross was first team all-conference in 1995-96 and second team all-conference in 1996-97. She was a three-time academic all-WAC selection and a three-time WAC Scholar-Athlete, and was honored as Wyoming's NCAA Woman of the Year in 1996-97. A terrific all-around player, Cross is still listed in the Wyoming record books as 14th all-time in scoring, 11th in assists, 11th in rebounds, 18th in steals, and 7th in three-point field goals made. Following her basketball playing days, Cross embarked on a stellar career as a thrower for UW's track and field team. She earned All-America honors three times, once in the indoor 20 lb. weight throw (1996), and in the indoor and outdoor shotput (1998). She still holds the UW records in the indoor and outdoor shot put, while ranking 3rd in the discus, 6th in the hammer throw, and 8th in the indoor 20 lb. weight throw. In 1998, Cross was honored as a National Strength & Conditioning All-American. Cross competed in the 2000 Olympic Games in both the shot put and the hammer, becoming the first female athlete ever to compete in both of those events at the same Games.
Sean Fleming
Hometown: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Sport: Football
Years: 1988-91
The greatest scorer in UW football history, Fleming holds virtually every UW place-kicking record. During his four-year career, Fleming scored a total of 324 points, including 153 extra points and 57 field goals. He also set the single-season scoring record for a kicker with 110 points (17 field goals, 59 extra points) in 1988, as well as the single-game scoring record with 20 points (six field goals and two extra points vs. Arkansas State in 1990). Fleming is also Wyoming's career leader in field goals made (57) and extra points made (153), as well as the record for consecutive extra points made in a season with 59 straight in 1988. Fleming led the team in scoring in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Also the team's punter from 1989-91, Fleming averaged 42.3 yards per punt in 1989, 39.3 yards per punt in 1990, and 39.7 yards per punt in 1991. He holds the UW record for longest punt with a 90 yard boot against Louisville in 1990. In just his fourth collegiate game, Fleming kicked the game-tying and game-winning field goals in a 48-45 comeback victory over Air Force in Colorado Springs in 1988. Wyoming won one conference championship and went to two bowl games during Fleming's career. After leaving UW, Fleming had a stellar career in the Canadian Football League playing sixteen seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos. He was a four-time CFL West Division All-Star, two-time CFL All-Star, and three-time Eskimos nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian. He played in five Grey Cup championships, winning three, and was named the 81st Grey Cup's Most Valuable Canadian. Also the Eskimos' all-time leading scorer, Fleming holds virtually every Edmonton place-kicking and punting record as well.
Quincy Hayden Howe
Hometown: Parrylands, Guapo, Trinidad
Sport: Track & Field
Years: 1998-2002
A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Howe came to Wyoming in 1998 and proceeded to rewrite the record books. A two-time NCAA All-American in the triple jump, Howe also was an eight-time conference champion in that event -- winning all eight conference championships in which he competed. He still holds the UW and Mountain West Conference records in both the indoor and outdoor triple jump with marks of 54' 9 14" and 54' 4 3/4". In 2002, he competed in the NACAC Games placing third and in the Commonwealth Games placing ninth, representing his native country of Trinidad and Tobago. He was also a Pan-Am Games team selection in 2003, and was named to the prestigious MWC 10th Anniversary Indoor Track & Field Team in the fall of 2008. Howe received his bachelor's degree in bioelectrical engineering from UW in 2003 and is pursuing a master's degree in biomechanics. Howe is currently in his 6th year as an assistant track coach at Wyoming.
Gene Huey
Hometown: Uniontown, Penn.
Sport: Football
Years: 1966-68
Huey starred as a split end and defensive back during the 1966, 1967 and 1968 seasons, setting a number of records and leading the Cowboys to a pair of bowl appearances. Huey, who captained the Cowboys in 1968, played on three Western Athletic Conference championship teams. In 1966, the Pokes finished 10-1 with a 28-20 victory over Florida State in the Sun Bowl. In 1967, the Cowboys finished their regular season 10-0 amd took heavily-favored Louisiana State to the limit before falling 20-13 in the Sugar Bowl. And, in 1968, Huey led Wyoming to a 7-3 mark and its third straight WAC title. Along the way, Huey set 13 UW pass receiving records. Huey is still tied for fifth all-time in UW career touchdown receptions with fourteen. In 1967, he finished 14th in the nation in receiving with 53 receptions for 868 yards and five touchdowns. In 1968, he had 43 receptions for 626 yards and nine touchdowns, while also recording 25 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass breakups on defense, and earned "Lineman of the Week" honors in Sports Illustrated for his outstanding play in the Cowboys' 48-3 win over Utah State. Huey led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 1967 and 1968. Huey went on to play in the All-American Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game and played two seasons in the NFL with the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and San Diego Chargers. Huey earned his bachelor's degree in physical education at UW in 1971. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for his alma mater in 1972, and coached at New Mexico, Nebraska, Arizona State, and Ohio State before joining the Indianapolis Colts in 1992 as running backs coach.
Mike Jackson
Hometown: Aurora, Colo.
Sport: Basketball
Years: 1980-83
An outstanding all-around player, Jackson started at point guard for the Cowboys as a freshman. He led the team in assists in 1981, 1982 and 1983, and was named second-team all-conference in 1982 and first-team all-conference in 1983. With Jackson running the point and playing outstanding defense, the Cowboys won 80 games, two conference championships, and twice went to the NCAA Tournament. He was elected team tri-captain and voted team MVP for the 1982-83 season. Jackson is 5th all-time in career assists, holds the second-best assist average for a season with 5.2 in 1982-83, and has the second-best mark for assists in a game with 14 against Colorado in 1982. Although a knee injury suffered with five games remaining in his senior year cut short his Cowboy career, he was still drafted by the Kansas City Kings in the fourth round of the 1983 NBA Draft.
Senator Alan K. Simpson
Hometown: Cody,
Special Achievement
Al Simpson lettered in football and basketball at the University of Wyoming in 1952 and 1953. Upon his graduation in 1954, he served in the U. S. Army for two years. He returned to UW in 1956 and earned his law degree in 1958. He practiced law in Cody for eighteen years and was very active in local and state politics. He was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives in 1964 and served for 13 years. In 1978, Simpson was elected to the U. S. Senate and served three terms, including 10 years as Assistant Majority Leader. After retiring from the Senate, Simpson was a visiting lecturer and Director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government for two years. He then returned to the University of Wyoming as a visiting lecturer in the Political Science department. Simpson remains a partner in a law firm in Cody and continues to serve on numerous corporate and non-profit boards and travels the country giving speeches on a variety of subjects. His book, Right in the Old Gazoo: A Lifetime of Scrapping with the Press, chronicles his personal experiences and views of the Fourth Estate. He continues to be a vocal and passionate supporter of the University of Wyoming and its athletics department, including serving as emcee at several of the Hall of Fame banquets.
