Inside Texas Today: Conference title contention already on player's minds

On3 imageby:Joe Cook04/05/22

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Welcome to Inside Texas Today! Every weekday, Inside Texas Today will provide the latest from around the Forty Acres. This morning, IT Today looks at statements from Anthony Cook and Xavier Worthy about seeking out the first Big 12 title for the Texas Longhorns football program since 2009.

Here’s the Tuesday, April 5, 2022 edition.

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Since 2018…

The last time the Texas Longhorns played for a conference title in football was in 2018, when Tom Herman’s squad was unable to top the Oklahoma Sooners and Kyler Murray for the second time in the same season.

2019 and 2020 ended with Texas failing to reach Arlington, while 2021 ended without Texas even reaching a bowl.

Now, in 2022, Texas players are already discussing making a trip to AT&T Stadium and winning the program’s fourth Big 12 title.

One player, Anthony Cook, played in Texas’ last appearance in the conference championship game, not recording any stats. Despite a brief entrance in the portal a few years back, he’s fully committed to helping Texas win its 33rd conference title.

“My freshman year, we went to that Big 12 championship,” Cook said Saturday. “We didn’t win. It’s been a minute. That’s the main reason why I came back. I want to win a Big 12 championship.”

It isn’t just the experienced players on the roster who have that desire. First-year or second-year players are committed to winning an honor Oklahoma, Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and TCU have all achieved since 2009.

“We’re working day by day,” Xavier Worthy said. “We’re focused on the opponent at hand week-by-week. In reality, we’re really working for that Big 12 championship.”

Worthy was asked reasons behind his return to Texas in an era where so many players enter the portal. He mentioned the trust he has in Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian that led him to Austin after he was released from his National Letter of Intent with Michigan. Of course, there’s also the desire to add a championship to his resume.

“I just want to build off that and go win a Big 12 championship,” Worthy said.

Melendez named national player of the month

Ivan Melendez was named the Dick Howser Trophy national player of the month for March, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced Monday.

Melendez, a junior from El Paso, hit .473 and slugged 1.054 during the month of March. He logged six doubles, two triples and 11 homers, driving in 29.

This season, Melendez is betting .387 and leads the team with 13 homers and 40 RBI. His on-base percentage is .521 in 30 games.

Texas viewing for 4/5

No. 7 baseball – UT-RGV – UFCU Disch-Falk Field – Austin, Texas – 6:30 p.m. – Longhorn Network

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