OldTimer

Women's basketball: UNT women expecting big season Slinker one win away from 200 in career 09:46 AM CST on Thursday, November 17, 2005 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer When asked earlier this week about standing on the verge of winning her 200th game at North Texas, Tina Slinker credited the milestone to her staff and her players, not to mention sticking around for more than 15 years. DRC/Gary Payne North Texas women’s head coach Tina Slinker will be looking for her 200th win in her team’s opener against Stephen F. Austin on Friday. It’s that experience that has UNT’s head coach thinking the upcoming season could be special for reasons other than the fact she enters the year with 199 wins in 16 seasons. Slinker has a senior-laden team for the first time in a long time, one that the league’s coaches picked to win the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division. The path to fulfilling that promise will begin on Friday when the Mean Green open the season at home against Stephen F. Austin. “The only reason that I want that 200th win would be it would be a great way to start the season off,” said Slinker, who has a 199-240 record at UNT. “I haven’t really thought about it being No. 200 as much as I want to get that first win to get us going in a positive direction.” Slinker has spent the last few years trying to get the Mean Green back on track after Jalie Mitchell and Rosalyn Reades led UNT to back-to-back NIT berths in the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. To say the path back to the top hasn’t been easy would be an understatement. UNT endured two straight losing seasons before finishing .500 last year. A 14-14 season might not sound like much, but that performance has given UNT hope for the upcoming season. The Mean Green won three of their last four regular season games to finish second in the Sun Belt’s West Division and took eventual Sun Belt Tournament champion Middle Tennessee to overtime before falling in the conference tournament. UNT returns all but one of the major contributors from that team, including senior guard Erika Bobo and junior post Mia Ajekwu. Bobo led UNT in scoring with an average of 13.0 points a game with Ajekwu just behind at 11.3, despite missing the final 13 games of the season with a shoulder injury. “We feel like it’s our time,” Bobo said. “We made strides each year and became better and better. This year teams will be gunning for us instead of us gunning for other teams.” Bobo’s confidence is based in large part on a roster that Slinker and UNT’s players think has just the right combination of experience, depth and young players who could contribute. UNT will start the same five players as last season with senior guards Mian Williams and Natalie Mireles and sophomore forward Erica Howard joining Bobo and Ajekwu. Bobo and Mireles are part of a four-player senior class that UNT will rely on. “The senior class is the one I have focused on,” Slinker said. “You want it for them because they have been through a lot. It’s been a rebirth since we lost those six seniors a few years ago. This year we can prove that we have rebuilt.” While UNT will look to its core of veteran players to lead a run back to the top of the Sun Belt, it could be a host of youngsters that could put the Mean Green over the top. UNT signed four of the top 35 players in Texashoops.com’s 2005 state rankings who will be freshmen this season. Amber Jackson, a highly regarded 6-2 forward, essentially joined that class after sitting out last season as a redshirt with a knee injury. “We are 15 deep this season and have a lot of people who can score,” Bobo said. “We need to take advantage of that.” The key for UNT could be developing into a consistent offensive team. The Mean Green held their opponents to just 37.5 percent shooting from the field last season, a total that ranked third in the Sun Belt. The problem was UNT ranked last in the league with a 33.8 shooting percentage. UNT saw its offensive struggles crop up again in an exhibition loss to the Oklahoma Flyers last week. The Mean Green coughed up a 28-9 run in the final 12 minutes of the game. Slinker said the Mean Green must maintain their defensive prowess while becoming more adept at the offensive end to be successful. The goal is one Slinker believes UNT can reach because of the players the Mean Green have in place. UNT will begin to find out if it has the right combination on Friday when Slinker aims for her 200th win. “We are in a great position with the kids that we have, the experience, the influx of new players and depth,” Slinker said. “As of today, we are in a good situation.” BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com . UNT roster Erika Bobo G 5-8 Sr. Natalie Mireles G 5-6 Sr. Mia Ajekwu P 6-3 Jr. Mian Williams G 5-8 Sr. Erica Howard P 6-3 So. Amanda Quattrocchi G 5-7 So. Talicia Sanders P 6-2 So. DiDi Wali G 5-9 Jr. Kennethia Wilson F 5-10 Sr. Amber Jackson F 6-2 Rfr. Jo Hall G 5-8 Fr. Sanetra Jackson G 5-8 Fr. Tricia Lee G 5-8 Fr. Ashley Vation F 6-0 Fr. UNT schedule Nov. 18 Stephen F. Austin 5 p.m. Nov. 22 Southern Arkansas 7 p.m. New Hampshire Tournament Nov. 26 Boston College 2 p.m. Nov. 27 New Hampshire or Cornell noon or 2 p.m. Nov. 30 at Louisiana-Monroe 7 p.m. Dec. 3 SMU 5 p.m. Dec. 8 UT-Pan American 7 p.m. Dec. 11 UTEP 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at Texas 2 p.m. Dec. 20 UC-Irvine 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at Prairieview A&M 6 p.m. Dec. 31 Northwestern State 2 p.m. Jan. 5 at New Orleans 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at Louisiana-Lafayette 7 p.m. Jan. 12 Denver 5 p.m. Jan. 16 Florida International 5 p.m. Jan. 19 at Arkansas-Little Rock 5:15 p.m. Jan. 21 at Arkansas State 7:05 p.m. Jan. 26 Troy 5 p.m. Jan. 28 South Alabama 5 p.m. Feb. 2 Louisiana-Lafayette 7 p.m. Feb. 4 New Orleans 7 p.m. Feb. 8 Middle Tennessee 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Western Kentucky 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at Denver 8 p.m. Feb. 23 at Troy 5:15 p.m. Feb. 25 at South Alabama 6 p.m. March 3-7 at Sun Belt Conference Tourney

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http://www.nmnathletics.com/pdf4/23755.pdf...&DB_OEM_ID=1800 Hope this link works. If it doesn't go to the NT athletic web site, click the article FB host to UL Monroe...at bottom of that article click on the link...game notes.

