THE ECHO » Sports

Alabama/Louisiana Bowl Championship Series Game

abram.washington — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:29:33 +0000

On Monday, January 9, Alabama won its second Bowl Championship Series title in three years against Louisiana State, with a score of 21-0. The 2012 Championship bowl game was the first Shut out in history since 2002 31-0 Alabama. They had success all year for Alabama but it wasn’t too good for their first lost against Louisiana State was 9-6 in that same year. Alabama got revenge in the Title Game & won. Louisiana State had a successful season by winning all of their games except one the National Championship.

The Alabama Crimson Tide season was a good way to finish it out with their rivals. It was the first time that there were two South Eastern Conference teams in the National Title Game. The Crimson Tide with their outstanding defense & offense won the 2012 BCS Title. One of the star players that was outstanding to the Alabama Crimson Tide Offense & Defense was Jeremy Shelley who tied a bowl record with five field goals. The defense did the rest, posting the first shutout in the 14-year history of the BCS. The Head Coach of the Crimson Tide Nick Saban won three Bowl Championship Series. He would be the only coach to win three Titles.

The Louisiana State, didn’t reach 100 yards with that fantastic defense by the No.1 team Alabama Crimson Tide. Overall they had 92 yards. They never crossed midfield until there was eight minutes left in the game. He’ll get no argument from Jefferson and the Tigers (13-1), who had beaten Alabama 9-6 in overtime on Nov. 5 — a game the Tide was still smarting about when it got to the Big Easy.

In conclusion, this game was a good game overall for the crimson tide of Alabama. They had a fantastic season overall with just one lost to their Bowl Championship Series opponent in that same season. Louisiana State had an interesting season with only one lost to their rivals in the South Eastern Conference. Both teams did great all year but one team fell short to their goal that they were going after.

http://onbirminghamal.com/images/assets/0151/2798/56663_arkansas_alabama_basketball.jpg?1298254051

NFL Playoffs

ricardo.vargas — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:15:17 +0000

From almost not having a season (due to the Lockout) , to the already very exciting NFL playoffs, the National Football League (NFL) playoffs are in full swing. There are now only four teams left; the New England Patriots, the New York Giants, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Baltimore Ravens.

Many surprises have already happened during the playoffs. The Green Bay Packers who went 15-1 for the regular season lost against the Giants, and the Patriots crushed the Denver Broncos. The 49ers pulled out a victory with the help of their fiery coach Jim Harbaugh and amazing tight end Vernon Davis. The tough Ravens got the win over the young Houston Texans in Baltimore, thanks to the good defense of the ball hawking, Ed Reed.

The four best teams in the entire league will battle it out next Sunday; many people are favoring the Patriots to win the big game. Freshman Alton Jones said, “I hope the Patriots win.”

The most surprising team that is still left is the New York Giants, last season they didn’t even make it to the playoffs and posted a 6-10 record.

The Ravens have gone to the playoffs every year since Joe Flacco helped the Ravens in 2008. The team plans to make it to the big game this year.

The Patriots are also a playoff regular, yet they have failed to make it to the Super Bowl since 2008. The Giants last year didn’t make it and they haven’t won a super bowl since beating the Patriots in 2008.

Before the big game the annual Pro Bowl will be played in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 29. Twenty-three players will be representing the remaining teams that didn’t make it to the Super Bowl. Last year’s special game was played in Miami, Florida. The players and fans did not really care for last year’s venue so the game will return to back to the Aloha state

Now we all have to wait till next weekend to see which teams will come out on top and go to the biggest game in North American sports.

The multi Grammy award winning recording artist Madonna, will perform in the popular halftime show. The Bridgestone Super Bowl halftime show is the most viewed musical of the year; it will be televised globally as well as the game. The Super Bowl will be played in the famous, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 5. Everyone will be watching Super Bowl XLVI.

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Penn State Controversy

Echo Staff — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:52:44 +0000

On November 10, 2011 legendary coach of Pennsylvania State University

http://www.teendiariesonline.com/blog/?p=4312

football team was fired Joe Paterno from his coaching job because of Defensive Coordinator Jerry Sandusky’s alleged sexual assaults. Sandusky was charged with 40 counts of sexual abuse of young boys over a 15 year period.

