Leading Off

The women’s track and field team only competed in one event yesterday, placing 24th in the 4x100m relay, which earned them All-America Honorable Mention (TexasTech). Events today is women’s heptathlon, the men’s jumping events, discus and the 200m.

Congrats to Hattie Schunk and Trey Culver for being named the 2017-18 Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarship (TexasTech).

Further congrats are in order for Gabriela Talaba for being named a ITA All-American for the second straight year, the first lady to do so for Texas Tech (TexasTech).

Amarillo Globe-News’ Kale Steed has a Q&A with Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt and there’s a lot discussed there, but here is Hocutt discussing the football situation:

Fair or not, your football coach Kliff Kingsbury is getting a 50-50 reaction with the fanbase right now. I know from inside the program, his reputation is the players love him and no one works harder. What are your thoughts on coach Kingsbury?

“Nobody works harder and nobody cares more about Texas Tech than Kliff Kingsbury. I get to see it each and everyday. The culture and the energy that these young men have is high. Our record wasn’t what we wanted. It wasn’t indicative in my opinion that we were a better football team.

“But at the end of the day, it comes down to wins and losses. We know there has to be improvement made there. I’m excited for the upcoming season. But you won’t find an individual that works harder than coach Kingsbury and you won’t find a head football coach that has stronger character and integrity than coach Kingsbury.”

Texas Tech Baseball

The next step begins Saturday. #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/GTlRscLxFp

— Texas Tech Baseball (@TTU_Baseball) June 7, 2018

Texas Tech Basketball

NCAA’s Andy Katz ranks all of the various conference challenges and has Texas Tech vs. Arkansas as the 17th best team:

17. Arkansas at Texas Tech, SEC-Big 12 Challenge, Jan. 26: Daniel Gafford is set to have a monster season for the Hogs. Jarrett Culver could be the next star at Texas Tech. Both of these teams received consideration for the first Power 36 of the season. By the time this game is played, the Hogs and Red Raiders should be on their way to proving they belong in NCAA consideration. The winner will get a resume boost.