More from our Susan G. Komen Event

Here are some pictures of the pregame ceremony in which the money raised was presented to the families of Sue Hauck and Elizabeth Walter and then to Stacey Hallahan, the President of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Kentucky affiliate.

Austin College Captains Ryan Bielefeldt and Austin Newman giving the family of Elizabeth Walter our money raised. Robby (far left) and Gary are the son and husband of Sue Hauck, whom Centre's money was raised in memory of.

From left to right: Gary Crump, husband of Sue Hauck; Stacey Hallahan, President of Susan G. Komen Kentucky; Allison and Bing Walter, Elizabeth's parents; Allie Walter, Elizabeth's daughter; Matt and Audrey Walter, her brother and sister-in-law; Ryan and Austin.

Centre College 3 - Austin College 2 OT

There was obviously a lot leading up to this game with the Susan G. Komen event. Our team did a fantastic job of raising money for this tremendous cause (much in part thanks to you!). On the night, both programs raised $5,300 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with Austin College raising $3,800 of that. Demolishing Centre in the fundraising contest. The teams willingness to get out and raise awareness on Breast Cancer and the event was incredible. In addition, all who donated were so kind and generous. What a great cause.

After our game at DePauw in Friday night, we bused part of the way south and finished out the trip on Saturday morning, arriving at Centre around noon. We walked the game field for a few minutes and then, due to the rain, headed to their practice facility for a light stretch. Obviously I am a Centre grad and it was also Homecoming at Centre so it made for a special day. There was a lot of buzz on campus and the team did a fantastic job of staying focused on our task...beating Centre.

After the kick-around we checked into our hotel and then went to my parents house for our pregame meal. They so willingly invited 20 guys over for the meal, which I was so pleased they did. Much better then a restaurant meal. In addition, it allowed me to introduce the team to Allison and Bing Walter and Allie Walter. Allison and Bing are the parents of Elizabeth Walter whom our donations were being presented to Susan G. Komen in memory of. Elizabeth, as I have mentioned, passed away last winter of breast cancer and was a close family friend. Her daughter, Allie, was also there so I wanted the guys to meet the family members of Elizabeth. We took a team picture with Allie on my parents front porch. Allie is behind the plant in the middle of the picture.

In addition, I had a good friend come to speak to the boys about enjoying the entire experience of playing with close friends and having no regrets. Jason Kinser and I go way back and, despite being a Centre grad as well, was certainly cheering for the Roo's tonight.

After the meal we headed to the hotel to change and then loaded up to head to campus. We warmed-up on another field and then headed down to the game field just prior to kick-off.

The game got started in a hurry, as Centre attacks and does so with numbers. They came right at us but, different then the previous night, we sorted out our assignments and handled it very well from the start. Senior Ryan Bielefeldt (San Antonio, TX) who has settled in at center back, did a great job of keeping things organized. His outside backs Frank Abene (Grapevine) and Grant Gibson (Clinton, MS) were sharp as well. It would be Austin College that would strike first as senior Austin Newman (Austin, TX) would take a through ball from Miles Vaughn (Grapevine) and chip an onrushing Centre goalkeeper to put AC up 1-0 14 minutes in. Centre would equalize just over ten minutes later and then go up 2-1 on a PK with less than a minute to play in the half. AC would go into the half down 2-1.

At the break, we made a few adjustments to what we wanted to do offensively and to what we needed to do to fix a few things defensively. From there, the boys went into the second half head on and came to play. Centre definitely had the better end of the attack, but we had some great opportunities and put them under at times. Still down 2-1 with 12 minutes to play, we began to push an extra attacker up top and for the last 5 minutes of the game, had Centre on their heels. Freshman Garrett Evans (Duncanville, TX) would take a feed from Senior John Martinez (Grapevine) and finish with just over 2 minutes to play for the equalizer. AC would continue to press to finish things out and the game would head to OT tied at 2-2.

At the break I told the boys that we were going to win or lose this game...we went going to pack things in. We stayed with three up top and wanted to go right at them. We did and moved the ball around very well the first part of OT. However 5 minutes in a scrum in our 18 would lead to a Centre goal that would end the game with AC on the losing end, 3-2. An extremely tough loss for all of us as we played with so much heart and emotion it hurt. Things haven't fallen our way this fall, but efforts like that make me so proud of these boys. It is this character and passion that was missing to start the season. We have it now, and we won't lose that. I promise.

