Late Day Marshall Sports Story

Chuck McGill at the Charleston Daily Mail has filed a story about Tom Herrion's new assistant coaches which I missed this morning, read it here: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004300050

Hiram Moore denied lesser sentence

Former Marshall wide receiver Hiram Moore was denied in his request for a lesser sentence stemming from a May 2009 felony drug conviction.

Read the whole story here at the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x1031425653/Reconsideration-rejected-in-former-MU-football-players-punishment

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/30

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall gets only half of ex-coach's buyout

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004290691

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Jones, MU staging state's latest contract war

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004291041

From the Charleston Gazette, Cline leaving Sooners to join Herrion's staff at MU

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004291040

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall adds basketball assistant

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031425851/Cline-returning-to-West-Virginia-roots

From the Herald Dispatch, Whiteside officially NBA-bound

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031425859/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd volleyball digs Cole

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031425861/Herd-volleyball-digs-Cole

From the Herald Dispatch, Baseball team risking C-USA streak at ECU

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031425857/Baseball-team-risking-C-USA-streak-at-ECU

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall women bid farewell to seniors

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031425865/Marshall-women-bid-farewell-to-seniors

From the Herald Dispatch, Soccer schedule set

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031425863/Soccer-schedule-set

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall moves on Jones buyout

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031425845/Marshall-moves-on-Jones-buyout

Offical: Darius Marshall at Bucs rookie mini camp

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released a list of try out participants at it's rookie mini camp this weekend, former Marshall running back Darius Marshall is on the list.

See the list here: http://www.buccaneers.com/news/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=7685&trid=home

Offical: Hassan Whiteside to NBA Draft

From the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1436434817/Whiteside-officialy-in-the-NBA-Draft

HUNTINGTON — It’s not a rumor any more. Marshall University freshman Hassan Whiteside has declared for the NBA Draft.

The official NBA Early-Entry Draft List was posted on a FoxSports.com blog by Jeff Goodman. Players who declare can return to school by withdrawing from the draft by May 8 if they haven’t hired an agent.

It wasn’t reported how many of the 80 college players on the list for the June 24 draft have retained agents.

Other players declaring included West Virginia’s Devin Ebanks, Ohio’s Armon Bassett and Ohio State’s Evan Turner. Kentucky’s Patrick Patterson of Huntington is also on the list along with Wildcats’ teammates Eric Bledsoe, DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton and John Wall.
Morehead State’s Kenneth Faried also declared.

Conference USA players on the list are Derrick Caracter and Arnett Moutrie from UTEP, Elijah Millsap from UAB and Elliot Williams from Memphis.

Get to know more about Marshall basketball coach Tom Herrion, Part II

This is part two of our two part, get to know more about Marshall basketball coach Tom Herrion interviews.

Rich Jablonsk co-authored three books on basketball strategy with legendary College of Charleston coach John Kresse (http://www.flipkart.com/author/richard-jablonski/). Kevin Haborak of http://www.cofcfans.com/ was kind enough to forward the questions I sent him to Jablonsk who’s answers are below.

*Editors Note – Please understand that the purpose of these interviews is only to gain more information about Tom Herrion’s tenure at the College of Charleston. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect those of the Marshall Thundering Blog. Personally, I hope that Herrion wins more games than Cam Henderson and we re-name the arena after him.

Rich Jablonsk Q & A on Tom Herrion, answers are italicized:

1. What was the prevailing feeling among College of Charleston fans when Tom Herrion was named as the replacement for legendary Jon Kresse?

People were generally split into two camps; i.e., encouraged about hiring an ACC assistant; or discouraged that neither Gregg Marshall (none), Jim Yarbrough (none), nor Ben Betts (minimum) drew any genuine interest. What scared me was the "quality" of the process. It flat stunk.

2. What kind of offensive and defensive system did Herrion run at C of C?

Herrion's "system," such as it was, was largely up-tempo, with some limited sets and lots of faux motion on offense. The defense was mostly man, that decreased in quality as Kresse-trained holdovers left. The result was decreasing win totals from Years 2-4 of the Herrion Era.

3. What is Herrion's on court demeanor like?

On-court, Herrion was blustery, and not particularly inspiring. He shouted "Move!" a lot. He drew a few techs, and was censured by the league after a nasty post-game episode at Georgia Southern, where he chased and berated refs after a loss.

4. What did you like about Herrion while he was your head coach?

Not much. In my estimation, he simply wasn't ready AT THAT TIME to be a head coach. He did win games, especially early. But his players and teams were undisciplined. Now, whether he's ready now ... we'll see.

5. What did you dis-like about Herrion during his tenure in Charleston?

See above. In general, he dragged the program's good name through the mud by recruiting too many bad kids and putting us in APR jeopardy, WITHOUT WINNING A SINGLE SoCON TITLE.

6. What was the first sign of trouble during Herrion's tenure at C of C?

To me, when he immediately recruited/signed Zeke Johnson as a transfer. The kid was pure poison, but lasted long enough to help Herrion/CofC win the Great Alaska Shootout. Shortly thereafter, he was dismissed.

7. Around what time did the possibility of Herrion's dismissal from C of C begin to surface?

Took me about 2 weeks. For most of the rest, I'd say during his third season, when academic and disciplinary problems surfaced and wins decreased.

8. If you had to pick one reason why Herrion is no longer Charleston's head basketball coach what would it be?

Just a bad fit. He was hired by an egotistical, Little Napoleon of a president, who rigged a generally lame selection committee. The "finalists" were: Herrion (UVa ties); Dave Dickerson (failed at Tulane); Paul Biancardi (run out of coaching after revelations of the crap he pulled at Ohio State); Ed DeChellis (from ETSU) and Betts (a token interview for a Kresse holdover). Tells you something about the process, eh

9. Considering your arena is named after John Kresse do you think any one could have been a successful replacement? In other words, you never want to follow "the man" but following the guy after "the man" typically works out better.

No doubt, that hurt Herrion. But CofC fans would have rallied around Marshall, Betts or Yarbrough, I'm sure. Herrion was BOTH the wrong guy, and the wrong time.

