KRQE News 13 Blog Albuquerque, NM » Sports

No more Scar at Menaul

vantate — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:36:18 +0000

He came to Menaul School 12 years ago. Kelvin Scarborough gave the school 10 winning seasons, winning Metro single A coach of the year 3 of the last 5 seasons. Tuesday Menaul and Scarborough parted ways. The former Lobo was told the school simply wanted to go in a new direction. If there is more to this story, no one is really saying. This a pairing that lasted over a decade. In that time Scarborough, helped many of his players to continue competing and find a college home. Not only his players but, many from other schools. He is one coach who truly tried to help New Mexico players get placed on the next level. He would never tell you about the free basketball camps he held for kids numerous times. You might not know about all of his work with Native American youth on reservations throughout New Mexico. He want tell you but, I just did. As long as Scar is out of the game, there will kids somewhere suffering an opportunity defeat. Let’s hope this is just halftime with Scar returning to the court when the clock winds down.

Lobo Men’s Basketball Rankings

vantate — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:12:42 +0000

Even though Lobo basketball coach Steve Alford has gone to UCLA, UNM hoops is still getting a lot of respect around the country.

Five out of seven different preseason basketball rankings have UNM in the top 25.

Sports Illustrated has them at 15, USA Today and ESPN have them at 16.

They mentioned that new coach Craig Neal was a big reason for theLobos’ success during Alford’s tenure and that the core of the team is back, minus Tony Snell.

NMSU hosting intercollegiate rodeo

Bill Diven — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:46:30 +0000

Saddle up for rodeo events, performances and the clown of the year this weekend at New Mexico State University.

The NMSU men’s and women’s rodeo teams and contestants from at least 10 other colleges from New Mexico and Arizona will be participating from Friday through Sunday.

Also joining in will be Justin Rumford, the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association 2012 Clown of the Year.

Main performances held east of Aggie Memorial Stadium begin at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday with general-admission tickets going for $5.

Additional information is available for the NMSU News Center website.

(Courtesy NMSU)

Davie in the house at New Mexico

vantate — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:15:57 +0000

Don’t look for Bob Davie to abandon Lobos Football in the near future. The second year Lobos coach has agreed to a two year extension. The new deal was announced Tuesday and will keep Davie in Lobos cherry and silver through the 2019 season. Of course Lobo fans may be holding out until Davie signs the deal. Afterall, former basketball coach Steve Alford agreed to a 10 year deal to stay with the Lobos.The UCLA Bruins can give you the details on how that worked out for New Mexico. Davie signed a six year 4.5 million dollar contract back in 2011 when he became the Lobos head coach. The financial terms from Davie’s original contract remain unchanged. Some may wonder why a coach would get an extension after only 4 wins in his first season. UNM Vice President of Athletics, Paul Krebs, says it best.
“We are excited about the direction of the Lobo football program on and off the field under coach Davie.”
The Lobos were the most improved team in the nation in scoring margin in 2012, posting an average improvement of over 25 points per game. They also finished the season fifth in the nation in rushing yards with over 300 per game. Throw in the football team grade point average of 2.62 and you see what Krebs was talking about when he made his statement.
Last year’s four win season is the most production seen in these parts in the last 3 years.The Lobos actually had a chance to win in five games that went for a loss. That means with the right break they could have won 9 games in Davie’s first year. But, could have is fantasy and the reality is four wins. In a place that has experienced a drought in the win column, that’s dinner and dessert. So what can Davie deliver in year two of his stay with New Mexico? We will see. If it is anything close to last season, there will be an appetizer with dinner and dessert the next time around.

The University of New Mexico and head football coach Bob Davie have agreed on a two-year contract extension.

The school announced Tuesday that the new seven-year agreement will run through the 2019 season.

New Mexico says the financial terms from Davie’s original contract remain unchanged.

Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs says school officials are excited about the direction of the Lobo football program on and off the field under Davie.

Davie, a former head coach at Notre Dame, signed a six-year, $4.5 million contract in late 2011 to become the Lobo’s head football coach.

Davie led the Lobos to a 4-9 record during his first season in 2012, producing more victories than the 2009 to 2011 seasons combined.

Holm ready to focus on MMA only

vantate — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:16:11 +0000

World Champion Boxer Holly Holm is stepping down from the sweet science to pursue a full time MMA career. Like all competitive athletes, Holm did leave room to return to boxing should she change her mind. Holm said she is out of the boxing game 99.9%. Going back and forth between the two sports was a mental challenge Holm welcomed in the beginning but, become more of a burden later. Holm, who has three victories against no losses as an MMA fighter said as she started to win she became more more excited about MMA. Boxing didn’t have the same excitement. Holm described the change as climbing a new mountain. The ranks of women in MMA is starting to pick up with the rise of Ronda Rousey of UFC fame. The 31 year old Holm sees limitless possibilities in the future. Mary McGee will be the last fighter to face Holm in a boxing ring May 11th in Albuquerque. Holm was hoping for a shot at Cecilia Braekhus, another world champion who goes by the nickname, “the first lady.” At a press conference announcing her plans to leave boxing, Holm expressed disappointment that a date with Braekhus never happened. The two were negotiating to fight in Las Vegas, Nevada in July before talks broke down. Holm will shut down her boxing career after 11 years and a long list of victories over some of the biggest names in the women’s fight game.

