Nov. 6, 2001
Four of Baylor's head coaches spoke to the media at Tuesday's press luncheon. Below are excerpts from their comments.
Head Cross Country Coach Todd Harbour:
On last week's Big 12 Championships:
"Our men finished fourth, and our ladies finished sixth. I'm very excited about the men's finish, as they moved up from 11th place last year. The ladies, I was a little disappointed with."
On this week's NCAA Regional:
"I'm looking forward to the regional meet... Texas A&M's men and women will be tough, and so will Texas'... There will probably be three teams battling for that second position behind Arkansas' men and women."
"Our men have an outstanding shot at an at-large bid if they don't automatically qualify. There are nine regions, each with two automatic bids, and 13 at-large teams... Our men, because of the wins they've had earlier this season, probably have a better chance at an at-large bid, but the women have a better chance at the automatic bid."
"I hope both teams have a chance to continue their season at the NCAA meet in two weeks."
Head Soccer Coach Nick Cowell:
On the 2001 season:
"This season has flown by, it seems like only yesterday players were reporting for preseason, and now we're ready for the postseason."
"Realistically, for us to make the NCAA Tournament, we have to win the Big 12 Tournament, so the magic number for us is three more wins."
On this week's Big 12 Tournament:
"It's going to be tough for us because of all the injuries we've suffered. Despite that, the team is still pretty upbeat. This is a chance for our girls to get a good opportunity to play against another top-10 team."
"We're looking forward to it. It's going to be a big challenge, we'll try to upset someone's apple cart in San Antonio."
On Baylor's first round opponent, No. 9 Nebraska:
"We've got to play pretty much a perfect defensive game... Nebraska is very relentless... If you let down one time, they tend to capitalize on it."
Head Volleyball Coach Brian Hosfeld:
On the past week's results:
"We had a tough road match vs. Colorado, and we lost in five games. We came out and played great the first two games, but couldn't pull it out in the last three games."
Looking ahead:
"I'm very encouraged with our team, as the NCAA gets closer. If we can get everyone on the same page, we have a good shot."
"The 20-win mark is the magic number for us for our overall record. That means we need to win four of our next five, which is possible."
"I'm looking forward to the rest of the season. Tomorrow night is Oklahoma, against whom we started our run in October, too."
"We've got to win, everybody has to show up... We're going to have to play well. If we can keep Stevie [Nicholas] playing as well as she is, and Tisha [Schwartz], and get our seniors back going on their groove, then we'll be on a good note going into the NCAA Tournament."
Head Football Coach Kevin Steele:
On last week's game:
"Adam Stiles continued to kick the ball very well... Josh Zachry came in and did what we asked him to do. He read the coverages very well, threw the ball where it was supposed to go... He came up with some big plays in the passing game... Greg Jerman and Joe Jackson continued to play very strong."
"The University of Texas is obviously a very good football team. More than that, they are a very talented team, one of the most talented teams I've coached against or been around."
On this week's opponent, Missouri:
"Missouri is a very old, mature football team. Most of the players are in their fourth or fifth year... Their running backs are very talented players, but different in their styles... Kirk Farmer, their quarterback, is a very accurate thrower, and can run very well."
"Their age and maturity has showed up this year, they've been sound in every game this year."
"This team has never played any different on the road than at home, as far as going about their business. It doesn't bother us to play on the road. Most teams feel that way, that it's a good thing. You can have more focus on the road because there are no distractions."
On Missouri WR Justin Gage:
"He's a tall guy, 6-4. He can run very well, runs aggressive routes. He catches the ball in clutch situations. When they need to make yardage, they go to him and he makes the catch."
On Baylor's quarterbacks:
"[Zachry] will start again on Saturday... For the remainder of the year, Davon [Vinson] will continue to get his snaps. Some will be scripted, and some we'll just put him in... Our hope is for that to grow as the season goes on."
On the team's continual improvement:
"A lot of it is learning how to win -- how to win on the road and how to win at home. Obviously we've got to keep recruiting. It's a long process, you're not going to wave the magic wand and improve instantly. When recruiting is involved, it's going to take awhile... And in the process, you have to make sure you never lose the attitude."
