University of Houston Athletics
Briles, Players Take Part in C-USA Football Media Blitz
7/30/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 30, 2007
NEW ORLEANS - Head coach Art Briles and selected members of the University of Houston football team took their first step toward the 2007 season on Monday by taking part in the Conference USA Football Media Blitz.
After arriving in the Big Easy early in the day, Briles, senior running back Anthony Alridge and senior linebacker Brendan Pahulu joined players and head coaches from the other C-USA schools at a clinic featuring about 150 students at the Willie Hall Playground in New Orleans. As part of the effort to re-start the youth football program in the city, kids ages 7-14 received instruction in various areas including passing, receiving and tackling. There was also a kicking contest and 40-yard and 100-yard dash contests.
The players and coaches taught basic football fundamental skills, like throwing, catching and tackling, to the students for about two hours before returning to the Royal Sonesta Hotel, headquarters for the 2007 event.
From there, Briles and the Cougar players waited around the hotel until around 6:25 p.m., when they appeared on CSTV as part of that network's telecast of the Blitz. All three Cougars spoke with Carter Blackburn and Brian Jones for about 15 minutes
Following their appearance on national television, Briles and the players broke up. Briles joined UH director of athletics Dave Maggard and other school and C-USA administrators at Brennan's Steakhouse, while the players enjoyed dinner at Acme Oyster House.
On Tuesday, Briles and the players will wrap up their stay at the Blitz, conducting interviews wi9th print and television media members, beginning at 8:45 a.m.
All Cougar players report for training camp on Wednesday, at which time they will fill out paperwork and meet with various UH support staff groups. The team will work out for the first time Thursday afternoon on the UH practice fields.
The Cougars open their 2007 schedule when they travel to the Northwest to meet Oregon in a 2:30 p.m. (CDT) kickoff in Eugene, Ore. The Cougars will enjoy their first home game at the friendly confines of John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium at 3:30 p.m., Sept. 22, against Colorado State.
