Newman bats too hot for UCO

Cameron Mavroulis (44) dives for a ball during a game between UCO and Newman in Edmond, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista.

Clear skies and winds out of the southwest was the perfect recipe for tons of offense on Tuesday afternoon, as the UCO Bronchos fell to familiar foe Newman University, 18-11.

The Bronchos (8-3), who have gotten off to a hot start in 2012, played host to a struggling Newman ball club, which had yet to find their rhythm on offense prior to Tuesday’s contest.

However, Newman (6-4) brought their bats to Wendell Simmons Field on Tuesday, using five homeruns and 20 hits to hand the Bronchos their worst loss of the season.

Led by Tanner Vinson (5-for-5, 2 HR, 7 RBI) and Corey Cowan (3-for-5, 2 HR, 6 RBI), the Jets scored in every inning except the third, and ran through six UCO pitchers.

“After a four-game sweep, human nature is to have a letdown,” said UCO head coach Dax Leone. “Especially when your pitchers don’t throw it in there, and work behind in the count, and tack on the wind, it happens.”

Powered by a fifth inning that saw eight runs on five hits (two homers), the Jets took control of the afternoon contest, and never looked back, as they took a commanding lead, going up 12-4.

Nonetheless, the resilient Broncho club wouldn’t bow out, as they responded with four runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth.

Doubles by Austin Rycroft and Jordan Mullin coupled with singles by Cameron Mavroulis and Kevin Blue saw the Bronchos answer with four runs of their own, to bringing themselves within four runs, trailing the Jets 12-8.

However, consistent hitting and run scoring by the Jets would keep the Bronchos from mounting any sort of a comeback.

Newman managed two runs in the sixth, one run in both the seventh and eighth, and added two more in the final inning, continuing to pile the runs on top of UCO in the latter part of the game.

“Its just one game, and our guys won’t think too much into it. It’s definitely not our brand of baseball, but give credit to Newman for swinging the bats well,” said Leone.

The senior Rycroft and the junior Mavroulis, who both had solid outings, paced UCO in the loss.

Rycroft finished the day 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI’s. Mavroulis was 3-for-4, with a HR and also knocked in two runs.

Leone is excited about his club, who managed 14 hits on Tuesday, as they move forward, into the deeper part of the season.

“We have a lot of returning guys in our lineup. We have started off on the right foot this year. This group of guys is a great group, and they play the game right. The good teams are the ones who can bounce back from a loss like this, so we’ll see,” said Leone.

The Bronchos travel to Texas A&M Kingsville this weekend for a three-game set before returning home next Tuesday to host Mid-America Christian University.

UCO Grapplers return home with top-ten finish, three All-Americans

The UCO wrestling team is no stranger to the D-II National Championships, having won 15 team titles and boasting 36 individual champions in the program’s storied history.

This weekend, the Bronchos left the 2012 National Championship tournament successful once again, bringing home a seventh-place team finish, and three All-Americans.

Tanner Keck (184 pounds), who battled an injury late in the season, finished fourth and Ky Corley (149 pounds) and Casey Rowell (141 pounds) both finished fifth, with all three garnering All-American status in 2012.

The UCO squad, led by seven-time national coach of the year David James, took a nation-leading ninequalifiers to the tournament, which was held in Pueblo, Colo.

“We certainly didn’t have the tournament we were looking for, but I’m proud of the guys who placed and I though they did well,” James said. “We had some guys who didn’t perform like they are capable of and that was disappointing.”

After the first session of the first day, UCO was in the driver’s seat, winning six of their nine matches, and found themselves high atop the team standings in second place.

Sophomore Dustin Reed (133 pounds) and freshman Chris Watson (165 pounds) both had exciting first round matches that fueled the Bronchos early on in the first day.

Reed, wrestling against the seventh-ranked Even Yenolevich from Kutztown University, was in trouble early as he fell behind 5-0 after the first period. Reed would completely turn things around, and pinned Yenolevich (32-1) at the 3:16 mark of the match.

Watson was faced with the task of wrestling the third-ranked wrester in the country, Isaiah Jimenez of San Francisco State.

