RSU begins its final stages of Sooner Athletic Conference play this week with a road date at USAO in Chickasha Thursday and the league home-opener Saturday against Mid-America Christian. It's a come-to-grips moment after being a member of one of the best small college basketball conferences for the last six years. Once again, if you didn't hear the news, the 'Cats are leaving the NAIA for NCAA Division 2 beginning next school year as a provisional member of the Heartland Conference.
Many solid memories have been earmarked for future discussions...the lighter times, the sad stories, the glorious achievements in such a short tenure in the league. The lasting imprint for me, though, is how much all of us involved since day one have grown. Six years doesn't seem like all that long ago, but then I think about those who sat courtside at the Expo who no longer do so. I think about the rapid ascent in terms of quality of play, not just at RSU but throughout the conference. I had some knowledge and respect for the SAC as a basketball league going into this back in 2007, but it grew by leaps and bounds as each new season passed. The statement "any team at the bottom of the standings could beat any team at the top on any given night" is more true now than ever before. That's positive growth. That's competitive clarity. That's all a fan, an administrator, or even a broadcaster could ever ask for in college athletics at this level.
As the 'Cats start their final 16 games of the regular season this Thursday night against the Drovers, I hope you'll take a moment to realize what's transpired for this university, and how it wouldn't be headed where it is today without the Sooner Athletic Conference as a commendable partner. Don't forget to tune in as well, the final voyage could provide the most exciting thrill of all!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Former Hillcat Circling the Globe
It's been a while since I last updated you on former RSU standout forward Sylvester Spicer. Big Spice is quickly becoming an international man of intrigue. The latest stop in his professional career is
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| Skyline of Reykjavik, Iceland |
Monday, October 22, 2012
Hillcats Return to Terrestrial Radio
What's old is new again! And, with that also comes the end of an era as we start the 2012-2013 basketball season next week on College Hill. If you haven't heard (click play button above), RSU men's and women's basketball is making a return to the radio airwaves of 91.3 FM. For old souls like myself, it's hard to fathom not being able to dial up a play-by-play broadcast on a car radio or in the office. You would think someone 35 years old would've embraced the new technology and moved on, but I just can't seem to shake the romance of a ballgame on terrestrial radio. For those of you much more tech savvy than me, you'll still be able to listen to games on the Hillcat Network through your mobile devices. The re-entry into the RSU Radio fold also means we get to work again with good people like Cathy Coomer and Steve Doyle. Steve helped arrange the promo above to promote the return to radio. It's solid, just like Mr. Doyle's daily work at the station! Now, a brief on both teams as RSU plays its final season in the NAIA and the Sooner Athletic Conference...
The Hillcat women's program has its first new head coach in six years. By all indications, Roxanne Long has the same kind of passion and integrity Amy Williams brought to the program the first five seasons. Plus, Coach Long has a decent amount of returning talent to make one salivate at the thought of a return trip to the national tournament. She's expected (by the broadcast crew) to rack up another 20+ win season. If the preseason league coaches poll is any indication, others outside Claremore have high expectations for this year's team as well. The 'Cats have been picked to finish 2nd in the conference, behind Lubbock Christian but in front of defending national champ Oklahoma City. RSU returns nine ladies from last year's team, including six seniors. Logan Froese is set to go down as one of the most gritty players in Hillcat history, and fresh off a stellar national tournament run she'll be relied on for steady leadership in the post. Don't let that toughness fool you, though. She's been known to fight you tooth and nail, and do it with a smile and a wink after it's over. Former Union High School standout Larielle Giles will also play a factor on the front-line, having gained significant minutes as a true freshman a year ago. Expect some big minutes as well from transfers Adrianna Leatherbury, a 6-0 forward from El Paso and New Mexico Junior College, and Clarrisa Cannon, a 6-0 forward from Las Vegas and Cowley College (KS). It's often been said a team's post-season potential is defined by how good its guards play...well, this team has plenty of returners to keep last year's run to the Final 8 fresh on the minds of fans. My favorite Brazilian, Ariani Silva, returns as one of the best shooters in the SAC as she set the new RSU single-season record for made threes last year. Leah Smith can also fill it up from outside after leading the 'Cats in scoring. Point guard transfer Kelby Fritz will be a coach on the floor after the Vinita product arrived from Missouri Southern. She has just one year to show her wares in front of the home crowd. Finally, last but not least...the "Preston Pick-Pocket" Sierra Cornwell is back for her senior season. Great nickname handed out by our public address announcer last year. Sierra is the reigning middleweight champion of defense in the Sooner Athletic. She is the most ball-hawking women's player we've seen in the NAIA to date. You blink, she steals it...you sneeze, she steals it...you go to the restroom at halftime and she has 10 more steals by the time you return to your chairback. She is that good! Needless to say, I think the RSU women are in for one of those really special seasons. It all starts with two exhibition games at Tulsa (Oct 31st) and at Arkansas (Nov 4th).
