We are just a few days before we go to the bowl game. The truck leaves Monday after practice, then the official team party leaves after practice on Tuesday.
We will have our hands full on Tuesday. We are off of the practice field at 3:30pm and the charter leaves at 5pm. Here is the problem, the player bags go on the charter with us!!!! Oh well, if you can't hit the curve ball you can't play with the big boys.
The biggest problem is that final exams are not over until next Friday the 19th, and the bowl game is the 20th. We are cramming finals on Monday and Tuesday for the players, trainers, and managers. I say it is a GREAT problem to have.
We have practice this morning at 10:30am, and practice again tomorrow. Meanwhile, Tim and I are working on the Equipment Staff itinerary for the trip. Benny is in charge of personal luggage, not to mention is getting the team off to Phoenix today for the game with Gonzaga tomorrow in hoops. Wow, I can't believe I am going to say this, but the Zags are for real! There, I said it.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Bowl Jerseys
The past few days have been extremely busy getting things in place for our trip to the Bowl Game. Too busy! Even too busy to blog.
Obviously everyone is very busy, not to mention the student managers are getting ready for final exams, which had to be pushed up for them because of the game. But Toni, one of our senior managers, spent most of today sewing the patches on our game jerseys for the game.
Most of today was getting bowl jerseys ready for game against BYU:
Obviously everyone is very busy, not to mention the student managers are getting ready for final exams, which had to be pushed up for them because of the game. But Toni, one of our senior managers, spent most of today sewing the patches on our game jerseys for the game.
Most of today was getting bowl jerseys ready for game against BYU:
This is our patch for the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl:
Before Toni sews the patches on, she heat presses them onto the jersey: 
Toni is responsible for putting the patches on our bowl jerseys:
Toni putting Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl patch on game jersey:
Toni sewing patch on jersey in the equipment room:
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Viva Las Vegas
Well, I leave with Erick Harper, our Director of Football Operations in the morning to Vegas for some bowl site visits. Thanks to a great game by the Wildcats last night, we are going to the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl game to play the BYU Cougars. Hopefully I will get to spend sometime with my ol' buddy Mick Hill, equipment manager for the Cougars.
It was a fun night for all Wildcats, especially beating the Sun Devils. I was so happy for Coach Mike Stoops and his assistants. I have told many, but our coaches are the best and most fun to work with!!! Not only are the great coaches, but they are true gentlemen. They deserve so much credit.
We leave Tuesday, December 16 for Vegas and I hope to blog each day from the bowl site. I also have some catching up to do, such as a write up on the big manager game from Friday night. I had a number of players during the game last night mention how happy they were for the managers that they won the game. I have also always said what great kids we have in this football program. I was very happy for them too last night. They work extremely hard all year, and it was nice to see it pay off for them last night.
Two of my favorite guys in the business, Mark Zimmer (left) and Paul Lopez (right):
Ben Hulka is one of our headphone guru's:
Benny "Good Luck Charm" Conger, testing headsets before the game:
Robert Lloyd walk testing the CoachComm Telex headsets before the game:
Senior mgrs: Colin, Adam, Toni, Daniel, Josh Reitzenstein, and Josh Rangel.
Willie's locker set up for his last home game. What a super classy guy!!!
My new buddy, Justin with EvoShield, who spent the weekend with us. GREAT PRODUCT!!!!!
A GREAT group of winners!
Nate Ness and Mike Thomas hoist the Territorial Cup after the victory of ASU:
It was a fun night for all Wildcats, especially beating the Sun Devils. I was so happy for Coach Mike Stoops and his assistants. I have told many, but our coaches are the best and most fun to work with!!! Not only are the great coaches, but they are true gentlemen. They deserve so much credit.
We leave Tuesday, December 16 for Vegas and I hope to blog each day from the bowl site. I also have some catching up to do, such as a write up on the big manager game from Friday night. I had a number of players during the game last night mention how happy they were for the managers that they won the game. I have also always said what great kids we have in this football program. I was very happy for them too last night. They work extremely hard all year, and it was nice to see it pay off for them last night.
