WE SAY SUGAR

Friday afternoon the Bearcats punched their card for a BCS bowl game... Saturday they knocked it out!  Now the only question remains is what bowl will UC play in.  It's the opinion of Bearcat Sports Page that it will be the Sugar Bowl.  Here is the reasoning.  Bowls pick according to match up and how teams travel.  Match up wise UC or Utah against Alabama...we would like to think the Big East has prepared UC better for that.  Who would have a bigger economic impact on Bourbon Street on New Years Weekend....people from a university that sells beer at their home football games...or people from Utah.  Don't read anything into this.  It's mere fact.  Who would arrive early and spend more money partying in the French Quarter until the wee hours of the morning?

BIG EAST CHAMPS !!!!!!!

Pitt's victory over West Virginia just made the Bearcats the 2008 Big East Champs!

Make your plans for New Years weekend.  Either Miami for the Orange Bowl or New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl!  Congratulations to Coach Kelly, his staff and players!  

PS:  Tennessee is supposed to name Lane Kiffin as their head coach on Monday.

Finish is the Word!

Saturday afternoon the Bearcats line up against a Syracuse team that stand between them and a BCS bowl game and a Big East Title. Starting Tuesday head coach Brian Kelly preached the word "finish", and that's what the players plan on doing.

Tickets still remain for the big game. Please visit www.gobearcats.com for ticket info.

Fun is Spelled W-I-N

Thousands of people flock to Las Vegas each weekend looking for fun. This weekend the UC men's basketball team is in Las Vegas but for head coach Mick Cronin the only fun to be had is winning basketball games.

The Cats play Friday night at 10:30 against Florida State. Then again Saturday night against either California or UNLV.

Good So Far

After about a month of play the men's basketball team has put together 4 wins by an average of 29 points. The teams they have played are no where near the caliber of talent they will see later in the year. However, the way the team has played is more important to them, as opposed to who they have played.

This weekend they are in Las Vegas for a holiday tournament that will start with Florida State Friday night.

Practice, Then Turkey

The team had their practice moved from afternoon to late morning so the coaches, players and the rest of the staff could have time with their families later in the afternoon. With so many local players on the team, the Cincinnati guys open up their homes to the out of towners for the two Thanksgiving traditions, food and football.

Thanksgiving Memories

Today the team will celebrate Thanksgiving with a morning workout at Nippert, then they go celebrate the holiday. Years ago it was a much longer day for the team. During the 1950's the Bearcats suited up on Thanksgiving Day for their annual rivalry with Miami. Television and conference obligations brought the tradition to an end, but in it's day Cincinnati was all about rivalry football before the bird hit the table.

Jim's father, Jim Kelly, Sr., was a member of the football staff during the 1950's. Jim never got to play on Thanksgiving day, the tradition ended before he started playing in the 1970's. The tradition was reborn for one brief Thanksgiving afternoon in the 1984 at Riverfront Stadium.

Remembering Glenn Sample

Last weekend the UC family lost a great friend when Glenn Sample passed away. In his decades of service to the University he touched so many lives, including Coach Brian Kelly. Earlier this week Coach Kelly talked about his first encounter with Coach Sample.

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!

It Ain't Over, They Need You !!!

Apparently there is still a large number of student tickets available for the game Saturday. Don't think that you were at the biggest game last weekend....this Saturday is THE BIG ONE!

The team needs you this weekend! Please put this on a facebook or an e-mail to as many students as you can, "Be there...the team needs you".

We spoke with some of the players after practice and they agree...you need you be there Saturday.

This goes for non students too. Be there to see history! Last Saturday wasn't the big game....this Saturday is. Get as many people as you can to Nippert to see UC's first BCS bid!!!!!

Mickens Out

Mike Mickens is out of action until a bowl game in late December. Yesterday he was scoped and repairs were made to a torn meniscus. He will be on crutches for 7-10 days. Unfortunately Mickens will miss out on playing in what would have been his final game at Nippert Stadium. He will be missed but this team has survived all year with their "next man in" philosophy.

Produce Sale, Magic Acts and Seniors

Staying focused is what the UC football team is all about this week. That was evident in the press conference today on campus with head Coach Brian Kelly. Staying away from the hoopla surrounding the team, it's just another "big game". Senior defensive end Lamonte Nelms joined coach Kelly. Lamonte answered several questions about being a senior and what this means to him. Coach Kelly hit on a number of topics, including daughters magic show.
Here are some of the highlights:
The Pitt game was just another step, oranges are just produce:


Saturday was playing for the city, not just the school.


Is it tough playing so many "historic big games" in a row?


Up next, another big game. Syracuse is a good team.


19 seniors will step on the field for their last game Saturday.

What if Pitt wins Friday and you don't have to win Saturday?

As we do each week we would like to thank Coach Kelly, Lamonte Nelms and the UC athletic administration for taking time out of their day to meet with us today. We will have more players comments today after practice and a special message for students about getting to the game Saturday. you need to be there to help this team again this weekend!!!!!!

