Well we've got some good news, and we've got some bad news. The good news is that after 4 1/2 months the NFL is finally out of a lockout, and we can all look forward to a full season. The bad news is news around here is still a little sparse, but don't go away as we'll continue to bring you everything we've got. Not to mention, the season opener versus Stony Brook is only a little more than a month away. Until then, here's a little something to suppress the appetite.
City of El Paso Looks to Bring C-USA Tournaments Back:
Today the El Paso Times has an article about the city of El Paso looking to host the Conference USA men's and women's basketball tournament again in either 2013 or 2014. City council is currently considering passing a joint resolution with El Paso county that will back the efforts to bring the tourneys back. The resolution will also vow financial backing if ticket sales do not turn out as planned. The tournaments are expected to have an economic impact of about $3.5 million, as well as over $1 million in ticket sales. Let's get that done.
College Fantasy Football Insider Website Expects Banyard to Have Breakout Season:
Banyard is coming off a breakout season in which he became the featured back after Donald Buckram was out for much of the season due to injury, but considering Buck is no longer here to split time with we can all expect a little more out of Joe. Banyard led the team in carries (109), rushing yards (623), and rushing TDs (8). He also had 17 receptions for over a 100 yards, and 8 kickoff returns for 131 yards. His career high came at Tulsa last year when he rushed for 155 yards on 20 carries. Hopefully we're in for plenty of that this season. CFFI had this to say: "If you are looking for a workhorse back on your fantasy team for 2011, Joseph Banyard is a name to consider, as with only two starters returning to the offense, Banyard will be leaned on heavily".
Former Miner Softball Player has Tough day at the Office:
Former UTEP softball standout Stacie Townsend, who plays for England, was sent to the circle Sunday against Team USA in the World Cup of softball, but left in the 4th inning after a tough outing. The U.S. put up 10 runs on Townsend in the 4th, and eventually advanced to the finals of the tournament. Townsend pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up 7 earned runs on 8 hits, while walking 3 and striking out 3.
Former Miner Football Players Have Eyes Set on Making Roster:
With the end of the NFL lockout comes much relief not only from current NFL players, but also from those rookies who went undrafted and are now looking to find a spot somewhere in the NFL. Among those players are former Miners Trevor Vittatoe, Kris Adams, Donald Buckram and others. Good luck to all our former Miners in their quest to make in NFL roster.