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Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Austin Heinen

Austin Heinen, Associate Editor

I’m 

Broadcasting and Electronic Media major who will be graduating this may. Including this semester, I have worked with the Prairie, for now, four semesters. I love to cover various sports and can almost always be found watching the Buffs and Lady Buffs or watching something sports related. In my spare time, I like reading about recruiting and inside news on my favorite teams.

All content by Austin Heinen
West Texas A&M will be in Kimbrough Memorial Stadium for the final time in the 2018 season prior to moving to the new on-campus Buffalo Stadium in 2019.

[Photo] Buff football team prepare for last season in Kimbrough

Lorenzo Barnett, Contributor May 11, 2018

West Texas A&M will be in Kimbrough Memorial Stadium for the final time in the 2018 season prior to moving to the new on-campus Buffalo Stadium in 2019.

Running back Eddy Williams runs as WT defenders chase down Williams during the annual Maroon and White spring game at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium on Friday, April 20.

Buffs close competitive spring football season

Austin Heinen, Co-Editor April 23, 2018

As another season of spring football has concluded at West Texas A&M, the Buffaloes now shift their focus to summer workouts in preparation for the final season at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. Head...

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN MOORE - AMARILLO GLOBE-NEWS

Chavlovich sets new LSC scoring record during south central regional tournament

Austin Heinen, Co-Editor March 20, 2018

During the south central regional tournament, history was made as the West Texas A&M Buffaloes earned their first trip to the elite eight tournament in 20 years. WT this season also broke the record...

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Buffs toughen past Falcons for first Elite Eight berth in 20 years

Buffs toughen past Falcons for first Elite Eight berth in 20 years

Austin Heinen, Co-Editor March 13, 2018

For the third consecutive time this season, the 11th-ranked West Texas A&M (31-3) Buffs topped 19th-ranked Texas-Permian Basin, this time, for the south central regional title. In front of...

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMARILLO GLOBE-NEWS

Buffs run from Lions, earn second straight last 16 appearance

Austin Heinen, Co-Editor March 12, 2018

For the second consecutive year, West Texas A&M (30-3) defeated Texas A&M Commerce (22-9) in the south central regional tournament, to eventually earn a trip into the sweet 16. The 11th-ranked...

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAN NGUYEN

The Buff basketball team honors David Chavlovich after becoming the conference's all-time leading scorer after the game against Colorado School of Mines on March 10 at the First United Bank Center.

Buffs pull away from Mines in opening game of NCAA tourney

Austin Heinen, Co-Editor March 10, 2018

West Texas A&M (29-3) played their first south central regional tournament game against Colorado School of Mines (22-9), the team who took them out of last year’s tournament. The Buffaloes, this...

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IMG_3707

[Photo] Under Review – March 5, 2018

Allie Smith, Sports Editor March 7, 2018

Reagan Haynes prepares to shoot a three-point shot during the game against Western New Mexico on Saturday, January 27 at the First United Bank Center.

Buffs, Lady Buffs finish regular season home schedules this weekend

Austin Heinen and Nick Alvarado February 14, 2018

Buffs The nationally ranked Buffs have always done well in protecting their home court. This past weekend, WT took care of business in back-to-back road games. One was a win at Midwestern State, which...

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Jimmy Cubillos is one of 11 seniors on the team that will bring experience from a 36-18 team that qualified for regionals a season ago.

Buff baseball confident about new season with balanced roster

Austin Heinen, Co-Editor February 14, 2018

The back-to-back Lone Star Conference Tournament Champions are back in action. Action for West Texas A&M began away from the comforts of home, in Pueblo, Colorado this past weekend. The Buffs came...

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Head Football Coach Hunter Hughes speaks during the National Signing Day press conference at the Buffalo Club Room at the First United Bank Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7

Hughes signs quantity and quality with big recruiting class

Austin Heinen, Co-Editor February 7, 2018

In his first full off-season, head football coach Hunter Hughes has brought in a class of 63 total commits. With 57 of which being incoming freshman, while also bringing in six transfers to the class. Last...

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WT will look to bring back the Wagon Wheel back to  Canyon when they host Eastern New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 30

Restore Kimbrough Stadium’s Glory

Austin Heinen, Reporter September 29, 2017

Dear Buff Nation, we have some business to discuss. Before I begin I must say, West Texas A&M University is blessed with fantastic facilities. Sure, some of them are not brand new, but our facilities...

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Junior Pome'e is enjoying the transition to defensive line after three games for the Buffs.