On a final note, I have to discuss how the game played out. As a former Centre player and coach, it was extremely surreal at times to watch/coach the game from a vantage point I have never experienced. It was special to be back and I was extremely proud with how the boys have played over the past few weekends, and certainly on Saturday night. I'm pleased to be coaching at Austin College. Finally, it should be noted who scored Centre's game-winning goal. Robbie Crump is the son of Sue Hauck who's Centre's donations were present in memory of. Sue passed away in August and knowing Robbie for the past four years, and considering the events of the evening, if someone had to score a game-winning goal against us, I'm pleased it was him. Truly a storybook ending, and a night I won't ever forget.

Thanks for every one's support. We look to take on Rhodes and Hendrix this weekend, and finish the season on a high note.

DePauw University 2 - Austin College 1

We traveled to Indianapolis, IN on Thursday afternoon, arriving at the airport around 7:00pm. We then headed to the hotel, checked in, and then went to grab a bite to eat. This was going to be one of the toughest weekends this season in terms of travel and competition. Our Colorado trip was tough, but this was going to involve two nationally ranked teams, back to back.

We go up on Friday morning and went to a local park for a light kick-around and stretch. There was an FFA convention and hotels were hard to come by, so we stayed about 45 minutes away from the school. That afternoon we went to a local mall to walk around and eat our pregame meal. We then headed to campus for our 5:30pm kick-off.

The game started in a hurry, with DePauw having the better run of things right away. DePauw does a fantastic job with their interchange of their midfielders, and despite knowing about it, caused us problems to start. Just over three minutes in they would score as we just didn't sort things out soon enough. The guys didn't let this affect their mindset and immediately following we settled in and began to play. Our defensive unit on the night was fantastic coming off the goal and really organized and dealt with DePauw's attack. It is not a straight forward attack, and involves good communication, which we had. One of our problems this fall has been our willingness to attack with a purpose; get forward in numbers and go to goal. We didn't have that issue tonight and did a good job of getting behind DePauw's back line. Junior Miles Vaughn (Grapevine, TX) and John Martinez (Grapevine) ran the show in the midfield and did a good job of sorting out the transitions.

The score would remain DU 1-0 at the break.

The second half would continue much of the same and both sides would create some very good opportunities. Nearly 20 minutes into the half, Senior Lance Frank (Dallas, TX) was taken down around 25 yards out. Lance has really come on over the past few weeks and has created a spark for us up top. With the free kick, John Martinez, Austin Newman (Austin, TX), and Nathan Spradlin (Rockwall, TX) were on the ball and Nate would step-up and hit a fantastic free kick into the upper right corner for the game-tying goal. Nate has been a huge catalyst for our end of the season emergence of our quality of play, and tonight he kept that going.

For the next 15-20 minutes, the game was back and forth, as both teams pushed to get the go-ahead goal. Unfortunately for us, DePauw would find it with 5 minutes to play as a ball got through on the backside and was tuck in by a DU player. We then moved to 3 up top, and had a couple close chances, but the game would end with Austin College going down 2-1. Another tough loss.

A couple bright spots from the loss...the boys have continued to push themselves and work to improve, despite the record. This is a true testament of their character and would make a huge difference the next night. In addition, freshman Garrett Evans was extremely solid on the night and has poised himself to do good things in the future.

Austin College vs. Centre (For Susan G. Komen)

As part of our fundraising efforts to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, our team set-up a table outside the dining hall. In addition, 3 players for the team partnered with members of the women's soccer team and dressed in drag in order to help the cause.

Thus far the donations have been fantastic...we appreciate every one's support as we try and beat Centre and support a wonderful cause.

Senior Day

On Sunday prior to our kick-off against Oglethorpe University, we honored our six seniors. Each have had an impact on this program in one form or another and will be deeply missed next fall.

Midfielder John Martinez

Defender Ryan Bielefeldt

Midfielder Austin Newman

Midfielder Nathan Spradlin

Defender Frank Abene

Forward Lance Frank

Austin College 2 - Oglethorpe 1 (FINALLY!)

Wow, it feels good to write this one. The posts (as you can probably tell) have been getting difficult to write. The boys have hung in and have continued to do everything I have asked of them. We have had our moments, however things have not fallen our way. Today was different...we brought something I have been searching for all year. A resiliency, a desire, to do everything it takes to get it done. This alone will create what is necessary. And it did.

