By Natalie Pearson
The Bulldog baseball season begins this weekend in front of a home crowd at Greenwood Field. The team will face non-conference opponents Murray State – a Division I school traditional in good baseball. However, with UNC Asheville’s enhanced roster, cosmetic improvements to the dugouts, the field and the backstop, and the promise of good weather this weekend, the team is raring to go.
“I’m excited, the staff’s excited, I think the entire department’s excited and the kids are excited,” Head Coach Tom Smith said.
Since last season, the Bulldogs have welcomed 15 freshmen and two junior transfer student athletes. These players, representing a healthy mix of local and out of state athletes, carry with them the hope of a successful season.
“We’ve brought in very talented freshmen,” Smith said. “They’ll progress with seasoning and some will have important roles from the very beginning.”
The three game series against the Thoroughbreds from Kentucky will be the first match up the Bulldogs have played against them historically. The homestand will also mark the beginning of a brand new 53-game season including eight home games and 10 contests at the Asheville Tourist’s home turf, McCormick Field.
Go Bulldogs!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
By Natalie Pearson
The Bulldog men’s and women’s tennis programs are poised to begin a positive 2011 season with the addition of new players, old and new.
For the women’s team, Freshman Zoe Hamel is joining the Bulldogs all the way from Paris, and should provide some depth to a roster that is sparse due to illness and graduated players.
As for the men, the Bulldogs boast two incoming players: freshman John Schubel and junior Alex Appelt. Appelt, a former Bulldog, played at UNC Asheville from 2008 to 2010 before taking a semester sabbatical at Roanoake College, VA. He is now back in Asheville for good, and will add sparks of chemistry on and off the court.
Although the duo will help majorly in practices and team morale, the newbies will have to wait until next year’s season to get out on the courts in official match play due to NCAA Division I transfer rules.
The Big South preseason polls have picked both Bulldog teams to finish in 7th in conference play, but Asheville has proved the polls wrong in the past, and with the help of Hamel, Schubel, Appelt and 12 returning players, can do so again.
The men’s team kicks off their spring season on Feb. 4 on home turf at the Crowne Plaza. The women will begin this Friday against Davidson, at Davidson, and, after two straight years of winning seasons will be looking for a third.
Go Bulldogs!
The Bulldog men’s and women’s tennis programs are poised to begin a positive 2011 season with the addition of new players, old and new.
For the women’s team, Freshman Zoe Hamel is joining the Bulldogs all the way from Paris, and should provide some depth to a roster that is sparse due to illness and graduated players.
As for the men, the Bulldogs boast two incoming players: freshman John Schubel and junior Alex Appelt. Appelt, a former Bulldog, played at UNC Asheville from 2008 to 2010 before taking a semester sabbatical at Roanoake College, VA. He is now back in Asheville for good, and will add sparks of chemistry on and off the court.
Although the duo will help majorly in practices and team morale, the newbies will have to wait until next year’s season to get out on the courts in official match play due to NCAA Division I transfer rules.
The Big South preseason polls have picked both Bulldog teams to finish in 7th in conference play, but Asheville has proved the polls wrong in the past, and with the help of Hamel, Schubel, Appelt and 12 returning players, can do so again.
The men’s team kicks off their spring season on Feb. 4 on home turf at the Crowne Plaza. The women will begin this Friday against Davidson, at Davidson, and, after two straight years of winning seasons will be looking for a third.
Go Bulldogs!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Support UNC Asheville Volleyball and Coach Torbett
The UNC Asheville volleyball team is finally home for awhile. Bulldog fans need to take advantage of these five matches and come out and support this young team. It’s been a weird schedule for Julie Torbett’s club but when you have won as much as the Bulldogs have done the past few years its a little harder to schedule home matches.
Our fans need to support this young team that is playing its heart out every match but for Coach Torbett. She needs just two victories to reach 300 for her career, all at UNC Asheville. Coach “T” began her head coaching career back in 1994 with a win over UT-Martin, while she was pregnant with her first son Nate. A lot of wins have come since that Thursday night in late August and two more Torbett boys.
Julie’s teams have always played hard and given us some incredible volleyball action. Who can forget her 2002 team that was picked to finish in last place and finished first with a thrilling five-set win over Winthrop in the final home match of the season. The 2005 team that knocked off Memphis and Louisiana Tech and got to the Big South Conference title game. Her young 2006 team with Elif Unlu that went to another Big South title game. The Bulldogs bounced back from a tough start to finish in second place in the league standings. How about last year’s club that won the regular-season title in dramatic fashion over Winthrop on the final day of the season, 16-14 in the fifth set.
This year’s team graduated a lot from last year’s 25-10 squad. Throw in a tough non-conference schedule that has included road matches all throughout the southeast, the fact the Bulldogs are 13-10 is amazing. But Coach Torbett has amazed us time after time in her brilliant coaching career.
We need to show her the same support. Make your plans to come to Justice Center tonight, tomorrow after, next Tuesday and next weekend to support the Bulldogs.