A grind-it-out type of match saw Watson trailing after the first period, tied through the second and eventually controlling Jimenez for the entire final period to snag a major upset, winning 3-2.

The second session of the first day wasn’t as pleasant.

After a stellar first part of the day, the Bronchos fell to fifth in the team standings after the evening session and saw six of their nine wrestlers eliminated from the tournament.

“It wasn’t a very good night for us, that’s for sure,” James said. “We entered the tournament with nine guys and it was obviously a disappointment to only have three left after the first day. We were just hoping that the three we had left would continue to push forward.”

Those three did continue to wrestle well, placing in the top five of their weight class and helping UCO to a top-seven finish.

With the addition of Keck and Rowell, UCO will enter 2013 with five wrestlers boasting All-American honors.

“Seven of our nine qualifiers will be back for next year,” James said. “We’ve got to do the right things in the offseason to get better in order to get this program back where it belongs.”

Davis ready to explode

Whitt Carter
OKVarsity.com Staff Writer

After a run to the 6A State Championship game last year, plenty of Broken Arrow (Okla.) juniors picked up interest from a number of schools. One of the Tigers' standouts is DE Frankie Davis, who is anxiously awaiting the arrival of football.

Davis was a vital member of a stingy Tiger defense that led Broken Arrow to a state title game appearance, eventually losing to Tulsa Union in arguably the best HS football game the state witnessed in 2011.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end finished his junior season with 50 tackles and nine sacks, but more importantly, showed that he was one of BA's most athletic players on the defensive side of the ball.

Not only was Davis busy chasing down quarterbacks last fall, but he also picked up waves of interests from several schools including several nearby universities.

"I've been talking to Tulsa quite a bit," said Davis. "Houston, Arkansas State and Kansas State have also been in contact with me."

As far as Tulsa goes, Davis is very interested in playing for a school he grew up watching and a school not far from home.

"I really like that Tulsa is close to home. Playing close to my family is very important to me, and that will play a factor in my decision," Davis said.

After attending the NIKE Camp in Dallas this past weekend, Davis said his next focus will be on attending the Okvarsity.com Combine at Broken Arrow, followed by visits to a spring practice and Junior Day at Tulsa, as well as the summer camp at TU.

"I plan on going up to Tulsa a couple of times this spring and summer. I'm going to head up to one of their spring practices on the (March) 31st and their Junior Day which is the (April) 7th, I believe," said Davis. "I hope I can get down to Houston or over to Arkansas State this summer, but I'll have to wait and see."

Individually, Davis is preparing for a busy spring and summer (and eventually fall of 2012) by bulking up and becoming as light on his feet as possible.

"I'm really focused on continuing to hit the weight room really hard. I want to keep getting stronger," said Davis. "I also need to get quicker and work on my footwork more. Those two things will hopefully help me out for next fall."

Not only is Davis hungry to improve in his own self, but he's also anxious to make his team better in hopes to return to the state playoffs in 2012.

"I think we worked hard all year, last year. We took it one practice at a time, one game at a time. We're going to have to do the same thing this year," said Davis. "We didn't look ahead of anyone. We took it one step at a time, and that's what it will take to get back to where we were last year."

Fellow 2013 classmate, CB Cre Moore, joined Davis, who runs a 4.8 40-yard dash, at the NIKE Combine.

Devanta Johnson talks recruiting

The state of Oklahoma was very well represented at the University of Arkansas' spring game this past Saturday. Several Tulsa East Central prospects were in attendance, including star CB Devanta Johnson, who is excited about his weekend experience.

Johnson, who has long been interested in the Hogs, joined teammates Stanvon Taylor and Kimmie Carson for the post-spring practice scrimmage, which was surrounded by media coverage, amidst the Bobby Petrino scandal controversy.

While it's no secret that Arkansas is at the top of the speedy corner's list, it won't surprise people that the Tulsa native has already gotten his feet wet in some of 'Hog tradition. Johnson has already visited Arkansas twice, which has given him the chance to see some of the Razorback faithful.

"One thing that I really like about Arkansas is the fans. They have a great fan base," said Johnson. "Another thing that hit me right away were their facilities. They are really, really nice."

