Oklahoma State University Athletics
Bowl Blog VI: Holiday Bowl Eve
December 29, 2008 | Cowboy Football
It's Holiday Bowl Eve here in America's Finest City, and the weather is nothing short than splendid. Hopefully things will be picture-perfect for tomorrow night's Pacific Life Holiday Bowl across town at Qualcomm Stadium.
On the docket for this morning was the Holiday Bowl coaches press conference, where the media from Oklahoma, Oregon, and here in southern California got to meet OSU head coach Mike Gundy and Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti.
Both Gundy and Bellotti praised each other's programs, and the Holiday Bowl for putting together what is arguably the single-best matchup this bowl season between the Cowboys and Ducks.
After their statements at the podium, both coaches took questions from the media individually. Luckily Coach Gundy doesn't appear to be claustrophobic, as he was literally cornered in one end of the room as he answered questions from the press. Coach Bellotti's experience didn't look to be nearly as in-your-face as he remained seated near the podium while fielding questions.
Following the press conference, I followed Coach Gundy across the street to the convention center for the Holiday Bowl luncheon and pep rally.
Prior to the luncheon, the Cowboy Marching Band and Oregon Marching Band entertained the fans and players in what I think was either the second or third “battle of the bands” competition in the last two days. I don't know who necessarily “won” the battle today, but both groups represented their universities very well. At the luncheon, Gundy and Bellotti both complimented the efforts of both schools' bands and spirit groups.
Also during the luncheon, team captains from both Oklahoma State and Oregon sat at the head table and were introduced by ESPN's Erin Andrews and Jesse Palmer, respectively. Brandon Pettigrew was singled out by athletic director Mike Holder as having the distinction of sitting next to Andrews during lunch.
Naturally there were several dignitaries at the bowl luncheon, with a throng of Holiday Bowl Redcoats in attendance, along with representatives of US Bank and Pacific Life. Former California governor and San Diego mayor Pete Wilson was one of the speakers.
After the luncheon, the Cowboys stepped outside to attend a pep rally with the fans and Cowboy Marching Band. Coach Gundy addressed the Sea of Orange and thanked them for their continued dedication to supporting the Pokes.
Later today, the team will visit Qualcomm Stadium before embarking one last time to the University of San Diego for practice.
By Jordan Smith