NCAA Trip?

The volleyball team put their NCAA tournament fate in the hands of the selection committee this Sunday.  Louisville won the conference automatic bid with the tournament win over the weekend.  How many other Big East Teams will be extended at large bids?  Two, maybe three.  If that is the case then only one of the conference co-champs may go, UC or St John's.  Just like in basketball UC has several factors in their favor.  They have a better RPI than St Johns and played a tougher schedule.  A victory for UC over UAB in Birmingham this Friday in their final regular season game is very important. The selections will be announced at 10PM Sunday night on ESPNU.

Go Panthers

If Pitt beats West Virginia Friday night, the Bearcats become Big East Champs regardless of the outcome Saturday.  A Pitt victory would give West Virginia, Pitt and Rutgers all two losses.  If UC lost Saturday for their second conference loss, they would own the tie breaker over the other teams because of head to head wins.

Sweet 16

Saturdays win over Pittsburgh sent the Bearcats up a few spaces in the polls to #16 across the board (AP, USA Today, and BCS).  There is still one very important game to be played but the experts have UC playing in the Orange Bowl against an ACC opponent.

CBS:  Orange-Boston College

NBC:  Orange-Virginia Tech

ESPN:  Orange-Virginia Tech

              Orange-Florida St

College Football Poll: Sugar-Alabama

College Football News: Orange-Boston College

Sports Projections:  Orange-Virginia Tech

UH OH !!!!!

With a share of the conference title in hand the volleyball team went off to Pittsburgh for the Big East Tournament this weekend.  Friday night they went up against the host Panthers and lost to the #7 seed.  After wining the first two sets, they dropped the next three and were eliminated from the tournament.  The weekend winner will get the automatic bid for the NCAA tournament so the Bearcats are now left waiting to see if they get an invitation.  

Sad Day In Clifton

On a day that is bringing so much joy to Bearcat fans, it also comes with a tremendous amount of sorrow.  Late Friday afternoon lifetime Bearcat Glenn Sample passed away at the age of 77.  Sample was an institution at UC.  He was a linebacker for the Cats (1950-1952) under Sid Gillman, then went on to wear many more hats on campus.  Wrestling coach, assistant athletic director, and working with intramurals were some of the many jobs he took on in Clifton. However, his greatest legacy comes on the baseball diamond where the Western Hills graduate would become the UC's winningest baseball coach with 391 wins.   The list of accomplishments  go on and on but they come nowhere close to his greatest attribute, that of a kind, loving and giving man.  He loved UC and he will be missed dearly.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  Arrangements are unknown at this time.

Coach of the Year

First the team won a share of the Big East title, then Thursday night Reed Sunahara was named as the Big East Conference Coach of the Year.  This was the head coaches second "coach of the year" honor.  In 2001 Sunahara was given the same honor by Conference USA.  Four players were also named to the all conference team, Jessie Nevitt, Jessica Elley, Annie Fesl, and  Stephanie Neimer.

Tonight the Bearcats open play in the conference tournament with a first round game against the host Pittsburgh Panthers.  Their match begins at 6:00  UC is the #2 seed, Pitt is #7

You can follow the game by visiting:  www.gobearcats.com

Red Uni's

"Ring of Red" means that the Bearcats will be wearing red jerseys for the first time since the Rick Minter era back in 2003. The only question remaining is what color pants will the Cats be wearing? Discussions at the press conference Tuesday between Connor Barwin and Senior Associate Athletic Director Mike Waddell seemed to have the team leaning toward black instead of white. We'll find out Saturday night.

Before the game the team will honor Ben Mauk with his belated senior day recognition. Last year Mauk did not participate in the senior day festivities with hopes that he would be returning this season to play. Ben was the teams MVP last year.

Also, it has been announced that the game is a sell out!

So arrive early, be loud and wear red!!!!!!!

Campus Prepares for Game Against Pitt

As Saturday night approaches, campus prepares for the big game against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Bearcat students and Alumni grow eager for the face-off that will determine the football team's BCS chances. With the victory over Louisville under their belt, the team and fans look ahead towards the River City Rivalry.

Another Big Game

For the past 4 weeks the football team has been playing with an elimination tournament mentallity. Win and keep going, loose and go home. Saturday night the road continues, except at least this time they are at home.

Interviews with: Connor Barwin, Dustin Grutza, and Trevor Canfield

Wet Run

Swimmers approach the season differently that other sports. For them it's all about preparing for the end of the season. The individual competes more against themselves rather than the other swimmers, making sure that goals are met each time they compete. This weekend the team is in Bloomington, Indiana for an invitational that will help them prepare for a meet that is still three months away.

To keep up with the Bearcats this weekend in Bloomington visit: http://www.gobearcats.com/

They Need You !!!!

