Football Recruiting Class Has In-State Emphasis

With an emphasis on the state of Texas -- particularly the Greater-Houston area -- University of Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin announced the 2009 football recruiting class. The Cougars signed 20 high school seniors, as well as two junior-college transfers, for a total of 22 incoming student-athletes. Of this total, 20 list Texas as their home state, while 15 hail from Greater Houston.

“There is great football in the Greater Houston area, (and) there is great football in this state," Sumlin said, "and there is a reason why other schools come down here and recruit. We should know more about the players in our area than anyone else in the country. In our evaluation process, we were able to get the players we were targeting from this area.”

A.J. Dugat, a wide receiver from Dayton High School, highlights this year's class. Named a Parade All-American, Dugat registered 1,755 receiving yards and scored 28 touchdowns on his way to being named First-Team, All-State.

Spring practice begins for the Cougars on Tuesday, March 24, and runs through Saturday, April 18, culminating in the annual Red-White Game at Robertson Stadium.

Softball to Host Striking Out Breast Cancer Game

The University of Houston softball team will host the third-annual Striking Out Breast Cancer double-header against Texas A&M on March 4, at 6 p.m., team officials announced.

For the last two seasons, the softball team has raised close to $20,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Houston is asking for the fans to help by donating silent-auction gifts, in addition to the pink jerseys worn by the players during the game. If you are interested in donating, please contact Chris Burkhalter at 713-743-9409 or by e-mail at cburkha@central.uh.edu.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation Houston Affiliate.