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Austin American Statesman's "Hookem.com"
Lauren was selected among many UT Journalism students to live blog Texas football games for the Statesman's website hookem.com under Bevo Beat
The Horn- An Online Newspaper for UT
Lauren is a contributor for the sports section of The Horn. Four examples posts below!
UT Baseball MLB Draft
Although we all enjoyed the baseball team’s incredible run in the College World Series, bigger things may lie ahead for five lucky Longhorn players.
The 2014 MLB Draft snatched four Longhorn pitchers and one position player. Two position players and one pitcher from the recruiting class were drafted as well. Here’s all you need to know about Texas players in the draft:
The Minnesota Twins selected John Curtiss, the red-shirt sophomore right-handed pitcher, in the 6th round as the 170th overall pick. Although he only spent two seasons in a Texas uniform, Curtiss has earned his spot in the MLB. Curtiss had Tommy John surgery after his freshman season, keeping him out all of last season. Curtiss returned this season with a 2.23 ERA. Curtiss was initially drafted out of high school by the Rockies, but deferred to become a Texas Longhorn.
Senior Mark Payton signed with the New York Yankees after they selected him in the 7th round. The center fielder batted .319 with 15 doubles, five triples, one home run and 36 RBIs in his 58 games played this season. He may not be the tallest or the biggest guy, but Peyton definitely has the skill and the drive to get things done.
The Miami Marlins selected left-handed junior pitcher Dillon Peters in the 10th round. The Marlins said that Peters will undergo Tommy John surgery, but they are confident in his abilities. Peters’ curveball ranges from 76-80 mph, he has a sinking fastball and a deceptive circle changeup. He ended his junior season at 7-3 with a 2.13 ERA in 80 1/3 innings.
The Philadelphia Phillies drafted senior pitcher Nathan Thornhill in the 13th round. During the regular season, Thornhill was ranked second among active Big 12 players in career innings pitched (297 2/3) and strikeouts (218). Thornhill had an incredible post season for the Longhorns, pitching them to several victories.
Lukas Schiraldi was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 15th round. The junior pitcher allowed two runs or fewer in eight of his 12 starts in the regular season. He held opponents to a .246 batting average and got seven wins in his 13 starts.
Lastly, the Detroit Tigers selected right-handed pitcher Parker French in the 19th round. French was on the mound in Omaha when he was picked. French threw six innings of shutout ball for the Longhorns in their Super Regional win over Houston and struck out 59 players during the regular season.
There is no guarantee, aside from Payton, who will sign deals with these teams, but we will definitely miss seeing these five guys in burnt orange if they move on to the big leagues.
Jordan Spieth Update
Although former Longhorn Jordan Spieth finished 17 overall with a +4 at the recent U.S. Open golf tournament, this young 20 year-old should not be pushed aside.
Let me sum up the past couple of months in the life of rookie golfer Jordan Spieth:
-2013 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year
-Youngest player in 82 years to win a PGA tournament with his win at the John Deere Classic (age 19)
-Member of the U.S. President’s Cup triumph
-Runner-up finish at the Masters
-Tie for fourth place at the Players Championship
All of this and much more before Spieth even turned 21. And, most say that is because Jordan Spieth plays at a level way beyond his years. Not only does he have the skill of a veteran, but he also has the composure and sportsmanship of a true professional athlete.
Spieth has become known for his calm demeanor and likeability. He was the most betted on player to win the recent U.S. Open and when female golfers arrived in Pinehurst for the U.S., the media said that women ran to Spieth for his autograph.
If you don’t want to take my word for it… here is what golfing veterans are saying about Jordan Spieth and his style of play:
"Nerves are no big deal to him," said 2014 Masters Champion Bubba Watson told reporters after playing with Spieth in the Masters "He's a great player and a guy like that, he obviously has no fear. He's special."
"The thing I like about Jordan's game is he hits all the shots,” said three time Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. “He's not one-dimensional by any means. He hits cuts. He hits draws. He brings it in low. He shapes the ball into pins. He has the ability to go really low. To see a guy at 20 years old hitting all the shots… it's only going to get more refined."
Hall of Fame golfer and current golf commentator Johnny Miller also had some nice words for Spieth during this year’s Players Championship: "I think the average American is thinking this is the new guy. This is the most exciting thing in golf right now. He has the 'it' factor. He gets it done, is the bottom line."
