Football licenses reservations at 3,755

At the close of business on Thursday, the Charlotte 49ers had received reservations for 3,755 Forty-Niner Seat Licenses (FSLs). At a price of $1,000 each, that could translate into more than $3.7 million for the creation of a football program.

At this time, no money is being accepted by the ticket office. The 49ers must await the final decision of the UNC Charlotte board of trustees, which will come next month, before money can be accepted. The recommendation of the school's chancellor, Dr. Philip Dubois, called for the sale of 5,000 FSLs within six months of the board's approval.

Interested fans and corporations can add their names to the reservation list by calling the 49ers ticket office at (704) 687-4949 or the 49ers Athletic Foundation at (704) 687-4950.

Noting the Niners: Soccer player honored

Some news and notes from the Charlotte 49ers:

--- Charlotte women's soccer freshman forward Jonna Handra has been named to Soccer Buzz's Elite Team of the week and was also named the Atlantic 10 Conference's player and rookie of the week for her performance in the 49ers' wins last weekend over Dayton and Xavier.
Handra had three goals and an assist in the two wins. She is tied with fellow Charlotte freshman Oni Bernard for fifth in the A-10 with seven goals.

--- The Charlotte 49ers' men's and women's indoor track and field teams have been picked by conference coaches to win the league this season. Both teams have won the A-10 indoor title the past three seasons.

--- The Charlotte 49ers will host an uptown basketball tip-off on Thursday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Founder's Hall in downtown Charlotte. The yearly events celebrate the upcoming basketball season. Head men's basketball coach Bobby Lutz and women's basketball coach Karen Aston as well as players from both teams will be on hand at the event, which feature games, giveaways and a chance to win prizes.
Fans are encouraged to stop in and talk basketball with the 49ers contingent. Schedule cards and team posters will also be available. Admission to both events is free.

Media pick Niners to finish 5th in A-10

The Charlotte 49ers men's basketball team was a preseason pick to finish fifth in the Atlantic 10 Conference poll of media and coaches announced on Tuesday.

Xavier was picked to finish first and received 44 first-place votes; Temple was picked second, Dayton third, Saint Joseph's fourth followed by Charlotte, Massachusetts, Saint Louis, Richmond, Rhode Island, La Salle, George Washington, Duquesne, Fordham and St. Bonaventure.

Charlotte senior forward Lamont Mack was the only 49ers player named to the preseason all-conference team. He was named to the second team.

Men
(first place votes in parentheses)
1. Xavier (44)
2. Temple (12)
3. Dayton (3)
4. Saint Joseph's
5. Charlotte (2)
6. Massachusetts
7. Saint Louis
8. Richmond
9. Rhode Island
10. La Salle
11. George Washington
12. Duquesne
13. Fordham
14. St. Bonaventure

Women
(first place votes in parentheses)
1. Xavier (15)
2. George Washington (1)
3. Charlotte
4. Temple
5. Richmond
6. Saint Joseph's
7. St. Bonaventure
8. Duquesne
9. Dayton
10. Saint Louis
11. Rhode Island
12. Massachusetts
13. La Salle
14. Fordham

Charlotte women tied for 25th in soccer poll

The Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer team enters Soccer America’s Top 25 poll this week, for first time since the 2003 preseason poll.

Charlotte (13-3-1) leads the Atlantic 10 with a 9-0 league record and has scored a school-record 60 goals this season. The 49ers enter the poll tied at No. 25 with Harvard (9-3-3).

“It is great that our team has been recognized by the national media for the successful season that we are having,” Charlotte coach Jon Lipsitz said. “Our goal still remains to win the A-10 regular-season and tournament titles and return to the NCAA Tournament.”

The 49ers complete their regular season this weekend with games at Rhode Island on Friday and Sunday at Massachusetts.

