University of Houston Athletics
Texas Pride and the #HTownTakeover
10/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Cougar Pride
The University of Houston Department of Intercollegiate Athletics inspires excellence today while preparing CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE by fostering a culture, which challenges student-athletes to achieve their highest academic, athletic and personal aspirations. Throughout the 2015-16 athletic season, UHCougars.com will highlight Houston student-athletes, coaches and alumni who are committed to building CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE on the field, in the classroom and throughout the community. Today's CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE feature, written by Communications Assistant Sierra Henry, looks at the effect the #HTownTakeover is having on the state of Texas.
HOUSTON - Many Division I FBS schools recruit across the nation to try and draw high-ranking athletes to their programs. Texas is considered one of the recruiting hotbeds for high school football athletes. The Houston-area high schools are known for producing NFL-quality football players like Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and Hall of Fame defensive end Michael Strahan.
Texans are known for their sense of state pride. That pride has translated over to universities, high schools and sports fans across the entire state.
"Just being in Texas and knowing that you're playing Texas football is something to take a lot of pride in," senior long snapper Nolan Frese said. "The University of Houston's football team is on a whole new mission this season: the #HTownTakeover."
First year Head Coach Tom Herman knows how important it is to recruit from the state of Texas and, more importantly, the City of Houston. Houston Football has 87 members who hail from the state of Texas, and 41 members come from the Houston metropolitan area.
Herman began the phrase #HTownTakeover at the beginning of the 2015 football training camp to emphasize how important it is to have the entire city of Houston backing the hometown university.
Starting junior quarterback Greg Ward Jr., has helped put UH on the map with his leadership on the nationally-ranked offense and says the movement is real. The team is more than encouraged to take on the 'H-Town Takeover' to a whole new level.
"It's not just the school, it's the whole city," Ward said. "We are just trying to get the whole city behind us; we have HOUSTON on our chest, not just Cougars."
Being from the state of Texas and the surrounding areas as a student-athlete has its perks. More families can afford to attend games and support Houston Football. The ability to surround yourself with family and friends helps many of these athletes feel at home.
"Just knowing I have their support no matter what happens in what I'm doing. It makes me feel more solidified in my position and it helps my performance a great deal," Frese said.
Demarcus Ayers, a junior wide receiver from Lancaster, Texas, enjoys seeing his friends and family each week.
"It's really fun playing in front of my mom, who is the most influential person in my life," Ayers said.
The #HTownTakeover is only just beginning, and as it spreads, there is no doubt that more elite Texas natives like Frese, Ward and Ayers will choose to become Houston Cougars.
Keep an eye on the sidelines the next time you take in the Friday Night Lights at your local Texas high school; the best talent on Friday will soon be Cougars on Saturday, and from there, who knows? They may someday join Luck and Strahan as professionals on Sunday.
Help support Nolan Frese, Greg Ward Jr., Demarcus Ayers and more than 400 Houston student-athletes in their pursuit to be Champions for Life by joining Cougar Pride. Click here to join now.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Single-game tickets for the 2015 Houston Football season are now on sale via the Houston Athletics Fan Experience Headquarters. Single-game tickets to Houston's remaining home games start at just $20 and are available by calling the Fan Experience Headquarters at 713-462-6647 or by clicking here.
2015 HOUSTON FOOTBALL GROUP TICKETS
Single-game group ticket sales for the 2015 Houston Football season are now on sale via Houston Athletics Fan Experience Headquarters. Groups of at least 10 or more can purchase tickets starting at just $17 per person to any of Houston's remaining home games by calling or texting Fan Experience Headquarters at 713-GO-COOGS or by clicking here.
--UHCougars.com--
