In retrospect, as I walk away from the sports desk at the Round Up, I leave you with the following thoughts and observations.
Covering sports for New Mexico State allows one to see how much these athletes love their sports. Going behind the scenes, to practices, inside locker rooms and to press conferences brings one closer to the athlete. Talking to Aggie athletes, one gets to see the dedication, determination and sacrifice they make in order to represent NMSU. After covering every sport at NMSU, I have witnessed and been inspired by how hard these athletes work. Aggie football is heading in the right direction and the role DeWayne Walker has played in uniting this community has been fantastic. I hope fans are patient and understand how difficult it is to build a winning program at the college football level. It isn't an overnight process, fans. Next semester, I hope Aggie tailgating doesn't have more fans than the actual games.
Aggie basketball has a bright future, with the team losing only one senior, along with the development of Jahmar Young and company there is no doubt in my mind the team will be competing for a WAC championship next year.
On the other half of the court, Darin Spence is a remarkable coach, for those unaware because they don't attend, women's basketball is one of the most exciting sports on campus. Coach Spence and his team show tremendous amounts of potential. Madison Spence is a special player, watching her has been a treat. Her passion for the game is impressive. Aggie volleyball is awesome. Coach Jordan has turned the Aggie volleyball team into a legitimate WAC power. They compete year in year out for the WAC Championship. The team beat Hawaii this season, in Hawaii. Hawaii only has four conference losses in 13 years; yeah the Aggie win was that impressive.
Men and women's tennis is an exciting sport that is truly unappreciated at NMSU. We hosted the WAC Championships last season. Coach Ball has compiled teams chalk full of international talent that compete against some of the top teams in the country every season. Go check out the teams at the new tennis center on campus.
Track and Field has been impressive, Devin Brooks and Sandra Anane are fast, that should be the only reason why you haven't seen them yet.
To the baseball and softball teams at NMSU, I apologize. Your sports teams are the most unappreciated on our campus. Aggie students and Round Up readers, these teams need more fans. The baseball team is having a spectacular season. The team is leading the nation in several offensive categories. They beat the 2008 College World Series champions Fresno State twice, and with everything being said it is fun to watch. Everyone loves home runs. For softball, if you haven't seen Kim Watson pitch, you are missing out. Coming from someone whose life revolves around sports, watching a pitcher being able to dominate and control games is a rare thing. She's terrific on the mound and being able to watch a college athlete perform in her prime is an extraordinary sight.
Through the countless interviews with the student-athletes and coaches on this campus, I have learned that both coaches and players love competing, and wearing the crimson and white every game and match, so PLEASE support them my fellow Aggies.
I am walking away from the Round Up and taking my controversial thoughts and opinions on everything sports related to KRUX. Every Saturday morning from 10-12 p.m. you can hear me on the "Sportatorium."
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