10. Would you consider Herrion a good recruiter?

Herrion recruited one great player, several solid players, several mediocre players and a bunch of first-rate boneheads to CofC. I mean, Zeke Johnson, Tavon Nelson, J.R. Hairston, etc., etc., etc. EVERYONE knew these guys were thugs and malcontents.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/29

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Drug test doomed Darius on draft day

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031424917/Drug-test-doomed-Darius-on-draft-day

From the Herald Dispatch, Ohio State gets even with Marshall, beats Herd 7-4

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031424927/Ohio-State-gets-even-with-Marshall-beats-Herd-7-4

From the Herald Dispatch, C-USA drops tournament

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031424931/C-USA-drops-tournament

From the Parthenon, Former Herd cornerback readies for pros

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/former-herd-cornerback-readies-for-pros-1.2245699

From the Parthenon, A fast, fresh start

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/a-fast-fresh-start-1.2245694

Get to know more about Marshall basketball coach Tom Herrion

When Tom Herrion was named head basketball coach at Marshall University the first thing I did was find more information about him. In my search for Herrion info I learned that he was a successful assistant at Pittsburg and is considered a great recruiter. Before his time at Pitt Herrion was head coach at the College of Charleston. Information about his time in Charleston was hard to come by. In four seasons Herrion never won less than 17 games yet was let go.

I got very curious about Herrion’s tenure at Charleston and decided to seek some answers. Being a blogger one of the most accessible ways to gain information is to talk to people in the same boat. Kevin Haborak is the owner and operator of http://www.cofcfans.com/, a message board dedicated to College of Charleston sports. Haboark was kind enough to answer a few questions about Herrion’s tenure at C of C which you will find below.

Haboark also sent the set of questions he answered to basketball writer Rich Jablonsk. Jabionsk co – authored three books on basketball strategy with former College of Charleston basketball coach John Kresse (http://www.flipkart.com/author/richard-jablonski/). I will post Jabionsk’s Q & A tommorw.

*Editors Note – Please understand that the purpose of these interviews is only to gain more information about Tom Herrion’s tenure at the College of Charleston. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not express the feelings of the Marshall Thundering Blog.

Kevin Haborak Q & A on Tom Herrion, answers are italicized:

1. What was the prevailing feeling among College of Charleston fans when Tom Herrion was named as the replacement for legendary Jon Kresse?

When he was first hired many were excited to see that he would be bringing a more up-tempo game to the Cougs, more probably fell in the camp of OK let's see what he can do, and some didn't like it from the start b/c they wanted a Kresse disciple. I fell in the second camp and supported him until about mid-way through his last year.

2. What kind of offensive and defensive system did Herrion run at C of C?

His offense was motion, with a few sets. Defense was man.

3. What is Herrion's on court demeanor like?

His demeanor started off fine, he was excitable but controlled. As the pressure built in years 3 and 4, his sideline demeanor (and his demeanor in interviews) tanked. It was because of the way that he behaved on the sideline and after the games in interviews that I finally stopped being a supporter in the 4th year.

4. What did you like about Herrion while he was your head coach?

When Herrion first started he instituted a thing where CofC fans stood until the Cougs scored their first basket, it still happens today.

5. What did you dislike about Herrion during his tenure in Charleston?

As the pressure mounted his demeanor on the sidelines was awful. He did a number of things that I felt embarrassed for the program about. Even GSU fans with Price at the helm were looking down their nose at our program and loving the downward direction it was heading fast.

6. What was the first sign of trouble during Herrion's tenure at C of C?

For me it was when Tavon Nelson got caught with a bunch of Meth. There had been a few team incidents with players leaving the team, but this one got me to think he was bringing the wrong type of player to the school.

7. Around what time did the possibility of Herrion's dismissal from C of C begin to surface?

There were people who wanted it to happen, but must thought we were stuck because he still had four years on his contract. That final year the call for Herrion to move on had become very loud due to his and his players’ issues. Even when Higdon (the president at the time and he backed Herrion the whole tenure) stepped down to take a position at another school, most didn’t think it would happen. It happened shortly thereafter when two donors offered to pony up the money to buy out Herrion if he was dismissed.

8. If you had to pick one reason why Herrion is no longer Charleston's head basketball coach what would it be?

His desire to win and take chances that led him to recruit the players he recruited. Kresse’s boys were no saints, but CofC fans were not accustomed with the types of incidents that happened under Herrion. A very close second was his reaction to problems and the people that questioned him when the problems started to mount.

9. Considering your arena is named after John Kresse do you think any one could have been a successful replacement? In other words, you never want to follow "the man" but following the guy after "the man" typically works out better.

Marshall , Betts, and Yarborough all probably could have succeeded (all Kresse disciples). I wanted Dickerson, but he didn’t do too well at Tulane, so who knows. Others would have been able to do well, but they would have had to have been better representatives of the school and more personable. I think Herrion just didn’t understand (or maybe just didn’t like) all the glad-handing that needed to be done. When Herrion didn’t take us where we wanted to go, I reminded many a fan that Kresse’s last years weren’t much better and that he needed time. After his second year, people stared to see improvement and were thinking he deserved another year to see if it kept getting better. It was in that next year where things started to get much worse instead.

10. Would you consider Herrion a good recruiter?

Based on player ability alone, yes. The problem at our school was that many of the players lacked character and were either dismissed from the team for off court incidents (assaults, drugs, and so forth) or failed out. We lost a scholarship after Herrion left due to all of the players that were dismissed. He also had recruits that never made it to the roster, most for academic reasons but at least one because of criminal charges.

Donnie Jones yet to pay back buy out

From Mitch Vingel’s article in the Charleston Gazette: http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004271046

Could we be moving toward another Rich Rodriguez situation - Marshall-style?

According to one MU official, former basketball coach Donnie Jones, now at Central Florida, has not paid the agreed-upon $500,000 buyout to his former school - with a Thursday deadline looming.

Let's hope sports fans in the Mountain State don't have to go through another round of Sports Law 101.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/28

From the Charleston Gazette, Fishing, recruits, buyouts and flameouts

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004271046

From the Herald Dispatch, Holliday humbled in return

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/homepage/x1031424289/Holliday-humbled-in-return

From the Herald Dispatch, Morehead snaps MU winning streak at 7

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1031424293/Morehead-snaps-MU-winning-streak-at-7

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd golfers last in C-USA tourney

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1031424299/Herd-golfers-trail-in-C-USA-tourney

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall needs big men

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1031424295/Marshall-needs-big-men

Marshall Loses out on Basketball Recruit

From Chuck McGill’s MU Sports Blog: http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/27/cant-win-em-all-part-2/

And point guard Calvin Newell, who I mentioned in this space and in previous columns as a primary target of Donnie Jones before “DJ” high-tailed it to UCF, has chosen Oklahoma after visiting Marshall and new Herd Coach Tom Herrion this weekend.

