Genus of birds
POPULARITY
The previous post covered my grades on how the strength of today’s four largest college athletic conferences compare with their previous versions twenty years ago in 2006. Here's a brief recap. In my estimation, only the SEC (which expanded from 12 to 16 teams over that 20 year period) has shown an upgrade in competition levels since 2006. I awarded the SEC a “B” grade. The Big 12 (which lost four of its prominent members to the SEC) received a C+ for their nimble addition of several relevant regional sports schools. A “D” grade was handed down to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Their nonsensical addition of West Coast newcomers Cal (Berkeley) and Stanford in 2024 crashed the ACC's overall score. Speaking of lousy grades, I awarded a D- to the Big Ten Conference as its recently-annexed properties have resulted in a BIG thud. From the east (Maryland and Rutgers) to the west (Nebraska, Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington), the Big Ten’s new coast-to-coast configuration has failed to improve this conference for either sports fans or student/athletes. How have the five mid-major conferences fared with recent expansion issues? These other conferences (nicknamed the “Group of Five”) can be quite entertaining but rarely win national championships. They must compete against the “Big Four” major conferences featuring the wealthiest college sports programs. American Athletic Conference (AAC) The AAC has only been around since the year 2013. There were 10 initial AAC members and now 14 in 2026. Only Memphis, South Florida, and Temple remain from 2013. The ACC raided Conference USA to obtain several of its new members. Army and Navy – What's not to like about these two additions? They bring the focus of the entire college football world to their annual game played in early December. Grades – A Charlotte – The 49ers have been perpetual cellar dwellers in most sports. Charlotte, North Carolina sports fans are more likely to follow UNC, Duke, and Clemson. Yawn. Grade – D- East Carolina – The Pirates have made the NCAA baseball playoffs ten times since 2013 and have occasionally contended for the AAC title in football. A hearty fan base makes ECU a fun place to watch sports. Grade – B Florida Atlantic – A member of the AAC since 2023, this school is best known for its men's basketball team and having a great beach nearby. Sadly, most local sports fans don’t give a hoot about the FAU Owls yet. Grade – C- North Texas – The Mean Green had a brilliant 12-2 football season in 2025 in the school's third year as part of the AAC. The other sports are lagging behind. Grade – C Rice – Another third year AAC member, the Houston-based Owls have been an athletics flop in their new conference. Grade – D Tulane – Green Wave football program has rejuvenated Tulane athletics down in the Crescent City. Unfortunately, the remainder of the school’s sports teams rarely lead the AAC. Grade – C Tulsa – Golden Hurricane football and men's basketball programs have been on the decline in the past decade. That's a shame, because Tulsa fans desperately want to get behind the city’s lone major college athletics team. Grade – C- UAB – Try as I might, I'm having trouble remembering any recent sports successes for the Blazers. Grade – D- UTSA – Like Tulsa, the Roadrunners have the entire San Antonio market ready for their athletics programs to take off. Other than some recent success in football, UTSA sports still appear to be taking a siesta. Grade – C- AAC overall grade for expansion: C- Conference USA (C-USA) I am not going to provide individual grades to Conference USA member schools. It is not their fault that C-USA management has done such a lousy job of keeping this conference together and relevant in major college sports. The conference has seen a 100% turnover in the past 20 years. Schools being added have generally been former FCS top teams such as Delaware, Sam Houston, and Jacksonville (AL) State. Things have declined so badly in Conference USA (“How badly have they declined?”) that longtime member Louisiana Tech recently agreed to pay a reported $8 million to buy its way out of C-USA. The Bulldogs’ jubilant athletic department and fans are rejoining the Sun Belt Conference this fall. Louisiana Tech will save more than $1 million annually in travel costs formerly required to travel to schools within the far-flung Conference USA. Longtime C-USA holdovers Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State deserve a better fate. Save your money and call the Sun Belt in a couple of years! C-USA overall grade for expansion – F- Mid-American Conference (MAC) In contrast to Conference USA, the MAC has remained remarkably stable for the past 20 years. Eleven of the dozen MAC members in 2006 remain a part of the conference today. Northern Illinois (which had been part of the MAC for 30 years) is leaving this fall to become part of the Mountain West Conference. In a couple of curious moves, the Mid-American Conference has added two new members recently. UMass – The 2025 addition of the University of Massachusetts (which is at least in regional proximity to longtime MAC member Buffalo) was rather questionable. Athletic success at Umass has been nearly invisible over the past decade. After just one year in the MAC, the Minutemen have been a net negative in sports for the Mid-American Conference. Grade: D- Sacramento State – Seriously? Yes, the Mid-American Conference will add this longtime FCS member from California to its football schedules this fall. Sacramento (the #20 TV market) is 2,500 miles from the middle of Ohio. The Hornets will be a