Peter K. Simpson
Hometown: Cody
Special Achievement
Peter Simpson lettered in basketball and earned his bachelor's degree in history at UW in 1953. Since then he has been a tireless contributor to the University of Wyoming. After serving four years in the U. S. Navy and several years in private business, Simpson returned to UW for his master's degree in History. He then moved to the University of Oregon to earn his Ph.D., also in History. In the early 1970s, Simpson returned to Wyoming and began a career as an administrator. He served as an assistant to the President at Casper College, then became Dean of Instruction at Sheridan College. While in Sheridan, he was elected to and served two terms in the State Legislature. In 1984, Simpson became UW Vice President for Development and Executive Director of the UW Foundation. He resigned from that post to run for Governor in 1986, and returned to UW as vice president for development and alumni affairs and later vice president for institutional advancement. After retiring in 1997, Simpson taught at UW as an adjunct professor of history and was the Milward Simpson Distinguished Visiting Professor in 1999 and 2000. An energetic and highly visible supporter of UW Athletics, Simpson has served as an emcee at several of the Hall of Fame banquets.
1961 National Champion Rodeo Team
Team Members: Leon Cook, Jerry Kaufman, Jim Moore, Frank Shepperson, Al Smith and Fred Wilson.
The only national champion men's rodeo team in UW history, the 1961 Cowboys were all Wyoming natives. In the regional championships, Moore finished fifth in bareback riding, Wilson was first in bareback riding and second in saddle bronc riding, Shepperson was fifth in saddle bronc riding, Kaufmann was third in ribbon roping, Smith finished sixth in ribbon roping Cook was fourth in steer wrestling and fourth in saddle bronc riding. As a team, the Cowboys ranked in the top two at the Regional Championships and earned a slot in the 1961 College National Finals Rodeo. At the CNFR in Sacramento, Calif., Moore finished third in bareback riding, Wilson was fourth in saddle bronc riding, Shepperson competed in five events, Smith was second in calf roping and fourth in ribbon roping, and Cook placed in the steer wrestling, earning enough points to give Wyoming the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) team title. Wilson went on to win the NIRA bareback riding championship in 1962, and Shepperson won the NIRA steer wrestling championship in 1964. All except for Cook went on to rodeo professionally. Shepperson won the PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler in 1975. Kaufman won the Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping championship in 1971. Moore served as the PRCA Steer Roping Director in 1977-78. All the members of the team still live in Wyoming at least part of the year, and all have been leaders in the Wyoming ranching and livestock industry.
Friday, February 20, 2009
UW thinclads compete in home meet
The University of Wyoming indoor track and field teams tuned up for next week's Mountain West Conference Championships with the annual Robert Shine Invitational Friday at the War Memorial Fieldhouse.
"We came into today trying to tune up a few things before the conference meet next week and I feel that we accomplished a few nice things today," said head coach Don Yentes. "Sam (Lambert) and Jeremiah (James) had really big days for us today and are getting closer and closer with every meet."
Lambert had two big personal bests in the shot put and 35-pound weight throw, as he placed second in the shot put with his toss of 52-feet, 1 3/4 inches and fourth in the weight throw, as he provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships at 67-2 1/4, which is 12th in the nation this season.
James came close to the provisional mark with his jump of 24-3.74 and obtained his fourth first-place title this season. James will enter the conference championships as the leading long-jumper and returning champion.
"Jeremiah continues to sneak up on that provisional mark and hopefully he can reach that mark next weekend," said Yentes.
The Cowgirls finished with eight titles, led by sophomore Amanda Aimone, who captured the 20-ppound weight throw at 58-9 1/4.
Sophomore Afiya Walker took the title in the 400-meter dash with her personal best time of 58.31 seconds. Freshman Lindsey Simmons won the 200-meter dash in 26.19. The two of them combined with junior Erica Anderson and senior Nikki Peterson to run a 4x400-meter in 4:08.04.
"Our young players performed well today and hopefully they can use this as a springboard into a successful weekend at conference," said Yentes.
"We came into today trying to tune up a few things before the conference meet next week and I feel that we accomplished a few nice things today," said head coach Don Yentes. "Sam (Lambert) and Jeremiah (James) had really big days for us today and are getting closer and closer with every meet."
Lambert had two big personal bests in the shot put and 35-pound weight throw, as he placed second in the shot put with his toss of 52-feet, 1 3/4 inches and fourth in the weight throw, as he provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships at 67-2 1/4, which is 12th in the nation this season.
James came close to the provisional mark with his jump of 24-3.74 and obtained his fourth first-place title this season. James will enter the conference championships as the leading long-jumper and returning champion.
"Jeremiah continues to sneak up on that provisional mark and hopefully he can reach that mark next weekend," said Yentes.
The Cowgirls finished with eight titles, led by sophomore Amanda Aimone, who captured the 20-ppound weight throw at 58-9 1/4.
Sophomore Afiya Walker took the title in the 400-meter dash with her personal best time of 58.31 seconds. Freshman Lindsey Simmons won the 200-meter dash in 26.19. The two of them combined with junior Erica Anderson and senior Nikki Peterson to run a 4x400-meter in 4:08.04.
"Our young players performed well today and hopefully they can use this as a springboard into a successful weekend at conference," said Yentes.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
UW to host Shine Invitational
The University of Wyoming track and field teams will host the Robert Shine Invitational Friday at the War Memorial Fieldhouse. Also competing will be Air Force and Colorado State.
Leading the way for the Cowboys this season is 35-pound weight thrower Jake Shanklin and jumper Jeremiah James. Shanklin, who will be competing in his last meet at the War Memorial Fieldhouse, is currently fifth in the nation and has automatically qualified for the NCAA Championships with a throw of 72-0 1/2. He will go up against Colorado State’s NCAA provisional qualifier, Alex Godell, who owns a throw of 65-5 this season. James will be heavily watched for his eighth-straight win in the long jump. James has won his last seven long jump events that he has competed in for Wyoming and will also be competing in the triple jump this meet.
On the women’s side, Wyoming freshman Kelly Gray faces tough competition against Air Force’s shot put thrower Sara Neubaur who is provisionally qualified for the NCAA
Championship with a throw of 49-11 1/4. Even more difficult is Colorado State’s Missy Faubus, who is also nationally ranked and provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships with a throw of 50-8.
In addition to this meet’s key standouts, Wyoming will also see the return of three-time All-American runner Mark Korir, who will be making his first indoor track appearance of the season in the one-mile run. Korir has been out the entire indoor season due to injury.
“We are looking to build a little confidence and get a little better technically in some events heading into the conference meet next weekend," Wyoming coach Don Yentes said.
This will be Wyoming’s last meet before heading to the Mountain West Conference Championship Feb. 26-28 in Colorado Springs, Colo., hosted by the Air Force Academy.
Friday's invitational is named after Laramie Dr. Robert Shine, who donated the money for Wyoming’s current indoor track.
“Dr. Robert Shine has been a great ambassador for the University of Wyoming track and field over the years,” said Yentes.
Leading the way for the Cowboys this season is 35-pound weight thrower Jake Shanklin and jumper Jeremiah James. Shanklin, who will be competing in his last meet at the War Memorial Fieldhouse, is currently fifth in the nation and has automatically qualified for the NCAA Championships with a throw of 72-0 1/2. He will go up against Colorado State’s NCAA provisional qualifier, Alex Godell, who owns a throw of 65-5 this season. James will be heavily watched for his eighth-straight win in the long jump. James has won his last seven long jump events that he has competed in for Wyoming and will also be competing in the triple jump this meet.
