Sunday, October 21, 2001
47 Real college sports
Last season, Michael Hicks of A&M-Corpus Christi was NCAA basketball's second-leading scorer. Who among the Islanders might be next year's NBA or WNBA players? Who among A&M-Kingsville's Javelinas might be next year's NFL players? Come out and watch. In 2004, you'll be able to see the Islanders play in a new 10,000-seat multipurpose arena - a community need underscored by their success.
Tradition
Number of ex-Javs who have played in the NFL: 93
Ex-Javs now in NFL: 21
Ex-Javs in NFL Hall of Fame: one, Robstown native Gene Upshaw.
By 2006: Probably two, Upshaw and Darrell Green, the oldest man to play cornerback in the NFL and to be fastest member of his team, who says this is his last year with the Washington Redskins. He's expected to be inducted in his first year of eligibility.
If so, then: The Javelinas will have as many NFL Hall of Famers as the Texas Longhorns.
Title town: Since joining the Lone Star Conference in 1954, the school has won 22 conference football championships and six NAIA national football titles. Three of those NAIA titles came in succession - 1974-76.
OTF (Other than football): The Javs' women's basketball team reached the national tournament last season.
Record-setter: Guard Lorie Martinez from Incarnate Word Academy concluded her Jav career with 385 3-point goals, the most in any NCAA division. She exited the school with two NCAA records, six LSC marks and 10 school records.
New tradition
Sports ended at what is now A&M-CC: 1973
Sports resumed: 1999 with basketball. The school now participates in 14 sports at the Division I level.
First two seasons, men's basketball: 13-13 and 14-14.
Highlights: Gained credibility by beating Texas Tech last season, 86-80, and throwing a scare into highly regarded Texas on national television, leading at halftime though losing 79-71. Michael Hicks had a shot at making the New York Knicks' roster but was cut.
First two seasons, women's basketball: 14-11 and 16-11.