football-only member of the Mid-American Conference. For the usually stable MAC, this is a rather bizarre expansion move. Grade: F MAC overall grade for expansion: D- Mountain West Conference (Mountain West) The Mountain West has survived a few departure tremors in recent years. Of the nine Mountain West members 20 years ago, only Air Force, New Mexico, UNLV, and Wyoming remain. Let’s review the teams which have come aboard since 2006. Hawaii – The Rainbow Warriors (2012) have posted winning football records in just four of their 14 seasons in the Mountain West. The other athletic squads are nearly invisible in the post-season tournaments. Hawaii remains a dream road trip destination for visiting teams and their fans, though. Grade: C- Nevada – At least the men’s basketball team has appeared in the NCAA March Madness event five times over the past nine seasons. Otherwise, fans of the Nevada Wolfpack (which joined the Mountain West in 2012) haven’t had much to howl about lately. Grade: C- North Dakota State – This former FCS division powerhouse football program is stepping-up to play against the big boys beginning this fall. The move is for football only. The Bison are a terrific geographic fit for the Mountain West Conference, too. This makes sense. Grade: A Northern Illinois – The Huskies will join the Mountain West this fall after 30 years in the Mid-American Conference. Northern Illinois’ sports resume has weakened in recent years. Other than bringing the #3 TV market (Chicago) to the Mountain West, this move makes little sense. Grade: D San Jose State – The Spartans (members since 2013) have appeared in four bowl games over the past decade. On the other hand, the men’s basketball team has won just 33% of its conference games over the past 13 years. Grade: C- UTEP – This longtime Conference USA member joins the Mountain West this fall. UTEP’s football team has been downright awful in recent years. Despite a sports slump, UTEP bring strong fan support from the El Paso area. They should be a fine geographic fit for the Mountain West. Grade: C Mountain West overall grade for expansion: C Sun Belt Conference (Sun Belt) The Sun Belt has been nicknamed the “Junior SEC”. This conference has grown from 10 members in 2006 to 14 today. Only Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama, Troy, and UL-Monroe remain from 2006. Appalachian State – The Mountaineers (members since 2014) have been a top football contender in the Sun Belt. Their enthusiastic fans make road trips to Boone, North Carolina a fun stop. Grade: B Coastal Carolina – Speaking of fun stops, how about a visit to Myrtle Beach to play Coastal Carolina? The 2017 Sun Belt addition of the Chanticleers has been a terrific addition for the conference. Coastal’s football team has played in six straight bowl games. The baseball team won the men’s College World Series in 2016. Grade: A Georgia Southern – Would it surprise you to learn that the Golden Eagles from Statesboro, Georgia have played in seven bowl games over the past eight seasons? The other sports programs at Georgia Southern need to step it up. Grade: B Georgia State – The 2013 addition of the Panthers from Atlanta has not added a lot of sports notoriety. However, the men’s basketball program has earned four invitations to March Madness in the past 11 seasons. Grade: C Louisiana Tech – The Bulldogs paid dearly ($8 million) to escape Conference USA beginning this fall. Louisiana Tech brings several highly competitive sports teams. They are a perfect geographic addition to the Sun Belt Conference Western division. Grade: A Marshall – This begins Marshall’s fourth year in the Sun Belt Conference. The Thundering Herd has been a top football competitor and competes well in other major sports. Grade: B Old Dominion – ODU came into the Sun Belt in 2022. The Monarchs from Norfolk, VA posted a nifty 10-3 football record in 2025. Old Dominion has been relatively quiet in its other sports, though. Grade: C Southern Miss – The Golden Eagles (Sun Belt members since 2022) have been a dominant team in recent NCAA college baseball post-season tournaments. Last season’s 2025 football team improved from a miserable 1-11 record in 2024 to a hopeful 7-6 mark. Grade: B Sun Belt overall grade for expansion: B+ Bonus Conference! The newly revived Pac-12 Conference “states” its case in 2026 The most prominent names of the long-time Pac-12 Conference bolted for better TV money into the Big Ten and ACC in 2024. That left holdovers Oregon State and Washington State “homeless”. The Beavers and Cougars have bagged a few top teams from the Mountain West Conference to help them rebuild the Pac-12 starting this fall. Boise State is the biggest name coming to the new Pac-12. The Broncos have fielded a nationally ranked football program several times in the past few decades. Other Mountain West migrants include Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Washington State. Texas State (formerly of the Sun Belt Conference) will also join the Pac-12 this fall. In case you didn’t notice, each of the eight new Pac-12 schools has the last name of “State”! Summary Only the Sun Belt Conference has earned a positive score (B+) from SwampSwami among the “Group of Five” mid-major conferences. The Sun Belt is the only major college athletic conference opting to maintain two divisions (East and West) to minimize travel expenses for its member schools and lessen the travel impact on their student/athletes. Bravo! The post Grading the Mid-Major Conference expansions – Part 2 appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.
This is the All Local 4:00 P.M. update for Saturday, July 11th, 2026.