On the women’s side, Wyoming freshman Kelly Gray faces tough competition against Air Force’s shot put thrower Sara Neubaur who is provisionally qualified for the NCAA
Championship with a throw of 49-11 1/4. Even more difficult is Colorado State’s Missy Faubus, who is also nationally ranked and provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships with a throw of 50-8.
In addition to this meet’s key standouts, Wyoming will also see the return of three-time All-American runner Mark Korir, who will be making his first indoor track appearance of the season in the one-mile run. Korir has been out the entire indoor season due to injury.
“We are looking to build a little confidence and get a little better technically in some events heading into the conference meet next weekend," Wyoming coach Don Yentes said.
This will be Wyoming’s last meet before heading to the Mountain West Conference Championship Feb. 26-28 in Colorado Springs, Colo., hosted by the Air Force Academy.
Friday's invitational is named after Laramie Dr. Robert Shine, who donated the money for Wyoming’s current indoor track.
“Dr. Robert Shine has been a great ambassador for the University of Wyoming track and field over the years,” said Yentes.
Cowboy wrestlers roll past Air Force
The University of Wyoming wrestling team’s senior class enjoyed a memorable evening on Thursday night in the UniWyo Sports Complex, as the Cowboys whipped the Air Force Falcons 37-3 in a Western Wrestling Conference dual.
Wyoming’s season record is now 14-3 overall, 4-0 in the WWC. Air Force falls to 4-11 overall, 1-4 in league duals.
The ‘Pokes led from the start, winning bouts in nine of 10 weight classes and earning bonus points in four of those victories.
Five Cowboy seniors were honored prior to the match, four were physically able to wrestle and three earned victories in their final home matches of the season.
Cody Grant won an 8-5 decision at 133 pounds, Cody Chipperfield got a 7-4 win in the 149 pound weight class, Eric Coxbill pinned his opponent at 157 pounds, while Mikel Hoopes gave all he had in a 7-5 overtime loss at 197 pounds. Dan Barrone has been out all season due to injury and was the only Cowboy senior that did not compete.
“I’m fired up about our seniors tonight,” Wyoming head coach Mark Branch said. “They got to wrestle one more time at home, in front of their families and friends, and they all had exciting matches. I was a little grumpy after the way the dual began, but the effort of our seniors really made my night. That was cool to see.”
In addition to the Cowboy seniors’ performances, UW also received dominating efforts from No. 8-ranked Joe LeBlanc at 184 pounds, Jacob Scharbrough at heavyweight, Michael Martinez at 125 pounds and Cole Dallaserra at 141 pounds. LeBlanc earned an 18-1 technical fall victory, Dallaserra got a win by fall at the 5:40 mark in his match, while Scharbrough (12-4) and Martinez (13-5) each won by major decision.
Also getting wins for Wyoming were No. 19-ranked Shane Onufer, by a score of 11-9 at 174 pounds, and Alex Rieder, by a score of 9-8, at 165 pounds.
Onufer’s win gave him 38 wins this season, which ties him for seventh on UW’s all-time single season victories list with Reese Andy, who had 38 wins during the 1995-96 season. LeBlanc now has 37 victories, which ties him for ninth on that same list.
“On the whole, I liked the way our team competed and I was pleased with the outcome,” Branch said. “There were still some errors that we need to correct before the conference tournament and we need to continue wrestling with urgency. We need to focus on the post-season and train with the purpose of becoming champions.”
Wyoming’s final dual of the season will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Greeley, Colo., against Northern Colorado. The Cowboys will attempt to remain undefeated in WWC duals and claim at least a share of the league dual championship. Following that match-up, UW will compete in the West Regional and Western Wrestling Conference Tournament on March 7, also in Greeley.
---
Wyoming 37, Air Force 3
174 pounds - No. 19 Shane Onufer (WYO) by decision over Stephen Crozier (AFA), 11-9
184 pounds - No. 8 Joe LeBlanc (WYO) by technical fall (5) over Brett Boyce (AFA), 3:37, 18-1
197 pounds - James Ciccone (AFA) by SV decision over Mikel Hoopes (WYO), 7-5 (OT)
Hwt. (285) - Jacob Scharbrough (WYO) by major decision over Stephen Larson (AFA), 12-4
125 pounds - Michael Martinez (WYO) by major decision over Andrew Zwirlein (AFA), 13-5
133 pounds - Cody Grant (WYO) by decision over Derek Gillespie (AFA), 8-5
141 pounds - Cole Dallaserra (WYO) by fall over Tyler Untrauer (AFA), 5:40
149 pounds - Cody Chipperfield (WYO) by decision over Alec Williams (AFA), 7-4
157 pounds - Eric Coxbill (WYO) by fall over Joseph Stafford (AFA), 3:56
165 pounds - Alex Rieder (WYO) by decision over Justin Shadrix (AFA), 9-8
Wyoming’s season record is now 14-3 overall, 4-0 in the WWC. Air Force falls to 4-11 overall, 1-4 in league duals.
The ‘Pokes led from the start, winning bouts in nine of 10 weight classes and earning bonus points in four of those victories.
Five Cowboy seniors were honored prior to the match, four were physically able to wrestle and three earned victories in their final home matches of the season.
Cody Grant won an 8-5 decision at 133 pounds, Cody Chipperfield got a 7-4 win in the 149 pound weight class, Eric Coxbill pinned his opponent at 157 pounds, while Mikel Hoopes gave all he had in a 7-5 overtime loss at 197 pounds. Dan Barrone has been out all season due to injury and was the only Cowboy senior that did not compete.
“I’m fired up about our seniors tonight,” Wyoming head coach Mark Branch said. “They got to wrestle one more time at home, in front of their families and friends, and they all had exciting matches. I was a little grumpy after the way the dual began, but the effort of our seniors really made my night. That was cool to see.”
In addition to the Cowboy seniors’ performances, UW also received dominating efforts from No. 8-ranked Joe LeBlanc at 184 pounds, Jacob Scharbrough at heavyweight, Michael Martinez at 125 pounds and Cole Dallaserra at 141 pounds. LeBlanc earned an 18-1 technical fall victory, Dallaserra got a win by fall at the 5:40 mark in his match, while Scharbrough (12-4) and Martinez (13-5) each won by major decision.
Also getting wins for Wyoming were No. 19-ranked Shane Onufer, by a score of 11-9 at 174 pounds, and Alex Rieder, by a score of 9-8, at 165 pounds.
Onufer’s win gave him 38 wins this season, which ties him for seventh on UW’s all-time single season victories list with Reese Andy, who had 38 wins during the 1995-96 season. LeBlanc now has 37 victories, which ties him for ninth on that same list.
“On the whole, I liked the way our team competed and I was pleased with the outcome,” Branch said. “There were still some errors that we need to correct before the conference tournament and we need to continue wrestling with urgency. We need to focus on the post-season and train with the purpose of becoming champions.”
Wyoming’s final dual of the season will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Greeley, Colo., against Northern Colorado. The Cowboys will attempt to remain undefeated in WWC duals and claim at least a share of the league dual championship. Following that match-up, UW will compete in the West Regional and Western Wrestling Conference Tournament on March 7, also in Greeley.
