Tarleton Tales

Tarleton Texans set to host Incarnate Word

2010-11-06T18:40:00.018-05:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans are set to host Incarnate Word at Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. Keep up-to-date with information here on the blog, or see the live chat, live stats, etc. at the Tarleton Social Media page.

- The Texans scored first to go up, 7-0 after the extra point.

- Tarleton recovered the ensuing kickoff when the ball hit a member of the Incarnate Word player. The Texans got down inside the 10, but after going for it on fourth down, the Texans failed to score and turned the ball over on downs.

- The Cardinals scored after a 10-play, 95-yard drive to tie the score after the PAT, 7-7.4

- That will end the first quarter with the score tied at 7-7.

- Touchdown Texans! Tarleton with the QB keeper by Nick Stephens. Extra point is good. Texans lead Incarnate 14-7 with 11:16 left in the half.

- Incarnate scores on yet another fake field goal. Game is tied at 14-14 with 3:27 to go in the first half.

- That ends the first half with Incarnate Word leading Tarleton 17-14.

- The second half is underway. Tarleton will start with the ball at the 24-yard line after a short return.

- Touchdown Texans! Tarleton's Nick Stephens completes a 17-yard pass to Jamal Mays. Extra point is no good. Texans jump back in front 20-17 with 9:05 left in the third.

- Third quarter is in the books. 20-17 Tarleton lead, and it will be their ball to start the fourth at the Incarnate 37-yard line.

- Tarleton adds to their lead with a 19-yard rush by Jerome Regal for a touchdown. Extra point is good. Texans on top 27-17.

- Evan Robertson rushes seven yards for the score. Tarleton extending their lead to 34-17 with 12:13 left in the game.

- Incarnate Word chooses to go for the field goal. Kick is good on 27-yard attempt. 34-20 Texan lead with 6:00 even.

- That's your ball game. Texans take a 41-27 victory from Incarnate Word. Tarleton heads into their final home game of the season next weekend against Eastern New Mexico with a 3-7 record.

- Check out Tarletonsports.com for post-game statistics, quotes, and all your other Texan and TexAnn sports information. Thank you for joining us and we will see you next Saturday.

Texans set to host No. 7 Texas A&M-Kingsville for Homecoming

2010-10-23T17:59:00.060-05:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans will host No. 7 Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday, Oct. 23 for Homecoming 2010. The game has been postponed to 6:30 p.m. due to rain that soaked the area for most of the day.

Keep up with the game here on the blog, on Twitter, and on Live Chat. Go to the Tarleton Sports Social Media page for more.

- Tarleton will receive the kick from Kingsville to start the game.

- Texans return the kick to the 27-yard line, will start from there. Homecoming is underway.

- Tarleton will punt to the Javelinas with 12:18 to go in the first quarter.

- Kingsville will start their first possession at their own 20-yard line.

- The Texans hold Kingsville to a three-and-out. Will receive the punt from the Javelinas with 10:51 to play.

- Tarleton takes over at the 17-yard line after a 62-yard punt by Kingsville.

- Tarleton's Evan Robertson fumbles the ball, Kingsville recovers at the 26-yard line.

- Javelinas attempt a 38-yard field goal. Kick is no good. Texans take over at the 21-yard line.

- Stephens is intercepted by Kingsville's Corey Robertson. Kingsville will start at the 36-yard line with 5:40 to go in the first quarter.

- Correction, Javelinas start at the 21-yard line after a holding penalty.

- Kingsville converts a big third down, threatens in Tarleton territory.

- Javelinas convert on fourth-and-short. First down at the Texans' 28.

- That ends the first quarter. We are all tied up at zero. Kingsville will start the second quarter in the red zone at the 19-yard line.

- First quarter stats:

Texans- 6 plays, 25 yards, time of possession: 6:17

Javelinas- 12 plays, 32 yards, time of possession: 8:43

- Tarleton holds Kingsville to a 32-yard field goal. Javelinas take a 3-0 lead with 14:28 left in the first half.

- Tarleton's Brandon Lowery returns the kickoff to the Kingsville 44-yard line, for a return of 50 yards.

- Touchdown Texans! Nick Stephens hooks up with Jeken Frye for a 44-yard completion. Extra point is good. Tarleton leads Kingsville 7-3.

- Last possession: two plays, 44 yards, 44 seconds. Set up by Lowery's 50-yard kick return.

- Tarleton recovers the onside kick, has possession at the 43-yard line.

- Texans have to settle for a 30-yard field goal by Blake Weist. With 9:57 to play in the half, Tarleton leads 10-3.

- Kingsville returns the kick for a touchdown, but it is negated on a holding call. Javelinas will start with the ball at the 15-yard line.

- Kingsville calls time out with 5:10 to play in the first half. The Javelinas face a crucial fourth-and-one at the Tarleton 23.

- Fourth-down conversion is good. Kingsville threatens inside the 11-yard line.

- Touchdown Javelinas. Ryan Lincoln with the two-yard rush. Extra point is good, and we are all squared up in Stephenville, 10-10.

- Kingsville's drive lasted 6:25, and went for 85 yards on 11 plays.

- Tarleton will start the drive at the 14-yard line after a holding penalty on the kickoff. 3:12 remains in the half.

- Javelinas take their second time out with 1:58 to go in the second quarter.

- Tarleton is forced to punt, no return on the kick. Kingsville takes over at the 39-yard line with 1:46 to go.

- After a 15-yard reception, the Javelinas cough the ball up. Recovered by Jacob Rowe at the 17-yard line.

- Tarleton rushes the ball for a short loss and will let the clock run out. The first half is in the books, and its Tarleton 10, Kingsville 10.

- First half stats:

Texans: Time of possession: 9:32, Rushing: 12 for 30 yards, Passing: 10 completions for 91 yards, Total Offense: 27 plays, 121 yards

Javelinas: Time of possession: 20:28, Rushing: 20 for 69 yards, Passing: 13 completions for 129 yards, Total Offense: 39 plays, 198 yards.

Tarleton Leaders: Nick Stephens, 10-15, 91 yards, touchdown; Evan Robertson, nine rushes for 23 yards; Jamal Mays, two catches for 44 yards and a score. Brandon Johnson, 10 tackles, Jacob Rowe, forced fumble, fumble recovery, and a sack.

Kingsville Leaders: Nate Poppell, 13-19, 129 yards; Jonathon Woodson, six rushes for 34 yards; Ryan Lincoln, five catches for 29 yards. Marcus Sanders, seven tackles, two for loss.

- Second half will get underway in less than four minutes.

- Texans will kick off to start the second half. Javelinas set to return.

- Kingsville will start the third quarter at their own 40-yard line.

- Javelinas forced to punt after a delay of game penalty on a fourth and short.

- Punt is downed at the six-yard line. Texans take over with 11:15 to go in the third.

- Time out Tarleton with 11:04 left in the quarter, as the Texans face a big third-and-10.

- Texans are stopped on third down, will punt to Kingsville.

- Javelinas take over at the Tarleton 39-yard line after a 33-yard punt with 10:10 left in the third.

- Tarleton holds Kingsville to a three-and-out. Punt is fair-caught at the 10-yard line. Texans start the drive with 9:29 on the clock.

- A pair of penalties on the punt, with a running into the kicker by Kingsville and a block in the back by Kingsville. Javelinas will move back and start the drive at the 34-yard line.

- Javelinas fumble. Recovered by the Texans. Tarleton takes over at the 40-yard line.

- Time out Kingsville, their first of the half. 5:30 to go in the third.

- Javelinas have the ball at the 35-yard line with 2:38 left in the third.

- Kingsville faces a big third-and-seven from the 39-yard line with 2:00 in the third.

- Javelinas have to punt. Texans muff the kick, but a kick-catch interference penalty gives Tarleton the ball at the 45-yard line.

- Another defensive stop by Kingsville. Tarleton will punt to the Javelinas with 45 seconds left in the third.

- Kingsville starts their drive from the 19-yard line.

- End of a back-and-forth third quarter. Tarleton 10, Kingsville 10. Javelinas will start the fourth with a third-and-seven from the 23.

- Kingsville starts the fourth with a first down.

- Jamaal Steamer grabbed a huge tackle behind the line to force a punt by the Javelinas. Tarleton has a first down and 10 at their own 20 with 11:37 on the clock.

- Missed field goal by Tarleton. Kingsville takes over at their own 22-yard line.

- Tarleton stumps the Kingsville offense, forces the Javelinas to punt with under seven minutes left in the game.

- Texans will start the drive at the 18-yard line with 6:34 to go.

- Kingsville sacks Nick Stephens to force a punt.

- Javelinas convert on a big third down. Clock is under the 3:20 mark.

- Tarleton uses their last time out of the game. 1:14 to go in the fourth.

- Time out Kingsville, they have one remaining.

- Field goal is good by Javelinas. Kingsville takes a 13-10 lead with 21 seconds remaining.

- Stephens stops the ball with two seconds on the clock and 73-yards of field to cover.

That's the ball game folks. Kingsville 13, Tarleton 10.

Thanks for following along with us. Check out Tarletonsports.com for more coverage, post-game stats, etc.

Join us next weekend when the Texans travel to Midwestern State for another Lone Star Conference match up at 7 p.m.

We appreciate your support and we will see you at the game.

Tarleton set to host Angelo State for Family Weekend

2010-10-02T18:28:00.056-05:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Tarleton Texan football team is set to host Angelo State at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 for Family Weekend in Stephenville.

Check back here for live blog info, and go to the Tarleton Sports Social Media/Fan Interaction Page for more.

Join the team - Tarleton Texans, TexAnns and You!

- Tarleton won the toss, and will receive. Family Weekend is under way.

- Timeout Tarleton with 9:25 left in the first quarter. Texans threatening with the ball on the Angelo five-yard line.

- Touchdown Texans. Evan Robertson with a one-yard run for the score on fourth and short.

- Extra-point is good. Tarleton's first drive: 14 plays for 74 yards and the touchdown.

- Texans' Jacob Rowe blocks Angelo's field-goal attempt. Dashaun Phillips returns it 70 yards to the Angelo seven-yard line.

- 24-yard field goal attempt is good. Tarleton takes a 10-0 lead with 1:58 left in the first quarter.

- Angelo's Garrett Tidwell returns the kick 80 yards to Tarleton 10-yard line.

- Touchdown Angelo State. Dakareai Pecikones with ten-yard rush. Extra-point is good. Texans hold 10-7 lead with 1:37 left in the first quarter.

- First quarter is in the books. Tarleton leads Angelo State 10-7.

- Touchdown Texans! Nick Stephens completes 15-yard pass to Devon Gray. Extra-point is good. Tarleton extends lead to 17-7 with 14:02 left in the second quarter.

- Texans last drive goes for 71 yards and eight plays in 2:21.

- Tarleton forces Angelo to punt. Rams down the ball at the eight-yard line. Texans take over with 12:14 left in the second quarter.

- Angelo State's Markeith Jones intercepts Tarleton's Nick Stephens at the Angelo 44-yard line.

- Tarleton muffs the punt. Angelo State takes over at the five-yard line.

- Touchdown Rams. John Norcott runs it for five yards and the score. Extra-point is good. Texans hold slim margin 17-14 with 7:52 left in the second quarter.

- Texans return punt to 32-yard line. Take over with 7:45 to go in the half.

- Tarleton goes three-and-out. Punts to Angelo, who returns it to the Angelo 36-yard line.

- Angelo punts to Tarleton's Dashaun Phillips. It's fair-caught at the 11-yard line.

- Time out Texans, one remaining. Tarleton's ball at the six-yard line with 3:59 to go in the half.

- Intentional grounding on Tarleton's Nick Stephens in the end zone, resulting in a safety. Angelo pulls within one, 17-16.

- Touchdown Angelo State. Josh Neiswander completes 65-yard pass to C.J. Akins. Two-point conversion is good. Rams take 24-17 lead with 3:33 left in the first half.

- Time out Angelo with 1:27 left in the half.

- Fourth-down conversion for the Texans is stopped by the Rams. Turnover on downs. Angelo takes over at the 43-yard line with 1:19 to go.

- Time out Angelo with six seconds remaining, their final time out of the half.

- Interception by Tarleton's Dashaun Phillips in the end zone. First half is complete. Angelo State leads the Texans 24-17.

- Tarleton's first half stats: 19 rushes for 51 yards, 113 passing yards, one interception, two penalties for 11 yards, time of possession: 17:15.

Evan Robertson had 14 carries for 51 yards.
Nick Stephens went 10-for-18 with 113 yards and a touchdown.
Jeken Frye had two catches for 28 yards. Devon Gray had two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown.
Brandon Johnson had eight tackles, while Damian Perkins had five tackles.

- The second half is about to get underway. Angelo State set to return the kick.

- Angelo converts on fourth down, threatens in the red zone with the ball on the Tarleton 13-yard line.

- Rams' kicker Ryan Smith makes a 31-yard field goal. Tarleton trails 27-17 with 10:25 in the third quarter.

- Texans' Eddie Brown returns the kick to the 33-yard line. Tarleton takes over with 10:17 to go in the third.

- Saalim Hakim catches a 44-yard pass from Nick Stephens to the Angelo 15-yard line.

- Tarleton's 24-yard field goal attempt is good. Score still favors Angelo 27-20.

- Kickoff goes out of bounds at the 10-yard line. Angelo State takes over at the 40-yard line.

- Angelo receiver Garrett Tidwell on the reverse completes pass to Dakareai Pecikones for a 17-yard touchdown. Extra-point is good. Texans trail Rams 34-20 with 4:19 left in the third quarter.

- Kickoff goes out of bounds at the 20-yard line. Tarleton takes over at the 40-yard line.

- Texan quarterback Nick Stephens completes a 52-yard pass to Saalim Hakim to the Angelo 8-yard line.

- Tarleton fumbles on the seven-yard line, recovered by Angelo State.

- That ends the third quarter. Angelo State leads the Texans 34-20. The Rams will start the fourth quarter at the Tarleton 36-yard line.

- Angelo's 29-yard field goal attempt is blocked by Jacob Rowe, his second blocked kick of the game. Tarleton takes over at the 20-yard line with 9:58 to play.

- Turnover on downs for Tarleton, Angelo State takes over at their own 37-yard line.

- The Texans hold the Rams to a three-and-out. Punt goes out of bounds at the 34-yard line. Tarleton starts their drive with 5:16 left in the game.

- Touchdown Texans! Nick Stephens throws to Saalim Hakim for a 27-yard touchdown catch. Extra-point is good. Angelo State 34, Tarleton 27, with 4:54 to play.

- Blake Weist's kick is deep , Angelo starts drive at their own four-yard line.

- Angelo fumbles at the four-yard line. Texans recover and take over with a short field.

- Touchdown Texans! Evan Robertson with four-yard rush. Extra-point is good. We have a tied ballgame, 34-34 in Stephenville.

- Angelo State returns the kick to the 31-yard line, take over with 4:40 left in the game.

- Tarleton forces a punt, muffed by the Texans, but maintained possession. Tarleton takes over at the 23-yard line.

- Pair of big pass plays put Texans in red zone with under two minutes left in the game.

- Time out Tarleton, their first, with 1:52 remaining.

- Time out Angelo State, their first. Texans have fourth-and-nine with 1:37 on the clock.

- Blake Weist's 27-yard field goal attempt is good! Tarleton takes 37-34 lead with 1:34 to go in the game.

- Short kick by Tarleton has short return. Angelo State starts drive at the 33-yard line with the game on the line.

- Angelo State fumbles at the 31-yard line. Tarleton recovers the ball and takes over at the 31 with 1:05 left in the game.

- Angelo takes their second time out.

- Tarleton will kneel the ball to burn the clock, making Angelo State use their final time out.

- The Texans win a nail-biter 37-34, pick up their first win of the 2010 campaign.

The Texans return to action next week when the travel to West Texas A&M to take on the Buffaloes. Thanks for joining us, and we will see you next time.

TexAnns set historical record with 7-0 start

2010-09-10T21:32:00.002-05:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Tarleton TexAnn volleyball team has set a new mark to start the season with a 7-0 opening record.

Tarleton took its first two games at the 2010 TexAnn Invitational on Friday, Sept. 10 to move past the previous best of 6-0 from 1999. The TexAnn's tying victory came against St. Mary's in five games before Tarleton's 3-1 win over Texas-Permian Basin put the TexAnns at 7-0 for the season to set the new mark.

For more information on the win, see the TexAnn Invitational website, or see the game story for the win over UTPB.

Fans can catch the TexAnns at home on Saturday, Sept. 11 around 4 p.m. as they host Southwest Baptist in the final game of the Invitational in the Tarleton Recreational Center.

Season Opener

2010-09-02T20:52:00.012-05:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans host Northeastern State in the season opener at 7 p.m., and fans can catch the live blog throughout the game.

- Northeastern State scored first when Drew Patton hit a 44-yard field goal with 10:45 on the clock in the first quarter.