He may only have one major win, but let’s keep in mind that he cannot even buy himself a drink yet. Keep your eye on Spieth as he continues to give Longhorns a name to be proud about.
Women's Basketball in the NCAA Tourney
The Texas women’s basketball team earned a No. 5 seed and will head to College Park, Maryland to take on No. 12 Penn this Sunday for their first game in the NCAA tournament.
Texas finished their season fourth in the Big 12 Conference with an overall record of 21-11. Although the team definitely had their struggles, especially on the road, the Longhorns had a much-improved season, earning them a spot in the tournament.
The Horns won four out of their last five games, but lost to West Virginia in the Big 12 semifinals. The team heads to College Park with a lot of momentum and drive, and will face the post-season for the first time with Coach Karen Aston.
As for their opponent, the University of Pennsylvania Quakers will be coming off the program’s first Ivy League title since the 2003-04 season. The Quakers No. 12 seed is the highest seed in program history.
However, the Longhorns definitely are the favorite to win Sunday’s matchup. Even though the Quakers went 22-6 overall this season, their schedule was ranked 130th in difficulty. Texas’s schedule was ranked 10th toughest in the nation.
In order to come out with the ‘W,’ the Longhorns need their stars Nneka Enemkpali and Imani McGee-Stafford to be focused and on their game.
Enemkpali was named All Big-12 First Team, finishing her season with the second-most rebounds (8.8 rpg). The junior also led the Horns in scoring (12.5 ppg) and shooting percentage (.527). Enemkpali is only the second Texas women’s basketball team member to earn first-team honors in the last eight seasons. Her incredible season shows her improvement on the court as she jumped from winning Honorable Mention last year to winning first-team this year.
Sophomore Imani McGee-Stafford earned a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team this season. McGee-Stafford racked up 42 blocks during conference play–second most in the league and led her team with a 54.1 percent shooting percentage from the field. McGee Stafford is a consistent player and is not a newbie to these awards despite her young age. Last year, she won Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Freshman of the Week six times last season, and earned her first Big 12 Player of the Week title two weeks ago.
Although they are the favorite for Sunday’s game, it will be interesting to see these two teams battle it out in Maryland. The tipoff is at 2 p.m. central time on ESPN and will be the first matchup between Texas and Penn.
2014 Softball Preview
A little less than a year after a tough loss in the semi-finals of the 2013 Women’s College World Series, Texas softball looks to have another stellar season– this time without Blaire Luna and Taylor Hoagland.
The Longhorns began their season last week with a rough start, giving them a 4-3 record, which included a home opener loss for only the third time in team history. Although Texas has a tough February schedule, it seems like this will definitely be a rebuilding and an adjustment season for the Longhorns.
Easily the most questionable aspect for the Horns this season is who will replace all-star pitcher Blaire Luna, who graduated last season. Texas has four pitchers on the roster this year, but the favorite is junior Gabby Smith, who is 2-1 pitching so far. The other three pitchers are sophomore Holly Kern, freshman Lauren Slattern, and freshman Tiara Davis. All four pitchers can expect to see a lot of playing time this month as head coach Connie Clark tries to establish a reliable rotation before Big 12 play begins in March.
But while these four pitchers might lack experience, they will get a big helping hand from catcher Mandy Ogle. The senior led Texas’s defense last season and will be a great asset to these newcomers trying to earn their spot on the mound.
And while Mandy Ogle leads the defense, senior Taylor Thom is expected to lead the offense as she hopes to improve upon her successful junior season. Thom’s incredible athleticism and statistics led her to be chosen as a member of the 2013 USA Women’s National Team this past summer. Thom is a threat on the mound and is ready to take on the challenge of leading a team with 14 underclassmen.
Although Ogle and Thom know exactly what they need to do this season, there are seven new freshmen joining the Longhorns who will be filling in at key positions for the Horns this season.
One of those rookies is Devon Tunning. The freshman shortstop joins Texas after an all-star season at Montgomery High School, where she hit four home runs with a .580 batting average her senior year. According to a recent interview with The Daily Texan, Tunning has already set her standards high, hoping to both win Big 12 Freshman of the Year and to compete in the College World Series this season.