Saturday evening be there to greet the team as they arrive on campus to get ready for the big game against Pittsburgh. Coach Brian Kelly is expected to lead his team past the Myers Alumni Center ( Campus Green near Sigma Sigma Commons) on their way to the Nippert Stadium. The CATwalk passes directly through the Bearcat Blitz hosted by the UC Alumni Association featuring music, food and beverage vendors and plenty of fun. Be there before 5:00 when the team arrives and give them the welcome they deserve! The band, cheerleaders, dance team, students and hopefully you, will be on hand to give the team a taste of the support they will be getting all night.

For more information about the UC Alumni Association please visit: http://www.alumni.uc.edu/

Look Back at Louisville

Tuesday afternoon the Bearcats were back on the practice field getting ready for the Pitt Panthers. After practice we caught up with a few players and talked about some of the elements that made last weekends win over Louisville so special.

We also talked about the game this week against Pitt. We will post those comments later in the week. The feel after practice yesterday is that this team is focused on the task at hand. They appear very business like in their approach. The last 4 games have been must win games to keep the dream of a BCS Bowl alive. It's another must win game, no different that the ones leading up to it. The attitude is like " all we have to do is just keep doing what we've been doing".

Pitt, Logo's and a Fleecing

Bearcat Sports Page.com attended the weekly football press conference. Today's features speakers were Connor Barwin, Dominick Goodman and of course Coach Brian Kelly.
Here is a video recap of the topics discussed. The last one is great by the way.

The excitement of playing Pitt with a conference title on the line.

Last years loss at Pitt was a low point. Enquirer reporter Bill Koch asked the players and coach Kelly if that was the most upset the coach had been following a loss.

Did you expect to be in this position this soon, with a conference title? Paul Daugherty asked if Coach Kelly was expecting to be in this position this quickly looking at the team roster when he took the job.

What about "calling out the fans" after the game Friday. Folowing the game Friday night Coach Kelly expressed his thoughts on how the Pitt game should be sold out and it should be the toughest ticket in the city. If not he said that he would be "ticked". Did those comments get him in trouble?

Did you ever think about keeping an eye on the "C-Paw" at Nippert? We all know the "controversial" history Louisville has with UC and thier mid field logo.

Have you noticed that Coach Kelly is wearing a red fleece in some segments and a blue shirt in others? He awarded his new fleece to a press member for asking good questions. Enquirer reporter Bill Koch was the recipient.

We would like to thank the athletic department, Coach Kelly, Connor Barwin, and Dominick Goodman for taking time out of their day to answer questions. Bearcat Sports Page will be attending practice later Tuesday afternoon and will speak to the players about the emotional win this past weekend at Louisville. One other bit of news from today's conference is that Tony Pike is doing well, Coach Kelly joked that with Dustin Grutza " nipping at his heels" he is feeling ready to go. We will hopefully catch up with Dustin after practice today.

Digger A Bengal

The Cincinnati Bengals signed former UC offensive lineman Digger Bujnoch to their practice squad. After a knee injury during the pre-season the New York Giants released Bujnoch in September. Diggers father played for the Bengals from 1976-1982

The Favorite

It looks like the odds makers in Las Vegas and the college football "experts" agree on UC this weekend. The line opened up with UC as a 5 point favorite. Most of the time being the home team is worth 3 points so the odds makers are seeing UC as more than just a home field favorite.

As for the experts they also see UC winning this game because almost everyone has UC in the Orange Bowl as the Big East Champs.

CBS: Meineke vs Virginia Tech

NBC: Orange vs UNC

ESPN: Orange vs Maryland

ESPN: Orange vs Miami

Sports Projections: Orange vs Miami

Si.com: Orange vs UNC

Fox is hoping that Pitt wins because they listed them as their " Dream match up: Pitt vs Miami"

As for their "nightmare match up: Cincinnati vs any 8-4 ACC team".

Up Next, Another Trophy!

Sunday night the staff at the Lindner center had to make room in the trophy case for a new addition. The women's volleyball team added the schools second Big East Championship trophy. If things go well this weekend in Pittsburgh the staff may be clearing some more space Sunday afternoon.

The team opens tournament play Friday:

1st round- Pittsburgh 6:00

Semi finals: Louisville/Syracuse winner 3:30 Saturday

Finals: Sunday 3:00 ESPNU

BIG EAST CHAMPS !!!!!!!

The women's volleyball team is responsible for putting the second Big East Conference Trophy in the trophy case in Lindner Hall!

Earlier today they extended their winning streak in 15 matches in a row by beating Rutgers in three sets... while a few miles to the north St.John's was being upset by Depaul. That gives St. John's and UC identical in conference records of 12-2. As far as the conference tournament next weekend, St. John's gets the #1 seed because they won the head to head match back in September. The Bearcats take their #2 seed into the conference tournament in Pittsburgh and play the host team on Friday at 6:00.

Congratulations to Coach Reed Sunahara and his team for this tremendous accomplishment!

The team was recognized earlier tonight at half time of the men's basketball game tonight at Fifth Third Arena.

Going Out in Style

Five seniors will play their final game in Fifth Third Arena Sunday afternoon when the team hosts Rutgers at 2:00. If they win the team will complete the home side of their 2008 campaign undefeated, 14-0.