Our fans need to support this young team that is playing its heart out every match but for Coach Torbett. She needs just two victories to reach 300 for her career, all at UNC Asheville. Coach “T” began her head coaching career back in 1994 with a win over UT-Martin, while she was pregnant with her first son Nate. A lot of wins have come since that Thursday night in late August and two more Torbett boys.
Julie’s teams have always played hard and given us some incredible volleyball action. Who can forget her 2002 team that was picked to finish in last place and finished first with a thrilling five-set win over Winthrop in the final home match of the season. The 2005 team that knocked off Memphis and Louisiana Tech and got to the Big South Conference title game. Her young 2006 team with Elif Unlu that went to another Big South title game. The Bulldogs bounced back from a tough start to finish in second place in the league standings. How about last year’s club that won the regular-season title in dramatic fashion over Winthrop on the final day of the season, 16-14 in the fifth set.
This year’s team graduated a lot from last year’s 25-10 squad. Throw in a tough non-conference schedule that has included road matches all throughout the southeast, the fact the Bulldogs are 13-10 is amazing. But Coach Torbett has amazed us time after time in her brilliant coaching career.
We need to show her the same support. Make your plans to come to Justice Center tonight, tomorrow after, next Tuesday and next weekend to support the Bulldogs.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Volleyball Player Jenna Dover Has A New Blog
Senior rightside hitter Jenna Dover will be writing a blog for the upcoming 2010 UNC Asheville volleyball season. Here are her first two entries.
VolleyBlog
Entry 2
August 3, 2010
"WORKING ON MY FITNESS"
Today, I did an entire agilities workout while listening to JOCK JAMS Volume 2. Working out, or doing anything for that matter, is better when music is playing in the background. A.D.D. could be a possible factor there. Needless to say, it was an awesome workout thanks to the music. The songs on this CD are standards for sporting events. How many times have you heard "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" at any kind of game?
When will ESPN come back to their senses and create a new volume? On the other hand, if they did, I probably won't enjoy it because the likely song selections would make the CD resemble the Now That's What I Call Music CD collection.
I would definitely include "Don't Stop Believing," "Eye of the Tiger," and "What a Feeling" on my JOCK JAMS playlist. What would be on yours?
VolleyBlog
Entry 1
July 22, 2010
"HOT OF THE PRESS"
The 2010 volleyball schedule just came out. It's a fresh start with a new season filled with new opponents. The promise of "next year;" it's why we keep coming back. This is my last "next year," though. The past three years have gone by so fast that I can't help but wonder, "How did I get here?" It feels like just yesterday I forgot my driver's license on the first road trip of my college career, which would not have been a big deal if we weren't flying to Florida State, but we were. The good thing about starting as a dunce is that you can't go anywhere but up!
With the real world lurking in the distance, will my last year as a college athlete at UNC Asheville be the "Last One there is the Rotten Egg" or "Saved the Best for Last?"
VolleyBlog
Entry 2
August 3, 2010
"WORKING ON MY FITNESS"
Today, I did an entire agilities workout while listening to JOCK JAMS Volume 2. Working out, or doing anything for that matter, is better when music is playing in the background. A.D.D. could be a possible factor there. Needless to say, it was an awesome workout thanks to the music. The songs on this CD are standards for sporting events. How many times have you heard "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" at any kind of game?
When will ESPN come back to their senses and create a new volume? On the other hand, if they did, I probably won't enjoy it because the likely song selections would make the CD resemble the Now That's What I Call Music CD collection.
I would definitely include "Don't Stop Believing," "Eye of the Tiger," and "What a Feeling" on my JOCK JAMS playlist. What would be on yours?
VolleyBlog
Entry 1
July 22, 2010
"HOT OF THE PRESS"
The 2010 volleyball schedule just came out. It's a fresh start with a new season filled with new opponents. The promise of "next year;" it's why we keep coming back. This is my last "next year," though. The past three years have gone by so fast that I can't help but wonder, "How did I get here?" It feels like just yesterday I forgot my driver's license on the first road trip of my college career, which would not have been a big deal if we weren't flying to Florida State, but we were. The good thing about starting as a dunce is that you can't go anywhere but up!
With the real world lurking in the distance, will my last year as a college athlete at UNC Asheville be the "Last One there is the Rotten Egg" or "Saved the Best for Last?"
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Ty Wigginton in the All-Star Game
The Major League All-Star game will be played tonight in Anaheim and for Bulldog fans this year’s event will definitely be worth watching.
That’s because the school’s only major league player – Ty Wigginton will be on the American League squad. Wigginton, who played at UNC Asheville from 1996-98, was picked by American League manager Joe Giradi. Ty has enjoyed a successful season with the Baltimore Orioles and has been a real bright spot for them in an otherwise tough first half for the O’s.
This is truly a great moment for Ty. He has played for five different teams, been cut twice, been sent to the minors and wasn’t scheduled to play much for Baltimore this year. The Orioles had some injuries, and Ty got put into the starting line-up, first at second base and then at first base. He carried the Orioles in the first two months of the season with his hitting.