Men’s basketball Jones could use freshmen early on in 2005-06 season UNT coach Johnny Jones has maintained through the offseason that he had one of his best recruiting seasons last year. If early returns are any indication UNT’s last recruiting class could make an impact early in the year. “Those guys have continued to impress,” Jones said. “Harold Stewart has done a tremendous job, has moved up the charts and is backing up Quincy Williams at power forward. Justin Howerton has continued to get better and so has Harold Edwards. “We have guys who are very capable who will have to get acclimated very quickly.” Stewart scored four points and grabbed three rebounds in UNT’s first exhibition game against Abilene Christian, while Edwards scored three points. Howerton added two points and four rebounds. Former Sanger standout Chris Higgs chipped in an assist. UNT had several freshmen who contributed last year, including Michael Sturns and Quincy Williams. Sturns averaged 4.3 points a game and added 39 assists, while Williams started eight games and averaged 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds a game. UNT to face Nicholls State at home after schedule change UNT has picked up an extra home date in December when its game against Nicholls State was moved from Thibodaux, La., to Denton. The switch will give the Mean Green five home games in December. Women’s basketball Jacksonfares well in debut after missing full season Redshirt freshman Amber Jackson made a solid impression in her debut with the Mean Green in a loss to the Oklahoma Flyers last week. Jackson scored nine points and blocked two shots in UNT’s second exhibition game of the season. She sat out the Mean Green’s first exhibition of the year and missed all of last season with a knee injury. “Amber responded very well,” UNT coach Tina Slinker said. “You forget it’s her first college game. She struggled a little defensively, but we know she will be able to score for us.” Slinker said that players normally need at least half of a season to get back to form after major surgery, a process Jackson is going through to open the season. The 6-2 freshman will open the season at the power forward spot, but Slinker said she would like to move Jackson to small forward later in her career to take advantage of her unusual combination of size and quickness. Ajekwu aggravates shoulder injury, will continue to play UNT junior post Mia Ajekwu aggravated a shoulder injury that forced her to miss the last 13 games of last season and is wearing a brace. The injury is not expected to limit Ajekwu, who averaged 11.3 points a game last season, the second-highest total on the team.

Posted on Wed, Nov. 16, 2005 R E L A T E D C O N T E N T DARRELL DICKEY More photos Patterson, Dickey have ties to KSU By WENDELL BARNHOUSE Star-Telegram Staff Writer As soon as Bill Snyder announced Tuesday that he would retire as Kansas State's coach after Saturday's 2005 season finale with Missouri, the speculation regarding his successor stirred considerable dust along the I-35 corridor. TCU coach Gary Patterson, North Texas coach Darrell Dickey and Oklahoma assistants Brent Venables and Chuck Long were some of the first names to pop up on the list of potential candidates. Patterson, who played at Kansas State and was a graduate assistant there in 1982, before the Snyder era, is expected to be considered. On the Mountain West football coaches' teleconference Tuesday, Patterson was noncommittal but admitted that "everyone dreams about going back to their alma mater." Dickey, who played quarterback at Kansas State from 1979-82, didn't shy away from showing his interest. "It's a BCS school; it's in the Big 12 Conference," he said. "I would be lying if I said it wasn't an interest of mine, but right now my focus is on trying to beat Louisiana-Monroe." Venables, Oklahoma's co-defensive coordinator, is a former Kansas State player and was an assistant under Snyder from 1993-98. "There's a lot to be said for people who have gone through the process [here]," Snyder said during his news conference Tuesday. "That doesn't mean somebody from the outside couldn't fit that bill. There are some unique traits that would be necessary." Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who was an assistant on Snyder's staff from 1989-95, said Venables would be a good successor. "That's a natural thought process. ... ," Stoops said. "Brent is an excellent coach. ... Absolutely, he would be a great fit." Venables said said that, if Kansas State wanted to talk to him, he would definitely listen. Long, Oklahoma's offensive coordinator, played at Iowa and finished as Heisman Trophy runner-up with Snyder as his offensive coordinator. SMU coach Phil Bennett, who was Snyder's defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking the Mustangs' job in 2001, is likely to be considered. Current Kansas State defensive coordinator Bob Elliott also could be on the list of possible replacements.

:Lineberry will be back also. Only loss is Jason May

Rumors are he didn't do much recruiting last year....certaintly didn't get anyone from Dallas ISD. Bruce Bell the recruiting coordinator at NT is leaving after the season...don't know if he will stay through recruiting but doubt it. That leaves two Assistant Coaching positions. so recruiting could be hurting. Depends upon who is hired to replace them and when they come on board and how familar they are with Texas and OK coaches. I know a lot of us didn't like his play calling, but realistically he suggested a two or 3 plays and DD chose the play....so game plan won't change when he leaves. Interesting that Sagain ratings have Buffalo at 179 and NT at 102.

http://www.footballscoop.com/scoop.htm The above link is to footballscoop. Previously it had the coach at Buffalo as being firing but having lost his job. The latest scoup has flanigan, the OC at NT being named to Buffalo. I would believe as head coach but not 100 % sure , but scan down below Flanigan to the original scoup...which showed the job opportunity to be sure. I didn't want to go back another time to look at the earlier job posting.