Playing on what was an extremely windy day, one team would have to play completely against the wind, or with it to your backs. OU won the toss and chose to go with the wind to start the game. No problem.

We can out and, in a hurry, created some very good chances. On what was senior day (more on that next post), Austin Newman came out shooting and was clearly our most dangerous player in the first half. Newman, who amassed 8 shots on the day, missed by inches on several chances, and the score remained 0-0 early. However in the 17th minute, Oglethorpe would get off an incredible shot from 25 yards out, and with the wind to their back, buried a bomb into the upper left corner...a good goal no doubt. And put us in familiar territory...down 1-0 early. Regardless, we pressed and created a back and forth game to finish the first half. Still down 1-0.

At the half we decided to make a few changes and went with 3 up top. With the wind to our backs, we wanted to hammer their back line and create as many chances we could. It worked. We would out shoot OU 23-5 in the second half and notch the win. In the 72nd minute, Tommy Haney would hit a 40 yard ball that carried over Oglethorpe's goalkeeper and notch the game at 1-1. Then just over 10 minutes later, in the 82nd minute, senior Nathan Spradlin would take a weak side ball from fellow senior John Martinez and finish far-post for the eventual game winner. I solid finish when we needed it. AC would hold on to finish and get the win, 2-1.

This has been a difficult fall for all of us. However the boys have hung in, and never given up. As I have mentioned, we will fight every time and will go into everything expected one thing...to win.

We were able to take a deep breath today, and it felt good. We move on now, and face two solid opponents in DePauw and Centre. DePauw has been in and out of the national rankings all fall, and Centre currently sits at 25 in the country. We look forward to the challenge.

Thanks to all who made the tailgate (and brought food!) on Sunday. Always good to see everyone. Thanks to David Norman for setting that all up. David, your support is appreciated.

Austin College 1 - Sewanee 2

I apologize for the delay...

We came into this game feeling great after what was a solid week of practice. The previous weekend was tough, taking two difficult losses. However these boys have been resilient and have (and won't) pack their bags. We came out in a hurry and pounced on Sewanee from the start.

Sewanee has posted some good wins and we knew this was going to be a good game. AC would get on the board first. Following a foul 25 yards out, Nate Spradlin would drill a free kick that would rebound off the crossbar and to the top of the six. Fellow senior Lance Frank would head the ball back on frame where it was knocked down by a Sewanee defender for a handball and a PK. Spradlin stepped up and put AC up 1-0.

This would be the score through the rest of the first half.

The second half saw Sewanee come out with a bit more attack and put us under a bit. However we continued to respond and had some good opportunities ourselves. Sewanee would tie the game off a long ball service and a bit of lackadaisical marking on our part. Sewanee would then get the go ahead goal off a misplayed cross with just over 20 minutes to play. We picked up our attack, as Sewanee bunkered in, however despite out shooting Sewanee in the second half, wouldn't be able to find the net and the game would end with Sewanee up 2-1.

A tough game. All year we have not created much luck on our end and have had moments of lazy marking in our defensive 1/3, and teams have taken advantage. If we cleared that up, some of these games might be completely different. It is the reality though, and we drop another close one. We move onto play Oglethorpe on Sunday.

A Special Event

In association with National Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, our game against Centre College on October 27 will be played to benefit the Komen Foundation. Leading up to the game, both programs will be raising money to benefit this cause. Austin College and Centre College will compete to see who can raise the most money.

Prior to the game, a ceremony will take place in which all funds collected will be presented to the Komen Foundation by the two programs and in the names of two special women.

Elizabeth Walter is a close family friend of mine who, at the age of 35, lost her battle to Breast Cancer last winter. Sue Crump is the mother of a current Centre player who lost her battle in August. Both were amazing women and an inspiration to all who knew them. It is important to know that even as young men, we are all affected by this disease one way or another.

In addition, both teams will wear pink armbands in recognition of these two women and all women who have and will battle this disease.

Should you like more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch. My office number is 903-813-2412 or you can email me at mhudson@austincollege.edu.

Thanks again for all the support.

Mark

Trinity University 6 - Austin College 0

Trinity came into this game with a perfect 11-0 record and a number 1 national ranking. They have been the watermark in the SCAC for the past 6-7 years and have one of the strongest teams in recent memory this fall. We knew this was going to be a big test for us.

