The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Forty Acres Insider: March 14
03.14.2019 | 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,
It was a difficult few days on the Forty Acres hearing the news that Men's Tennis head coach Michael Center faces charges in an investigation into admissions fraud that affected many schools across the country. After working with campus leaders Wednesday to review the situation, the difficult decision was made to relieve him of his duties at Texas effective immediately. Winning with integrity is paramount at The University of Texas and we will continue to review best practices, policies and procedures to be certain we're always aligned with that. I appreciate your continued support as we move forward.
In the meantime, our Men's Tennis program is in the midst of a tremendous season. I met with the team on Wednesday to assure them that we will do everything in our power to support them. I'm grateful for the leadership of associate head coach Bruce Berque, who will continue as interim head coach, and his efforts with our program during this challenging time. I'm so proud of how our student-athletes are handling this situation, especially the way they responded in their match on Tuesday. We have a huge match with No. 1 Ohio State at the Texas Tennis Center on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. I hope everyone will come out and get behind this team. We are all one family here and, during times of adversity, I truly appreciate the way Longhorn Nation unites.
This week is an inspirational one in Austin with the annual SXSW Conference & Festivals in full swing. Knowledge is power and there are so many dynamic and entertaining learning and networking opportunities for professional growth that our student-athletes, staff and fellow Austinites can be exposed to during the 10-day event. It's just so cool to have all of these talented and creative people from around the country and the world joining us here in our great city for smart conversations and innovative thought in everything from technology, film, art, trade shows and, of course, music. It's the interactive center of the world for a week and a half and just another wonderful celebration of living and loving life in Austin.
On the Forty Acres, Baseball again takes center stage this weekend with a big-time, early-season Big 12 Conference series against No. 11 Texas Tech at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The place was really rockin' last time out as we swept the LSU Tigers, and I'm looking forward to another group of rambunctious Longhorns fans energizing the Disch as conference play begins. You can truly affect our team and help lead us to victory so come on out and cheer hard for your Horns!
Kansas City is the hub for the Big 12 Men's Basketball tournament once again and you can cheer on our Longhorns in our opening game against Kansas Thursday at 8:30 p.m. If you can't be in KC, tune in on ESPN2 and let's knock off those Jayhawks!
We appreciate all of you and are thankful for the support you provide as we continue to put the "T" back in Texas.
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Hook 'em, Horns!
Remembering Bill Powers
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of former UT President Bill Powers, a true Longhorn treasure. I want to echo the sentiments of current UT President Greg Fenves, send our condolences, and ask that Longhorn Nation keeps Bill and his family in their thoughts and prayers. Read more.
Ludacris headlines Longhorn City Limits postgame concert
Texas Athletics is proud to announce international hip-hop icon Ludacris as the Longhorn City Limits postgame concert headliner following Texas Football's Orange-White Game presented by Living Spaces on Saturday, April 13 as part of 'Made in Austin Weekend'. Joining Ludacris on the Longhorn City Limits postgame lineup is Austin urban hip-hop artist Noah North. North, whose 2016 single "Goat" went viral with over 12 million views, opens the show. Read more.
Women's Basketball hosts NCAA Selection Show watch party
Coach Karen Aston and the Women's Basketball team host an NCAA Selection Show watch party Monday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. as the Longhorns prepare to make their 32nd all-time and sixth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance. The event is held in the Lone Star Room of the Frank Erwin Center. Admission is free, but please RSVP by emailing FastBreakClub@athletics.utexas.edu. Read more.
Haas named Sullivan Award semifinalist
Congrats to our tremendous student-athlete, team leader and outstanding swimmer Townley Haas on being named a semifinalist for the 2019 AAU James E. Sullivan Award. The honor is given out to the premier amateur athlete in the United States. Haas is an Olympic gold medalist, seven-time NCAA Champion, and holds 15 Big 12 titles. Read more.
Seventeen earn All-American honors
Our Indoor Track and Field squad featured 17 Longhorns earning All-America honors. Congrats to all of these talented student-athletes on a tremendous indoor season and looking forward to more big things this outdoor season. Read more.
Barr named Texas Relays honorary referee
What a thrill it is to announce that James Barr, Assistant Athletics Director for Game Operations and Meet Director of the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, will honored as the 2019 Honorary Referee. James is passionate, dedicated, loyal, and as hard of a worker as you'll ever be around. He is truly a servant leader and always does it with a great attitude and a smile. The Texas Relays is the perfect place to honor him because he loves managing what is one of the nation's premier track and field events and represents Texas at the highest level in doing so. Read more.
Currie named Wake Forest AD
John Currie is a dear friend, and I'm so grateful for his help and support these past several months. Wake Forest University is fortunate to have such a transformational leader taking the helm of its athletic department. Congratulations John, what an awesome opportunity to lead a place that you know so well and love so much! Read more.
Continued success for Golf programs
Congrats to our Men's and Women's Golf teams on their outstanding outings. The women won the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational in Hawaii, their third tourney win this year. The men finished second at the Lamkin Classic in San Diego.