For some, the end of fall sport –(notice I said “sport”) signals the beginning of a lull in their level of passion for college athletics.
Sure, there were other sports in action during the fall semester, like volleyball, swimming and diving, soccer, tennis and golf, but we all know football reigns supreme in Texas, and that’s no different here at our university.
Finishing the season with an 11-2 record and a No. 7 ranking was just about all Frog fans could ask for this season, especially when you consider the two losses came against the No. 2 and No. 5 teams in the country.
As sweet and exhausting as the football season was, it’s time for students to put their support behind the other great sports teams at the university.
The men’s and women’s basketball teams are putting together good seasons so far, and both teams are just now entering the conference portion of their schedules.
Under the direction of new head coach Jim Christian, the men’s basketball squad has won its last four contests and seems to be improving with each passing game.
The women’s team, coming off a disappointing loss against BYU last night, has compiled a 10-6 record this season, including a 2-1 conference record. But the team has beaten two No.3-ranked teams this season and was off to a good start in conference play until last night’s misstep.
You never know. Both the men’s and women’s teams could qualify for the NCAA tournament in March. Certainly, that would pull you out of any sports lull you might be experiencing at the time.
And while basketball might be the current sport of the season, don’t forget that the swimming and diving teams are also still in action and have just embarked on the second half of their campaigns.
The tennis and golf teams will also resume play in the near future and track and field will head to Lubbock this weekend for the Texas Tech Invitational, their first meet of the season. The first home track and field meet, the Horned Frog Invitational, comes in March.
If none of the above-mentioned sports action has sparked your interest in Horned Frogs athletics this semester, just wait until baseball season arrives.
The Horned Frogs will first step onto the diamond Feb. 20 on the road against Cal State Fullerton. The first home game against Dallas Baptist University is scheduled Feb. 24 at Lupton Stadium.
Sports season doesn’t end just because football’s does.
With the pressure of the new semester already bearing down upon us, taking some time to release our frustrations by cheering on our fellow Horned Frogs would be time well spent.