JEREMY EVANS ON CAMPUS!

The week was full of dissappointing rainouts, but on Friday the sun poked out physically and metaphorically. If you walked by Diddle Arena you couldn't miss the brand new black and yellow camaro parked out front. A closer look at the headrests revealed the Transformer looking car belonged to none other than WKU alum and current NBA player, Jeremy Evans. His signature stitched into the headrests, along with some bondafide black rims shows that Jeremy is doing just fine in the NBA. Nice to see someone who has so much, recognize where he came from by visiting the coaching staff and his former teammates in Bowling Green on Friday. We will always love you on the Hill Jeremy.

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A few highlights from Jeremy Evans' Rookie Campaign in Utah.

Courtesy of Hilltopper Video

WKU vs Vanderbilt Cancelled

The WKU vs Vanderbilt games has been cancelled for the second straight day and will not be rescheduled. The Hlltoppers needed this game to boost their RPI rating, which currently sits at #66 in the nation. Playing the #2 team in the nation would have definitely helped out WKU’s RPI cause, especially if the Hilltoppers could have pulled out a win over Vanderbilt. Many fans argue that the game should have been played yesterday, but bad weather forecasting and the fact Vanderbilt would have to travel through these predicted storms created a cause for concern. The Hilltoppers will travel to Louisiana-Monroe for a three game conference series this weekend.

Series Preview

University of Louisiana Monroe (6-12 in Sunbelt) is currently last in the Sunbelt Conference, so WKU (10-8 in Sunbelt) should capitalize on this opportunity to make up some ground on Conference leading #22 Troy (14-4 in Sunbelt). Troy is traveling to 2nd place Florida Atlantic this weekend (11-7 in Sunbelt), so if WKU can win the series at ULM they will gain ground in the conference standings.

ULM is 3-7 in their last 10. WKU is 5-5 (3 losses against Conference leader Troy)

Rain Delays Vanderbilt Game

With rain and thunderstorms in the forecast for the rest of the day, the WKU vs Vanderbilt game at Nick Denes Field has been postponed until tomorrow at 4pm. However, with rain also in the forecast tomorrow, the Tops may not get a chance to play Vanderbilt again. The Tops will be on the road to ULM on Thursday, so tomorrow’s game won’t be able to be postponed further. The game will be a big one for the Hilltoppers. Not only will it increase their RPI, but a win could propel WKU into prime position to grab an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament. Tops fans are very excited for the game against one of the best teams in the nation. Hopefully the rain won’t wash away the chance to avenge their 9^th inning loss on the road at Vandy.

Quick Facts:

· Vanderbilt moved up in the rankings from #3 to #2 this week

· This is the 94^th meeting between Vanderbilt and WKU

· Vanderbilt is 8-1 in last 9 meetings

· WKU is 16-4 at Nick Denes Field this season

· WKU leads the Sun Belt in 5 offensive categories: batting average, on base percentage, runs, hits, and RBIs

· In the series against Troy, Ryan Huck batted .500 with 2 HR’s and 5 RBI’s

· Matt Rice now holds the record for career Hits and RBI’s

· Pitching Probables:

WKU: Taylor Haydel (5-3, 6.99 ERA)

Vanderbilt: Kevin Ziomek (1-0, 2.40 ERA)

The offense will need to be in full effect against Vandy. Chris Bullard could provide some just as he did during the big game against Kentucky.

Courtesy of Hilltopper Video

Matt Rice Provides Only Positive from WKU’s Trip to Troy

Matt Rice did not wait long to become the all-time RBI leader in WKU History. In the top of the first, Matt Rice got a groundout RBI scoring Jared Andreoli and giving the Hilltoppers an early lead. However, topper fans would have little else to cheer about all weekend. Topper fans saw a 2-1 lead quickly disappear on 5 unearned runs in the seventh inning of the first game, while the second game was a complete blowout 11-3. The third game was an interesting one as the Tops managed to rally back on three separate occasions (2^nd, 6^th, and 8^th innings) to enter the bottom of the 8^th tied. However, Troy scored three in the bottom of the frame and WKU did not have another comeback in their back pocket.

