University of North Texas Athletics
Villarreal's Views - August 2010
10/12/2010 12:00:00 AM | General
Posted August 18, 2010
August is such an exciting time in college athletics! It symbolizes a fresh start - a clean canvas - a chance to turn the page and begin a new chapter in Mean Green athletics. While we build on the numerous accomplishments of last year, we need the support of our donors, alumni, fans and friends to ensure that our future is even more successful.
North Texas and its athletic programs have made great strides over the past few years and spring of 2010 was no exception. The Men's Basketball team completed its fourth-straight 20-win season, earning its second Sun Belt Conference Championship and second NCAA Tournament berth in four years. The women's tennis team played its most difficult schedule in school history and finished the season nationally-ranked after securing its first-ever Sun Belt Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. In Lovelace Stadium, North Texas Softball recorded its most impressive season ever. With home victories over No. 15 Texas and Arkansas and road wins against No. 24 Baylor and conference title contender Florida International, the softball team has taken the next step in becoming a perennial power. The 2010 Sun Belt Conference Track & Field Championships were held at Fouts Field in early May, where North Texas advanced several athletes to the NCAA Championships. Freshman hurdler Steven White earned an invitation to the World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada, representing North Texas Athletics on an international stage.
Undoubtedly, the most outstanding accomplishment this spring was our student-athletes' academic excellence. Our athletes have proven their ability to perform in the field of competition, but have paralleled that success by their performance in the classroom. I am proud to report that five of our teams recorded perfect single-year Academic Progress Rate score on the most recently released data. Additionally, 10 of our 16 sports improved their multiyear APR score this year and all 16 of our NCAA sponsored teams scored above the NCAA mandated APR score.
With football practice already upon us and the season-opener less than three weeks away, it's time for all Mean Green Club members and North Texas fans to attend the Second Annual Touchdown 5K Run and Kickoff Cookout, held this Saturday, August 21, 2010. The race begins at 8 a.m. at Fouts Field. Following the run, I invite each of you to check out this year's football team at the North Texas Football Scrimmage in Fouts Field. This event is a terrific opportunity for our donors to meet the North Texas coaches, administration and student- athletes. Season ticket packets, Mean Green Club gifts and parking passes will be available for pickup at the Athletic Ticket Office beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 21st. If you are unable to pick up your packets, they will be mailed on Monday, August 23rd.
Also, don't forget to purchase your "Best Seat in the House" raffle tickets at the Kickoff Cookout. The winner of the raffle will be the newest Mean Green fan to have season tickets in the club level at the new stadium. Raffle tickets are $50 each and can be purchased through the Mean Green Club staff.
Without your passion and commitment, the Mean Green wouldn't be making positive strides at becoming a nationally recognized athletic program. Right now is the ideal time to join the Mean Green Club, or to renew your membership if you're currently involved. It's not too late to purchase your 2010 Football season tickets. Now is the time to continue our momentum by inviting current members and prospective members to be the foundation of our success.
GO MEAN GREEN!
Rick Villarreal
Director of Athletics