Through it all, Ty Wigginton is the same guy that played hard for the Bulldogs each and ever day he was here. I had the pleasure of seeing him play in Boston a few weeks ago. Talking to him before a game at Fenway Park, Ty was the exact same guy I talked to at Greenwood Field in the late 90’s. Reading his interviews about being picked and watching some of his interviews on-line you see why his manager Juan Samuel said – “I’ve never heard anybody say anything bad about Wiggy. That’s why he’s getting so many calls and texts about making the All-Star Team. People are so happy for him. He plays the game the right way.”
So tonight turn your TV set on and root for Ty Wigginton. He’s one of our guys, and we’re proud of him.
That’s because the school’s only major league player – Ty Wigginton will be on the American League squad. Wigginton, who played at UNC Asheville from 1996-98, was picked by American League manager Joe Giradi. Ty has enjoyed a successful season with the Baltimore Orioles and has been a real bright spot for them in an otherwise tough first half for the O’s.
This is truly a great moment for Ty. He has played for five different teams, been cut twice, been sent to the minors and wasn’t scheduled to play much for Baltimore this year. The Orioles had some injuries, and Ty got put into the starting line-up, first at second base and then at first base. He carried the Orioles in the first two months of the season with his hitting.
Through it all, Ty Wigginton is the same guy that played hard for the Bulldogs each and ever day he was here. I had the pleasure of seeing him play in Boston a few weeks ago. Talking to him before a game at Fenway Park, Ty was the exact same guy I talked to at Greenwood Field in the late 90’s. Reading his interviews about being picked and watching some of his interviews on-line you see why his manager Juan Samuel said – “I’ve never heard anybody say anything bad about Wiggy. That’s why he’s getting so many calls and texts about making the All-Star Team. People are so happy for him. He plays the game the right way.”
So tonight turn your TV set on and root for Ty Wigginton. He’s one of our guys, and we’re proud of him.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
New Soccer Coaches Start Next Week
A new era of soccer will begin for UNC Asheville next week when new men’s soccer coach Matt Kern and women’s soccer coach Michelle Demko report to work officially.
The duo will replace the husband and wife team of Steve and Michele Cornish that guided both programs for a long time. Steve coached the men’s team for 18 years, while Michele became the Big South’s all-time winningest coach in her 16 years with the women’s team.
Matt Kern is not a stranger to Bulldog Athletics. After serving as head coach of Wofford for six years, he’s helped out both Asheville programs the past two years. Matt didn’t have a lot of luck with the Terrier program but he did lay the groundwork for Wofford’s championship team this year. The Terriers won the Southern Conference regular-season and tournament title in 2009. All 11 starters were recruited to Wofford by Matt Kern. Matt knows this year’s team pretty well and it should be a smooth transition.
Demko comes to Asheville after working at Nebraska for the past three years. She was a great player at the University of Maryland and was named as one of the top 50 players in the history of the ACC a few years ago. That’s a pretty big honor when you think of all the great players who have performed in that league over the years. It will be fun to watch her develop this year’s Bulldog team and build the program back up to the top of the Big South Conference.
The duo will replace the husband and wife team of Steve and Michele Cornish that guided both programs for a long time. Steve coached the men’s team for 18 years, while Michele became the Big South’s all-time winningest coach in her 16 years with the women’s team.
Matt Kern is not a stranger to Bulldog Athletics. After serving as head coach of Wofford for six years, he’s helped out both Asheville programs the past two years. Matt didn’t have a lot of luck with the Terrier program but he did lay the groundwork for Wofford’s championship team this year. The Terriers won the Southern Conference regular-season and tournament title in 2009. All 11 starters were recruited to Wofford by Matt Kern. Matt knows this year’s team pretty well and it should be a smooth transition.
Demko comes to Asheville after working at Nebraska for the past three years. She was a great player at the University of Maryland and was named as one of the top 50 players in the history of the ACC a few years ago. That’s a pretty big honor when you think of all the great players who have performed in that league over the years. It will be fun to watch her develop this year’s Bulldog team and build the program back up to the top of the Big South Conference.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
UNC Asheville at Tennessee Tonight In Baseball
The Bulldog Blog will be attending tonight's baseball game between UNC Asheville and the University of Tennessee. Stay up to date with everything going on in Knoxville at the ball park. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
This will be the 48th game of the season for the Bulldogs, who are currently 15-32 overall. The home-standing Volunteers are 29-23 on the year and will likely start Drew Steckenrider (0-1, 7.20 ERA).
UNC Asheville will most likely go with Drew Spear (3-4, 8.51 ERA).
The Volunteers lead the all-time series between the schools, 19-6. Tennessee is also 16-6 against the Bulldogs in Knoxville. UNC Asheville has won in Knoxville in 1989, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2005 and 2006.
Tennessee won last year's match-up, 13-3.
This will be the 48th game of the season for the Bulldogs, who are currently 15-32 overall. The home-standing Volunteers are 29-23 on the year and will likely start Drew Steckenrider (0-1, 7.20 ERA).
UNC Asheville will most likely go with Drew Spear (3-4, 8.51 ERA).
The Volunteers lead the all-time series between the schools, 19-6. Tennessee is also 16-6 against the Bulldogs in Knoxville. UNC Asheville has won in Knoxville in 1989, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2005 and 2006.
Tennessee won last year's match-up, 13-3.
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