WKU entered the series as winners of 8 of their last 10 games, and only one game behind Troy in the Sun Belt Standings. This momentum did not carry over, and WKU could not capitalize on the opportunity to take first place. Instead, WKU fell to a three way tie for third, but there is still plenty of baseball left to play. WKU needs to quickly forget this series as #3 Vanderbilt comes to Nick Denes Field on Tuesday Night. If the storms hold off, WKU will have the opportunity to revenge their 9^th inning loss to the Commodores back in March.

Rice breaks record, ties another as WKU defeats UK

The numerous fans that left the WKU vs UK baseball game early should be upset. With WKU down 8-2 heading into the seventh inning, many fans, for some reason, opted to leave the game and missed the comeback victory. The Tops responded to the UK 8-run 4^th inning with an impressive 8-run inning of their own. Matt Rice, who broke the all-time WKU career hits record (282) in the 3^rd inning with an infield single and tied the all-time RBI record (208) with a homerun in the 5th, started the inning with a triple off the top of the left-center wall. The next batter, Carter, drove in Rice and started the Hilltopper comeback. WKU batted 13 in the 7^th inning, and took the lead for good on a 2 RBI Kes Carter single.

The win was a huge one for WKU baseball. In front of a crowd of 5,142, the largest crowd at a college game in the commonwealth this year, WKU asserted its supremacy in the sport of baseball. WKU fans came out in force to support their team. Hilltopper fans greatly overpowered the UK fans who were sprinkled within the “Sea of Red.” The win tonight marks 4 straight against the Wildcats, and improves WKU to an impressive 25-13 (10-5) on the season.

The comeback victory will hopefully provide a confidence boost as the team travels to Sun Belt conference leader Troy (11-4). The Tops will play a weekend series, and can move to 1^st place with a series victory. WKU will also host #4 Vanderbilt on Tuesday with hopes of revenging their 9^th inning loss to the Commodores early this year.

Game Result: Win - Hammonds (2-1). Loss - T. Gott (2-4)

WKU vs. UK in BG Ballpark Part 2

Today is the big day…the day the Tops head back in to Bowling Green Ballpark to take on the UK Wildcats. Big numbers are expected again for the instate rivalry and the game will not disappoint. The Tops are coming off a series victory of the Red Wolves of Arkansas State, and boast a (24-13) record. The Wildcats have been struggling as of late. Actually they’ve struggled the entire season. A program that has been a conference contender for the past five years, UK currently has a losing record of (17-20) which includes a record of (2-13) in SEC play. Though the Cats may not be having the best year, it’s tough to think they won’t be looking to avenge last year’s loss at BG Ballpark. WKU totally embarrassed the Cats in front of 6,183 fans last year. It was the largest crowd to ever see a college baseball game in the state of Kentucky, and my were the Hilltopper fans happy. With the revenge factor on the line and the in-state rivalry in play, there’s no doubt this game will be a great one to attend.

Game Notes

-Sophomore pitcher Taylor Haydel is the projected starter for the tops. Tanner Perkins and Justin Hageman have both shown what a young, inexperienced pitcher is capable of this year. They have each led the Hilltopper starting rotation despite being underclassmen. Hopefully, Haydel can come out in front of the crowd and show them early how good he actually is. With a fastball in the 90’s and a sharp curve that sits in the high 70’s it’s only a matter of time before he breaks out and dominates. This could be the game.

-The talk before the game will be last year’s contest. It was an amazing offensive display by WKU scoring 24 runs. It may not make much sense to expect something like that to happen again but WKU thrives at BG ballpark against big competition. In the two games against Louisville and Kentucky at the park the team is averaging 19.5 runs. I don’t know if it’s the crowd, the lighting, or the Hot Rods mascot Roscoe, but something in that ballpark has the Hilltoppers ready to hit. Don’t be too surprised to see WKU put a lot of runs up on the board in bunches.

