By Ellie Ratliff, Sports Editor
Fall sports are back in full swing now that the school year is beginning. Hardin-Simmons University competes in the American Southwest Conference, and HSU’s fall sports include football, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball.
Our football team is coming off of an impressive 2018 season, in which they held a 9-2 record. Their two sole losses were to UMHB, who won the national championship last year. The season ended against UMHB in the first round of the NCAA playoffs, with a 27-6 loss. The Cowboys have been working tirelessly in the offseason and are ready to prove themselves this year.
“Obviously, we would like a playoff berth, and that doesn’t happen unless you win conference or win nine games. We expect to play well early on and maintain that throughout the season, hoping to make a push to the national championship,” said Jamie Pogue, a current junior on the team.
The Cowboys start the 2019 season against Trinity University at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Shelton Stadium.
Our men’s cross country team placed second in the ASC Conference Tournament in 2018 and are looking to build off of last season. They too have been grinding away during the offseason and are looking forward to competing this fall season.
Our women’s cross country team took the ASC Championship at the conference tournament in 2018. They are looking to hold the title this upcoming season.
HSU men’s soccer went 4-6-1 in conference last year, but they return many players and are also adding many new freshmen, as they look to improve upon the 2018 season. Junior goalkeeper Trent Ivy is hopeful going into the 2019 fall season.
“Our goal is to win conference. The team has been working hard this off-season on our fitness so we can play a whole 90 minutes. We’ve been developing our identity on the field to a team that is full of grit and hard work on defense. With our team next year having more incoming players than returning players, I hope the incoming players come to Abilene in good shape, and ready to bring that conference trophy back to HSU Men’s Soccer,” Ivy said.
HSU women’s soccer went 18-1-2 last year and won their 16th straight ASC Championship. They are looking to continue this streak in 2019, with a lot of new talent added to the roster. Senior captain Kendell Groom has high hopes for the fall season.
“My expectations will always be high for this team. We have a legacy to withhold. Without a doubt, we still have plenty left on this team to be able to go far. This offseason has been an adjustment season. Numerous players have stepped up, began to put in the extra work and I’m very excited to see what some new names are going to bring for this team in the upcoming games. Daily we are working on team chemistry, hard work and love of the game. With these three categories growing each week, we are destined for greatness. Go cowgirls,” Groom said.
HSU women’s soccer kicks off their season at home against William Smith College at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 30.
HSU’s volleyball team went 15-12 overall last season. They have been working hard this offseason and are ready to compete for a conference title this fall.
There are many sports events happening this fall. Come out and show your school spirit by cheering on our athletes!