UTB-TSC Capsules: Scorpions' national championship celebration set for Friday
University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College Scorpions fans are invited to celebrate with the 2011 NAIA volleyball national champions at a celebration event at 5 p.m. Friday at Manuel Garza B. Gymnasium.
The celebration will feature members of the 2011 Scorpions, who captured the crown Dec. 3 in Sioux City, Iowa. Special presentations include a performance by the UTB-TSC Drumline, which provided entertainment during Scorpions home volleyball matches; and by UTB-TSC student Nestor AnDress Trevino, brother of Scorpion senior Anayeli Trevino. A video tribute featuring highlights of the national championship will also be shown.
During the 2011 season, UTB-TSC won its third straight Red River Athletic Conference championship and advanced to the national tournament for the third straight year. The Scorpions advanced to the national tournament quarterfinals in 2009 and the semifinals in 2010 before winning it all in 2011.
The Scorpions, who went 32-2, had four players named to the Tachikara NAIA all-america team. Ana Guerra was first team, Danica Markovic was second team, and Amber Brooks and Paula Barros were honorable mention.
Free hot dogs and refreshments will be served.
-- UTB-TSC Services
Baseball
Scorpions play host to Alumni in baseball exhibition Friday
A large contingent of former baseball players, including 1979 standout Oscar Gallegos, are expected to participate in the annual Alumni Baseball Game at 6 p.m. Friday at Scorpion Field.
Former Scorpions, including several from the 2011 team, have committed to participate. Traditionally, players who have played as early as the 1970s for Texas Southmost College have participated. Gallegos has played in the game numerous times and had a single in his only plate appearance in 2011.
Gallegos' hit came off former Scorpions pitcher Julian Moya, who is one of several players from the 2011 team expected to participate. Others include catcher Gilberto Puente and outfielder Matt Warner.
Alumni are encouraged to arrive at Scorpion Field by 4 p.m. for a 40-minute batting practice from 4:20-5 p.m.
Alumni interested in participating should contact Ronnie Zamora at ronnie.zamora@utb.edu or by calling (956) 882-2255, or Bryan Aughney at bryan.aughney@utb.edu or by calling (956) 882-8293. Admission is free.
The 2012 Scorpions will also play host to Laredo Community College four scrimmage games that weekend. The two teams will meet for two seven-inning doubleheaders at 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Opening Day is scheduled at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, when the Scorpions open a four-game series against Doane College (Neb.). The two teams also meet for a single game at 1 p.m. Jan. 27 and a doubleheader at 11 a.m. Jan. 28.
Soccer
Former Scorpions player Evans drafted by Chicago Fire
Evans Frimpong, a member of the undefeated 2009 UTB/TSC men's soccer team, was drafted by the Chicago Fire Soccer Club of the Major League Soccer on Wednesday, becoming the first former Scorpions player to be drafted by a professional team.
Frimpong, a native of Accra, Ghana, who was on the 2008 roster as a redshirt freshman, was selected to the 2009 Red River Athletic Conference all-conference team as a forward.
He scored eight goals and led the Scorpions and the RRAC with 13 assists, a mark that was eighth best nationally that year. His average of 0.72 assists per game was ranked sixth nationally. Frimpong also led the Scorpions in shots with 59 and shots on goal with 25.
"I'm thrilled for Evans as he wanted to be a pro from day one," Scorpions men's soccer coach Dan Balaguero said. "It was fun having him here during the 2009 season. He is a player that can change the game with his lighting quick feet and the ability to strike the ball from distance. His pace and athleticism allow for him to play in numerous positions: he is equally effective anywhere across the midfield or the front line. I wish him nothing but the best and hope to see him go on and me successful at the MLS level."
After the 2009 season, the 5-9 Frimpong transferred to NCAA Division I University of Delaware, where he scored 15 goals and had six assists in the 2010 and 2011 seasons with the Blue Hens. Leading Delaware to the Colonial Athletic Association tournament championship during his senior season, Frimpong was also named an NSCAA second-team all-american as well as a semifinalist for the MAC-Herman trophy in 2011.
With four selections in the 2011 Supplemental Draft, the Fire acquired forward Evans Frimpong as the ninth overall pick. The Fire also drafted three other players.
-- UTB-TSC Services