Two of my favorite guys in the business, Mark Zimmer (left) and Paul Lopez (right):
Ben Hulka is one of our headphone guru's:
Benny "Good Luck Charm" Conger, testing headsets before the game:
Robert Lloyd walk testing the CoachComm Telex headsets before the game:
Senior mgrs: Colin, Adam, Toni, Daniel, Josh Reitzenstein, and Josh Rangel.
Willie's locker set up for his last home game. What a super classy guy!!!
My new buddy, Justin with EvoShield, who spent the weekend with us. GREAT PRODUCT!!!!!
A GREAT group of winners!
Nate Ness and Mike Thomas hoist the Territorial Cup after the victory of ASU:
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Sportsmanship
There are many things that I have been proud of in my 30 years in this business, but last night I was beaming with pride as I witnessed a group of young men and women show nothing but class and sportsmanship on our practice field.
The game itself was fun to watch because it was won on the last play of the game (ESPN would have loved to have shown this game live!!!).
It is no real secret in these parts that the two schools that these young men and women represent is a very heated rivalry, and unfortunately, a lot of hatred among its fans, alumni and students. But for an hour or so last night there was nothing but fun, excitement and sportsmanship on display. Not one argument, no mouthing, no disrespect, NOTHING!! But there was a lot of class shown by both squads.
Trust me, later today there is nothing I want more than a victory over ASU. I want it for Coach Stoops, his assistants, our awesome players, the managers, Tim and Benny, my wife, and most importantly, our fans. Why? Because it is ASU. But for me, it has nothing to do with HATE.
I know a lot of Wildcats do not agree with me on this, but I do not have one ounce of hate towards ASU. As a matter of fact, I am PROUD to say that one of my closest friends (like a brother to me) is a Sun Devil and I am proud of him for being a Sun Devil. Paul Lopez is the kind of friend anyone would want. I hope he loses today, but a game between two great schools will not effect my feelings towards him.
His boss, Mark Zimmer, is another good friend of mine. I love being around Zim and I have so much respect for him as a man and as an equipment manager. He is one of the first people I bounce ideas off of. Knowing him and having him as a friend has made me a much better person and equipment manager. How stupid would one be to not allow that to happen just because he works at a rival school?
No doubt I am a different guy (understatement!!!), but going all the way back to my days at Sam Houston State when the SFA Lumberjacks were our hated rivalry, I never held anything against those guys. Their equipment manager, Greg Payne (Buck), is a good friend of mine and I always look forward to seeing him at AEMA. Their head coach, Jim Hess, was a reference on my resume while I was at SHSU.
To me, there is TOO MUCH divisiveness in our world. I just can't allow the game I love so much to be a conduit for hatred!!!
Sorry for the rant. Oh yeah, we won the game, but who really cares?
The game itself was fun to watch because it was won on the last play of the game (ESPN would have loved to have shown this game live!!!).
It is no real secret in these parts that the two schools that these young men and women represent is a very heated rivalry, and unfortunately, a lot of hatred among its fans, alumni and students. But for an hour or so last night there was nothing but fun, excitement and sportsmanship on display. Not one argument, no mouthing, no disrespect, NOTHING!! But there was a lot of class shown by both squads.
Trust me, later today there is nothing I want more than a victory over ASU. I want it for Coach Stoops, his assistants, our awesome players, the managers, Tim and Benny, my wife, and most importantly, our fans. Why? Because it is ASU. But for me, it has nothing to do with HATE.
I know a lot of Wildcats do not agree with me on this, but I do not have one ounce of hate towards ASU. As a matter of fact, I am PROUD to say that one of my closest friends (like a brother to me) is a Sun Devil and I am proud of him for being a Sun Devil. Paul Lopez is the kind of friend anyone would want. I hope he loses today, but a game between two great schools will not effect my feelings towards him.
His boss, Mark Zimmer, is another good friend of mine. I love being around Zim and I have so much respect for him as a man and as an equipment manager. He is one of the first people I bounce ideas off of. Knowing him and having him as a friend has made me a much better person and equipment manager. How stupid would one be to not allow that to happen just because he works at a rival school?
No doubt I am a different guy (understatement!!!), but going all the way back to my days at Sam Houston State when the SFA Lumberjacks were our hated rivalry, I never held anything against those guys. Their equipment manager, Greg Payne (Buck), is a good friend of mine and I always look forward to seeing him at AEMA. Their head coach, Jim Hess, was a reference on my resume while I was at SHSU.