Johnson also liked what he saw this weekend, saying his spring game visit went "really well" and is excited about heading back east for the Hogs camp this summer.

"I'll be going back to their camp this summer," said Johnson. "Hopefully things will go well there and an then maybe an offer will come."

While some recruits may be wary of signing with the Hogs due to the Petrino scandal, the controversy doesn't bother Johnson, who has full faith that the program will persevere.

"I'm not really worried about it," said Johnson. "The other coaches are in those positions for a reason. They will do the right thing to make sure the train keeps moving. I think they will still be very successful this year, just like people expected."

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior, who recorded 43 tackles, as well as snatching four interceptions and totaling four fumble recoveries in 2011, will be making his debut for East Central this fall, after moving over from Tulsa Central after his junior year.

Johnson is anxious about joining an East Central squad that finished 2011 with a semifinal loss to fellow 5A power, Guthrie.

"I'm ready to get there and play," Johnson said. "They had a good year last year, but we're going to try and make this year a better one."

Johnson has been in contact with several other schools this spring including Kansas State, Arizona State, Texas Tech, New Mexico and Navy.

Although he holds no offers at this point, Johnson thinks the invitations will start to roll in this summer and next fall.

"I don't have any offers yet, but I'm not really worried about it right now. I think after I go on some visits and to some camps, they will start to come," said Johnson.

With visits planned to Arizona State, Kansas State and Tulsa, Johnson knows this summer will be busy, but is looking forward to his vacation(s).

"I went down to Texas Tech and I liked what I saw down there. I'm pretty excited about some of the other schools too. I'm going to camps at Tulsa and Arizona State, as well as Kansas State's spring game," said Johnson.

After making the move to East Central, Johnson is most looking forward to the rise in the level of competition, hoping to get better in his final campaign.

"I really just am excited about getting to go against some better competition," said Johnson. "I've known a lot of the guys that go here for a long time, so it should be good for all of us."

Rivals.com rates Johnson, who runs a 4.5 in the 40, as a 3-star recruit.

Buckle Your Seatbelt!

No lockout. No holdout. No Carson Palmer bailout.

College football is upon us.

Players are sweating more than Casey Anthony in a courtroom, grown men are tuning in to ESPNU to watch the Woo Pig Sooie Spring Game from April, and little kids are staying up til midnight playing NCAA 12 (including myself). America can hardly wait, and neither can I.

Sure, there are many things about college football that make the sport unbelievably unique. The Heisman Race, The Beefy O'Grady's Bowl, Blue Turf, etc. All of these are satisfying in their own selves, without a doubt.

However, college football is the most unique in that it drives the nation absolutely nuts Monday-Friday, anxiously waiting to hear Boomer Sooner about 28 times under the sun at Owen Field. Granted you have the "blue-balling" Thursday night game, and the occasional who-gives-a-rats-ass Friday night Sun Belt game, but its essentially a one week satisfaction.

That is what I think is the most unique about college football.

You can lose six games in the NFL and still win the Super Bowl (ask A-Rodg). You lose two Saturday's out of the year and you my friend, are Texas toast

So, what now you ask? How about a look at the "can't miss" games of 2011. Some of these games are full of hype and others may be some that you couldn't pick out of a hat. Let's give it a shot:


Week 1:

#3 Oregon vs. #4 LSU

Obvious choice here. Two ridiculously athletic teams, with both having one dominant side of the ball.  It will be interesting to see how LSU and their tremendously fast defense can defend the high-octane Darron Thomas and LaMichael James. Oh, yeah, it's also at Jerry World. HELLO College Football! (Insert Keith Jackson voice over)

Week 2:

Arizona @ #8 Oklahoma State

Maybe not the match up of the two best teams, but arguably the most intriguing one. Can OSU, who boats a video-game offense of their own, stop Nick Foles and Arizona who chuck it like its on fire? Should see Bullet riding around a lot this game. Good news also, this is a Thursday night game, so feel free to watch 'Bama/Penn St. on Saturday too.

Week 3:

Could Landry be hoisting the stiff-
arm trophy in December?

