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12 things Rice Fans hope for on July 4th and beyond
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Are these wishful thinking, or are they on YOUR grill today?
Ok...it's a holiday weekend. So, let's have a little fun. And besides---July 4th is a day to relax, spend time with family and friends, prepare some really great food on the grill, see the ribs---or what have you, and do some wishful thinking.
Speaking of wishful thinking, regarding sports nonetheless, there are probably 20 or more things to wish and hope for as the college football season approaches.
However, for the sake of this article, we'll touch on most sports, save Rice Football for now, and develop what we'd like to call a wish list for all other seasons.
Please---read this column with an open mind and let the humorous side of you take over because that is what the 4th is supposed to somewhat represent... right? So, here goes---starting with number 12.
12.) The Rice Owls Swim Team continues their academic excellence for years to come under the guidance of seven-year head coach, Seth Huston. If you're not aware...see the report that follows from the Rice Sports Information Department.
The Rice Owls posted the highest team grade point average for all Division I swimming & diving programs, the Collegiate Swim Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced Thursday with its listing of the Spring 2009 Scholar-Athlete Teams. Owl swimmers Skylar Craig and Erin Mattson, who both set new school records in their respective events last season, were selected as CSCAA Honorable Mention Academic All-Americans.
11.) Rice Volleyball star Ashleigh McCord, plays "light-out" at the FIVB World Championships coming up later in July. She was selected to the 12-player 2009 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team. This team will compete at the FIVB World Championship at Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico, July 16-25.
10.) Owls Lady track and field star, Lennie Waite, continues to dominate in the Steeplechase event. Just recently, Waite wins the 3000 at the Scottish National Championships.
9.) Owls two-time All-American and junior pole vaulter, Jason Colwick, continues his winning ways in his last and final season as a Rice Owl. Colwick was just recently named Conference USA's Male Athlete of the Year.
8.) The Owls continue to tally record point totals each year in the Director's Cup standings. Rice ranked second among Conference USA schools with 64 points. They trailed only Tulsa with 61. Their best point total was in 2001-02 when they finished in 55th place. The Owls have continued to climb as they finished number 102 in 2006-07, and in 88th place in 2007-08.
7.) Former Rice Owl All-American Tight End James Casey, just for one Saturday during the football season, forgets that he's playing in the NFL, remembers that he possibly has a year of eligibility left, and shows up at Rice Stadium to suit up for the Rice Owls just one more time!
6.) Former Rice Owl Track & Field Star, Funmi Jimoh, wins the long jump competition at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin August 15-23. This will be an historic event of dramatic proportions.
5.) Rice Owls star shortstop, Rick Hague, continues to play well for Team USA during its 2009 Summer Tour. In addition to the regular season posted by the Owls, Hague helped his team get past Kansas State during the NCAA Houston Regionals to the Super-Regional in Baton Rouge, La., against eventual National Champion, LSU. In fact, Hague and team face Guatemala today at 5:05 central time at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
4.) Former Rice Owl and All-American receiver, Jarett Dillard, earns a starting spot with the Jacksonville Jaguars---but, forgets and wears his Rice Football helmet when the Jags visit the Houston Texans on September 27th!!!!!
3.) Former Rice Owl record breaking quarterback and Texas Bowl MVP, Chase Clement, sooner than later gets a call from an NFL team needing his services. This column is supposed to be light-hearted. However, you just might be able to detect a slight annoyance with some teams in the NFL for not giving him a tryout. Meanwhile, we at Examiner wish Chase Clement the best with the path he has chosen to take.
2.) A couple of items for Baseball---Rice catcher Diego Seastrunk decides to return to school this fall. Could pitchers Ryan Berry , and Mike Ojala return along with outfielder Steven Sultzbaugh?
1.) FINALLY---an end to post-season surgeries for all Rice baseball players. The total count has not quite been confirmed. However, Anthony Rendon, Mike Ojala/Brewers/Rice, and Chad "ant-bite" Mozingo are all on the list of the post-season walking wounded.
Whatever you do this 4th of July, please---eat hearty!
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Follow me on twitter for the latest and tune in to ESPN 97.5 "the ticket", Home of Rice Owls Football, this Sunday morning from 8 to noon and I sit in as co-host with ESPN's and Examiner Sports Writer, Fred Faour.
I'm sure that among all topics, we will discuss the untimely and unfortunate death of former Oilers' and Titans' Quarterback, Steve McNair.
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