There’s no shame in losing to Big 12 schools in recruiting … especially when the recruitment of said athlete had to bridge two different basketball staffs. That said, I think Herrion is going to win his fair share of recruiting battles, even against the so-called big dogs.

ESPN’s Eamonn Brennan on Hassan Whiteside

Eamonn Brennan at ESPN.com graded each early NBA draft entrant. Here is what he has to say about Hassan Whiteside:

B+ through B-: The "Respectable, If Not Exactly A Sure Thing" group.

Hassan Whiteside, Fr., F, Marshall: Yes, Whiteside could use another year in school. He's still pretty raw. But his freshman campaign at Marshall was so impressive that he's gone from a total unknown to one of the more intriguing picks in the draft, and Whiteside is taking advantage of his skyrocketing stock.

For the whole article click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5136346

Darius Passmore to the CFL

From the great folks over at the Herd Insider (www.goherd.com), former Marshall wide receiver Darius Passmore is going to the CFL:

http://www.goherd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=238:three-former-marshall-football-stars-sign-nfl-free-agent-contracts&catid=13:featured-news&Itemid=135

In a related story, former Marshall receiver Darius Passmore has signed to play football in the Canadian Football League. Passmore, who finished his career in 2008, has signed a contract to join the British Columbia Lions. Passmore will remain in Huntington through May, then head to training camp with the the Lions in June.

Passmore spent a little time on the Lion’s roster last season, mostly on injured reserved.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/27

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd's Lipton swings way to C-USA award

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004260854

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Dago Pena headlines all-decade team

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/26/dago-pena-headlines-all-decade-team/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Darius Marshall in exclusive club

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/26/darius-marshall-in-exclusive-club/

From the Herald Dispatch, Huntington Prep's Dieng commits to Louisville

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716903/Preps-Dieng-commits-to-Louisville

From the Herald Dispatch, MU, UTEP tied for last in C-USA golf tourney

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716911/MU-UTEP-tied-for-last-in-C-USA-golf-tourney

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Marshall goes o-fer in NFL Draft

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716905/Herd-players-getting-drafted-has-turned-into-an-exception

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd baseball on a C-USA roll

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x823334068/Herd-baseball-on-a-C-USA-roll

Darius Marshall Update, failed drug test & Tampa Bay

The Boston Herald is reporting that Darius Marshall failed his drug test at the NFL Combine:

http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/?p=7009&srvc=sports&position=recent_bullet

Marshall quarterback Press Taylor has deleted a post on his Twitter page that indicated Darius Marshall was going to Tampa Bay as a un-drafted free agent:

http://twitter.com/PressTaylor

Darius Marshall to Tampa Bay?

Two separate Twitter post lead me to believe that former Marshall running back Darius Marshall has singed a un-drafted free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Marshall quarterback Press Taylor wrote this on new Buccaneer defensive tackle Gerald McCoy's Twitter page: http://twitter.com/PressTaylor

@GK_McCoy My RB from out here just signed as a FA with them... Darius Marshall.

On the Twitter page of Brittney B Wilson I found this: http://twitter.com/Britt_Brat89

RT @Mr_IAmDebonair Shoutout to Darius Marshall For getting Picked up by Tampa Bay #BHS #Classof07

Marshall NFL Notes

A few Marshall related notes from the NFL:

Former Marshall teammates Albert McClellan and Ashton Hall inked undrafted free agent contracts with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed former Marshall offensive lineman Daniel Baldridge to a undrafted free agent contract.

From WBOY.com, Three Marshall Football Stars Sign Free Agent Contracts
http://www.wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=78853&catid=3

Per ProFootballTalk.com, former Marshall tight end Jason Rader has retired http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/24/norwood-koenen-sign-their-rfa-tenders/

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/26

From the Charleston Gazette, RBs still a strength for Herd

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004250567

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd QBs focus on team success

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004250518

From the Herald Dispatch, Spring evaluations roll in from Herd players

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716531/Spring-evaluations-roll-in-from-Herd-players

From the Herald Dispatch, Softball team falls to Southern Miss

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716557/Softball-team-falls-to-Southern-Miss

From the Herald Dispatch, MU ROUNDUP: So. Miss takes 2 from Herd in softball

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716533/Southern-Miss-takes-2-from-Herd-in-softball

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall baseball sweeps UCF series

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716529/Marshall-baseball-sweeps-UCF-series

From the Herald Dispatch, Tulsa beats MU for C-USA tennis title

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716535/Tulsa-beats-Marshall-for-C-USA-tennis-title

From the Herald Dispatch, Rick McCann: Herd's Shaquille Johnson suffers off-season knee injury

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874716163/Herds-Shaquille-Johnson-suffers-off-season-knee-injury

Marshall sets season ticket record

From the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1196514898/Marshall-sets-season-ticket-record

HUNTINGTON — Marshall University football season ticket sales are moving at a record pace.
Marshall has sold more than 11,000 season tickets, surpassing the 2009 season total of 10,764 ticket packages.

A Choose-A-Seat promotion begins at noon, Saturday, leading up to the spring football game in Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Customer service station will be at Gate A and Gate C. Fans are encouraged to look around the stadium and inquire about seating options

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/23

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd welcomes UCF to APP today

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004221028

From the Charleston Gazette, Question marks still surround offensive line

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004221027

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Wasonga among 7 recruits at MU game

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004230052

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Holliday says Herd's spring game will show return to winning ways

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004230065

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Recruiting: Wasonga and others to visit for spring game

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/22/recruiting-wasonga-and-others-to-visit-for-spring-game/

From the Herald Dispatch, Legends back this weekend

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874715114/MU-football-legends-to-return-for-banquet-Green-White-game

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Inductees

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874715132/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, MU baseball hosts UCF at Power Park

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874715110/MU-baseball-hosts-UCF-at-Power-Park

From the Herald Dispatch, MU Roundup: Softball tied for last

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874715116/Marshall-So-Miss-softball-tied-for-last-place-in-C-USA

From the Herald Dispatch, MU, UCF face off Friday

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874715118/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Herrion's hirings become official

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1196514816/Herrions-hirings-become-official

Atlantic HS coach Chris Bean on Jephete Matilus to Marshall

Jason Leiser of the Palm Beach Post got a hold of Atlantic High School (FL) football coach Chris Bean and asked him about Jephete Matilus commitment to Marshall.

At this point in the process, when players still have more than nine months to change their minds, it is hard to say how much this matters. Bean said he is unsure how solid Matilus’ decision is.

“I don’t know, to be honest with you, but he did commit,” Bean said. “He gave them a verbal.”