Soccer America Women’s Top 25

1. Notre Dame (17-0-0)

2. Stanford (16-0-1)

3. UCLA (14-0-2)

4. Portland (15-1-0)

5. North Carolina (15-1-1)

6. Florida (15-2-1)

7. Florida State (13-2-1)

8. Texas (12-2-3)

9. Texas A&M (14-3-1)

10. Oklahoma State (15-1-2)

11. Virginia (12-3-1)

12. Southern Cal (12-3-1)

13. Duke (13-2-2)

14. Louisiana State (13-2-1)

15. West Virginia (12-2-5)

16. Boston College (11-4-2)

17. Colorado (13-3-3)

18. San Diego (13-3-2)

19. Wisconsin-Milwaukee (15-2-2)

20. Penn State (13-6-0)

21. Minnesota (17-2-0)

22. Rutgers (12-5-1)

23. Georgetown (13-3-2)

24. Missouri (12-5-0)

25. Charlotte (13-3-1)

(tie) Harvard (9-3-3)

6-foot-3 center commits to 49ers' women

The Charlotte 49ers' women's basketball team received a commitment Friday from one of the top high school seniors in North Carolina.

Amanda Dowe, a 6-foot-3 center from South Columbus High in Tabor City, said Friday she has committed to play for the 49ers next season. Dowe made an official visit to the Charlotte campus last weekend and chose the 49ers over the College of Charleston.

Dowe averaged 16.4 points, 15.2 rebounds and 5.5 blocks last season for South Columbus, which advanced to the first round of the N.C. 2A playoffs. She was named to last season's "Toast of the Coast" girls basketball team by the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun-News.

"I really liked the campus," Dowe said. "I picked out the pros and cons of each school and took my time to make the right decision. I really like coach (Karen) Aston and like the up-tempo style they play."

Dowe said she will sign a national letter of intent during next month's early signing period.

Stats from Green-White scrimmages

Results from Thursday night's Green-White scrimmages at Basketball Madness:

MEN
White 30, Green 28

White 30
Gaby Ngoundjo, 4 points, 1 rebound
Ian Andersen, 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Lamont Mack, 5 points
An'Juan Wilderness, 2 points
Charles Dewhurst, 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Shamari Spears, 11 points

Green
Javarris Barnett, 3 points, 1 rebound
Charlie Coley, 4 points, 1 assist
DiJuan Harris, 7 points, 2 rebounds
Kyle Church, 0 points
RaShad Coleman, 7 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists
Phil Jones, 4 points, 2 rebounds


WOMEN
White 16, Green 15

White
Jabrenta Hubbard, 6 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists
Kendria Holmes, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Shannon McCallum, 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Ashley Spriggs, 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Katie Meador, 0 points
Danielle Burgin, 3 points

Green
Brittany Carter, 2 points, 1 rebound
Erin Floyd, 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Traci Ray, 4 assists
Nicole Hargraves, 2 points, 2 rebounds
Aysha Jones, 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Rachelle Coward, 0 points

49ers receive reservations for 3,464 FSLs

At the close of business on Tuesday, the Charlotte 49ers had received reservations for 3,464 Forty-Niner Seat Licenses (FSLs). At a price of $1,000 each, that could translate into more than $3.4 million for the creation of a football program.

At this time no money is being accepted by the ticket office. The 49ers will await the final decision of the UNC Charlotte board of trustees, which will come next month. The recommendation of the school's chancellor, Dr. Philip Dubois, called for the sale of 5,000 FSLs within six months of the board's approval.

Interested fans and corporations are encouraged to add their names to the growing reservation list by calling the 49ers ticket office at (704) 687-4949 or the 49ers Athletic Foundation at (704) 687-4950.

- Charlotte women's soccer midfielder Hailey Beam has been named to Soccer America's National Team of the Week for the second time this season. Beam had two goals and two assists in a pair of 49er wins over the weekend at Richmond and George Washington.

Niners pick up A-10 honors

A pair of Charlotte 49ers picked up weekly awards from the Atlantic 10 Conference for their performances in the past week.

Women's soccer player Hailey Beam was named co-player of the in the A-10 after scoring two goals and two assists in Charlotte wins over Richmond and George Washington. Beam leads the A-10 in goals (13), assists (11) and points (37).

Charlotte native Adu Dentamo was named the A-10's men's performer of the week in cross country after his 25th place finish at the Pre-Nationals, which was run on the same course as next month's NCAA Championships.

Dentamo's time of 24:07 was his second best of the season and he owns the two top times in the A-10 this season.

Baseball plans 'Niner World Series'

The Charlotte 49ers baseball team is wrapping up fall practice this week with a three-game "Niner World Series" and Saturday home run derby and ring ceremony at Hayes Stadium.

