Urban Meyer’s Son Nathan Meyer Has Committed to Play Baseball for the Bearcats

January 24, 2017

On Monday night, Nathan Meyer announced that he’d be following in his father’s footsteps by attending the University of Cincinnati.  Nate’s father, Urban Meyer, played defensive back for the Bearcats in the early 1980’s before earning a degree in psychology from UC. 

During the years Urban was suiting up as a DB for the red and black, he was also competing in the summer months on the baseball diamond. Urban Meyer played shortstop for two seasons in the minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves organization. 

Nate Meyer plays shortstop for Columbus’ Bishop Waterson High School, and visited UC’s baseball camp on Sunday. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 193 lbs. (and growing), it’s not clear whether Nate will remain a shortstop or play in Coach Ty Neal’s outfield. 

The Urban Meyer/Ohio State connections continue to increase. First Urban blesses his longtime assistant’s departure and cheers on Luke Fickell as he’s named head coach of the Bearcats. Then he sends his son to play baseball at UC. It kind of makes you wonder if Urban isn’t planning on accepting the offensive coordinator role under Fickell if Denbrock doesn’t work out! 

All kidding aside, I think it’s great that he’ll be enrolling at UC and hope he helps Coach Neal’s squad improve. 

By Brian Fox

Because We Want to Do It Big in 2017, Bearcats Sports Radio Adds to Existing Arsenal with Video and Podcasting Coverage

January 21, 2017

Let me begin by saying something simple — thanks…

Thank you for continuing to read Bearcats Sports Radio articles and sharing them with your social networks. Thank you for the many kind things you’ve shared in person and online. I even thank some of you for occasional Twitter squabbles as a little conflict makes life more interesting.

When I launched the blog a couple summers ago, I was pretty clueless. I didn’t know anyone that worked in athletics, let alone UC athletics. I had no experience writing regular content about sports. Far from technically savvy (attorney by trade), Bearcats Sports Radio was the first website I’d ever built. Knowing my personal limitations, I launched anyway because I wanted to make a difference. 

I attended and graduated from UC’s College of Law while Brian Kelly was leading the Bearcats football program to national prominence. I love the University, its athletic programs and traditions, its architecture, its urban settting and proximity to downtown, and the student community. I launched anyway because I wanted to give back some of what I’d received from UC by doing things I love – writing, encouraging people, trying to make people laugh, and connecting people to each other and their community.

Despite the unflinchingly positive position I’ve maintained at times, the blog’s readership and impact continues to grow. Does negativity sell, especially on social media? Sure…but that’s not fun to me, doesn’t build the UC brand, and that won’t be BSR. I feel like most of you get it – sports, even Cincinnati’s version of hard-luck sports, are supposed to be a pasttime, a stress reliever, an avocation.

In addition to other growth metrics, the number of people that make Bearcats Sports Radio impactful to the UC community has increased. Andy Smith was the first person to help me after I labored by my lonesome for the first several months of BSR’s existence, and he’s been incredibly helpful ever since.  Andy is also an attorney with a hectic professional calendar, yet he manages to be an incredibly reliable writer, collaborator, and friend. 

From the UC student community, Taylor D’Ambrosia (Twitter: @taydamn21), Drew Woodworth (Twitter: @drew_bsr), and Meg Rutz (Twitter: @meg_bsr) have started to contribute in different ways, which makes the next big opportunity for the blog all the more possible.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But what about a podcast…or a video? I’ve long entertained the idea of podcasting/recording video content for the Bearcats faithful that frequent our humble website and social media accounts. Now that’s happening, as the video that follows demonstrates.

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Ryan McCarty and Dan Meyer will be my arm candy for some, if not most, podcasts/episodes. It’s worth noting that two years ago Mr. McCarty authored a scintillating and un-prophetic Big12 article entitled “Get Your Hair Did Bearcat Nation – Prom May Be Right Around the Corner.” In his defense, no one was prophetic when it came to Big12 expansion.

Again, thank you for following along, interacting with me on social media (and at games and when you recognize me out and about). I’m grateful that you and the other members of the UC community and fan base are a big part of my life. Have a great start to your year and don’t hesitate to reach out online or in person. Go Bearcats!

By Brian Fox

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Bearcats B-Ball Squad Knocks Owls Flat on Their Backs, 81-74

January 19, 2017

After trailing the Temple Owls 28-26 at the half, Wednesday evening inside Fifth Third Arena, UC whipped up an excellent second half. Temple still shot the ball over 50% for the game, but the Bearcats clawed their way to another conference victory. Going 20-24 from the free throw line certainly helped.