With St. John's winning Friday night at Notre Dame the chances of sharing a conference title with them dimmed significantly. A win Sunday would lock up the second place seed in the conference tournament next weekend at Pittsburgh and continue a winning streak that started back on October 3rd.

This will be your last chance to see this team in action before they start tournament play.

Sunday 2:00 Fifth Third Arena Rutgers

Pitt Week Begins

Last week it seemed like every sport on campus was going up against West Virginia.  This week it's the University of Pittsburgh.  Of course the football team plays Pitt Saturday, the volleyball team will be in Pittsburgh for the Big East Tournament next weekend, and today the swim team hosts Pitt at the Keating Aquatics Center.

Last year both the men and women lost to the Panthers.  Coming of of a strong performance last week against West Virginia they hope to get their first win of the season today at home.

It's Got the Old "C" Paw !

How long has it been since UC has beaten Louisville? The "Keg of Nails" has the old "C" paw on it.! The seniors have never seen it, they want it back. Any red shirt senior would have been around for the 70-7 "stomp on the logo" game. So we asked them, is this game personal? Here's what they had to say.

Trevor Canfield, Mardy Gilyard, and Connor Barwin.

Let Down, Shmet Down!

Our Bearcat Sports Page.com poll question about "fearing" a let down is surprisingly even. After being at practice this week we have gotten over that fear. This group is focused on getting the "Keg of Nails" back in Clifton. The ultimate prize may be staying alive for the Big East title, but these guys are more interested in getting "The Keg" back.
We also asked them about last Saturdays game....we got some pretty honest responses. Check out how Mardy Gilyard right away takes the blame for the on sides kick.
The video is about 6 minutes but we let the guys talk. Too often the best stuff is edited out.
No taking comments out of context here!

Thanks to Ryan Koslen, the Assistant Sports Communication Director at UC, for lining up the interviews for us when ever we show up. Thanks to the players as well, a class group of young men. The actually answer questions with "yes sir". Their mom's would be proud.

Women's Basketball Preview

Louisville Let Down....No Way!

Bearcat Sports Page.com was at the Bearcats football practice today. Just from watching the action on the field, the excitement the guys have leaves you with the feeling that they will be up for the game Friday night in Louisville.

We spoke with several players after practice and to a man they spoke with passion about getting The Keg of Nails back in Clifton. Brian Kelly has done a tremendous job instilling pride and accomplishment in these young men. If they were 2 and 9 they would be just as eager to get that trophy back. Especially the seniors that have never beaten the Cardinals and have never touched the trophy. Are we guaranteeing a win, that's impossible but from what we saw and heard today it would shock us if there was any kind of let down from this group.

Look for video interviews we will post tomorrow including several seniors. Great reactions looking back at the West Virginia game as well as comments on not looking too far ahead and playing "one game at a time".

UC Hoops Tonight

The men's basketball team is hosting a very good Northern Kentucky squad tonight at Fifth Third Arena. This is the final exhibition game before the regular season starts up Sunday at 6:00 against South Dakota.

Bearcat Sports Page.com was at practice earlier in the week and the team is optimistic about the season. Look for the coaching staff to get the freshmen some more playing time tonight.

The game is not on radio or TV so check out our friends at www.gobearcats.com for your audio feed from the game.

Mo Egger , the morning host on 1530 Homer, is also blogging the game from court side on "the lot d" at 1530homer.com

Not Lucky, Focused,and Looking for Keg of Nails

Todays UC football press conference:
Adam Hoppel: Senior Defensive Tackle
Hometown: Lisbon, OH
Major: Marketing
Brian Kelly: Head Coach
Second Year
Senior Adam Hoppel started off talking about how UC is no longer the underdog, they are the favorite. However, that has not changed his focus on finally winning the Keg of Nails. But we will start off with some thoughts from the game Saturday. It was a roller coaster, but Coach Kelly says they won on talent and determination, not luck.

Up next is Louisville, a team Adam Hoppel has never beaten. Coach Kelly talks about the task of getting the players to play with the same intensity week in and week out no matter who you play.

Going into the game Friday, UC is a 3.5 point favorite. The Bearcats can't sneak up on people anymore. Brian Kelly was asked about being the hunted and wearing the bulls eye now.

Now the task as hand for this team is to finish the job. The win Saturday is worth nothing unless they beat Louisville, Pitt and Syracuse.

Coach Kelly shared his philosophy on winning. It's simple. There is no time to enjoy the win Saturday, there is still work to be done. Wait until the ultimate prize is in hand before you celebrate.

Finally Coach Kelly talked about preparing his team for another short week.. Something they have gotten used too. This is their 4th game in 21 days.

Amazingly enough there were no questions about Coach Kelly being on any ones "hot list" for jobs. Everyone probably knew that there is no was that he could give any type of response to such speculation, especially when this team is in the position it's in. Bearcat Sports Page. com would like to again thank the athletic department, Coach Kelly and Adam Hoppel for taking time out of their day for us.