Teams for the series were picked Sunday and the teams will practice today. Game 1 of the series is Tuesday, with batting practice starting at 2:30 p.m. Game 2 is Wednesday. The final game is Saturday with the home run derby starting at 11 a.m.

Former Charlotte all-Americans Bo Robinson (19 homers in 1998) and Chris Taylor (19 homers in 2008) are tied for second in school history. They will represent the alumni while current 49ers players Garrett Hanselman and Alan Parks will represent the 2009 squad.

Returning Charlotte players and 2008 players completing eligibility will receive their Atlantic 10 Championship rings in a pre-game ceremony Saturday, with the final game of the series starting at 1 p.m.

Charlotte finished last season 43-16, its second consecutive season winning 40 or more games. The 2009 season opens Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. with a three-game series at Clemson.

Three A10 teams in Sporting News top 40

Three men's basketball teams from the Atlantic 10 Conference have been ranked by the Sporting News in its basketball preview issue.

Xavier, which advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament last season, debuts at No. 19. Saint Joseph's is ranked No. 32 and defending A10 tournament champion Temple comes in at No. 38.

The 2008-09 A10 men's basketball season gets under way on Nov. 11 as Massachusetts faces Arkansas-Monticello in the opening round of the 2K Sports Classic in Carbondale, Ill.

Outside of the three A10 teams, one other of the Charlotte 49ers' opponents this season is in the poll - Arizona State is No. 15. The 49ers could also potentially meet No. 17 Wake Forest in a tournament.

The Sporting News Top 40
1. North Carolina
2. Connecticut
3. Louisville
4. Gonzaga
5. Michigan State
6. Texas
7. Duke
8. UCLA
9 . Pittsburgh
10. Memphis
11. USC
12. Notre Dame
13. Purdue
14. Miami (Fla.)
15. Arizona State
16. Florida
17. Wake Forest
18. Marquette
19. Xavier
20. Davidson
21. Tennessee
22. Oklahoma
23. St. Mary's
24. UNLV
25. Baylor
26. Syracuse
27. Creighton
28. Ohio State
29. Wisconsin
30. Villanova
31. Kansas
32. Saint Joseph's
33. Georgetown
34. Virginia Tech
35. West Virginia
36. Washington
37. Alabama
38. Temple
39. San Diego
40. Siena

49ers' football reservations reach 3,300

At the close of business on Tuesday, the Charlotte 49ers had received reservations for 3,300 Forty-Niner Seat Licenses (FSLs). At a price tag of $1,000 each, that would translate into $3.3 million for the creation of a football program.

At this time no money is being accepted by the ticket office. The 49ers will await the final decision of the UNC Charlotte board of trustees, which will come next month.

The recommendation of the school's chancellor, Dr. Philip Dubois, called for the sale of 5,000 FSLs within six months of the board's approval.

Interested fans and corporations are encouraged to add their names to the growing reservation list by calling the 49ers ticket office at (704) 687-4949 or the 49ers Athletic Foundation at (704) 687-4950.

Niners' Beam is player of week again

Charlotte 49ers women's soccer junior midfielder Hailey Beam was named Atlantic 10 Conference co-player of the week, the second time this season she has received the honor.

Beam scored two goals and assisted on two others in the 49ers' 8-0 win over Saint Joseph's on Sunday. Beam is currently tied with teammate Whitney Weinraub for the most goals scored in the conference this season (11).

Charlotte (9-3-1, 5-0-0) returns to action this weekend when it plays at Richmond on Friday and at George Washington on Sunday.

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Wiedergruen A-10 co-golfer of the week

News & Notes from the Charlotte 49ers:

• Senior golfer Stefan Wiedergruen was named an Atlantic 10 co-golfer of the week for the week ending Oct. 5 after he earned a 17th-place finish at the PING/Golfweek Preview. Wiedergruen, who was the defending individual champion of the event, which regularly attracts a top 25 field, shot +4, 217. He leads the 49ers with a 73.3 stroke average after two events.
  

