McMurry University Athletics 4 War Hawks’ Nest Notes

For four years now, Connor Robinson has labored with the same intensity and work ethic for the War Hawks’ men’s basketball program. Now in 2014-15, others are starting to notice the fruits of his labor. � at’s because Robinson has put up some eye-popping numbers in the early throes of the campaign.

For example, a� er the � rst two games of the year, Robinson was averaging 40.5 points and 18.0 rebounds per game! He had come within a point of tying the single game scoring record in the season opener with 44 points at Concordia-Texas and then had a career-best 21 rebounds in a win at Centenary (and also scored a meager 37 points that game). He has tallied in double digits in every game (with the exception of at Wayland Baptist when he was hit in the face during the � rst minute of action and could not � nish the game).

For his e" orts, Robinson was also named as a National Christian College Athletic Association “Student-Athelte of the Week” once, thus far in the season.

“Connor is a modern-day lumberjack,” McM head coach Clif Carroll said. “He comes to the gym and ‘chops wood.’ He plays with incredible passion and toughness. “He’s playing the best ball of his career.”

Robinson is also the team’s top academic scholar-athlete, earning rec-ognition on the academic all-conference honor roll last season. He is a business � nance major at McM.

Connor is the son of Steve Robinson and Christine Robinson. He is a native of Austin and came to McMurry from Bowie High School.

Great Starts! Remschel & Robinson Fast Out of the Blocks for their Respective Sports

� � � � � � � � � � � Freshman Makes a Big Splash in First Season Senior Having a Career Start on the Court

Freshman swimmer Robyn Remschel

Senior hoopster Connor Robinson

At 6-foot-2, when freshman Robyn Remschel walks onto the pool deck at the Phillips Family Center you might think she made a wrong turn in Kimbrell Arena and belongs on the basketball court. However, as soon as the Fredericksburg, Texas native gets into the water, you know she’s in her element.

Since joining the War Hawks program this season, all Remschel has done is win races and help the McM women’s swim team to a 2-2 dual meet record up to its holiday break.

In seven competitions - both dual meets and invitationals - Remschel has compiled some pretty impressive numbers. In her specialty event -the backstroke - she is 7-0 (5-0 at 100 yards and 2-0 at 200 yards). At the pres-tigious Southlake Shootout, she won both the 100 and 200 backstrokes, the latter by nearly three full seconds! She also earned the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference’s “Swimmer of the Week” award once.

Remschel’s pro� ciency in the backstroke has also helped War Hawk med-ley relay teams to four total victories, as well, with her on the lead leg. She has also proven de� in the freestyle, as well, twice � nishing second in that short race and earning a win with a 200 freestyle relay quartet.

And Remschel isn’t just good; she’s getting better. She has already lopped nearly 2 1/2 seconds o" of her early-season time in the 100 back and has

had similar improve-ment in the 200, as well. Just to put her accomplishments into perspective, midway through her � rst season of collegiate competition, Remschel is already within 1.3 seconds of the school records in both back-stroke events!

Robyn is the daughter of Robert and Valerie Remschel, and is a graduate of Fredericksburg High School. She also swam for the Heart of Texas Swim Team in club competition. Robyn’s brother - David - graduated from McM, as well, and was an accomoplished theater student.

McMurry University Athletics 4 War Hawks’ Nest Notes

The View from My Perchby Sam Ferguson

McMurry University

Director of Athletics

I don’t know about you, but there is always something magical about the Christmas season. While the true reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, for me it is also a time to recall all of our blessings. And, we are truly blessed at McMurry!

We have wonderful scholar-athletes who we are blessed to serve. � e young people who study and compete on this campus is a special group. I have been impressed with the e� ort our scholar-athletes put forth in all areas. Not only do we have competitive standouts, who are featured in this month’s newsletter, but we also have shining stars in the classroom. I’m proud that our scholar-athletes work hard to reach their academic goals. � e Sunday prior to exams, I was lucky enough to serve food to our students during the student a� airs Late Night Study Breakfast. It was great to see a large number of our scholar-athletes hauling around books and tablets, working hard to ensure academic success. � ere is no wonder as to why there were so many fall athletes recognized for their academic achievement.