Health will be factor in UNT quarterback rotation 12:58 AM CST on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 By CHIP BROWN / The Dallas Morning News DENTON – Coach Darrell Dickey said Monday that he will to evaluate quarterbacks Daniel Meager and Matt Phillips in practice and has not determined how much either will play against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday. Meager has started every game this season but left Saturday's 26-23 loss to Florida Atlantic because of a concussion. Phillips led three fourth-quarter scoring drives and threw for 138 yards in the quarter, surpassing UNT's season-high of 129, set by Meager in a loss to Troy. Briefly ... Running back Jamario Thomas is day-to-day with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the FAU game. ... The volleyball team will face Arkansas-Little Rock in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Middle Tennessee. UNT (14-17) is the No. 5 seed in the eight-team tournament.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform...px?GAMEID=10383

UNT's chances for Sun Belt title darken 12:24 AM CST on Sunday, November 13, 2005 By BRETT VITO / Denton Record-Chronicle MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Nick Bazaldua thought his kick was going to slide just inside the upright with eight seconds left in North Texas' game against Florida Atlantic on Saturday afternoon. But like so many other times this season, the Mean Green was just a little off in a 26-23 loss to the Owls at Dolphins Stadium. Colleges Florida Atlantic 26, North Texas 23 UNT's chances for Sun Belt title darken Summary Saturday's scoreboard More North Texas UNT was behind by 17 in the fourth quarter before staging a comeback in its fourth straight loss. The Mean Green's last-ditch effort to tie the score ended when Bazaldua's 47-yard field goal try bounced off the right upright. The loss to FAU (2-8, 2-4) was UNT's third in Sun Belt Conference play and all but eliminated any hopes UNT (2-7, 2-3) had to claim a share of the league title for the fifth straight year. "I don't know what the experience is like to go to a bowl game since I am a freshman, but I was looking around in the locker room," quarterback Matt Phillips said. "The guys' faces and expressions show what we are missing out on. They have been to it three or four times. They realize what has happened." Phillips nearly kept UNT in the race for the conference title by leading the Mean Green on three fourth-quarter scoring drives after starter Daniel Meager was knocked out of the game because of a concussion. UNT was down, 23-6, when Phillips came on for his second series and rallied the Mean Green. He threw for 50 yards on a drive he capped with a 5-yard touchdown run to pull the Mean Green within 10. UNT got the ball right back by recovering the ensuing onside kick. Phillips then threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Joel Nwigwe to cut UNT's deficit to 23-20, and UNT tied the score on a 47-yard field goal by Bazaldua. "That is tough to do when you come in cold and haven't played a whole lot during the season," UNT coach Darrell Dickey said. "We needed to make some plays throwing the ball. He did a very nice job." Phillips finished with 138 passing yards, all of which came in the fourth quarter. Patrick Cobbs led UNT with 142 rushing yards. Meager had 49 yards passing and 22 rushing. Dickey said UNT will continue to evaluate its quarterback situation. Phillips gave UNT a chance to win, but its defense couldn't stop FAU after Bazaldua tied the score at 23 with 5:25 left. FAU drove 49 yards on nine plays for Daniel Kennard's 33-yard field goal. UNT allowed a game-winning touchdown drive to Louisiana-Lafayette late in the fourth quarter last week. UNT's last chance came down to Bazaluda's field goal attempt. "I hit the ball really well," Bazaluda said. "If you hit the ball, though, it's going to draw a little bit at the end and that's what happened." E-mail bvito@dentonrc.com

Mean Green Comeback Comes Up Just Short, 26-23 Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 11/12/2005 Miami, Fla. (11/12/05) – The Florida Atlantic Owls held off a furious North Texas comeback to hang onto a 26-23 victory on Saturday afternoon at Dolphins Stadium. The Owls (2-8, 1-5 Sun Belt) won their second game of the season and defeated the Mean Green (2-7, 2-3 Sun Belt) for the second straight year. The loss snapped NT’s 14-game Sun Belt winning streak on the road. After trailing by scores of 17-0 and 23-6, North Texas engineered a 17-point comeback during the fourth quarter to tie the game and try for a potential game-winning drive. Freshman quarterback Matt Phillips came in for the injured Daniel Meager and helped put together three scoring drives for the Mean Green. Nick Bazaldua’s 47-yard field-goal attempt that would have put the game into overtime with two seconds remaining, bounced off the right upright, halting the Mean Green comeback. The senior tied the game earlier at 23-23 with his first 47-yard attempt with 5:25 left on the clock. FAU responded with a 49-yard drive that resulted with a 33-yard game-winning field goal by Daniel Kennard with 1:38 left. The Owls rushed for 227 yards in the game and 378 yards of total offense. The shifting of momentum during the game came when North Texas denied a two-point conversion by the Owls at the start of the fourth quarter. Down 23-6, Philips came on to lead NT on a six play, 55-yards drive, including a 37-yard pass to Joel Nwigwe. The drive resulted in a 5-yard touchdown run by Phillips to give the Mean Green its first offensive score of the game. It was Phillips’ first rushing touchdown of his Mean Green career. After a successful on-sides kick by Denis Hopovak, Phillips and Nwigwe hooked up again for a 53-yard touchdown, which is the longest passing play by the Mean Green this year. It was Nwigwe’s first touchdown reception this season. North Texas was within three, 23-20, after scoring 14 points in 12 seconds. The Mean Green defense came up strong after Jeremiah Chapman sacked Sean Clayton on a key third-down play, resulting in an FAU punt. Starting on its own 25-yard line, the Mean Green offense moved 45 yards down the field to set up Bazuldua’s game-tying field goal. North Texas trailed 10-0 at halftime and has now been outscored 160-21 in the first half this year. It was the fourth time this year the Mean Green has been held scoreless in the first half. North Texas mounted a 14-play, 8:15 drive in the first quarter, but came away with no points. It was the longest drive of the year in terms of game clock and tied the longest drive of the season in terms of plays. North Texas’ Zach Muzzy blocked a punt in the third quarter that was recovered by Brandon Jackson for a touchdown resulting in the Mean Green’s first score of the game. It was the first blocked punt return for a touchdown since Patrick Cobbs did it against Troy in 2003. Matt Phillips threw for a career-high 138 yards on 8-of-16 passing. Wide receiver Joel Nwigwe had a career-high seven receptions. Senior running back Patrick Cobbs had 79 yards rushing at halftime which is the second-most yards for him in the first half this season. He finished the game with 142 yards rushing. Steve Warren led the defense with 12 tackles, including nine solo. Brandon Monroe followed with nine. North Texas returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 19 when it faces Louisiana-Monroe at 6 pm in Fouts Field.