Troy Caupain led the way with 18 points, 9 boards, and 7 assists, just like the preseason AAC Player of the Year that he is. Kyle Washington and Kevin Johnson each had 16 points. Jacob Evans was back to his old self, driving and shooting 3’s, with 15 on the night. The bench added 9 points, including 5 by Jarron Cumberland. UC is certainly scoring more this season, with 11 games over 70. 

Next up, UC travels to New Orleans Saturday to face Tulane at 4 pm. Then the biggest game of the year – Xavier comes to town next week, if you didn’t already know.

By Andy Smith

Bearcats Red-Out SMU, 66-64

January 14, 2017

​UC made 10 of its first 20 3-pointers against SMU inside an electric Fifth Third Arena Thursday night. The game aired on ESPN and the team and fans did not disappoint. The players debuted their new ArmouRED jerseys and there was an abundance of red in the stands.​

Kevin Johnson hit his first three 3’s of the game to set the tone. UC shot the ball very well in the first half, taking a 34-27 edge, but could not put the dagger in the Mustangs. They shot 46% for the game. UC slowed the tempo way down late in the second half, allowing SMU to get back into the game, coming to within 2, with a 66-64 score with 42 seconds remaining. The rim would not let the last 2 shots taken by SMU go in and UC secured the W.

The Cats had 3 players in double figures. Troy Caupain had a big night offensively with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Gary Clark was the player of the game, going 8-9 for 18 points, including 2-3 from downtown. He added 5 boards, 2 assists, and a steal. He continues to stretch the court this year as a threat inside and out. Jacob Evans had a rough night, scoring just 2 points and missing a crucial free throw in the final seconds. But even the greatest of players have an off night here and there. 

SMU came into the game red hot with a record of 14-3 and 4-0 in the American. #22 UC is now 14-2 and 4-0 in conference, poised to move up the rankings as the Crosstown Shootout approaches at the end of January. Without much help from Evans in the way of point production, this win shows just how deep UC’s team can be, if needed.  Next up the Cats travel to ECU on Sunday. The game will air on CBS Sports Network. 

 The jumbotron also teased new UA throwback white jerseys with the old school C-Paw to be worn against UConn in February 4th. If you haven’t seen them, do it now!

By Andy Smith

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Bearcats Take Care Of Business In Houston, 67-58

January 9, 2017

On Saturday night UC took down an offensively explosive Houston Cougar squad on the road, controlling the game from start to finish. UH came into the game shooting over 40% from downtown. The Bearcats held the Cougars to just 16% from 3. Although Cincinnati shot only 39% from the field, they hit 10 of 24 3-point attempts, including 6 in the first half.

Kyle Washington had 19 points on 8/17 shooting, 9 boards, and 2 blocks. True freshman Jarron Cumberland continues to impress, playing 16 minutes in this one. All 5 starters earned double digits. Gary Clark even added 2 3-pointers.

In a scary moment, Troy Caupain twisted his ankle and took himself out of the game. However, the senior leader returned just minutes later and finished the game. He appeared to be unbothered by the injury.

On Thursday night at 9 pm a red-hot SMU (14-3, 4-0) team travels to Fifth Third Arena. This will be a huge game and a huge test for UC. The Bearcats will wear their special edition red Under Armour uniforms. Fifth Third should be an electric environment in this battle for first place in the American.

By Andy Smith

Under Coach “Mo,” UC Dance Team United and Ready for Nationals 

January 4, 2017

When it comes to excellence and championships, the University of Cincinnati Dance Team is one of the greatest legacy programs going. With their dedicated work ethic and intense practices, they have achieved nothing short of greatness throughout the years. To date, the UC Dance Team trophy case contains 10 World Championships and 6 National Championships. 

Recently, the girls dedicated their Christmas break to preparing for the 2017 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship in Orlando, Florida. The team practices in Fifth Third Arena for countless hours, where they are perfecting this year’s pom and hip-hop routines. In order to become the best team in the nation, the focus is all in the details: nailing tricks, hitting turns, and building up stamina.

​This is not your average dance team. What makes this program so special and sets them apart from other collegiate teams is the bond and friendships each of the members build with one another. Faith, courage, and belief in each other are always present whenever these girls are putting in work. The passion and love for dancing these girls show is without compare. Because of the supportive atmosphere that these girls have facilitated amongst each other, practices are more than mere recitations of moves and routines, they are opportunities for creative growth and a welcoming environment for new ideas.  As fifth year senior and captain Lauren Hawkins can attest: “This team is unlike any other and the bond we share is unlike any other bond. It is crazy to me to think that I will never have a bond like this with anyone else again. The amount of work, tears, and laughter that we go through together makes everything worth it and makes you want to go to practice. I couldn’t do it without these girls and I continuously come back every day and every year because of these ladies.”

Another great asset to the dance team program is their new head coach, Maureen Hosum. Coach “Mo” is a University of Louisville Dance Team alumni and has a deep love for her 34 strong dancers. Nothing but positivity has been coming out of this 2016-2017 season due to her high energy and drive to create an unstoppable team.

