Bowling

Yesterday we had the opportunity to take on the bowling team for the second year in a row. We did this last year and it was really a great time so I'm glad the coaches arranged this again this year.

Our entire team was talking trash to the ladies all day but since they beat us so badly last year, this year we really believed we could get them. (Maggie's edit: men's basketball had no chance.)

I started out with two strikes, but just know that I lost every game afterward. (I do still believe that I am the best.)

We also got a chance to watch Freddy dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller, which was definitely the treat of the day. I don't want to say exactly what happened, but just know that Freddy ended up on his butt and it was quite hilarious. Sorry, Freddy, we still love you.

--Tyler

Coach Blaine

As many already know, our assistant coach, Mike Blaine, has received another opportunity at Cornell University. We had a team meeting where he broke this news to us and as a team, hearing the news was very tough for us, in addition to me personally.

I spent three years with Coach Blaine and he taught me a lot in that time. While we run sprints as a team, I can still envision him throwing up his hand and saying, "didn't touch the line!" or "face cut Hines!" I'm glad he did this as this made us better as a team and as men.

I know I can speak on behalf of my teammates and myself in saying Good Luck to Coach Blaine... you will always be a Hawk.

--Tyler

Hawk Hysteria!

Basketball season is officially upon us as Hawk Hysteria was a huge success on Friday night!

What also made the night so special was that UMES introduced the new pep band, the Thunderin' Hawks. It was a packed house as the fans, staff and teams celebrated the beginning of men's and women's basketball practices. The women's volleyball team also beat Hampton the same night (great job ladies!). Harry The Hawk also celebrated his birthday with many of his mascot friends and UMES family.

Now the season is FINALLY here. Good luck to the men's and women's basketball teams and also the volleyball team as their season winds down.

--Tyler

Thought for the Day

UMES Basketball Thought for the Day: "Focused On Excellence"

HAWK HYSTERIA

Hawk Hysteria is just two days away!!!! There has been ton of preparation for this big event, which kicks off basketball season!

The night is just jam packed with fun and entertainment. The evening begins at 6 p.m. as the volleyball team takes on Hampton. These ladies are fun to watch, so make sure you get here early to see them! Before the end of the volleyball game, the men's and women's basketball teams will be signing autographs (and their 2010-11 posters will be revealed! I know a lot of people are excited about this).

Once the volleyball game is over, the night continues with introductions of the brand spankin' new Pep Band, the Thunderin' Hawks! After this we will honor the 2010 Outdoor Track & Field National Championship participants for their hard work.

In addition to it being Hawk Hysteria, we will also celebrate our wonderful mascot's, Harry T. Hawk, birthday! We have about 10 local mascots confirmed to appear, so it's bound to be hysteria! (Oh, and there'll be FREE cake!)
After Harry's birthday celebration, we'll host contests (for fans and the teams!) before the introduction of the men's and women's teams.

I've heard a lot of rumblings about what song each player is coming out to (in addition to various dances) and I'm very curious to see this. Knowing this team, it's bound to be hilarious.

Overall, it's pretty much a night that you shouldn't miss. So much is going to happen that I haven't even described... it really is going to be hysteria.

Mid-term week

Ah, the time of year that I do not miss from my college years... it's mid-term week! Best of luck to all UMES students and student-athletes as they turn in papers/projects and take mid-term exams.

Thought of the Day

UMES Basketball Thought of the Day: Stay Focused!

Last 'free' weekend

This weekend marks the last "free" weekend that the guys will have until the end of the season as practice begins next Friday. Until April (hopefully!) everyone will be busy with practices, travel schedules, games, etc.

A lot of the guys took this time to go home and spend some downtime with family and friends before they really hit the grind (not that they're not already doing that!). I know Coach Blaine (Florida) and Coach Brown (Texas) were out of town recruiting and Coach Allen spent the weekend in D.C. with his wife and attended the Redskins-Packers game (which I do not want to talk about as the resident Cheesehead). Coach Robinson also headed home to Baltimore and hit up the Ravens game while Coach Peery went home to Roanoke.

A few of the guys decided to stay on campus and kudos to them for coming out to the Hytche and supporting the volleyball team as they defeated Morgan State (Friday) and Delaware State (today).

Hopefully everyone is now well rested, I know they're all anxious to get the season started!

Congrats Pop!

Earlier this week, the MEAC released their pre-season honors and rankings. The Hawks were projected to finish 7th in the conference and that is all I will say about that.

Hillary "Pop" Haley was also named All-MEAC Preseason Second Team. When I asked him what he felt about this, he just kind of shrugged it off and said, "well, obviously I'm honored, but I'd be much more excited if this guaranteed a MEAC ring at the end of the season." These guys are definitely about the team and the end goal, not thinking about themselves. It's refreshing to see that as I see the opposite so many times.

http://www.umeshawks.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/100510aab.html

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to redshirt sophomore guard/forward Mark Robertson!

(He's currently in the middle of workouts, so hopefully he can enjoy this day as much as possible!)