---
Wyoming 37, Air Force 3
174 pounds - No. 19 Shane Onufer (WYO) by decision over Stephen Crozier (AFA), 11-9
184 pounds - No. 8 Joe LeBlanc (WYO) by technical fall (5) over Brett Boyce (AFA), 3:37, 18-1
197 pounds - James Ciccone (AFA) by SV decision over Mikel Hoopes (WYO), 7-5 (OT)
Hwt. (285) - Jacob Scharbrough (WYO) by major decision over Stephen Larson (AFA), 12-4
125 pounds - Michael Martinez (WYO) by major decision over Andrew Zwirlein (AFA), 13-5
133 pounds - Cody Grant (WYO) by decision over Derek Gillespie (AFA), 8-5
141 pounds - Cole Dallaserra (WYO) by fall over Tyler Untrauer (AFA), 5:40
149 pounds - Cody Chipperfield (WYO) by decision over Alec Williams (AFA), 7-4
157 pounds - Eric Coxbill (WYO) by fall over Joseph Stafford (AFA), 3:56
165 pounds - Alex Rieder (WYO) by decision over Justin Shadrix (AFA), 9-8
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
UW hosts Air Force on Senior Night
In their final home dual of the season and on senior night, the Wyoming wrestling team hosts Air Force on Thursday , beginning at 7 p.m. in the UniWyo Sports complex.
The contest will be the final home dual for five UW seniors: Dan Barrone, Cody Chipperfield, Eric Coxbill, Cody Grant and Mikel Hoopes. They will be honored prior to the start of the match.
Wyoming is 13-3 overall and 3-0 in the Western Wrestling Conference and Air Force is 4-10 overall, 1-3 WWC. The Cowboys beat Utah Valley (21-15) last Friday for their third WWC win, while the Falcons lost to Northern Colorado (29-12) last Thursday for their third WWC loss.
The teams have two non-conference opponents in common this season, as AFA has lost to both Cal State Fullerton (37-7) and Stanford (32-7), while UW has beaten each of those schools (20-15 and 34-10).
Last season, Wyoming lost to Air Force in Colorado Springs, 21-12. Current Cowboys with wins in that dual were Cory VomBaur (133), Cole Dallaserra (149) and Coxbill (165).
The Cowboys have been led by the redshirt freshmen trio of Michael Martinez at 125 pounds, No. 19-ranked Shane Onufer at 174 pounds and No. 8-ranked Joe LeBlanc at 184 pounds. All three have over 30 wins on the year; Onufer at 37-9, LeBlanc is 36-6 and Martinez has a record of 32-9.
Onufer’s mark ties him for eighth on Wyoming’s all-time single season victories list with Mike McNaney, who had 37 wins during the 1984-85 season. Wyoming’s record holder is Ron Whitman, who earned 47 victories during the 1984-85 season. LeBlanc, with his 36 wins, is 10th all-time at UW.
This past week the NCAA released the second of three coaches’ panel rankings and RPI for the 2008-09 wrestling season. The final rankings will be one of the tools used as part of the selection process to determine the qualifiers for the 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
Five Cowboy wrestlers made the list: Martinez at 125 pounds (No. 28/25) and LeBlanc at 184 (No. 10/9) were mentioned in both the rankings and RPI, while VomBaur at 133 (No. 18) and Jacob Scharbrough at heavyweight (No. 31) made the RPI list. Onufer at 174 pounds (No. 19) was in the coaches’ rankings.
The Falcons’ best wrestler this season has been senior Stephen Crozier at 165 pounds. Crozier has an overall record of 21-14.
Several promotional events are planned to take place during Thursday’s dual, as the athletics department will offer UW students in attendance a chance to win a roundtrip airline ticket to Las Vegas and the Laramie Youth Wrestling Club will be performing during the intermission.
Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 18 and younger, while UW students are free with a valid ID.
The contest will be the final home dual for five UW seniors: Dan Barrone, Cody Chipperfield, Eric Coxbill, Cody Grant and Mikel Hoopes. They will be honored prior to the start of the match.
Wyoming is 13-3 overall and 3-0 in the Western Wrestling Conference and Air Force is 4-10 overall, 1-3 WWC. The Cowboys beat Utah Valley (21-15) last Friday for their third WWC win, while the Falcons lost to Northern Colorado (29-12) last Thursday for their third WWC loss.
The teams have two non-conference opponents in common this season, as AFA has lost to both Cal State Fullerton (37-7) and Stanford (32-7), while UW has beaten each of those schools (20-15 and 34-10).
Last season, Wyoming lost to Air Force in Colorado Springs, 21-12. Current Cowboys with wins in that dual were Cory VomBaur (133), Cole Dallaserra (149) and Coxbill (165).
The Cowboys have been led by the redshirt freshmen trio of Michael Martinez at 125 pounds, No. 19-ranked Shane Onufer at 174 pounds and No. 8-ranked Joe LeBlanc at 184 pounds. All three have over 30 wins on the year; Onufer at 37-9, LeBlanc is 36-6 and Martinez has a record of 32-9.
Onufer’s mark ties him for eighth on Wyoming’s all-time single season victories list with Mike McNaney, who had 37 wins during the 1984-85 season. Wyoming’s record holder is Ron Whitman, who earned 47 victories during the 1984-85 season. LeBlanc, with his 36 wins, is 10th all-time at UW.
This past week the NCAA released the second of three coaches’ panel rankings and RPI for the 2008-09 wrestling season. The final rankings will be one of the tools used as part of the selection process to determine the qualifiers for the 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
Five Cowboy wrestlers made the list: Martinez at 125 pounds (No. 28/25) and LeBlanc at 184 (No. 10/9) were mentioned in both the rankings and RPI, while VomBaur at 133 (No. 18) and Jacob Scharbrough at heavyweight (No. 31) made the RPI list. Onufer at 174 pounds (No. 19) was in the coaches’ rankings.
The Falcons’ best wrestler this season has been senior Stephen Crozier at 165 pounds. Crozier has an overall record of 21-14.
Several promotional events are planned to take place during Thursday’s dual, as the athletics department will offer UW students in attendance a chance to win a roundtrip airline ticket to Las Vegas and the Laramie Youth Wrestling Club will be performing during the intermission.
Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 18 and younger, while UW students are free with a valid ID.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Shanklin earns MWC award
Jake ShanklinWyoming senior Jake Shanklin has been selected as the Mountain West Conference men’s indoor track & field athlete of the week for the second time this season and fifth time in his career.
Shanklin, from Ellensburg, Wash., also automatically qualified for nationals after winning the men’s 35-pound weight throw last weekend at the Washington Husky Invitational held in Seattle, Wash. Shanklin’s toss of 71-feet, 1/2 inch earned him his third crown in four events this year, out-throwing the reigning 2008 USA Champion Kibwe Johnson by more than three feet.
The mark ranks first in the league and fifth in the nation, according to TrackShark.com.
UW Nordic Ski Club to host benefit competition at Tie City
A public race fundraiser is planned this weekend for the University of Wyoming Nordic Ski Club.
The Cowboy Chase Nordic Pursuit Race is Saturday and Sunday at Tie City near Happy Jack Road, with registration taking place in the parking lot area. A 10km freestyle race is planned for Saturday and a 10km/5km classic pursuit race is scheduled for Sunday.
Race day registration is $20 per race or $30 for the weekend. Cost for children is $5 for one day and $10 for both races. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and close an hour later for the first day. Registration for Sunday's race is from 8-9 a.m.
