Sports writer Jaralynn Tammi Morellano covers exciting sporting events coming up in the spring.
As the spring semester comes into fruition, students at the University of Tulsa may be too busy finalizing their class schedules and may miss some important dates for the Tulsa Hurricane. For those who have not been swamped by classes during the first week, they were able to attend the past week’s handful of basketball games and get their free t-shirts and pizza. Some lost all energy after classes and took the time to rest, but fret not, there is a lot to come in the Spring!
TU men’s basketball team is continuing their season into the spring semester. The team currently holds an overall record of 8-11 and stands 10th in the American Athletic Conference, just above Rice University, with a conference of 2-4. After its electrifying match against Wichita, the team still has about 11 games to go for the regular season. For TU students who are interested in keeping up with the team and its journey to try to make the AAC Championships, there are still five scheduled home games. A cannot miss game of the season will be Senior Day at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.
We cannot forget our impressive women’s basketball team who is also in the middle of its season. They hold a 10-10 record, which include some impressive wins over Marshall and Kansas City. The team is currently standing at 8th in the AAC with an even conference record of 4-4. Women’s basketball at TU have more than just pizza to offer, as the team tries to honor and give back to the community at its games. Coming up on Feb. 1, not only will the Golden Hurricane be facing off against Wichita State, but it will be celebrating National Girls and Womens in sports day. In addition to this celebration, there will be a pregame basketball clinic and a hygiene drive.
Athletics is always trying new things to get the community and student population engaged at these sporting events, and you don’t have to be a sports fanatic to enjoy the scene! Third year Computer Science major Zachary Sierra says he never really went out to any sporting events prior to high school. “At first I wasn’t even that interested in the game. I really only went for free pizza,” said Zachary. “Somehow every time I go for free food, I end up staying for the entire game. It’s not so much the basketball, but the atmosphere and time I get to spend with the friends I go with.”
Zachary is a good reminder to everyone that sporting events on campus are not catered to just one demographic, and it is just another way to get out and do something fun. If you’re one hundred percent not into basketball, or even just do not want to go out in this cold weather, there is more to enjoy once the weather warms up!
The Golden Hurricane’s Softball team kicks off its season in February. For those who still think early February is too cold to step outside, do not worry because its first home game isn’t until Feb. 28. That Friday will kick off the Hurricane Classic with matches against Kansas City and Drake. The Golden Hurricane softball season is truly a treat for students with appearances from Goldie and free cookouts for TU students! Dog lovers should be truly excited for the annual Bark in the Park hosted by the Golden Hurricane, where all pups are allowed into the stadium for the day.
Long story short, the spring semester brings a lot of opportunities to go out and have fun at some athletic events. Whether you generally enjoy sports or just want some free food, mark your calendars and make a semester to remember with TU Athletics!