Football: UNT ‘D’ to face new FAU passer 09:21 AM CST on Saturday, November 12, 2005 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer There will be an aura of mystery surrounding North Texas’ game against Florida Atlantic in Miami today. UNT knows that the Owls were one of the better passing teams in the Sun Belt Conference with Danny Embick at quarterback. What they will be without him is anyone’s guess. Embick broke his thumb last week in a loss to Troy and is out for the season. “We don’t know which quarterback they will put in and what scheme they will have for us,” UNT defensive back T.J. Covington said. “That makes it difficult, but as long as we stay focused and take care of our assignments, it doesn’t matter what type of offense they run. We will be OK.” FAU (1-8, 1-4) has struggled throughout the season, but did find some success throwing the ball with Embick. The senior racked up 1,531 yards and 11 touchdowns. FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger will turn to Sean Clayton and McKinson Souverain to help fill the void left by Embick. Clayton will start for the Owls, who will use two separate offenses for each quarterback. Both will see time. “We will simplify our offense and try to get as much out of them to make us effective,” Schnellenberger said. Even Schnellenberger does not know for sure how his quarterbacks will respond. Clayton and Souverain have combined to throw for just 102 yards on 22 pass attempts for the season. Clayton threw for 39 of those yards after coming in for Embick against Troy. No matter what plan FAU settles on, UNT (2-6, 2-2) believes it will be in for a tough game against the Owls. “Howard Schnellenberger’s teams are as fine a coached teams as there are in the country,” UNT head coach Darrell Dickey said. “He is still doing a lot of the same things he did when he won the national title at Miami.” FAU has seven receivers with at least 100 yards on the season, but also has nearly 1,000 rushing yards. Running back Charles Pierre has posted 403 yards on the ground and will get plenty of opportunities to carry the ball with Embick out. UNT knows from experience not to underestimate FAU, even with Embick sitting on the sideline. The Mean Green faced FAU at home last year in a game that appeared to be an opportunity for UNT to get back on track after being hammered by Texas in its season opener. Instead of find its rhythm against the Owls, UNT found itself sitting at 0-2 after a 20-13 loss. The Mean Green appeared to be driving for a game-winning touchdown, but settled for a game-tying field goal. Owls running back Doug Parker took advantage when he bowled into the end zone from a yard out for the game-winning touchdown with just 56 seconds left. FAU has not been nearly as successful this year and has lost a series of close games, including a 3-0 setback in overtime against Arkansas State. Those close losses make FAU’s record deceiving. “Florida Atlantic has shown at times this year that they are a good team,” Dickey said. “They beat Lafayette at Lafayette for their only win.” FAU has been on a slide since, one that became worse last week when the Owls lost to Troy. The defeat dropped FAU from the Sun Belt title race and seemingly set UNT up for a golden opportunity to bounce back from a disheartening loss to ULL last week that saw the Mean Green cough up an 88-yard, game-winning touchdown drive in the final nine minutes of the fourth quarter. A win over FAU would not only put UNT back on track, it would also keep the Mean Green’s hopes to make a run at a share of the Sun Belt title alive. UNT learned last year that the win it needs against FAU is something it will have to fight for, even if the game seems to set up in the Mean Green’s favor. “We will have to go down there and play really hard and really well,” Dickey said. “This is a team that came in here last year and pretty much dominated us on our home field.” BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-5870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com . North Texas at Florida atlantic When: Noon Where: Dolphins Stadium; Miami Records: North Texas (2-6, 2-2), Florida Atlantic (1-8, 1-4) Last week: Louisiana-Lafayette 31, UNT 28; Troy 28, UNT 14 Line: FAU by 4 On the air: TV — none; Radio — KWRD-FM 100.7, KNTU-FM 88.1

The Cracker Barrell in Denton has a supply of NT items. anyone in Denton might want to check it out.

Football: UNT’s Cobbs named to academic all-district team 09:22 AM CST on Friday, November 11, 2005 North Texas running back Patrick Cobbs was named to ESPN The Magazine ’s District Six All-Academic First Team on Thursday, moving him one step closer to earning a spot on the publication’s academic All-America Team. Cobbs, who led the nation in rushing in 2003, has already completed his first bachelor’s degree and will earn a second in December in Sociology. He has been named to the President’s and Commissioner’s Honor Rolls during his UNT career. ESPN The Magazine’s All-America Team will be announced on Dec. 1. Cobbs has rushed for 731 yards this season and posted his best game of the year last week when he rushed for 197 yards in a loss to Louisiana-Lafayette. —Staff report

Mean Green Basketball Opens With Exhibition Win Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 11/11/2005 Courtesy: Rick Yeatts DENTON (11/11/05) – Four players scored in double figures to lead the North Texas men’s basketball team to a 73-50 exhibition win against Abilene Christian on Friday night at the Super Pit. The Mean Green won its only exhibition game and will open its season on Friday, Nov. 18 against Hardin Simmons. Junior transfer Kendrick Davis led the Mean Green in scoring with 13 points. Senior Jeffrey Simpson and sophomore Michael Sturns followed with 11 points apiece. Sophomore Quincy Williams recorded 10 points and pulled down four rebounds. Both teams started off slow with the Mean Green going 3-for-17 from field-goal range in the first six minutes of the game. North Texas picked up the pace towards the end of the first half, shooting 44 percent the last 14 minutes. After a three-pointer by Harold Edwards, the Mean Green took its largest lead of the first half, 38-15, capping a 19-6 run. In the second half, the Mean Green extended its lead to as many as 27 points and held a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game. After a poor shooting first half, Abilene Christian began to sink shots in the second period. The Wildcats hit 8-of-16 three-pointers in the second half after going 0-for-13 in the first. The Mean Green used its entire bench, playing all 14 dressed players. Senior Isaac Hines led the team in rebounding with seven boards. NT held the edge in rebounds, 48-34. North Texas vs. Abilene Christian box score