A benefit dinner is planned Saturday night, with all proceeds from the weekend events used to assist the UW Nordic Ski team to attend the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association Nationals next month at Devil's Thumb Ranch near Fraser, Colo.
The fundraising gourmet pasta dinner and drawings for prizes is at 6:30 p.m. at Laramie High School. Cost is $7 per person, which includes the meal and a chance to win prizes. Among prizes offered are a three-day lift ticket to Jackson Hole, Devil's Thumb Ranch season passes, Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo tickets, six months of free bread from Home Bakery and more. Additional prize drawing tickets are available for $1 each or six for $5.
For more information contact UW Nordic Ski Club coaches Christi Boggs or Rachel Watson at (307)760-7150 or e-mail uwski@yahoo.com. For more information, visit the club's team Web page at www.uwyo.edu/ski/cowboychase.htm.
The Cowboy Chase Nordic Pursuit Race is Saturday and Sunday at Tie City near Happy Jack Road, with registration taking place in the parking lot area. A 10km freestyle race is planned for Saturday and a 10km/5km classic pursuit race is scheduled for Sunday.
Race day registration is $20 per race or $30 for the weekend. Cost for children is $5 for one day and $10 for both races. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and close an hour later for the first day. Registration for Sunday's race is from 8-9 a.m.
A benefit dinner is planned Saturday night, with all proceeds from the weekend events used to assist the UW Nordic Ski team to attend the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association Nationals next month at Devil's Thumb Ranch near Fraser, Colo.
The fundraising gourmet pasta dinner and drawings for prizes is at 6:30 p.m. at Laramie High School. Cost is $7 per person, which includes the meal and a chance to win prizes. Among prizes offered are a three-day lift ticket to Jackson Hole, Devil's Thumb Ranch season passes, Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo tickets, six months of free bread from Home Bakery and more. Additional prize drawing tickets are available for $1 each or six for $5.
For more information contact UW Nordic Ski Club coaches Christi Boggs or Rachel Watson at (307)760-7150 or e-mail uwski@yahoo.com. For more information, visit the club's team Web page at www.uwyo.edu/ski/cowboychase.htm.
Cowgirl golfers place 18th
SAN DIEGO -- The University of Wyoming Cowgirl golf team finished the third round of the San Diego State Lady Aztec Classic with their best round of the tournament.
“We played much better today although it may not have shown on the scorecard,” said Wyoming head coach Josey Stender. “It was nice to get out on the course and play against some good competition.”
The Cowgirls were led by freshman Juanita Rico, who shot a third-round 80 (+8), to give her a total 244 (+28) and a share of 66th-place. Following Rico was junior Sarah Fogerty, who rounded out the tournament with her third-round 84 (+12). As a team, the Cowgirls finished in 18th place with a team total 995 strokes.
“Besides getting hung up on one of the par three’s Juanita played a very consistent third-round,” said Stender. “This tournament gave us a great opportunity to see what aspects of our game we really need to work on. We are looking forward to traveling to Sedona, Ariz., to compete in the Northern Arizona/Red Rocks Invitational in two weeks. Our girls can’t wait to get back out there and prove themselves on the course.”
The NAU/Red Rocks Invitational will be in Sedona, Ariz., on Feb 28-March 1.
Juanita Rico Fr. 84+80+80=244 (+28, T 66th)
Sarah Fogerty Jr. 80+83+84=247 (+31, T 73rd)
Jenna Zamprelli So. 84+84+83=251 (+35, 78th)
Jonelle Martinez Jr. 83+88+82=253 (+37, T 80th)
Molly Black So. 86+90+86=262 (+46, 87th)
Mikala Henzlik * Sr. 81+NA (+9)
Johnna Jeffries * RSo. 86+NA (+14)
* Playing as individual
Cowgirls Team 331+335+329=995 (+131, 18th)
“We played much better today although it may not have shown on the scorecard,” said Wyoming head coach Josey Stender. “It was nice to get out on the course and play against some good competition.”
The Cowgirls were led by freshman Juanita Rico, who shot a third-round 80 (+8), to give her a total 244 (+28) and a share of 66th-place. Following Rico was junior Sarah Fogerty, who rounded out the tournament with her third-round 84 (+12). As a team, the Cowgirls finished in 18th place with a team total 995 strokes.
“Besides getting hung up on one of the par three’s Juanita played a very consistent third-round,” said Stender. “This tournament gave us a great opportunity to see what aspects of our game we really need to work on. We are looking forward to traveling to Sedona, Ariz., to compete in the Northern Arizona/Red Rocks Invitational in two weeks. Our girls can’t wait to get back out there and prove themselves on the course.”
The NAU/Red Rocks Invitational will be in Sedona, Ariz., on Feb 28-March 1.
Juanita Rico Fr. 84+80+80=244 (+28, T 66th)
Sarah Fogerty Jr. 80+83+84=247 (+31, T 73rd)
Jenna Zamprelli So. 84+84+83=251 (+35, 78th)
Jonelle Martinez Jr. 83+88+82=253 (+37, T 80th)
Molly Black So. 86+90+86=262 (+46, 87th)
Mikala Henzlik * Sr. 81+NA (+9)
Johnna Jeffries * RSo. 86+NA (+14)
* Playing as individual
Cowgirls Team 331+335+329=995 (+131, 18th)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Cowgirls open spring golf season
The Wyoming women's golf team looks to shake off some rust in the second day of San Diego State Lady Aztec Classic in Chula Vista, Calif.
On Sunday, the Cowgirls were led by junior Sarah Fogerty with her opening-round 80 (+8), which has her tied for 74th out of 108 individuals. She was followed by lone senior, Mikala Henzlik, with her first-round 81 (+9), however, Henzlik is playing as an individual and is tied for 82nd-place.
“All the girls today had a good nine holes and a bad nine holes,” Wyoming head coach Josey Stender said. “We were just a little more rusty than we thought and that comes from not experiencing the competition for a while.
“I’m not too worried and it reassures me when I look around and not a single girl has her head down. It shows me that they may have been a little nervous and may have just rushed themselves a little bit today. But we will get back in tune and back on track tomorrow."
The three-day tournament will give the Cowgirls plenty of opportunities at the Salt Creek Golf Course. Leading the tournament after day one is UC Irvine, which is ranked 23rd in the nation according to golfweek.com, with a team 287 (-1). The Cowgirls are 18th with a 331.
The Cowgirls will take to the links Monday starting at 8 a.m.
---
UW Results
Par 72
Sarah Fogerty, Jr. 80 (+8, T 74th)
Jonelle Martinez, Jr. 83 (+11, T 94th)
Jenna Zamprelli, So. 84 (+12, T 100th)
Juanita Rico Calgary, 84 (+12, T 100th)
Molly Black, So. 86 (+14, T 104th)
Mikala Henzlik *, Sr. 81 (+9, T 82nd)
Johnna Jeffries *, RSo. 86 (+14), T 104th)
* Playing as individual
On Sunday, the Cowgirls were led by junior Sarah Fogerty with her opening-round 80 (+8), which has her tied for 74th out of 108 individuals. She was followed by lone senior, Mikala Henzlik, with her first-round 81 (+9), however, Henzlik is playing as an individual and is tied for 82nd-place.
