Wednesday, February 5, 1997

Fox in charge of Wildcats having success

By BILL HART / Senior Staff Writer

Suzanne Fox says she doesn't know any more about coaching than any other coach. She also admits she doesn't coach anything special.

All she does is direct the Abilene Christian University Lady Wildcats to victories. Last year's 31-2 record, and third place in NCAA Division II, earned Fox the women's college coach of the year by the Dallas All-Sports Association.

She will receive her award on Feb. 18 at the downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas along with other winners.

"I don't know much about the award, but I appreciate it and it's a big honor," she said. "I have a great assistant (Deonna Shake) who has helped recruit a great group of athletes. And good athletes win games. They deserve the credit."

The 29-year-old Fox has compiled a 112-29 record in her four-plus seasons as head coach. Her current team is 19-2 and tied for the Lone Star Conference lead with West Texas A&M.

Ironically, the announcement came a day after ACU lost the outright league lead by dropping a 62-61 decision to Texas A&M-Commerce. The next night, the Lady Wildcats held on to beat Tarleton State, 83-82.

The award is nice, but the main thing on Fox's mind is the rest of the LSC race. ACU has five games left, but after Thursday's home game against Texas A&M-Kingsville and Saturday's battle with Texas Woman's University, the Lady Wildcats go on the road to Angelo State and Eastern New Mexico before facing West Texas A&M in Canyon, which many figure will determine the championship.

"The kids are still playing hard, but we're still learning each other and their roles," Fox said. "And we're still learning how to play consistent, especially on the road.

"Last year, we could count on Jennifer Clarkson's 25 points at home or on the road and the other points will trickle down. In our last few games, we have had a different leading scorer. We never know who is going to step up that particular night. That's why we have so many different starters, so it's not all bad.

"Also, teams are gunning for us and playing out of their minds against us, so we have to keep getting better.

"Despite the loss to A&M-Commerce, we still control our own destiny. It's not like four years ago when we needed someone to help us beat West Texas. If we win out, we win the title."

One of ACU's weaknesses is 3-point shooting. Farrah Frantz was expected to handle that, but she suffered a knee injury that required surgery and ended her season.

"We have to utilize our strong points and that's our inside game," Fox said. "Our guards penetrate well and shoot well from 12 to 15 feet. Shooting the 3 hasn't ever been my main weapon, and teams have been making their share of 3s against us."

Fox's "worst record" was 18-9 her first year. Despite her winning percentage, no college has tried to woo her away.

"I like where I am," she said. "I like the school, I work with good kids, with a good staff and for a good athletic administration. I just like my situation, it would be hard to walk away from it."

Others to be honored Feb. 18 in Dallas are Eddie Reese, the University of Texas swimming coach who is the men's coach of the year; Juan Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers, the pro athlete of the year; Texas Rangers manager Johnny Oates, the pro coach of the year; and Texas Tech running back Byron Hanspard and Texas golfer Kelli Kuehne as the college athletes of the year.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman will receive the athlete role model award, former Baylor quartermiler Michael Johnson will receive the Field Scovell award and the Texas Rangers the DASA "Big D" award.