FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Aces return home Wednesday to face SIU at 7 p.m.
Aces took first meeting in Carbondale
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Riding its first 3-game Missouri Valley Conference win streak in four years, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team looks to make it four in a row on Wednesday when Southern Illinois comes to town for a 7 p.m. game at the Ford Center. ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network will have the broadcast.
Last Time Out
– Trailing 74-73 with 1:54 remaining on Sunday at Belmont, the Purple Aces finished the game on a 7-1 run to take an 80-75 victory
– Gabriel Pozzato was the top scorer in the contest with 22 points while Tayshawn Comer finished just behind him with 19
– Connor Turnbull scored a career-high 14 points while Josh Hughes matched his tally with 14
– Tanner Cuff added 6 points and 13 boards
Noting the Week
– Evansville’s victories over Murray State and Belmont put an end to multiple streaks
– The win over Belmont was the first since November of 2015 and ended a 6-game skid against the Bruins
– With the win, UE won its third consecutive Valley win and second road victory in a row
– The last 3-game MVC win streak came between 12/28/20 and 1/9/21 when UE won four in a row
– This marked the first time since 2016 that UE won consecutive MVC road games; UE won its final three league road games that year (Bradley, Drake, Loyola)
Make it Three
– Gabriel Pozzato was named the MVC Freshman of the Week for the third time this season and second week in a row on Monday
– He averaged 25.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while leading UE to a pair of wins
– With his season average of 16.2 PPG, Pozzato is fourth in the MVC
– Averaging 17 points and 6.5 boards against UIC and Valpo, Pozzato earned his second MVC freshman accolade on Jan. 27
– Pozzato has averaged 24 PPG over the last three contests including a career-high 29 points in the win over Murray State
Another Career Game
– Connor Turnbull’s stellar play continued in the win at Belmont as he reset his career scoring mark with 14 points to go along with 6 boards and 4 assists
– Over the last 10 games, Turnbull has posted 9.3 points, 5.4 boards and 2.4 blocks
– He matched his career high with six blocks at Valpo and paces the MVC with 1.78/game; he has a block in 15 of the last 17 contests
– His total of 41 blocks is 26th in the nation while his average is 38th nationally
– Offensively, he has scored eight or more points in 8 of the last 10 games to improve his season average to 6.8 PPG
Scouting the Opponent
– Southern Illinois has won five of its last seven games to improve to 10-13 on the season and 5-7 in MVC play
– On Saturday, SIU dropped a 75-65 home game to Drake; prior to the defeat, the Salukis picked up road victories at UIC and Valparaiso
– Ali Dibba leads a trio of double figure scores for SIU with 16.7 PPG
– Kennard Davis Jr. is averaging 15.5 points and 5.0 rebounds while Jarrett Hensley checks in with 11.2 points and a team-high 5.3 caroms per contest
– Davis paces Southern Illinois with 54 assists and 41 triples on the season
THUNDERBOLTS HOST RIVERMEN THIS FRIDAY FOR EURO NIGHT
Evansville, In.: After claiming 3 out of 4 possible points against the Macon Mayhem this past week, the Thunderbolts host the Peoria Rivermen this Friday night at Ford Center for Euro Night, before traveling to Peoria for the final time this regular season on Saturday night.
Week In Review:
Down 2-0 on Friday, the Thunderbolts rallied in the third period with goals from Logan vande Meerakker and Myles Abbate to tie the game and force overtime. The rally ended in the shootout following the scoreless overtime, where Macon won 2-1 to win the game 3-2. Evansville got revenge on Saturday in Macon, winning 5-2 with goals from Scott Kirton, Nolan McElhaney, Isaac Chapman, Matt Dorsey, and Jordan Simoneau.
The Week Ahead:
This Friday, February 7th will be Euro Night against the Peoria Rivermen, featuring specialty jerseys based on European hockey design that will be auctioned off after the game. As is tradition in European professional leagues, Logan vande Meerakker will be wearing a special golden helmet as the team’s leading scorer, and the helmet will be auctioned off on DASH at a later date. In honor of Vande Meerakker’s 23 points, there is a special for two tickets in any section for $23, deal valid through Ticketmaster (Enter code “GOLD”) and the Ford Center Box Office until 5:00pm CT this Wednesday the 5th.