“All the girls today had a good nine holes and a bad nine holes,” Wyoming head coach Josey Stender said. “We were just a little more rusty than we thought and that comes from not experiencing the competition for a while.
“I’m not too worried and it reassures me when I look around and not a single girl has her head down. It shows me that they may have been a little nervous and may have just rushed themselves a little bit today. But we will get back in tune and back on track tomorrow."
The three-day tournament will give the Cowgirls plenty of opportunities at the Salt Creek Golf Course. Leading the tournament after day one is UC Irvine, which is ranked 23rd in the nation according to golfweek.com, with a team 287 (-1). The Cowgirls are 18th with a 331.
The Cowgirls will take to the links Monday starting at 8 a.m.
---
UW Results
Par 72
Sarah Fogerty, Jr. 80 (+8, T 74th)
Jonelle Martinez, Jr. 83 (+11, T 94th)
Jenna Zamprelli, So. 84 (+12, T 100th)
Juanita Rico Calgary, 84 (+12, T 100th)
Molly Black, So. 86 (+14, T 104th)
Mikala Henzlik *, Sr. 81 (+9, T 82nd)
Johnna Jeffries *, RSo. 86 (+14), T 104th)
* Playing as individual
Cowboy wrestlers split in Stillwater
STILLWATER, Okla. – The University of Wyoming wrestling team saw its dual win streak come to an end, as the Cowboys split a pair of matchups on Sunday.
Wyoming lost to No. 15-ranked Oklahoma State 34-4, before beating the Binghamton (N.Y.) Bearcats 27-9.
UW began their day learning that close just wouldn’t quite cut it against a ranked opponent like OSU. The Cowboys’ came out on the wrong end of four close decisions, which were decided by two points or less, and their only win came from redshirt freshman Joe LeBlanc at 184 pounds.
The ‘Pokes then bounced back and asserted themselves against the Bearcats, winning seven of 10 matches, with two of those wins coming by fall.
Wyoming’s season record is now 13-3, while Oklahoma State is 14-7 and Binghamton is 12-14. UW’s only losses this season have come at the hands of ranked opponents, No.1 Iowa and No. 16 Boise State at the National Duals and Sunday at OSU.
“Against OSU, we fought and wrestled hard, but just did not have that winning mind set,” said Wyoming head coach Mark Branch. “We had four matches that went down to the wire and we came out on the losing end of all four. Joe (LeBlanc) did a good job of staying focused after falling behind early and he went on to dominate his opponent.”
Wyoming began the dual against Oklahoma State by dropping three straight 3-1 decisions at 125, 133 and 141 pounds. UW’s Michael Martinez, Cory VomBaur and Cole Dallaserra were each in good position in their respective bouts, but just could not get points late in the match to put them over the top.
Then, following a questionable throw which led to a pin at 149 pounds, OSU would roll to a huge team lead with a major decision victory at 157 and a technical fall win at 165. No. 19-ranked Cowboy redshirt freshman Shane Onufer had a win in his sights at 174 pounds, until No. 14 Newly McSpadden scored a reversal in the third period to pull out a 5-4 decision.
LeBlanc (184) put Wyoming in the scoring column with a 16-3 major decision victory over Jared Shelton. Shelton got the first takedown to go up 2-0 and then it was all LeBlanc from there on out. The No. 7-ranked Cowboy would earn two takedowns and three nearfalls to cruise to a decisive victory.
UW freshmen Alfonso Hernandez (197) and Jacob Scharbrough (Hwt.) both competed well against highly ranked opponents, before falling 14-4 and 8-1 respectively to end the dual.
“In the Binghamton dual we looked good in the team score, but overall were sloppy and did not do enough in some individual situations,” Branch said. “The highlight was Fonz’s (Alfonso Hernandez) match and his good performance. He was down big early on, but knew he was going to win and was aggressive. It was a win that he can build on as we come down the stretch in the season.”
Against the Bearcats, UW jumped out early and won the first three matches which set the tone for the team victory. Wyoming got wins by way of fall from Dallaserra (141) and Scharbrough (Hwt.), as well as favorable decisions from Martinez (125), VomBaur (133), Alex Rieder (165), Onufer (174) and Hernandez (197).
Onufer won his match 6-1 and pushed his season record to 37-9. That mark ties Onufer for eighth on Wyoming’s all-time single season victories list with Mike McNaney, who had 37 wins during the 1984-85 season.
Hernandez’s match proved to be the most exciting of the day for the ‘Pokes, as he had to fight from behind for a 13-11 win. The UW frosh fell behind 6-1 in the first period against Cory Waite, but would explode for five takedowns in the final two periods to pull out the victory.
“The overall environment of this trip was a neat experience for the guys,” said Branch, the former OSU all-American and assistant coach. “The atmosphere was exciting and they handled themselves well. Not only did they get to see the tradition of Oklahoma State, but we also visited the Wrestling Hall of Fame and they were exposed to the history of the sport.
“Now, we have to be on a mission. Our focus over the next two weeks will be to begin peaking as we ready for the conference and NCAA tournaments. We want to continue to better our conditioning, better ourselves technically and believe in what we are doing.”
The Cowboys will return to Laramie this week for their final home dual of the season, as they host Air Force at 7 p.m. in the UniWyo sports Complex. Heading into the match, Wyoming is 3-0 in the Western Wrestling Conference and Air Force is 1-3, 4-10 overall.
---
No. 15 Oklahoma State 34, Wyoming 4
125 pounds - No. 15 Obenson Blanc (OSU) by decision over Michael Martinez (WYO), 3-1
133 pounds - No. 14 Chris Notte (OSU) by decision over Cory VomBaur (WYO), 3-1
141 pounds - No. 15 Jamal Parks (OSU) by decision over Cole Dallaserra (WYO), 3-1
149 pounds - Quinten Fuentes (OSU) by fall over Chase Smith (WYO), 2:42
157 pounds - No. 10 Neil Erisman (OSU) by major decision over Eric Coxbill (WYO), 11-0
165 pounds - No. 10 Brandon Mason (OSU) by technical fall (5) over Alex Rieder (WYO), 17-0, 4:48
174 pounds - No. 14 Newly McSpadden (OSU) by decision over No. 19 Shane Onufer (WYO), 5-4
184 pounds - No. 7 Joe LeBlanc (WYO) by major decision over Jared Shelton (OSU), 16-3
197 pounds - No. 8 Clayton Foster (OSU) by major decision over Alfonso Hernandez (WYO), 14-4 Heavyweight (285) - No. 3 Jared Rosholt (OSU) by decision over Jacob Scharbrough (WYO), 8-1
---
Wyoming 27, Binghamton 9
125 pounds - Michael Martinez (WYO) by decision over Tyler Malmberg (BU), 8-4
133 pounds - Cory VomBaur (WYO) by decision over Robert Slavin (BU), 7-3
141 pounds - Cole Dallaserra (WYO) by fall over Anwar Goeres (BU), 1:21
149 pounds - Matt Kaylor (BU) by decision over Chase Smith (WYO), 6-4
157 pounds - Justin Lister (BU) by decision over Eric Coxbill (WYO), 7-5
165 pounds - Alex Rieder (WYO) by decision over Ryan McGarity (BU), 15-13
174 pounds - No. 19 Shane Onufer (WYO) by decision over Anthony Esposito (BU), 6-1
184 pounds - No. 8 Josh Patterson (BU) by decision over No. 7 Joe LeBlanc (WYO), 10-7
Heavyweight (285) - Jacob Scharbrough (WYO) by fall over Dan Bittner (BU), 3:25
Wyoming lost to No. 15-ranked Oklahoma State 34-4, before beating the Binghamton (N.Y.) Bearcats 27-9.
