The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Back in Cali
12.29.2005 | Football
LOS ANGELES -- The Texas Longhorns football team opened its week of preparations Thursday in a quest for their second taste of Rose Bowl victory in two years. The day began with a team practice at the Home Depot Center, the Horns' first practice since parting one week ago for a holiday break.
"Practice was great," noted senior safety Michael Huff. "We didn't know what to expect coming off of a few days of holiday rest, but everybody got out there with enthusiasm and intensity."
Later in the afternoon, the Longhorns were able to kick back and enjoy their first official bowl activity at Anaheim's Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure parks. Some players braved rides such as the world famous Tower of Terror and Thunder Mountain, while others chose to partake in more leisurely amusements, such as a Pirates of the Caribbean boat trip.
"Aside from the game, I was looking forward to today the most," said senior fullback Ahmard Hall. "I always wanted to come to Disneyland as a child, but I was never able to. Being able to come out here like this and experience it is so much fun."
After a long day of working hard and playing hard, the team reconvened for dinner at Disney's California Adventure ESPN Zone. Players enjoyed trying their luck on some of ESPN Zone's many arcade games, including hands-on sports and video games.
Though the stakes for this year's Rose Bowl are much larger, much of the upcoming week will be déjà vu for Texas, which returns to the game for the second year in a row. The Horns are not only making their temporary home at the same hotel as last year, but they are also holding their practice sessions at the Home Depot Center for the second time around.
"I think that our familiarity with the hotel and the practice facilities will be really helpful," senior tight end David Thomas said. "It will take a lot of stress out of the trip having experienced this all before. Los Angeles is Southern California's backyard, but we have been here and sort of know what to expect now."
Thomas will act as the team's representative at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast later this week, which he notes as a great honor.
Texas has numerous activities in store during the upcoming week, but the players recognize that their trip to Pasadena is for business. After winning 19 games in a row, the Horns have taken dead aim on the ultimate prize, which they will compete for on January 4.
"We want to have fun out here, but we also know that we need to stay focused," said senior defensive tackle Rod Wright. "We are not here just to participate in things. We are here because we want to win the National Championship and I think that says a lot about how we are going to keep practicing and keep working in preparation for this game."
In exactly six days the Texas Longhorns compete for a chance to be named best team in all of college football. Their BCS goal has come to fruition for the second year in a row, and all that is left is to finish strong.
"Being back here is a big honor," junior quarterback Vince Young said. "We have worked so hard to get here, through 100 degree heat, injuries and challenges. This season has been fun and we are excited to be preparing to play for a chance at the National Championship. Enjoying the moment is the most important thing; this is what it's all about."
The Horns will continue their bowl game preparations Friday morning as they meet at the Home Depot Center for their next practice session.