The men's program is coming off back-to-back runs to the Elite 8 at the national tournament in Kansas City. As you might imagine, the preseason hype machine is grinding its gears again. The 'Cats have been picked to finish 2nd preseason in the SAC, and likely will be in the Top 10 national preseason rankings. RSU might just have the best guards of any roster in the country, with all-SAC returners Donald Williams (Ole Miss transfer) and Kendrell Thompson (Sam Houston State transfer). Those two had memorable moments in conference games in their first seasons wearing the red and blue. Two other guards are back that will continue to impact games, senior Alex Ewings from Jenks and senior Justynn Hammond out of Seattle and Paris Junior College (TX). Ewings continued to elevate his game to a whole new level last season, hitting big shots off the bench and playing frenetic defense to boot. Hammond is a solid athlete at 6-5 who can play multiple positions, including point guard. He could be called upon to rebound more and play a point forward depending on how much depth is developed with a lack of size up front. A key acquisition on a one-year shot is ORU transfer and former Tulsa East Central standout Ken Holdman. Holdman was one of the better defenders in the Summit League in his time at ORU, and was also better than expected at point guard for Scott Sutton's Golden Eagles. Again, you might not find a collection of guards any better than what's been assembled in Claremore. Up front, RSU should be bolstered by the return of Brian Gibson, a 6-8 bruiser who fought through injuries last year to become a major contributor at nationals. Gibson, a Baton Rouge native, is the tallest player on the roster. The 'Cats will definitely need younger and less experienced guys to fill voids at the forward spots. That could come in the form of two-time state champion at Booker T. in Tulsa, 6-6 sophomore C.J. Hyslop, or 6-7 sophomore Trevar Mayon from Houston. It'll be interesting to see if the rebounding improves, which will depend heavily on the bigger RSU guards. Two true freshman may see some playing time right away, J.C. Hartzler of Union (Tulsa World Player of the Year), and Edison standout Ehron Ponds. Both guards had exceptional high school careers. The Hillcat men have set the bar so high in the first five seasons, that anything short of another trip to Kansas City will be viewed as a disappointment by outside observers. I do believe this team can win a ton of games, but it will need to be achieved with stellar shooting, kick-you-in-the-teeth defense, and a determined effort on the glass on both ends. By far, this year's schedule is the most treacherous ever assembled. Kudos to Coach Justin Barkley for going out of his way to toughen up the 'Cats before the shorter league schedule takes hold. Difficult non-conference foes include Northwestern Okla. State, Mid-America Nazarene, and Our Lady of the Lake. Remember, the SAC is down to just nine teams, so that means 16 conference games instead of 22. The fun all starts October 30th at home in the season opener against Central Baptist of Arkansas.
Here's hoping for a memorable end to the maiden voyage in RSU basketball history. Before the 'Cats shove off to the NCAA and the Heartland Conference, make it a point to take in a small college game at the Claremore Expo Center this season. And, don't forget to "leave a mark".
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Leaving Her Mark
I didn't originally set out to become a play-by-play broadcaster so I could meet interesting and influential people. I didn't intend to do it for any reason other than serving my own self-interests. I desired a career where I attended ballgames for free, a career where I had more fun than the next guy, and a career where I never had to work a day in my life. While I've definitely achieved all those dreams of my younger days, my reasons for calling games have certainly evolved. One of those reasons is what you see expressed in the photo above from the new women's basketball coach at the University of South Dakota.