- NSU scored again when Patton hit a 29-yard field goal to end a 10-play, 33-yard drive to make it 6-0. The score was set up by a NSU interception of Tarleton's Nick Stephens.

- NSU added to the score with an 11-play, 80-yard drive that was completed by a 14-yard pass from Daryn Alves to Trey McVay. A Nick Whitlow pass to Cale Fulps made it 14-0 RiverHawks.

- The Texans scored in the last minute of the first half when Stephens hit Gray on a 19-yard pass. Gray jumped and took the ball away from the defender in the corner of the endzone. Blake Wiest hit the extra point as Tarleton trailed 14-7 at the half.

- The RiverHawks scored another field goal to make it 17-7 with 6:39 left in the third quarter. Patton hit a 33-yard field goal to end the drive.

- Kenny Davis then scored on a quarterback keeper to give NSU a 24-7 lead with 13:39 left in the contest after the extra point. The drive took six plays in 2:05 and covered 41 yards.

- Jeken Frye then caught a 48-yard pass from Stephens to score the Texans' second touchdown at 12:55 in the fourth. A Stephens rush failed, and Tarleton trailed 24-13.

- Blake Weist hit a 39-yard field goal with 7:02 left in the contest to cut the lead to eight, 24-16.

- On the ensuing kickoff, Nate Robinson returned the ball 95 yards for a touchdown to make it 30-16 in favor of the RiverHawks. The extra point was good to increase the lead to 15.

- Aaron Doyle then walked on the field for the Texans and had a keeper for a 15-yard gain before hitting Frye for a 60-yard receiving touchdown. Weist had the PAT to make it 31-23 with 6:08 on the clock.

- The Texan defense held the ensuing drive by the RiverHawks, but a nice NSU roll on the punt put Tarleton back to its own eight yardline with 3:34 left in the game.

- Texans fail to get down the field and turn the ball over on downs, thanks to several dropped passes.

- Tarleton loses the season opener, 31-23, despite outgaining NSU 463 to 287. The Texans had 328 yards passing and 135 yards rushing to NSU's 193 yards passing and 94 yards rushing.

- The Texans were 6-of-18 on third-down conversions and two-of-four in red-zone scores.

See more info at TarletonSports.com.

2010 Kickoff

2010-09-01T22:03:00.002-05:00

The Tarleton Texan football team opens the 2010 season at home against Northeastern State on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.

Find out more about the game at TarletonSports.com Game Week.

Also, fans can check out the live blog (here), live stats, live chat and live video via links on the Game Week page.

Fans can also email the radio booth at tarletonradio@gmail.com.

Texans Check in to 2010 Fall Camp

2010-08-11T18:28:00.002-05:00

- 2010 Texan Football Camp page

STEPHENVILLE - Tarleton head football coach Cary Fowler and his staff welcomed the 2010 Tarleton Texan football team to campus Wednesday as the squad reported for training camp.

The Texans checked in to the dorm Wednesday afternoon and after meetings and filling out paperwork tonight, the team will hit the ground running on Thursday evening.

"This is the best day of football," said head coach Cary Fowler. "There are a lot of hopes and dreams out there. There are nerves, and there should be. That is what college football is all about.

The Texans kickoff the season against a real opponent on Thursday, Sept. 2 when Northeastern State comes to town, but the head coach said the focus is getting started and make the summer workouts worthwhile.

- Read the rest of the story

2010 LSC Media Day

2010-07-20T11:23:00.006-05:00

Just a few minutes away from the start of 2010 LSC Media Day activities. More to come from San Antonio...

Okay, let's see how I do picking where we will finish...

Football - 3rd in the South Division
Volleyball - 7th
Men's Cross-Country - 2nd
Women's Cross-Country - 5th

I have not seen the polls - these are just my educated guesses before they are announced.

And the winners are...

North Division -
Offensive preseason player of the year: Baylen Laury - Southeastern Okla. State University.

Defensive preseason player of the year: Cory Withfield - Texas A&M-Commerce

North Division Poll:
1. Texas A&M-Commerce
2. Southeastern Okla. State
3. Central OKlahoma
4. Eastern New Mexico
5. Northeastern State
6. Southwestern Okla. State
7. East Central

South Division -
Defensive preseason player of the year: Aston Whiteside, Abilene Christian
Offensive preseason player of the year: Zach Estridge, Midwestern State

Preseason Polls:
1. West Texas A&M
2. Abilene Christian
3. Midwestern State
4. Tarleton
5. Texas A&M-Kingsville
6. Angelo State
7. Incarnate Word

- Dameon

2010-07-20T01:30:00.002-05:00

SAN ANTONIO - The 2010 Lone Star Conference Fall Media Day is set for Tuesday, July 20 in San Antonio, and TarletonSports.com will keep you updated on all the action and preseason poll releases LIVE.

Tarleton Athletics Media Relations will bring you live coverage on the Tarleton Tales blog, Facebook and Twitter. After the conclusion of the program, which is set to begin around noon, videos will be posted on the Tarleton Athletics YouTube site as well as on TarletonSports.com.

Interact with the staff at the event by commenting on Facebook and Twitter or by joining the LIVE CHAT.

The 2010 LSC preseason polls for football, volleyball and cross country will be released on Tuesday during the program.

Follow the LIVE UPDATES at the links below:

And then find the videos after the completion of the program at Tarleton's YouTube Site:

Texans square off against #7 Midwestern State

2010-02-03T20:09:00.008-06:00

The Tarleton Texans are getting ready to take on the #7 ranked Midwestern State University Mustangs. This highly anticipated match-up is the first in two straight games between these two teams as a part of the Lone Star Conference Rivalry Week. Tip-off is moments away.

- The Mustangs have jumped out to an early lead as the Texans have allowed them to bury three three-pointers in the first eight minutes of the game. The Mustangs lead at this point by the score of 16-5.

- Texans still unable to score points as they just can't seem to find the basket right now. The Mustangs have jumped out to a big 37-12 lead with just over three minutes left to play in the half.

- Halftime here at Wisdom Gym and the Texans are trailing big by the score of 47-14. Thus far in the contest the Texans have shot just 20 percent from the field and just 13 percent from beyond the arc. Midwestern has taken advantage of nearly every opportunity as they have shot a very efficient 67 percent from the field as well as 67 percent from the three point line. The Texans will look to step things up in the second half.

- Texans went on a small 7-0 run to bring the game back to a 28 point margin. Midwestern continues to hit from behind the arc as they have now made nine three-pointers in the contest. Score is now 61-31.

- Final here at Wisdom Gym with the Mustangs taking this one by the score of 66-49. The Texans made a nice final push by the deficit was too large to overcome. They travel to Wichita Falls on Saturday for the rematch with tip-off set for 8 p.m.

TexAnns vs. Midwestern Mustangs

2010-02-03T17:40:00.009-06:00

Just before tip-off here at Widsdom Gym as the TexAnns prepare to take on the Midwestern State University Mustangs. After a one point loss the to Javelina's of Texas A&M-Kingsville the TexAnns find themselves on the outside looking in of the top 25 national rankings. They will look to improve on their 16-4 record tonight and jump back into the mix as one of the top teams in the nation. Live game notes will be updated here but fans can also listen to the game live on KSTV (93.1 FM) or watch the game live via the Tarleton All-Access.

- The TexAnns have set the tone as they take an early 10-3 lead over the Mustangs. Morgan Stehling has gotten her game going early with four points already as well as two free throws coming up.

- The offense continues to roll thus far in the first half with the TexAnns scoring 24 points with just over 10 minutes gone in the first half. TexAnns lead by the score of 24-10.

- Tarleton has been tough on defense, forcing the Mustangs to commit 11 turnovers. The TexAnns have taken advantage of those turnovers by turning them into 12 points. TexAnns now lead 36-18.

- In the last minute of the first half the TexAnns were able to rip off six straight points on their way to a 42-20 half time lead. They are led so far by Stehling with nine points and Tara Towns with seven points. They are showing a ton of energy tonight and show no signs of slowing down.

- Mustangs come out and are able to put some points on the board as they look to try and close the gap on this lead. They have already scored 11 points right out of the half and cut the lead to 17.

- Score remains in favor of the TexAnns as they keep a comfortable lead. Shelby Adamson has filled up the stat sheet so far with 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

- The score is settled here at Widsom Gym as the TexAnns have defeated their Lone Star Conference rival by the score of 70-47. The TexAnns will look to make it two straight over the Mustangs as they travel to Midwestern this Saturday for the conclusion of the LSC rivalry week. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

Texans vs. ACU

2010-01-27T20:11:00.007-06:00

The Tarleton Texans (15-3,3-0) are putting their undefeated record in the LSC South Division conference on the line tonight against the Abilene Christian Wildcats (7-11,0-3). While the records of the two teams look different it is always a battle when these two teams meet up. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.

- The Texans have the early lead, 17-13, midway through the first half. The Texans have been efficient on the floor thus far, shooting 57.1% from the three-point line. Tarleton has also been very effective defensively as well as aggressive on the boards.

- Texans pull ahead with a sizeable lead to end the first half by the score of 43-21. Devon Hills leads all scorers with 15 while Donta Smith is the rebounding leader after pulling down eight. The Texans finished the first half shooting 41.4% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Abilene Christian has had a tough game shooting the ball thus far finishing the first half with a field goal percentage of 28%. Their point leader is Eddie Thompson with seven. Grabbing the rebounds for the Wildcats is Dosh Simms with four. The Texans will look to continue their strong performance as the second half is coming up.

- Texans still going strong with nearly five minutes gone in the second half. Texans lead by 38 points with the score 53-25 Devon Hills putting in a great night scoring as he has 20 already for the game.

- Tarleton continuing their dominant performance tonight as they continue to lead by 30 with 7:24 left in the game.

- Texans walk away from this one with a 83-63 victory. Devon Hills led all scorers with 23 points and the Texans shot 41.4% from the field. Donta Smith pulled down a game high 15 rebounds as he was dominant on the glass tonight. The Texans will travel to Kingsville on Saturday as they look to take on the Javelinas of Texas A&M-Kingsville with a tip-off time of 7 p.m.

TexAnns vs. ACU Wildcats

2010-01-27T18:14:00.006-06:00

Live here at Wisdom Gym where the No. 25 ranked Tarleton TexAnns are set to square off against the Abilene Christian Wildcats. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Catch all the action on the live broadcast on KSTV (93.1 FM) or fans will be able to access the live audio and video streams that are available on TarletonSports.com as part of the Tarleton All-Access.

- The teams have been evenly matched thus far into the contest with the score at half TexAnns 34, Wildcats 30. Scoring in the first half was led by Shelby Adamson with 12 points. JoAnne Jones and Brittnie Haley lead the TexAnns in rebounds with three each. Scoring for the Wildcats was led by guard Kelsey Darby-Holson with 11 points on five-of-eight shooting. Jamie Meyer is the leader in rebounds for both teams with six in the first half. Tarleton shot 43.2% from the field in the first half with the Wildcats shooting just 38.7%. Abilene Christian will look to cut down on the turnovers in the second half as they finished with nine in the first half that led to nine TexAnn points. The second half is coming up shortly.

- Both teams have continued to keep the game close with the TexAnns leading 42-40. Brittnie Haley has kept her strong rebounding performance going by pulling down four more rebounds less than five minutes into the second half. Shelby Adamson and JoAnne Jones continue to lead the TexAnns scoring effort with Adamson totaling 14 thus far and Jones chipping in with 12.

- It looks as if Tarleton has gained a slight advantage by moving the deficit to five with the score TexAnns 53, Wildcats 48. With 7:53 to go in the second half it looks like this one will come down to the wire.

- The TexAnns were able to pull out a victory over rival Abilene Christian University by the score of 70-64. Shelby Adamson led the TexAnns in scoring with 20 points. Brittanie Haley, who sat out a lot of the second half, finished with a team high eight rebounds. Top scorer for the Wildcats was Jamie Meyer with 16. The top rebounder for the Wildcats was Jody Meyer with nine rebounds. The No. 25 ranked TexAnns will to Kingsville on Saturday with a matchup with Texas A&M-Kingsville. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

TexAnns in the Top-25

2010-01-20T13:44:00.003-06:00

For the first time in school history, the Tarleton TexAnn basketball program cracked the USA Today/ESPN Division II Coaches poll.

The TexAnns debuted at No. 24 in this week's poll following a 14-2 record through the first 16 games.

Head coach Ronnie Hearne told me after finding out about the national ranking, that he mentioned to his team before the start of the season that it had the potential to do a lot of things that no other TexAnn team had done. This was just a first of what could be many more accomplishments to come.

This is a great aciement for coach Hearne, the 2009-10 TexAnn team and the entire Tarleton TexAnn basketball program.

Congratulations TexAnns.

Texans vs. Paul Quinn - Jan,. 4, 2010

2010-01-04T20:04:00.004-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans are set to host Paul Quinn at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4 in Wisdom Gym in the final of five straight home games.

The Texans are 10-2 entering the game against the 2-5 Tigers of the NAIA Division I school.

Fans can watch the game live via the Tarleton Showcase or watch live stats. Fans can also listen to the game on KSTV 93.1 FM.

Live game notes here:

- The game will not start until 7:15 because the Tigers were late in their arrival.

- The Texans lead 23-4 with 7:40 left in the opening period.

- Tarleton has a 31-11 advantage at the break. PQC is 5-of-30 in shooting (.167) in the first half while the Texans are 11-of-38 (.289). Tarleton has 12 points in the paint to PQC's four and 11 second chance points to the Tigers' zero. Tarleton also had four blocks and just six turnovers while PQC has 11 turnovers and no blocks.

- The Texans lead 57-20 with 10:33 on the clock.

- Tarleton wins 77-31. Go to the website at TarletonSports.com for more information.

Texans vs. Texas-Permian Basin - Jan. 2, 2010

2010-01-02T18:49:00.011-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - Tarleton's men's basketball team will tip-off against Texas-Permian Basin at around 7:20 Saturday, Jan. 2 after the women's game against Texas Wesleyan.

Tarleton enters the game 9-2 while the Falcons are 4-6.

And MavsMan is in the house and will perform at both halftimes.

It is $1 night where everything (admission, drinks, popcorn, etc.) is just ONE DOLLAR. It will be DOLLAR night on Saturday as well when the TexAnns host Texas Wesleyan and the men host Texas-Permian Basin.

The game is broadcast on KSTV 93.1 FM. You can also follow live stats and/or live video.

- The Texans take a 13-3 lead at the first media timeout as UTPB is 1-10 in field goal attempts in the first 7:05 of the game.

- The next media timeout took place at 11:42, and the Texans added to their lead, 17-3.

- Tarleton leads 23-6 at the third media timeout with 7:55 left in the first period.

- The Texans have a 25-6 lead with 3:50 on the clock in the first half.

- Tarleton has a 32-9 lead at the half. The Texans are shooting .440 from the floor while the Falcons are shooting .120 (3-25).

- Tarleton stretched its lead to 40-11 at the first media timeout of the second half (15:36).

- The Texans lead 47-22 with 10:59 left in the contest at the second media timeout.

- Tarleton leads 56-30 with 6:15 on the clock in the second half.

- The Tarleton Texans have now won 14 straight games taking place after the New Year as Tarleton downed Texas-Permian Basin on Saturday, 65-33.

The Texans improved to 10-2 on the season with win over the Falcons who fell to 4-7.

Effran Bryant led the squad with 17 points while hitting five three-point shots in the win as Tarleton hit 50 percent from the floor. Jeremiah Wilson recorded his fourth straight double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds to help Tarleton outrebound the visitors, 38-23.

Also scoring in double figures for Tarleton was Hills with 10. The Texans averaged .500 from the field (24-48), .524 from the three-point arc (11-21) and .545 from the line (6-11).

Tarleton outscored the Falcons 26-14 in the paint, 16-5 off turnovers and 19-7 in second chance points. The Texans outscored the opponent from the bench, 16-2.

Tarleton will return to action at home on Monday, Jan. 4 when it hosts Paul Quinn at 7 p.m. in Wisdom Gym. The men’s team will sign autographs after the contest.

TexAnns vs. Texas Wesleyan - Jan. 2, 2010

2010-01-02T17:00:00.011-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - Happy New Year from Stephenville where the TexAnns are set to take on the Lady Rams of Texas Wesleyan in Wisdom Gym tonight - Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010.

The TexAnns are 10-1 and the Lady Rams are 5-4 going into the game. And MavsMan is in the house and will perform at both halftimes.

It is $1 night where everything (admission, drinks, popcorn, etc.) is just ONE DOLLAR. It will be DOLLAR night on Saturday as well when the TexAnns host Texas Wesleyan and the men host Texas-Permian Basin.

The game is broadcast on KSTV 93.1 FM. You can also follow live stats and/or live video.

Live updates begin here:

- At the first media timeout of the first half, the TexAnns lead 9-5 with 15:40.