Season 5 is officially in the books, and what a journey it's been! Join Andrew, Melissa and Josh as they reflect on an incredible season of the Birds Up Podcast, revisiting some of their favorite interviews, memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories and the conversations that made this season so special. From distinguished alumni and industry leaders to coaches, entrepreneurs and changemakers, every guest brought a unique perspective that continues to showcase the impact of the UTSA community. Most importantly, this episode is a thank you to our guests for sharing their stories and to our listeners for tuning in, supporting the podcast and being part of the Birds Up family. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or just discovered the show this season, we appreciate you coming along for the ride. Tune in for one last look back at Season 5, and get ready for what's ahead in Season 6. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and share the podcast with your fellow Roadrunners. The conversation doesn't stop here—Birds Up! ----------------------------------------------------- Show Notes: UT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni Gala Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
The 2026 American Conference previews roll on, as Matt and Carter welcome on Friend of the Roost Pod (formal title) Jared Kalmus of the Alamo Audible for his record-breaking sixth guest spot. Longtime listeners will know that means it's time to talk Roadrunners! What are the vibes with Jeff Traylor and UTSA these days? Can Owen McCown summon the spirit of Frank Harris and finally lead the team to greater success in the American? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An honest car mix-up is closer than believed, & we learn to warmup & stretch before taking on car work. Oil filter sizes through the years are demonstrated & the 65 Impala project is discussed. See the show in You Tube here: https://youtu.be/fTGUQ1Z3jIc
Fresh off a historic 2025 American Conference Championship season, UTSA Soccer Head Coach Derek Pittman joins the Birds Up Podcast to talk about the journey of building one of the most successful programs in Roadrunner Athletics. Since arriving at UTSA in 2018, Pittman has transformed the program into a championship contender, leading the Roadrunners to conference titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, record-setting attendance, and a culture built on accountability, resilience, and excellence. In this episode, Coach Pittman shares his unique path from growing up in Oklahoma and racing cars as a kid to playing collegiate and professional soccer before finding his calling on the sidelines. We discuss the foundation of UTSA Soccer's championship culture, what he looks for in recruiting, the importance of developing student-athletes on and off the field, and what lies ahead as the Roadrunners prepare for another exciting season. Whether you're a soccer fan, a Roadrunner supporter, or someone who enjoys stories about leadership and building winning teams, this conversation offers an inside look at one of UTSA's most successful coaches and the continued rise of UTSA Athletics. Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we celebrate the success of UTSA Soccer and look ahead to what's next for the Roadrunners. Birds Up! Show NotesUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni GalaUT System Invests over $470 Million Into UT San AntonioGraduate Student Paves the Way For Future Moon MissionsUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
The tournament's #1 seed following their regular season championship, UTSA relied on their pitching staff on the way to the tournament finale, but ECU's Ethan Norby blew through the UTSA lineup to put an end to their season. There's a lot to unpack, including the Roadrunners' performance in the tournament, not receiving an at-large bid, and what the program will need to get back to the NCAA tournament next season. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMafiRFmF2E
For the second straight season, the Roadrunners are regular season champions. While UTSA had a very lack luster performance, winning just one game against UAB was enough to hand them the first overall seed and a share of the regular season title. Dan and Rylan recap the series and preview the conference tournament, as an at large bid looks to be increasingly difficult to attain. Video: https://youtu.be/XxXemwzoqy4
Join us for an inspiring conversation with San Antonio native and UTSA alumnus Dr. Joshua Austin, nationally recognized dentist, educator, speaker, and Editorial Director of Dental Economics. From his early days at Health Careers High School and UTSA to becoming one of the most respected voices in dentistry, Dr. Austin shares the journey that helped shape his career and passion for helping others. In this episode, we discuss the rapid evolution of dentistry, innovation in digital technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the realities of balancing a demanding profession with personal wellness. Dr. Austin also opens up about the importance of mental health in high-pressure careers, breaking down stigma within the dental profession, and why community, mentorship, and self-care matter more than ever. As founder of Austin Dental Seminars and a nationally sought-after lecturer, Dr. Austin brings practical insight, humor, and authenticity to every conversation. Whether you are interested in healthcare, business, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond dentistry. Tune in to hear how a San Antonio student built a nationally recognized career while staying grounded in service, education, and community. Be sure to like, follow, comment, and share this episode with your fellow Roadrunners and listeners. Birds Up! Show NotesDr. Joshua Austin, DDS PracticeSpring 2026 Commencement InfoHonors College Largest Graduating ClassStudents Place at Cyber Defense NationalsAI Student Summer CampUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
Sponsored by thegalindocollective.com - The bad blood between Texas State and UTSA spilled onto the diamond this week with the Bobcats getting run-ruled and then shoved by Roadrunners coach Pat Halmark in the post game handshake line. Plus, TXST football keeps adding new players, while men's and women's basketball have a whole new look for 2026 thanks to the transfer portal. Host Keff Ciardello is here to give the rundown.