My path intersected with Amy Williams' journey back in the fall of 2007. Simply put...it was chance, luck, and circumstance that landed me as the play-by-play voice of RSU Basketball. I never envisioned how rewarding personal relationships with the coaches, players, and their parents would become as a game caller. There was a time in my life when I was quite introverted, but my chosen profession has definitely balanced my equilibrium a little, even though I wouldn't necessarily call myself an extrovert now. It's people like Amy who make my job easier. For me, Amy was always approachable. She also flashed that winning smile when I greeted her before recording our pre-game interviews, or when I hopped on the travel bus. Don't take me wrong, though. When the ball was tipped in her 5 years at Rogers State, she was as tenacious and gritty as I've ever seen from a head coach. It's the juxtaposition about her that I liked so much. I'll remember that most, but I'll also remember the brief moments we spent discussing our children. She has two wonderful daughters. I'll miss seeing them sprint across the Claremore Expo floor during pre-game warmups or in timeouts. I'll also miss her because I had the privilege of working with her husband Lloyd. Those two drew up out-of-bounds plays like nobody's business in their coaching days at RSU.
So, it is with sadness that another chapter in RSU Basketball history is written. Amy made back-to-back national tournament appearances, including reaching the final 8 this past March. She is so very deserving of this opportunity at the NCAA Division 1 level, plus it's in her home state. I really view myself as a pawn when it comes to the basketball programs in Claremore, but I cherish the time spent and memories made with great people like Amy. She also takes with her the best RSU internet listener on the planet, her father Tim. Maybe, he'll tune in every now and again from up in the Dakotas just to check if Bontrager is his same old surly self. We'll miss you Williams' family, best of luck!
Friday, April 20, 2012
VIVA MEXICO!
With the assistance of social media, Claws the Intern helped us track down the latest whereabouts of former Hillcat Sylvester Spicer (pictured above with arms spread). His current adventure takes us south of the border into Northwestern Mexico, near the Gulf of California. He's living it up on the beaches of Guasave, Sinaloa...all while ballin' on the courts of the CIBACOPA. Big Spice is averaging 10 points and 4 rebounds a game for Frayles de Guasave. It's apparently the "most important basketball league" in the Baja region of Mexico. There are 12 teams in the league, and the season runs from March to June.
More research and development by Claws has turned up quite a gem about the team's nickname. "Frayles" is another version of the word "frailes", as in friars en espanol. Story goes that a friar once killed himself by jumping off a cliff in the area because he loved a woman. Some of the other teams in the league include the Tijuana Zonkeys, Los Mochis Pioneros, and the Cananea Mineros.
If you're ever interested in a visit to Mexico, hop on the Chepe train in Chihuahua and ride it all the way to Los Mochis. Don't forget to stop along the route and visit Copper Canyon. It's ten times the land mass covered by the Grand Canyon. It's the most heavenly place on Earth. I could've died two summers ago after our trip there and my life would've been complete. Now, the family didn't take the Chepe train all the way to Los Mochis near where Spicer's playing but it's on the agenda for next time. You can even take a ferry across the Gulf of California and back. That's where the Legend of Zorro began, or so I've read.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
That's a Wrap
Now that March has come and gone, it's time to close the book on the 2012 RSU basketball season. And, a record-setting season it was. Both the men and women reached the quarterfinal rounds at their respective national tournaments in Kansas City and Frankfort, Kentucky. It's the first time in the 5-year history of Hillcat hoops that's happened, and the first time ever for the women. I'll go to my grave believing this year's men's team was as good as anybody in Kansas City. For a second consecutive year, RSU was one win away from reaching the Fab 4. The 'Cats had #1 Shorter University of Georgia on the ropes and failed to make a free throw or two down the stretch. Shows you how important that line from 15 feet out is in post-season play. So it goes, and so goes national tournament wins over Tougaloo and Evangel into the Hillcat history books. RSU will sorely miss the steady hand that ran the point for three national qualifiers in five years. Mo Rutherford is an exemplary human being who you'd want your own children to model their lives after. He's been forced to deal with adversity that some would succumb to, but he managed to thrive in pressure-packed situations his entire collegiate career. Thanks for the memories "Mighty Mo". The men will also need to replace the clutch shot-maker Larry Cox, and post-presence Nep Darden. Joey Twilley and Jeremy Marsielle will also be missed. It'll be interesting to watch how Coach Barkley retools the roster for the year ahead.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again...Amy Williams can flat-out coach her tail off. She helped guide this team to back-to-back national tournaments, and then had the RSU women on the brink of the Fab 4 after post-season wins over Cumberlands and Shorter, before losing to Georgetown in the quarters. It was, no doubt, an unexpected run but if you knew the grit and strength these ladies played with for much of the season, espcially against the top teams in the Sooner Athletic, it wasn't a surprise looking back. It wasn't the most talented team at RSU so far, but it'll go down as the one who did the most when it mattered. Seniors Gianna Woods, Sasha Barnes, and Brittani Smith were all key contributors to this year's success. The Hillcat women finished 4th in the conference, but their deep run in Frankfort is further evidence of just how impressive the SAC is year in and year out. It's a privilege covering hoops in this league.