Coming Soon:
Friday, February 14th will be Swipe Right Night against the Quad City Storm. Prior to the game, speed dating sessions will be held in the Suite Club for ages 21-29 and 30-45 starting at 6:30pm, those who are interested can sign up at http://bit.ly/3Wnt07N (Purchase of a game ticket required). ‘The Dating Game’ will be held on the ice during the first intermission, with the winner receiving a date to Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano and Hush on Main. There will also be special designated “Singles Sections” for the game in Sections 110 and 111. Sunday, February 16th will be Sunday Funday against the Peoria Rivermen, starting at Noon CT, featuring $3 regular soda, popcorn, and hot dogs, and an inflatable slide in the lobby for the kids, courtesy of Legendary Inflatables.
UE Swimming and Diving Teams recognized by CSCAA
Aces earn Scholar All-America Team honors
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced the selection of 781 teams from 459 institutions for the Scholar All-America Team for the Fall 2024 semester. These teams, comprising 19,209 student-athletes, were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.
Both the men and women from the University of Evansville received the accolade. Evansville’s women completed the fall semester with a cumulative team GPA of 3.48. The Purple Aces men also received the accolade. The guys wrapped up the fall semester with a team mark of 3.12.
To earn this prestigious recognition, teams were required to achieve a grade point average (GPA) above 3.0 during the Fall 2024 semester. Of the selected teams, an impressive 654 recorded a GPA of 3.30 or higher, qualifying them for the Intercollegiate Coach Association Coalition All-Sport Academic Standings.
Center Point To Finalze Rate bill Impacts
Good evening,
While we are still finalizing bill impacts, we wanted to provide the updated statement below to include in continued reporting. We will have a CNP representative available via Zoom for a brief interview tomorrow. Once we have customer bill impact information, we’ll follow up to schedule.
Updated Statement
We are finalizing our review of the IURC’s final order. The more than 200-page order includes modifications to what different classes of customers—residential, business and industrial—will pay as a result of the decision. Once we have completed our thorough analysis, we will share estimated bill impacts publicly.
Thanks,
Noah Stubbs
CenterPoint Energy Media Relations
Hardgrave named USI Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs
Dr. Jason Hardgrave has been named Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Southern Indiana, effective January 1. He had served as Interim Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs since July 2023.
As Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, Hardgrave assists the Provost in managing many different facets of undergraduate and graduate education programs, including general administration with college deans, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Online Learning, Disability Resources, the Honors Program and Themed-Living Communities.
“I am pleased that Dr. Hardgrave will continue as the Assistant Provost,” says Dr. Shelly Blunt, Provost. “He plays a critical role in many key projects for the University, such as the Quality Initiative for the Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation, the implementation of Watermark and many key retention efforts. He brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position that will benefit our students and the University.”
Hardgrave has been with USI for over 21 years. He previously served as Chair of the History Department and Associate Professor of History. As Chair, he guided students to success while developing promotional guidelines, assessment procedures and a merit review rubric for the department.
He actively collaborates with the Teacher Education Department to support student preparedness, curriculum standards and licensure and accreditation processes. He also works closely with the University’s College Achievement Program (CAP), fostering strong connections with local teachers to expand dual-credit opportunities for USI students.
Previously, Hardgrave served as both Chair and Vice Chair of Faculty Senate, participated in the Academic Program Review and chaired the University Promotions Committee. He has also contributed to various committees and extracurricular activities at USI, including the Economic Benefits Committee, Core 39 Committee and serving as Faculty Advisor for the USI Fencing Club and the University’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society.
His research and teaching focus on pre-modern Europe, specializing in law, trade and gender. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in history from the University of Wyoming and a doctorate in history from the University of Kansas.