#1 Oklahoma @ #5 Florida State

Didn't even have to look at the list of games here. Everyone has been thinking about this one since last year's game ended. Two of college football's best programs, both in the top 5, and a rematch of the 2000 National Title, IN WEEK THREE? #letsgo

Week 4:

#8 Oklahoma State @ #9 Texas A&M

Okay, some of you think I'm being a bit biased towards the Cowboys, but this is "supposedly" the best team they've ever had. So in that regard, wouldn't you want to see them get tested early? Kyle Field is a nightmare to play at. Hopefully Weeden and Blackmon can sleep through that midnight yell.

Week 5:

#11 Nebraska @ #10 Wisconsin

There are a TON of good games in Week 5, but I believe the winner of this one will be in the driver's seat for the Big Ten title. Nebraska, so talented on defense, trying to stop newly acquired QB Russell Wilson. Sounds luscious. Maybe some cheese-heads will make the trip over.

Week 6:

#23 Florida @ #3 LSU

Always an awesome scene late into the night at Death Valley, I think Florida surprises a lot of people under Will Muschamp this year. I can definitely see this game having an impact in the SEC, but in all honesty, which one doesn't?

Week 7:

#12 South Carolina @ #18 Mississippi State

Two teams that people thought they may NEVER hear being talked about in the SEC title race. Both rock solid on defense, and improving on offense. You know what that means: turnovers. BTW, get a look at Al Shon Jeffrey. He's the next Andre/Calvin Johnson.

Week 8:

USC @ #18 Notre Dame

Who remembers Matt Leinart to Dwayne Jarret on 4th and forever? I do. This is one of the best games, year in-year out. USC will be better, and Brian Kelly has to win these type of games if he wants to take Touchdown Jesus back to Rudy status. Need tickets? Call Reggie Bush.

Week 9:

SMU @ Tulsa

While we're at it, let's go ahead and give all three Oklahoma schools some pub in this write-up. But seriously, this will be such a fun game to watch. Lineman with splits of eight feet, and footballs flying everywhere. Could play a huge part in the C-USA championship race as well.

Week 10:

#4 LSU @ #2 Alabama

Love him or hate him, his gutsy attitude
has restored swagger at LSU.

I would say OU hosting A&M, but you might as well start the game with OU up 14-0. That one might be pretty lopsided. This one however, will be an absolute dandy. Two smash mouth football teams, who are gonna beat you with athleticism and power, but do it the old-fashioned way. Expect a trick play from the mad hatter, and a very harsh comment towards the media from Saban.

Week 11:

#3 Oregon @ #6 Stanford

What a game it was last year. This might be a top 3 game of the entire season. We all know whats at stake, winner cake walks into the Pac 12 title game and blows out whom ever they play and possibly plays for a crystal ball. Does that sound fun or what?

Week 12: 

#11 Nebraska @ Michigan

Nebraska's first ever trip to the Big House, and they could be leading the Big Ten, if they get past Wisconsin. Everyone knows about Denard Robinson, but what people don't know about? Can Brady Hoke put a somewhat decent defense on the field. We shall see.

Week 13:

#2 Alabama @ #19 Auburn

Lots of games to choose from this week, but none that really stand out, so we'll go with what's always such a competitive game. The Tide may be rolling as an unstoppable force at this point, but do the "Camcer Free" Tigers beg to differ. I have a feeling that Michael Dyer may tote it about 35 times this game. War Eagle!

This has become a reoccurring
image in Bedlam.

Week 14:

#1 Oklahoma @ #8 Oklahoma State

With 2010 being the first year that Bedlam ever had National Title implications, we couldn't ask for anything better than a repeat. This whole battle comes down to two things, and they seem to be the same two things every year: Can OSU stop OU, because OU has proven it can stop OSU; and do the Cowboys have what it takes between the ears to beat their abusive stepfather from Norman?









For now, all we do is wait. But when the band strikes up, the paint goes on the body, and the hot dogs are grilling, we will know it is time. Bring it.

