University of the Incarnate Word Athletics

MICHAEL TATE
 
When his moment in the spotlight came Michael Tate of the football Cardinals took full advantage and subsequently he is the Incarnate Word male athlete of the week for November 4 to November 11.
 
To set the scene, UIW was leading Southland Conference rival Abilene Christian by three points in the fourth quarter.  In seeking a sixth win to guarantee a winning season and in quest for a first-ever victory over ACU the Cardinals were looking down the barrel.  ACU had moved 68 yards to the Incarnate Word nine yard line with a second down and goal and just 26 seconds left in the game.  A touchdown probably wins it for the Wildcats.
 
The ACU quarterback dropped back to pass and Tate, exploding from his right defensive end position, blasted him from behind.  The football popped 10 feet straight up to be recovered by the Cardinals.  A kneel-down and the game was over with the Cardinals victorious.
 
Tate’s play will live on as Incarnate Word improved to 6-4 with one game remaining.  Thus, the Cardinals have their first plus-.500 record in their five-year history.
 
Additionally, Tate finished the contest with five tackles.  He is a senior from Houston’s Alief Elsik High School.  He is studying engineering management at UIW.  He is now on the ballot for the yearend male athlete of the year at UIW.