The Roadrunners' defense let them down on the road in Tennessee as Memphis took two of three from UTSA, snapping the Roadrunners' historic conference series win streak. UTSA's RPI dropped drastically after dropping two games, putting a lot of pressure on the Roadrunners to tighten things up to secure a regular season championship and limit the demands on their pitching staff in the conference tournament. Video: https://youtu.be/N41UsCWWDUY
UTSA's pitching depth showed up against Wichita State, helping the Roadrunners finally earn a conference sweep and protect their first place position in the American. We take a look at what went right in the weekend series and preview what should be a highly-emotional midweek contest against UT-Austin. Don't forget to check out our new vintage baseball merch line: https://alamoaudible.com/product-category/sandlot/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7KqpVdElRE
After two strong wins against Tulane in New Orleans, it was a bit frustrating to see UTSA once again struggle to close the door on a series with a sweep but the Roadrunners did enough to hold a three-way tie for first place in the American. The Roadrunners will face UIW next in a game that unfortunately will cause a drop in RPI regardless of a win or a loss. Video: https://youtu.be/CV_n4EKaCzE
UTSA's incredible run of consecutive conference series victories continued last weekend after the Roadrunners took two of three games against the Charlotte 49ers. While the sweep continues to stay elusive, it was still a great showing from UTSA despite an injury to Drew Detlefsen. Next up is one of the most anticipated midweek games of the year as UTSA travels to face Texas A&M. Video: https://youtu.be/pKRivndlJcQ
A violent collision at the plate led to several players being ejected as a hard-fought series between the Roadrunners and Bulls ended with a UTSA weekend victory. We recap all of the action from the Bird Bath, and preview the upcoming midweek contest against the Baylor Bears. Video: https://youtu.be/Ol5n2nl4ECQ
UTSA overcame an extra innings heart break in game one to pull out an important series win on the road against Rice. The Roadrunners pitching stepped up in a big way, efficiently working their way through innings to minimize bullpen usage. Next up is a very tough midweek road trip to face a surging Tarleton State. Video: https://youtu.be/VlLYkHuf63s
The Roadrunners are ramping up for an improved 2026 season as a fresh batch of transfers angle for playing time along returning veterans. We also get some early impressions from Rick Bowie's leadership of the offense. Tune in to hear us discuss initial takeaways from UTSA's first spring practices of 2026. Video: https://youtu.be/QeYBcb4_eQY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Roadrunners are ramping up for an improved 2026 season as a fresh batch of transfers angle for playing time along returning veterans. We also get some early impressions from Rick Bowie's leadership of the offense. Tune in to hear us discuss initial takeaways from UTSA's first spring practices of 2026. Video: https://youtu.be/QeYBcb4_eQY
Welcome to season 6 of the Runner's Round Table. This is the Beyond Pace season and features stories that capture each guest's favorite running memory. In this episode Stephanie speaks with Julia Khvasechko (@GlobalPacerJulia) about the impact running marathons have had in her life. Julia shares about being inspired to run her first marathon after watching runners at the NYC Marathon, meeting her husband and getting married during a marathon, and helping others achieve their marathon goals as a pacer. Please support this podcast with a rating, review, or a share. Until next time, don't forget to run happy, run strong, and run true to you.To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XNDDk94iU5kAbout Stephanie Diaz:Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner's Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).https://instagram.com/thecookierunner/https://thecookierunner.netAbout Julia Khvasechko:Julia Khvasechko is a 300-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, a Road Runners' Club of America certified running coach, a ChiRunning Instructor, a Strength and Conditioning coach, and a Licensed Massage Therapist with advanced trainings (Master's Degree) in Anatomy and mobility. Julia specializes in Sports Massage, Myofascial release, and structural integration. Julia is an avid marathoner and has run 341 marathons to date and is the youngest woman in the USA to have completed a marathon in all 50 states 4 X! Julia once held the title of being the youngest woman in the USA to have run 300 marathons. She is also Titanium Level Marathon Maniac and Sun level half fanatic. Julia has been pacing marathons since 2011. Julia lives to see people accomplish their goals and dreams and she loves helping people find freedom in their bodies.https://marathonmassage.massagetherapy.com/https://instagram.com/GlobalPacerJulia
The Dedeaux Download Podcast returns with Shotgun Spratling and podcast co-host Kasey Kazliner breaking down another unblemished week of action for USC baseball as the Trojans went 5-0 with midweek wins over San Diego State and Cal State Bakersfield along with a sweep of Washington. They also talk with the catalyst of the win over Bakersfield, senior outfielder Jack Basseer, who hit a walk-off two-run homer to give USC the victory over the Roadrunners. Basseer discusses the walk-off winner as well as his journey to playing for his dream school and how he's been able to improve his game in his second season playing for USC. After a break, Shotgun and Kasey take a look at the Trojans' five-game week noting three positives, including Mason Edwards' continued dominance and the contributions of bench players and deep bullpen arms have helped USC start another win streak after their 19-0 start was stopped. They also try to find three negatives after five wins. (Some tasks are more difficult than others.) Shotgun and Kasey close out the show taking a look at where the Trojans' stand in the rankings -- moving all the way up to No. 5 in one top 25 ranking and earning a first-place vote in the coaches poll -- before previewing the beginning of the toughest two-week stretch of the season for the Trojans. Please review, rate and subscribe to the Peristyle Podcast on Apple Podcasts! Make sure you check out USCFootball.com for complete coverage of USC Trojans football, basketball, baseball and recruiting. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A rotation shake up helped UTSA regain their mojo as they were the only American program to win their road series on the opening weekend of conference play. Tune in as we recap this weekend's improved performance and preview an upcoming midweek rematch against A&M Corpus Christi. Video: https://youtu.be/-qvPbx_jg80
The Roadrunners are coming off their worst weekend of the season, as UT Arlington shocked UTSA with a series win. Pitching was rough, but the fielding may have been even more concerning. This series loss bounced UTSA from the top 25 and shined a light on many of the team's current shortcomings. Video: https://youtu.be/0v3k9E_C5VE
The San Jose Barracuda (35-18-2-2) erased an early deficit but ultimately fell 5–4 to the Tucson Roadrunners (27-23-9-0) on Sunday night at the Tucson Arena. Despite outshooting Tucson 48–22, the Barracuda surrendered three early third-period goals as the Roadrunners completed the weekend sweep.