Tobacco Road Battle

Well, if you're not intrigued by this annual matchup between two of the top programs in College Basketball history, then entertain yourself by driving down to Norman, and watch OU/Texas, which should just be a whale of a game.  This is THE rivalry in College Basketball.  The names that have competed against each other year in and year our are remarkable. Grant Hill and Christian Laettner vs. Hubert Davis and Eric Montross; Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison vs. Jeff Capel and Ricky Price; J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams vs. Tyler Hansbrough and Marvin Williams. These players have made this rivalry great, and this year, there are even more stars to add to this storied matchup.

Singler is the clear-cut leader of defending
champion Duke.

Duke comes into this game ranked fifth in the country, after winning their fourth national championship last year.  Led by arguably the best coach in the game today, the Blue Devils have ran their record to 21-2, and lead the ACC at this point at 8-1.  They are led by their senior point guard Nolan Smith, who leads the ACC in two categories, points per game (21.0) and assists per game (5.6).  Smith would be the first player in conference history to lead both throughout the league schedule.  He is joined by senior forward Kyle Singler, who keyed the title run last season.  Singler is one of the premier forwards in college basketball, and contributes 18 points and 6 rebounds per game.  Coach K's squad is one of the best teams in the nation because they score, and protect the basketball. They average 84 points a game, fourth in the nation, and only average 12 turnovers a game.  For the Blue Devils to protect their home court, they will have to rebound the basketball, and try and prevent North Carolina's fast break.  Carolina sometimes struggles in the half-court set, and their youth shows in their decision making. Duke definitely has the advantage, playing at home, and playing six returnees who saw time during last year's spectacular season.

Marshall has orchestrated the Tar Heel offense
to five straight victories.

The North Carolina Tar Heels, come into this game, surprising a lot of people with the way they have played recently.  The Roy Williams led team, started the season 4-3, and fans were thinking that this season was deja vu to last year's debacle.  Since that 4-3 start, all the Heels have done is win thirteen of their last fifteen, and seven of eight games in the ACC to tie Duke in the loss column at the top of the standings.  UNC has won the last five games, three of those by twenty or more, and is riding the play of freshman point guard Kendall Marshall.  After junior point guard Larry Drew decided to leave school last week, all attention has turned to the impressive youngster and his excellent court vision and ever-improving decision making. Marshall dished out a Tar Heel, ACC record 16 assists in Sunday's romp over talented Florida State (who is Duke's only conference loss).  Opposite of Marshall, is Carolina's talented front court of John Henson and Tyler Zeller.  These two help the Tar Heels lead the nation in rebounding, grabbing 42 missed shots a game.  The Tar Heels not only crash the boards better than anyone else, but also thrive on getting out quick, and running Roy William's signature secondary fast break.  Like stated earlier, they struggle in the half-court set sometimes, but recently Marshall has been able to help the Tar Heels out of those struggles, by making stellar plays to the big men Zeller and Henson, and shooters Harrison Barnes and Dexter Strickland.

This game is going to be a competitive one, as usual.  The Tar Heels have something to prove.  They have to prove that they belong where they were ranked at the beginning of the year, and that they deserve some "usual Tar Heel talk" among the nations elite.  Duke, has to prove that they are the best team in the country, even without early POY candidate Kyrie Erving. Duke will have to be able to contain one of the top front courts in the country in Henson and Zeller, which will require the twins, Mason and Miles Plumlee, to have one of their best performances thus far.  Marshall has to be able to make plays, while not turning the ball over.  In 2006, Bobby Frasor, a freshman PG for the Heels, led the young team to a victory, beating Redick on his own senior night.  Cameron can be the toughest place to play in the entire nation, however, Carolina has won five of the last six there.

My Prediction:
North Carolina needs to come out hot. Freshman star, and preseason All-American Harrison Barnes has to continue his stellar play for the Tar Heels to jump out early.  Duke is one of the best outside shooting teams in the ACC, as well as the whole country.  If North Carolina can continue to own the boards, and contain Duke on the perimeter, I think the Tar Heels will be able to steal one in famous Cameron Indoor Stadium. For Duke to win, they absolutely have to play strong inside, and continue to beat people with their guard play.
I think Carolina comes to play, and Marshall has another big game. It will be a closely contested game, and with the whole nation watching one of the best rivalries in college sports, the Tar Heels win 83-78.

Let's Go Heels!
Whitt Carter
whittcarter15@gmail.com