​Less than a week remains before the girls leave for nationals and they couldn’t be more excited. Bringing home another title is, as it always has been, the goal, but dancing their hearts out and showing everyone what they are made of is the ultimate prize. On January 14th and 15th, the Bearcat fan base can watch UCDT perform live online on the UDA College Nationals website. The entire competition will be aired on ESPN as well. This team is on their A-game and will continue to fight to the finish, and never give in. 

Good luck ladies!

By Taylor D’Ambrosia

Bearcats Welcome Tulane to 2017

January 2, 2017

​We hope all of you Bearcat fans enjoyed your New Year’s Eve! UC kicked off 2017 with a 92-56 win over the Tulane Green Wave. This is now the 5th time the Bearcats scored 90 or more points this season.  

Jarron Cumberland led UC with 19 points, including going 4-4 in the first half for 13. The Cats shot the ball 57% for the game and controlled every facet of the contest. UC led by as many as 39 points and shot over 50% from 3-point land. 

Tulane shot just 27% for the night. Troy Caupain put up 8 assists. Tre Scott added 10 rebounds. Zack Tobler put the cherry on top by draining a 3 at the end of the game.

Not much more to be said about this one folks! Next up UC (now 2-0 in AAC play) travels to Houston on Saturday, January 7th at 9 pm ET.

By Andy Smith

UC Escapes Temple On The Road

December 29, 2016

Late Wednesday night the Bearcats beat the Temple Owls 56-50 in a knockout slobber-knocker. Neither team shot the ball well. The score was tied at just 26 at the half. 26. Temple made just one 3-pointer in the second half, thanks to a much-improved defensive effort beyond the arch after the Marshall game.

Jarron Cumberland came up huge with 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists when he was needed. He hit a beautiful step-back 3 down the stretch as the shot clock expired. Neither Troy Caupain nor Jacob Evans had a great night from the field. Yet Evans (and Gary Clark) paced the slow scoring Cats with 11 points apiece. Despite shooting just 33% for the night, UC came up with the W. The Cats held Temple to just 27% shooting. 

Temple always plays us tough, especially on their home court. Recall that last year Temple swept UC, so sneaking out of Philly with a win is incredibly helpful. 

If you didn’t watch the whole game, try to replay just the final 2 minutes. UC’s defense was tenacious and Temple couldn’t even get a shot off. That portion of the game was fantastic to watch.

This was a much needed opening win for AAC play. Next up, UC plays Tulane at home on January 1st at 7 pm. The game will air on CBS Sports Network. Tulane is just 3-10 on the year.

By Andy Smith

UC Edges Marshall in OT Thriller, 93-91

December 23, 2016

In the last game before Christmas, the #24 ranked Bearcats beat the Marshall Thundering Herd inside Fifth Third Arena. It was a close one, requiring extra minutes to resolve. This was the 33rd time the schools faced off, with Cincinnati leading the all-time series 20-12. Thanks to a 42-30 second half, UC squeaked this one out.

Gary Clark had 26 and really stepped up when he was needed and jumpers were not falling. Jacob Evans added 25 points and a clutch 3 to put the game in OT with 10 seconds left in regulation. He played all 45 minutes of the game. Troy Caupain only put up 7 points, but chased his rebound for a put-back layup to win the game. He also had 12 board and 6 assists.

Marshall shot the 3-ball nearly 60% for the game and was 12-12 from the stripe. Meanwhile, the Cats made just 10 of 23 free throws, something they have to work on and get better at right away.

It seemed like UC never led until the final buzzer. Next up UC travels to face pesky Temple in Philadelphia on December 28th at 9 pm ET to open AAC play. Enjoy Christmas break Bearcat Nation!

By Andy Smith

Bearcats Cruise Past Fairleigh Dickinson, 119-68

December 18, 2016

Don’t lie. Like us, you have never heard of Fairleigh Dickinson University. Well, according to Wikipedia, it’s a private university founded in 1942. The first American university to own and operate an international campus, the school has four campuses, two in New Jersey, one in Vancouver, British Columbia, and one in the United Kingdom. The school’s mascot is Nitro (sometimes spelled “Knightro”) the Knight. Regardless, they were smoked Saturday afternoon inside Fifth Third Arena.  

 At half the score was 65-26 and both Kevin Johnson and Jacob Evans had 15 points. Nothing fancy here, just a good old fashion whooping. The Cats hung over a 100 points on the Knights. Seven UC players finished with double figures. Zack Tobler had 5 points and 2 boards. UC shot nearly 65% from the field and had their way in this snooze fest.

Next up UC hosts Marshall on Thursday at 7 pm ET.

By Andy Smith