- In the last four minutes, the Lady Rams have outscored Tarleton 10-2 to take a 15-11 lead with 11:52 on the clock.

- The TexAnns went on a 13-4 run in the last four minutes to take a 24-15 lead into the third media timeout of the first half.

- Tarleton increased its lead to 33-19 with 3:16 on the clock at the final media timeout of the first half.

- The TexAnns doubled the opponent and more in the first half to take a 46-19 lead into the break. The TexAnns, who were at one time shooting 28 percent from the field, are now averaging 43.6 percent from the floor.

JoAnne Jones leads the team with 11 points while Brittnie Haley is second with eight, but the junior leads the squad with five rebounds. Tarleton has outscored the Lady Rams 24-12 in the paint and 30-6 in points off turnovers. TWU has 19 in the first half to Tarleton's seven.

- With 10:58 left in the contest, the TexAnns have increased their lead to 62-31, doubling up the visitors.

- At the 7:48-media timeout, Tarleton is ahead 66-34, and the TexAnns already have three post players in double figures.

- The TexAnns won 79-41 on Saturday as Tarleton improved to 11-2 and have won three straight.

Tarleton will return to action on at Texas Woman's on Jan. 7 in Denton. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

The men are scheduled to start in 25 minutes against Texas-Permian Basin.

Texans vs. Dallas Christian

2009-12-28T18:25:00.008-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans are hosting Dallas Christian tonight at 7 p.m. in Wisdom Gym and will try to shake off the Christmas dinners.

It is $1 night where everything (admission, drinks, popcorn, etc.) is just ONE DOLLAR. It will be DOLLAR night on Saturday as well when the TexAnns host Texas Wesleyan and the men host Texas-Permian Basin.

The game is broadcast on KSTV 93.1 FM. You can also follow live stats and/or live video.

Live updates begin here:

- With 8:01 on the clock, Jeremiah Wilson hit a three to put the Texans ahead 24-16.

- With 2:37 left on the first half clock at the final media timeout of the period, the Texans lead 36-18 after going on a 15-0 run since the Crusaders had cut the lead to 18-16 in the middle of the half.

- The Texans take a 44-20 lead into the locker rooms. The Texans are shooting 53.6 percent from the floor while DCC is hitting 40 percent. Tarleton is 7-of-15 from the three-point arc and is led by Hills with nine points and Bryant with four rebounds.

- At the first media timeout of the second half, Tarleton has a 54-22 lead with 15:32 on the clock.

- The Texans have stretched their lead to 74-38 with 6:22 on the clock.

- At the final media timeout of the contest, Tarleton leads by 22 as the Crusaders have hit a few threes in the last couple of minutes to cut into the lead. The Texans are up 78-46.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T22:57:00.003-06:00

The Tarleton Athletics Department would like to wish you and yours a very, merry Christmas!

Looking for something to do between all of your eating and football watching? The Texans will take on Dallas Christian at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28 in Wisdom Gym.

It is $1 night where everything (admission, drinks, popcorn, etc.) is just ONE DOLLAR!

Come support the Texans, or if you can't make it to the gym, follow the game via the radio, live stats or the live blog right here!

Again, we hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!

Texans vs. Cameron Aggies - 12/21/09

2009-12-21T19:45:00.009-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans and TexAnns are hosting Cameron on Monday, Dec. 21 at 6 and 8 p.m.

Here is the official blog for the 7-2 Texans vs. the 8-2 Aggies in Wisdom Gym tonight.

The game is broadcast on KSTV 93.1 FM. You can also follow live stats and/or live video.

- At the first media timeout, the Texans lead 5-3 after going just two-for-six in the first four minutes.

- The Texans stretched their lead to five (10-5) at the second timeout of the first half. The Aggies are two-for-nine (.222) and the Texans are four-for-12 (.333).

- The Texans lead at halftime 25-20.

- With 13:22 on the clock, the Texans have stretched their lead to 37-24.

- At the second media timeout of the second half, the Texans increased their lead to 41-26 with 11:39 remaining. The Texans have outscored the opponent 16-6 in the second half thus far.

- Tarleton has taken a 45-33 lead with 7:15 left in the contest. Jeremiah Wilson has a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

- At the last media timeout of the game, Dernado Eiland had back-to-back threes as the Aggies cut the lead to 53-39 with 3:48 remaining in the contest.

- The Texans claimed a 59-52 victory over the Aggies on Monday. Tarleton was led by Corin Henry with 17 points while Wilson had his second straight double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Tarleton will return to action on Monday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. against Dallas Christian.

TexAnns vs. Cameron Aggies - Monday, Dec. 21

2009-12-21T17:52:00.008-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans and TexAnns are hosting Cameron on Monday, Dec. 21 at 6 and 8 p.m.

Here is the official blog for the 9-1 TexAnns vs. the 3-7 Aggies in Wisdom Gym tonight.

The game is broadcast on KSTV 93.1 FM. You can also follow live stats and/or live video.

- The TexAnns have a 43-32 lead at halftime. Tarleton is averaging .486 from the floor and .500 from the line. The purple and white have went to the line just two times in the first half, making both. CU is shooting .478 from the field, .571 from the arc and .750 from the line. Tarleton leads in rebounds 19-13.

- Tarleton stretched its lead to 53-35 at the first media timeout of the second half.

- Since the last media timeout, the TexAnns went on a 26-12 run and lead 69-45 with just under 10 minutes left in the contest.

- At the media timeout after the eight-minute mark, Tarleton enjoys a 75-47 lead.

- Tarleton is no up 84-53 with 3:47 on the clock. The TexAnns have four players in double figures with Tori Skarke leading the way with 17 points.

- The TexAnns win 92-63 over the Aggies. Tarleton improves to 10-2 and win 10 games before January 1 for the first time in school history.

Go to TarletonSports.com for the recap and stats.

The men will tip-off in 20 minutes here in Wisdom Gym.

Texans vs. SWOSU Bulldogs

2009-12-19T19:12:00.012-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans are set to take on Southwestern Oklahoma at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19.

The Texans enter the game 6-2 while the Bulldogs are 4-7.

The game is broadcast on KSTV 93.1 FM. You can also follow live stats and/or live video.

- At the first media, the Texans lead 7-6 over the Bulldogs.

- After the timeout, an administration technical was called against the visitors, and Corin Henry hit the backend of the two free shots. Tarleton then stretch its lead to 19-9 by the second media timeout at 11:36.

- With 7:43 on the clock, the Texans take a first-half lead of 18 points, 29-11.

- Tarleton leads 36-14 with 3:42 on the clock in the final media of the first half.

- The Bulldogs scored their first bucket in 11:54 when SWOSU hit a bucket at 1:35. The last bucket came at the 13:29-mark.

- The Texans lead 39-20 at the break, as the Tarleton shot .407 from the field, .538 from the three-point arc and .667 from the charity stripe. Leading the Texans is Jeremiah Wilson with nine points and five rebounds.

- Tarleton leads 43-25 with 15:47 on the clock at the first media timeout of the second period.

- The Texans are up 22 with 11:52 on the clock, 54-32. Tarleton has hit three straight three-point shots.

- With 3:59 on the clock in the second half, the Texans are ahead 72-48. Tarleton have hit 42.6 percent of shots tonight.

- The Texans claim a 78-57 win over SWOSU. The Texans averaged .412 from the floor, .550 from the arc and .676 from the line. Tarleton was led by Washington with 14 points while Hills, Henry and Wilson all had 13 points. Wilson led the team with 10 rebounds as the Texans outrebounded the opponent 41-30.

Tarleton will return to action on Monday, Dec. 21 at home against Cameron. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.

TexAnns vs. SWOSU Bulldogs

2009-12-19T17:14:00.011-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - The TexAnns are hosting the Southwestern Oklahoma Bulldogs tonight in Wisdom Gym. The game began at 5 p.m.

Tarleton enters the game 8-1 overall and is coming off a 72-68 loss at Southeastern Oklahoma on Monday. SWOSU is still looking for its first win of the season after eight tries.

The game is broadcast on KSTV 93.1 FM. You can also follow live stats and/or live video.

- The TexAnns lead the Bulldogs 16-9 with 12:38 on the first half clock.

- At the second media timeout of the first half, the TexAnns are leading 16-9 still. Tarleton has turned the ball over six times in the first 8:12 of the game. SWOSU has just three.

- With 7:53 left in the first half, the TexAnns increased their lead to 14 with a 26-12 advantage. The TexAnns outscored the Bulldogs 10-3 in the last four minutes while turning the ball over just two times in that span.

- At the final media timeout of the first half, the TexAnns lead SWOSU 30-18.

- Tarleton leads SWOSU at the break, 38-20. Tarleton is led by Brittanie Haley with 14 points as the TexAnns have shot .556 from the floor (15-27). SWOSU is led by Chelsey Dillon with nine points. Tarleton is outrebounding the opponent 18-15.

- At the first media of the second half, the TexAnns enjoy a 50-28 lead with 15:17 on the clock.

- With 11:43 on the clock, the TexAnns lead the Bulldogs 54-34.

- Tarleton is up by 25 with 7:24 with their biggest lead, 65-40. Haley has 21 while Sonya Sundberg has 11 and JoAnne Jones has 10 for Tarleton.

- The purple and white continue the dominance, running away with the game 73-49 with 3:41 left at the last media timeout of the contest. The TexAnns are outscoring the Bulldogs 35-29 in the second half.

- Tarleton improves to 9-1 with a 81-56 win over the Bulldogs. Haley led the team with 21 points. Sundberg finished with 11 points and Jones had 10. The TexAnns averaged .527 from the floor, .417 from the arc and .750 from the charity stripe. SWOSU shot .350 from the field, .400 from the arc and .714 from the line. Tarleton outrebounded the Bulldogs 39-32 and outscored them in the paint, 46-28.

The Tarleton women will host Cameron at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21 in Wisdom Gym.

The Texan men will be in action against SWOSU in about 25 minutes.

Texans vs. NSU RiverHawks

2009-12-03T19:50:00.007-06:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Tarleton Texans will look to return to their winning ways on Thursday night at home against Northeastern State at 8 p.m.

Watch the live video or the live stats.

- With 11:49 left in the first half, the Texans lead 10-8 in a defensive battle at Wisdom Gym.

- The Texans used a run in the middle part of the second half to take a 19-12 lead with 5:23 on the clock.

- At the final media timeout of the first half, the Texans are ahead by eight, 22-14. The RiverHawks just took their first free throws of the game at the last deadball, and missed them both. That was at the 4:03-mark.

- The Texans lead is eight at halftime, 28-20. Tarleton is averaging just .385 from the floor and .167 (1-6) from the three-point arc. NSU is averaging .364 from the field and .273 from the arc (3-11). Tarleton has forced 12 RiverHawk turnovers in the first period.

- At the second media timeout of the half after Tarleton had led by 11, the RiverHawks have cut the lead to 41-33 with 11:44 on the clock.

- Texans claim a 61-47 victory. See the whole story here.

Tarleton will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 12 at East Central. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. in Ada, Okla.

TexAnns vs. NSU RiverHawks

2009-12-03T18:17:00.012-06:00

The TexAnns host Northeastern State in a Lone Star Conference crossover contest Thursday at 6 p.m.

Watch the live video or the live stats.

- The TexAnns fell behind early after leading 1-0 and trailed from the get go. Tarleton is down 9-4 at the 11:54 media timeout.

- Tarleton now trails 13-10 with 7:52 on the clock following a Brittanie Haley three-point play the hard way. The TexAnns have outscored the visitors 6-3 since the last time out.

- At the last media of the first half, the TexAnns are in a 15-15 tie with the RiverHawks with 3:49 on the clock. Sonya Sunberg just had a old-fashioned three-point play to tie the game. NSU has free throws coming after the media pause.

- In the final 3:49, NSU outscored the TexAnns 9-5 to take a 24-20 halftime lead. The TexAnns are shooting 35 percent compared to the RiverHawks' 53 percent while NSU has also hit five-of-seven three-point shots (.710). Tarleton has been outrebounded 15-11.

"We have never been down at the half, so it will be interesting to see how we come out and respond in the second half," said graduate assistant coach Danielle Wilhelm.

- With 14:56 left in the second half, the TexAnns trail 31-27 at the first media timeout of the second period.

- The RiverHawks have stretched their lead to seven on a couple of occasions in the second half, including a 36-29 lead with 11:27 remaining in the game. The TexAnns' shooting percentage has gone down to 32 percent.

- Tarleton turned up its defensive pressure and since the last timeout has forced five turnovers and scored 15 points to take a 44-38 lead with 7:28 left in the second half. Hitting a couple of baskets in the run was Morgan Stehling (pictured above).

- With 3:48 remaining in the contest, the TexAnns are holding onto their lead up 49-41 and they have the ball after the media timeout.

- With 2:30 on the clock, NSU called a timeout down by 10, 52-42.

- Tarleton head coach Ronnie Hearne took a full time out as the TexAnns enjoyed a 54-42 lead with 53.79 seconds left.

- For the first time since 1982-83 season, the TexAnns have opened the season 7-0. That season the team started 8-0 for the best start in the program's history dating back to the 1979-80 season when records are complete.

Tarleton will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 12 at East Central for a 6 p.m. tip-off in Ada, Okla.

Texans vs. UCO Bronchos

2009-12-01T20:35:00.011-06:00

The Texans take on the UCO Bronchos at home to open the LSC crossover schedule. Tarleton is 6-2 in crossover openers since the 2001-02 season.

Watch the live video or the live stats.

- The Texans have a 14-8 lead with 14:08 left in the first half at the first media timeout.

- Tarleton outscored UCO 6-4 in the second four minutes as the Texans take a 20-12 lead in the second media with 10:03 on the clock.

- At the eight-minute timeout, Tarleton's lead was dwindled to just two, 23-21. The Bronchos had a 9-3 run during the last three minutes.

- With 2:38 left in the first half, the Bronchos are in the midst of a 20-9 run and took their first lead of the game with 4:11 on the clock. At the final media timeout of the half, UCO leads 32-29.

- Tarleton's Donta Smith hit two free throws with two seconds left in the half to pull Tarleton within one at the break, 34-33. The Texans started off with a hot-hand, but went three minutes without a field goal. Tarleton was outscored 19-6 in the last 8:26.

- Right before the first media timeout of the second half, UCO's coach Terry Evans was called for a technical, and Corin Henry hit one of the two bonus shots to give the Texans a 47-37 lead.

- Tarleton led by 12 with 14:21 on the clock (52-40), but with 9:32 on the clock, UCO has cut the lead to one, 54-53.

- At the last media timeout, the Texans trailed 67-65 after a layup and a foul. Free throw pending by UCO's Dauntae Williams with 2:44 on the clock.

- Devon Hills just tied the game for Tarleton with an old-fashioned three-point play to make it 68-68 with 2:23 on the clock.

- With 23.9 seconds left on the clock, Tarleton trails by four, 73-69. Tarleton has the ball.

- Texans fall at home to Bronchos, 76-72, to fall to 5-1 on the season. Link to story.

TexAnns vs. UCO Bronchos

2009-12-01T18:06:00.014-06:00

The TexAnns just tipped off against the UCO Bronchos and took an early 3-0 lead on the opening possession.

Follow the TexAnns game as it goes, and follow the LIVE Stats via this link.

- At the first media timeout, the TexAnns have taken a 14-3 lead with 15:39 left. Tarleton has had threes from Sonya Sunberg (twice) and Tori Skarke while Brittnie Haley has added an old-fashioned three-point play.

- At the second media timeout, Tarleton has scored just one point in the last four minutes, but it leads 15-6 with just under 12 minutes left.

- The TexAnns went 7:21 without a field goal in the first, the only point Tarleton scored was a free throw by Shedera Bowman. However, Tarleton led 23-17 at the media timeout taken at 6:29.

- With 3:39 remaining in the first half, the TexAnns lead 30-23 but they have been plagued by 12 turnovers that thankfully have only led to seven UCO points.

- The TexAnns have a 10-point lead at the break, 35-25. Tarleton has averaged .410 from the field and .310 from the arc while hitting just .538 from the charity stripe. UCO averaged .280 from the field, hit just one-of-10 three-point shots and .833 from the free throw line. Tarleton has 15 turnovers to UCO's 11 and the TexAnns are being outdone in steals, 9-2.

- UCO took the first timeout of the second half with 16:43 on the clock after the TexAnns jumped out to a 48-28 lead. Tarleton outscored the visitors 13-3 in the first 3:17 of the second period. Tarleton added two points for a 50-28 lead at the first media timeout (15:36).

- With 11:09 left in the contest, UCO outscored Tarleton 10-6 to close the lead to 18. The TexAnns led 56-38 as Tarleton has been called for nine fouls to the Bronchos two in the second half.

- At the eight-minute timeout, Tarleton had a 22-point lead with a 64-42 advantage. The TexAnns had scored 28 points in the paint to the Bronchos' 12.