If it holds up, this would be a continuation of a great run by Marshall in Palm Beach County. The Thundering Herd picked up six county players last season, including two of the area’s top 20 recruits.

Read the whole article here: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2010/04/22/atlantic-lb-jephete-matilus-commits-to-marshall/

Hiram Moore Asks for Reduced Sentance

From WSAZ.com: http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/91822839.html

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A former Marshall University football player was back in court Thursday morning.

Hiram Moore's attorney filed a motion to reconsider Moore's sentence.
Moore was convicted on drug charges last May, but was given a second chance to go back to school and earn a master's degree. However, Moore said he dropped out of school after a problem getting his financial aid.

In early March, Judge Alfred Ferguson sentenced Moore to one to five years in prison because Ferguson said Moore didn't properly notify the court of his whereabouts or status.

Thursday, in front of a courtroom packed with supporters for Moore, his attorney argued he has a strong support system. She said she’s received a number of letters from prominent members of the community commending Moore for his strong character and potential. She said he’s successfully completed a “Celebrate Recovery” Christian-based addiction recovery program and become very active in his church.

Ferguson said he’s impressed with the show of support and recognizes Moore’s intelligence, but still isn’t convinced Moore will use that intelligence for good. Judge Ferguson said he would consider the case and would make a decision at a later date.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/22

From the Charleston Gazette, Pennington's back for special weekend

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004211047

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd could get shut out of draft for third straight season

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004211071

From the Charleston Gazette, Pair of Atlantic 10 assistants joining Herrion's staff at MU

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004211073

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Chad Pennington talks about the Herd's future

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004220188

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd's Herrion adds two assistants

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004210861

From the Charleston Daily Mail, A decent motivational speaker: Bobby Pruett

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/21/a-decent-motivational-speaker-bobby-pruett/

From the Herald Dispatch, Bowers enjoying valuable experience

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874714560/Bowers-enjoying-valuable-experience

From the Herald Dispatch, Barton, Presley joining Herrion's staff

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874714558/Barton-Presley-joining-Herrions-staff

From the Herald Dispatch, Green-White schedule

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1196514760/Green-White-schedule

From the Herald Dispatch, NFL.com rates McClellan, Marshall far from top picks

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874714562/NFL-com-rates-McClellan-Marshall-far-from-top-picks

From the Herald Dispatch, Kissell looks for Conference USA title

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874714530/Kissell-looks-for-Conference-USA-title

From the Herald Dispatch, Thundering Herd sweeps two from Coppin State

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874714524/Thundering-Herd-sweeps-two-from-Coppin-State

From the Herald Dispatch, Grant Traylor: Herd lands first verbal commitment for Class of 2011

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874714528/Herd-lands-first-verbal-commitment-for-Class-of-2011

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Pennington pumping up MU weekend

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1196514743/Chuck-Landon-Pennington-pumping-up-MU-weekend

Jephete Matilus to Marshall Football

Linebacker Jephete Matilus has become Marshall's first verbal commitment for 2011. Matilus plays at Atlantic High School in Delray Beach Florida. According to Rivals.com Matilus was offered scholarships by Illinois, Nebraska, and Western Kentucky.

When the high school football season starts the Marshall Thundering Blog will follow Matilus and Atlantic High Schools progress.

Jephete Matilus Rivals.com page: http://rivals.yahoo.com/marshall/football/recruiting/player-Jephete-Matilus-106908

Jephete Matilue Video: http://www.soflafootball.com/feature/video-jephete-matilus

Blog Update

Sorry the Blog has been a bit slow this week. I am finishing an interview with the owner of CofCFans.com ( College of Charleston fan board) about Tom Herrion. The interview will hopefully give us a incite to Herrion’s coaching style and what we can expect in the Henderson Center next season.

Beyond that keep checking the blog frequently. At a minimum I post links to every Marshall story that appears in the Herald Dispatch, Charleston Daily Mail, and Charleston Gazette, Monday through Friday.

Steve Blevins Continues to Pitch Well

Former Marshall pitcher Steve Blevins has recorded four straight saves for the Beloit Snappers (Low A, Minnesota Twins) without giving up a run. During the scoreless streak Blevins has only given up three hits while striking out four.

Follow Blevins progress here: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=542948

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/21

From the Charleston Gazette, Holliday completing first leg of journey

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004200935

From the Charleston Gazette, Petersen again in charge of Herd QBs

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004200936

From the Charleston Gazette, More Herd in the NFL draft

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2010/04/20/more-herd-in-the-nfl-draft/

From the Herald Dispatch, First teamers face off Saturday

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874713851/First-teamers-face-off-Saturday

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall on road to 'home' at Beckley

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874713879/Marshall-on-road-to-home-at-Beckley

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Marshall, Booker put scat back in offense

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874713873/Marshall-Booker-put-scat-back-in-offense

From the Herald Dispatch, MU's Grier finishes 10th in C-USA golf

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874713881/MUs-Grier-finishes-10th-in-C-USA-golf

From the Herald Dispatch, David Walsh: C.J. Crawford making progress

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x823333624/David-Walsh-C-J-Crawford-making-progress

QB Byron Leftwich returns to Pittsburgh Steelers

From the Associated Press:

The Pittsburgh Steelers reacquired quarterback Byron Leftwich by dealing a seventh-round draft pick to Tampa Bay, a sign they expect Ben Roethlisberger to be suspended for the start of the season.

Leftwich backed up Roethlisberger in 2008, when the Steelers won the Super Bowl. The Steelers play three teams that didn't make the playoffs — the Falcons, Bucs and Titans — plus division rival Baltimore in their first four games, a period that could span any Roethlisberger suspension.

Pittsburgh already has third-year quarterback Dennis Dixon and longtime backup Charlie Batch under contract. Dixon has started only one NFL game but likely would compete with Leftwich in training camp to be the early-season starter if Roethlisberger is suspended. Leftwich, 30, played in five games for Pittsburgh in 2008, throwing for 303 yards and two TDs.

Jay Bilas on Hassan Whiteside

You have to be a ESPN insider to see the whole article but Jay Bilas had this to say about Hassan Whiteside entering the draft:

Hassan Whiteside, Marshall: This kid probably should have stayed in school. Whiteside is a freak that has all the tools but is still learning how to use them efficiently. He is really raw, and will need time to develop into a really good NBA player. And there is no telling whether he will make it in the NBA or whether the league will eat him up if he goes in unprepared. Whiteside has a chance to be special, but by leaving now, he is taking a risk.