Rumors, Why Ask?

With the win over West Virginia the spotlight is beginning to shine on Clifton. That means one thing. Brain Kelly will be on every ones list to be the next coach in Knoxville, Clemson or South Bend. Keep in mind Charlie Weis has not been fired, that's part two of the speculation. Lucky for us, now that all of the political speculation is over we can move on to this. Bearcat Sports page .com will be at the weekly press conference today and will bring you complete coverage of Coach Kelly's "non response" to the "hot list " question. In a nut shell here is what we are expecting: " As of right now no one has contacted me about anything, I'm just concentrating on Cincinnati and beating Louisville this week." Check back this afternoon for the video version of this.

Photo courtesy: University of Cincinnati

Orange Bowl?

Not that these "experts" have a clue about what team ends up in what bowl, here is a sample of what they are thinking. Of course UC winning the next three games leaves only one question, Sugar or Orange. Interestingly enough the majority seem to agree that the Big East Champ goes to the Orange Bowl with Utah ending up in New Orleans against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

NBC: Gator against Virginia Tech

College Football News: Meineke ( Charlotte) against Georgia Tech

Bowl Projections.com: Meineke against Florida State

ESPN U ( 2 experts): Orange against Florida St

Meineke against Maryland

Rivals.com: Sugar against Alabama

SI.com: Orange against North Carolina

Other sites are still behind last weekend and have West Virginia n the BCS and UC in Toronto.

Either way it does not look like the "experts" think UC can take care of business. We will see.

Cronin's Crew Taking Shape

Before practice Monday afternoon Bearcat Sports Page .com spoke with Deonta Vaughn, Mike Williams and Head Coach Mick Cronin about where the team is right now. Tuesday night they take to the court against Northern Kentucky in their final exhibition game before playing for real Sunday.
We asked them a number of topics that might be on the minds of Bearcat fans. Here is what they had to say about exhibition games and what they do for the team.

As you can see by the joking around between Deonta and his head coach, this is a team that enjoys each other. "Clubhouse chemistry" is an intangible that every team is searching for. Is it something that fans and the media put too much emphasis on, not knowing it's true value? Regardless, according to these guys this team is coming together and it's Deonta Vaughn and Mike Williams leading the pack.

Last years team had some tremendous character guys but we had forgotten that it was two separate groups, the seniors that had started the "turn around" and the freshmen that were being looked at to take the next step.

On a side note we asked Coach Cronin about the football teams big win, and as a life time Bearcat fan he was a nervous at the end of the game as the rest of us.

The next time Bearcat Sports Page.com talks to Coach Cronin we are going to ask him if any kind of "coach sense" kicks in, or is he truely pacing around the room like we all were. Bearcat Sports Page .com will try to bring you as many interview segments like this as we can through out the year. Our theory is that you have already seen the game so highlights and analysis won't do much good. Instead, we will try to get as much as we can from the players and choaches. Let them tell you what happend, not us. Thanks to Mike Harris from the athletic departmnet for including us in all media events. As always we thank Coach Cronin and his players. They are a class group of young men. If they ever appear nervous when they are being interviewed, it's becaus they are. Remember these are 19 year old's.

#22 and Tied for 1st

The polls came out Sunday and UC is #22. However, the number that matters is the #1t beside UC in the Big East standings. There is currently a three way tie for 1st:

1. CINCINNATI 3-1

2. Pittsburgh 3-1

3. West Virginia 3-1

We all know what could happen and the simple way to get there. Win all three remaining games.

Here is look at the remaining conference games for the top three:

UC: @ Louisville , Pitt, and Syracuse

Pitt: @ UC , West Virginia. and @ UCONN

WVU: @ Louisville, @ Pitt, and South Florida

Pitt has a bye this week leading up the game at Nippert with UC.

Bearcat Sports Page. com will have coverage of the press conference Tuesday as well as interviews with players after practice. Looking back at the win Saturday and looking ahead to Louisville Friday night.

14 And Counting!

The women's volleyball team took their show on the road this weekend and didn't loose a set. Friday they went into West Virginia and pulled off a three game sweep over the Mountaineers, then on Sunday did the same thing to the Pitt Panthers a few miles up the road.

With only one game remaining here is where the Bearcats sit in the Big East:

1. St John's 11-1

2. CINCINNATI 11-2

3. Louisville 10-3

4. Connecticut 9-3

UC has the best overall record at 24-5. Sunday they host Rutgers at 2:00

The the Big East Tournament is November 21-23 in Pittsburgh.

Swim Team Has Busy Weekend

The Bearcat swim team was in the water twice this past weekend. Friday night they traveled up I-71 to take on the Buckeyes. Then they returned home Saturday afternoon to open up Big East action by hosting the West Virginia Mountaineers. Unfortunately the cats dropped both contests. Here is a recap of the weekend.