- The TexAnns are holding the Bronchos to 23 percent from the field, and at the final media timeout of the contest, Tarleton leads 73-51.

- The last two times these teams met, UCO walked away with four close wins. Last season, the Bronchos won by a combined total of seven points. UCO has also knocked the TexAnns out of the last two postseason. But tonight, the TexAnns paid them back with a 30-point victory - 85-55.

Tarleton overcame 22 turnovers to improve to 6-0 on the season.

The men's game is coming up in 25 minutes.

It's chilly, but we're still playing...

2009-11-20T15:58:00.005-06:00

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Tarleton Texans made their way to Yakima, Wash. on Thursday to prepare for their 2 p.m. CST kickoff against Central Washington on Saturday, Nov. 21 in the second round of the NCAA Division II national playoffs.

Kickoff is in Ellensburg, Wash. - about 30 minutes north of Yakima. But the Southwest Airlines charter plane left Abilene Thursday night and landed in Yakima about 9:45 p.m. local time. When the Texans stepped on the plane, there were decorations, purple signs with "Go Texans" and "Southwest LUVS Tarleton" signs all through the plane. There were streamers and other signs throughout the cabin, and who was in charge of that?

Former Tarleton head cheerleader Rhonda (Huddleston) Greenhaw who was our lead flight attendant. She led the plane in the Oscar P cheer as she and the other flight attendants on the plane wore game jerseys for the flight.

A fun time was had by all, and the flight was smooth.

Photo Gallery and story

Today will consist of team meetings, a walk through at the stadium in Ellensburg (or the practice fields right beside the game field) and some more meetings. The usual for the Texans on Fridays before gameday.

More about the game tomorrow, but meanwhile - It is 53 degrees and overcast here in Yakima, but nobody's complaining... Afterall, we are still playing and there a lot of teams sitting at home wishing they were here in our shoes... well, cleats.

Leave your comments and well wishes in the comments section below, and we'll try to pass them on the players.

What a win, what a win... up next, Washington.

2009-11-16T19:43:00.002-06:00

If you missed the game in person... truly sorry.

If you saw it in person, you will never forget it. If you heard it in person, you will never forget that either.

A 64-yard school record field goal by Garrett Lindholm tied the game as tied expired at 46 all. The boot was the second longest in NCAA Division II history and the longest in Division II playoff history. (THE kick is pictured to the right).

After both teams took field goals in the first overtime (49-49), Texas A&M-Kingsville got the touchdown and extra point to go ahead 56-49. On fourth and five from the 20-yard line, Texan quarterback Scott Grantham scrambled to his right and then made one of the most determined runs ever and found the endzone. He had plenty for a first down, but the junior from El Paso was not going to stop until he hit the end zone. And instead of going for the PAT, Grantham's number was called, and he took it in on a keeper to the right, scoring the game-winning two-point conversion. Tarleton 57, TAMUK 56.

The game, the kick, the overtime... all have gotten national exposure as the 10-2 Texans now travel to No. 1 Central Washington to face the top-ranked team in Super Region Four at noon pacific, 2 p.m. CST on Saturday, Nov. 21 in Ellensburg, Wash.

To see the video and the photo albums and everything else from Saturday's double overtime win, go to Tarleton Playoff Central and choose the TAMUK game.

For more on this week's game, go to Tarleton Playoff Central and choose the CWU game.

It's a great day for football

2009-11-14T07:50:00.003-06:00

CORPUS CHRISTI - It's a beautiful morning in Corpus Christi as you can tell by the picture here. Last night, we wandered some of the streets of downtown Corpus to get a look at the scenery while the team did their thing.

This morning, we got up and walked across the street to the bay and watched the beautiful sunrise.

Here's to hoping the outcome of the game is beautiful for the Texans and Tarleton fans as well!

Check out Playoff Central for information about the game, photo albums from Corpus and more about today's game against the Javelinas of Texas A&M-Kingsville. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

TexAnns set to take on UT Dallas Comets

2009-11-10T18:00:00.005-06:00

In their only exhibition of the 2009-10 basketball season the TexAnns take the floor at Wisdom Gym against the UT-Dallas Comets. The TexAnns will look to elevate their level of play as the they prepare for the start of the regular season. The TexAnns are led by their returning senior post JoAnne Jones. Last season Jones led the team in both scoring and rebounding by averaging 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Midway through the first half and it looks like both teams are trying to shake off some rust that has occurred throughout the offseason. The TexAnns hold a slight advantage at this point by the score of 19-14. The TexAnns have had open shots but are looking to get their feel back and have missed a couple of mid-range jumpers as well as a few easy ones in the paint. The defense, however, has been very aggressive and created plenty of turnovers which have led to a couple of fast break points. The outside shots havent quite been falling tonight as the TexAnns have gone 0-for-6 from outside the arc. Coach Hearne will surely look to improve on that total for the rest of the game.

The TexAnns really stepped up their game in the back end of that first half. The TexAnns have been pushing the ball up for the floor and being very aggressive offensively. This has given the TexAnns a 35-22 lead at the break. The outside shooting vastly improved as the girls went 3-for-4 from deep and the passing looked very crisp as the girls made smart decisions when getting the ball to their open teammates. The defense continued to be very stiff as they only allowed the Comets to score eight points in the last 10 minutes of the first half. The second half is coming up.

We're in the playoffs!

2009-11-08T21:32:00.003-06:00

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For the first time since 2003, the Tarleton Texan football team has been invited to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Tarleton will travel to Kingsville to play Texas A&M-Kingsville at noon on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The Texans (9-2) were the fifth-ranked team in the region and will play at TAMUK, the fourth seeded team.

More at TarletonSports.com.

No. 7 Texans take on West Texas A&M

2009-11-07T19:07:00.010-06:00

A perfect night for football here at Memorial Stadium as they No. 7 ranked Tarleton Texans take on the West Texas A&M Buffaloes in this huge LSC matchup. A win tonight would give the Texans the Lone Star Conference championship all to themselves. However, West Texas A&M comes in as one of the hotest teams in the LSC right now after going on a 4 game winning streak including wins over ACU, Eastern New Mexico, and Angelo State. It looks like its going to be a great night of football.

> Buffaloes get on the board first after using a combination of runs and quick screen passes to move the ball down the field with ease. The first drive covered 90 yards in 6 plays and was capped off by a 6 yards draw play by running back Keithon Flemming. The PAT was good to put WT up by the score of 7-0 with 8:32 left to play in the first quater.

> Tarleton strikes back quickly going 60 yards in just 5 plays. The touchdown came on a 2 yard run by fullback Keith Demby. The drive was highlighted by a deep ball down the left sideline from quarterback Scott Grantham to wide receiver Jahmeel Hobson for 55 yards. Lindholm added the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 with 6:09 left in the first quarter.

> The Texan defense was able to force a WT fumble at the Tarleton 30 yard line. However, after a first down and then a Tarleton three and out the Texans pinned the Buffaloes at their own 2 yard line. Two plays later quarterback Taylor Harris dropped back and threw a slant pass to wide receiver Brittan Golden that he took 92 yards for a touchdown. The extra point put the Buffaloes up 14-7.

> The Texan defense forces another turnover, this time in their own endzone as quarterback Taylor Harris threw a short pass over the middle that was tipped several times before linebacker Matt Knicky came down with the ball and brought it out to Tarleton 2 yard line. The Texan offense will now look to drive down the field to put some more points on the board.

> The Texan defense was able to hold the WT offense to a nothing but a long field goal attempt that came up short. The offense then took over at their own 36 yard line. A couple of big completions from Grantham put the Texans inside the WT 10 yard line. On 3rd and 6 Grantham dropped back and threw a strike to the backside of Hobson. Hobson used great concentration to haul in the pass with the defender draped all over him. The extra point tied the game up at 14-14 with :43 left to play in the first half.

HALFTIME NOTES: WT running back Keithon Flemming has had a huge first half with 7 receptions for 72 yards and 9 rushes for 53 yards and a touchdown... Buffalo quarterback Taylor Harris has gone 20 for 22 for 305 yards passing in the 1st half... Evan Robertson has had a strong 1st half averaging just under 7 yards per carry on 7 rushes in the first half... Screen passes seem to be a huge part of both offenses tonight as they have provided huge sparks for both teams in critical situations. Second half is going to be huge and is coming up in just under 3 minutes.

> The Texan defense comes up with a huge stop but on the punt return wide receiver Devin Guinn had the ball slip through his arms and roll around on the ground until it was recovered by the Buffaloes on the Tarleton 15 yard line. Four rushes later by running back Keithon Flemming and he finally punches it in from 1 yard out to give the Buffaloes a 21 to 14 lead with 11:22 left in the 3rd quarter. On the ensuing kickoff Robertson brings the ball out to the Tarleton 28 yard line. The Texan offense is in need of a good drive here.

> Tarleton offense was unable to do anything on their drive and after the Tarleton punt the Buffaloes took the ball at their own 25 yard line. After 5 plays Taylor Harris dropped back and threw another short slant to wide reciever Brittan Golden. This time the slant pass covered 53 yards as he raced down the left sideline and dove into the endzone. With the extra point the Buffaloes now lead the Texans by the score of 28-14.

> The West Texas offense has stayed sharp in this 3rd quarter as they pull in front of the Texans by the score of 35-14. After a blocked punt by the Buffaloes they started at the Tarleton 25 yard line. Two false start penalties later quarterback Taylor Harris dropped back from the 35 yard line and fired a pass to wide receiver Stephen Burton. The extra point put the score at its current standing. Texan offense will look to remedy their 3rd quarter problems.

> The Texans finally realized that something needed to be done as they came out with some very aggressive playcalling to pull Tarleton within 14 points. The score now stands at 35-21 after a little trickery was called to catch the WT defense off guard. A swing pass from Grantham to Demby and then Demby threw a 51 yard pass to a wide open Devin Guinn. WT offense coming up.

> It didn't take the Buffaloes long as they get within the Texan 10 yard line after a 42 yard slant pattern to Stephen Burton. Keithon Flemming again punches the ball in from 1 yard out to give West Texas a 42-21 lead. The Texan offense desperately needs to get something going as they head into the final quarter.

> Keith Demby is giving the Texan offense a small spark here in the 2nd half. After a 48 yard pass to Jahmeel Hobson and a pass interference call on 4th down in the end zone, Demby ran the ball in from 3 yards out. The drive went 10 plays for 79 yards. Texan defense needs a huge stop!

> Texan defense comes up with the huge stop they need. WT punted the ball as it rolled dead at the Tarleton 42 yard line. After a huge 43 yard completion to Devin Guinn the Texans had the ball at the WT 15 yard line. An Evan Robertson 5 yard run and then Grantham hit Guinn in the end zone from 10 yards out. The drive covered 58 yards in just 3 plays as it pulled the Texans within 7 points. The score is now 42-35.

> The Buffalo offense seemed to turn on their light switch as they moved the ball with ease on their next drive. Taylor Harris and wide receiver Tyson Williams seemed to nearly just be playing pitch and catch on that drive with plays of 31 and 21 yards, the second of which gave the WT offense their seventh touchdown of the night. The touchdown gives the Buffaloes a 49-35 lead with 6:09 remaining.

> West Texas A&M is victorious in this one as they once again take down the Tarleton Texans by the score of 49-35. For the fifth straight year West Texas A&M has defeated the Tarleton Texans. A hard fought game throughout it just seemed that the Buffaloes were slightly more prepared for this one. Not everything is lost for the Texans however, as the selection show will give them what they are looking for. The selection show will be aired tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. and can be seen on ESPNews.

GAME NOTES: 1,078 total yards of offense were racked up in this one. The Buffaloes racked up 635 yards while the Texans gained 443 yards... West Texas A&M wide receiver Brittan Golden amassed 201 yards on 6 catches and 2 touchdowns... Devin Guinn also had a pretty good game with 161 yards on 8 catches and 2 touchdowns.

No. 11 Tarleton squares off against No. 9 ACU

2009-10-24T17:51:00.011-05:00

Close to kickoff here at Memorial stadium and its perfect football weather here to start the game. Captains are out on the field and it looks like ACU has won the toss and will defer until the second half. Tarleton and its high powered rushing attack, second in the LSC, will take the ball to start the game. It should be a great match up against two of the top teams in the Lone Star Conference. Kickoff is coming soon.

> Good defense so far with both teams going 3 and out. Tarleton started its second drive and was able to get a little bit going through the air with a a first down pass from Grantham to Shaun Ragon, however they were stalled once again on a 3rd and 5. ACU has its second possession coming up.

> ACU quarterback Mitchell Gale had his pass go off the hands of several Tarleton defenders before it finally landed in the hands of linebacker Marcus Phillips. ACU was on the Tarleton 9 yard line and looking ready to score before the huge play was made by the preseason All-LSC linebacker. However, Tarleton was not able to do anything with the ball offensively as they again went three and out before a booming 49 yard punt. ACU has the ball and will try to put up the first points of the night.

>End of the 1st quarter and neither team has been able to get a whole lot going offensively. It has been a defensive standstill as Tarleton has only been able to gain a total of 42 yards of offense while ACU has only put up 93 yards. Big plays defensively have kept the Wildcats out of the end zone. The two teams will look to get jump started here in the 2nd quarter.

> A nice stop by the Texan defense put the Wildcats in a 4th and 23. ACU punter Mark Sprague punted the ball to Texan receiver Devin Guinn but a muffed punt was recovered by the Wildcats at the Tarleton 8 yard line. The Texan defense made a great stop, holding the Wildcats to a 3 and out and causing them to kick a field goal to put up the first points of the night. Wildcats now lead with 8:25 left in the 1st half.

>Wildcats drive 55 yards down to the Tarleton 8 yard line and Lineberry kicks his 2nd 20 yard field goal of the night with 50 seconds left in the half. Tarleton is unable to do anything in the last 50 seconds and they go into the half down 6-0.

HALFTIME: Tarleton has gotten off to a very slow start offensively with only 48 yards of total offense in the 1st half. The highly touted rushing attack for the Texans has a total of -16 yards rushing. The Texans have been able to get absolutely nothing going on the offensive side of the ball. The Texan defense however has repeatedly answered the call after being backed up in their own territory on several occasions. To allow ACU only 6 points at the end of the first half is nothing short of remarkable. However, they have had trouble containing the ACU offense on 3rd down as the Wildcats have converted on 5 of 11 3rd downs, several of which happened to be 3rd and longer than 10. The entire Texan team will look to come out of halftime blazing as they try to upset the Wildcats. Be sure to stay tuned for this defensive battle.

> The 3rd quarter seemed to be a mirror image of the entire 1st half as the defenses have owned this game. Neither team was able to get anything going offensively yet again. The Texan offense has not been able to move the ball all game as ACU is winning the time of possession battle 30:35 to 14:25. 4th quarter is soon to come.

> After muffing two punts on the night Devin Guinn finally gets his hands on one and makes a couple of nice moves to take the ball back 57 yards all the way to the end zone. After a 15 yard penalty the Texans were forced to attempt a long extra point. The Wildcats were able to get to it and force the kick off its intended path. The score is now tied at 6-6 with 14:14 left in the game. The Wildcats brought the ball all the way out to midfield on the kick return but the offense was unable to get anything going. On 4th down ACU was forced to punt and the ball sails out of bounds at the Tarleton 19 yard line. The Texans will now try to get something going offensively.

> With one play quarterback Scott Grantham hooks up with wide receiver Jahmeel Hobson for a 75 yard bomb that Hobson takes all the way to house. It was easily the longest play of the night and a huge factor thus far in the game. The score puts the Texans up 13-6 with 4:32 left to play in the game. Texan defense will come out to try and do their thing.

> The Texans defense has done its thing all night long and they have their biggest stand right at the end. With 4:32 left on the clock and the Wildcats on their own 33 yard line ACU started their march downfield. After two first downs, including one on a big 4th and 9, the Wildcats sat on the Tarleton 35 yard line. Gale was sacked on 1st down and the next two passes went incomplete. On 4th and 17 on the Tarleton 42 yard line Gale dropped backed and threw over the middle. The Texan defenders sandwiched the receiver and the ball went over on downs. Texans have the ball and need a first down to run out the clock.

> Thats the end of this one. The Texans get an outstanding effort from its defense allowing ACU to score just 6 points all night. It was two huge plays, one a 57 yard punt return by Devin Guinn and a 75 yard bomb from Scott Grantham to Jahmeel Hobson, that lifted the Texans over the Wildcats. As the Texan offense was stalled for a majority of the night, the defense continually made huge stops allowing the Texans to remain in the game. The Tarleton Texans move to an 8-1 record overall and 3-1 in conference. The Texans will look to continue their winning streak against the Angelo State Rams in San Angelo, Texas next Saturday at 6 p.m.