Snell makes NBA choice official

vantate — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:22:22 +0000

UNM guard Tony Snell has made it official. Snell will forego his senior season and enter the NBA Draft. Snell is no longer enrolled in school as he will spend the weeks leading up to the draft in June preparing. Snell has been told he is a mid to late second round pick. There is a chance he might not be selected at all. Snell is willing to take the risk.

It’s time! Play ball!

vantate — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:07:40 +0000

Get ready for peanuts, hotdogs and maybe an adult malted beverage as the Albuquerque Isotopes take the field tonight.

It’s Day 1 of the Pacific Coast League season, and the ‘Topes are hosting the Iowa Cubs in a four-game home stand before the Omaha Storm Chasers come to town.

Last season the ‘Topes compiled an 80-64 record tying the franchise best and winning the PCL American Southern Division.

Game time is 6:35 p.m.; gates open at 5:30.

And if you are one of the first 3,000 fans at the park a sponsor will hooked you up with an Isotopes blanket.

Online: Albuquerque Isotopes website

Neal & Alford opposite receptions

vantate — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:53:35 +0000

When Craig Neal was introduced as the new men’s basketball coach at the University of New Mexico, thunderous applause followed. It was quite the opposite for his former boss, Steve Alford, at UCLA. Alford’s press conference was a day before Neal’s. The applause was minimal and it didn’t take the Los Angeles media a long time to put Alford under the hot lamp of srutiny. Two questions into the press conference Alford was asked about his handling of a sexual assault case involving one of his players while he was at Iowa. Let’s just say his answer was less than adequate for the media because the next day the L.A. Times tore into Alford, calling him a robot who did not answer any questions. Meanwhile in Albuquerque, the next day Neal was showered with love from a Lobo Nation that has quickly turned into Noodles Nation. In fact, a groundswell of support for Neal had the locals wearing t shirts to honor him. Someone even set up a Facebook page in support of Neal. Surely none of this would shock Alford. He felt the love when he ran the program. He might even ask himself later, how much did he give up to pursue the pride of life? He had an agreement that he may see in hindsight he should have honored. In this life contentment is a beautiful thing especially if your grass is already green.

Craig “Noodles” Neal to lead the Lobos

vantate — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:50:31 +0000

Craig Neal can now take the interim tag off of his name. Neal has been hired as new men’s basketball coach at the University of New Mexico. He replaces Steve Alford who left for the top job at UCLA over the weekend. Neal will reportedly get a 5 year deal worth 750 thousand dollars per season. The new deal also has incentives built in and will make Neal one of the four highest paid coaches in the Mountain West Conference. When talking about the hire UNM Athletics Director Paul Krebs said, ” Craig was the man for the job. We did our due dilligence and feel great about the hire. We are excited.” Neal had the support of fans and players. In fact, some of the players hinted that they might seek other options if Neal did not get the job. With Neal on board, the Lobos can try to continue the success they have had the last six years ,concentrate on staying together and prepare for the recruiting season. A press conference to introduce Neal as the 20th men’s basketball coach at the University of New Mexico is scheduled for tomorrow at 3pm.

Neal, The Ideal Candidate?

Lawrence Gilligan — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 23:59:33 +0000

As Lobos former head coach Steve Alford heads west, all of the speculation is who will fill his cherry sport coat next season? UNM Athletic Director Paul Krebs named Lobos Associate Head Coach Craig Neal, Interim Head Coach…for now.

Although Coach Neal has no head coaching experience at the collegiate level, you have to look at what he’s done for the program as a whole. Neal is a part of a staff that won 4 regular season titles, and 2 mountain west tournament titles running the offensive side of the ball. In the past 5 seasons, the Lobos offense finished in the top 3 in scoring offense.

As the defense-savvy Alford has departed, it’s critical for Neal to stick around for recruiting and the development of talent the Lobos have returning for another run to a possible Sweet 16 berth. Coach Alford continuously endorsed Neal (age 49) as being ready for a head coaching position, while current players Cameron Bairstow & Alex Kirk voiced their consideration to play under Neal.

It’s a no-brainer considering what he’s done for the program as an assistant as well as associate head coach having all 5 starters returning as well as a recruiting class that Neal can convince to stay, may prove to be an easy segue into his first season as a Head Coach. Sometimes you just need someone to take a chance, maybe this is Neal’s shot he’s been waiting for.