University of Houston Athletics
Coaches Road Tour Stops in Pearland
8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Cougar Pride
Aug. 10, 2010
PEARLAND, TEXAS - Buffalo Wild Wings was packed with Cougar faithful on the fifth and second to last stop on the University of Houston Coaches Road Tour on Tuesday night. Head coaches from five different sports and one director of athletics explained their plans to the fans while taking questions. Fans also had to tackle questions as trivia prizes were awarded throughout the course of the evening.
Five head coaches stopped by, several did not have to travel far as they call the Pearland area their home and were excited to engage their local Cougar friends and fans. Tom Franklin, the voice of the Cougars, led the introductions and welcomed associate athletic director Katina Jackson to the podium first. Jackson is helping lead the charge on the Houston facilities renovations. For all those wishing to join the team and help usher in the next age of Houston athletics, contact the Cougar Pride Office (713-743-GO UH).
Head cross country coach Ryan Turner was the first coach to reach the podum. Turner, a local Pearland resident, excited the fans with the past successes and the bright future his program carries. His team is commemorating the 50-year anniversary of the Cougars Cross Country National Championship this season.
Head track and field coach Leroy Burrell took the handoff from his co-worker and regaled the loyal denizens about the dominance since his reign begun. Burrell, who calls local Missouri City his home, didn't have to go far to reach the locale but the fans had to guess at length to answer his trivia question of how many conference championships he has claimed since taking over (22).
The longest tenured head coach Burrell, handed the microphone off to the newcomer of the coaching staff, head baseball coach Todd Whitting. The enthusiasm and passion for the University of Houston that makes Whitting such a dynamite recruiter was evident as he commanded the attention of the audience with his promises to take Houston to Omaha and deliver a winning program.
From one Todd to another, head women's basketball coach Todd Buchanan took over and rivaled his fellow Todd's passion and exuberance. Buchanan told the fans that he wasn't going to back down from any challenges, whether on the hardcourt or the front door as he was going after the top talent in the state and the nation. Buchanan is another proud Pearland resident.
Head men's basketball coach James Dickey spoke last from the coaches side and excited fans as he laid out his plan to build upon last season's success as Conference USA champions. Dickey emphasized recruiting the best student-athletes in this city, state and region, while challenging for the best players across the nation.
Finally Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades took the podium and spoke. Acting as the football coaching representative, he did stutter as he proclaimed a 14-win season, much to the delight of the crowd. After fielding several questions from the fans, Rhoades concluded the Coaches Road Tour to a raucous applause.
NEXT STOP
The final Coaches Road Tour takes place at Skeeters Town and Country on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Dickey, Buchanan, Burrell, Rhoades will all return and will be joined by head softball coach Kyla Holas.
