The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
03.16.2021 | Forty Acres Insider
Important news 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>]
Longhorn Nation,
Last weekend was a spectacular one filled with tons of Texas Athletics success, highlighted by our first-ever Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament title and a 14-1 record covering many of our sports in head-to-head competitions. But while I was cheering on our Men's and Women's Basketball teams in Kansas City and following all of our other sports closely, I couldn't help but think back to this time last year. It's truly amazing to consider what we've been through and how far we've come.
It was March 12 one year ago, and a day all of us will never forget as the sports world was among the many things affected by COVID-19 and a health crisis that greatly impacted our country and the world. Witnessing our Men's team being pulled from the court as they warmed up for their Big 12 quarterfinal matchup with Texas Tech that Thursday morning and seeing both the Men's and Women's teams load buses to return to Austin that day was heartbreaking. We did not yet realize the magnitude of the coronavirus at the time, but with an abundance of caution for the health and safety of all, competition was cancelled across the board, and that included our Track & Field team that was preparing for the NCAA Indoor Championships in Albuquerque. Eventually, the phone call came that informed us of the NCAA's decision to cancel the remainder of the winter and spring sports championships and ultimately the seasons, as well. It was such a helpless feeling telling our student-athletes that we weren't going to be able to play because of something outside of their control. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. We knew it was for all the right reasons, as the welfare of everyone involved was paramount, but for Coach Smart's red-hot team that had won five of its last six games, Swimming & Diving and Track & Field programs in the hunt for NCAA Championships, along with a collection of spring sports programs that were all highly ranked, it was crushing news.
So much has happened during the days, weeks and months that have passed. We all wound up isolated, working from home, and Zoom calls became the norm. As we worked through it, our beloved student-athletes were forced to head home as their facilities were shut down to prevent the spread of the virus. The pandemic split us apart, caused a great deal of angst and affected everyone. It was a challenging time during which a day did not go by where collectively, we didn't discuss, prepare and plan health and safety protocols and establish avenues for our student-athletes to return to competition in the sports they love.
As we continue with testing and the many procedures necessary to manage the pandemic to this day, I reflect on the fact that sports are so galvanizing in our country. It's an outlet for positive energy, inspiration, entertainment and excitement. With limited capacity for you — the best fans in America — and our awesome broadcast partners like LHN and the Longhorn Radio Network sharing the action, we joined our Big 12 partners to find a way to play Football, Soccer and Volleyball in the fall. The success of those seasons, which included an Alamo Bowl victory and our No. 2-ranked Volleyball squad securing the Big 12 Championship, led to continued progress to compete in all sports. There have been many obstacles, constant times of change and adjustments, and of course, numerous COVID tests — more than 27,000 to this day. It has been an unprecedented and extraordinary 12 months. And I'll tell you what, I couldn't be prouder of our student-athletes, because they stuck with us, took care of their business, and as a Longhorn Nation, we all rallied behind them. What they've been through, the challenge they accepted and the way they have not only survived but thrived has been incredible to witness.
So, as I watched our Men's Basketball team raise that Big 12 Tournament Championship trophy high, while our point guard extraordinaire Matt Coleman earned Most Outstanding Player honors, I was just beaming with joy, especially knowing that trophy was headed to the Lone Star State for the very first time. Also over the weekend in Fayetteville, Tara Davis set a collegiate record in winning the national title in the long jump and our Track & Field teams had many All-American performances. Additionally, Baseball swept No. 12 South Carolina at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Softball went 4-0 at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Men's and Women's Tennis both posted victories, Women's Basketball advanced to the Big 12 Tournament semifinals and our divers were dominant at the NCAA Zone D Diving Championships. Gosh dang it, it's just a glorious time to be a Longhorn, and we know there are brighter days ahead.
It's March Madness time as Men's Basketball is in their NCAA Tournament bubble in Indianapolis, and Women's Basketball will soon be doing the same in San Antonio. Swimming & Diving will be going for the gold at the NCAA Championships, first the Women this week then the Men next. They joined Track & Field in sweeping the Big 12 Men's and Women's titles in early March to make that an unprecedented 42 straight for our Longhorn Legend Eddie Reese, as well as a perfect nine for nine in Coach Capitani's tenure at Texas. That's six Big 12 titles already for our Longhorns already, and in this very unique academic year that has virtually all of our sports in action, we plan to be Lighting the Tower Orange many more times in the seasons ahead … hopefully for National Championships too!