UW began their day learning that close just wouldn’t quite cut it against a ranked opponent like OSU. The Cowboys’ came out on the wrong end of four close decisions, which were decided by two points or less, and their only win came from redshirt freshman Joe LeBlanc at 184 pounds.
The ‘Pokes then bounced back and asserted themselves against the Bearcats, winning seven of 10 matches, with two of those wins coming by fall.
Wyoming’s season record is now 13-3, while Oklahoma State is 14-7 and Binghamton is 12-14. UW’s only losses this season have come at the hands of ranked opponents, No.1 Iowa and No. 16 Boise State at the National Duals and Sunday at OSU.
“Against OSU, we fought and wrestled hard, but just did not have that winning mind set,” said Wyoming head coach Mark Branch. “We had four matches that went down to the wire and we came out on the losing end of all four. Joe (LeBlanc) did a good job of staying focused after falling behind early and he went on to dominate his opponent.”
Wyoming began the dual against Oklahoma State by dropping three straight 3-1 decisions at 125, 133 and 141 pounds. UW’s Michael Martinez, Cory VomBaur and Cole Dallaserra were each in good position in their respective bouts, but just could not get points late in the match to put them over the top.
Then, following a questionable throw which led to a pin at 149 pounds, OSU would roll to a huge team lead with a major decision victory at 157 and a technical fall win at 165. No. 19-ranked Cowboy redshirt freshman Shane Onufer had a win in his sights at 174 pounds, until No. 14 Newly McSpadden scored a reversal in the third period to pull out a 5-4 decision.
LeBlanc (184) put Wyoming in the scoring column with a 16-3 major decision victory over Jared Shelton. Shelton got the first takedown to go up 2-0 and then it was all LeBlanc from there on out. The No. 7-ranked Cowboy would earn two takedowns and three nearfalls to cruise to a decisive victory.
UW freshmen Alfonso Hernandez (197) and Jacob Scharbrough (Hwt.) both competed well against highly ranked opponents, before falling 14-4 and 8-1 respectively to end the dual.
“In the Binghamton dual we looked good in the team score, but overall were sloppy and did not do enough in some individual situations,” Branch said. “The highlight was Fonz’s (Alfonso Hernandez) match and his good performance. He was down big early on, but knew he was going to win and was aggressive. It was a win that he can build on as we come down the stretch in the season.”
Against the Bearcats, UW jumped out early and won the first three matches which set the tone for the team victory. Wyoming got wins by way of fall from Dallaserra (141) and Scharbrough (Hwt.), as well as favorable decisions from Martinez (125), VomBaur (133), Alex Rieder (165), Onufer (174) and Hernandez (197).
Onufer won his match 6-1 and pushed his season record to 37-9. That mark ties Onufer for eighth on Wyoming’s all-time single season victories list with Mike McNaney, who had 37 wins during the 1984-85 season.
Hernandez’s match proved to be the most exciting of the day for the ‘Pokes, as he had to fight from behind for a 13-11 win. The UW frosh fell behind 6-1 in the first period against Cory Waite, but would explode for five takedowns in the final two periods to pull out the victory.
“The overall environment of this trip was a neat experience for the guys,” said Branch, the former OSU all-American and assistant coach. “The atmosphere was exciting and they handled themselves well. Not only did they get to see the tradition of Oklahoma State, but we also visited the Wrestling Hall of Fame and they were exposed to the history of the sport.
“Now, we have to be on a mission. Our focus over the next two weeks will be to begin peaking as we ready for the conference and NCAA tournaments. We want to continue to better our conditioning, better ourselves technically and believe in what we are doing.”
The Cowboys will return to Laramie this week for their final home dual of the season, as they host Air Force at 7 p.m. in the UniWyo sports Complex. Heading into the match, Wyoming is 3-0 in the Western Wrestling Conference and Air Force is 1-3, 4-10 overall.
---
No. 15 Oklahoma State 34, Wyoming 4
125 pounds - No. 15 Obenson Blanc (OSU) by decision over Michael Martinez (WYO), 3-1
133 pounds - No. 14 Chris Notte (OSU) by decision over Cory VomBaur (WYO), 3-1
141 pounds - No. 15 Jamal Parks (OSU) by decision over Cole Dallaserra (WYO), 3-1
149 pounds - Quinten Fuentes (OSU) by fall over Chase Smith (WYO), 2:42
157 pounds - No. 10 Neil Erisman (OSU) by major decision over Eric Coxbill (WYO), 11-0
165 pounds - No. 10 Brandon Mason (OSU) by technical fall (5) over Alex Rieder (WYO), 17-0, 4:48
174 pounds - No. 14 Newly McSpadden (OSU) by decision over No. 19 Shane Onufer (WYO), 5-4
184 pounds - No. 7 Joe LeBlanc (WYO) by major decision over Jared Shelton (OSU), 16-3
197 pounds - No. 8 Clayton Foster (OSU) by major decision over Alfonso Hernandez (WYO), 14-4 Heavyweight (285) - No. 3 Jared Rosholt (OSU) by decision over Jacob Scharbrough (WYO), 8-1
---
Wyoming 27, Binghamton 9
125 pounds - Michael Martinez (WYO) by decision over Tyler Malmberg (BU), 8-4
133 pounds - Cory VomBaur (WYO) by decision over Robert Slavin (BU), 7-3
141 pounds - Cole Dallaserra (WYO) by fall over Anwar Goeres (BU), 1:21
149 pounds - Matt Kaylor (BU) by decision over Chase Smith (WYO), 6-4
157 pounds - Justin Lister (BU) by decision over Eric Coxbill (WYO), 7-5
165 pounds - Alex Rieder (WYO) by decision over Ryan McGarity (BU), 15-13
174 pounds - No. 19 Shane Onufer (WYO) by decision over Anthony Esposito (BU), 6-1
184 pounds - No. 8 Josh Patterson (BU) by decision over No. 7 Joe LeBlanc (WYO), 10-7
Heavyweight (285) - Jacob Scharbrough (WYO) by fall over Dan Bittner (BU), 3:25
Cowgirl tennis earns first spring win
BOZEMAN, Mont. -- The Wyoming Cowgirls earned their first victory of the spring tennis season with a 4-3 win against the Montana State Lady Cats on Sunday.
“We fought our way back and persevered,” UW coach Kati Gyulai said. “We were down in almost every singles match, but kept fighting and believing. This was a great win for us today.”
In doubles play, Montana State earned the doubles point by taking two out of three matches. UW's Sarah Summerfield and Carly Van Hollen started the day by defeating Stephanie Jasper and Ali Griffin, 8-4. Wyoming's Rebecca Berger and Jamie Nelson, lost to McKenzie Hilmer and Laura Villegas, 8-6.
