University of Houston Athletics
Shasta Blast Kicks Off 2015-16 School Year
8/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | General
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HOUSTON -- More than 400 University of Houston student-athletes started the 2015-16 school year on a positive note during the Department of Athletics' annual Shasta Blast at the UH Athletics Complex on Sunday.
Newcomers reported to Carl Lewis Auditorium on mid-Sunday afternoon, where they were welcomed by Vice President for Athletics Hunter Yurachek. Track and Field Head Coach Leroy Burrell followed with a moving speech about the Cougars' alma mater and its special significance to him.
From there, the incoming student-athletes held a closed-door 30-minute meeting, off-limits to coaches, administrators and support staff members.
At 3:45 p.m., the newcomers walked to Hofheinz Pavilion -- home of Houston Men's and Women's Basketball -- where they were joined by the returning student-athletes from a year ago. Yurachek welcomed the entire group back to campus, and 9-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Track and Field Assistant Coach Carl Lewis talked with the student-athletes about his decision to attend the University of Houston.
From there, the fun began. Legendary professional Simon Sez caller/leader Steve Max put all 400+ student-athletes through rigorous games of Simon Sez to the delight of all. Using games to select the leader(s) of all 17 sport programs, Steve Max brought coaches and administrators out for games. At the end of the competition, Baseball's Connor Hollis walked away as the Cougars' top Simon Sez player.
All 400+ student-athletes then took part in a big group photo at Hofheinz Pavilion's midcourt before walking to the Athletics/Alumni Center for dinner.
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