We could not have done it without you! We are so grateful for everyone who continues to help us get through these trying times. There have been numerous remarkable examples of teamwork combined with a whole lot love and caring. We appreciate you and your never-ending support more than you'll ever know. We're not out of the woods yet, but I look forward to continued progress through this pandemic. All of us in Texas Athletics are proceeding with great hope and anticipation that we'll be playing in front of stadiums and arenas full of Burnt Orange and White as soon as we can. In the meantime, keep the faith and keep your Horns Up!
Stay safe, be healthy and Hook 'Em Horns,
Chris Del Conte
P.S. – So fired up for our guy "Matty Ice"! Game winning free throws against Tech then drops 30 in the Championship Game! Couldn't be happier for a magnificent player and person!!
P.S. II – Wear it loud and proud Longhorn Nation! Get that Big 12 Champions gear now!!
HEADLINES
Men's Basketball Ranked No. 9 in Final AP Poll
The Longhorns earn spot in the final AP rankings for the first time since 2010-11 season.
VIDEO: Shaka Smart NCAA Tourney Announcement Media Availability
Men's Basketball head coach met with the media via Zoom on Sunday night following the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.
2021 Texas Football Pro Day
Nine former Longhorns displayed their abilities for NFL scouts.
2021 Football season ticket deposits on sale now
Join Coach Sark TODAY and guarantee your spot at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Track and Field collects 26 USTFCCCA All-America honors
The Longhorns had 20 student-athletes collect 26 All-America honors during the indoor season.
No. 10 Baseball preview: UTRGV
The Longhorns close a five game homestand against UTRGV on Tuesday night.
No. 2 Volleyball preview: at Texas State
Texas travels for the first time this spring to face Texas State in San Marcos.
No. 2 Volleyball's Eggleston, Butler earn Big 12 weekly honors
Logan Eggleston and Brionne Butler were named Big 12 Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively.
No. 10/11 Softball combines for 31 runs in sweeping past Tarleton State & BYU
Over the two match-ups, Texas batted .533 (32-for-60) as a team with 14 extra-base hits and a 1.562 OPS.
No. 10/11 Softball preview: at McNeese State & No. 14 Louisiana
The Longhorns head back to Louisiana for three combined match-ups against the Cowgirls & Ragin Cajuns.
Pineda wins Women's platform on final day of NCAA Zone D Diving Championship
Pineda, Boyle and Skilken earn NCAA qualifying spots on Women's platform; Windle, Duperre, Harness and McCourt claim spots on Men's 1-meter.
VIDEO: Inside look at Diving's dryland training with Matt Scoggin
Diving coach Matt Scoggin gives a behind-the-scenes look at UT's dryland training system.
Women's Golf Wins Wildcat Invitational
The Longhorns dominated the two-day tournament, winning by 25 shots in Arizona.
No. 9 Men's Golf preview: George Hannon Invitational
The Longhorns host their first tournament at the UT Golf Club on Monday and Tuesday.
Women's Basketball legend Jody Conradt receives 2021 Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award
The legendary Longhorn head coach received the prestigious honor on Wednesday.
Lambert selected to WBCA 2021 "So You Want To Be A Coach" class
Texas point guard Kyra Lambert will take the first steps in pursuing her coaching career later this month.
No. 6 Men's Tennis downs Rice, 6-1
The Longhorns completed their four-match road stretch with a perfect record with their win in Houston on Friday.
Soccer's Lexi Missimo reaps Top Drawer Soccer national honors
The freshman midfielder scored her first collegiate goal and dished a pair of assists in her Texas debut.
All-session tickets on sale now for 93rd Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays
The Texas Relays will be held Thursday, March 25 - Saturday, March 27 at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
Texas Athletics Announces Safety Measures for 2021 Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays
93rd edition of nation's premier event will run March 25-27.
No. 2 Rowing Announces 2021 Schedule
Texas will host Longhorn Invitational and Big 12 Championship.
Rowing ranked No. 2 in preseason USRowing/CRCA poll
Longhorns attain highest preseason ranking and receive program-best six first-place votes.