UNT soccer team is model for success Depth of area talent has helped put team on the map, set an example 01:25 AM CST on Friday, November 11, 2005 By BRETT VITO / Denton Record-Chronicle DENTON – Rick Villarreal asked his coaches to follow a plan when he took over as North Texas athletic director a little more than four years ago. Villarreal challenged North Texas teams to mine the area for talent, develop dominant programs in the Sun Belt Conference and be competitive regionally. Villarreal would like to see all UNT teams model the soccer team. Under coach John Hedlund, the Mean Green won the Sun Belt Conference title and earned an NCAA Tournament bid for the second straight season with a roster featuring 18 Dallas-area players. UNT (16-3-2) plays SMU (14-4-2) in the first round of the College Station Regional at 5 p.m. today. "John understands our expectations," Villarreal said. "His ladies are always among the highest rated academic teams that we have, and he has been to the conference tournament finals six straight times. He creates an atmosphere that creates success." UNT has won four consecutive Sun Belt football titles, but the Mean Green has won once in four trips to the New Orleans Bowl and has lost its last 10 nonconference games. The UNT soccer team has overcome the nonconference hurdle and has quickly gained national recognition. The Mean Green, which has knocked off a pair of NCAA Tournament qualifiers and regional rivals in SMU and Rice this season, is ranked No. 15 in the central region by Soccer Buzz magazine and No. 36 in topdrawersoccer.com's national poll. UNT ranks ahead of SMU, Illinois and Cal State Fullerton nationally and ahead of both Oklahoma State and Missouri in the regional poll. The Mean Green is 2-1 against teams in the NCAA Tournament field. "I have always had a firm belief that we could get the best local kids," Hedlund said. "It's always a challenge. We have our wars for players with SMU and Big 12 schools, but the depth in Dallas is so superior that we get good players." Sophomore forward Heather Hutyra of Fort Worth Western Hills finished the regular season tied for sixth among NCAA leaders with a 1.0 goals-per-game average. Former UNT greats Marilyn Marin and Melinda Pina also ranked among the nation's top players during their careers that ended in 2003 and 2004, respectively. "John is such a good coach, and all of his teams are successful," sophomore midfielder Dani Slavonic said. "That has attracted a lot of attention and players to the team." Hedlund played for the Dallas Sidekicks during a 12-year professional career and started the UNT women's program from scratch in 1995. A little more than a decade later, he ranks 14th among active NCAA women's soccer coaches with a .707 winning percentage. "We keep pushing the ceiling every year," UNT midfielder Kristen Campbell said. "Now that we are going back to the NCAA Tournament for the second time, we want to take that next step and win a game." E-mail bvito@dentonrc.com North Texas vs. SMU, 5 p.m. today, Aggie Soccer Stadium, College Station

Basketball: UNT signs seven on first day 09:18 AM CST on Thursday, November 10, 2005 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer Ben Bell waited until the very last moment before providing the North Texas men’s basketball team a pleasant surprise in the days leading up to the opening of the NCAA’s early signing period on Wednesday. The San Jacinto Junior College point guard had an offer from Louisiana Tech and interest from South Florida and LaSalle, but passed on those opportunities to sign with the Mean Green. Bell was one of four players who signed with UNT, including a pair of frontcourt players from Mineral Area Community College in Missouri. The UNT women also got a head start on their recruiting class by signing three players, a group highlighted by Waxa-hachie post player Torrian Timms and high scoring guard Brittney James of Orange. “North Texas really wanted me to come there and they needed a point guard for my junior year,” Bell said. “I am the guy for the job. I decided to go to UNT a day or two ago.” The news helped cap what UNT coach Johnny Jones believes is a solid recruiting class. Jackson was also recruited by UNLV and Utah State, while Muse was also recruited by Wyoming. The trio finished off a recruiting class that also includes Collin Mangrum, a guard from Howe, and Arizona State transfer Keith Wooden. Mangrum orally committed to play for the Mean Green earlier this year, while Wooden has already arrived at UNT, where he is sitting out this season due to NCAA transfer rules. TexasHoops.com ranks Mangrum No. 38 among the top 100 seniors in the state. “We are continuing to upgrade our recruiting,” Jones said. “We have gotten into some recruiting battles with schools that have tradition and are winning them. That’s a great sign for our program.” UNT completed its recruiting for the 2006 class with its early signees. The Mean Green are now scheduled to have 14 scholarship players for 13 slots for the 2006-07 season. “We feel like things will take care of themselves,” Jones said. “You have to guard against players transferring or getting injured. We have to make sure we are protected.” UNT finished at 14-14 last season, its third campaign out of four under Jones when the team has finished within two games of the .500 mark. Jones believes UNT took a step toward moving toward the top of the Sun Belt Conference while also filling several potential holes in its roster for future seasons. Jackson and Muse could help fill the void left by the departure of senior centers Jeffrey Simpson and Justin Barnett, while Bell appears to be a potential replacement for point guard Isaac Hines. “North Texas is going in the right direction,” Bell said. “They already have a lot of talent there. This class is just the missing pieces.” UNT women’s coach Tina Slinker also felt like she filled future voids with her three-player class. Texashoops.com ranks Timms No. 48 among seniors, while 6-2 post Mimi Goodman was named to Arkansas’ Class 4A all-state team last season. Slinker said she wanted to bring in a few post players to develop behind Mia Ajekwu and Talicia Sanders, who are entering their junior and sophomore years, respectively. The most intriguing player in the class could be Brittney James, who has proven to be one of the top small school players in the state. The 5-7 guard averaged 25 points and 10 steals last season when she was named to the TABC Class 3A all-state team. “I guess she might have slipped under the radar because she is a really good player,” Slinker said. “She can score and fits our up-tempo style.” UNT’s coaches watched James play over the summer in AAU competition and were convinced that she could make the jump from a small Texas high school to Division I. UNT women still have two scholarships available and plan to add a few players to complement James and the rest of their signees. “We would like to get one more post player and see where we are after we get into the season and where our next need is,” Slinker said. “It’s kind of nice to have that extra scholarship to play with.” BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com UNT signings Men Collin Mangrum, G, 6-4, Howe All-state as junior when he average 15.6 points Curtis Muse, C, 6-10, Mineral Area CC Preseason All-American in Street & Smith magazine Jonathan Jackson, F, 6-8, Mineral Area CC Ranked eighth in blocks in NJCAA Region 16 last season Ben Bell, 6-3, G, San Jacinto JC NTJCAC Freshman of the Year last season Women Mimi Goodman, 6-2, P, Batesville, Ark. Class 4A all-state in Arkansas last season Brittney James, 5-7, G, Orange Class 3A all-state selection averaged 25 points a game last season Torrian Timms, 6-0, P, Waxahachie No. 48 among seniors in Texashoops.com rankings, averaged 11 points last season.