What the Texas Softball team needs to focus on is confidence and consistency. It will definitely be a challenge for the Longhorns to get things going, but the team does show a large amount of potential. The Longhorns have some big tournaments coming up against some tough teams, which should help them get situated before Big 12 play starts on March 22 against Baylor.
Taking Bad Schotz- An Online Sports Opinion Blog
Lauren was a contributor for any and all sports. Here are three examples below!
Tyrone Swoopes Article
Posted September 2013
With David Ash still questionable for Saturday’s game due to fourth quarter injuries two weeks ago against BYU, there is no doubt in my mind that Tyrone Swoopes should be the Longhorns’ starting quarterback against Kansas State. David Ash returned to practice Wednesday, but is still being evaluated for his head and shoulder injuries. The odds don’t seem to be in his favor.
Going down the list of Texas QBs, the next person to be chosen is technically number two Case McCoy (not to be confused with his actually talented brother Colt). Last week, the senior got to start against Ole Miss, where he threw for a mere 196 yards, resulting in a disappointing 44-23 loss. In his four years at Texas, Case McCoy has certainly been nothing to stand up and cheer about. McCoy played 23 games, threw for 1,831 yards, passed for 13 touchdowns, and threw seven interceptions. These stats all add up to a dismal 58.9 career completion percentage.
Given this knowledge, it is clear that McCoy is not the answer for Saturday’s starter. So, we move to spot number three, freshman QB Tyrone Swoopes. Known around the Forty Acres as the Longhorns “best kept secret,” this Texas native truly has what it takes to bring some fire to a defeated Longhorn team. Back at the Orange and White Game in April, Swoopes clearly proved that he was both a dual-threat and better candidate than backup Case McCoy. If you ask me, it’s time for Texas to let out this not-so-little secret.
Although fans should not get too ahead of themselves, Swoopes really can be the next Vince Young for this team. Think about it. As a freshman, Swoopes already has the huge build of Young, coming in at 6’4” and 230 pounds. Not only is Swoopes big, but he is also incredibly fast. Swoopes outruns defenders easily with long strides that make him look like he is simply jogging. Most quick quarterbacks, like Denard Robinson, have the fast feet, but not the height. Swoopes has both, which will help him take hits at the end of runs.
Despite the fact that Swoopes’ arm is certainly not perfect, he can consistently throw a catchable football, unlike David Ash. Swoopes struggles with short, accurate practices (like Vince Young), but he has a strong arm that can get the ball far down the field. In addition to his arm, Swoopes can scramble extremely well and can improvise when his read is not open, another thing that Ash and McCoy are clearly challenged by.
If Mack Brown wants to make his hot seat a little cooler, I think he should give Swoopes a chance. Texas fans have little trust in McCoy, and even if fans trust Ash, there is a good chance he will not be playing this Saturday. It will be very interesting to see what happens tomorrow night at Darrell K. Royal Stadium.
Yasiel Puig All-Star Bid
Posted June 2013
Although he may not know how to speak English, 22 year-old Cuban native Yasiel Puig has proved that he can definitely speak the game of baseball. This language barrier is not giving this fresh-faced rookie any issues marking his territory in the Dodgers’ ball club.
However, some critics of Puig are arguing that his short performance in the MLB is not enough to earn him a spot in this year’s All-Star Game. Some say it is “Rookie Luck.” Some say it is an insult to those who have held the same batting percentage all season. And most say Puig just has not been in the game long enough.
But, how can critics argue with his unseen and shocking stats. First Dodger to have five multi-hit games in his first seven games…Ended his first week in the majors with a .464 batting average (13-for-28), four home runs, and 10 RBIs…38 hits in the 23 games he has played…Second player since 1900 with four homers in five MLB games… to name a few.
Putting Puig in the All Star Game is undoubtedly a tough argument to sell. But, with the pace he is going, and the reaction he is getting, I would say he deserves some consideration. Puig has been in the Los Angeles Times almost every day since his debut on June 3. He is now the face of new Dodgers’ advertisements. Heck, Puig even has Vin Scully tweeting about how shocking his rookie performance is.
Perhaps the most important aspect, besides his stats, is that the fans love him. I mean, baseball is “For the Love of the Game” isn’t it? Although Puig’s play may be risky and unconventional to some, it seems like it’s working for the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to the Dodger Stadium Merchandising Official, No. 66 Jerseys have sold out every night before the game even begins. If someone can give a currently awful Dodgers team hope, make kids go buy jerseys, and make the stadium actually begin to look full, why shouldn’t he be considered for the game?
I think that it is safe to argue that regardless of time in the league, age, or any other reason critics can argue against Puig, if the Dodgers want to send an All-Star from their current roster the Citi Field, it should be Puig. The All-Star Game is about the fans getting to see players who are exciting, talented, and worthy. Even though Yasiel Puig has played a mere 23 games, this is the All-Star Game, and Puig has proven to be a star in his short time in the big leagues. The only way this sensational rookie is going to make his way into the All-Star Game is by write-in votes by the fans. It’ll be interesting to see if the fans come through for the Cuban phenom.
July 4th Bruins and Stars Trade
Posted June 2013
This past Thursday, the Boston Bruins and the Dallas Stars gave the NHL a “trade of fireworks” involving seven players. The Bruins sent Tyler Seguin, Ryan Button, and Rich Peverley to the Stars, and received Loui Eriksson, Matt Fraser, Joe Morrow and Reilly Smith in return. Although seven players were involved, most of the talk about this trade revolves around Tyler Seguin and Loui Eriksson.
The big question is, which team made the better trade? Many commentators and journalists have their opinions, but I would argue that both Boston and Dallas have many reasons to be pleased with this risky trade based on their specific needs.
Despite the fact that Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli feels that Seguin has some growing up to do, I think Dallas has scored big time in acquiring him. Even at his young age of 21, Seguin has played in more NHL games than any other rookie, giving him more experience than most young hockey players. This means that not only will the Stars be acquiring an experienced and skilled forward, but they will also be getting one with his best years ahead of him.
Another reason Dallas should be thrilled with this trade is that Seguin will finally be playing center, which is the position that even his now former coach Claude Julien says he should be playing. Although Seguin was successful at right wing with Boston, he will have a much better scoring percentage playing center. This also gives Dallas’s power forward Jamie Benn a chance to play right wing, which he rarely played while Eriksson was on the roster. Not only does Eriksson’s departure give Jamie Benn a chance to play his true position, but it will also give opportunity to players like Alex Chiasson or Brett Ritchie to step up.
On the other hand, Boston is getting a lot of talent and experience with winger Loui Eriksson. It is well known that Boston has depth in the center position. By letting Seguin go and making room for someone meant to play the right wing, Erikssson will add a great offensive threat to the Bruins’ starting line with Bergeron and Krejci. Another thing that veteran Eriksson can do that Seguin could not this season, is score. Eriksson has four straight seasons with over 25 goals and he is known for his aggression and commitment on the ice. Eriksson also brings a defensive threat with his knack for penalty killing.
As far as salary cap (the reason that most say the Bruins’ were willing to let go of Seguin), Boston’s willingness to let go of Seguin for money concerns is understandable. New star goalie Tuukka Rask is easily the majority of the reason that the Bruins’ made it to the Stanley Cup finals, and Boston’s most important move this off-season is signing their restricted free agent goaltender. Keeping Rask on the roster should give the Bruins’ a lot of assurance going into the 2013-14 season.
However, if I had to pick the team who scored the most out of this trade, it would be the Stars. Chiarelli’s main complaint of Seguin was that his playoff stats were not the best and that he needs to mature and focus on his game. To be fair, Chiarelli is right. In his last 40 playoff games, Seguin has a mere 12 points; and, he has often been found out late partying at bars. But, even though Seguin may have some growing up to do both on and off the ice, sending away a former No. 2 overall draft pick and the Bruins leading scorer in the 2011-12 season (67 points), will definitely come back to haunt Boston.
I think Chiarelli is forgetting that Seguin is only 21 years old. Although his failure in the postseason is inexcusable, Seguin is bound to improve as the years go on. There is no doubt in my mind that he will get better both with his maturity and with his physical game. Despite the fact that the Bruins mostly let him go because of salary cap, I believe they could have figured out ways to find cap space without giving up a rookie with such potential. Seguin has a long, successful career ahead of him, and I think this trade will leave many Bostonians wondering why their management let him be “the one that got away.”