With that said, times are a changing...the departures of Southern Nazarene, Oklahoma Christian, and Northwestern Oklahoma State will drop the SAC to nine members next fall, which means a 16-game conference schedule. Will it hurt the league's reputation as one of the best, if not THE BEST, NAIA basketball conference in America...only time will tell.
Friday, March 9, 2012
National Tournament Time
After a week to decompress with no RSU hoops, HERE. WE. GO! For a second consecutive March, the Hillcats are double-dippin'. The RSU men and women have both landed spots again in their respective national tournaments in Kansas City and Frankfort, Kentucky. Congratulations to another 20-win season for Amy Williams and the Hillcat ladies. In some respects, it was a group that over-achieved this season. The 'Cats had a ton of newcomers who meshed better than I thought they would early in the non-conference. RSU has the unenviable task, though, of facing a really good Cumberlands (Ky.) program in the opening round next Wednesday night. The women's tournament sets up a tad different from the men's field. There are four pods, each seeded 1 through 8, and RSU is the 7 seed with Cumberlands the 2 seed. It'll tip at around 9:45p.m. Wednesday, and you can tune it in with Steve Braun at the mic on the Hillcat Network.
It's off to Kansas City we go with the RSU men for a third time in the five-year history of the program. It also marks the first back-to-back stretch in the final 32 for the 'Cats, having made a memorable run to the Elite 8 a year ago before losing to eventual national runner-up Mountain State. Men's coach Justin Barkley joined the Middle of the Day show Friday on 97.1 FM, The Sports Animal in Tulsa to preview the tournament. Big Al Jerkens, Coach Pat Jones and yours truly delivered the questions. Click HERE to listen (do NOT click on the big play now or download now buttons, find the embedded player and hit the play button). RSU opens with Tougaloo College of Mississippi in round one. It tips at 9a.m. Wednesday, with pre-game coverage at 8:48. Man, that's early for basketball! Enjoy. I have to go pack my bags...note to self, expect the unexpected after last year, so extra socks, boxers, toothpaste...
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Rise of March
It's what I love about what I do. March is my favorite month of every year. It reminds me of the song "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by The Byrds. Because, truly to everything there is a season. Maybe it's my favorite month because the best basketball at all levels is played in March, whether it's at the Big House in Oklahoma City or Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Or, maybe it's because I know the crack of the bat in March delivers me unto a new baseball season. Or, better still, maybe it's just because I know more bearable weather is right around the corner. I'm 34 years old now and I despise winter anymore.
March offers a renewal of energy, an opportunity to fill your tank when it might be cratering into the red. I feel a new spirit come over me like I don't feel at any other time of the year. Hopefully, the same can be said for the Rogers State basketball teams. Both will likely play in the national tournaments. The women in Frankfort, Kentucky. The men in Kansas City, Missouri. RSU pulled the double dip last year with both teams reaching the 32-team joyride in the same season for the first time in the athletic department's short history. Up first, though, the Sooner Athletic Conference tournaments at Bill George Arena on the campus of John Brown in Siloam Springs. It's cool to have the games played in a two-year-old facility, and hosted by the hospitable folks of northwest Arkansas. The prospects are good for the 4th-seeded Hillcat women, who open up with St. Gregory's in the first round Thursday morning at 10:45. The teams split the regular season series in two close games. If all falls right, RSU will have a chance at the nation's #1 team in Oklahoma City in the semifinals Friday. The RSU men, on the other hand, will have a much more difficult road right from the jump. The 'Cats are the #2 seed and take on 7th-seeded Oklahoma Christian in the opening round Thursday at 4:30. RSU swept the two-game series during the season, but they were heart-stoppers. The Hillcats won both nearly at the buzzer, on the road by two and at home by three. It wouldn't shock me at all to see any of the 8 teams in this year's field hoisting the Sooner Athletic tournament trophy come Saturday night.