Basketball: UNT signs seven on first day 09:18 AM CST on Thursday, November 10, 2005 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer Ben Bell waited until the very last moment before providing the North Texas men’s basketball team a pleasant surprise in the days leading up to the opening of the NCAA’s early signing period on Wednesday. The San Jacinto Junior College point guard had an offer from Louisiana Tech and interest from South Florida and LaSalle, but passed on those opportunities to sign with the Mean Green. Bell was one of four players who signed with UNT, including a pair of frontcourt players from Mineral Area Community College in Missouri. The UNT women also got a head start on their recruiting class by signing three players, a group highlighted by Waxa-hachie post player Torrian Timms and high scoring guard Brittney James of Orange. “North Texas really wanted me to come there and they needed a point guard for my junior year,” Bell said. “I am the guy for the job. I decided to go to UNT a day or two ago.” The news helped cap what UNT coach Johnny Jones believes is a solid recruiting class. Jackson was also recruited by UNLV and Utah State, while Muse was also recruited by Wyoming. The trio finished off a recruiting class that also includes Collin Mangrum, a guard from Howe, and Arizona State transfer Keith Wooden. Mangrum orally committed to play for the Mean Green earlier this year, while Wooden has already arrived at UNT, where he is sitting out this season due to NCAA transfer rules. TexasHoops.com ranks Mangrum No. 38 among the top 100 seniors in the state. “We are continuing to upgrade our recruiting,” Jones said. “We have gotten into some recruiting battles with schools that have tradition and are winning them. That’s a great sign for our program.” UNT completed its recruiting for the 2006 class with its early signees. The Mean Green are now scheduled to have 14 scholarship players for 13 slots for the 2006-07 season. “We feel like things will take care of themselves,” Jones said. “You have to guard against players transferring or getting injured. We have to make sure we are protected.” UNT finished at 14-14 last season, its third campaign out of four under Jones when the team has finished within two games of the .500 mark. Jones believes UNT took a step toward moving toward the top of the Sun Belt Conference while also filling several potential holes in its roster for future seasons. Jackson and Muse could help fill the void left by the departure of senior centers Jeffrey Simpson and Justin Barnett, while Bell appears to be a potential replacement for point guard Isaac Hines. “North Texas is going in the right direction,” Bell said. “They already have a lot of talent there. This class is just the missing pieces.” UNT women’s coach Tina Slinker also felt like she filled future voids with her three-player class. Texashoops.com ranks Timms No. 48 among seniors, while 6-2 post Mimi Goodman was named to Arkansas’ Class 4A all-state team last season. Slinker said she wanted to bring in a few post players to develop behind Mia Ajekwu and Talicia Sanders, who are entering their junior and sophomore years, respectively. The most intriguing player in the class could be Brittney James, who has proven to be one of the top small school players in the state. The 5-7 guard averaged 25 points and 10 steals last season when she was named to the TABC Class 3A all-state team. “I guess she might have slipped under the radar because she is a really good player,” Slinker said. “She can score and fits our up-tempo style.” UNT’s coaches watched James play over the summer in AAU competition and were convinced that she could make the jump from a small Texas high school to Division I. UNT women still have two scholarships available and plan to add a few players to complement James and the rest of their signees. “We would like to get one more post player and see where we are after we get into the season and where our next need is,” Slinker said. “It’s kind of nice to have that extra scholarship to play with.” BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com UNT signings Men Collin Mangrum, G, 6-4, Howe All-state as junior when he average 15.6 points Curtis Muse, C, 6-10, Mineral Area CC Preseason All-American in Street & Smith magazine Jonathan Jackson, F, 6-8, Mineral Area CC Ranked eighth in blocks in NJCAA Region 16 last season Ben Bell, 6-3, G, San Jacinto JC NTJCAC Freshman of the Year last season Women Mimi Goodman, 6-2, P, Batesville, Ark. Class 4A all-state in Arkansas last season Brittney James, 5-7, G, Orange Class 3A all-state selection averaged 25 points a game last season Torrian Timms, 6-0, P, Waxahachie No. 48 among seniors in Texashoops.com rankings, averaged 11 points last season.