We have an amazing sta� in our athletics department, both coaching and administrative. � ese folks truly love what they do and labor every day to bring McMurry to the forefront of small college athletics. Whether it’s the day-to-day tasks of serving our scholar-athletes, or giving up a portion of the holiday break to assist in hosting a UIL playo� football game, bringing prospective students to our campus, our sta� is dedicated to McMurry. � is stretches across campus, with faculty and sta� who “bleed Maroon” right along with us. I am truly thankful to everyone who works to make the War Hawks experience an exceptional one.

Another way we have been truly blessed here at McM is in the area of support from folks like YOU! We are fortunate to have loyal donors who share their resources so that McMurry Athletics may continue to grow. We know that we can’t do it alone. Every touchdown, every goal, every basket, and every victory are made possible through the generosity of others. Most importantly, your support helps us support our scholar-ath-letes in ways that reach far beyond the various venues of play. While we certainly set our sights on championships, our most important mission is to graduate scholar-athletes. We want to prepare leaders for tomorrow, while teaching life skills through sport and are grateful for the role you play in helping us achieve our mission.

Last week I opened a letter from an alumnus, which accompanied a gi� to the program. � e letter simply stated, “Please teach the young people you in� uence respect and honor above all else.” What a great reminder of our true charge as Division III coaches and administrators.

Here is to a joyful and peaceful holiday season for you and yours. May the true “Reason for the Season,” shine through!

We are Always McMurry!

Ala Cumba!

Sam

War Hawks’ Honors & Awards

Garrett BettsMen’s Golf

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Leah MorganWomen’s Golf

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Randi HanfeldWomen’s Golf

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Cameron WallaceWomen’s Golf

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Alyssa FieldsWomen’s Cross CountryNCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Leah DoughtyWomen’s Cross CountryNCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Mary A! eckWomen’s Cross CountryNCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Carissa TerryWomen’s Cross CountryNCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Catherine HeathVolleyball

NCCAA All-RegionNCCAA All-American

(2nd team)

Kayla HinesVolleyball

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete NCCAA All-Region

Katy HeadrickVolleyball

NCCAA All-Region

Audrey SandersVolleyball

NCCAA All-Region

Kristen GrantWomen’s Soccer

NCCAA Scholar-AthleteCoSIDA Academic All-Region

Kelsey HarkinsVolleyball

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Holiday WilliamsWomen’s Soccer

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Jacob HowdeshellMen’s Soccer

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Michael von Ende-BeckerMen’s Soccer

NCCAA Scholar-Athlete

Robyn RemschelWomen’s Swimming

SCAC Swimmer of the Week

Connor RobinsonMen’s BasketballNCCAA National

Student-Athlete of the Week

Jeret SmithFootball

All-Lone Star (1st)NCCAA National

Student-Athlete of the WeekBSN All-Super Region (2nd)

Calvin MiddlebrooksFootball

All-Lone Star (h.m.)

Kelsey FrazierWomen’s Swimming

SCAC Swimmer of the Week

Vince CrosbyMen’s Swimming

SCAC Swimmer of the Week

McMurry University Athletics 4 War Hawks’ Nest Notes

The Week Before Christmas (at McMurry University)‘Twas the week before Christmas,and all through the gym,no athlete was stirring,…neither her…neither him.

Each War Hawk departed,having gone their own way.A break in the seasonfor the Yule holiday.

Back in their homes,feet up on the table,Xbox and Wii were the skills now most able.

� e nets were all hungFrom the rims with great care.Awaiting the basketballsA’piercing the air.

� e backboards all polished,stood � rm at attention.� e court was immaculateand of perfect dimension.

But I turned on my heelsand � icked o� the light.� ere would be no hoopsat Kimbrell Arena this night.

Halfway down the hall,I heard a familiar soundof basketballs bouncing!� e echoes abound!

I peeked back inside,to see what was the racket.And there stood St. Nick,in a Dallas Mavericks jacket.

He barked out instructionsfrom around center court.His chubby legs stretchinghis polyester shorts.