On November 5, 2011, Sandusky was arrested and charged with seven counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. The children that were sexually abused were part of Sandusky’s” The Second Mile” charity, for underprivileged children in the Philadelphia area. Sandusky allegedly abused these children in the Penn State team shower, according to assistant coach Mike McQueary who saw Sandusky in the showers with one of the victims. McQueary didn’t say anything about it and was placed on administrative leave.
The Penn State students reacted by rioting against the school because of the firing of Joe Paterno.

Paterno said, “I wish I could have done more, but I dedicated my entire career for this university and I wish them the best.” Joe was one win away from surpassing the NCAA record for games coached, he didn’t coach against Nebraska and The Nittany Lions lost to the Cornhuskers 17-14. To make matters worse Joe Paterno’s son released a statement to the assosiated press that Joe was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Freshman Diajavonte Chipman said, “he (Sandusky) should be punished.” Sandusky was surprisingly let out on a $100,000 bail, Joe Paterno was diagnosed with lung cancer his son released this statement to the associated press.
Now the University of Pennsylvania is going to go through a long healing process. Tom Bradley, the interim head coach, will try to lead the Nittany Lions into a different chapter of Penn State football, but the legend of JoePa will always be cherished in State College and the entire nation.

Librarian Matthew Murray said “What Jerry Sandusky was sick and inhumane and it cost Joe Paterno his job.”

Powderpuff Football

Hannah — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:04:48 +0000

Traditionally, football has been viewed as a “man’s sport,” pitting groups of tough, rugged players against one another. But the junior and senior girls at Urbana High School took the game as their own when they battled against each other on the new sports complex on Wednesday, October 5.

Known as Powderpuff football, this event began when UHS alum Moriah Ward (class of 2011) brought the idea to the building administrative team (consisting of Dr. Taylor and assistant principals) in 2010. Faced with opposition from members of the administration, Ward fought to start the game because she was raised in a family of football lovers, and hoped the girls at the school would get the opportunity to play it themselves. She said, “A few members from the administration were reluctant at first. They thought we were a bunch of girls trying to run around in short shorts, and honestly, I was offended by that. But Ms. Ludwick fought for us, and we won!”

That year, the girls not only won the chance to play football, but Moriah’s Junior class won the game itself. The following year, the junior team took home the victory once again. But with a new turf come new traditions, as the seniors won 13-0 this year. Senior Kate Ross says, “The senior girls only had one practice before the game, but we were able to pull it together quickly and learn our positions and plays. I think we won because of our enthusiasm, skill, and teamwork.”

Lateshia Dove, senior and quarterback for the Powderpuff team, agreed with Ross, adding, “My favorite part would have to be playing offense and running the ball, as well as hearing my name getting announced over the intercom. Oh yeah, and winning, of course!”

And although the junior girls didn’t score a touchdown, they came very close and put up a good fight. Junior Kayla Estes said, “The most memorable play was definitely when Ellen [Beverly] made it all the way across the field with the ball, until she realized that her flag had fallen off on its own. The play still counted, even though we didn’t score the touchdown afterwards.”

But Beverly wasn’t fazed by this unfortunate loss. She said, “We wanted to win to represent the previous junior class victories, but the seniors were more experienced, since many of them had played last year. It was still super fun no matter what!”

Whichever class wins, both the junior and senior girls know that the game is about building teamwork and breaking social norms, not just racking up the most points. Ward seems to be happy with the continuation of her project, saying, “I’m glad Powderpuff has carried on. It’s a great way for the classes to bond, and perfect for all my female football lovers!”

http://www.uhsecho.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/blondes-vs-brunettes-powder-puff-football-game-2011.7063026.87.jpg

The Illini’s Season

Echo Staff — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:42:31 +0000

Illinois’ season has begun with a six game winning streak. Some of the keys games that were pretty close were the home games against Northwestern and Arizona State. In both games the Illini were down by the half, but managed to pull out a victory against tough opponents. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase was a key factor in winning both games.

