On The Rise: Campaign Galvanizing Former Cougars
10/6/2022 2:00:00 PM | Football, Cougar Pride
James Hong inspiring a growing number of athletics alumni to Rise and be counted
HOUSTON – It is safe to say that much has changed at the University of Houston since former offensive lineman James Hong ('05) played his last game as a Cougar. Hong's time at UH started with one of the most challenging seasons in UH history (2001) but ended with a return to winning seasons, capped off with bowl berths in Conference USA.
To put it simply, those were trying times with the Cougars having to find a new identity outside of a "power" conference.
Amidst the difficulty, however, a spirit of resolve and determination started to take shape … attributes that today define what it means to be a Cougar.
In fact, the challenges overcome – which included bringing UH football back to campus – forged an unbreakable bond. The resolve culminated in September 2021 with the announcement that Houston was once again elevating to college athletics' elite stage.
Today, those who played those home games at Robertson Stadium, like Hong, look back and reflect on just how far the University of Houston has come.
Next fall, the Cougars start competition in the Big 12 Conference. In doing so, the Cougars will commemorate the drive and determination exhibited over the past three decades.
"We didn't have much when I arrived on campus as a freshman," said Hong. "Facilities were not updated; equipment was not up to par with other programs and there was no training table or nutritionist providing much needed performance guidance. What we did have, however, was an opportunity to play Division I football with a storied program, earn a life-changing education and form friendships for life. What we did here then is the reason we are where we are today."
The journey, however, is not over. According to Hong, a six-figure contributor to Houston Rise, it is truly just the beginning.
"Our opportunity now is to learn from our recent past to prepare for championship success in the Big 12, continuing to raise the bar," Hong said. "This is the significance of the Houston Rise campaign. We have a great opportunity to compete and win in the Big 12 but today, we are not at a Big 12 level relative to resources. Houston Rise is our response to this reality, and we need Cougars at all levels to rise and embrace this essential opportunity to take the University of Houston to the next level."
Recent success verifies that the Rise message is resonating with the momentum building behind the campaign testament to a collective will to win.
"James is another example of a former student-athlete and letterwinner who continues to support us," Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "The cool part about James is he has been giving since he was a student-athlete. He started his non-profit and has been actively engaged with the UH Alumni Association. Any time you need help or assistance, James is always there. For him to not only provide his valuable time but his financial support as well is incredible. We're very thankful for him and all that he does for Houston Athletics."
CLICK to join Houston Rise and prepare our Cougars for a championship future in the Big 12.
To put it simply, those were trying times with the Cougars having to find a new identity outside of a "power" conference.
Amidst the difficulty, however, a spirit of resolve and determination started to take shape … attributes that today define what it means to be a Cougar.
In fact, the challenges overcome – which included bringing UH football back to campus – forged an unbreakable bond. The resolve culminated in September 2021 with the announcement that Houston was once again elevating to college athletics' elite stage.
Today, those who played those home games at Robertson Stadium, like Hong, look back and reflect on just how far the University of Houston has come.
Next fall, the Cougars start competition in the Big 12 Conference. In doing so, the Cougars will commemorate the drive and determination exhibited over the past three decades.
"We didn't have much when I arrived on campus as a freshman," said Hong. "Facilities were not updated; equipment was not up to par with other programs and there was no training table or nutritionist providing much needed performance guidance. What we did have, however, was an opportunity to play Division I football with a storied program, earn a life-changing education and form friendships for life. What we did here then is the reason we are where we are today."
The journey, however, is not over. According to Hong, a six-figure contributor to Houston Rise, it is truly just the beginning.
"Our opportunity now is to learn from our recent past to prepare for championship success in the Big 12, continuing to raise the bar," Hong said. "This is the significance of the Houston Rise campaign. We have a great opportunity to compete and win in the Big 12 but today, we are not at a Big 12 level relative to resources. Houston Rise is our response to this reality, and we need Cougars at all levels to rise and embrace this essential opportunity to take the University of Houston to the next level."
Recent success verifies that the Rise message is resonating with the momentum building behind the campaign testament to a collective will to win.
"James is another example of a former student-athlete and letterwinner who continues to support us," Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "The cool part about James is he has been giving since he was a student-athlete. He started his non-profit and has been actively engaged with the UH Alumni Association. Any time you need help or assistance, James is always there. For him to not only provide his valuable time but his financial support as well is incredible. We're very thankful for him and all that he does for Houston Athletics."
CLICK to join Houston Rise and prepare our Cougars for a championship future in the Big 12.
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