Maybe changing the mascot was a good thing...

Before we changed from the ASU Indians to the ASU Red Wolves I was unsure how the city of Jonesboro or the athletic teams would respond during the 2008 - 2009 season. But so far the team and the city has responded well.

I almost don't want to write this blog because Im worried about cursing our team now but I feel that it must be pointed out. Since becoming the Red Wolves, our athletic teams have yet to lose a game. Period. In football, soccer, and volleyball.

Soccer is 2-0. They have defeated UCA and UAPB. The Lady Red Wolves have scored 12 goals in two games. They now have to face Centenary and Stephen F. Austin, which will prove to be a challenge because both teams have done well in the past. Stephen F. Austin made it to the NCAA tournament last year and have a lot of starters returning. Sophia Turesson and Kailey Gear both have scored three goals this season. Gear scored three against UCA and Turesson made her three against UAPB on Saturday. However, this weekend may prove too much for the Red Wolves and they soccer program may be the first team to pick up a loss as the Red Wolves.

Volleyball is 4-0. They recently defeated Tennessee-Martin 3-0 at home on Tuesday. They also defeated Texas Southern, Mississippi Valley State, and The Citadel during a tournament in Houston. They Lady Red Wolves have yet to even lose a match, defeating all opponents by a score of 3-0. ASU is off to its best start since 2004 season when it started the year 5-0. Junior outside hitter Konae Purcell led ASU with 14 kills during the game against The Citadel.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY. Football is 1-0. Coming off a huge win against Texas A&M on Saturday by a score of 18-14. This is the first time that ASU has beaten an BCS team since moving to Division 1-A football. This is the first time in 15 tries that ASU has won an away opener. After falling just short against Texas last season, the Red Wolves proved to be the team that wanted it more on Saturday.

"They outplayed us, outcoached us and beat us as a team," Texas A&M head coach Mike Sherman said about the Red Wolves to Texas A&M's the Battalion (their college newspaper.)

Next the Red Wolves will play the Tigers of Texas Southern on Saturday at what used to be Indian Stadium beginning at 6 p.m.