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.

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: 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

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.

Marcus Barnett a Defensive back?

Spring practice kicked off Tuesday morning with a few surprises.  Demetrius Jones, the QB transfer from Notre Dame, has traded in his #2 quarterback jersey for a #44 linebacker jersey.  That move had already been talked about over the winter.  The biggest surprise might have been when sophomore wide receiver Marcus Barnett was wearing a black jersey and working out with the defensive backs.  

One of the big stories heading into spring is how the team will replace the 10 seniors they lost from the defensive side of the ball, including both starting defensive backs.  The media at Tuesdays practice was quick to ask Brian Kelly about the switch, and his thought process behind it.

Barnett was quickly surrounded by members of the media to get his thoughts on the switch.  Last years "experiment" of moving Connor Barwin to defense certainly worked out well for everyone.

Going into spring practice the coaching staff has a number of receivers to look at, one of the reasons Barnett is being looked at as a defensive back.  However, questions still remain.  Number one being, will Vidal Hazelton be able to play this fall.  He is the highly acclaimed transfer from USC.  UC is currently working with the NCAA to see if Hazelton could be eligible for the Bearcats this year.   That decision will have an effect on the future of Marcus Barnett as a defensive back.

Getting Ready for Spring Football

Tuesday morning at 9:00 the Bearcat football team will suit up for the first time since the Orange Bowl, and spring practice will officially begin.  For the equipment staff practice is over, for them Tuesday is time for "mid season" form.   They have been getting ready for spring ball for weeks.  Monday morning we watched them put some of the finishing touches on the locker room.  

Barry said that the spring is easier than the fall for his staff.   Tuesday there will be very few new players getting into new equipment, unlike the fall when a whole new class has to be sized and fitted.  As for the "new additions" I guess we will all just have to wait until Labor Day to see what they are.

NFL teams Keep Coming to Clifton

Last week, "Pro Day" brought the NFL spotlight to UC football.  Fifteen different players got the chance to showcase their talents before coaches and scouts from 28 NFL teams.    One of the four teams that didn't make was the Chicago Bears.   A week and a day later they made their way to Clifton to take a look at Corey Smith and DeAngelo Smith with individual workouts.  Here's how it looked along with some thoughts from two when they were done.

The representative from the Bears was kind enough to answer a few questions.  Nothing could be said about specific players but plenty was said about the tremendous progress UC's program has taken and how workouts like this will become a common site.

Just a reminder that spring practice kicks off Tuesday morning and Bearcat Sports Page will be there with the best coverage.

A Proud Father

Pro day on campus Thursday was looked at by a few of the seniors as the last time they would be on the turf at Nippert with something on the line.  With that being the case, Tom Barwin was not about to miss his last opportunity to see his son compete one last time at his favorite stadium.  Connors family has criss crossed the country watching his son play football and basketball for UC so it was no surprise Dad was there Thursday.   We caught up with Mr. Barwin and got his thoughts on his sons future past, present, and future.

Connor has been a favorite of ours as an interview subject as well as the rest of the local media during his career in Clifton,  and after spending some time with his father is easy to see why.  This apple didn't fall far from the tree at all.  

Track Kicks Off Spring Season

Spring arrived on Friday, and track season arrived a day later at UC.  Saturday afternoon the Bearcats hosted several area teams in their annual Early Bird Relay.  Bearcat Sports Page.com was on hand for the event and bring you a "sights and sounds" recap of some of the days events.  Click the play arrow and enjoy a beautiful day of competition at UC's Gettler Stadium.

For the final results of today's meet please visit Go Bearcats.com : Click Here.

There will only be two more home meets at UC:

March 28 and April 4

Do your self a favor and stop by and experience a great track and field atmosphere!

PRO DAY: Inside activities

Thursday morning at 10:00 the NFL scouts and coaches gathered in the weight room at UC to begin their day of evaluating 15 NFL prospects.  Here is a look at some of the events that took place inside before they moved outside for the speed and agility drills in Nippert Stadium.

Later today we hope to have a similar look at the outdoor activities, plus hearing more from the players.

PRO DAY: Hawkins Remembers His Pro Day

Along with the NFL scouts and head coaches a few other familiar faces were seen at Nippert Stadium on pro day.  One of those was former Bearcat, and 8 year NFL veteran, Artrell Hawkins.  Artrell is working with the UC defensive backs as they prepare for the next level.  The former Bearcat defensive back remembers his pro day from 1998, the last big pro day this program has seen.

We will have more from our interview with Artrell later this week.  In 1998 Artrell was taken in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals.

PRO DAY: Busy Day For Connor

Since the scouting combine Connor Barwins stock has been climbing.   At the combine he finished first in most of the categories the defensive linemen were tested in.  Thursday he participated in most of the drills and worked out with 4 different player groups.   Seems like a crazy day?  Connor expected it....he also expected to work out for the 4 different groups.

On the bench press he got 23 preps, and he had a 40 yard dash time of 4.66.   Several scouts were there specifically to watch Connor.  One coach that spent a tremendous amount of time with him was Giants tight end coach Mike Pope, a highly respected coach that apparently does not make many trips to see college kids work out.  

We will have more on Connors day later, including interviews with his agent and his father.

Mickens Works Out at Pro Day

Thursday was a big day for many of the senior football players.  If they plan on playing in the NFL this was the day to catch the eye of several NFL scouts.  Pro day at UC attracted over 28 different NFL teams and one of the bigger stories of the day was Mike Mickens.  A knee injury at the end of the season sent him home from the Senior Bowl early and then kept him from working out at the scouting combine.  He finally started running a few weeks ago and participated in every event Thursday afternoon.

Several scout commented that Mike looked good.