The San Jose Barracuda (35-18-2-2) erased an early deficit but ultimately fell 5–4 to the Tucson Roadrunners (27-23-9-0) on Sunday night at the Tucson Arena. Despite outshooting Tucson 48–22, the Barracuda surrendered three early third-period goals as the Roadrunners completed the weekend sweep.
Learn more at TheCityLife.org
UT San Antonio alum Clay Killinger's journey to executive leadership is one of resilience, grit, and unexpected opportunity. After transferring to UT San Antonio and navigating a non-traditional path to graduation, Clay went on to build an impressive career in finance, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CST Brands and holding senior leadership roles at Valero Energy. Known as “The Fixer,” Clay became the leader organizations called when facing complex, high-stakes challenges—from Exxon Valdez oil spill insurance litigation to forensic accounting in major corporate investigations and serving as an auditor during a U.S. presidential campaign. In this episode of Birds Up, Clay reflects on the mentors who helped shape his journey, lessons from decades in public-company leadership, and how disciplined financial stewardship now supports children's charities across Bexar County through his work with the Najim Foundation. Tune in to hear Clay's remarkable journey from UT San Antonio classrooms to the corporate boardroom—and the leadership lessons he shares with the next generation of Roadrunners. Birds Up! ----- Harvey Najim FoundationUT San Antonio AlumniFiesta Arts FairVIA Expands Service Across UT San AntonioUT San Antonio Excellence AwardsThe Rowdys 2026Biride Bash ScrambleAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
This is your morning All Local update for Friday, March 13, 2026.
Learn more at TheCityLife.org
The #24 Roadrunners had a successful weekend in Las Cruces despite dropping the Sunday game in their series with New Mexico State. Now UTSA faces a prolonged road trip as they head back to Texas for a two-game midweek with Texas Tech. Expect a lot of runs in these games as the Red Raiders boast a line up just as potent as UTSA's Video: https://youtu.be/UT1WSse3a9U
The Roadrunners have earned their first ever regular season Top 25 ranking after knocking off Ohio State, #9 Coastal Carolina, and Baylor at the Bruce Bolt Classic in Daikin Park. Dan recaps the three victories, highlighting some very impressive performances on both the pitching staff and line up. Next up for the Roadrunners is a mid-week road trip to Corpus Christi, where UTSA has traditionally struggled on the island. Can UTSA avoid the post-ranking let down?
The Roadrunners continue to build on the best start in program history as they reached 7-0 via an impressive sweep of perennial Texas mid-major power Dallas Baptist. Is this a shift in the Texas college baseball power structure? Dan and Rylan dive into the weekend recap, and preview a highly-anticipated mid-week rivalry showdown with Texas State. Video: https://youtu.be/I4U3CYVYK7E
Fresh off a return from NASA with UT San Antonio students who won a national competition, Dr. Chris Packham joins us for a powerful update on the groundbreaking work happening at the intersection of research, innovation, and student opportunity. From collaborations with Blue Origin to leadership roles connected to the James Webb Space Telescope and the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, Dr. Packham shares how UT San Antonio is contributing to the next generation of space exploration. We also dive into his role as Chair of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association, the global research pipeline he's helping build for UT San Antonio students — including opportunities in Japan — and his leadership as Chair of the Gemini Observatory Board. Closer to home, he discusses returning to teach Astronomy 101 and what he calls a “new era” of teaching and learning in the classroom. This episode is about more than telescopes and research — it's about UT San Anotnio students competing and winning on a national stage, global partnerships expanding opportunity, and Roadrunners helping shape humanity's understanding of the universe. Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow Roadrunner. Birds Up. Show Notes:UT San Antonio AlumniDiploma Dash 5kUTSA AthleticsDr. Chris PackhamUT San Antonio researcher aims to save an endangered crocodile in Southeast AsiaUT San Antonio to launch nation's first open-access neuromorphic computing hub Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