The entire article (subscription) can be viewed here: http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog?name=bilas_jay&id=5112725&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmens-college-basketball%2fblog%3fname%3dbilas_jay%26id%3d5112725

I was wrong

Here at the Marshall Thundering Blog we believe in accountability, in regards to that I like to admit when I am wrong. During the early days of our coaching search to replace Donnie Jones I predicted Wake Forest assistant and Marshall alum Jeff Battle would be our next basketball coach (http://marshallthunderingblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/marshalls-next-head-basketball-coach.html). Clearly, I was wrong as Tom Herrion was named head basketball coach a little over one week ago.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/20

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd in the NFL Draft

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2010/04/20/herd-in-the-nfl-draft/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd's Ward making good first impression

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004190712

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: QB controversy inevitable for 2010 season

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874713329/Quarterback-controversy-inevitable-for-2010-season

From the Herald Dispatch, MU Roundup: Women's golf team records best round in school history

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874713331/Womens-golf-team-records-best-round-in-school-history

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/19

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall defense counting on Janac

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004180504

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd fans used to watching team at Power Park

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004180457

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Scrimmage highlights race for starting QB job at Marshall

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004180539

From the Charleston Daily Mail, WVU, Marshall should play baseball series in Charleston

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004180537

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Tackle football scrimmage stats from Saturday

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/17/tackle-football-scrimmage-stats-from-saturday/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Doc Holliday and Tecmo Bowl

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/17/doc-holliday-and-tecmo-bowl/

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd defeats So. Miss to win C-USA series

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874712930/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall softball dominates Dayton 7-0

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874712936/Marshall-softball-dominates-Dayton-7-0

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd women golfers in 7th place after opening round

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874712942/Herd-women-golfers-in-7th-place-after-opening-round

Marshall Basketball Recruiting

Chuck McGill at the MU Sports Blog (http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/) has listed a number of possible Marshall basketball recruits. Here is what he wrote:

Cleveland Melvin –- He’s the most coveted of a trio of players from Baltimore’s Notre Dame Prep that Marshall could target. Melvin, a 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward, previously committed to UConn but reneged on his pledge in November. He and Antoine Myers, listed below, are visiting next week.

Antoine Myers -– A 6-4 guard with a smattering of interest from Big East and ACC schools.

Lamont Samuels –- A 6-3 swingman with most mid-major interest to this point. He’s originally from Brooklyn, N.Y.

Alex Harris –- The 6-1, 170-pound guard made the move from El Cerrito High School in Richmond, Calif., to Bridgton Academy in Maine for his senior season. He tied a school record with nine 3-pointers in a game for Bridgton this season.

P.J. Lockridge — A 6-6 wing player who played with Michael Haynes, below, at Heat Academy in Virginia. Lockridge visited Louisville in February on the same recruiting trip that featured Huntington Prep players Justin Coleman and Gorgui Dieng.

Michael Haynes — He is bulkier than his teammate Lockridge, and according to ESPN, has interest from Big East and Big Ten schools, as well as Memphis and Xavier.

Curtis Wilkerson –- A 6-7, 220-pound junior college forward who played the last two seasons at San Bernardino Valley College in California. He’s originally from Kirby, Miss.

Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list (Huntington Prep’s Gorgui Dieng is in play, for instance), but I’ll keep digging to see if I can unearth any other names that could land with Herrion’s Herd.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/16

From the Charleston Gazette, Brown is Herd's last safety standing

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004151011

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall back to C-USA baseball wars with Southern Miss

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004151016

From the Charleston Gazette, Short's status unclear as Herrion begins recruiting push

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004151022

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd's Herrion has recruiting plan

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004151089

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hoops recruitniks — monitor these names

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/15/hoops-recruitniks-monitor-these-names/

From the Herald Dispatch, Without Slate, Herd TEs still strong

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874711518/Without-Slate-Herd-still-has-weapons

From the Herald Dispatch, Herrion hits ground running

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874711516/Herrion-hits-ground-running

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall hosting So. Miss

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874711514/Marshall-hosting-So-Miss

From the Herald Dispatch, Character leads DeMoss to next level

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874711500/Character-leads-DeMoss-to-next-level

From the Parthenon, Swinging into the season

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/swinging-into-the-season-1.2226487

Marshall in the AFL

Marshall University has two, maybe three (Chris Royal’s status in cloudy) in the new Arena Football League. Below are the stats for our former Herd stars after week two:

Bernard Morris, QB/WR, Jacksonville Sharks: Morris got in at quarterback during the Sharks first game after Aaron Garcia temporarily left due to injury. In 9 passing attempts Morris completed 4 passes for 52 yards. Playing wide receiver Morris has caught 4 passes for 36 yards.

Jamus Martin, LB/FB, Chicago Rush: Martin has only appeared in one game for Chicago this season. During that game Martin recorded 3 tackles ( 1 solo, 2 assisted) and 1 pass break up.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/15

From the Charleston Gazette, Good results for Herd tight ends

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004141058

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall basketball players ponder transition

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004141116

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Holliday's stops will help Herd move ahead

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004141098

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall's Wood taking on more of a leadership role

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004141093

From the Herald Dispatch, Rippon ready to mix it up

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710951/Rippon-shows-no-fear-of-mixing-it-up

From the Herald Dispatch, Grant Traylor: 'Thin' quickly becoming a four-letter word for Herd

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710953/Thin-quickly-becoming-a-four-letter-word-for-Herd

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd softball team sweeps Wright State

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710955/Herd-softball-team-sweeps-Wright-State

From the Herald Dispatch, Herrion treats Herd for shock

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710947/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Bullock stages his own food revolution

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710935/Bullock-stages-his-own-food-revolution

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall falls to Eastern Kentucky

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710945/Marshall-falls-to-Eastern-Kentucky

From the Parthenon, Holliday visits students at Towers

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/holliday-visits-students-at-towers-1.2224664

From the Parthenon, The 'Wright' stuff

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/the-wright-stuff-1.2224657

WVU plans helmet sticker honoring fallen miners

I give WVU a pretty hard time on the Blog but when they do something right you have to respect it. Just wish we would have thought of it first.

From the Charleston Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/201004140455

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia's football players will wear a helmet decal honoring the 29 coal miners killed in the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion on April 5.

Coach Bill Stewart said Wednesday players will wear the decals at the team's annual Gold-Blue game on April 30 and throughout the 2010 football season.

The decal will be a white circle with a black No. 29 in the middle.

Stewart says the miners' work ethic is what the Mountaineers' program is all about.

