HU Fall Sports Preview

--Are you ready for some football? By Brittany Barker 

Our Bison experienced a disappointing season on the gridiron last year. But with three star players receiving pre-season honors, a new coaching staff, and an entire post season dedicated to hard work and practice, our Bison men are on the road to reinventing and reestablishing a winning program. This "Road to Redemption", as linebacker Keith Pough and wide receiver Willie Carter, call this journey back to the top, has only just begun.

In attempts at returning to greatness Gary Harell was brought in as new head coach. Pough and Carter speak with such high regard of not only head coach Gary Harell but the entire staff.

"We have great coaching staff filled with a lot of knowledge, experience, and most of all championships," Willie Carter proudly boasts.

Being upperclassmen and student-athletes, both Pough and Carter understand the importance of education and trials of freshman year. They each try to impart some of the wisdom they've gained upon this year's incoming freshmen.

"College is a great experience so have fun and enjoy every minute of it," said Carter. "But remember you came here to get that degree so stay focus, study hard, and keep that GPA high."

--Soccer Team Gearing up For a Season to Remember By Jordane Frazier 

After an unsettling seasons last year, the men's and women's soccer teams are ready to hit the turf and kick off a new year of promise and success.

Last season the men's soccer team brought home very few regulation season wins. However, in the semi-conference finals, head Coach Michael Lawrence, who is now entering his fourth season, as well as the team were excited to be facing a conference win. Though the team lost the semi-conference final game in overtime, forward, and junior computer information systems major, Patrick Rose says the team is using the experience for motivation. With 14 new incoming freshmen on the team and with a new mindset, he says they are more than ready for a new and productive season.

"I'm excited to get into the season and hopefully have a good amount of wins and turn it around from last year," said Rose.

Women's soccer, under head coach, Brent Leiba, is off to an exciting start as well coming off of an unsatisfying season last year.

"It was disappointing last year because we definitely could have won more and did better in conference," said center defense player and junior, sports medicine major, Brittany Peebles.

Though the team had a record last year of 6-10 in regulation and 3-3 in conference, the girls are optimistic about improvement thanks to six new team members and their new assistant coach, Barney Joesph.

"He really knows the game well," said Peebles in regards to her new assistant coach.

With new freshmen teammates and peers sharing lots of space with them here at HU, Peebles and Rose have plenty of advice for the incoming class.

"Try to work as hard as you can to focus on athletics and also academics first and foremost," said Rose. "That's the thing we're really here for."

"Work hard, Peebles advised the incoming freshmen athletes. "And make sure you study and conduct yourself well on and off the field."

--Cross- Country Team Preps for New Season, a Fresh Start 

By: Brittany Barker

The Bison cross country teams are lacing up their track shoes in preparation for a new year. Even though the teams worked hard, running countless miles, they still fell short last season. Despite a slightly disappointing year, Howard still managed to have three runners make the MEAC Top 20 Performers List.

Mike Gallion, a senior last season, placed 10th on the list with a time of 26:03:90. Ranking 9th with a time of 25:54:40, Aaron Harrison was the only freshman to make the men's 2010 list. On the women's list, Ashley Hodges, senior last season, placed 1st with the short time of 18:19:70.

Having only three runners snag spots on the list has initiated a few key changes. One change will be in the form of a new head coach. Curtis Pittman will be beginning his first season as the men and women's cross country coach. With Coach Pittman joining the Howard coaching staff, numerous returners, and incoming recruits have left players very optimistic about the 2011-2012 season.

"We are ready to bring Howard back into the winning circle," said Aaron Harrison.