It had to have been in the mid-to-late 1980's when the month of March grabbed hold of me and put me through the spin cycle. I was an energetic spitfire who had just started my foray into competitive Catholic league basketball at the grade school level. The photo above is probably from 6th or 7th grade, suiting up in the orange and white of St. Francis of Assisi. Check out those shoes...the pumps were all the rage back in the day, especially for those who couldn't afford the Air Jordans. It's a shame the heels of the shoes didn't fill up with air to make me taller. I digress. March stole my heart back then. March spoke to me. March latched onto my chest and gave me a bear hug that to this day has never left. I hope the teams I cover play well enough to cut down nets, and make me feel like the shooting star I once was in my childhood. It's why I broadcast games, it's why I never want to leave the gym. Hillcats...I'm living vicariously through you. Now, go make us proud!
Friday, February 3, 2012
KJRH Feature on SuperFly
A special RSU thanks to "2 Works for You" Sports Reporter Cayden McFarland in Tulsa. He had a great visit with Oklahoma's best dunker, Kenny "SuperFly" Edwards. Take a look!
Monday, January 16, 2012
"SuperFly", Halfway Home
Well...we've essentially reached the midway point of the Sooner Athletic Conference schedule, now 10 games into a grueling 22-game league season. Some men's and women's basketball thoughts in a moment, but first take some time to watch and reflect.The video below is provided by the RSU Media Relations staff, and it features three, 2nd-half dunks by junior forward Kenny Edwards (Indianapolis, IN-Panola Junior College). The Cats went on to beat Oklahoma Christian in thrilling fashion last week 71-69 by scoring the game's final 8 points. Kenny claims he's never had his vertical measured, but it's at least 45 inches. He's also been given the nickname, "SuperFly", by Hillcat Network color man Steve Bontrager. When I hear that, it reminds of my wrestling fandom days back in the 1980's watching Jimmy "SuperFly" Snuka come off the top rope to lay down the hammer on some unsuspecting opponent. Kenny's dunks are as lightning-quick, and equally punishing...take a looksy!
At this point in the season with 12 conference games left, both the men's and women's races in the SAC are rapidly taking shape, and tightening at the top. OBU holds a slim lead on first-place, but the Bison suffered their first loss of the season in overtime to Southern Naz last weekend. That means RSU heads out to West Texas this week for games against Lubbock Christian and Wayland Baptist only a half-game out of first with an 8-2 mark. The Hillcats have played one more game, but OBU already beat RSU in the first meeting this season. SNU and USAO are nibbling on Rogers State's heels, though, with both teams at 6-3 and tied for 3rd. RSU had a real productive two games last week, beating Okla. Christian narrowly and then locking down at home defensively in an 11-point win over Northwestern. That followed a week in which the Cats lost 2 of 3 to OBU and to MACU in upset fashion. It appears the ship is steering better as RSU points its compass to the Lone Star State later this week.
As for the RSU ladies, the Cats are all alone in 4th place with a 6-4 record. The women are a half-game ahead of Oklahoma Baptist, and not far behind Southern Naz (7-2). Lubbock Christian finally did what some of us saw coming, and that's hand #1 Oklahoma City its first loss. LCU hammered the Stars 88-66 for OCU's first loss of the season. So, at the top it's Lubbock at 9-0 and OCU in 2nd at 9-1. The Hillcats have won 3 straight and are really doing solid work on the defensive end, especially limiting second chance opportunities during the current win streak. We'll see if Amy Williams' ball club can go pick up two wins in Texas to match a season-high 5-game win streak. It'll be difficult to win at the Rip Griffin Center in Lubbock, but RSU had a 2nd-half lead on LCU in Claremore so it's possible.
A closing thought...if the first half of conference play has lent us anything, it's this...there are more teams on any given night in the SAC this season that can rise up and beat some of those in the upper echelon of the standings. We've seen it with Mid-America upsetting the RSU men already, and we'll likely see it somewhere again as we hit the home stretch. Enjoy the race!
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