Swim Team Looses at OSU

Both the men's and women's swim teams lost in a dual meet against Ohio State in Columbus Friday. the men won 5 events and the women won 4. A complete run down of events are available at www.gobearcats.com.

The Bearcats are back in the water Saturday as they welcome in West Virginia for a dual meet.

Action at the Keating Aquatic Center on campus kicks off at noon.

End of the Road

The men's soccer team dropped their opening round game in the Big East Tournament earlier today against Georgetown on the road 3-1. Junior Judson McKinney scored his first career goal in the loss.

Even with the loss the season ends on a positive note. The team is young and full of talent. In a year or two they could make some noise in the conference. Remember, the only Big East Conference Trophy in varsity Village belongs to the men's soccer team. On this years squad 15 of the 27 members were freshmen.

With the season ending it's a good news bad news situation. Good news they only loose one senior, bad news...it's Brad Simpson. Brad was not only a great player but a better representative of the University. Any Bearcat fan would be proud that Brad wore the red and black.

No doubt Coach Hylton Dayes will have this team ready to go next fall.

"Historic Game" This Weekend

Tuesday afternoon at the weekly press conference Senior defensive back DeAngelo Smith referred to the game this Saturday against West Virginia as " a historic game" for the program. He might be right. With a win Saturday night at Morgantown the Bearcats would control their own destiny. Three conference games with two at home. A BCS bowl game and the huge pay out that comes with it would allow history to change in Clifton.
After practice this week we talked to a few of the players about the trip to Morgantown.

12 In A Row Hits The Road

The women's volleyball team hits the road this weekend after playing 9 of their last 12 games at home in Fifth Third Arena. By the way all 12 of those games have been victories. Right now the Bearcats have a 9-2 record in the Big East, just one game behind St. John's. This weekend opponents are WestVirginia Friday night then Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon. The Montaineers

are

0-10 in conference play while Pitt is one game behind UC at 7-3. The Players view this as an important weekend with only one game left on the schedule before the Big East Tournament.

Track the Cats on the road by visiting: http://www.gobearcats.com

Mens Soccer Game Starts at 2:00

Just a reminder that the men's soccer team is playing their opening round game of the Big East Tournament today at 2:00. They are in Washington D.C. playing Grorgetown.
The game is available on game track through the UC web site: http://www./gobearcats.com

Swim Team Helps a Fellow Swimmer

The UC Swim Team is participating in an event Thursday afternoon to help raise awareness of cancer and to raise money to fight the deadly disease. It's a nation wide event sponsored by Carleton College in honor of a teammate they lost in 2006.

The Carleton College swimming and diving teams are sponsoring the third annual Ted Mullin Hour of Power Relay for cancer research on Thursday, Nov. 6 beginning at 4 p.m. (5 p.m. Eastern/ or 5 p.m. Mountain/4 p.m. Pacific) in honor of former teammate Edward H. “Ted” Mullin, who passed away from a rare soft-tissue cancer in September 2006.

So, UC swimmers will be in the pool Thursday afternoon participating in the hour long relay of continuous swimming. Head Coach Monty Hopkins has received an e-mail from Ted Mullins mother thanking him for UC's participation in the event.

Those who would like to make a donation can do by sending contributions to:
Cincinnati Swimming & Diving2751 O’Varsity Way Suite 662-A
Richard E. Lindner Center University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0021
Please have contribution and donation checks made payable to: UCF/UC Cancer Center Fund.Memo: “Ted Mullen Hour of Power”

Here is a link for the "Hour of Power": https://apps.carleton.edu/athletics/varsity_sports/mens_swimming_and_diving/hour_of_power_relay/

Team Looks Back At USF Win

Tuesday afternoon after practice the Bearcat Sports Page . com staff was on hand and caught up with some of the players to talk about the USF win. Since most of the local media is limited to what they can show you we try to recap the previous week by letting the players tell you the story about the game. Here is a look back at USF as told by Connor Barwin, Mardy Gilyard, De Angelo Smith and Tony Pike.

Other football points of interest:

Huber Nominee for Wuerfell Trophy: Senior punter Kevin Huber has been nominated for the Wuerfell Trophy. An award that recognizes the player with exemplary community service, academic and athletic achievement.

Mickens a Finalist for Thorpe Award : Senior defensive back Mike Mickens has been named as a semi-finalist for the award that honors the top defensive back in the nation. Mickens is one of 13 semi-finalist.

Four Bearcats headed to Senior Bowl: UC will be represented well in the 2008 Senior Bowl on January 24, 2009 in Mobile, Alabama. Those going are Trevor Canfield, Kevin Huber, Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith.

This Weekend in Bearcat Swimming

The Bearcat swim team hits the road on Friday night for a dual meet with the Ohio State Buckeyes, the number 11 team in the nation before returning home on Saturday afternoon for a Big East battle with the West Virginia Mountaineers. Watch below for a preview this weekends meets.

Bearcat Sports Page.com will give you a recap of the weekends events come early next week. For more information on UC swimming, visit www.gobearcats.com.