To me, there is TOO MUCH divisiveness in our world. I just can't allow the game I love so much to be a conduit for hatred!!!
Sorry for the rant. Oh yeah, we won the game, but who really cares?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Senior Spotlight, Josh Reitzenstein
Easily one of my all time favorite managers will be leaving the program and joining all other Seniors this Saturday as part of Senior Day before the ASU game. His name is Josh Reitzenstein. Not only is he one of my all time favorites, but he is easily the favorite of everyone of the other managers.
Josh is so much fun to be around. He is extremely intelligent and has GREAT social skills. I love to pick his brain for his opinion on a variety of topics. I have learned more from Josh about World History than I could have ever learned in college!!! He is very bright and passionate about our world. I am certain he could teach me much more about other things if I just let him, but that scares me.
Even though I have always liked him, which is easy to do, I have learned over the past four years that I have a lot of respect for him too. As a matter of fact, as much as I like him, I have more respect for him that like for him!!! That is just how gifted this kid is!!!
While attending Beverly Hills High in Beverly Hills California, not only was he an Honor Roll student, he was a 3 sport Varsity Letterwinner. He was Freshman Athlete of the Year and he won the Football Coaches Award while playing Varsity football. Another award and honor bestowed upon him is no surprise either, Josh was an Eagle Scout.
Josh is a Cultural Management major and looks forward to going to Isreal after college. His favorite movie is Pulp Fiction and he loves listening to Classic Rock. His favorite band is the Beatles. He enjoys rooting for the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Lakers. His hobbies include reading and writing.
I for sure will really miss Josh when he leaves our program. I know I have become a better equipment manager and even a better person for just knowing and working with Josh Reitzenstein!!! He may not know that (and probably thinks I still have a lot to work on too) but it is the truth.
He may not be the best equipment manager I have ever had(but he was still good), but is truly one of the nicest, brightest, and fun student managers I have ever had. THANKS JOSH!!!!
Josh watching for "hazards" on the practice field:
A typical scene at practice, Josh hustling:
Josh loading a trunk onto our equipment truck:
Josh pushing a trunk to the truck for a road trip:
Josh is so much fun to be around. He is extremely intelligent and has GREAT social skills. I love to pick his brain for his opinion on a variety of topics. I have learned more from Josh about World History than I could have ever learned in college!!! He is very bright and passionate about our world. I am certain he could teach me much more about other things if I just let him, but that scares me.
Even though I have always liked him, which is easy to do, I have learned over the past four years that I have a lot of respect for him too. As a matter of fact, as much as I like him, I have more respect for him that like for him!!! That is just how gifted this kid is!!!
While attending Beverly Hills High in Beverly Hills California, not only was he an Honor Roll student, he was a 3 sport Varsity Letterwinner. He was Freshman Athlete of the Year and he won the Football Coaches Award while playing Varsity football. Another award and honor bestowed upon him is no surprise either, Josh was an Eagle Scout.
Josh is a Cultural Management major and looks forward to going to Isreal after college. His favorite movie is Pulp Fiction and he loves listening to Classic Rock. His favorite band is the Beatles. He enjoys rooting for the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Lakers. His hobbies include reading and writing.
I for sure will really miss Josh when he leaves our program. I know I have become a better equipment manager and even a better person for just knowing and working with Josh Reitzenstein!!! He may not know that (and probably thinks I still have a lot to work on too) but it is the truth.
He may not be the best equipment manager I have ever had(but he was still good), but is truly one of the nicest, brightest, and fun student managers I have ever had. THANKS JOSH!!!!
Josh watching for "hazards" on the practice field:
A typical scene at practice, Josh hustling:
Josh loading a trunk onto our equipment truck:
Josh pushing a trunk to the truck for a road trip:
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Couple of California Seniors
Two of our seniors that will be honored before the game this Saturday are Josh Rangel of Arcadia, California; and Daniel Mercado of Woodside, California.
Neither one of them started their college careers as student managers, but decided to join the student equipment staff after a couple of years at the UofA. Daniel helps out with the Defensive Ends and works with Coach Hammerschmidt while on the field. Josh works with the Wide Receivers.
