Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Football 2009 - The Future Is Bright Orange!
January 23, 2009 | General
In mid-January, the Sporting News released their way-too-early 2009 football preseason rankings. The list was either the sixth or seventh (it's hard to keep count) poll that has the Cowboys ranked in the Top Ten. There is a strong chance we may debut in the Associated Press poll higher than we have ever have in the program's 108-year history. With the return of Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter and Dez Bryant, pollsters have three good reasons to justify such a lofty ranking to start the season.
Other good reasons for this high level of enthusiasm, locally and nationally:
How about the official grand opening of Boone Pickens Stadium this fall? When I started with OSU in 2002 to lead the Next Level Campaign, I started to envision what subcontractors would be hammering finishing nails in right now. Surpassing to many individual's wildest expectations, Oklahoma State now boasts a state-of-the-art stadium that is second to none. Many individuals share in seeing this vision through to completion, starting with our OSU Regents, former Athletic Directors Terry Don Phillips and Harry Birdwell, architect Gary Sparks, OSU Foundation President Kirk Jewell and VP University Relations, Gary Clark, campaign chairs Nancy Ellis and Ross McKnight, Coach Mike Holder and, drum roll please ... Boone Pickens! Importantly, 1273 donors besides Mr. Pickens stepped up through contributions, suite leases and club level seats. All of these Cowboys should be proud of what has been accomplished. We now have a spectacular setting in which we enjoy Cowboy football.
And how about our schedule? We have eight home games (the most in history), starting with SEC powerhouse Georgia on Labor Day weekend. It should be a game of ranked teams with great national interest. You can almost already feel the buzz. Speaking of buzz, has the Grambling band ever disappointed? They'll be fun to watch in September. Texas Tech and Texas are back in Stillwater. There have been a number of “edge of seat” contests with these ranked teams in recent years, and now it is our turn to come out on top. Big 12 North schools Missouri and Colorado round out our home conference schedule. Two other schools from Texas, Houston and Rice, come to town. Led by impressive offenses, both won bowl games in 2008.
Then there is the energy and gameday environment. More and more students are attending, wearing orange and cheering loudly. This factor, coupled with the Spirit Squad, OSU marching band and expanded family fun zone in close proximity – has the new “Wild West Zone” rockin'. The stadium is definitely louder and more intimidating for opponents; we are closing in on a Gallagher-Iba-type atmosphere for football games.
All of these things lead me to believe that we will build on last year's record for season ticket sales. As a POSSE member, we appreciate your commitment to the program; however, if you don't have season tickets, plan on purchasing them. Don't miss this historic season. If you had season tickets last year, THANK YOU! You assisted in making history. For the first time ever, the Pokes drew more than 50,000 fans for three-straight home games.
Season tickets sales are the lifeblood of OSU Athletics. By purchasing season tickets you are sending a message that you are committed to the success of Oklahoma State Athletics, its seventeen other varsity sports and all student-athletes. (Entirely self-supporting, the OSU Athletic Department receives no state funds.) My message to you is simple: Get in the game ... or ... Stay in the game. There has never been a better time to be a Cowboy.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT ORANGE!
Craig