The Big Game, Healing QB's and the Hot List

Tuesday afternoon the UC football team had their weekly news conference. Along with Head Coach Brian Kelly Senior Defensive Back DeAngelo Smith met with the media.

Here is a recap of some of the topics that were discussed.

Going to West Virginia. It's a big game and a big game atmosphere.

DeAngelo Smith said that this is a"historic game" for the school. Coach Kelly said that games like the one at Oklahoma help prepare the team for games like this.

Early season losses by West Virginia.

Coach Kelly addresses why he thinks the Mountaineers lost two games back in September. At East Carolina 24-3 then at Colorado 17-14 (OT).

Dustin Grutza back on the field.

Senior QB Dustin Grutza is back on the practice field. Today Coach Kelly will determine if he will be the #2 quarterback this week or #3. Pike will start, but Grutza could be in a position to start next week against Louisville if the circumstances dictated.

Tony Pike almost 100%.

Coming off of a tremendous outing last Thursday night against USF Tony Pike is down to just a soft wrap on his left forearm. The hard cast is gone, however direct snaps are still not in the cards. Coach Kelly is looking forward to the day when he has a choice between Pike and Grutza.

Being on the Hot List.

With big time head coaching jobs opening up across the country Brian Kelly's name is being brought up the media already. At today's press conference he was asked about being on the "hot list" and joked that it's better than being on the list of guys that got fired. As expected he can't address this topic because it's so early in the process to know who's on what list. Here is his banter with the reporters on the subject. His focus is clearly on his current team and their trip to West Virginia.

Men's Soccer Gets in Big East Tournament

Bearcat Sports Page . com just got off of the phone with the Big East office to confirm that the men's soccer team made the cut for the Big East Tournament. By loosing last Friday at St John's they put their fate in others hands. Rutgers trailed UC in the standings and needed only one victory in their final two games to secure the last spot. Over the weekend they lost to USF 1-0 and Monday night they dropped a game at St John's 1-0.

Syracuse tied the Bearcats but UC won the tie breaker with a head to head win and got in. The squad travels to Washington D.C. to take on Georgetown Thursday afternoon at 2:00. A win would send them to South Florida to take on the USF Bulls Sunday November 9th.

During the regular season UC did not play the Hoyas.

To track the game visit www.gobearcats.com and www.bigeast.org

Former Bearcat Blocks Punt On Monday Night Football

Former UC linebacker Andre Frazier blocked a punt just before the end of the first half in the Monday Night Football Game between Pittsburgh and Washington.

Earlier in the year Frazier was seen being taken off of the field after a collision with another Bearcat Alumni, Haruki Nakamura.

It's good to see Andre not only back up on his feet but back on the field of competition.

Cat Attack Weekend Review

A look back at this weekends Bearcat Sporting Events:


Men’s Basketball- Win 64-54
Cincinnati vs. Carleton University (Exh.)
Day: Saturday
The Men’s Basketball team took on Carleton University at their 2008-09
exhibition season opener. Mike Williams was the high scorer with 15 points followed closely by Deonta Vaughn's 14 points. The final exhibition game will be against Northern Kentucky November 11th at 7:30pm in Fifth Third Arena.

Women’s Basketball- Loss 56-52
Cincinnati vs. Northern Kentucky (Ex)
Day: Saturday
The Women’s Basketball Team took on the Northern Kentucky Basketball Team in their exhibition game. Unfortunately, Northern Kentucky proved to be difficult opponents and the Bearcats lost by four points. The team was led by Kahla Roudebush led the team with 12 points. The final exhibition game will be against Ohio State Basketball Alumni on Friday, November 7th at 7pm in Fifth Third Arena.

Women’s Soccer- Loss 5-o
Cincinnati @ Notre Dame
Day: Sunday
The Women’s Soccer Team traveled to Indiana to take on the University of Notre Dame to take on the Women’s Soccer Team for the Big East Quarterfinals. The Bearcats season ended against undefeated Notre Dame. Cincinnati finished the season with it's best record in Big East Conference play and had their best season record since 2002.

Women’s Volleyball- Win 3-0
Cincinnati vs. Georgetown
Day: Sunday
The Women’s Volleyball team took on Georgetown at home this weekend. Jessie Nevitt led the offense with 11 kills and Annie Fesl had 36 assists. The Bearcats have gone 12-o this season before taking on two Big East opponents on the road this weekend. The first is against West Virgina at 7pm on November 7th followed by Pittsburg on November 9th at 2pm.

Great Season Comes to an End

The women's soccer team ended their season earlier Sunday afternoon with a 0-5 loss to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish came into the contest not only as the #1 seed in the Big East Tournament, but as the #1 team in the country.
Bearcat Sports Page .Com congratulates Coach Salmon, her staff and the players for making history as the first team to make the post season conference tournament.
Just because the season is over does not mean that our coverage of this team is. We will continue to bring you information and updates through out the off season.
Our staff would like to thank Coach Michelle Salmon, UC Sports Information Director Laura Thornton, and the players for their cooperation over the past few weeks while we have covered them at the end of the season.