Running behind The latest offensive trends have thrown running backs for a loss By WENDELL BARNHOUSE Star-Telegram Staff Writer Scan the list of leading rushers in NCAA Division I-A. There's something missing. Houston, you have a problem. Austin, Lubbock, Waco, too. You've all got a problem. There is no runner from a college in the state of Texas in the top 10, top 20 or top 30 in NCAA rushing stats. The leading rusher from the Lone State State is Patrick Cobbs of North Texas. His 91.3 yards per game ranks him No. 36. "Since the 1950s, Texas has been a running back state," said Fort Worth-based writer and college football historian Dan Jenkins. "But it always changes. We went from wide open football in the 1930s to the Wing-T. Now, we're drifting back to everybody getting in a spread offense and throwing the ball." Texas is ranked No. 2 and stalking its first national championship since 1970. Back then, the Longhorns were ground pounders with the Wishbone formation. UT version '05 is third nationally in rushing but is doing it unconventionally. Junior quarterback Vince Young leads the team in rushing. His 86.4 yards per game ranks 45th nationally. Freshman Jamaal Charles is UT's top running back. His 78 yards per game ranks 60th. "I feel like the trend right now is to get a guy back there who can do both [run and pass]," Texas coach Mack Brown said. "Vince's best asset is his ability to make plays. When he started running and everyone comes up [on defense], now he stops and throws. That's where he's so dangerous." But what in the name of Doak Walker and Jim Swink is going on in the Lone Star State? In six of the past eight years, a school from Texas has produced the nation's leading rusher. From 1997 to 2000, UT's Ricky Williams and TCU's LaDainian Tomlinson each won consecutive rushing titles. Side note: The Frogs do have a top-five rusher -- Aaron Robert Merrill Brown. Combine the yards of junior Robert Merrill and freshman Aaron Brown and you get 145 yards per game -- which would be fourth nationally. Has the game changed that much? Would Earl Campbell be a starting running back at Texas, or would he play the role of freshman short-yardage specialist Henry Melton? Would Eric Dickerson be a tight end or a wide receiver? "For years, the conventional wisdom for defensive coaches was, 'You have to stop the run,'" former Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum said. "That's where you started when you schemed against a team. You had teams playing eight-, nine-man fronts and it became harder to run the ball." To counter stacked defensive fronts, the current trend is the "spread offense." The idea is for offensive alignments to force the defense to defend more of the field. "You're seeing the total opposite end of the spectrum from the days of the Wishbone," said Slocum, who is a voter in the Master Coaches Survey. "You've got people lining up with four, five wide receivers, nobody in the backfield. "You're throwing the ball to four or five receivers, by the time you get around to the running back, there's just not that many chances for him to carry it. You give the running back 30 carries, you've got a bunch of upset receivers." Over the past decade, the UIL has allowed high schools to participate in off-season passing leagues that led to a seven-on-seven state championship. That has helped develop quarterbacks and passing offenses at the high school level and has made running backs supporting players. "Kids go all summer throwing and catching," Slocum said. "That has tremendously elevated the skill level of receivers and quarterbacks in the state of Texas. It's changed the game." Said ESPN analyst Bob Davie: "You think about the offenses in the state of Texas right now, there are no I-formation, line up and run the ball teams. There are more quarterback-oriented teams. It's a quarterback-dominated state." Football is cyclical. As Jenkins pointed out, in the 1930s and 1940s with Sammy Baugh, Davey O'Brien and Bobby Layne, the state of Texas was known for its wide-open, fling-it-around attacks. Starting in the 1950s and over next three or four decades, the style changed to three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust running games, including the Wishbone. "Everybody throws the ball so much these days, it's hard for a back to make any yards," Jenkins said. Jenkins said, "I'll bet the runners who are leading the nation are on losing teams." Close, but not quite. The schools of the top-10 leading rushers this week have a combined win-loss record of 53-36, or an average record of about 5-4. But for now, at least, the running game has been run out of town. The state's two best teams -- 9-0 Texas and 8-1 Texas Tech -- are winning not because they're saddling up running backs. They're succeeding with modern-day offenses in which ground delivery is the ultimate in snail mail. FRONT-RUNNERS In six of the past eight years, an NCAA Division I-A school in Texas has featured a running back who led the nation in rushing. North Texas duo 2003-04 Patrick Cobbs, left, averaged 152 yards per game to lead the nation in 2003. Jamario Thomas (180 ypg) held the Mean Green's lofty ranking in 2004. LaDainian Tomlinson 1999-2000 Tomlinson rushed for 1,850 and 2,158 yards, the two most prolific seasons by a TCU runner. Ricky Williams 1997-98 Williams ran his way into the NCAA record books, and carried home the Heisman Trophy in 1998. IN THE KNOW Rushing nowhere Over the past 15 years, only twice have the colleges in the state of Texas failed to produce an NCAA Division I-A runner who finished 10th or higher in the nation in rushing. And not once over the past 15 years has the state failed to produce a runner who averaged at least 100 yards per game. With just a few weeks remaining this season, North Texas' Patrick Cobbs is the state's top rusher. He is averaging 91 yards a game and is ranked 36th nationally. Year Leading Texas rusher Ntl Rank Yds./game 2004 Jamario Thomas, North Texas 1 180 2003 Patrick Cobbs, North Texas 1 152 2002 Joffrey Reynolds, Houston 9 128 2001 Keith Galbreath, North Texas 27 101.7 2000 LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU 1 196 1999 LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU 1 168 1998 Ricky Williams, Texas 1 193 1997 Ricky Williams, Texas 1 172 1996 Byron Hanspard, Texas Tech 2 124 1995 Byron Hanspard, Texas Tech 15 124 1994 Andre Davis, TCU 5 135 1993 Byron Morris, Texas Tech 2 159 1992 Trevor Cobb, Rice 5 126 1991 Trevor Cobb, Rice 3 154 1990 Darren Lewis, Texas A&M 3 141 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wendell Barnhouse, (817) 390-7760 wbarnhouse@star-telegram.com

Thomas: 50-50 chance to play against FAU 12:33 AM CST on Thursday, November 10, 2005 By BRETT VITO / Denton Record-Chronicle DENTON – UNT running back Jamario Thomas has a 50 percent chance of playing against Florida Atlantic on Saturday in Miami, coach Darrell Dickey said Wednesday. Thomas has battled hamstring problems throughout the season and aggravated the injury in the Mean Green's loss to Louisiana-Lafayette last week. Thomas won the 2004 national rushing title with an average of 180.1 yards per game, but is posting just 45.1 yards a game this year

I would suggest what I saw at a A$M football game on TV...an air conditioning machine that FB players plugged a tube from this machine into their shoulder pads.on the sidelines and their shoulder pads absorbed the cold air keeping them fresh in the heat of the game....big advantage over those those teams not having their equipment.

