August 11, 2008
Albuquerque Journal
No TV Break for Lobos
By Ken Sickenger, Journal Staff WriterCall it a coincidence.
Just about the time the U.S. women's volleyball team was finishing off an Olympic victory over Japan, the University of New Mexico was wrapping up its first official practice of 2008.
With several new faces and sky-high expectations, the Lobos grinded through a tough Saturday morning workout at Johnson Center. After team pictures and a brief rest, they were set to return to the court later in the day.
"It feels really good to be back," senior outside hitter Jeanne Fairchild said. "The preseason is always kind of an adjustment period, especially for the new girls. But we've brought in so much height and new talent, I can't wait to see where the season's going to take us."
UNM's initial workout didn't allow players to watch the USA-Japan match, but there was plenty of interest in the outcome. Lobo coach Jeff Nelson and several players began asking around as soon as practice concluded.
"I definitely want them to medal," Nelson said, "the (U.S.) men's team, too. It's good for our country and the excitement can give volleyball an extra push."
Nelson said he scheduled UNM's first practice before he knew Team USA would be playing at the same time. He and most of the Lobos will be rooting for the American team, which has its fair share of UNM ties.
U.S. women's volleyball coach Jenny Lang Ping was an assistant to longtime Lobo coach Laurel Brassey from 1987-89 and again from 1992-93. Brassey, who coached New Mexico volleyball for 17 years, was a two-time Olympian in 1980 and 1988.
"We try to keep up with the U.S. team as much as we can," Fairchild said. "We really want to see them win."
That may not always be the case for the newest Lobo, freshman Kelly Williamson, who was born in Brazil and grew up in Argentina.
"Unfortunately, Argentina didn't make the cut for the Olympics," Williamson said. "I know a lot of those girls, so I was rooting for them. I also watch Brazil because I was born there. I'm torn."
Williamson is not at all conflicted about her college allegiances, however. She recently moved from Buenos Aires to Albuquerque and is delighted to be sporting UNM's cherry and silver.
"I always thought I'd go to (college) in the States," said Williamson, whose parents are American. "But to be part of a team at this level, and the way everything came together, it's great. I'm so happy to be here."
SAD NEWS: Nelson, who grew up and coached in Minnesota, said he was stunned by the news of Todd Bachman's stabbing death in China on Saturday. Bachman is the father of 2004 U.S. volleyball Olympian Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon, who grew up playing in Minnesota.
"She played club ball for a friend of mine," Nelson said of McCutcheon, who reportedly was present when the stabbing occurred but uninjured. "It's just an unbelievably sad thing."
LOBOS ON TV: UNM's recent trip to Argentina will be the subject of a television feature to be aired on the The Mtn. The first airing will be Monday at 7:30 p.m. The program will be repeated several times during the month of August.
ROSTER NOTE: Kelsi Phillips, a freshman defensive specialist on last season's squad, will not return this season, Nelson said. Though he declined to elaborate, Nelson said Phillips violated team rules during the offseason.