12 In A Row!!!!

The womens volleyball team extended their winning streak to 12 earlier Sunday afternoon as they swept the Georgetown Hoyas in three games 25-19, 25-23,and 25-18.
Over the weekend they beat USF and the Hoyas.
Here is a recap of the game this afternoon:

Please vist www.gobearcats.com for a more complete rundown of both wins as well as the stats from both games.

Brent Celek Career Day With Eagles

Former Bearcat Brent Celek had a tremendous day as his Eagles beat the Seahawks 26-7.
Brent had 6 catches for 131 yards.
Visit www.philadelphiaeagles.comfor more info and stats from todays game.

Celek is the feature picture on the teams web site.
In two weeks Celek, Trent Cole and the rest of the Philadelphis Eagles visit Paul Brown Stadium to play the Bengals.
Bearcat Sports page . Com has interviews scheduled with the two former Bearcats when they come in town, so look for that in a couple of weeks.
Congratulations Brent on a great game!

#1 Team...No Problem

The women's soccer team travels to South bend Sunday for their second round game in the Big East Tournament. Thursday night they earned the right to advance by defeating St. John's in their first round game 1-0.
In the month of October the team went 5-1-3 with their only loss coming last Sunday in the final game of the year against Georgetown in double over time. However, the team didn't end September on such a positive note. They suffered their worst loss of the year to Notre Dame 0-6 on September 28. The Irish finished the season undefeated.
That was then, this is now. When the team embarked on their trip to New York they were confident that they would win and advance. By no means is it arrogance, with this team it's the confidence they have in themselves and each other. That same attitude boarded the bus earlier today.
Bearcat Sports Page . com caught up with the team before practice Friday and spoke with them about this confidence, and how it will help them as they take the field Sunday against the #1 team in the country.
Game Info: Sunday 1:00 at Notre Dame

To listen to or "game track" the game visit: www.gobearcats.com or www.bigeast.org

The Weekend Cat Attack

This weekends Bearcat Sporting Events:

Men’s Basketball
Cincinnati vs. Carleton University (Exh.)
Day: Saturday
Date: Nov. 1,2008
Location: Fifth Third Arena
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
The Men’s Basketball team take on Carleton University at their 2008-09
exhibition season opener.

Women’s Basketball
Cincinnati vs. Northern Kentucky (Ex)
Day: Saturday
Date: Nov.1,2008
Location: Fifth Third Arena
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
The Women’s Basketball Team take on the Northern Kentucky Basketball Team in their exhibition game. Hopefully the Bearcats can bring home another victory against the Norse.

Women’s Soccer
Cincinnati @ Notre Dame
Day: Sunday
Date: Nov. 2, 2008
Location: Notre Dame, IN
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
The Women’s Soccer Team travels to Indiana to take on the University of Notre Dame to take on the Women’s Soccer Team for the Big East Quarterfinals

Women’s Volleyball
Cincinnati vs. Georgetown
Day: Sunday
Date: Nov. 2, 2008
Location: Fifth Third Arena
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
The Women’s Volleyball team takes on Georgetown at home this weekend. The Beacats are entering this weekend ranked in Second place in the Big East while Georgetown is in Sixth.

Flat out on a Roll!!!!!

The volleyball team extended their winning streak to 11 games Friday night with a hard fought win over USF. For the record that is the third USF team to visit Clifton this week and leave with a loss. Men's Soccer and of course football were the other two.
The hunt for a "perfect October" was in jeopardy with USF up 2 sets to 1 after three.
In the fourth set the Cats posted a 25-14 win then outlasted the Bulls in the fifth and final set 17-15 to extend their record to 21-5 and a perfect 11-0 in October.
Before practice earlier this week Coach Reed Sunahara told Bearcats Sports Page .com that the team was playing extremely well and with confidence.
The team is back on the court at Fifth Third Arena Sunday afternoon at 2:00 to start November like they did October....with a win. They host Georgetown.
Bearcats Sports Page.com will be on hand and will have highlights and interviews after the game. So be sure to check back Sunday evening for that.
For more details on Fridays win and game notes for Sunday, visit www.gobearcats.com

Mens Soccer: Watch and Wait

The men's soccer team was in Queens, NY for Halloween to take on St John's. A win would guarantee them a spot in the Big East Tournament, a loss would put their fate in others hands.
In the first half the Cats fought hard at missed a scoring opportunity when Brenden Stelmak just missed the goal.
In the second half the Red Storm showed why they are ranked as high as #4 in the country and got 2 shots in goal to post a 2-0 win.
What happens to UC now? They watch and wait. Ruters is right behind them. The Scarlet Knights have games at USF Saturday then at St Johns on Monday. A win in either game knocks the Bearcats out.
The Cats did put on a nice showing for the nationally televised game on Fox Soccer Channel.
To keep track of the post season possibilities check www.bigeast.org for scores and news on the Rutgers games overt the weekend.