Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Welcome to Houston!

Thinking about coming to Houston? Well come on down and experience a little Southern Hospitality in a big way! Houston is the 4th largest city in the United States with 2.1 million residents within city limits and an approximate 6.1 millions residents in the surrounding area.
Houston was founded on August 30, 1836, by brothers Augustus Chapman and John Kirby Allen on land near the banks of Buffalo Bayou. The city was incorporated on June 5, 1837, and n of the Republic of Texas—former General Sam Houston—who had commanded at the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place 25 miles east of where the city was born. The booming port and railroad industry, combined with oil discovery in 1901, has created continual surges in the city's population. In the mid-twentieth century, Houston became the home of the Texas Medical Center—the world's largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions—and NASA's Johnson Space Center, where the Mission Control Center is located.

Aside from boasting a vibrant and diverse economy, Houston is also known for their involvement in the arts and entertainment. Just to name a few, Houston is the home to The Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, The Alley Theater, and Moody Gardens (Galveston).

Live music also has made a name for itself in Houston. Fitzgerald's, House of Blues, Last Concert Cafe, Verizon Theater are local favorites with music going on 7 days/week! And let's not forget the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where each year, a whole string of big name performers such as Kiss, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Clay Walker, Janet Jackson, Keith Urban and Gary Allen.

Looking to go shopping? Feel free to hit up Westheimer Street in the heart of the Montrose area for some great picks and finds. They have all the best antique and second hand retail to keep you busy all day long! Prefer malls and a modern feel? Check out the Galleria! With its stunning architecture, exceptional store mix and distinctive style of entertainment, The Galleria has established itself as the #1 shopping and tourist destination in Houston with over 24 million annual visitors. Set beneath spectacular glass atriums, The Galleria features more than 375 fine stores and restaurants, an impressive ice rink and two Westin hotels. This world-class shopping complex showcases the best names in retailing including Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Gucci, two Macy's stores, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren Collection, Louis Vuitton and Houston's only Nordstrom.

While you're here, don't forget to support your home teams! The Houston Astros, Texans, Rockets, Aeros,and Dynamo's. Houston showcases first class athletic facilities. Reliant Stadium and Minute Maid Park have retractable roofs to ensure you are protected from the elements and can truly enjoy your sporting experience! The Dynamo's currently play their home games at the University of Houston until their new stadium is completed, and the Toyota center is the home of the Rockets and the Aeros.

Last but not least—Houston consistently ranks as the “fattest city in America” for a reason. We have the BEST cuisine for every taste. Just to name a few of Houston's gems: Ninfas' on Navigation, Tony's, Antica Osteria, Kenny and Ziggy's, The Taste of Texas, Zake Sushi, and Luling City Market BBQ!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Hunting Trip with Defensive Specialist Alex Edwards

Alex take us hunting for quail!

Houston Volleyball at the Houston Rodeo

Come Join the Fun at the Rodeo!

Are you ready to Rodeo? It's that time of year again where broncos are bucking, cowboys are roping, and all the friends in low places come out to enjoy a Texas sized good time! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is organized for charitable, educational and scientific purposes to encourage and promote the breeding, raising and marketing of better livestock and farm products at public fairs and to promote and maintain research and educational functions within the livestock industry. Other than fun and adventure, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo aims to raise funds for scholarships, educational grants, and agricultural research projects.



Each year the rodeo kicks off with the famous 66 mile Sam Houston trail ride from Montgomery, Texas all the way to Houston! The trail ride is followed by cook-off weekend and a month of great performers, food and fun. The 2011 rodeo has an amazing line-up of big name acts such as Kiss, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Clay Walker, Janet Jackson, Keith Urban and Gary Allen... Just to name a few!



So strap on your boots, your ten-gallon hat and two-step on down to the greatest show on earth... Texas style!

How to... With Houston Volleyball


Want to learn how to make Latvian Pancakes? Just follow along!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from Houston Volleyball. We hope you have a good one.

Please click the link to view the card.



www.americangreetings.com/ecards/display.pd?prodnum=3152106&N=0

Great Day to be a Cougar!

Cougars Sign 22 Gridders to Letter of Intent

University of Houston head football coach Kevin Sumlin announced Wednesday a class of 22 players inking National Letters of Intent to play football for the Cougars in 2011.

The class is a balance of offense and defense, youth and experience and line and skill players. In this group, there are 12 defensive players, four at each position, and eight offensive players. Six players are from the junior college ranks, including two players, D.J. Hayden and Chevy Bennett, who are already on campus ready to take part in spring drills. Sumlin signed 16 high school recruits, eight from the city of Houston. Only two prospects, Zachary Johnson of Norman, Okla., and Lloyd Allen of Baton Rouge, La., are from outside the Lonestar state.


"I am very excited about this class," said Sumlin. "We really feel like we met the needs of our football team especially on the defensive side of the ball. There are many players that we feel can have a big impact on our program both in the short term and in building a foundation for the future. The best thing about this group of young men is that they are all passionate about being Cougars."

Volleyball Puts Eight on the Dean's List Following Strong Fall Semester

Cougar Post Highest Team GPA In Program History


HOUSTON - Eight members of the University of Houston volleyball team earned a spot on the Dean's List and the team finished with a cumulative 3.26 semester GPA, the highest in program history.


The Dean's List is determined by a GPA of 3.5 or better and the following players met that criteria - outside hitter Marluci Toazzi, defensive specialist Krysta DeAngelis, middle blocker Ashley Applequist, defensive specialist Alex Edwards, middle blocker Stephanie Nwachukwu, setter Kacy Griffin, outside hitter Christine Pinder, and outside hitter Meredith Ware.

The team finished the semester as the most improved female team from Fall 2009 to Fall 2010 and tied with tennis for the highest semester GPA.

The volleyball team posts a 3.29 cumulative GPA, the highest among all sports.

www.uhcougars.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/011211aaa.html

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Houston Volleyball Season Wrap Up!

The Cougars finished 19-12 overall and 13-7 in C-USA finishing in sole possession of third place. The Lady Cougars finished the end of the season strong. Lucy Charuk and Chandace Tryon earned All Conference USA First Team honors. Lucy Charuk was named to the AVCA Midwest All Region Team and an All American Honorable Mention. This is a great accomplishment for both Lucy and Chandace. We are very proud of them because their hard work paid off. The first season under Molly Alvey is over with great accomplishments

Mikado Spike Test


Mikado is the FCA Chaplain at the University of Houston.

Coach James Spike Test


Coach James was the strength and conditioning coach for the volleyball team.

Introduction to Spike Test