GAME NOTES: The Texan defense held the Wildcats to 255 yards of total offense... the Texans came into tonights matchup with the 2nd best rushing offense in the LSC averaging 180 yards per game on the ground. In tonights matchup they were held to -11 yards rushing... Jahmeel Hobson led the Texan receivers with 8 catches for 144 yards... Marcus Phillips came to play tonight as he finished with 12 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception.

Tarleton Texans vs. Midwestern State Mustangs

2009-10-10T18:50:00.011-05:00

Cold night here at Memorial Stadium as the #15 Tarleton Texans take on the #18 Midwestern State Mustangs. Both teams come into tonight's contest with a 5-1 record and looking to improve on that. Kickoff is coming up next.

> The Texans have started out slow here so far. The pass defense has looked suspect so far as the Mustang quarterback was able to go 3 for 3 on the opening drive including a 36 yard strike to a wide open reciver streakin down the middle of the field. Tarleton did hit a bit of luck however when Midwestern kicker Jose Martinez slipped during his extra point attempt causing it to bounce off the right upright. Mustangs jump out to an early lead at 6-0.

> Texans are still not on track allowing Midwestern to methodically drive down the field and into the endzone with a 16 yard strike from quarterback Zack Eskridge to wide reciever Sheldon Galloway. The Tarleton defense is getting very little pressure on Eskridge and allowing the receivers to get open in the soft spots in coverage. The Texan offense will look to turn things around as they come back out on the field with the Mustangs 13-0.

> Tarleton was finally able to get a little bit going offensively as they were led down the field by runningbck Evan Robertson and quarterback Scott Grantham. They drove 61 yards downfield until they were finally stalled at the Mustang 27 yard line. Garrett Lindholm came on and made his first attempt of the night from 44 yards out to put the Texans on the board for the first time tonight. Mustangs still lead 13-3.

> After the first points of the night the Texans allow the Mustangs to drive down the field to score on another connection from Eskridge to Galloway, this time on a 27 yard scoring strike. Mustangs go out and convert the 2 point conversion making the score 21-3.

HALFTIME: The Texans started out very slow tonight as they allowed Midwestern State to jump out to a 21-3 lead early. The Texan defense was very lacking at first giving up 119 yards through the air along with 3 touchdowns. They finally started to pick things up in the back end of the 2nd quarter. The offense also had a hard time getting things going as Grantham was repeatedly hurried and the runningbacks had very slim choosing when picking their running lanes. Luckily the Texans were able to escape the 1st half down by only 11 points as the 2 minute offense got things going. Mustangs are still leading 21-10 as they get ready to start the 2nd half.

> The Texans are alive. Come out of halftime and force a Midwestern 3 and out. They put the ball in the hands of Scott Grantham and Roderick Smith as they drive 66 yards to the endzone, capped off by a 13 yard Roderick Smith touchdown. Texans close the gap with the score now standing at 21-17.

> Tarleton's defensive woes rear its ugly head as they allow the Mustangs to drive 84 yards on 9 plays. Mustang quarterback Zack Eskridge passed for 85 yards on the drive highlighted by the 21 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Andy Tanner. Wide receiver David Little was also able to get behind the Texan coverage and caught a 47 yard bomb down the middle of the field. We will see if the Texan offense can continue its hot streak into the endzone again.

> Tarleton takes the ball at their own 9 yard line and drives the ball 91 yards to score again. Grantham capped off the drive with a 1 yard plunge into the end zone. The play was highlighted by a 40 yard scamper up the middle and then a nice lateral shift to the left sideline by Roderick Smith. Texan defense will look to get a huge stop here and give the offense a chance to take the lead.

> WHAT A BALLGAME!!! The Texan special teams comes through huge in the last minute of this one. Tarleton takes the ball from their own 2 yd line and drive it all the way to the Midwestern 19 yard line where Garrett Lindholm kicked his 2nd field goal of the night, this time from 36 yards out. That tied the game at 28 each. On the ensuing kickoff, Midwestern fumbles and allows Tarleton to recover on the Midwestern 38 yard line with 7 seconds left. After a quick incompletion Lindholm trotted on the field with 3 seconds left and booted a school record 55 yard field goal as time expires to give the Texans a victory by the score of 31-28.

GAME NOTES: Grantham finished 27-47 for 353 yards and 1 touchdown...Roderick Smith and Evan Robertson did their job on the ground finishing with 159 yards...The Texan defense stepped up when it mattered most with a HUGE interception by Brandon Johnson in his own endzone...Texans next home matchup is homecoming weekend against #2 Abilene Christian University, be sure to come out and support your Tarleton Texans!

Tough weekend

2009-10-06T10:50:00.002-05:00

Overall, it was a rough weekend for the majority of Tarleton sports. Football, with the help of six turnovers, dropped a road-game to then No. 9 Texas A&M-Kingsville, 34-20. Volleyball took three of it's four matches into a decisive fifth set, only to win just one of them.

Both teams should bounce back nicely though over the next few weeks. The Texans come back home to hosts Midwestern State this Saturday during Hall of Fame weekend. The TexAnns hosts two home games as well, with MSU coming in on Thursday and Cameron on Saturday. Nothing like the friendly confines of your home stadium or gym to help you get out of a rut.

On a good note, both cross country teams fared well last Friday. The men's team took first-place at the UNT Invitational for the second straight season. Jared McNeil came in first place overall with Gerzain Valenzuela right behind him in second place. If not for a Northwood runner, the Texans would have handed in a perfect score as Westyn Rosilies (4th), Ryan Quezada (5th) and Chris Haerell (6th) were all right behind McNeil and Valenzuela. The women's team placed fifth overall, but according to head coach Pat Ponder, "that was exactly where they thought they would be" for their first event of the season. Vanessa Elizondo (9th) finished in the top-ten following her first-ever NCAA XC event.

Can't wait to see what's in store for the Texans and TexAnns along the way the rest of the semester.

2009-10-04T00:05:00.001-05:00

The No. 11 Texans turned the ball over six times leading to 21 points for the No. 9 Javelinas as Tarleton falls 34-20 in the 4th Q. More on TarletonSports.com.

No. 11 at No. 9 - Need anymore hype?

2009-10-03T10:24:00.002-05:00

Kingsville - The No. 11 Tarleton Texans will play at No. 9 Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday at 7 p.m., and if two nationally-ranked teams doesn't have enough ring to it, how about the Texans earning a ring?

Well, at least Tarleton will put itself in a good position with a win over the Javelinas. However, it won't be easy. The Texans have won just once in Javelina Stadium in 11 tries, and the last time was on the last trip down to the South 'Ville in 2007.

Wanna know more about the game? Go to the preview story.

Wanna find links to rosters, stats, schedules, live stats and live video? Go to Game Day.

Give us your thoughts on tonight's game in the comment section. Most of the people on the message boards don't give your Texans a chance. Do you? We do.

Go Texas!

Texan Football vs. SWOSU

2009-09-26T18:33:00.014-05:00

About 25 minutes away from gametime here at Memorial Stadium, where the Tarleton Texans are taking on the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs. The #14 Texans are now 4-0 on the season after bringing home a 35-17 win over Central Oklahoma last Saturday. The SWOSU Bulldogs come into tonight's matchup 0-4 on the season and looking to turn things around tonight against the high-powered Texans. Running back Roderick Smith will look to break the Tarleton career total touchdown record tonight off 33 touchdowns set by Gaylon Bowser set in 1984-1987.

> It didn't take Roderick Smith long to go ahead and break the career total touchdown record. He took the handoff around the left side to score his 34th career touchdown and put the Texans up by the score of 7-0. 6:48 left to play in the 1st quarter and the Texan defense will come out to try and make another stop.

> Scott Grantham throws an incredible fade pass to the back right corner of the endzone to a streaking Jahmeel Hobson. Hobson races past the defender and brings the ball down to put the Texans up 14-0. Still in the 1st quarter and the Texans show no signs of slowing down.

> Evan Robertson takes the ball through the right side 45 yards to pay dirt. Texans are up by the score of 21-0 still in the 1st quarter. The Texan defense is remaining tough as they have only given up 44 yards to the Bulldogs thus far.

> A 22 yd field goal by SWOSU kicker Chad McIntosh puts the Bulldogs on the board for the first time. The field goal was set up by a huge catch and run by tight end Joe Sawyer. Texans still lead 21-3.

> Texans went 30 yards down field and ended the drive with a 32 yard field goal by kicker Garrett Lindholm. The Texans kicked off and 3 plays later SWOSU quarterback Steve Day is intercepted by Tarleton cornerback Vance Ibewuike and takes the ball back 32 yards for a Texan touchdown. Texans now lead 31-3 with 4:08 left in the half.

> Evan Robertson catches a pass in the flats and takes it in from 13 yards out. The score give Tarleton a 38-3 lead with just 24 seconds left until halftime.

Halftime here at the Memorial stadium with Tarleton leading the SWOSU Bulldogs by the score of 38-3. The Texan offense is rolling as they have racked up 294 yards in the first half. Smith and Robertson have led the ground attack for the Texans combining for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Texan defense continues to be stingy as they have allowed the Bulldogs to gain only a total of 108 1st half yards. The defense has also created turnovers, two interceptions, one by cornerback Brandon Johnson and the other being a 32 yard return for a touchdown by cornerback Vance Ibewuike. Jamaal Steamer and Bryant Bray have put pressure on the quarterback all night as they both have brought down quarterback Steve Day once each. The Texans will look to continue their success in the 2nd half.

> Evan Robertson puts in another touchdown, this time from 2 yards out. The score gives the Texans a 45-3 lead in the 3rd quarter. Grantham really got the passing game going on this drive completing a 21 yard pass to Jahmeel Hobson and another pass to Devin Guinn for 15 yards.

> SWOSU starts to drive the ball and turns it over on a fumble by running back Daniel Barwick. The fumble was forced by defensive end Jacob Rowe and recovered by lineback Bradley Bullitt who scooped it up and took it 10 yards for another Texan touchdown. Score is now 52-3 Texans.

> Brandon Washington goes in from 4 yards out to give the Texans a 59-3 lead. The drive was highlighted by a huge 49 yard catch and run by running back Kenneth Travis. Still time in the 3rd quarter.

>Wow! It's just been going the Texans way tonight. A muffed punt by SWOSU was bobbled and kicked around until it was recovered by defensive back Matt Knicky in the endzone putting the Texans up 66-3. 1:49 remains in the game.

That's the end of it here at Memorial Stadium with the Texans defeating the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs by the score of 66-3. The Texans put on a huge offensive show racking up a total of 453 yards. The offense was decently balanced with 235 yards coming on the ground and 218 coming through the air. Evan Robertson led the Texans on the ground with 104 yards on 6 rushes and 2 touchdowns. The Texan defense also did a great job forcing two turnovers and registering 3 sacks on the night. The special teams also chimed in on the scoreboard when they recovered a muffed punt in the endzone for the final score of the night. The Texans will look to continue their win streak when they travel to Kingsville next Saturday for their powerhouse matchup against #8 ranked Texas A&M University Kingsville. Be sure to tune in next week and cheer the Texans on!

Texans square off against East Central University Tigers

2009-09-12T18:52:00.014-05:00

Tonight in the pouring rain the Tarleton Texans will put their 2-0 record up against the Tiger of East Central University. The Tigers are coached by Tim McCarty and so far have started the season out 0-2. The Texans will kickoff to start the game as they try to shut down the Tigers offense first.

> Texans don't take very long to go ahead of East Central as Evan Robertson takes the hand-off between the tackles and goes 15 yards into the end zone. The play was highlighted by a 63 yard run around the left side by Roderick Smith. With 11:50 left in the first quarter the Texans lead 7-0.

> Texans offense stalls just a little bit but are still able to put points up on the board as Garrett Lindholm puts in a 38 yard field goal. Texans up 10-0 with 8:13 left in the 1st quarter.

> Evan Robertson has started out quick here at the rain-soaked Memorial Stadium. He takes it around the right side from 25 yards out to score his 2nd touchdown of the night. Texans jump ahead early 17-0.

> End of the 1st quarter here at Memorial Stadium and the Texans lead the Tigers by the score of 17-0. Evan Robertson has scored both of the Texans touchdowns to this point. The defense has been very stout allowing the Tigers to move nowhere offensively. 2nd quarter action is coming up!

> Garrett Lindholm hits another field goal to increase the Texans lead to 20-0. The running backs are continuing to get a lot of the work here as the rain is making it difficult to pass the ball. Lots of time left in the 2nd quarter and the Texans show no signs of slowing down.

> Brandon Johnson intercepts the ball in the end zone to put the Texans up 27-0. Johnson made an nice pick and returns it 0 yards as he was already in the end zone when the interception occurred. 7:38 left in the 1st half.

> Roderick Smith has had a great career at Tarleton and it's not over yet. He has just broken the 22 year old school record previously held by Gaylon Bowser (1984-87) of most touchdowns in a career. The score came on a great run around the left side for a huge 49 yard touchdown. The Texans now lead by the score of 34-0 with 5:33 left in the first half.

> At the end of the 1st half the Texans lead the East Central Tigers by the score of 34-0. The Texans have been led in the first half by their two incredible running backs Roderick Smith and Evan Robertson. Smith has rushed for 214 yards on just 16 carries while Robertson has 110 yards on 12 attempts. The Texan offense has totaled 316 yards rushing in the 1st half alone. The Texan defense has also done their job tonight as they have held the Tigers to 52 total yards in the 1st half. They have kept consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback and held the East Central running backs in check. Texans look to continue their dominance in the 2nd half coming up next.

> Backup running back Robert Payne enters the game and drives the ball down the field before finally capping off the drive on a 9 yard carry that puts the Texans lead up to 41-0. Looks like the backups may be headed into this one.

> Bad snap in the end zone leads to the first points of the night for East Central. A low snap was recovered in the end zone by Kelan Luker and the Tigers quickly pounced on him to force a safety on the Texans. The score is now 41-2 Texans.

> End of the 3rd quarter and the Texans still lead 41-2. Most of the backups are in the game now but the hits keep coming. Texans look like they are gonna close this one out with ease.

> Game over here at Memorial Stadium as the Tarleton Texans have defeated the East Central Tigers by the score of 41-2. This improves the Texans record to 3-0 on the year as they head into next week's match-up against the Bronchos of Central Oklahoma. Be sure to go out and support the Texans next week as they look to keep their perfect record going. Go Texans!

TexAnns looking forward to more home cooking

2009-09-07T09:34:00.002-05:00

What a week for the TexAnn volleyball team. They return home from an 0-4 trip in Omaha, Neb. to get their first win against Texas Wesleyan on Wednesday... Then a 1-3 trip in Wichita Falls.

The TexAnns had spurts of greatness at the MSU tournament. They fell in straight sets to Emporia State, but for playing the fourth-best team in the nation, Tarleton didn't look bad at all. They looked like they were playing the fourth-best team in the nation. The other three teams that played Emporia State... looked like they too were playing the fourth-best team in the nation.

The TexAnns and Northwood then played a marathon of a match on Friday with the TexAnns taking the match 3-2. The TexAnns showed some resiliency, coming back from being down 2-1. Both teams looked tired to begin the fifth set, and while neither team folded, the TexAnns gave everything they had to come away with the win.

Going into Saturday, I thought the win from Friday might give this team exactly what they needed - a shot in the arm. But Drury came to play and the TexAnns were simply outplayed. They were not outmatched, they were just outplayed and the Panthers walked away with the win.

The loss to Southwest Baptist surprised all of us. The players, the team, and even myself. For me, both coaches and nine of the players - it must have been de-ja-vu all over again. SBU defeated the TexAnns in five sets last year in San Antonio. The same thing happened on Saturday as well. The loss look like it just took the breath out of the team. But, hopefully that is not the case.

This team just needs a little home cooking and no better time than now. The TexAnns open a six-match homestand this weekend with the TexAnn Invitational set to begin on Friday, Sept. 11. Tarleton will play four matches in a more comfortable environment and if the team can come away with three or four wins over the weekend, maybe that will be what this team needs to carry on through the remainder of the season.

The tournament will begin at 12:30 on Friday at the Tarleton Recreational Sports Center. The tournament consists of a rolling schedule and each match will begin approximatly 20-30 minutes after the prior match. Tarleton will play Texas-Permian Basin in the second match on Friday and will then play Oklahoma Panhandle State in the day's fourth match.

Defense grabs second victory

2009-09-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

Tahlequah, Okla. - The Tarleton Texan defense grabbed a 6-0 win at Tahlequah, Okla. on Saturday to give the purple and white their second victory of the football season.

The Texans scored on two field goals - one each by Garrett Lindholm and Stephen Arnold - and held the RiverHawks offense below 100 total yards until deep in the fourth quarter.

Tarleton's offense moved the ball well at times in the first half, but sputtered when it reached the redzone.

Texan punter Kyle Hopf booted the ball eight times for 341 yards, an average of 42.6 yards per punt to help the Texans win the field position battle.