The team is 6-2 overall and 2-0 conference, and 5-0 at home and 1-0 away. Illinois is ranked 15 in the USA Today poll. Illinois is ranked first in the leaders division.

Ohio State’s season has begun with a 3-3 season. Some of the keys games were against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. That game was close until the end. Quarterback Taylor Martinez was a key factor in winning last week against Ohio State. Martinez threw for 191 yards in that game. They are 3-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play. At home they are 3-1 but away they are 0-2. We will just have to wait and see if Illinois can pull out a victory and get the turtle trophy.

When asked about his prediction for Illinois’ game against Ohio State, librarian Matthew Murrey said, “It’s odd because Ohio State hasn’t been ranked going into this game, they will win by a field goal.”

Sophomore Brandon Carter said, ”Illinois’ will win by 10 points.”

Dan Herron, the running back for Ohio State rushed for 114 yards on 23 carries. The running game was the key factor for the Buckeye’s offense. The final score was 17-7 and Ohio State retained the Illibuck turtle trophy.

http://www.chicitysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Illini-memorial-stadium.jpg

UHS Students Take Part in UPD Basketball Teams

Echo Staff — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:16:54 +0000

http://www.champaignparkdistrict.com/work_volunteer.htm

Urbana is a good place for people to play basketball all year around. Whether the Urbana High School season is over or you didn’t make a team, you can play for a team at the Urbana Park District. UPD teams start at ages as young as eight years old and continue until 18 years of age or until you graduate high school.
Another good thing about the UPD basketball teams is you don’t have to try out for the basketball team they just let you join it. It will make you better than you were before. The coaches will also look at you in school and make sure you stay on task and keep your grades up. If you are good enough they will help you make the school teams and ask you to come back when your season is over. By the time you get the of ages 15-18 you will start to get looked at by colleges and maybe get letters and even scholarships from them.
I interviewed a few of my favorite basketball players on the UHS basketball team- Senior PJ Blissit, Junior Tahj Brown, and Senior Deven Carter. They all had amazing statistics for their UPD teams.
PJ Blissit statistics for his UPD team:
24 Points Per Game
4 Rebounds
7 Assist
2 Steals
3 Fouls
I asked him is he a starter and he said “Yes”, I asked him did he like his Coach he said “yes” and the last question I asked was did he like his teammates he said, “You already know” .
Tahj Brown stats for his UPD team:
21 Points Per Game
2 Rebounds
2 Steals
9 Assists
2 Fouls
I asked Tahj was he a starter and he said “Yes”. I asked him did he like his coach and he said, “Yes”. I then asked if he liked his teammates he said, “OF COURSE THEY LIKE FAMILY!!”
Deven Carter Stats for his UPD team:
23 Points Per Game
6 Rebounds
2 Steals
4 Assist
2 Fouls
I asked Deven the same question I asked Tahj and P.J. He said “My coach is the man, “Yes, I love my teammates” and “Yes sir, I love my team”. Blissit said “The park district sometimes can be better than the regular season because you go more places and you can do more stuff.”

Birds of the NFL

Echo Staff — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:20:47 +0000

The three birds of the NFL are the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and the Philadelphia Eagles. These birds are strongly trying to make the playoffs this year, like they did in the season 2010-2011. The Atlanta Falcons’ record last year was 14-2, and they were eliminated by the Packers. The Baltimore Ravens’ record was 9-7 last season. The Philadelphia Eagles’ record was 11-5.

The Falcons hope to have a great season. They are 1-1 this season, with a loss against the Bears. The Eagles won on Sunday Night Football on September 18. The head coach for the Falcons is Mike Smith, and there has been a variety of criticism made in regards of his coaching career.

”Mike Smith needs to get fired,” said Urbana High School Freshman, Rodney Dukes.

Freshman Diajovante Chatman said that ”he [Smith] is a good coach for that team.” They were a 14-2 team last season, and they can be a super bowl contender this year.

The Philadelphia Eagles were 11-5 last season. Andy Reid is the head coach and the vice president for the Executive Operation.