“Pass, Dasher!” “Dribble, Dancer!”“Shoot, Prancer!” “Score, Vixen!”“Hustle, Comet!” “Defense, Cupid!”“Press, Donner!” “Rebound, Blitzen!”

� e door made a creak,and I saw Santa’s image,point directly at me and ask:“Care to join in a scrimmage?”

I glanced at those antlers,and assessing the danger,declined to play versus,eight, 6-foot-9 reindeer.

But Santa’s short, portly bodywas not that of a kid.So I suggested with boldness:“How ‘bout one-on-one instead?”

He gave me a wink,then tossed me the ball, saying:“Winner’s outs. Game to 10.”� at’s all?

I took my � rst dribble,and he made a steal.At that moment I realized:Santa’s for real!

He popped a short jumper.� en a seven-foot sky hook.A lay-up; two free throws.His skills I mistook!

With the score 8-to-zero,o’er me he did soar.A Nike “swoosh” adornedthe boots that he wore.

With a powerful dunk,Santa � nished the game.Quickly departing;Much as he came.

From somewhere above,I heard his voice clear:“Merry Christmas my friend...…and better luck next year.”

by Dave Beyer, Sports Information Director

(with apologies to Clement C. Moore)

WRAPPING UP THEIR SEASON: " e McM volleyball team # nished their year at the NCCAA national tournament. But the War Hawks were also able to be involved in a very special ministry, as a part of a Christian Service Project that accompanies tourney participation.

Before the # rst ball was even hit, the War Hawks’ team members volun-teered at Vista Church in Kissimmee, Fla., tying ribbons on over 600 pairs of socks, while also wrap-ping and tagging more than 400 toys, destined for children of need.

McMurry University Athletics 4 War Hawks’ Nest Notes

Th

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There’s still time to join for 2014-15!

THE WAR HAWKS

CLUB

Show your McM Pride!Support our Scholar-Athletes!

For information call: 325-793-4631

UPCOMING

ATHLETICS

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Around the Horn: McM’s Sports Highlights

FOOTBALL: McMurry � nished its challenging 2014 schedule with a 2-8 mark. But perhaps the greatest singular moment came in the very last game of the season, versus Texas A&M-Kingsville in the Lone Star playo� s. On the very � rst play from scrimmage, McM QB Cy Ward lo� ed a perfect 61-yard TD pass to Jeret Smith (photo at right). � at made Smith McMurry’s all-time receiving yardage leader (surpassing Rory Peacock who, in a very classy move, sent Smith a pre-game message of support for his assault on the record). Smith closed his McM career with 2,729 yards (15.1 y.p.c.). Smith was the 2014 LSC leader in receiving yards (1,143) and was a � rst team all-LSC choice. Junior defensive lineman Calvin Middlebrooks was an honorable mention all-LSC pick.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: � e McM team had yet to play a single home game through the � rst six games of its 2014-15 slate, going 2-4 (a� er opening the year with two-succes-sive victories). � e injury bug hit McM early, but head coach Clif Carroll and his young roster have played through the adversity. � e 18-man roster has found leadership in vets Connor Robinson, Hondo Webb, Alex Lewis, Jordan Holmes and � ierry Tchenko as the indi-viduals become a cohesive unit.

VOLLEYBALL: For the third-straight sea-son, the War Hawks reached the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national championship tour-nament. It was a great way to cap the eighth, 20-plus win season in program history. McM was 21-13 in 2014. Four players - Catherine Heath,

Katy Headrick, Kayla Hines and Audrey Sanders - all earned recognition on the NCCAA’s all-region team. Heath was also voted as a second team NCCAA All-American.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Faced with what may be the toughest schedule in program history, McMurry’s team - under interim head coach William Milton - has had to grow together in a hurry (with just three returning players from last season). A 1-7 record to start the season belies some of the early bright spots, like junior transfer Taylor Neal’s (at right) 13.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game average at the outset.

SWIMMING: � e McM swim-mers have found some early individual successes as the 2014-15 season picks up steam. Women’s freshman Robyn Remschel has been dominating in the backstroke events (and earned a “Swimmer of the Week” award from the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference). Junior Kamron Salinas (at right) has been a con-sistent winner for the men’s squad, as well.