Daniel is a Communications major that hopes to move back home, and work in San Francisco for the Giants. He enjoys Sushi and his favorite movie is Remember the Titans. Surprisingly enough, his favorite teams are the SF Giants, SF Forty Niners and the Golden State Warriors.
Josh is a Marketing major in the Eller Business School. His favorite movie is a GREAT one, Fletch! He listens to Classic Rock music. He also enjoys Mountain Biking and Swimming.
Of course we wish them nothing but the best when they leave UofA!!!!
Josh doing whatever is necessary to get the team down the road:
Neither one of them started their college careers as student managers, but decided to join the student equipment staff after a couple of years at the UofA. Daniel helps out with the Defensive Ends and works with Coach Hammerschmidt while on the field. Josh works with the Wide Receivers.
Daniel is a Communications major that hopes to move back home, and work in San Francisco for the Giants. He enjoys Sushi and his favorite movie is Remember the Titans. Surprisingly enough, his favorite teams are the SF Giants, SF Forty Niners and the Golden State Warriors.
Josh is a Marketing major in the Eller Business School. His favorite movie is a GREAT one, Fletch! He listens to Classic Rock music. He also enjoys Mountain Biking and Swimming.
Of course we wish them nothing but the best when they leave UofA!!!!
Josh doing whatever is necessary to get the team down the road:
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thank You Seniors
Colin looking for over throws during 7 on 7:
Colin working with Defensive Line:
Toni sewing:
Toni packing game uniforms:
Toni packing game jerseys:
Toni packing game pants:
This is the last week of regular season for six of our managers, and they will be honored before the game on Saturday along with the Senior players.
The six Managers are: Toni Elbert, from Sahuaro High School from here in Tucson; Colin Jordan, from St. Francis High School in Mountain View, CA; Adam Knapp from Canyon Del Oro High School in Tucson, AZ; Daniel Mercado from Woodside High School in Woodside, CA; Josh Rangel from Arcadia High School in Arcadia, CA; and Josh Reitzenstein from Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, CA.
Toni is an Art major that would like to teach and run a local stained glass store after graduation. She enjoys Country Music, and her favorite artist is Kenny Chesney. She helps out in many areas on the field, but she is an outstanding worker inside the equipment room. We trust her every week with packing the game jerseys. She is masterful with the sewing machine and she will be very hard to replace!
Colin Jordan is a communication major that would like to work at the Administration level of an NFL team. His favorite movie is Wedding Crashers. He is from the Bay Area and very proud of it (which he should be)! With all the Californians on our staff, the Bay Area is best represented. He loves the Niners, Giants and Warriors of the NBA. His hobbies include dirt bike riding, video games and cars. He has worked with the Defensive Line during his four years here. This year he has done an exceptional job taking care of our visitors on game day. Every single Equipment Manager that has visited us this year mentions his name every time, even though he is one of three. Colin has that effect on people.
I will blog about the other seniors during the week.
The six Managers are: Toni Elbert, from Sahuaro High School from here in Tucson; Colin Jordan, from St. Francis High School in Mountain View, CA; Adam Knapp from Canyon Del Oro High School in Tucson, AZ; Daniel Mercado from Woodside High School in Woodside, CA; Josh Rangel from Arcadia High School in Arcadia, CA; and Josh Reitzenstein from Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, CA.
Toni is an Art major that would like to teach and run a local stained glass store after graduation. She enjoys Country Music, and her favorite artist is Kenny Chesney. She helps out in many areas on the field, but she is an outstanding worker inside the equipment room. We trust her every week with packing the game jerseys. She is masterful with the sewing machine and she will be very hard to replace!
Colin Jordan is a communication major that would like to work at the Administration level of an NFL team. His favorite movie is Wedding Crashers. He is from the Bay Area and very proud of it (which he should be)! With all the Californians on our staff, the Bay Area is best represented. He loves the Niners, Giants and Warriors of the NBA. His hobbies include dirt bike riding, video games and cars. He has worked with the Defensive Line during his four years here. This year he has done an exceptional job taking care of our visitors on game day. Every single Equipment Manager that has visited us this year mentions his name every time, even though he is one of three. Colin has that effect on people.
I will blog about the other seniors during the week.
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