It was the first shutout by the Texans since Oct. 21, 2006 when Tarleton defeated Eastern New Mexico, 48-0. It was also the first time the Texan defense has limited an opponent to less than 200 yards since Sept. 29, 2007 when Southwestern Oklahoma gained 195 yards in a 43-19 Tarleton victory.

For more on the game, check the game story on the official website.

Tarleton Football vs. Arkansas Monticello

2009-08-27T19:11:00.017-05:00

Game Update:

> Kelan Luker takes a knee to run out the clock as the Tarleton Texans defeat the Arkansas-Monticello Boll Weevils by the score of 45-16. The Texans were helped out by the effort of Roderick Smith tonight who scored 4 1st half touchdowns. The Texans defense did their job holding the Boll Weevils to only 7 points until the Boll Weevils scored a couple of late game touchdowns. They also brought down opposing quarterback Scott Buisson 3 times after keeping consistent pressure on him all night. The Texans will look to continue their success next week on the road against the Northeastern State University Riverhawks.

> Arkansas-Monticello marched the ball down the field on a 6 play 80 yard drive that resulted in a 39 yard touchdown pass. The Boll Weevils attempted a 2 point conversion but were stopped just short of the end zone leaving the score at 45-16 with the Texans leading. With less than 2 minutes left in the game the Texans will likely run out the clock.

> Kelan Luker and the Texan backups entered the game in the 4th quarter and drove the ball down the field on a 10 play 45 yard drive. The drive ended with a 44 yard field goal by Garrett Lindholm. A little under 8 minutes left in the final quarter.

> The Boll Weevils hold on to the ball for 8 minutes and 42 seconds as they cap off a 17 play 87 yard drive with a 22 yard field goal. The Texans are still in control with the score 42-10.

> The end of the 3rd quarter and the Texans continue to lead 42-7. The Boll Weevils have put together a nice drive but was helped out with a 4th down personal foul penalty against the Texans to keep the drive alive. The Texans defense takes the field again to start the 4th quarter.

> The Texans continue the offensive show as Scott Grantham connects with Lester Hundley on a 5 yard fade route to the back of the end zone. Hundley went over the Boll Weevils defender to come down with a great catch while still getting one foot in to secure the touchdown. That score now puts the Texans up 42-7.

> Texans pick up where they left off in the first half scoring on the opening play of their first 2nd half drive. Evan Robertson returned the Boll Weevil kickoff to the opponent 47 yard line. On the next play Scott Grantham faked a handoff to Roderick Smith and threw the ball over the top to Lester Hundley for a 47 yard touchdown. The Texans defense held strong again as the Boll Weevils had to punt to wide receiver Devin Guinn which he returned to the Tarleton 35 yard line.

>End of the 1st half and the Texans still lead Arkansas-Monticello by the score of 28-7. Roderick Smith finishes the first half with 10 carries for 77 yards and 4 touchdowns. Smith's performance in the first half has tied him with the school record for most points in a half with 24. It also moves him within 1 of the school career touchdown record. Devin Guinn has 4 catches for 97 yards included a huge 49 yard strike to set up Smith's 3rd touchdown of the night. The Texans defense is doing their part by holding the Boll Weevils to 7 points and only allowing them to convert on 3 of their 10 3rd down attempts. Jamaal Steamer and Ben Taifane both have sacks on the opposing quarterback and have continued to get in his face throughout the first half. The Texans will receive the ball to start the 2nd half as they look to close out the season opener with a win.

> Roderick Smith continues his incredible night by pushing the Texans into the end zone from 2 yards out for his 4th touchdown of the half. The Texans now lead 28-7.

> Texans go up 21-7 after Roderick Smith's 3rd touchdown of the night. The drive went 3 plays 60 yards highlighted by a 49 yard completion from quarterback Scott Grantham down the right sideline to wide receiver Devin Guinn.

> Boll Weevils finally get on the board after a 3 play 70 yard drive taking only :59 seconds off the clock. The scoring strike came on a 46 yd touchdown pass from Ark-Monticello quarterback Scott Buisson to wide receiver Spenser Garrison.

> Texans increase their lead to 14-0 after Roderick Smith scampered around the left side for his 2nd touchdow n of the night. 10:25 left in the 1st half.

> Texans still up by 7 after the Boll Weevils couldn't take advantage of a turnover in Tarleton territory by running back Evan Robertson. A botched snap on the field goal attempt allowed the Texans to retain their lead.

> The Texans go up 7-0 after a 4 play 72 yard drive capped off by a 32 yard run around the left side by running back Roderick Smith.

The Tarleton Texans kick off their 2009 season tonight against the Arkansas Monticello Boll Weevils. The Texans come into the season off of their 8-3 2008 campaign and looking to improve on that record.

TexAnn road trip coming up

2009-08-26T08:32:00.001-05:00

In less than 24-hours, the volleyball team will head up to Omaha, Neb. to participate in the 2009 UNO Showcase. After two weeks of two-a-days and the teams first week of school, the 2009 season will finally begin.

I'm looking forward to this season and seeing how well the players do. Good luck ladies!

It's Coming....

2009-08-25T16:53:00.000-05:00

Several people have asked for updates on the Tarleton Football and Volleyball team and wonder why the info hasn't been updated in a few days.

Well, now you know! It's coming, and SOON! Like within the next 24 hours you will hopefully see an all NEW TarletonSports.com. Here's a sneak preview:

Between finishing the media guide (which is posted on the new web page) and uploading all the information from the old website that needed to be cleaned up and transferred... now you know what has been taking up our time lately.

So, tell us what you think and/or what you would like to see on the all new site. Leave the comments below.

You know what else is coming? Kickoff in two days and two hours from when this post was posted... more on that later!

Around the bend

2009-08-16T18:32:00.000-05:00

Let me take just a few moments to introduce myself. My name is Dameon Myres and I am the assistant director in the Tarleton sports information office. I oversee all things media relations wise for the volleyball, women's basketball, men's and women's cross country and track & field, women's tennis and baseball teams.

I'll admit, we started this blog page last year about this time and well - I just didn't put enough effort into it. it's not that I didn't want to, I did. However, I just NEVER did. I made a few posts here and there, but I have promised myself that I will absolutely put more effort into it this year and beyond.

With that said...

Volleyball is back for preseason-training camp and that means one thing - school is just around the corner. Usually I wouldn't be so upbeat about that, but only because the summer is over. But I have to admit that I am pretty excited about the upcoming season.

The TexAnns have a great opportunity in front of them this year and i can't wait to see what the team can do. Coming off an amazing 22-10 season last year - that ended just so abruptly. I was in Canyon when the TexAnns fell to ACU in the semifinal match of the LSC Tournament. I saw the faces of the girls that were coming back. And while I saw disappointment, I also so determination. Determination to make it right this year, and it all started with Shay Gracy getting on the bus and telling head coach Mary Domine Schndler that she was coming back for one more season.

Shay had made the decision earlier in the year that this was her final season. But the loss to ACU changed her mind. The TexAnns opened the match losing the first two games, then roared back to tie the match at 2-2. An remarkable comeback fell short in the final game and the TexAnns lost the game 15-13 and the match 3-2. I too was ready for 2009 as soon as that match was finished.

This team returns nine players from that team and while we lost the likes of Missy Castro, Allison Hill and Emily Richardson - we return the emotional leadership of Gracy and the core of Rachel Wolf, Shea McBrearty, Catherine Cutbirth and Jessie Hartman. Danielle Perkins, Kendall Hansen, Margaret Luedecke and Gina Galitski also return to the team along with six newcomers. This team is going to be exciting - very exciting.

So with the 2009 just around the bend, I'm ready. The girls are ready. Are you ready TexAnn fans?

Also on the docket this fall is the cross country season. The men's team finished second in the conference on the way to a sixth-place finish at the regional meet. All-regional runner Jared McNeil returns to lead this Texan team that lost just one runner. Should be an exciting season for this team as well. The women's team is young and while it lost two key runners in Kymberlee Trnka and Krista Morris, it returns the leadership of both Shelia Bishop and Morgan Kuykendall. I'm looking for this team to turn some heads as well down the stretch.

Fall is finally here. Go Texans and TexAnns.

Fun Times at Texan Training Camp

2009-08-15T22:11:00.000-05:00

The 2009 Training Camp has not been all practice and no play.

The Texans have had a few of chances to unwind and bond off the field as well.

On Monday night, the team saw the new G.I. Joe movie at the Stephenville theater before competing in the annual challenge on Wednesday: bowling.

The team also spent part of Friday Night at the new "Splashville" at the Stephenville City Park.

"This is great bonding time for our players and coaches," said offensive coordinator Scott Carey. "These are memories we can help build on for the season."

To see more photos from the bowling and swimming outings, click here: bowling - swimming.

Oh... and the offense won the bowling match. Let's hope they can move the ball and score this year like they can knock down pins.

Scrimmage tomorrow

2009-08-14T20:08:00.000-05:00

The Texans will have a scrimmage tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 15) at 4 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.

The offense and defense will go against each other in a "real-time" atmosphere. There will also be live special teams as well.

Coach McElroy said this about the scrimmage: "Really, this will be the first time we step away from the kids and see what they can do on their own. We will get them get out of the huddle and let them get the play and we'll get out of the way and see what they can do."

Come out and see the 2009 Texans.

Putting on the complete armor

2009-08-10T20:20:00.000-05:00

The Texan football team hit day five on Monday, meaning they donned full pads for the first time this fall - and were excited to do so.

When the team went offense against defense for the first time in full pads, there was a lot of smack talking going on - giving each other a hard time. "You can't run that ball through here" is one thing that can be heard.

When all was said and done, both sides of the purple and white were happy with the way things went Monday as the team continues to progress through the training camp.

"We are really looking like a football team out here," said senior defensive lineman Alonzo Horton.

Do you have any questions for the players and/or coaches? Or just have comments? Write them in the comment section below or email tarletonsid@gmail.com.

Hitting each other

2009-08-08T14:41:00.000-05:00

For the first time this fall, the Tarleton Texan football team got to hit each other - with pads of course.

After two days of just jerseys and helmets, the Texans donned shoulder pads for the first time this season. Tarleton will do the same tomorrow before putting on all of their pads on Monday.

Let us know if you have any questions or ideas for fall camp. We will ask the coaches or players your questions, just leave them in the comment section below or by emailing tarletonsid@gmail.com.

Welcoming the freshmen

2009-08-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Tarleton football, men's basketball and volleyball team members spent time Friday afternoon welcoming the 2009 Tarleton freshman back to campus from Duck Camp.

Several of the clubs on campus, as well as the sororities and fraternities were also a part of the festivities as the freshman got off the busses. Live music, food and drinks were provided by the welcome parties.

The men's basketball team and women's volleyball team members passed out pizza and water while the football team joined the event after lifting weights. The pizza and water were donated to the event and the MSL and APA were in charge of getting the food donated.

Below are a few pics of the student-athletes interacting with the the student body.

Day one is done

2009-08-06T23:01:00.001-05:00

The Texans had their first day of practice Thursday and the players were excited to get going. So were the coaches.

For more on what head coach Sam McElroy, senior defensive end Jamaal Steamer and LSC South Division Preseason Player of the Year Roderick Smith had to say on the first day of training camp, go the offical training camp page on TarletonSports.com.

Have any questions for the coaches or players? Leave them in the comments section below, or email tarletonsid@gmail.com.

Texans report to 2009 Training Camp

2009-08-05T18:05:00.001-05:00

STEPHENVILLE – Tarleton head football coach Sam McElroy and his staff welcomed the 2009 Tarleton Texan football team to campus Wednesday as the squad reported for training camp.

The Texans checked in to the dorm Wednesday afternoon and after meetings and filling out paperwork tonight, the team will hit the ground running on Thursday.

“This is an exciting time of year,” McElroy said. “It is good to see all of our freshman here and to have everyone report to camp. It is getting hot enough outside for camp, and we begin camp 106 strong. We start workouts tomorrow and play in three weeks, so we have to get going.”

The Texans kickoff the season against a real opponent on Thursday, Aug. 27 when Arkansas-Monticello comes to town, but senior linebacker Marcus Phillips is ready to begin on Thursday.

“I am excited to come in and be with everybody,” the Humble native said. “I am ready to gel with everyone and do what we can to win. I hope to get a ring in my last year.”

Fellow senior Dustin Washburn, an offensive lineman from Abilene, believes this year will be successful from the start.

“I think we are coming into this year as a total unit as a team,” the starting center said. “The guys that have been here and are coming back had a great spring and summer, and I believe the new guys will be able to just plug right in. We trust each other on the field more so than we ever have before. In the past, we had some guys that just played for themselves, but I think this year, every man cares about the man next to him. I think we will be more successful than ever.”

That is what all of the 106 members of the squad hopes as they enter the 2009 Tarleton Football Training Camp.

For more information on camp and for up-to-date information every day, check out the Fall Camp link under football and tune into the Tarleton Tales blog, Twitter and Facebook.

Have you been waiting for this?

2009-08-04T14:03:00.000-05:00

Football season is here... well, almost!

The Texans report to campus on Wednesday and will begin practicing on Thursday.

For all the news and notes on the 2009 Tarleton Texan football team, stay tuned to the blog, Twitter, Facebook and TarletonSports.com for up-to-date information on your favorite college football team.

What information would you like to see and hear about from your Texans and the coaching staff? What questions do you have?

Post your thoughts, questions and comments below and we'll choose some to ask the players and coaches. This is one way YOU can get involved in Tarleton Athletics and the Tarleton Texans football program!

Listen to McElroy and Smith comments at media day

2009-07-31T09:04:00.000-05:00

Fans can now hear head coach Sam McElroy's comments on the preseason poll, the 2009 Texans and the preseason award handed to running back Roderick Smith on Thursday. Also, listen to what Roderick has to say about the award - very overwhelmed.

McElroy on the 2009 Preseason Polls and the 2009 Texans - here

McElroy on Roderick Smith and the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Award - here

Smith on the POY Award - here

Next week, look for lots of updates from Tarleton FB Camp starting Thursday.

TexAnns picked to finish third in volleyball

2009-07-30T13:18:00.001-05:00

Following one of Tarleton's best seasons in volleyball and finishing runner-up in the Lone Star Conference last season, the TexAnns were picked to finish third in 2009.

West Texas A&M was picked to defend the LSC after receiving ... of ... first place votes.

Abilene Christian was picked to finish second following last season's final match loss to WTAMU.

Following the TexAnns is Midwestern State, Texas Woman's, Angelo State, Central Oklahoma, TAMU-Commerce, Southeastern Okla., Cameron, TAMU-Kingsville, East Central, Southwestern Okla., and Eastern New Mexico.

ACU picked to defend the south; Texans picked to finish third

2009-07-30T12:14:00.000-05:00

Abilene Christian picked to defend the south division followed by West Texas A&M. Tarleton picked to finish third, followed by Texas A&M-Kingsville, Midwestern State, Angelo State and Eastern New Mexico.

ACU received 16 out of 20 first place votes. West Texas A&M (3) and Midwestern State (1) recieved the remaining four votes. The Texans tallied 87 total points while ACU received 135 points.

Aston Whiteside (ACU) named south division defensive player of the year.

Tarleton's Roderick Smith, TB, named south division offensive player of the year.

Coach Sam McElroy thanked Stan Wagnon and the LSC for its leadership and how it represents this conference.

Coach McElroy is looking forward to seeing Roderick play this year with the honor he received today.

Quote of the day from most of the coaches: "I'm ready to get practice started."

North Division Polls revealed

2009-07-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

Central Oklahoma was picked to win the north division followed by Texas A&M-Commerce and Southeastern Oklahoma in a tie for second. Southwestern Oklahoma, East Central and Northeastern State follows.

William Green (A&M-Commerce) and Jermelle Cudjo (UCO) named north division preseason co-defensive players of the year.

Marcus Johnson (ECU) named north division offensive player of the year.

Tune into LSC Media Day on Blog, Twitter and Facebook

2009-07-29T22:35:00.000-05:00

DALLAS - Stay tuned to TarletonSports.com for all of the happenings at the 2009 Lone Star Conference Football and Fall Sports Media Day this Thursday.

We will be tweeting and live blogging the event from the Crowne Plaza Suites in North Dallas that begins at noon.

Fans can keep track of the day's events with the Tarleton Tales Blog and the TarletonSports Twitter page. Fans are also encouraged to leave comments on the blog page and can tweet questions to the Tarleton Sports Information office throughout the day.

The football preview is scheduled to begin at 12:08 p.m. with the announcement of south division preseason polls and awards. The south division coaches will then follow with remarks begining at 12:45 p.m. Volleyball anncouncements are slated to begin at 1:10 p.m. with cross-country announcements to follow at 1:22 p.m. The event will conclude with an open-interview session with coaches and players that will run from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Click here to sign up for a for a free twitter account.

We have a winner!