The largest signing class in program history has inked their scholarship offers and mostly arrived on campus. With the transfer portal closed, we now know what the Roadrunners' roster will look like this fall. We took a deep dive into the recruiting class to highlight the top transfers, JUCO additions, and high school talent joining the program. 0:00:00 UTSA's 2026 Recruiting Trends 0:15:05 Top Transfers and Their Potential Impact 0:28:46 High School Recruits Spotlight 0:40:39 JUCO Transfers and Their Impact 49:51 Most Confident and Least Confident Positions 01:01:24 Most Improved Position Units 01:05:10 Under the Radar Players and Immediate Impact 01:13:18 Quarterback Conversations Video: https://youtu.be/DRTnj2m7XGE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The largest signing class in program history has inked their scholarship offers and mostly arrived on campus. With the transfer portal closed, we now know what the Roadrunners' roster will look like this fall. We took a deep dive into the recruiting class to highlight the top transfers, JUCO additions, and high school talent joining the program. 0:00:00 UTSA's 2026 Recruiting Trends 0:15:05 Top Transfers and Their Potential Impact 0:28:46 High School Recruits Spotlight 0:40:39 JUCO Transfers and Their Impact 49:51 Most Confident and Least Confident Positions 01:01:24 Most Improved Position Units 01:05:10 Under the Radar Players and Immediate Impact 01:13:18 Quarterback Conversations Video: https://youtu.be/DRTnj2m7XGE
Making his much-awaited reappearance with podcast host, Rick Flynn, Rick Flynn and recording star Jim Messina first met years ago when a young Rick Flynn was a weekly newspaper columnist with his own award-winning "Rick Flynn's Music Scene" Feature column which appeared in a handful of Greater Cincinnati newspapers back in the 1970's. James Messina (born December 5, 1947) is an American musician, songwriter, singer, guitarist, recording engineer, and record producer. He was a member of the folk rock group Buffalo Springfield, a founding member of the pioneering country rock band Poco, and half of the soft rock duo Loggins and Messina with Kenny Loggins. Jim Messina appears today, on the Rick Flynn Presents worldwide podcast, in promotion of his brand-new band "Jim Messina and the Road Runners" which are based out of the Nashville, TN area and are about to embark on a 2026 American Tour playing both new and classic selections for all audiences to hear and enjoy."This appearance with Jim Messina today is indeed another dream come true and I consider it to be an honor," Rick says.Contact Jim at: www.JimMessina.com and visit him out on the road with his new band "The Road Runners."
Send us a textThe guys spend an embarrassing amount of time figuring out the title inspiration. They can't quite agree on the nature of the parasite, either. Mike comments on the intelligent writing regarding Scully's state of mind.JOIN OUR SOCIALS!magusmediaproductions.netwww.facebook.com/groups/thisisnothappeningpod/ @TINHXFilesPodCONTACT US!tinhxfp@gmail.com
UTSA Baseball season is officially here—and this episode sets the tone. In our annual UTSA Baseball Preview, Birds Up teams up once again with Alamo Audible for a deep dive into what's next for one of the hottest programs in college baseball.We're joined by UTSA Baseball alum, fan favorite, and newly drafted pro James Taussig, who reflects on UTSA's historic run, the culture that fueled it, and what it truly means to sustain success at the national level. From clubhouse leadership and player development to preparing for the grind of the next level, James offers firsthand insight into the standard being built at UTSA—and why this program is no longer sneaking up on anyone.Alamo Audible's Dan Nerdahl joins the conversation to break down the upcoming season, roster continuity, and what fans should be watching for as the Roadrunners look to defend expectations and keep momentum rolling.This episode is also packed with special guests, including former UT San Antonio Alumni Association President Jacob Cavasos, who shares the alumni and fan perspective, the growing national profile of UTSA Baseball, and why Roadrunner support matters now more than ever.From the Bird Bath to the big picture, this episode is about legacy, momentum, and what comes next. If you're ready for baseball season, ready to talk Roadrunner culture, and ready to meet us at the Bird Bath—this one's for you. Birds Up! Play Ball! Show Notes:Institute of Texan Cultures ReopensUTSA AthleticsUTSA BaseballDiploma Dash 5kUT San Antonio AlumniAlamo Audible Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
The Roadrunners have a new offensive coordinator as Jeff Traylor tabbed Western Kentucky OC Rick Bowie to take the reigns in San Antonio. Jared, Adrian, and Javi discuss the recent coaching changes and what to expect from the re-worked offensive staff in 2026. 0:00:00 Introduction and Offseason Reflections 0:02:45 Coaching Staff Changes and Fan Reactions 0:03:40 Evaluating Departing Coaches 0:09:00 New Offensive Coordinator: Rick Bowie 0:20:18 Deep Dive into Rick Bowie's Coaching Philosophy 0:38:50 Storm Routes: A New Approach to Air Raid Offense 0:42:41 Simplifying the Offense for Quarterback Success 0:47:17 Coaching Changes and Future Prospects 0:52:14 Concerns and Considerations for the New Coaching Staff Video: https://youtu.be/TK3vY28QwOQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Roadrunners have a new offensive coordinator as Jeff Traylor tabbed Western Kentucky OC Rick Bowie to take the reigns in San Antonio. Jared, Adrian, and Javi discuss the recent coaching changes and what to expect from the re-worked offensive staff in 2026. 0:00:00 Introduction and Offseason Reflections 0:02:45 Coaching Staff Changes and Fan Reactions 0:03:40 Evaluating Departing Coaches 0:09:00 New Offensive Coordinator: Rick Bowie 0:20:18 Deep Dive into Rick Bowie's Coaching Philosophy 0:38:50 Storm Routes: A New Approach to Air Raid Offense 0:42:41 Simplifying the Offense for Quarterback Success 0:47:17 Coaching Changes and Future Prospects 0:52:14 Concerns and Considerations for the New Coaching Staff Video: https://youtu.be/TK3vY28QwOQ