At the number one spot in singles play, Summerfield started off well with a tough three-set victory, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2, over Stephanie Jasper. Berger followed with a win by defeating Ali Griffin, 6-1, 6-3. Van Hollen continued singles play with a win, 6-0, 6-4, against Laura Villegas at the third position.
The first loss of the day came in the number four spot, as UW's Carolina Chaix battled to a tough three-set loss, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 against McKenzie Hilmer. Senior Jamie Nelson wrapped up the day with big three-set win against Lauren Thigpen, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-2.
The Cowgirls return to Laramie for their first home match of the season on Feb. 28 when they host Portland State on Saturday at 9 a.m.
“We fought our way back and persevered,” UW coach Kati Gyulai said. “We were down in almost every singles match, but kept fighting and believing. This was a great win for us today.”
In doubles play, Montana State earned the doubles point by taking two out of three matches. UW's Sarah Summerfield and Carly Van Hollen started the day by defeating Stephanie Jasper and Ali Griffin, 8-4. Wyoming's Rebecca Berger and Jamie Nelson, lost to McKenzie Hilmer and Laura Villegas, 8-6.
At the number one spot in singles play, Summerfield started off well with a tough three-set victory, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2, over Stephanie Jasper. Berger followed with a win by defeating Ali Griffin, 6-1, 6-3. Van Hollen continued singles play with a win, 6-0, 6-4, against Laura Villegas at the third position.
The first loss of the day came in the number four spot, as UW's Carolina Chaix battled to a tough three-set loss, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 against McKenzie Hilmer. Senior Jamie Nelson wrapped up the day with big three-set win against Lauren Thigpen, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-2.
The Cowgirls return to Laramie for their first home match of the season on Feb. 28 when they host Portland State on Saturday at 9 a.m.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
UW track sets three marks
Three names were written in the record books, while numerous personal bests were set for the University of Wyoming track and field teams, as they split up and finished action at the Air Force Invitational and the Husky Invitational in Seattle.
For the Cowboys and Cowgirls that competed at the Husky Invite, they were led by sophomores Greg Miller and Taylor Kelting. Both Cowboys ran in the 5,000-meter run and set personal bests, as well as placing their names among the record books. Miller’s time of 14 minutes, 27.39 seconds was good for third-best all-time in Wyoming history, while Kelting’s 14:36.08 was not far behind as he jumps into the sixth spot.
“Greg and Taylor both ran very solid races against some very good competition and gained some much needed experience today,” said assistant coach Randy Cole.
Along with Miller and Kelting, senior Jake Shanklin found himself at the top of the list in the 35-pound weight throw for the third time this season, with his toss of 71-feet, 1/2 inch. Shanklin went up against the 2008 USA Champion Kibwe Johnson and ended up out-throwing him by three feet. Fellow senior Sam Lambert finished just behind Shanklin in fourth place in the weight throw.
“Jake continues to gain confidence with every meet he competes in and is really starting to throw well as we near the end of the season when we want him to peak and throw his best,” said assistant coach Paul Barrett.
As for the Cowgirls in Seattle, junior Emily Higgins re-wrote her name in the record books as she improved on her school record in the 3,000-meter run with her time of 9:42.25, two seconds faster than her previous record.
“Emily ran very well and we look for her to continue her success once we get to conference this season,” said Cole. “This meet was very beneficial for our kids to experience as the University of Washington has such a great atmosphere and great competition as we approach conference this year.”
The atmosphere was not the same for the Cowboys and Cowgirls in Colorado Springs, as the Cadets of Air Force had power surges delay the meet for three hours. Once competition resumed the ‘Pokes ran very well under the lights.
The Cowboys were led by sophomore Jeremiah James, who for the third time this season, won the long jump event with his leap of 24-3/4. He was followed by junior John Alderson in 10th-place.
“Jeremiah is really starting to get things together and is really becoming a solid point-getter for us,” said head coach Don Yentes.
As for the Cowgirls, freshman Chantel Bernabo ran in the finals of the 60-meter dash and finished with her personal best time of 7.94 and an 11th-place finish. Bernabo also qualified and ran in the 200-meter dash and once again finished in 11th-place. Senior Nikki Peterson qualified for the finals in the 800-meter dash Friday and held onto her eighth-place start with her time of 2:25.05.
“We had some very good performances both here in Colorado Springs and in Seattle as we prepare for conference in a couple weeks,” said Yentes. “We will still need some players to step up for us and perform well but we have the talent.”
The Cowboys and Cowgirls will be at bhome on Friday in the Shine Invitational at the War Memorial Fieldhouse in Laramie, before heading to conference Feb. 26-28 in Colorado Springs.
For the Cowboys and Cowgirls that competed at the Husky Invite, they were led by sophomores Greg Miller and Taylor Kelting. Both Cowboys ran in the 5,000-meter run and set personal bests, as well as placing their names among the record books. Miller’s time of 14 minutes, 27.39 seconds was good for third-best all-time in Wyoming history, while Kelting’s 14:36.08 was not far behind as he jumps into the sixth spot.
“Greg and Taylor both ran very solid races against some very good competition and gained some much needed experience today,” said assistant coach Randy Cole.
Along with Miller and Kelting, senior Jake Shanklin found himself at the top of the list in the 35-pound weight throw for the third time this season, with his toss of 71-feet, 1/2 inch. Shanklin went up against the 2008 USA Champion Kibwe Johnson and ended up out-throwing him by three feet. Fellow senior Sam Lambert finished just behind Shanklin in fourth place in the weight throw.
“Jake continues to gain confidence with every meet he competes in and is really starting to throw well as we near the end of the season when we want him to peak and throw his best,” said assistant coach Paul Barrett.
As for the Cowgirls in Seattle, junior Emily Higgins re-wrote her name in the record books as she improved on her school record in the 3,000-meter run with her time of 9:42.25, two seconds faster than her previous record.
“Emily ran very well and we look for her to continue her success once we get to conference this season,” said Cole. “This meet was very beneficial for our kids to experience as the University of Washington has such a great atmosphere and great competition as we approach conference this year.”
The atmosphere was not the same for the Cowboys and Cowgirls in Colorado Springs, as the Cadets of Air Force had power surges delay the meet for three hours. Once competition resumed the ‘Pokes ran very well under the lights.
The Cowboys were led by sophomore Jeremiah James, who for the third time this season, won the long jump event with his leap of 24-3/4. He was followed by junior John Alderson in 10th-place.
“Jeremiah is really starting to get things together and is really becoming a solid point-getter for us,” said head coach Don Yentes.
As for the Cowgirls, freshman Chantel Bernabo ran in the finals of the 60-meter dash and finished with her personal best time of 7.94 and an 11th-place finish. Bernabo also qualified and ran in the 200-meter dash and once again finished in 11th-place. Senior Nikki Peterson qualified for the finals in the 800-meter dash Friday and held onto her eighth-place start with her time of 2:25.05.
“We had some very good performances both here in Colorado Springs and in Seattle as we prepare for conference in a couple weeks,” said Yentes. “We will still need some players to step up for us and perform well but we have the talent.”
The Cowboys and Cowgirls will be at bhome on Friday in the Shine Invitational at the War Memorial Fieldhouse in Laramie, before heading to conference Feb. 26-28 in Colorado Springs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)