2009-02-08T14:04:00.000-06:00

Well... after the Texan basketball team lost three in a row for the first time since the 2000-01 season, the Tarleton men's squad downed Midwestern State Saturday, 66-62. The win came three days after the Texans fell to MSU in Wichita Falls and Tarleton opened the second half of the Lone Star Conference South Division with the win.

In the first meeting, the Texans' Cortney Hill hit a three with 10:10 on the clock to pull Tarleton within six. MSU then outscored the Texans 29-17 through the rest of the game to win 81-63, but the scoreboard looked like more of a blowout than it really was.

On Saturday, after some media throughout the conference had talked about the Texans who were picked to win first in the South Division were not as good as Tarleton had hoped.

So, the Texans - who have been in every game they had lost up until the waning moments prior to the MSU game on Wednesday - took it upon themselves to play hard and prove they might be down, but they are not out. They took the No. 8 team in the South Central Regional poll and played better defense while also playing better offense, and this time, Tarleton won.

Tarleton has three of the last five games at home in Wisdom Gym. No, no team has ever made the LSC tournament after starting 1-5, but the Texans are 2-5 now and if they play the rest of the season the way they played Saturday night, they very well could become the first to do so.

Afterall, eventhough this isn't the record we all hoped for at the beginning of the season, they are still competing for the right to keep playing. Tarleton is still the most successful men's basketball program in the LSC since the 2001-02 season. And there is still time for them to make the postseason.

The Texans are still playing for the pride of the program. They are still playing for me and for you. They are still playing for the power of the T. Most importantly, despite what some might say, they are still playing.

Weather we play or not...

2009-01-27T13:52:00.000-06:00

The games between the TexAnns and Texans versus Abilene Christian in Abilene have been postponed to tomorrow night, Wednesday, Jan. 28 due to the inclement weather here in our part of Texas.

The roads are supposed to get slick, and both Tarleton and the Stephenville schools are getting out early on Tuesday to hopefully beat the slickness.

So, we should be good to go tomorrow night. However, a programming update for you, the games will be broadcast on KEQX 93.7. Unfortunately, the games will not be broadcasted on the web via the radio station, but you will be able to log onto the Tarleton Ticket and watch live video there. If the audio works, it will be ACU's broadcast.

Stay warm and safe!

The last time...

2009-01-25T08:39:00.001-06:00

Both the Texans and the TexAnns fell at home last night to West Texas A&M.

The women's game was close up to the end, but the TexAnns just couldn't pull it out over the No. 13 Lady Buffs, losing 70-63. Story

The men couldn't quite ever get over the hump and get the momentum going in the second half, and Tarleton lost to the Buffs, 79-69.

Both teams dropped their second straight at home.

However, for some good news... the last time the Tarleton men dropped two straight at home was during the 2004-05 season. After that, the Texans rattled off several straight wins and even advanced to the NCAA South Central Region, winning the school's first regional title in men's basketball and advanced to the national semifinals.

Let's hope both the women and the men can go on such a streak in 2008-09!

Late night...errr... early morning

2009-01-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Texans and TexAnns got home late last night... or should I say early this morning? The bus rolled into the parking lot next to the football stadium at 5:45 a.m. from TWO victories at Eastern New Mexico.

Yes, though it was a loooonnng ride to and from Portales, N.M., both the men and the women walked away with victories, getting their first wins in the Lone Star Conference South Division this season.

Now, they will look to tie their south division records at 2-2 Saturday when they host West Texas A&M. The women will begin at 6 p.m. with the men to follow at 8 p.m.

Come support Tarleton and join WHITE OUT night where we are asking everyone to wear white from head to toe. The person dressed in the most white (be it clothes, paint, etc.) will win a prize.

The good thing is... the ride home from this one is much closer!

Exhausting...

2009-01-18T01:50:00.000-06:00

SAN ANGELO - The Texans fell tonight at Angelo State in FOUR overtimes. That's right, four overtimes. The Texans were outscored 5-0 in the fourth extra session and lost 85-80.

The Texans, who fell to 12-5 overall, are 0-2 for the first time ever in division play and for the first time in LSC standings since the 1995-96 season.

“We had great effort tonight, and this is a tough one to lose,” said head coach Lonn Reisman. “We gave all we could give. They gave everything in their heart and soul tonight, which seemed a lot different from Wednesday night. I am proud of the way we fought. We couldn’t ask for anything more, it just didn’t work out for us tonight.”

Here's the story.

Kept a lid on it

2009-01-15T09:31:00.001-06:00

The basketball rims in Wisdom Gym seemed to have a lid on the rims Wednesday as the Texans shot just 28 percent in their own gym, falling to Texas A&M-Kingsville, 51-45.

The Texans had won the last 13 contests, dating back to TAMUK's last victory on Jan. 26, 2002 in Kingsville (71-69). Tarleton had won the last 10 contests in Stephenville over the Javelinas, dating back to a 78-74 TAMUK win on Jan. 10, 2000.

The Texans were outrebounded and went 1-15 from the three-point arc with the only three coming with 3.9 seconds left in regulation on a desperation three by Eric Williams from the top of the key.

Tarleton will return to action Saturday, Jan. 17 at Angelo State in San Angelo at 8 p.m. The Texans fell to 12-4 and 0-1 in the South Division with the loss.

------

The TexAnns also lost at home to TAMUK. Not much defense was present on Wednesday during the girls game as the TexAnns let the South Division opener slip from their grasps.

Tarleton, who was up 43-30 at the break thanks to a 13-3 run to finish the first period, fell to the Javelinas 82-78 after being outscored 52-35 in the second half.

The TexAnns will also return to action at ASU on Saturday. Tip-off for the women is set for 6 p.m.

Texans finish crossover with win

2009-01-10T18:07:00.000-06:00

LAWTON, Okla. – The Tarleton Texans claimed it sixth straight victory to improve to 12-3 this season as they closed the Lone Star Conference crossover schedule with a 58-49 win at Cameron on Saturday.

The Texans fought hard through the game and came away with the win. Tarleton finished crossover action 5-2 this season.

Full game story

Texans trail by one at the break

2009-01-10T14:55:00.000-06:00

The Texans were ahead 9-6 with 16:16 on the first half clock when the Aggies went on a 19-2 run to go up by 14 points and lead 25-11. Thankfully, the Texans outscored the home team 21-8 in the final 10:27 to trail by just one at the break, 33-32.

Texans complete crossover action today

2009-01-10T14:52:00.000-06:00

The Tarleton Texan men's and women's basketball teams complete the 2008-09 crossover action Saturday at Cameron in Lawton, Okla.

Fans can follow the action on KSTV 93.1 FM (though we are having some bit of technical difficulties with the telephone line here in Aggie Gym). You can also follow it on KSTV's web site.

Oh, and since I haven't posted in a while, hope all had a very merry Christmas... and Happy New Year!

Texans down St. Edward's, 78-62

2008-12-18T23:34:00.000-06:00

The Texans used the strong first half to hold off a surging Hilltoppers' team that outscored Tarleton 45-44 in the second half. However, the game never really felt out of hand after the Texans went on their first run in the first half.

The Texans used a 34-point turnaround from the first game when Tarleton lost by 18 and then won today by 16.

"I wanted to see how much we had improved in the last three weeks," said head coach Lonn Reisman. "I felt good about the way we played tonight. I thought the guys played hard tonight and I think we have come a long way in the last three weeks. This was a very good basketball team we played tonight, and I feel good about our last three wins - they were all quality."

The Texans will now take off a few days of practicing to head home for the Christmas holiday. The team reports back on the evening of Dec. 26 in order to prepare for the Dec. 29 game against Paul Quinn at 2 p.m.

It was fun watching the guys part ways for a few days. It was almost like they didn't want to leave each other. They seemed a little reluctant to spend seven days apart after they have been together all semester, especially every day since the season started on Oct. 15. It was a very good definition of team watching the way they parted.

And they way they played tonight, I hope when they get back, the chemistry will continue to grow. Tonight's game was fun to watch, I hope you got to see it. If not, I hope you got to listen to it. If not, read the story here.

Merry Christmas Texans, and thanks for giving Tarleton fans the program's 10th straight winning record heading into the Christmas break!

Enjoying a double

2008-12-18T21:14:00.001-06:00

The Texans are leading St. Edward's by 17 at the break, doubling the Hilltoppers' total, 34-17.

The first time the two teams met, the Texans fell 88-70 in Austin after trailing 43-26 at the break. Although, Tarleton did have a strong second half, getting outscored by just one in the second period, 45-44.

This has become a pretty good rivalry game between the Texans and the Hilltoppers, and SEU is a very good team that has made the last few South Central Regional tournaments. So don't count them out just yet, but be proud of the Texans, they look good tonight and are playing very good team ball through the first half of action.

TexAnns fall to Lions, 65-57

2008-12-18T20:18:00.000-06:00

The TexAnns were outscored 19-8 in the final eight minutes of the second half and fell victom to the Lions for the third straight time, losing 65-57 on Thursday night.

It was the TexAnns' third straight loss after rattling off a five-game win streak earlier in the season. Tarleton falls to 5-5 overall and TAMUC improved to 5-2.

The TexAnns will return to action on Tuesday, Dec. 30 when they host Lubbock Christian. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at Wisdom Gym.

Texans fall to No. 10 UCO

2008-12-15T22:36:00.000-06:00

EDMOND, Okla. – The Tarleton Texans were outscored 14-4 in the first seven of the second half, and Tarleton could not recover, falling to the No. 10 Central Oklahoma Bronchos, 79-68.

The Texans, who fell to 6-3 on the season, trailed by just two at the break, but Tarleton trailed by as much as 15 on two different occasions in the second period. Last year, the Texans watched Eric Cazenave hit a three in the final 10 seconds to end Tarleton’s season, and the Broncho junior scored 23 points Monday to help hand the Texans’ the defeat.

“We are just not there yet, and they have a lot of experience and are much further along than we are,” said head coach Lonn Reisman. “We have some players that are in the second and third games with us and we lost our point guard, Cortney Hill, early in the game.”

The Texans had 16 turnovers that led to 21 UCO points, and the head coach believes part of that is the fact the chemistry is still not there.

“We have a lot of maturing to do,” Reisman said. “If we do, we might be able to play this team and play them a little better. We are going to be OK. We just have to keep playing and keep practicing and hopefully our inexperience will become experience. We are going to continue to get better as time goes on. This was our first long road trip, and to go home 1-1 after these two hard games is good for building our experience.”

And now, for the rest of the story.

Tarleton down by 12

2008-12-15T21:46:00.000-06:00

The Texans, who trailed by just one at the break, have been outscored 14-4 in the first seven minutes of the second half and have turned the ball over on several occasions.

Texans trail at the half at UCO

2008-12-15T21:10:00.000-06:00

There have been 10 lead changes in the men's basketball game at Central Oklahoma in the frist half, and the Texans trail 37-35 in Edmond, Okla.

The Texans used an 8-0 run to take a 29-22 lead, but a 13-1 run by the Bronchos put the home team ahead 37-32. The Texans had three free throws in the final minute to cut the lead to two at the half.

On the road again...

2008-12-15T11:55:00.000-06:00

After a long time without posting, I figured sitting in the hotel room for the third straight day was a great chance to get going again.

The men's and women's basketball teams are on a LONG two-game road trip. We left the 'Ville on Friday at noon and drove to Tahlequah, Okla. We spent the night before getting up to play at Northeastern State. The TexAnns lost to NSU on Saturday after falling behind in the first half. They got within four after being down around 20 points in the first period, but they couldn't quite get over the hump and. Here's the game story.

The Texans used strong defense to return to their winning ways and avoiding their first third-straight regular season loss since the 2000-01 season. The Texans played well in the victory over the RiverHawks. Here's the game story.

We then spent the night on Saturday night in northeast Oklahoma again before getting on the bus and driving to Edmond, Okla. yesterday afternoon. The two teams had practice at Central Oklahoma before retiring to the hotel, and a lot watched a victorious Dallas Cowboys team win despite the hype of the absence of the concept of being a team - or so they said.

This morning, the teams have been up and moving around and going to shoot around. The UCO campus held finals last week and had graduation just like Tarleton. I don't know how many people will be there tonight to watch the No. 7 Broncho men and the No. 12 Broncho men host the Texans and TexAnns. The women are averaging 300 at Hamilton Field House while the men are averaging 417 at home.

Both games will be broadcast on KSTV 93.1 FM with the women's game set to start at 6 p.m. and the men to follow at 8 p.m.

Then the road trip continues as we head home. Hopefully, it'll feel short and be a happy one when all is said and done.

Texans 8-3 as season closes

2008-11-10T14:55:00.000-06:00

The Tarleton Texans' football season has ended with an 8-3 record after a loss at West Texas A&M on Saturday. The outcome obviously wasn't what the Texans wanted heading into the game, needing a win to reach the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time since 2003.

Congrats to the Texans on their ninth straight winning season! And good news, only seven seniors that played in the final game are lost, so a solid group of returners are in place for next season.

Final thoughts on this football season? Give them to us in the comment section.

Texans ranked No. 19 in preseason poll, win exhibition game

2008-11-02T08:48:00.001-06:00

The Tarleton Texans have been ranked No. 19 in the nation according to the National Association of Basketball Coaches poll released this weekend. Here's the ranking.

The Texans then won their first exhibition game of the season on Saturday, defeating Austin College Saturday, 84-57. Here's the story.

Texans win on national TV

2008-10-31T08:45:00.000-05:00

The Texans pulled off a win against Angelo State Thursday on national TV. Thanks to CBS College Sports Television, the Texans and the Rams were seen nationwide, but it turned in to much more of a game than what should have been, or at least what the papers and stats said.

Here's a link to the story.

Tell us what you thought about the game in the comment section.

Texans fall to No. 20

2008-10-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

The Texans fell to No. 20 in the nation in the AFCA poll this week. Tarleton also fell in the D2Football.com poll.

What do you think? Is this a good ranking? What do you see out of Thursday's game?

Tell us in the comment section below.

PURPLE OUT!.... Help break a record!

2008-10-27T21:00:00.001-05:00

Tarleton wants to break the all-time attendance record at Memorial Stadium for a Tarleton football game, which means we need over 9,850 people for the nationally-televised game on CBS College Sports Network.

We are asking everyone to wear PURPLE and join us for the nationally-ranked Texans!

For all Stephenville residents and Tarleton faculty/staff members, get $1 tickets during presale on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from noon-4:30 p.m. at the ticket booth in Wisdom Gym. On Thursday, you can only get tickets at the gate for regular price.

Anyone can order tickets online by Wednesday at TarletonTickets.com.

The game is also Take A Kid to the Game night where all kids 14-and-under will get in free.

There will be a live band at Texan Alley - No Justice - starting at 5:15 p.m. There will also be free give-aways and contests throughout the night.

Bring your signs and be on national television this Thursday and support the Texans! And bring your friends, and their friends, too!

Now No. 9

2008-10-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

After getting as high as No. 7 in the NCAA Division II Super Regional Four poll, Tarleton fell to No. 9 in this week's regional ranking. The top six teams get into the national playoffs, so the Texans really need to win the last two games of the season to give themselves a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003 and just the third time in school history.

Go here for more information on this week's regional poll.

LIVE game blog

2008-10-18T13:59:00.001-05:00

Check out here for a live game blog this afternoon.

Tarleton held ENMU in check in the first quarter, keeping the Greyhounds off the scoreboard. However, the Texans scored when Roderick Smith rumbled 68 yards for the first points of the game. Garrett Lindholm, who missed a 44-yard field goal earlier in the game, kicked the extra point to make it 7-0 Tarleton. The drive took up 2:39 and covered 96 plays on seven plays.

The Texans added to their lead when Scott Grantham found Eric Foreman for a six-yard touchdown strike. Lindholm's kick made it 14-0 with 12:20 left in the first half, capping a 13-play, 65-yard drive that took 4:44 off the clock.

Tarleton then intercepted the ball around midfield and Grantham ran in from nine yards out to score. The drive took five plays and 35 yards in exactly 120 seconds. Lindholm's kick put the home team ahead 21-0 with 10:02 remaining in the first session.

The Texans fumbled the ball at midfield, and ENMU took the drive 46 yards on 10 plays and scored when J.J. Harp found Jesse Poku from five yards out. Adam Richards added the extra point to make it 21-7.

On the ensuing kickoff, Travis Evans returned the ball 47 yards to the ENMU 48-yardline with nine seconds left. Tarleton had time for one play, a 30-yard pass from Grantham to Evans, but the running back failed to get out of bounds in time, and the first half clock ran out with the Texans leading 21-7.

Shamarr Prentice's first catch of the game was a 34-yard touchdown toss from Grantham with 8:10 left on the third quarter clock to close a 10-play, 89-yard drive. Lindholm's kick made it 28-7 Texans.