Meet Dr. Robbie Koerperich, the longtime Superintendent of Holbrook Schools, Home of the RoadRunners, in beautiful Holbrook, AZ. Dr. K has been the Superintendent in Holbrook for 17 years, and a school administrator for 25. WOW! They just had one of their highest-performing years ever! We'll discuss leadership, win-win, Be the One Roadrunner, hope, Native American culture in Holbrook, and more. Join us, LIVE at 7 pm EST, 5 pm MT on the #ELB podcast.This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is also the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/ELBIXL
Nothing like a no-drama conference opener. Ken LaVicka & Damon Arnette dive deep into Florida Atlantic's most dominant performance of the season in the splattering of UTSA. The guys break down the season breakthroughs for Nico Moretti & Max Langenfeld, marvel at the dominance of Devin Vanterpool and discuss what actually blew the game open early. Also, a look at the upcoming road trip to Tulane and UAB, Ken & Damon discuss "in & out" cities (it's not a compliment) & the guys discuss young people fads. SUBSCRIBE to "The Florida Atlantic Voice" podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts Follow Ken LaVicka on social media: X - @KLVsays For sponsorship/business opportunities, e-mail klavicka84@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Following a lackadaisical start that put FIU up 14-0 through the first five minutes, UTSA snaps into game mode to go on a 57-6 barrage and secure their third straight bowl win. The victory also secured the Roadrunners a winning record in 2025, finishing 7-6 for the second straight season. While hoisting hardware is a great way to end the up-and-down season, Jeff Traylor must quickly shift his focus to the most important offseason of his collegiate coaching career - hiring an offensive coordinator and reloading a defense that has seen mass exodus to the transfer portal. 03:12 Early Struggles 06:26 Talent Disparity 10:18 Roster Management and Portal Exodus 18:05 Recurring Disciplinary Issues 25:58 Individual Player Performances 27:19 Offensive Play Calling 32:31 Assessing Coaching Changes and Conference Dynamics 34:01 Planning for 2026: Roster Construction 36:54 Defensive Challenges and Areas of Focus 43:07 Transfer Portal Insights and Future Strategies Video: https://youtu.be/FZF90RYUyxI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Following a lackadaisical start that put FIU up 14-0 through the first five minutes, UTSA snaps into game mode to go on a 57-6 barrage and secure their third straight bowl win. The victory also secured the Roadrunners a winning record in 2025, finishing 7-6 for the second straight season. While hoisting hardware is a great way to end the up-and-down season, Jeff Traylor must quickly shift his focus to the most important offseason of his collegiate coaching career - hiring an offensive coordinator and reloading a defense that has seen mass exodus to the transfer portal. 03:12 Early Struggles 06:26 Talent Disparity 10:18 Roster Management and Portal Exodus 18:05 Recurring Disciplinary Issues 25:58 Individual Player Performances 27:19 Offensive Play Calling 32:31 Assessing Coaching Changes and Conference Dynamics 34:01 Planning for 2026: Roster Construction 36:54 Defensive Challenges and Areas of Focus 43:07 Transfer Portal Insights and Future Strategies Video: https://youtu.be/FZF90RYUyxI
We're halfway through Season 5 and have enjoyed getting to know Roadrunners representing UT San Antonio across a wide range of industries. Along the way, we heard from Alumni Association President Laura Beth Garcia, a graduate of both UTSA and UT Health San Antonio, as she began her term during the historic formation of UT San Antonio. We also explored unique career paths and perspectives from CPS Energy's Jonathan Tijerina, local attorney and community leader Rob Killen, and Josh Gerken, who offered insight into the growth, maintenance, and expansion of University facilities. The season also featured stories of humble beginnings from local women's boxer Amanda “Supernova” Sendejo and radio personality Dan “Lunchbox” Chappell.The first half of the season brought plenty of insights and laughs, along with major moments for UTSA Athletics, including another exciting football season and upcoming bowl game, a soccer conference championship, and growing anticipation for the spring sports slate. We also celebrated new statues unveiled on campus, significant academic and research recognition, a successful Be Bold campaign, generous philanthropic support, and the addition of more than 3,000 new Roadrunners to the alumni family. We're looking ahead to an exciting 2026, including the milestone of Episode 100!Show Notes:UT SAN ANTONIO AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni 2026 Diploma DashUT San Antonio 2025 Fall CommencementUT San Antonio receives $30 Million GiftUT San Antonio receives $7 Million Gift CommitmentUTSA AthleticsUTSA Football 2025 Bowl GameUT SAN ANTONIO Alumni Online Store Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