-WKU is referred to by analysts as a mid-major. The football and basketball teams recruit on a mid-major level, and until we get a D1 home football victory the title fits. The school is seeing its biggest growth in its history. The athletic department is a mirror image in that aspect. The basketball team has some recent NBA draftees and the football team has one upcoming in the near future. However this growth is most apparent with the baseball team. Defeating teams such as Louisville and Ole Miss shows that the team can compete on a national level right now. The biggest indication of the team’s upper level ability is the team’s heartbreaking loss to #1 Vanderbilt. The two teams battled down to the wire with Vanderbilt barely squeezing out the victory. A win against an SEC team and an in-state rival would only strengthen the argument for WKU progression towards national prominence.

-With UK coming into town there remains one big question for the WKU community, which team will you root for? UK is the most recognizable team in the state for its stellar basketball program. Many students from WKU come from families and towns where UK is “our team”. However with an enrollment reaching over 20,000 there is no excuse for students and faculty not to come out and support their school. Although WKU and UK don’t compete in many sports, baseball is one where WKU is equal to, if not better than, UK every year. A big win could get students excited about the athletic program’s progress, and sway some blue fans to finally stand up and cheer for dear old Western.

-Matt Rice is currently tied for the school record for career hits with 281. He is also only two RBI’s shy of breaking that school record as well. It would be great to see Rice break either school record against the Cats tonight, perhaps on a walk-off bomb? That is if the Cats can stay within at least 10 runs this time around.

#WESTERN KENTUCKY DAWG

Matt Rice hits a homer against Louisville the last time the Tops stepped into BG Ballpark

Courtesy of Hilltopper Video

WKU Spring Game: White Team wins 27-11

The WKU Football team took the field in full stride at the annual Red vs. White Football game, despite nasty conditions. These conditions put a definite damper on fan attendance, but you couldn’t notice amongst the WKU Players and Coaches who showed great intensity and enthusiasm throughout the game. Despite the unseasonably cold conditions, the game started off hot with a huge kickoff return by Bobby Rainey. However, besides that the Red Team struggled to find offense, especially in the first half. The White Team, led by game MVP Kawaun Jakes, found their stride early and never looked back. One of the focuses going into this game was the QB battle between Junior Kawaun Jakes and Redshirt Freshman Brandon Doughty, but Jakes made a great bid to keep his starting spot. Jakes looked very good on his pass attempts and even scrambled well under pressure. One of his weaknesses last year was hesitating under pressure, but he remained cool, collected, and committed to finding an escape route. Coach Taggart played his usual role in bringing excitement to the game. Although attendance fell well below his goal of 15,000, his spirit was if the stadium was sold out. Overall, there were many bright spots to the WKU team, especially with a solid QB performance from Jakes. However, there is room for improvement. If WKU wants to be a legitimate threat this year, they need to have a deep threat. Very few balls were thrown deep, and most of the routes kept the receivers within 10 to 15 yards of the line of scrimmage. If they can find this deep threat, it will open up the short game, which will allow the talented Bobby Rainey some room to run. Overall, Taggart appears to have the team in shape for the season in hopes of finally bringing a win to the fans in L.T. Smith Stadium.

Notable Stats:

White Team:

Jakes (QB): 10-16, 157 Yds, 2 TD; 9 carries for 40 Yrds

Simpson (RB): 23 carries, 52 Yrds, 1 TD

German (WR): 3 Catches, 25 Yrds, 1 TD

Red Team:

Doughty (QB): 6-23, 72 Yrds, 1 TD

Rainey (RB): 7 carries, 21 Yds, 3 Kick Returns for 123 Yrds

Boyd (LB): 8 Tkls, 1.5 Tackles for loss

Odom (LB): 9 Tkls, .5 Tackle for Loss

WKU Red vs White Game

Like in years past, the WKU football team will open up its final practice to the public in the annual Red vs White spring football game. However, unlike years past, this event actually carries some significance. Head Coach Willie Taggart set a goal to get 15,000 fans to attend the event, which would make WKU the first Sunbelt Conference school to ever get 15,000 fans at a spring game. Although I enjoy the enthusiasm that Taggart brings to the program, the goal may be a little high. Looking at the attendance numbers from last season, the Hilltoppers only achieved an audience of 15,000+ twice (20,772 vs. Indiana and 15,142 vs. ULM). Down the stretch in the other three home games, WKU averaged just 12,300 fans including just 10,275 fans for the FAU game. However, I like the new attitude that Taggart brings to the program. By setting the goal so high, Taggart shows that he won’t settle for mediocrity in any aspect- including fan enthusiasm- as he tries to turn WKU into a top-ranked Sunbelt team. Taggart is trying to prove to students, players, and the rest of Hilltopper nation that this team will be different from years past. WKU has heavily promoted the event for the first time in a long time. This shows that Taggart feels comfortable with his team and isn’t afraid to show off his team to the public. He is slowly bringing excitement back to WKU football, excitement that has been lacking since their transition to Division I-FBS and their infamous 26 game losing streak. Willie makes a great face for the football program, and his excitement for the program is spreading. Although I did not see him, people around campus say that earlier this week Taggart walked around campus with a bullhorn yelling for all students to stay at WKU this weekend and support the football team. What other Division I football coach would do something like that? This excitement he brings is spreading around campus. I have heard numerous students express their excitement for the football game tomorrow- a definite change in attitude from the beginning of last year’s football season. Though the goal may go unmet, everyone should come out and support the football team. Fans need to realize that the football team needs their support. The team improved significantly under Taggart last year, and he expects only greatness and excellence this upcoming year.

Saturday’s Teams

Red Team

Coach: Walt Wells (WKU Offensive guards and centers coach)

Notable Players

Bobby Rainey (RB)

Jamarcus Allen (DL)

Wes Jeffries (OL)

Antonio Andrews (RB)

Brandon Doughty (QB)

Kenny Martin (DT)

Tye Golden (LB)

Bar’ee Boyd (LB)

Tyree Robinson (CB)

Kiante Young (S)

Jonathan Dowling (S- University of Florida Transfer)

White Team

Coach: Lance Guildry (WKU Defensive Coordinatior)

Notable Players

Kawaun Jakes (QB)

Jared Clendenin (DL)

Rico Brown (WR)

Joel German (WR)

Jamarielle Brown (WR)

Quanterus Smith (DL)

Ben Duvall (LB)

Xavius Boyd (LB)

Arius Wright (CB)

Kareem Peterson (S)

Ryan Beard (DB)

...And the Winner Is.

Tonight marked the 2010-2011 Hilltopper Men's Basketball Team Banquet and Awards. The coaching staff chose the winner of each award based on statistics and coaches's opinion. Here are some notable awards:
Co-Player of the Year- Sergio Kerusch, Steffphon Pettigrew
Most Improved- Jamal Crook
Best Free Throw Shooter- Caden Dickerson
Best Rebounder- Sergio Kerusch
Best Teammate- Caden Dickerson
Leadership Award- Steffphon Pettigrew


McDonald closed the ceremony speaking of the ups and downs that plagued the team this past season. He then spoke highly of the senior's leadership skills and how they would be missed. He then turned his attention toward next season. The strong recruiting class was his main focus. He spoke of the team's new identity next year and the high expectations each and every will be expected to meet.


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It's Awn

Welcome WKU fans to the first post on the newest blog about all things WKU. Since March Madness just ended let's begin with a little basketball talk. The team had a disappointing season to say the least leading to  a questionable decision to give Head Coach Ken McDonald an extension with a considerable paycut. McDonald and his staff had a tough time keeping the talented team together due to some pre-madonna attitudes and academic problems. McDonald and his staff will have a fresh start next fall with one of the best recruiting classes in recent memory led by Guard Derrick Gordon. This large class could even be joined by more recruits that WKU still has on the radar before the summer begins. Either way they will join a WKU team losing its 3 leading rebounders and 3 leading scorers. Junior Guards Caden Dickerson and Jamal Crook will look to be team leaders on a team lacking much seniority. The lone senior Kahlil McDonald along with Junior Center Teeng Akol will also most likely contribute with minutes and leadership though the brunt of the load will be carried by Dickerson and Crook. With an experienced point guard, good spot-up shooters, and THE shot blocker down low these freshman have a great situation they're rolling into with plenty of playing time available and plenty of people hoping this program can finally move up the ladder.


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