Raheem Waiters Returns to Athletics

Marshall football verbal commitment Raheem Waiters, a standout track and football star at Riverside High School returned to competition Tuesday. Limited to just throwing the discuss after tearing his ACL during football season Waiters longest toss was 144 feet, 6 inches. Waiters state championship throw in the discuss last year was 157 feet -7 inches.

Waiters verbally committed to Marshall, but was not a part of Doc Holliday's inaugural Herd recruiting class. He is greyshirting and will not enroll at Marshall until January 2011. His eligibility clock will not start until the Fall of 2011, when he could redshirt and sit out a second season or play immediately.

Read the whole story about Waiters return to competition here: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201004140061

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/14

From the Charleston Gazette, Herrion's late start hampers hoops recruiting

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004130946

From the Charleston Gazette, Another spring, another transition for Youboty

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004130945

From the Charleston Gazette, Bowls, realignment and other stuff

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2010/04/13/bowls-realignment-and-other-stuff/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Injuries slowing pace of practice for Herd

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004140058

From the Herald Dispatch, QBs learning system

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710337/Four-working-to-master-Hollidays-system-under-QB-coach-Petersen

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall suffers a 15-6 rout to Morehead

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710347/Marshall-suffers-a-15-6-rout-to-Morehead

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Don't misread Doc Holliday's compassion as soft response

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710345/Dont-misread-Doc-Hollidays-compassion-as-soft-response

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd softball sweeps pair from Bobcats

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710349/Herd-softball-sweeps-pair-from-Bobcats

From the Herald Dispatch, David Walsh: Tight end Smith returning to spring practice

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710339/Tight-end-Smith-returning-to-spring-practice

From the Herald Dispatch, Former MU coach takes helm at University of Charleston

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874710341/Former-MU-coach-takes-helm-at-University-of-Charleston

From the Parthenon, Marshall football not backing into corner

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/marshall-football-not-backing-into-corner-1.2221956

From the Parthenon, Doubling down

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/doubling-down-1.2221930

NCAA asks about possible rules violations at WVU

From the Charleston Gazette: http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/201004130532

West Virginia University officials have been interviewed by NCAA investigators for possible violations in the school's football program, ESPN reports.

The report says NCAA investigators asked about possible rules violations during the tenure of former coach Rich Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is now the head coach at the University of Michigan. The NCAA has been investigating whether the amount of time Michigan athletes spend on football-related activities exceeds NCAA limits.

"The NCAA has met with individuals involved with the West Virginia football program to identify any potential rules violations," WVU officials said in a statement, as reported by ESPN. "The university has fully cooperated with the NCAA during this process. West Virginia University and its department of intercollegiate athletics is committed to operating its athletics department in conformance with the legislation and policies of the NCAA and the Big East Conference."

Steve Blevins Update

Former Marshall pitcher Steve Blevins has started the 2010 minor league year with the Beloit Snappers. Beloit is the Minnesota Twins low A affiliate. Last year as a relief pitcher with Beloit, Blevins threw 76 innings with a 3.52 ERA and 67 strike outs to 26 walks.

This season as the Snappers closer Blevins has already recorded a save and win.

Follow Blevins progress this season here: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=542948

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/13

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall coach Herrion gets $394,000 contract

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004120921

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall making big hits common

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004120907

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herrion's Herd has date with Louisville

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004120900

From the Herald Dispatch, Herrion here to 'elevate' Herd

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874709901/Herrion-here-to-elevate-Herd

From the Herald Dispatch, Football fans should see 'Brown-Outs' this season

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874709899/Football-fans-should-see-Brown-Outs-this-season

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall softball to host doubleheaders

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874709903/Marshall-softball-to-host-doubelheaders

From the Parthenon, Just 'Kellen' time

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/just-kellen-time-1.2220625

Marshall Basketball Target Shines in Tournament

Huntington Prep’s Gorgui Dieng, a Marshall basketball recruiting target under former head coach Donnie Jones, performed well at this weekends Kentucky Derby Festival Classic.

Read about Dieng’s performance below, from the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874709477/Dieng-Coleman-shine-in-Louisville

Huntington Prep Academy basketball players stole the show at the 2010 Kentucky Derby Festival Classic over the weekend in Louisville, Ky.

The Black team, which was coached by Huntington Prep coach Rob Fulford, earned a 133-124 victory over the White team in the contest while seeing two Express players shine in doing so.

The man of the night was Huntington Prep's Gorgui Dieng, a 6-foot-11 center that has garnered much attention nationally as one of the top prospects not committed for the college Class of 2010.

Dieng earned game MVP honors with 15 points, nine rebounds and eight blocks.

For now, Dieng is still uncommitted with Louisville, Marshall, Colorado, Maryland and Marquette as his top five choices.

Dieng's performance certainly wasn't the only highlight for Huntington Prep.

Justin Coleman, a top 25 player who has verbally committed to play for Rick Pitino at Louisville, started his weekend by winning the dunk contest on Friday night at Knights Hall on the campus of Bellarmine University.

He followed up that victory with a 26-point effort in the Black team's victory.
The two Huntington Prep standouts accounted for 41 of the team's 133 points in the win.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/12

From the Charleston Gazette, Spring position battles, Whiteside's pro prospects and Herrion's expectations

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004110433

From the Herald Dispatch, Herrion has support from wife Leslie

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874709475/Marshall-hoops-head-Herrion-has-solid-support-from-wife-Leslie

From the Herald Dispatch, Thundering Herd rolls to 14-4 win over Blazers

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874709485/Thundering-Herd-rolls-to-14-4-win-over-Blazers

From the Herald Dispatch, UCF sweeps Herd with 1-0 win

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x874709467/UCF-sweeps-Herd-with-1-0-win

From the Herald Dispatch, MU women finish 11th in Lady Colonel Classic

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874709491/MU-women-finish-11th-in-Lady-Colonel-Classic

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Herrion offers new attitude for program

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x874709469/Herrion-offers-new-attitude-for-program

Tom Herrion is Marshall's next basketball coach

http://community.foxsports.com/goodmanonfox/blog/2010/04/09/marshall_hires_herrion

Pittsburgh associate head coach Tom Herrion has been hired at Marshall.

Sources told FOXSports.com that Herrion will be introduced at a news conference on Saturday.

Herrion, 42, has spent the past three years working for Jamie Dixon at Pittsburgh after being let go after a four-year stint at the College of Charleston in which he averaged 20 wins per season.

Herrion takes over a program that won 23 games last season under Donnie Jones, who left to go to fellow C-USA Central Florida.

Herrion was 80-38 in his career at Charleston and was also an assistant at Virginia from 1998-2002 and Providence from 1994-98.