The Roadrunners will enter bowl season with a new playcaller toting the play sheet. Justin Burke is off to Kentucky to join Will Stein, alongside WR coach Joe Price. We dissect the coaching shuffle, address the transfer portal movement in the program, and preview the FIU Panthers as UTSA seeks a First Responders Bowl victory to secure a winning record in 2025. 00:00 Coaching Changes and Staff Dynamics 26:30 Transfer Portal Updates and Implications 36:57 Previewing the First Responders Bowl 42:51 The Transformation of FIU Football 47:56 UTSA's Complacency and Bowl Excitement 51:08 Analyzing FIU's Defense 54:26 FIU's Offensive Strengths and Key Players 01:09:10 Game Predictions and Team Morale Video: https://youtu.be/baiw0JjUeqA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We are full speed ahead with American Conference Media Week on In The Circle, powered by SixFour3.First, we head to familiar territory in Tampa to take a look at the USF Bulls. You'll hear from Assistant Coach Lisa Navas about working under Ken Eriksen and the program's summer trip to Puerto Rico. We're also joined by two-time Defensive Player of the Year, senior Kathy Garcia-Soto, who discusses playing in her homeland of Puerto Rico over the summer and winning the conference crown last season.Afterward, we travel to the Lone Star State to examine UTSA in Year 2 under Head Coach Vann Stuedeman. Coach Stuedeman and Katiya Reyes break down the Roadrunners' outlook for 2026, including the addition of Mac Morgan to the staff. Kat also shares why she may be following in Coach Stuedeman's footsteps very soon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Army Black Knights continue to be impervious to the magic of the Alamodome, as they knocked off the Roadrunners 27-24 in San Antonio to end UTSA's regular season with a loss. We break down what went wrong for the Roadrunners, before pivoting into some reflection on the Roadrunners' 2025 season and what changes could be in store for 2026. Note that this episode was recorded before news broke of Justin Burke's departure to Kentucky to join Will Stein. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on UTSA's Home Loss Streak 06:05 Momentum Shifts in the Game 10:55 Army's Physicality and Coaching Influence 13:07 UTSA's Execution vs. Army's Aggression 14:55 The Turning Point: The Pick Six 18:59 Small Mistakes Leading to Big Consequences 23:24 Highlighting Standout Players 27:24 Reflections on the Season's Performance 30:24 Missed Opportunities and Frustrations 43:59 Expectations for Offseason Changes 53:58 Evaluating Recruitment and Coaching Changes 58:55 Franchise Tagging Players for the Future Video: https://youtu.be/7rDC53LekNk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week: Army took a tough home loss on Senior Day to Tulsa. James and Dan talk about what went right and where it all fell apart and discuss the difference between playcalling mistakes and simple execution errors when a game comes apart in the fourth quarter. We close the top half of the show with a brief discussion of Army's chances at a bowl game. Then we're on to UTSA! The Roadrunners have a GREAT team, at least at home. We preview the game and talk about what has to happen for the Black Knights to have a chance this week. Then it's time for Fact or Fiction and, of course, a few questions from our Mailbag. That was a tough loss, but this was a good show. Check it out! Go Army! Beat UTSA!!!
UTSA's win streak in conference games in the Alamodome is the stuff of legends, but one team has consistently had the Roadrunners number in the confines of the Dome -- The Army Black Knights. Now conference mates, could Army put an end to UTSA's home winning streak to secure their bowl eligibility? 00:00 Happy Thanksgiving! 01:30 UTSA Football Season Recap 02:44 Previewing the Army Black Knights Matchup 04:52 Army's Offensive Strategy and Key Players 10:10 UTSA's Defensive Challenges Against Army 14:24 UTSA's Offensive Strategy Against Army 19:36 Senior Day and Player Highlights 29:23 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook Video: https://youtu.be/E4_rRtu00bA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alamodome magic showed up once again as the Roadrunners smoked the ECU Pirates 58-24, giving UTSA their sixth-straight season of bowl eligibility, while the Pirates were eliminated from American Conference championship contention. We had to spend some time in this episode searching for answers around why the Alamodome has been such an unfriendly site for opponents. 00:00 Dominating Victory Over ECU 05:21 Inconsistency on the Road vs. Home Performance 08:19 Comparing This Year to Last Year 14:02 Offensive Line Performance 16:52 Key Plays and Momentum Shifts 19:48 Future Outlook 25:00 Defensive Highlights and Culture 28:59 The Alamodome's Home Field Advantage 38:30 Defensive Performances and Team Resilience 42:10 Is UTSA vs ECU becoming a rivalry? Video: https://youtu.be/8i-c6iyL3hM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices