The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
11.13.2018 | Forty Acres Insider
Important news, interesting tidbits and exciting stories happening in and around Texas Athletics compiled by Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. [<a href="http://texassports.com/archives.aspx?path=forty_acres_insider">Forty Acres Insider archives</a>]
Greetings Longhorn Nation,
As we head into another exciting week I want to take a moment to reflect on Veterans Day. For everyone across our country, it was a day to honor the brave men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms. It also was an incredibly special and humbling day for me as I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take part in the wreath laying ceremony at the Frank Denius Veterans Memorial Plaza outside of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The inscription on the wreath says it all: "We Shall Never Forget." Thank you to all of those involved for inviting me to be a part of such a tremendous event and to pay tribute to our veterans.
Along with that, it was our first Veterans Day since the passing of Frank Denius. It's a day that meant so much to him and one in which he was always involved. It was a great time to continue to honor and remember him. We miss you, my friend, but we know you were smiling down on us.
What an exhilarating night it was in Lubbock Saturday with the thrilling 41-34 victory over Texas Tech. When Lil'Jordan Humphrey hauled in that pass from Sam Ehlinger and fought his way into the end zone, emotions poured over me because after many years in this conference I know how hard it is to win in Red Raider land. It also was a bit of redemption for those of you who saw Texas Tech stun our Longhorns in comeback fashion in that very same corner of the end zone in 2008.
While I've got you, let me clear up something that went viral in the Twittersphere Saturday. I did make my way down to the field in the fourth quarter as I always do but, rest assured, reports of my expulsion from the premises of Jones AT&T Stadium were greatly exaggerated. I was on the sideline and I can confirm that there was some raucous heckling coming from the fans towards the officials. I was collateral damage as a result of the taunting and temporarily requested to leave the sideline area by said officials, who thought I was among those taking jabs at their work. Fortunately, one of Lubbock's finest police officers was standing next to me and confirmed that I had nothing to do with the boisterous activity and I was allowed to remain on the field. I saw every breathtaking second of our magnificent victory from the sidelines and proudly shook the hands of our men as they exited the field after that glorious win.
Men's and Women's Basketball both recorded victories at home last week and are off to great starts. You've got a few chances to support your Longhorns this week with both teams playing home games at the Erwin Center. The men beat UL Monroe Monday 65-55 and play The Citadel Friday (7 p.m.), while the women host McNeese State Thursday (7 p.m.).
That takes us to Saturday and another huge Big 12 contest with football championship game implications. We're back at home for a 7 p.m. kickoff against Iowa State and a matchup of top 25 teams with Cyclones coming in at No. 18. Both teams are 5-2 in conference play. Bevo Blvd. opens at 2 p.m. and Longhorn City Limits presents Mobley and Ghostland Observatory at 4 p.m. on the LBJ Lawn. To cap off the night, the silent disco immediately follows the game. It's our last time this season to celebrate our great University on another football gameday, so let's do it up big!
Once again, thank you all for your continued support and, together, helping us put the "T" back in "Texas."
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Hook 'em, Horns!
Celebrating #DKR500
Texas Athletics remembers the great history of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium this week as the Longhorns prepare to play their 500th football game at one of the nation's most iconic venues. We'll be reliving some memorable games and unforgettable moments on our social media platforms and TexasSports.com as we lead up to the game. Share your memories with #DKR500. Read more.
Cross Country advances to NCAAs
Both Cross Country teams had strong finishes last Friday in College Station, and it was exciting to see them both advance to the NCAA Championship Saturday in Madison, Wisconsin. Good luck to our Horns as they represent us on the national stage. Read more.
Men's Basketball at the Armed Forces Classic
Men's Basketball participated in the Armed Forces Classic last week, an incredible experience. Held in Soto Gym at Fort Bliss with a national audience celebrating our military on ESPN, the game was played in front of 1,400 service members and their families. What an awesome opportunity for our program and unforgettable moment for our student-athletes. And the Longhorns defeated Arkansas, 73-71, in an exciting overtime victory. Read more.
FOX Sports spotlight: Andrew Beck
Take time to watch this phenomenal video on tight end Andrew Beck, his career at Texas, and the adversities he overcame to become a leader and captain on the Football team. Beck is one of the 26 seniors we'll have an opportunity to honor and thank at Senior Day Saturday. Watch video here.
Volleyball chasing Big 12 title
Congratulations to the Volleyball team which posted a pair of Big 12 wins over K-State and Kansas last week to guarantee a share of the conference title. Now it's on to a key road match at Baylor this week to continue to push for that outright Big 12 Championship.
Outstanding Young Texas Ex Awards
Congratulations to former student-athletes Michelle Carter (track and field) and Bryan Jones (swimming) who have been selected as 2018 Outstanding Young Texas Exes. In addition to events on campus, they will be honored at Saturday's Football vs. Iowa State game. Read more.
Longhorn Invitational
I want to give a big shout out to our staff who hosted the Men's Tennis Longhorn Invitational this past weekend. The event was a great way to cap the fall season with teams from all over the country coming to our city and amazing tennis facility. Read more.
Texas and Georgia agree to future football series
I am thrilled to announce that Football will play a home-and-home series with SEC power Georgia in 2028 and 2029. Texas hosts Georgia on Sept. 2, 2028 at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. then travels to Sanford Stadium in Athens on Sept. 1, 2029. Texas has played Georgia four times with the Longhorns holding a 3-1 advantage. Read more.
Coach Mike White and Softball
How about our Softball team going 7-0 in fall ball? Head coach Mike White is doing an amazing job building his program and we're fired up to cheer on the Longhorns this spring. Read more.
Women's Swimming and Diving
Kudos to the No. 1 Women's Swimming and Diving team who traveled to Cal and knocked off the No. 5 Bears, 163-137, last Saturday. The Texas divers are back Nov. 14-16 at the Texas Swimming Center for the Hall of Fame Invitational; the swimmers compete in their Hall of Fame Invitational two weeks later.
