New and Improved!

We have finally got our new site up and running.  Hope you like it.

Check it out at BearcatSportsPage.com.

Tennis Team Starts Big East Tournament

This past weekend the women's tennis team had their first home match on campus, then they had their last home match on campus.  With the unpredictability of Cincinnati weather they spent almost all but this past weekend indoors.  The team won't complain because they were very successful this year playing inside, but this weekend they will definitely be outside.  As Abbey Cummins tells us the the weekend home stand was a last minute tune up for the conference tournament.

The Cats first match in Tampa will be Thursday morning at 9am against the #9 seeded Pitt Panthers.  UC defeated Pitt 6-1 last weekend.  A win would put UC up against the #1 seed, Notre Dame on Friday.

Tribute to Joe Nuxhall

"It's a shame he isn't here to see this", one fan was overheard saying Tuesday night as the first annual Joe Nuxhall Classic was being played at UC.  As a tribute to a man that meant so much to baseball in Cincinnati a tournament among four local college baseball teams has been created in his honor.  Joe Nuxhall was baseball in Cincinnati, but not just on a professional level.  he touched all ages, from t-ball up through Babe Ruth, an ion to the big leagues.

Here is what it looked and sounded like Tuesday night at Marge Schott Stadium, including a video message from long time broadcast partner and friend, Marty Brennaman.

Spring Practice: Tuesday

Easter weekend gave the Bearcats a couple of extra days off,  but Tuesday it was back to work in pads.  Goal line and short yardage situations were part of the workout to get the juices flowing.

After practice one of the subjects brought up by the media to Coach Kelly was the progress of sophomore running back Isaiah Pead.

Strangely enough after Coach Kelly talked about his sophomore running back, Artrell Hawkins caught up with Isaiah when practice was over.

The next time we can talk to players and coaches is Saturday.

Spotlight with Artrell Hawkins: Kerry Coombs

He's won where ever he's been, as a college player, as a high school coach, and now on the staff at UC. We are talking about UC associate head coach, Kerry Coombs.  Friday after practice Artrell Hawkins caught up with the defensive back coach, and he's the focus of today's Bearcat Spotlight.

 

Spotlight with Artrell Hawkins: Aaron Webster

One of the most over played stories this spring is that UC lost 10 players from last years defense.  That means one starter is coming back,  free safety Aaron Webster.   Wednesday after practice our Artrell Hawkins caught up with Aaron to talk about the many changes that took place during the winter.

Friday after practice Artrell will talk to Aarons position coach, Kery Coombs.   Artrell is working with Bearcat Sports Page as part of his preparation as a side line reporter for Bearcat Bowl II.    April 25  FSN Sports   7:00

Spring Practice: Need The Short Yards

The second week of spring practice got off to a strange start.    First off, Monday the team spent some time being a part of one of the biggest sports days the city has, opening day.  Then snow and cold weather canceled practice on Tuesday.   Despite the cold temperatures on Wednesday things heated up a bit when Head Coach Brian Kelly showed his displeasure with the way the offense was running their short yardage plays, but at the end of the day...it's still just March.

Practice will be cut short this week so players can be home for Easter.

Spotlight with Artrell Hawkins

We at Bearcat Sports Page.com are excited to announce that this spring we have joined forces with a former Bearcat football star,  Artrell Hawkins.  Not only has Artrell brought experience to our class as a former NFL player, but he's also bringing insight to our web site as a correspondent.  This past Saturday Artrell  hooked up with UC quarterback Tony Pike after practice to get his thoughts on spring ball, and the up coming year.

Artrell will have an interview with defensive back coach Kerry Coombs next week.

Lacrosse: Rutgers

A full weekend of sports on campus included a couple of Lacrosse games.  The woman's lacrosse team faced of Sunday afternoon against Big East foe Rutgers.  After dropping their contest against Notre Dame on Friday they Cats hoped to bounce back against the Scarlet Knights, but came up short.  Here is a look at some of the action at Nippert Stadium including a defensive stop, a near miss,  and a goal.

The Bearcats have two remaining home games, next Saturday against Loyola, MD, and the following Wednesday against Louisville.

Track: Senior Day

With a month to go, the Bearcat track and field team celebrated senior day this past weekend.  UC hosted the Southern Ohio Cup as the count down toward the Big East meet begins.  Four meets stand between UC and their biggest meet of the year, but Saturday it was all about honoring the seniors.

UC won Saturdays meet finishing first out of eight teams.  This was the third straight win for the Cats.   Next weekend they are in Knoxville for the Sea Ray Relays.

Coaches Clinic

This past weekend the Bearcats opened up everything from practice to team meetings for area high school coaches.  The two day clinic started Friday morning and went through Saturday afternoon practice.  It's a great opportunity for both parties to get to know each other and to share ideas.

We asked a few of the coaches in attendance what they get out of coming to Clifton for a weekend clinic.

So after a weekend in Clifton, that included watching two practices, we wanted to know what stood out about a Bearcats practice?

Fundamentals and Hitting

Spring practice is filled with instruction and fundamentals, but it also involves some hitting.  Saturday afternoon the Bearcats strapped the pads on.  Here is a quick glimpse of some of the drills, including one of the players favorites....one on one kick off coverage.

Monday the team will be involved with several opening day festivities that include the parade, holding a large American Flag during pre game ceremonies, and Coach Brian Kelly delivering the game ball. 

Baseball Fever: We Got the Cure!

Red's opening day is Monday, do you have a case of baseball fever yet?  If so we have the cure!  Take in a UC baseball game this weekend for only $1!  That's right only $1.  Bearcat Sports Page.com is working with the athletic department to help get people in the seats this weekend for a big series with Louisville.  Last year the Cards knocked the Bearcats out of the Big East Championship game and it's pay back time.

Saturday's game starts at 4:00 ad Sundays first pitch is at 2:00.  All you have to do is tell them at the ticket window that you are with the "Bearcat Sports Page.com" group and you get the special $1 ticket deal.

Be a part of history on Sunday when the Bearcats host their first ever nationally televised baseball game.   ESPNU will be in town to share the game with the rest of the country.  Come down and see Big East baseball at it's best in one of the top rated college baseball stadiums in the mid west.  Come out and support the Cats...just say " I'm with the Bearcat Sports Page.com group" and you get to do it for a buck!

Spring, With a Starting QB?

This marks the first spring practice in the "Brian Kelly Era" that the starting quarterback for the fall is already known.   Last season Tony Pike was thrust into the starting role when Dustin Grutza went down to injury.    Pike was also injured during the season giving opportunity to others, but as spring practice opened up he is the clear cut starter. 

With 10 starters from last seasons defense lost to graduation the emphasis will be on offense.  Head coach Brian Kelly even joked last week that the team may be winning games this season 52-50.   Not that he lacks confidence in his defense as much as he has confidence in his offense.

As the leader of that offense, Tony Pike likes what he hears.

One gap the team is hoping to fill this spring is to find some leaders.  Hit the play button again and listen to Tony talk up the defense on the first day of spring practice, that is the sign of leadership.

WIN A CAR!

This past week the men's soccer team began spring practice with the goal of winning another Big East Championship next fall.  Throughout the month of April the team will be playing exhibition games with the final game coming against Ohio State on April 25.   Not that taking on an in state rival isn't exciting enough,  the Bearcats will be giving a way a car to a lucky fan.   In a fund raising campaign for the team, they are selling chances to win a new 2009 Pontiac Solstice. Only 350 chances will be sold for $100 each.  For more information please call the UCATS office at 556-4884.  The winner does not need to be present on April 25 to claim their prize.