San Jacinto's starting backcourt will be signing this fall. After thinking about waiting until the spring to decide, that will no longer be the case with Ben Bell. The solid 6-foot-3, 170-pound point guard from the Pasadena school has chosen to sign on the first day of the early signing period. After considering several options, the Irving native will come back home to play his college basketball at North Texas. The decision to sign now as opposed to later was made just about at the last minute by Bell. "He came in to our office the other day and said that (signing early) is what he wanted to do," said San Jacinto assistant coach Scott Horstman. "He is signing with North Texas." UNT had been number one on Bell's list ever since making an official visit to campus this fall. He also made a trip to Louisiana Tech and entertained other schools' calls and letters, but in the end the chance to play in his backyard seemingly made the difference. An earlier interview broke down what Bell will bring to the table for the Mean Green. "Ben is a true point guard who gets the ball to the open man," Horstman said. "He has a nice mid-range jumper, and can shoot the three well-enough to keep you honest, although I wouldn't necessarily call him a three-point shooter. Last year for Weatherford, he shot 40 percent from the three-point line but he didn't take that many shots. He's got good size and quickness, and he's a very good defender too." Texas Hoops Analysis: Ben is a very athletic guard who can really create with the dribble. He is very quick to the hole, can elevate and finish in the paint, handles it well in the open court and plays with a lot of energy ******************************************************** *San Jacinto CC roster bio 6´3˝ Sophomore —Guard MacArthur High School Irving, Texas Coach’s comments: A transfer from Weatherford Junior College where he averaged 15 points and 7 assists per game, Bell was the freshman of the year in the conference. A true point guard, Bell brings intensity on defense and great passing ability. ********************************************************** Bell was 2nd team all region Class 5 A region 1 as a Sr.in HS, Was no 4 or 5 in the state with assist totallying 192 and averaging 6.9 assists per game ********************************************************** It was my understanding we only had 3 ships to offer...commits were Jackson and Muse and Mangrumn...question at this time did we lose one of those 3 or did we lose someone else on the roster...or have we oversigned or is NT going to sign Bell?

North Texas Women’s Basketball Adds Three Players In Early Signing Period Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 11/09/2005 Courtesy: Rick Yeatts DENTON (11/9/05) - The North Texas women’s basketball team signed three players to national letters of intent Wednesday on the first day of early signing period. North Texas added Mimi Goodman, a 6-2 post from Batesville, Ark., Brittney James a 5-7 guard from Orange, Tex., and Torrian Timms a 6-0 post from Waxahachie. Timms was ranked as the 48th best player by Texashoops.com while James and Goodman were both all-state players last season. "We are extremely pleased with the signing of these three young ladies. They will give us needed depth in the post and give us another guard that fits our up tempo style," said North Texas head coach Tina Slinker. "I believe each of these young ladies has the potential to contribute to our progam immediately". James, considered one of the best scoring guards in the state of Texas, was named to the all-state team last season as she averaged 25 points, 10 steals, and eight rebounds a game . In her junior season James recorded three triple-doubles. In a game last season she hit 12 3-pointers and scored 57 points against Hamshire-Fannett. "Brittney is a 1 or 2 guard that can shoot the ball. She is extremely athletic and is capable of playing both ends of the floor. Brittney is a steal for our program. I honestly believe she is one of the top guards in the State. We are excited about the athleticism she brings to our program" said Slinker. Goodman was an all-state and all-region player her junior season as she averaged a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds a game. "Mimi is a physical block post player. She is aggressive and absolutley loves the game. Her work ethic is contagious and she has a solid presence on the floor. We are extremely excited to have Mimi in our program" Slinker said. Timms is a three-time all-district selection and is ranked as the 48th best senior in the state of Texas by Texashoops.com. She averaged 11 points and seven rebounds her junior season. "Torrian is a blue collar player that just gets the job done. She knows how to score in the paint and is a tenacious defensive player," said Slinker. "Torrian is a hard worker that is willing to do the little things to become great". North Texas begins the 2005-06 season with a home game against Stephen F. Austin on November 18. Mimi Goodman, 6-2, Post, Batesville, Arkansas (Batesville High School) Goodman was named to the Class 4A all-state team as junior as she averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks a game. Goodman was also named to the all-region and all-conference team her junior season. She shot 48 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free throw line. As a sophomore she averaged 16 points and had six rebounds a game. In 2004, she was named to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s list of sophmore’s to watch. Brittney James, 5-7, Guard, Orange, Texas (West Orange Stark High School) James was named to the Class 3A all-state team by the TABC her junior season. She averaged 25 points, 10 steals, and eight rebounds last season. During her junior season James recorded three triple-doubles and was named the District MVP. Last season James hit 12 3-pointers and scored 57 points in a game against Hamshire-Fannett. She named all-district her junior season and sophomore seasons. James was also a first-team all-district in volleyball and softball her junior year. Torrian Timms, 6-0, Post, Waxahachie, Texas (Waxahachie High School) Timms is ranked as the 48th best senior in the state of Texas by Texashoops.com. Timms is a three-time all-district selection. She was a first-team all-district selection her junior season after averaging 11 points and seven rebounds a game. In 2003-04 Timms was named to second-team all-district and averaged seven points and five rebounds a game. As a freshman Timms was named all-district honorable mention.

Skillern is listed as an athlete...has played TE and is now the qB for Nacogdoches..He attended several QB camps last summer. If we go after a HS qB I would hope we are actively recruiting him.