I attended the open practice today. Sat with the students because I’m definitely not a season ticket holder....
Practice was awesome, I’ll say that. The team looks the part. Still not sure how they will mesh....
Beard and the team came over and addressed the students after practice. Here was some of the juice that I was able to remember...
“Students said they wanted beer, I got them some beer.”
Beard was very happy with the additions to the student experience. Beer, cheap concessions, free student parking in the parking garage, new student lounge etc. The students spoke and he listened.
Beard said that the student sections at KU, West Virginia, Kentucky, etc. are full 90 minutes before the game. He wants Tech to get there.
Beard asked that the students come support the team. He said that the students shouldn’t look at the opponent (pointed to the visitors bench) but should look at the home bench. Students come and support Texas Tech. Plain and simple.
Beard said that the students are supporting a team with real guys. These are student athletes. He said that the students came with goals in mind. These players have career goals too.
Beard said, “When I was first hired, I told them that the Kentuckys will be here the Dukes will play in Lubbock. People thought I was crazy. But when we drop that banner on Tuesday night at 6:55....nobody thinks I’m crazy now.”
Not a one-way friendship. Beard and the team are ready to return the favor. Game on. Any student organization that needs help, he is there.
“We will have fun but we will respect the opponent.”
Beard said that the team is a WORK IN PROGRESS (reload or rebuild? Who knows...). There are lots of young guys.
Some nights students will leave the stands thinking they just watched a NC contender. Some nights that absolutely won’t be the case.
“We need the fans to have our backs.”
Lots of depth. Strength in numbers. He said it will be hard to get 12 guys minutes but he said that each of the 12 are guys that he believes can play and will be relied upon for this team.
—Afterwards, Beard let us go down and mingle among the players and take pictures. And what not.
Russell Tchewa is Yuuuge. Davide Moretti said One Guys is his favorite pizza joint. Orlando’s has the best taste, according to the Italian. Chris Beard approved of me gaining 18 pounds one summer due to eating Whataburger 4 times a week...
This thread is an AMA from here on out...
Practice was awesome, I’ll say that. The team looks the part. Still not sure how they will mesh....
Beard and the team came over and addressed the students after practice. Here was some of the juice that I was able to remember...
“Students said they wanted beer, I got them some beer.”
Beard was very happy with the additions to the student experience. Beer, cheap concessions, free student parking in the parking garage, new student lounge etc. The students spoke and he listened.
Beard said that the student sections at KU, West Virginia, Kentucky, etc. are full 90 minutes before the game. He wants Tech to get there.
Beard asked that the students come support the team. He said that the students shouldn’t look at the opponent (pointed to the visitors bench) but should look at the home bench. Students come and support Texas Tech. Plain and simple.
Beard said that the students are supporting a team with real guys. These are student athletes. He said that the students came with goals in mind. These players have career goals too.
Beard said, “When I was first hired, I told them that the Kentuckys will be here the Dukes will play in Lubbock. People thought I was crazy. But when we drop that banner on Tuesday night at 6:55....nobody thinks I’m crazy now.”
Not a one-way friendship. Beard and the team are ready to return the favor. Game on. Any student organization that needs help, he is there.
“We will have fun but we will respect the opponent.”
Beard said that the team is a WORK IN PROGRESS (reload or rebuild? Who knows...). There are lots of young guys.
Some nights students will leave the stands thinking they just watched a NC contender. Some nights that absolutely won’t be the case.
“We need the fans to have our backs.”
Lots of depth. Strength in numbers. He said it will be hard to get 12 guys minutes but he said that each of the 12 are guys that he believes can play and will be relied upon for this team.
—Afterwards, Beard let us go down and mingle among the players and take pictures. And what not.
Russell Tchewa is Yuuuge. Davide Moretti said One Guys is his favorite pizza joint. Orlando’s has the best taste, according to the Italian. Chris Beard approved of me gaining 18 pounds one summer due to eating Whataburger 4 times a week...
This thread is an AMA from here on out...