The Eagles are going to have a successful season like they did last year. Andy Reid will train the team like he did last year, so they can have a winning season.   The Baltimore Ravens have to bounce back from their 9-7 record last season, so they can make it further in the super bowl contender bracket like The Falcons. Will they have a winning season for all the three birds like they did last season? We’ll see.

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New Echo Broadcasting Feature Launched!

Echo Staff — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:08:38 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/user/UHSBroadcasting?feature=mhsn

Urbana High School’s Journalism class has introduced a new feature which will allow them to broadcast and stream videos online.
”It is a component that my students can compete in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) competitions and it addresses a different audience,” said Journalism teacher Erin Ludwick.
They can stream and upload videos from sports games and people are allowed to watch them live. Currently they also operate the big screen located on the score board in the new Atheletic Complex.
Athletic Director Mr. Greg Hall said “I decided to start streaming our games online to give people who could not make it to our games the opportunity to see our teams compete. I also want to continue to promote our athletic department and get as much exposure for our student-athletes as possible, so the community can see all of the great things that our student-athletes and coaches do.”
This is the first year that students at UHS are able to stream games online and edit videos to create highlight reels.
“My favorite part of broadcasting is being up in the press box on top of everyone, it makes me feel in control,” said Broadcasting Editor Junior Miguel Fierro.
The broadcasting committee eventually wants to take this an extra step further by working with Urbana Public Television (UPTV). It will possibly air some of their highlight reels and videos of interviews on local channels for the community to watch and enjoy.

The Echo is thrilled to announce that our new broadcasting feature has been launched! Check out our Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/UHSBroadcasting?feature=mhsn to watch our reports about the boys’ soccer team.

Paw Pack

Caitlin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:15:57 +0000

Urbana High School certainly has spirit, one of the many examples of this being Paw Pack. The year-round group’s number one priority is to support the school and their athletes by donning orange and black and cheering at sporting events.

Although Paw Pack has been around in previous years, this is the first time that it will be solely student-run. Kristen Bartholomew, a COOP/Business teacher at the high school, helps the group communicate with the school.

“Because it is student-run, we know what we and the students of the school in general want and we can effectively do that,” says Paw Pack member and Junior, Mary Donahue.

These changes will not, however, affect the spirit and support shown to the athletes.

Junior Madison Cooper, a Paw Pack member, says, “Our sponsor that we had last year doesn’t work at the school this year. We couldn’t really find anyone to do it, so we decided that this year we were just going to do a more unofficial thing; which is still hopefully going to work out as well and be less stressful and time consuming for us.”

Paw Pack depends on the students who show up for sporting events including football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. It is largely based on the student body, and their willingness to cheer and pride for their school.

Any student is welcome to join. It is as simple as showing up at the games and cheering. The bigger the group, the better support for athletes.

Cooper concludes, “I think that it has a positive effect on the student body, I think that it could be a really good way for us to come together and be unified and show our school spirit. Go Urbana!”

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c1552195a1&view=att&th=132a1d311565e300&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_gt0cvklx0&zw

2011 Tigers Football Season

Echo Staff — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 01:33:50 +0000

http://www.free-extras.com/search/1/football.htm

The Urbana High School football team expects to make the playoffs and later win playoff games this year. In order to make the playoffs, the tigers need to win five games in the regular season. As of right now, the Tigers are 0-3 and have to win five of their next six games to make the playoffs. “To make the playoffs we need to play as a team, focus more, and not give up,” said Junior and Junior Varsity player, Chris Lenear.

The Varsity football team lost their first game of the season 27-43 against Danville, the number one ranked team in the state. “We as a team have put in several hours of hard work in practice and during the summer,” said Junior and Junior Varsity player, Mustafa Odeh. “Despite our loss against Danville, we are only going to work harder in order to comply with our gas and make the playoffs this year.”

They also lost the game against Central 28-31. Urbana was leading the game with just six seconds left. But Central was able to score and take the win. This Friday, Urbana played their first home game at their new Sports Complex against Normal Community. There was a lot of pressure and excitement for the football team on Friday, but the Tigers were unable to win and lost 20-48.

In an exciting game last Friday, the Tigers beat out the Bloomington at home in a 34-14 win. The team looks to keep this momentum for this Friday’s game against Mattoon.