Doug Smock: A few hours away from Marshall's next head basketball coach?

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2010/04/09/a-few-hours-away/

A few hours away?

April 9, 2010 by Doug Smock

Burnside has returned to the press box … If all works out, an announcement is coming tonight, with a press conference Saturday, (hopefully) after the scrimmage.

Drakeford Dismissed

From the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1196513839/Drakeford-dismissed-from-Herd-team

T.J. Drakeford is no longer a member of Marshall University’s football program.

The veteran cornerback, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior, was given notice in the aftermath of an arrest early last Sunday morning.

“T.J. Drakeford has been dismissed from the Marshall football team due to a team rules violation,” said Marshall head football coach Doc Holliday in a prepared statement.

Drakeford, a native of Charlotte, N.C., was involved in a scuffle with Huntington police along with defensive back DeQuan Bembry outside a night club located on Third Avenue last Sunday........

Besides the arrest, Drakeford also was involved in some alledged additional wrong-doing within the program, including showing up 45 minutes late for a workout.

Is Tom Herrion Marshall's next basketball coach?

Two updates from Doug Smocks "Inside Marshall Sports Blog", http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/

Herrion update
April 9, 2010 by Doug Smock

We have no confirmation of what the radio guys are saying, but Randy Burnside (SID) has mysteriously disappeared during football practice. Stay tuned.


About Tom Herrion
April 9, 2010 by Doug Smock

You may note that Pitt’s Jamie Dixon is already starting to win coach of the year honors. He didn’t do it all by himself, either. … I will have some brief insight into why Herrion *really* got fired at the College of Charleston.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/9

From the Herald Dispatch, Harris leads by example

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127238152/Harris-leads-by-example

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall continues search for basketball coach

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127238150/Marshall-continues-search-for-basketball-coach

From the Herald Dispatch, Tennis team has two home matches

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127238156/Tennis-team-has-two-home-matches

From the Herald Dispatch, Tennis team has two home matches

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127238156/Tennis-team-has-two-home-matches

From the Parthenon, Herd baseball pitching more fits

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/herd-baseball-pitching-more-fits-1.2217250

From the Parthenon, Defensive pressure

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/defensive-pressure-1.2217247

Marshall Basketball Coach Updates

From Andy Katz at ESPN: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=5067556

Marshall: Appalachian State head coach Buzz Peterson and Pitt associate head coach Tom Herrion appear to be the front-runners after Mark Gottfried took himself out of the running. It's a solid job with a loyal fan base, but has consistently been stuck somewhere in the middle of C-USA.

Is Buzz Peterson out? From the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x684618255/Marshall-search-continues

Peterson said Thursday in a report by the Winston-Salem Journal newspaper that he spoke with Hamrick last weekend at the NCAA Final Four, but hasn’t had a formal interview. The Appalachian State coach said he declined a request to visit Marshall

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/8

From the Charleston Gazette, Candidates lining up to succeed Marshall

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004070971

From the Charleston Gazette, Looking at Saturday, possibly

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2010/04/07/looking-at-saturday-possibly/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Dino Gaudio fired … next stop?

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/07/dino-gaudio-fired-next-stop-huntington/

From the Herald Dispatch, Whatever Herd does, Holliday wants hustle

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127237500/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Guess here is Herrion will be new coach

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127237488/Guess-here-is-Herrion-will-be-new-coach

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd splits two games with Morehead State

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127237504/Herd-splits-two-games-with-Morehead-State

From the Herald Dispatch, Bobcats batter Marshall pitching

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127237496/Bobcats-batter-Marshall-pitching

From the Herald Dispatch, Spring practice is about learning the little things

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127237502/Spring-practice-is-about-learning-the-little-things

Kind of Herd Related: Dino Gaudio out at Wake Forest

Wake Forest head coach Dino Gaudio has been fired at Wake Forest. At one point Gaudio's top assistant, Marshall alum Jeff Battle, was a rumored candidate for the Herd's head coaching job.

Marshall Coaching Search Down to the Wire

A few names have surfaced in various reports as finalist for Marshall’s basketball coach opening. Pittsburg assistant Tom Herrion was reportedly on campus yesterday, taking a tour with Athletic Director Mike Hamrick. Appalachian State Basketball coach Buzz Peterson interviewed with Hamrick at the final four and might be coming to Huntington for a second interview soon. Former Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried also interviewed in Indianapolis but may be angling for a higher profile job. Steve Henson, a assistant at Hamrick’s last AD stop UNLV, is also in the running.

Wake Forrest assistant coach Jeff Battle and WVU assistant Larry Harrison were mentioned early on as candidates but they have not been talked about since.

Basketball’s recruiting window opens on April 9th so we should have a new head coach before Friday.

Chuck McGill takes a swipe at Chuck Landon

From Chuck McGill’s Marshall Sports Blog on the Charleston Daily Mail Website: http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/04/06/from-the-not-really-breaking-news-dept/

So, Hassan Whiteside is sort of officially going pro (Click this link!). I say “sort of” because he refuses to talk to the media after “we” (Hi Landon!) were critical of him late in the season. His family has confirmed, however, that he will not return to Marshall.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/7

From the Charleston Gazette, Catching up with Huggins, MU's search for a coach

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004060854

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd adjusts to thinned secondary

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004060850

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Freshman QB gets work for Herd

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004070024

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall football season ticket renewal deadline Friday

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004070020

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd's Whiteside headed to the NBA

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004060947

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Here's the latest on search for new coach

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127236761/Heres-the-latest-on-search-for-new-coach

From the Herald Dispatch, Smith, Herd learn Holliday way

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127236737/Smith-Herd-learn-Holliday-way

From the Herald Dispatch, Women golfers fourth in Virginia tournament

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127236773/Women-golfers-fourth-in-Virginia-tournament

From the Herald Dispatch, Player arrests will be dealt with properly, Holliday says

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1127236739/Player-arrests-will-be-dealt-with-properly-Holliday-says

From the Herald Dispatch, Jones takes assistants to UCF

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1127236771/Jones-takes-assistants-to-UCF

From the Parthenon, Marshall could use a Hug(gins)

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/marshall-could-use-a-hug-gins-1.2213551

From the Parthenon, Far and wide(out)

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/far-and-wide-out-1.2213546

No Blog Today

No Blog updates today, we will be back in action tomorrow.

