Sumlin Inks First Recruiting Class

University of Houston first-year head coach Kevin Sumlin signed 19 high school seniors to National Letters of Intent on February 6. With less than a month to recruit, Sumlin is quite pleased with his first class of student-athletes, which includes 17 native Texans.

Among Houston's haul of prized recruits are local products Jackie Hinton, Jr., a defensive back from Channelview High School, as well as the linebacking duo of Chavez's Jarvis Smith and Aldine's Anthony Lewis.

"We addressed our needs," said Sumlin. "We added some speed on defense which is critical. We've gone out and addressed our needs in the kicking game, and we got a hold of one of the better kickers in the country. Then, we shored up our offense a lot. I'm really pleased with where we are in just three weeks. It can all be attributed to our staff which went right to work in getting it done here."

All 19 student-athletes will be incoming freshmen, something Sumlin was gearing for in his first season leading the Cougar Football program.

The Cougars plan on starting spring practice on Saturday, March 8, and will conclude the annual rite of passage with the Red-White Game on Saturday, April 12, at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.

Softball to Host 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game

The 16th ranked University of Houston softball team will be trading in their traditional white home uniforms for pink jerseys in the second annual "Striking Out Breast Cancer Game" to be held on March 5 against nationally ranked Texas. The double-header, which benefits the Houston affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure is slated to begin at 5 p.m. at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

The team is looking for items to be placed in the silent auction that will occur during the doubleheader. If you are interested in donating please contact Chris Burkhalter at cburkha@central.uh.edu. Like last season, the pink jerseys worn in the game will be autographed and auctioned off at the silent auction. This year, Houston will also autograph their pink helmets and auction those off as well.

In 2008, the Cougars were picked as the Conference USA Preseason favorites in the annual Coaches Poll for the third-straight season. UH returns 2007 Pitcher of the Year Angel Shamblin and 2007 Player of the Year Jessica Valis. Both earned Preseason All-Conference USA Team honors along with junior centerfielder Katie Bush.

Last season, Houston played Texas A&M in the inaugural event which raised almost $8,000 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For the latest UH scores and athletics news, visit www.uh.edu/athletics.