Thomas Bulger - The Daily Lobo

Sports

Eddie Nuñez leaves UNM for University of Houston

Thomas Bulger | August 26

Last week, the University of New Mexico announced that Vice President/Director of Athletics Eddie Nuñez would be joining the University of Houston, a Big 12 conference member. His official title there will be vice president for intercollegiate athletics, according to UH Athletics. Nuñez spent seven years leading Lobo athletics and a UNM press release reflected on many of the accomplishments under his tenure. From 2017-24, the Lobos had 53 NCAA tournament appearances and 22 Mountain West titles. On the academic side, UNM had 1,517 students named to Mountain West All-Academic teams, the most of any Mountain West school over that time period, according to the press release.

Sports

Breaking down the Mountain West broadcast deal with TNT

Thomas Bulger | July 10

The Mountain West Conference announced a multi-year football partnership with TNT Sports on Monday, July 1. This upcoming season, the company will broadcast 14 games, according to a MWC press release. Alongside CBS and FOX, TNT is the third broadcast company working with the MWC. Two major factors played into the deal: conference realignment and TNT potentially losing out on NBA coverage.

Sports

Isotopes start second half with a series split

Thomas Bulger | July 1

The Albuquerque Isotopes started the second half of their season on Monday, June 24 against the Salt Lake Bees. The Isotopes finished last in the Pacific Coast League first half with a record of 26-49. When asked about what he liked about the first half of the season, Isotopes Manager Pedro Lopez said he liked how often the team got on base. But finding hits with runners in scoring position is the next step, he said. “We definitely ran the bases really well in the first half and that allowed us to be in a lot of games but unfortunately we just couldn't get that big hit,” Lopez said.

Sports

RECAP: Habtom Samuel runs past competition his freshman year

Thomas Bulger | June 21

The 2023-24 academic year was an incredible one for University of New Mexico runner Habtom Samuel. After he arrived at UNM, he wasted no time dominating the scene. His freshman year came to a close with an NCAA Championship, but he picked up many other accomplishments along the way. Cross country Sept. 22, 2023 Samuel ran his first race as a Lobo and made a statement by winning the Roy Griak Invitational. Samuel won the 8K race by 24 seconds, kicking off the cross country season strong. It was the fastest winning time since 2011, according to a news release by the UNM cross country team, and a sign for things to come.

Sports

Lobo legend Drew Gordon passes away at 33

Thomas Bulger | June 7

Former University of New Mexico men’s basketball player Drew Gordon passed away on Thursday, May 30, due to a car accident in Portland, Oregon. Gordon was a Lobo in the final two seasons of his college career and helped lead the program to a NCAA tournament win. Gordon was born in San Jose, California. There, he played basketball for Archbishop Mitty High School and was the star player. He won three league championships during his time there, according to the Mercury News. He averaged over a double-double in his college career, leading to him being named a McDonald’s All-American and playing the Jordan Brand classic.

Sports

Men’s basketball: the Pitino era continues

Thomas Bulger | May 13

After three seasons of improvement year-to-year, the University of New Mexico men’s basketball coach, Richard Pitino, agreed to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season. The extension follows the team's most successful season in a decade, earning their first National Collegiate Athletics Association tournament appearance since 2014. In a May 7 press release, UNM Director of Athletics Eddie Nuñez credited the program’s success as the driving factor in the extension.

Culture

Francesca Cicconetti knows ball

Thomas Bulger | May 6

Francesca Cicconetti’s life has been dominated by sports. From an early age, she watched games with her family, which led to a high school career in volleyball. At the University of New Mexico, she covered sports for the Daily Lobo and started a temporary job with the New Mexico Ice Wolves. Cicconetti graduates from UNM with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Her family moved to Albuquerque when she was young; later, she attended Volcano Vista High School. Cicconetti graduated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and originally wanted to go out of state for college, but stayed close to home and doesn’t regret a thing.

Culture

BillyJack Davidson is a writer

Thomas Bulger | May 6

BillyJack Davidson has worked for the Daily Lobo as the men’s basketball beat reporter this past season, covering community events on the side. He graduates from the University of New Mexico this spring with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. Davidson was born and raised in Albuquerque and said he has no intention of leaving. As a third generation Lobo, he said he is proud to graduate from UNM as it has been his dream from a young age. Davidson chose liberal arts because it allowed him to explore every subject available, he said.

Sports

Baseball: Losing streak broken

Thomas Bulger | April 15

The baseball team faced the Fresno State Bulldogs over the weekend. Aside from a win on Sunday, they lost two out of the three games. The team was on an eight-game losing streak prior to Sunday. Friday, April 12, the Lobos lost 10-5. The Bulldogs had a balanced offense with everyone in the lineup earning a hit. For the Lobos, Konner Kinkade led the team with three hits.

Sports

Baseball: Lobos drop series against Sam Houston

Thomas Bulger | April 8

The baseball team lost two games against Sam Houston State University over the weekend. In Friday’s matchup, the Lobos lost a high scoring game 23-14 and lost Sunday 14-3. Saturday’s match was canceled due to high winds. The game will not be rescheduled.