• Former 49ers golfer Jonas Enander Hedin shot a 10-under-par 206 to capture the Swedish PGA Landmann Open on Sept. 27. Enander Hedin, a third team all-American who led the 49ers to an eighth-place finish at the 2008 NCAA Championships, shot four-under par 68 in the final round to win the event by one stroke. Enander Hedin played this summer in the Palmer Cup, a collegiate version of the Ryder Cup, clinching Europe's victory in the event with his singles' match victory. Enander Hedin is back in the United States and competing this week in the Tarheel Tour's Walnut Creek Open in Goldsboro, N.C.
  

• The No. 20 men's soccer team (8-2), fresh off a loss at nationally-ranked Maryland, looks to get back on track with a game tonight at 7 p.m. at Fordham in the 49ers' Atlantic 10 Conference season opener. Charlotte dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime to the Terrapins on Tuesday, a day after earning its first Soccer America national ranking.

• The women's soccer team (7-3-1, 3-0) looks to continue its undefeated mark in the A-10 with home games at 7 tonight with Temple and Sunday at 1 p.m. with St. Joseph's, both at Transamerica Field. The 49ers hold a 2-0-0 series advantage over both Temple and Saint Joseph's.

Niners basketball on national TV

There will be several opportunities to catch the Charlotte 49ers men's and women's basketball teams in action on national TV this season. Here's a look at what's already scheduled. The A-10's syndicated regional package has not been released.

Men's TV schedule
CBS College Sports Network
Sunday, Jan. 18 Charlotte at St. Joeseph's, 4 p.m.
ESPN/ESPN2
Thursday, Feb. 19 Xavier at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
ESPN2
Friday, Nov. 28 Charlotte at Anaheim Classic, TBA
Sunday, Nov. 30. Charlotte at Anaheim Classic, TBA
ESPNU
Thursday, Nov. 27 Charlotte v. Arizona St. in Anaheim Classic, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 24 Charlotte at Temple, 6 p.m.


Women's TV schedule
ESPN2
Sunday, Jan. 11 Xavier at Charlotte, noon
ESPNU
Sunday, Dec. 28 Notre Dame at Charlotte, 2 p.m.

Reservations for 3,088 FLS received

At the close of business on Monday, the Charlotte 49ers had received reservations for 3,088 Forty-Niner Seat Licenses (FSLs). At a price tag of $1,000 each, that would translate into more than $3 million for the creation of a football program.
At this time no money is being accepted by the ticket office. The 49ers will await the final decision of the UNC Charlotte board of trustees, which will come next month.
The recommendation of the school's chancellor, Dr. Philip Dubois, called for the sale of 5,000 FSLs within six months of the board's approval.

In other Charlotte news:
-- Women's soccer freshman forward Oni Bernard was named Atlantic 10 rookie of the week for the second time this season for her performance in the 49ers' 3-0 win over Saint Louis last weekend. Bernard's five goals ties for second on the team and sixth in the A10. She is tied for fourth with 15 points.
-- Men's soccer freshman midfielder Isaac Caughran was also named the A10 rookie of the week. Caughran scored his first career goal in Charlotte's 4-0 win over Central Florida. He is one of nine players on the 49ers' roster to have scored this season.
-- Following up on his ninth place finish at the Paul Short Invitational, 49ers cross country runner Adu Dentamo was the league's men’s cross country performer of the week. Dentamo's time of 24:03 is a season best for the junior.

49ers' forward on weekly national soccer team

Charlotte 49ers senior forward Chris Salvaggione has been named to Soccer America's men's National Team of the Week after scoring game-winning goals in the 49ers' wins over UNC Greensboro and Elon last week.

Charlotte junior midfielder Hailey Beam was named to Soccer America's women's National Team of the Week after she scored four goals and had four assists in the 49ers' wins last week over La Salle and St. Bonaventure.

- All this week members of the 49ers' athletic department are participating in the Hearts and Hands Playground Build in Nevin Community Park in Charlotte. More than 250 student athletes and members of the athletic department are helping construct a new playground for kids. The playground will have a NASCAR them with a Victory Circle, Pit Road and track-style layout.

- On Saturday, 49ers student athletes will host the Epilepsy Stroll at the Belk Track & Field Stadium from 9 to 11 a.m. The Stroll provides funding for the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina to assist in providing medication, professional training and counseling to those who suffer from epilepsy.