Trinity would score 10 minutes in and follow that up with another to go up 2-0 at the break. Despite the situation, we felt good and wanted to try and press them a bit to start the second period. We did create a couple of our better chances to start, but TU was too much on the day and the game would finish 6-0.

I give TU all the credit, they are an exceptional team and, if they make it out of this conference, will be a sure favorite to win the national championship. They possess better then I have seen them in the past and their ball movement in the final 1/3 is outstanding. I will never accept a 6-0 loss, however TU was heads above us today.

Southwestern 5, Austin College 0

First, I apologize with the LONG break without any posts. With our off weekend and some other things going on...I got a bit side tracked. I promise to be a bit better as we head into the last 3 weeks of the season.

After what was a much needed and well-timed "off" weekend, we can into the Southwestern game feeling refreshed and ready to go. We had one of our better weeks of training this fall and our attitude was exceptional. As with every game, we felt good about our chances.

The game started out well with Austin doing a good job of sticking to our system and creating some opportunities offensively. This was a major focus for us over the past two weeks. In addition, our defensive organization looked good. Southwestern, who typically in the past has played a bit more of a defensive formation, has been more on the attacking end this fall, and it has done them well. They have several players that are capable of creating chances for themselves, and their teammates.

Unfortunately in a matter of less than two minutes, about 26 minutes into the first half, AC would concede two goals and be looking at a 2-0 hole. Despite a let down over that time, we would rebound and play a much better half to finish things out.

At the break, we discussed our options of getting back in this game, and came out much stronger offensively to start. Austin Newman would prove to be a bit more effective going forward and Lance Frank would have one of this better games this. Things wouldn't go AC's way, however, as we would fall behind 3-0 just 10 minutes in and we would never regain our footing. SU would score two more to finish things out and AC would fall be a score of 5-0.

As I told the boys after the game...we have no choice but to keep our heads up and give things another go. We have struggled, no doubt, however we will not pack our bags.

Last Weekend

Last weekend we travelled to Birmingham, AL for a Friday night game against Birmingham-Southern. We flew into Birmingham late Thursday night, got up Friday morning and went to the field for a light training session. Following this, we had lunch and then a pregame meal around 4:30pm. Game time was set for 8:00, so we had to endure a long day in the hotel and the local mall.

We knew Birmingham was going to be a very capable team, and they were. Since they are in transition from Division I, they have some very capable players. The game started off extremely fast, with Austin College dodging a couple bullets early. However about 5 minutes into the game we looked to settle in and were defending and attacking very well. In the 24th minute, Austin Newman would put us on the board first off a counter attack. Austin would receive the ball on the flank, get around his defender, and slot a near post ball past BSC's keeper. A great goal on Austin's part, and something we have been waiting to see all fall.

However just over a minute and a half later, BSC would level the score to make it 1-1. A tough goal to concede. Matt Dickinson, who played a great game in goal, saved a great first shot, however couldn't cover the rebound and BSC would put in the opportunity. The first half would be much of the same. BSC pushes forward in numbers and we would counter on them, and did so very well.

At the break we discussed some slight changes to what we were doing defensively and how we would attack them offensively.

The second half saw us on our heels much more than we needed, however we had trouble settling offensively and getting things under our control. We played tremendous team defense in the game tonight, and they really showed in the second half. The score would remain 1-1 at the end of regulation. We didn't make many adjustments defensively at the break, but rather talked about how we were going to attack.

The score remained 1-1 through the first OT and then less than a minute into the second OT, a foul in the box would have Matt facing his first PK on the season. A tough call...it may have been a foul(soft), but I have trouble with the official (again) determining the game. BSC would convert and we would lose our third OT game this fall. Tough.

The boys played how Bryan and I have been preaching and expecting all year. They never let in, matched them stride for stride, and converted when our opportunity came. Unfortunately, like it has all year, things fell to the other side. Regardless, I was proud of the boys.

We then travelled to Jackson, MS on Saturday for a Sunday game against Millsaps College. Millsaps is a well coached, resilient team that works hard for each other. No excuses...we didn't match that on Sunday and would drop the game, 1-3.

Consistency on the season has been our issue. Bringing what we are capable of one game, while bringing maybe 60% the next. That can't happen, especially with us getting into the meat of conference play. We have this coming weekend off, which will be good for us I believe. We then turn around and play the other Texas SCAC teams next weekend in Trinity and Southwestern.