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.

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.

Spring Football Practice Starts

Spring football practice got under way Tuesday morning and here is a quick look at what went on.   Video from practice with interviews mixed in.

Bearcat Sports Page.com is where you will find the most complete coverage of spring practice at Nippert Stadium.

UC Favored by 2

When the BSC selections first came out the odds makers had the Orange Bowl as a "pick'em" game. Meaning that they didn't have a favorite. Since then UC has become favored by 2 points. In our search across the internet we have found that most "experts" are now picking UC in their attempt to pick winners and losers for every bowl game. ESPN's Lee Corso has gone against the trend and went as afar as to make Virginia Tech his "lock" or his guaranteed winner. Last week before the team left we asked them about some experts picking against the Bearcats.

Video: Courtesy: ESPN

Our favorite prediction came from Wat if Sports.com. They took UC 23-14. In their computer simulated game they even had Mardy Gilyard making an 89 yard TD catch from Tony Pike.

Christmas Shopping

Last week when the football team was in their early bowl preparations we asked a few guys a very thought provoking question.

If you could by anyone on the team a Christmas present who would it be and what would you get them?

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  Going to the Orange Bowl is a tremendous present for everyone, coaches, players, administrators and fans.  However, the true gift this Holiday Season is the blessed safety and well being of all UC student athletes.  Bearcat SportsPage.com would like to wish everyone a safe and happy new year.    This is our first year doing this and we hope that we help bring you closer to all UC sports and the Student Athletes that work so hard through out the year.

Ground Breaking For Bubble

Ironically on a rainy day the University broke ground on the new practice facility that includes a practice dome, or bubble. Athletic Director Mike Thomas, Brian Kelly and several players were on hand for the big event. It took place near the storage barns on Jefferson Ave where the facility will be built. Three important facts about this. First off, the money for this project is still being raised, it's not bought and paid for yet. Secondly, this will not take money away from academic side of the school, it's all private funds. Last but not least, this facility is for the entire university not just football. All sports will use it, as will the student body for intramurals and other programs.

Quite a bit of work, both construction and financial, lie ahead. However, if things go as planned the facility should be completed by late next year.

Orange Bowl Practice Today

With ice and snow covering the turf at Nippert Stadium the team headed north to mason again today for practice. Wall to Wall Sports was kind enough to make room for the team today as they continue to get ready for the Orange Bowl on January 1st.

Orange Men, not Bowl!

Tuesday Bearcat Sports Page was at practice and the focus was on Orange Men, not Orange Bowls. Coach Kelly gathers the team before practice and the tone of his pre-practice speech was about "finishing". After practice we spoke with some players on a number of topics, the color orange, students rushing the field last Saturday, and the seniors last stand.

Check back at Bearcat Sports Page throughout the week for more video interviews with the players about the big game with Syracuse and what they do on Thanksgiving. One reminder: show up on Saturday, the team wants to keep the home field advantage of a full stadium!