House Democrats attempt to wrestle some sports legislation into a hectic session
House Democrats attempt to wrestle some sports legislation into a hectic session
FEBRUARY 5, 2025
Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, in a lucha libre Wearing shirts to represent their favorite leagues, teams and athletes, five Indiana House Democrats outlined their legislative agenda for Hoosier sports in a press conference Tuesday morning.
Five bills and two amendments complete the proposed package, “The Hoosier Home Field Advantage.” The legislative agenda follows Indianapolis’ record-breaking World Wrestling Entertainment Royal Rumble, which boasted big names like John Cena.
“We’re doing great in the sports realm, but this group of people in the Indiana House Democrats think that we can capitalize on that success and really take things through the stratosphere,” said Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis.
Indy is home to three professional athletic teams as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association headquarters. The city also has hosted major events, including the 2024 Olympic swim trials, 2024 NBA All-Star Game and 2012 Super Bowl.
Gore has authored House Bill 1517, which would create “American Professional Football Day,” a state holiday celebrated the Monday after the Super Bowl. The bill was co-authored by Rep. Ethan Manning, R-Logansport, and is currently in committee.
Gore said that this year, 16 million people are expected to miss work the day after the Super Bowl.
“I think Hoosiers don’t care as much about attacking DEI. They want to support the NBA,” said Gore.
Gore also presented an amendment that would make children’s athletic gear exempt from sales tax. The sales tax holiday would take place in the spring and fall, coinciding with major athletic seasons. According to Gore’s press representative, he is currently working with the authors of several different bills in an attempt to place the amendment.
“We could do something positive for kids, get them involved in something, maybe keep them out of trouble,” Gore said. “If we can provide families with the resources to be able to do that for their kids, I think that’s a good thing.”
Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, has presented two bills that would attempt to make high-school sports more accessible to fans.
HB 1534 would require schools to provide a cash payment option at athletic events. GiaQuinta said the intent of the bill is to make games more accessible for students, so they can buy tickets and concessions with cash as opposed to using their parent’s credit card.
HB 1541 would prohibit the Indiana High School Athletic Association from charging viewers to stream athletic events. GiaQuinta said this aims to make games more accessible for families to watch and encourage new fans.
“Frankly, I believe that would then gain more interest in people. After they watch something on the Internet, they’re going to then go to the game,” said GiaQuinta.
Both these bills remain in committee.
Rep. Kyle Miller, D-Fort Wayne, wrote HB 1608, which would have the Indiana Economic Development Corporation submit a report to the General Assembly on the potential esports hold for the state.
“Esports is not the basement Nintendo or the mall arcade we had as kids. It’s a growing industry with billions, that’s worth billions, and Indiana is in the prime position to lead in this booming industry,” said Miller.
Miller cited Ball State University, Purdue University, Butler University and Indiana State University as examples of the growing industry, as they’ve all developed esports programs.
“Esports aren’t just important for Indiana, they’re vital. They bring economic opportunities, education benefits, a sense of community and inspiration for our future,” he said.
Also looking to expand into new territory, Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, presented HB 1292.
The bill would establish the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission. Co-authors include Rep. Ethan Manning, R-Logansport, Rep. Timothy O’Brien, R-Evansville, and Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart.
“When you look at the lineup on the bill, my co-authors are all Republicans that asked to be on the bill, so I appreciate that support,” said Harris. The bill is in committee.
Harris said he wants to create jobs, develop the economy and attract tourists to Northwest Indiana, using sports as the framework to do so.
The commission would be composed of mayors, county officials, and economic leaders and be responsible for developing plans to build an athletic facility and support existing athletic franchises.
Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, was wearing an Indianapolis WWE Royal Rumble jersey and blue and white wrestling mask. The amendment he proposed matched his outfit, as it would require the Indiana Sports Corporation to attract professional wrestling by placing bids on events. According to a press representative, the amendment is in the drafting process.
Andrade said the recent Royal Rumble event saw almost 70,000 fans and created an economic impact of over $300 million.
“At this time, give me a ‘Hell yeah!’ if you smell what the House Democrats are cooking,” said Andrade.