Monday, September 27, 2010

RSU Cross Country Tackles Tough Course


Roger State’s inaugural cross country team dug deep through their toughest challenge of the early season. The Hillcat men and women finished 17th and 27th respectively at the Cowboy Jamboree on the campus of Oklahoma State University, Saturday morning.

Up first were the women races with duo Kendall Clement and Jessie Zingo leading the way for the Hillcats. After breezing through the first mile the OSU soon began to reveal itself taking the runners through staggering hills and gullies growing more intense by the third mile.
“It was all mental,” said Clement.

“It was tough to have a lot of kick left since you had just pushed up all those other hills,” said Zingo.

Clement recorded the best time for the RSU women, placing 117th with a time of 22:11 followed by Jessie Zingo finishing with a time of 22:28, earning 125th out of over 200 runners.

Sophomore Breana Harrison took 163rd with a time of 24:56 and freshman Tiffany Russell finished 174 with a time of 26:23. Softball senior Brittany White rounded out the scoring for the Hillcat women with a time of 26:51, placing 179.

Next up were the men races. The Hillcat men also felt the challenges of the course while managing to stay close to their personal times.

Junior Caleb Clark led the way for the Hillcat men finishing 13th overall out of over 200 runners with a time of 26:33. Brandon Payne was the runner up for the Hillcats placing 75th with a time of 28:30.

Freshman Oscar Reyes finished with a time of 30:17 placing 117. Josh Maggard placed 148th with a time of 38:44 and Josh Phillipi rounded out the scoring with a time of 38:40 placing 149.

“We did pretty good,” said Payne. “We’re trying to just stay consistent with our times.

Though the Hillcats were looking to make better time, running a course like OSU’s was not easy.

“The fact that it was a much tougher course than last week, I thought they did good so I was definitely happy with the team’s score,” said Chris McCormick, RSU cross country coach.

“Getting a course like this out the way gives us high hopes of what’s to come,” added Clement.

RSU cross country will get a two week layoff before hitting the trails again Oct. 9 at the OBU Bison Cross Country Invitational.
(Photo by gssphotography.com)

"Unstoppable Once Airborn"


A Dream Come True for Spicer

If you had the chance to witness the 6’6’’ power forward showcase in action, “unstoppable once airborn” would probably best describe this power forward’s skyrocket ability.

Yet, the phrase is not limited to former Rogers State University Hillcat, Sylvester Spicer’s production on the court; it only extends in his opportunity of achieving the basketball career he has worked hard for.

“After my last game at RSU, all I could see myself doing is overseas basketball,” said Spicer.

The Dallas native spent most of his summer living in Skiatook, Okla. putting in overtime with his former Oral Roberts University teammate Mickey Michalec.

“Just about everyday, I worked out three times a day… 5am, 9am and noon.”

After word was announced on former RSU teammate, Lance Sullivan of signing pro, some were curious about when Spicer would make his professional leap.

Along with the help of an agent, Spicer was in search of the right team that would best escalate his basketball career.

As of August 20, 2010 Spicer became a professional basketball player for the team of Elitzur Ramla BC of Ramla, Israel.

Spicer says coming from a NAIA, he wasn’t being looked at as a top player. Already scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in his recent scrimmage, the 225 lb solid beast is looking to prove otherwise going into his rookie season.

Through out his three years at Rogers State, Spicer has experienced highs and lows while managing to come out on top on the hardwood.

“His ability to persevere on the floor, he has a strong work ethic when it comes to the game of basketball and the ability to finish plays, “ said RSU head basketball coach, Justin Barkley.

“His strength and his athleticism is something he has been blessed with and if he continues to work hard on the intangibles of the game, he’ll have an opportunity to play for quite a while, said Barkley.”

Now overseas, the dominant force in the paint, is doing what he loves best and also enjoying the fruits of his labor.

“Being in Israel is fun, I’m loving it! I have learned a couple words now and still learning,” said Spicer. “My team is full of great guys who looks to be a potential champion team this year.”

To all recent RSU teammates and future Hillcats looking to follow Spicer‘s footsteps, he has a bit of advice to share.

“It’s all about dedication and connections! Play hard, smart, and together. Put up good numbers and have someone in your corner to help you get to where you are trying to go.”

Spicer’s pro season is set to kick off Oct. 5.

Check Spice's Stats at Basketball Beyond Borders

(Photo by gssphotography.com)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

FCA Spotlight


Once a week RSU athletes huddle together combining the passion for sports with the passion for Christ through fellowship.

FCA AT RSU
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes began at Rogers State University three years ago by former assistant women’s basketball coach Michael Wells.
  • “It’s a faith based organization; non-dominational. It’s designed just to give student athletes a place where they can come together and fellowship,” said Ryan Bradley, associate athletic director for external relations.
  • Bradley holds fellowshipping to be most important in giving a chance for students from different teams, programs and backgrounds to come together for a single purpose.
  • FCA brings in guest speakers of former athletes and current coaches to motivate and inspire RSU athletes to grow in their relationship with Christ.
  • FCA partners with Baptist Collegiate Ministry in helping to provide food and games at each huddle followed by a guest speaker.

FCA INVOLVEMENT

  • Encourages members to be leaders in supporting other programs and to be involved in campus activities and other faith based organizations.
  • The organization has more coaches and administrative staff participating in FCA this year than ever before.

    “I think it’s really important for those athletes to see that,” said Bradley. “To see their coaches and the people that are running their athletic program; that this is important to them and that their faith is important to them too.

FCA GAME DAY

  • Every year FCA has game day... a chance to go to a college football game. The past games days were at Tulsa University.
  • This year FCA was able to have game day at the University of Oklahoma season opener football game.

    “I thought that would be a great opportunity to kind of kick off FCA for the year and get people excited and involved in what we’re doing,” said Bradley.
  • FCA teamed up with Jamey Gilliland of BCM in securing OU tickets for half price. RSU students paid only $20.00 for a game ticket, a free Hillcat bus ride to Norman and a free OU T-shirt.

FCA WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT

The organization is open to any and all students at RSU. Whether you have a love sports, know little about the game, or just simply want to be apart of something, FCA welcomes you!

FCA HUDDLE

Where: Bushyhead
When: Wednesday nights at 9:00 P.M.
Who: Everyone
Why: To eat, plays games, and fellowship

(Photo courtesy of Bailey Lynn)

RSU Cross Country Season Underway


Rogers State men’s and women’s cross country team opens season with a pair of challenging meets using their first race a building block.

The Hillcats competed at the Midwestern State Cross Country Stampede finishing seventh out of eight teams in Wichita Falls, Texas.
“It was a hard, rough experience. I think they were excited and it gives them some experience,” said Chris McCormick, RSU cross country coach. “They’ve got that first race under their belt and now they’ve got some real goals.”

Junior Caleb Clark led the Hillcat men finishing 11th out of approximately 80 runners, with a 6K time of 19:30.

“I was hoping to do a little better but the race went out a little faster than I thought,” said Clark. “Overall it was a good starter.”

Clark was followed by freshmen Brandon Payne who finished 36th with a time of 20:29 and Oscar Reyes finished 54th (21:38), both running personal best.

On the women’s side, the Hillcats launched their cross country careers.

Seniors Kendall Clement and Jessie Zingo were the top two runners for RSU, finishing side-by-side. Clement completed the 4K with a time of 17:36 placing 42nd and Zingo clocked in a time of 17:45 finishing 43rd out of approximately 80 runners.

“It was definitely a test of self discipline because you’re running with experienced runners, so you had to keep that in mind,” said Clement.

Other top runners for the Hillcats were sophomore Breana Harrison who completed the course in 19:48 and finished 61st, freshman Ashley Parent in 62nd (19:57).

After a two week layoff, the Hillcats were back on the trail competiting at the Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin, Missouri with the men placing 24th and the women placing 34th.

The Hillcats battled through the hot and humid weather conditions taking on a traditional cross country course filled with rolling hills while trailing through fields and woods. Yet, RSU weren’t victim to the circumstances all managing to surpass their personal best times competing with over 300 runners.

“This one was tougher, but this one had a lot more runners in it, which makes you faster because you’ve got more people to push and pull you along," said McCormick.

Clark finished in 31st out of 311 runners with a time of 25:30 in the 8k race.Rounding out the top runners for the Hillcat men were Payne posting a time of 27:56 (157th) and Reyes with a 28:54 (190th).

Hillcat women experienced their first 5k race. Clement led the pack with a time of 21:42 landing her 206th out of 302 runners followed by Zingo with a time of 21:49 for the 214th slot.
Other top runners for the Hillcats were Harrison with a time of 23:48 and Ashlie Faucier with a 24:33.

RSU cross country will hit the trails again Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

RSU Golf Opens Strong in Invitational


The Rogers State men’s golf team wrapped up competition at the Southwestern Christian University Invitational with a 280 to take second place at Lake Hefner Golf Course early this month.

The Hillcats finished the event just two shots out of the lead, shy of the no. 8 ranked team in the nation Southern Nazarene. The Crimson Storm posted a 2-under 278.

Leading the pack for the Hillcats, RSU junior Jared Ward was one of four players tied for second place, carding a 3-under 67.

Top Hillcat golfers were Juniors Bo Sarrat and Mariano Newton joined Ward in the top 20 each carding a 69, tying for sixth place.

RSU men were looking to clinch first place in day two of the invitational but were unable to due to weather conditions.

Less than two weeks later the men’s team closed with a 302 during the final round at the 12th annual Northeastern State University Classic to finish in 15th place at the Muskogee Country Club.

The Hillcats finished the event with a team score of 595, three shots behind the University of Central Oklahoma’s second team and two shots in front of Fort Hayes State.

Owens led the team finishing in a tie for 12th with a score of 143. Other top golfers for RSU were Sarrat carding a 147 and Ward with a 149.

On the women’s side, the Hillcats finished with a score of 335 to take 3rd place at the SWCU Invitational.

The Hillcats putted passed conference opponent Oklahoma Baptist University while giving top 25 ranked team in the nation, Northwood University (Texas), tough competition.

“Last year we were shooting 360’s, 370’s, so it’s 30 shots better than last year and we still got a long way to go,” said Lynn Blevins, RSU head golf coach. “I think our potential is 320 range and so if we can shoot 320, we’re going to be competitive every tournament.

Freshman Katy Seeger finished fifth, posting an 80. She was joined in the top ten by junior Jennifer Almy who carded an 82, tying for ninth place.

Days later, the Hillcats posted 705 over the two day even at the Northeastern State University Golf Classic in Tahlequah, Okla.

Seegar carded a team best of 87 in round two tying for 43rd with a score of 170. She was followed by Almay also posting an 87 in round two tying for 60th.

Rounding out the third top golfer for the Hillcats was Whitney Holcutt shooting a second round of 92 carding a two day score 178 to tie for 65th.

RSU men will return to action on Sept. 26th as they travel to Oklahoma City to compete in the the UC Ferguson Classic. Meanwhile the women will hit the green course again Oct. 10-12 in Oklahoma City, Okla., for the OCU Stars Fall Classic.
(Photo by gssphotography.com)

RSU Men on Early Roll After Historic Win


After opening their season with a tie at Oklahoma Wesleyan 0-0 and falling in their first home game against Lyon College 1-2, the Rogers State men’s soccer team took their game to another level defeating Oral Roberts 1-0 on ORU‘s home turf.

The Hillcats added a stunning win to the record books marking the first victory over a NCAA Division I opponent in any sport at RSU.

ORU transfer, Sergio Guerra scored the game-winning goal in the 81st minute to lift the Hillcats past the Golden Eagles (2-1-0).

With time running down, Junior T.J. Martin sent the ball into the box, finding Guerra who sent a diving header past the ORU goalkeeper in front of over 400 fans.

“It was a good feeling to score against my ex-school,” said Guerra.

RSU attacked the goal aggressively the entire game, putting five shots on frame. The Hillcat defense held the Golden Eagles to just one shot on goal. Senior Sean Surridge earned the shutout win in goal for the RSU.

Three days later, the Hillcats overcame a double overtime battle snagging a 2-1 victory over Friends University at Soldier Field.

As the crowd awaited anxiously on the edge of their seats, within minutes of the second overtime RSU’s midfielder Steven Baker blasted the winning shot through the net, clinching the game winner for the Hillcats.

RSU and Friends took six shots on goal in the game. Senior goalkeeper Sean Surridge made five saves in his second win of the season.

“I’m proud of them because they hung in there, they played tough and at the end of the day they got the results and that’s all that matters,” said Larkin.

Guerra and Surridge earned Sooner Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for Sept. 6-12.

Guerra sealed the deal scoring the winning goal against ORU and nailing the opening point against Friends in overtime. Surridge made his mark allowing only one goal and tallying up six saves with the shutout win in goal over ORU.

The Hillcats spent the next two home games rolling over opponents Bethel College 5-0 and McPherson College 4-0 building their record to 4-1-1 after a 4-game winning streak.

“I think it’s awesome. We have to keep it up and hopefully we get a national recognition soon,” said senior midfielder Carlos Zuta.

RSU men will head on a five-game road trip beginning Sept. 18 against Avila College, coming back home Oct. 9 to play conference opponent Oklahoma Baptist University.

(Photo by gssphotography.com)

Oh Snap!
Hillcat Update: As of Sept. 24, RSU men are 6-1-1.
Go to soonerathletic.org for the latest conference standings

Hillcat Women Open Season on Winning Streak


The Rogers State women’s soccer team start the 2010 season off on the right foot with the Hillcats sailing past Oklahoma Wesleyan with a 5-1 victory in Bartlesville, Okla.

The freshmen Hillcats played impressively throughout their opening match. Forward Demi Mullin and midfielder Sara Schneider added their first collegiate points on the board pushing the lead for the Hillcats.

“We played a lot of young players and for us I thought that was the key in getting them some experience,” said Derek Larkin, RSU head soccer coach.

In the women’s home opener, the Hillcats cranked in two second half goals defeating Friends University at Soldier Field 2-0.

Junior Chelsea Myers put the game away in the 60th minute, slotting the ball past the Falcon goalkeeper. Freshman Devon Bullard assisted on the play, sending the ball into space over the defense for Myers to run onto.

“Devon hit a great ball down the middle,” said Myers. “It was flying so I knew I had to take off and get it.”

Freshman goalkeeper Chelsea McMullin played big for the Hillcats in both openers of the season recording a total of eight saves and no goals.

McMullin’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed earning the SAC Defensive Player of the Week, repectively, for Sept. 6-12.

“Chelsea has really stepped her game up and shown that she can lead the team,” said Larkin. “We’re very confident in her in the back that she can get the job done and she stepped up to the challenge so far.”

The Hillcats finished out the week clipping past Bethel College in double overtime 3-2 while clawing through the hot and humid weather defeating McPherson College 2-0 producing a record of 4-0 on the season.

The undefeated Hillcats claime the third spot in the latest 2010 SAC Women Soccer Standings behind the 6-0 Lubbuck Christian and Mid-America Christian.

RSU women will kick off the first of five straight road matches on Sept. 20 against Avila College. The Hillcats will resume home action Oct. 9 against conference opponent Oklahoma Baptist.



(Photo by gssphotography.com)




Oh Snap!

Soccer Update: As of Sept. 24 RSU women are now 4-2.
Go to the soonerathletic.org for latest standings