ENMU got deep into the Texan territory but missed a field goal, but Tarleton couldn't move the ball and had to punt. ENMU took the drive 41 yards on six plays when Terrence Griffin scored on a two-yard touchdown run. The kick was good, and the Greyhounds trailed, 28-14.

Evan took a five-yard handoff into the endzone with 4:50 remaining in the game, and Tarleton took a 35-14 lead with Grantham' kick. The drive took eight plays and 53 yards in 4:33.

The Greyhound's Harp found Matt Handler for 39-yard touchdown pass with 3:21 on the clock. The point after attempt by Richards made it 35-21.

ENMU then tried an on-side kick, but Tarleton's Devin Guinn jumped up to catch the ball and returned it to the Greyhounds' 19-yardline. Keith Demby then scored on a three-yard punch five plays later. Grantham's kick put the home team up 42-21.

What do you think of the game?

Tarleton moves up to No. 8 in regional poll

2008-10-13T15:30:00.001-05:00

The Texans moved up one spot to No. 8 in the latest NCAA Division II Super Regional Four poll released Monday.

The Texans, who are 6-1 in Division II action, moved up from No. 9 where they debuted in the first poll last week.

The top six teams in the final ranking make the Division II playoffs.

Who's number one? Who's number two? They play each other this week for probably at least a share of the LSC South Division and overall titles as well as perhaps the No. 1 spot in the region.

Check it out here who is ranked where.

Is this where you would put the Texans? Tell us in the comment section.

Hello Win Column!

2008-10-12T01:25:00.000-05:00

WICHITA FALLS - The No. 19 Tarleton Texans played a great game Saturday night, taking a 37-16 victory from No. 22 Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, spoiling the Mustangs' Homecoming.

The Texans outscored the home team 35-6 in the final three quarters, holding MSU scoreless in the second and third quarters.

Tarleton's Scott Grantham, despite completing just half of his attempts, perhaps had his most complete game of the season. The offense drove down the field and scored on the first three possessions and then came to life again in the second half, scoring three times in the third quarter and holding onto the ball for 10 minutes in that period.

The Texans had both the running and the passing game going, and after MSU scored on their first two possessions, the defense stood firm allowing only a touchdown in the beginning of the fourth quarter.

It was a great game. If you got to see it, tell us what you thought about the game in the comments section. If you didn't get to see it, I hope you get to join us for the Homecoming game Saturday, Oct. 18 against Eastern New Mexico at 2 p.m.

Texans fall to No. 19

2008-10-07T17:24:00.001-05:00

WACO – The Tarleton Texan football team fell six spots to No. 19 in the latest American Football Coaches Association poll following its loss to unranked Texas A&M-Kingsville last week.

The Texans, who are 5-1 on the season and 0-1 in Lone Star Conference South Division action, dropped a 27-16 decision at home Saturday to the Javelinas to fall from No. 13 to No. 19.

Rest of the release here.

Texans fall to No. 19

2008-10-07T17:24:00.000-05:00

Texans debut at No. 9 in first regional ranking

2008-10-06T18:22:00.000-05:00

The Tarleton Texans have debuted at No. 9 in the first NCAA Division II Super Regional Four ranking released today.

More information on the release. See who is in the Top 10.

Texans picked to win South, women picked fourth

2008-10-01T13:16:00.001-05:00

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The Tarleton Texan men’s basketball team has been selected to win the Lone Star Conference South Division, according to the LSC Preseason Poll released Wednesday in Bartlesville, Okla.

The Texans, who finished last season 25-7 overall after reaching the NCAA Division II South Central Regional championship game, were given 12 first-place votes to tally 115 total points.

The TexAnns were picked to finish fourth in the South with 75 points behind West Texas A&M (116), Abilene Christian (106) and Angelo State (89).

More info to come on the main site.

Wow!

2008-09-28T20:43:00.000-05:00

I don't really know what else to say.

This was not a pretty game, not at all. But one play was, and last night, that was all that had mattered.

Scott Grantham, on perhaps his worst performance in purple and white, connected with wide receiver Eric Foreman on a 64-yard pass (the reception caught on camera by Nathan Burel and pictured on the right).

I am not sure what yardline on which Foreman caught the ball, but he ran it into the endzone for the go-ahead score. Sixty-four yards was the complete scoring play, but it was worth much more than six points.

It was worth this thing called VICTORY.

The Texan defense played great, especially since it was on the field 39:26. The defense kept the Texans in the game, but the whole team's desire to not give up until the last buzzer was impressive.

The whole team, and myself included, was jumping around running down to the other end of the field like little kids. We forgot about the final 13 seconds, but the Texan defense went out and stopped the last-second efforts by the Bulldogs and Tarleton improved to 5-0 on the season.

There were only a few pretty plays in the game, including the winning touchdown catch and a 54-yard touchdown run by Roderick Smith. But the prettiest part of the game was when time expired, the No. 16 Texans led 24-21.

And in the end, that's all that really matters, right?

Congratulations Texans on the win! Now, it's time to focus on the LSC South Division.

It only gets harder from here.

Sitting in the parking lot in Ardmore, Okla....

2008-09-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

Last night brought back memories…

I was about five years old when my family went on vacation to San Antonio. We hit all the tourist spots including the Alamo, the Riverwalk and of course one of my favorite Mexican food places, Casa del Rio.

One night, we went to the Riverwalk and got on the riverboat. I was sitting in the front seat by myself, and right after we passed the outdoor theater, a big wave came over the front of the boat. I was thinking, “Cool!”, then I found out otherwise. Our boat… are you ready for this… SUNK! Yes, your read it right, sunk.

It took about an hour or hour and a half for them to send another boat around to pick us up and take us on the rest of the trip. By then, most of the people that were on the boat at the beginning had walked off. We got on and finished the tour. Overall, it was an interesting experience that we laugh about today, but at the time… not so much.

Fast forward to last night, Friday, Sept. 26.

We had just eaten supper at the Sirloin Stockade in Ardmore, Okla. And much like the riverboat when it passed through the live theater, we were watching a movie. And though there wasn’t a wave coming over the front of the bus, there might as well have been. Longer story shortened, that new bus (which was on its first trip) decided to sink out of commission. That’s right… we pulled off into a shopping center parking lot and we waited.

Finally, a few of the coaches took the starters and the rest of the two-deep on to Oklahoma City as about 10 other student-athletes and the rest of the coaches, support staff, radio guys and myself sat in the parking lot waiting. And waiting. And waiting.

Four hours after we first stopped, the replacement bus arrived from Oklahoma City and we finally head to OKC. We arrived at the hotel around 1 a.m., five hours after we were supposed to get to the Crowne Plaza.

We finished the movie we had started when we got back on the bus from supper, and they watched another, too.

Overall, though, the morale in the parking lot was good. A few of the trainers there, along with a few of the players, decided to take up a game of throw the empty Powerade bottle. I think it may have turned into a soccer bottle one time.

“I don’t like this, but there is nothing we can do about it,” said head coach Sam McElroy. “I am a routine-oriented guy, and last night didn’t go like we wanted it to go. But men, that is now behind us. Today, we focus on Southwestern Oklahoma, and if history repeats itself, it will be an all-out war.”

Talking to all the coaches, and Dr. Ron Newsome who has been on 1,000s of road trips, nobody has ever had this situation happen before.

How will the team respond this evening? I don’t think it will make a difference. I’m just glad it wasn’t on the way to Southwestern (now crossing my fingers!).

When we got of the bus early this morning at the hotel, Lucas Vance, the color commentator for the Tarleton Athletics Radio Network, said, “This will be a road trip I never forget. Remind me to never go to Ardmore, Okla. again.”

I am not sure we can hold it against Ardmore, or the bus company. I am glad we didn’t have anyone walk away while we were waiting for the bus like the people did it at the riverwalk.

I do know the boat finally arrived, and the tour, and the whole trip, turned out to be a wonderful experience.

Here’s hoping the same will be said when we get home early in the morning.

Luker goes from QB to rocker to QB on Sports Illustrated's website

2008-09-26T21:55:00.000-05:00

Do you know this man to the right?

Tarleton's junior transfer quarterback Kelan Luker is a product of Stephenville who returned to his roots following a career with a rock and roll band, Submersed.Today, his story is featured on SI.com, written by Andy Staples. For the actual story link, click here.

Tomorrow, Luker and his teammates take on Southwestern Oklahoma in Weatherford, Okla. at 6 p.m.

Listen to the game online and read the preview the game here.

Texans stay at No. 16

2008-09-25T09:37:00.001-05:00

The Texans are still the No. 16 team in the country, according to the American Football Coaches Assocation poll.

However, in the national statistics, the Texans are No. 1 in tackles for loss per game, No. 2 in rushing defense, No. 13 in passing defense, No. 5 in scoring defense, No. 3 in total defense, No. 33 in total offense, No. 7 in rushing offense and No. 11 in scoring offense.

The Texans' Jamaal Steamer and Josh Douglas are tied for No. 7 individually in tackles for loss per game (2.13).

Roderick Smith is No. 3in scoring with 15.0 points per game.

So, if stats are worth anything, I would say we were better than No. 16, but I am not a member of the AFCA and can't vote.

What are your thoughts? Tell us what you think in the comments section.

Don't forget, the Texans kickoff Saturday in Weatherford, Okla. at 6 p.m. against Southwestern Oklahoma.

LIVE game blog vs. UCO

2008-09-20T17:34:00.000-05:00

STEPHENVILLE - The Texans are set to kickoff against UCO for Family Weekend. We'll keep you updated LIVE on the blog.

Add your comments below about the game:

The Bronchos scored first as they drove 80 yards on nine plays to score. The PAT put the visitors ahead early at the 11:25-mark, 7-0.

The Texans took the ensuing drive 70 yards on eight plays before Roderick Smith punched it in from five yards away. Garrett Lindholm's kick made it a tie game, 7-7.

UCO then took the ball 76 yards on 17 plays during a 6:36-drive. The extra point made it 14-7 Bronchos with 57 seconds left in the first quarter.

Tarleton then went 73 yards on eight plays and 4:03 to tie the game on another Smith touchdown. Both Tarleton touchowns have been scored with 11:51 on the clock, and Lindholm's kick made it 14-14.

The Texan defense held the Broncho for the first time of the night, then drove 69 yards on five plays and scored when Devin Guinn caught a 28-yard pass from Scott Grantham to score. Lindholm's kick gave the Texans their first lead of the contest, 21-14.

UCO got an interception with the Texans driving and took six plays to eat up 27 yards and score on a 37-yard field goal by Chad Susman to make it 21-17.

On the ensuing kickoff, Smith returned a 93-yard kickoff return to put the Texans ahead 28-17 at the break thanks to Lindholm's kick.

Neither team scored until late in the third quarter when UCO was driving and quarterback Brandon Noohi fumbled the ball on the Tarleton end of the field. Tarleton's Marcus Phillips recovered the fumble and tried to scoop and score, but he was pushed out of bounds at the UCO 25-yardline. Three plays later, Grantham found Smith on a left side screen pass, and the running back scored from 22 yards out. Lindholm's kick made it 35-17 Texans.

The Texans drove within the UCO five, but the Broncho defense stopped Tarleton on four straight running plays. However, Alex Gibson, UCO's quarterback, was picked off at the UCO eight-yardline by Sheldon Monsegue who picked six. Lindholm added the point after attempt to make it 42-17 Texans.

Texans win in front of a crowd of 5,318, 42-17.

Meanwhile... back at the stadium...

2008-09-20T14:53:00.001-05:00

Tonight the Texans take on the Bronchos (yes, that is the correct spelling). Unfortunately, due to rule violations by Central Oklahoma, no football games can be broadcast via TV or the internet, so fans will only be able to listen to the game if you can't make it. Or of course, you could listen while at the game.

As usual, we will provide a live blog here on Tarleton Tales, so tell your friends, interact, and of course, root for the undefeated, No. 16 Tarleton Texans tonight with kickoff starting at 7 p.m.

What do you think of tonight's game? What are your predictions?

Who's on your shirt?

2008-09-18T23:45:00.000-05:00

Sometimes people give me a hard time about graduating from the private university in our conference to the west of us. And, yes, I am proud of the diplomas (two) I have from there.

However, I have never been more proud of our, that would be Tarleton's, volleyball team tonight!

For the first time since I have been here, and for the first time since 2002, the TexAnns downed the Wildcats. And they did it in pretty dominating fashion. They won 25-20, 25-12 and 25-21. And really, the first two games were not that close. They fought hard in the third set and came back to win it and close out the match.

The victory ended a nine-match losing streak to the other purple and white team from the LSC, and that is the best I have ever seen the TexAnns' play from the beginning to the end.

It was very exciting, and I am glad I was there to be a part of it... with my pointer finger in the air and a T on my shirt!

Up three spots...

2008-09-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

The Texans have moved up three spots to No. 16 in the national AFCA poll (the official poll for NCAA Division II).

Nine of the Top 25 teams are in our region (Super Region 4), and six of them are in the Top 10... Top 9 actually.

This is a tough region that got tougher when Nebraska-Omaha joined the MIAA and we dropped the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) only to pick up the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). The GNAC, however, doesn't have enough teams to get an earned access bid to the playoffs, so one of their teams has be ranked in the Top 6 in the region to get in no matter what. However, Central Washington is ranked No. 8, and they are members of the GNAC.

Here is the poll release.

What do you think? How is this ranking in line with how you feel Tarleton should be ranked? Let us know in the comment section.

Watching a movie it occured to me...

2008-09-13T20:58:00.000-05:00

On the bus on the way home, we watched a movie: 300.

As the Spartans were fighting to save their honor, they would stand their ground and fight no matter what happened. They used tactics to draw in the other side and became victorious on several occasions, but they perhaps get a little too condifent? After all, they all died.

It reminded me, I sometimes fail to mention, as often as I probably should, the stellar defense we have lining up in purple and white.

Under defensive coordinator Cary Fowler, the Texans have held opponents to a toal of 26 points in three games, an average of 8.7 points per game. Opponents have also only gained a total of 489 yards in the three games, an average of 163.0 yards per game.

In that average, the run defense is perhaps better than stellar, holding the other teams to an average of just 45.7 yards per game. In the first half, the defense is allowing an average of 42.67 yards per first quarter and 84.3 yards per first half. Below is the first quarter opponent stats:

Rushing Passing
Game 1 43 35
Game 2 1 5
Game 3 4 40

Overall opponent stats:
Rushing Passing Total
Game 1 46 142 188
Game 2 59 73 132
Game 3 32 137 169

I don't know about you, I am sure glad these guys are wearing purple and white. And in the little time I have known Coach Fowler, and definitely Coach McElroy, this defense shouldn't let up.

And I don't believe they will get too confident. "No retreat and no surrender." Not only are they the words of Leonidas before his final battle, I believe that could be the battle cry of the Texan defense.

And I am good if the number 300 is a part of the 2008 football season. Not in the number of players battling for the Texans, but as the number opponent offenses strive to reach against the Texans. So far, opponent offenses have gone by the way of the Spartans and come up short on the battlefields.

In the end, Leonidas tells one of his soldiers that is was an honor to live by his side, and truly, it is honor to watch this defense fight their battles... can't wait to see what happens next.

Wet, Wet, Wet

2008-09-13T16:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I braved the rain for a quarter and a half without any rain gear (what was I thinking?) Now, I came up in hopes to be dry before getting on the bus at the end of the game. I really do love this game!

So far, nothing but Tarleton, and as I am typing this, Roderick Smith just scored his second rushing touchdown, this one from 29 yards away. Garrett Lindholm added his fourth PAT of the game to put the Texans up 31-0 with 5:59 left in the second quarter.

In the first half, the Texans held ECU, who trails 31-0, to just minus-three yards rushing and 68 total yards in the first half.

ECU's Marcus Johnson just threw for a 11-yard touchdown and the ensuing PAT was missed and almost blocked, but the score cut the lead to 31-6.

Smith scored his third touchdown this one from 68 yards away. Tarleton leads 38-6.

End of the third quarter... the Texans still lead 38-6. Total yards thus far - Tarleton: 261, 160 rushing; ECU: 137, 15 rushing.

The Texans had their first turnover of the game when Kelan Luker fumbled with just over six minutes left in the contest.

The game is over, and the Texans held strong on defense despite ECU driving inside the redzone. Tarleton wins, 38-6.

What did you think of the game?

On the way to East Central...

2008-09-13T15:33:00.000-05:00

ARDMORE, Okla. - The No. 19 Texans are to play East Central in Ada, Okla. Saturday, and on the way, Tarleton stopped to eat its pregame meal at Budro's... and they welcomed the Texans on the sign (to the right).

The Texans' game has been moved to 4 p.m. and fans can watch the Texans online via the Tarleton Ticket. The Texans are also online at KSTV's web site or on the radio at 93.1 FM.

Gametime changed Saturday to 4 p.m.

2008-09-12T14:33:00.001-05:00

The game on Saturday has been changed to 4 p.m. from the original 6 p.m. kickoff time.

More info later.