Jim Utter: Bobby Lutz out as new Marshall coach

Jim Utter, who covers Charlotte basketball for the Charlotte Observer tweets this:

Former Charlotte 49ers coach Bobby Lutz no longer in running for Marshall job.

http://twitter.com/jim_utter/status/11655825152

Marshall Basketball Coaching Search Update

From Doug Smock's Blog at the Charleston Gazette: http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2010/04/05/coaching-search/

Coaching searchApril 5, 2010 by Doug Smock

Don’t expect it to break until Wednesday, at the absolute earliest… And there might be a name or two not currently on the radar… the process is getting a bit more intense (and shrouded).
Shall keep my ears open, in the meantime.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/5

From the Charleston Gazette, Two Marshall football players arrested

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004040295

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Ripley's Fischer exploring options

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004050026

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Names for job at Marshall emerge at coaches convention

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004050025

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Arrests, suspensions for Marshall stars Bembry, Drakeford

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004050017

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd adjusting to Holliday's way

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x578671840/Herd-adjusting-to-Hollidays-way

From the Herald Dispatch, William & Mary posts win over Herd in tennis

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x578671842/William-Mary-posts-win-over-Herd-in-tennis

From the Herald Dispatch, Two MU football players arrested early Sunday

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x578671852/Two-MU-football-players-arrested-early-Sunday

Marshall Basketball: Head Coach Interviewee Names

Jack Bogaczyk of the Charleston Daily Mail names head coach interviewees: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004020295

He wouldn't reveal names, but Hamrick said today he interviewed two coaches Thursday -- "one current head coach and one top assistant" -- and had four interviews set Friday and another early Saturday.

The Friday sessions were with two top assistant coaches, a current head coach and a former head coach, the Herd AD said. The Saturday confirmed interview is with a former head coach, Hamrick said, adding "we may possibly have two more (Saturday), too."

Hamrick would not confirm when asked about names, but a source revealed that the former head coach to be interviewed Friday is Bobby Lutz, who was recently fired at Charlotte.

It's also believed that one of Hamrick's sit-downs has been with Appalachian State's Buzz Peterson, the former North Carolina guard who also has coached at Tulsa, Tennessee and Coastal Carolina.

The source said one of the assistant coach interviews would be with Cleveland State's Jayson Gee, the former University of Charleston star and head coach.

The source said Hamrick was intent on interviewing good minority candidates as part of the process, citing that as important in making the search complete.

Donnie Jones: Recruiting to Huntington Hard

What I will call a anonyms source emailed me a excerpt of a interview Jarvis Davis did with UCFSports.com. The article is subscription (rivals.com) only but here is the excerpt:

"Coach Jones was telling me about UCF and explaining to me about the facilities," Davis said. "He had a hard time recruiting in Huntington, W.V. That's not a place people want to go. He told me when he goes to Orlando we can recruit top notch players. Orlando is a great city and people want to be there. With UCF's facilities and the team we have now we can be something special. I looked at his interview and he said something like the sleeping giant, waking it up. I have confidence in Coach Jones and his staff that we can wake the giant.

Full Article (Subscription only) http://ucf.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1069798

Jamus Martin on NFL Network Tonight

Former Marshall defensive end Jamus Martin and the Chicago Rush square off against the Iowa Barnstormers on the NFL Network tonight at 8pm EST. Tonight’s game marks the return of the Arena Football League after taking 2009 off.

Former Marshall defensive back Chris Royal of the Tulsa Talons kicks of his season Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Storm. Ex-Marshall quarterback Bernard Morris and the Jacksonville Sharks also take the field Saturday at Oklahoma against the Yard Dawgz.

Hamrick Interviews at least 3, more to come

From: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004010917?page=2&build=cache

HAMRICK, BY the way, arrived in Indianapolis late Wednesday.

He was expected to interview a minimum of three candidates Thursday, with more to come today and Saturday.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/2

From the Charleston Gazette, Mercurial MU returns to Power Park tonight

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201004011008

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd hoops, Hamrick, Huggins and hardbodies

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004010917

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Bruhin comes back

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x716517894/Bruhin-makes-unexpected-return

From the Herald Dispatch, Baseball team hosting Memphis in Charleston

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x578670548/Baseball-team-hosting-Memphis-in-Charleston

From the Parthenon, Donnie Jones fact and fiction

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/donnie-jones-fact-and-fiction-1.2209866

From the Parthenon, Homecoming swing

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/sports/homecoming-swing-1.2209864

Chris Royal activated from refuse to report

The Tulsa Talons have activated former Marshall defensive back Chris Royal from the refuse to report list. Royal was traded from Iowa to Tulsa earlier this week.

3/30 AFL Transaction report: http://arenafootball.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/Stats/AFL_Transactions_3-30-10.pdf

Houston Hires, Tulane Fires

The University of Houston has hired James Dickey as their men’s basketball coach. Dickey was the head coach at Texas Tech from 1991 to 2001, making the NCAA tournament two times. Most recently Dickey was an assistant coach at Oklahoma State from 2002 – 2008.

Tulane has fired men’s basketball coach Dave Dickerson. Last season the Green Wave amassed a record of 8 – 22. Overall Dickerson compiled a 68 – 84 record at Tulane, his coaching tenure coincided with hurricane Katrina.

Jamal Wilson & Quan Fletcher leave program

Wide receiver Jamal Wilson and linebacker Quan Fletcher have left Marshall’s football team. Fletcher, who redshirted last season, was one of former head coach Mark Snyder’s premier recruits in 2008. Coming out of high school Fletcher was ranked as a three star prospect by Rivals.com.

Wilson caught 17 passes last year for a total of 128 yards and no touchdowns. Coming out of Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake Virginia Rivals.com listed Wilson as a three star prospect. Wilson was also part of the 2008 recruiting class.

Back to White

The Herd was sporting white helmets during Doc Holliday's first spring practice yesterday. Looks like we are back in white this season.

Today's Marshall Sports News 4/1

From the Charleston Gazette, Doc debuts on the field

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201003310965

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Practice begins for Holliday's Herd

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201004010038

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Donnie Jones recruit chooses UCF over Marshall

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/03/31/donnie-jones-recruit-chooses-ucf-over-marshall/

From the Herald Dispatch, Holliday coaches first practice

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x578670028/Herd-has-first-practice-with-new-coach

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: New coach lays down new rules for Marshall

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x578670016/New-coach-lays-down-new-rules-for-Marshall

From the Herald Dispatch, Several events scheduled to highlight spring practice

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x578670030/Several-events-scheduled-to-highlight-spring-practice

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd baseball falls to Eastern Kentucky

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x578670026/Herd-baseball-falls-to-Eastern-Kentucky