Oklahoma State University Athletics
Bowl Blog V: Poor Richard's Holiday Bowl Blog
December 29, 2008 | Cowboy Football
December 28 got off to a bit of a slower start for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, but quickly picked up around 11:00 a.m. when the Pokes left the team hotel to visit Naval Base San Diego and the U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard for the annual Holiday Bowl Navy/Marine Corps Luncheon.
Here's a brief history lesson for those of you unfamiliar with the “Revolutionary Gator” – the Bonhomme Richard is the third U.S. Navy ship to carry that name, following John Paul Jones' frigate that served the Continental Navy in the American Revolution and the Essex-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned during World War II. Her namesake is derived from Benjamin Franklin's pen name used when he published Poor Richard's Almanac.
The Cowboys were joined by the Oregon Ducks for today's festivities, and both teams were greeted by the OSU and UO marching bands, as well as both schools' spirit groups.
After their greeting, both teams climbed aboard the Bonhomme Richard for the luncheon. On the menu today was barbecued brisket sandwiches and chili. Crewmen of the Bonhomme Richard sat with the players and coaches for both teams during the luncheon.
The respect that the representatives of both schools hold for our armed forces can't be overstated. OSU coach Mike Gundy and Oregon coach Mike Bellotti addressed the crowd and introduced their respective coaching staffs. Oklahoma State University president Burns Hargis and University of Oregon president David Frohnmayer also gave gifts to the ship's commanding officer, Captain Neil Parrott.
A pair of crewmen was introduced as honorary captains for both teams. All 1100 members of the Bonhomme Richard's crew will receive tickets to Tuesday night's Holiday Bowl game, a much-deserved reward for some of the fine young men and women that sacrifice so much to keep all of us safe at home.
Following the luncheon program, both teams were invited to take a tour of the Bonhomme Richard. The “Revolutionary Gator” is a very impressive warship, and I'm sure both the Cowboys and Ducks appreciated the tour.
Right now I'm sitting in the press box of Torero Stadium watching practice. The most noteworthy person in attendance today is probably Tim Beckman, the Cowboys' former defensive coordinator who has moved on to take the helm at Toledo.
If you'll remember a year ago, Larry Fedora left his offensive coordinator post at OSU to become the head coach at Southern Miss. It's good to see OSU assistants in back-to-back years become head coaches. It's even better to seem them “come back home” in back-to-back seasons decked out in the orange and black to wish their former players and colleagues well during the bowl season.
Following practice, coach Trooper Taylor and his wide receiver corps had some fun chasing senior tight end Brandon Pettigrew around the field at Torero Stadium.
By Jordan Smith