Pome’e transitions to new defensive role

Austin Heinen, Reporter September 26, 2017

Team leaders can come in many forms and ways. Some are seen by their ability to learn things outside their normal routine, basic knowledge, and their ability to be flexible. All these descriptions could...

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WT junior quarterback Ben Arbuckle throws the ball during the UTPB game on Sept. 16 at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium

Buffs consecutive wins show improvement

Austin Heinen, Reporter September 26, 2017

Most coaches say that a team sees the most improvement between week one and two. After a first game heart-breaker against then 13th ranked Azusa Pacific, the Buffs pulled off a thrilling 24-21 victory...

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WT running back Warren Witherspoon stiff arms an Azusa Pacific defender during the season opener on Sept. 2 at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.

Buffs fall to Azusa Pacific in Hughes debut

Austin Heinen, Reporter September 4, 2017

Newly-branded head football coach Hunter Hughes made his debut in front of approximately 6,200 fans as part of the Buffs’ season opener on Sept. 2 against 13th-ranked Azusa Pacific. After trailing...

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Confidence is high for WT vs. Azusa Pacific in season opener

Football fall camp concludes, team preps for Azusa Pacific

Austin Heinen, Reporter August 29, 2017
First year Head Football Coach Hunter Hughes confident about the season ahead.
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Laura Lopez speaks to WTAMU students about leadership development.

Laura Lopez Speaks of Leadership

Austin Heinen, Reporter April 19, 2017

Leadership, to almost everyone, is a great virtue to possess. What makes someone a leader is a discussion itself. Former Vice President of Coca-Cola, Laura Lopez, came to West Texas A&M University...

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Undertaker: The Final Bell Tolls

Austin Heinen, Reporter April 5, 2017

The bell has tolled, perhaps for the last time, for an entertainment legend. This last Sunday I stumbled across WrestleMania 33 while flipping through the channels. I don’t usually watch WWE action,...

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Adam Adkins takes a swing for the WTAMU Buffs.

Baseball Looks to Build Off Strong Week at Tarleton

Austin Heinen, Reporter March 8, 2017

West Texas A&M baseball returns to Wilder park this weekend after what was a great weekend against LSC foe Tarleton St. The Buffs won three out of four games against the then 15th ranked Texans. After...

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Women (attached): WT's Madison Parker (42) gets fouled by an A&M-Commerce defender during the game on Feb. 23  at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.

Lady Buffs Outlast Tarleton State

Austin Heinen, Reporter February 26, 2017

Canyon, TX- Though the Lady Buffs(22-7, 15-5 LSC) never trailed Tarleton State(13-13,12-8 LSC), this game was always close as the score was tied seven different times. The score was tied at 69 with a minute...

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​WT's Joe Prince (middle) shoots a three-point shot during the game against A&M-Commerce on Feb. 23 at the First United Bank Center in Canyon

Buffs Tame 15th Ranked Texans

Austin Heinen, Reporter February 26, 2017

Canyon, TX- West Texas A&M's (24-7, 12-6LSC) main demise in Stephenville, TX was rebounding. Though the Buffs only won that battle by +1 over 15th ranked Tarleton State (22-6,13-5LSC) it was still...

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An elated Lacey Taylor hugs her father.

Lacey Taylor’s Number Retired During WT Invitational

Austin Heinen, Reporter February 12, 2017

With an 11-0 record and three consecutive Lone Star Conference titles, there is much to celebrate for the softball program at West Texas A&M. Last weekend WT softball celebrated another great part...

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Basketball. Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.

Buffs Hold off Mustangs

Austin Heinen, Reporter February 12, 2017

Canyon, TX- In a game with 10 lead changes and that was tied six times, West Texas A&M (21-6, 9-5 LSC) got a gut test today with another pesky LSC foe. The Buffs were able to come back from 11 down...

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West Texas A&M head football coach Hunter Hughes discusses the recruiting class on Feb. 1 in the Buffalo Room at the First United Bank Center.

Hughes Signs Debut Class

Austin Heinen, Reporter February 2, 2017

Head coach Hunter Hughes has brought in his first signing class at West Texas A&M. This year’s class boasts 31 signees all but two are from Texas, providing any further late signees come. Having...

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Lady Buffs Bounce Back, Tramples UTPB

Lady Buffs Bounce Back, Tramples UTPB

Austin Heinen, Reporter December 8, 2016

Canyon, TX- The 17th ranked Lady Buffs(7-2;2-1) ended their 6 game home stand on a high note.  WT used their inside shooting game to throttle the UTPB Falcons 78-50.             After a...

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Buffs Top Falcons in Shootout

Buffs Top Falcons in Shootout

Austin Heinen, Reporter December 8, 2016

Canyon, TX- Head Coach Tom Brown and his team knew their defense was going to be tested against a typical high scoring UT-Permian Basin(9-2; 2-1) team that averages about 95 points per game. 22nd ranked...

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Buffs Survive Test From Greyhounds

Buffs Survive Test From Greyhounds

Austin Heinen, Reporter December 3, 2016

Canyon, TX-24th ranked West Texas A&M(10-1; 2-0 LSC) got all they could handle from a pesky Eastern New Mexico(4-5; 0-2 LSC) team. The Buffs gutted it out their 10th victory of the year 92-86.   ...

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Lady Buffs Stall Against Greyhounds

Lady Buffs Stall Against Greyhounds

Austin Heinen, Reporter December 3, 2016

Canyon,TX- The #7 Lady Buffs(6-2; 1-1 LSC) dropped 12 point lead with about 7 minutes left to rival Eastern New Mexico. They Greyhounds(4-2; 1-1 LSC upset the Lady Buffs 72-67.            ...

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Buffs Take Care of WNMU Mustangs

Buffs Take Care of WNMU Mustangs

Austin Heinen, Reporter December 2, 2016

            Canyon, TX- The 24th ranked WT Buffaloes(9-1, 1-0 LSC) took care of business against Western New Mexico(1-5, 0-1 LSC) to win their conference opener 91-55.            ...

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Walton’s Perfect Shooting Leads Landslide Win Over WNMU

Walton’s Perfect Shooting Leads Landslide Win Over WNMU

Austin Heinen, Reporter December 2, 2016

Canyon, TX- This one was never even close. The 7th ranked Lady Buffs(6-1, 1-0 LSC) never trailed in this game as they cruised to win their conference opener against Western New Mexico(4-3,0-1 LSC) 100-52. Sydney...

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Buffs Bounce Back, Crush Oklahoma Panhandle State

Buffs Bounce Back, Crush Oklahoma Panhandle State

Austin Heinen, Reporter November 22, 2016

Canyon, TX- Fans are always curious to see how their team responds after their first loss of the season. West Texas A&M (6-1) responded in convincing fashion as they routed the OPSU Aggies (2-2) 105-66....

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Buffs Offense Rolls Again in win over New Mexico Highlands

Buffs Offense Rolls Again in win over New Mexico Highlands

Austin Heinen, Reporter November 13, 2016

Canyon, TX – The Buffs offense was clicking again as 8 different- players scored for West Texas A&M. The Buffaloes used their offense to defeat New Mexico Highlands 92-77.            ...

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Lady Buffs Hold Off Wayland Baptist Despite 26 Turnovers

Lady Buffs Hold Off Wayland Baptist Despite 26 Turnovers

Austin Heinen, Reporter November 13, 2016

Canyon, TX- Exhibition games are scheduled to learn and develop team chemistry. The Lady Buffs held off a pesky Wayland Baptist team 61-56. Despite the victory over a NAIA power, the Lady Buffs will...

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WT Rallies Past Mustangs

WT Rallies Past Mustangs

Austin Heinen, Reporter November 13, 2016

Silver City, NM- With about 2 minutes left it looked bleak for WT as they trailed 30-16. The Buffs then made a near miraculous comeback to force overtime which eventually lead to a 37-30 victory. The win...

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Lady Buffs Fall in Overtime Thriller

Lady Buffs Fall in Overtime Thriller

Austin Heinen, Reporter October 30, 2016

            Back and forth they went all game long, trading shots. In the end the Lady Buffs drop a thriller in overtime 3-2.             Midwestern struck first with a goal mid-way...

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Buffaloes Hold Off Fourth Ranked Midwestern

Buffaloes Hold Off Fourth Ranked Midwestern

Austin Heinen, Reporter October 23, 2016

If there wasn’t ever a definition of a roller coaster game, this one would fit the bill. West Texas A&M’s quick start and persistence at the end led to an upset victory over previously unbeaten...

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Buffs Drop Wagon Wheel Game

Buffs Drop Wagon Wheel Game

Austin Heinen, Reporter October 2, 2016

It was a tale of halves where the Buffs found themselves on the wrong end of a second half rally. WT could stop the run as they fall to the Greyhounds 39-30.             The Buffs held a...

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WT Football Ready to Impress Kimbrough

WT Football Ready to Impress Kimbrough

Austin Heinen, Reporter September 24, 2016

After taking road trips to California, Colorado, and Odessa the football team finally gets to play in front of a home crowd. West Texas A&M (2-1) (1-0) will host Tarleton State (1-2) (1-0) for its...

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