The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Forty Acres Insider: Dec. 10
12.10.2019 | Forty Acres Insider
Important news, interesting tidbits and exciting stories happening in and around Texas Athletics compiled by Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. [<a href="http://texassports.com/archives.aspx?path=forty_acres_insider">Forty Acres Insider archives</a>]
Greetings Longhorn Nation,
It was two years ago this week that my family and I were presented with an opportunity we could only dream of when President Fenves asked me to be your Athletics Director. It was a life-changing event and one we'll be forever grateful for. Every day of serving you, our amazing student-athletes, coaches and staff has been even better and more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined. Together, we've accomplished many great things and taken the challenges we've faced head on as well. We certainly will pause to reflect and reminisce about two fantastic years at Texas, but we are just getting started, and our focus is locked firmly on the future as we head to New York City this week for the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame festivities.
Last year we celebrated our coaching legend and icon Mack Brown, and this year it's the G.O.A.T.'s turn! "He's going for the corner…he's got it! Vince Young scores!" That line, the iconic voice of Keith Jackson and breathtaking moment when Vince crossed the goal-line for a National Championship victory over two-time defending champion USC will live forever in Longhorn lore. So, I write to you this week from Big Apple, where we've arrived in full force to pay tribute to our very own legend Vince Young and his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Among the greatest players in college football history, he was brilliant, spectacular, magnificent -- inVINCEable! He thrilled us with his tremendous arm, extraordinary legs, phenomenal big-game heroics and incredible leadership. But he stole our hearts with his patented charisma and charm that embodied his greatness. VY is our guy, and we're darn lucky to have him!
Before we headed to the "city that never sleeps," the week got off to a fabulous start with a pair of big-time road basketball victories. Our Men's team renewed its longtime rivalry with our friends from College Station on a neutral court in Fort Worth. Coach Smart and our Horns played steady throughout, securing a 60-50 triumph over the Aggies. We're off to an 8-1 start and will be back at the Erwin Center on Saturday to face Central Michigan (1 p.m.). Come join us! Coach Aston and the Women's team travelled to Knoxville, and in a battle of traditional powers in the annual Big 12/SEC Challenge, took down undefeated and 17th-ranked Tennessee, 66-60. The Lady Vols led 53-50 late in that game before our Horns stormed back, went on an 8-0 run and led the rest of the way. The ladies get a bit of a break before returning to action at the Erwin Center on Dec. 18 versus Ohio University (7 p.m.).
Later on Sunday, we learned our football bowl game destination, and what a terrific matchup it is with No. 11 Utah right down the road on I-35 in San Antonio at the Valero Alamo Bowl. We're so happy to be close to home for the Holidays where all of you can join us for New Year's Eve (6:30 p.m.) and help raise the roof and bring that Texas Fight to the Alamodome. Coach Herman and our Horns are looking forward to capping the 2019 season with a third-straight bowl win and setting the stage for an exciting 2020 campaign.
Speaking of excitement, it was a raucous couple of nights at Gregory Gym last week as our Longhorn Volleyball squad survived, advanced and punched their ticket to the NCAA's Sweet 16 for the 14th straight year. It took a gritty, gutsy effort and all of your energy to push us through to the Regional Semifinals with a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over UC-Santa Barbara on Friday. We can't say thank you enough to the nearly 7,300 passionate Texas fans who brought the heat to the gym and energized our team! Now, it's back to The Greg on Friday for Coach Elliott and the Horns as they take on Louisville in an afternoon tilt (3 p.m.) with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line. The winner will face the Minnesota-Florida winner on Saturday for a berth in the Final Four. And it's all taking place right here on campus in front of the best volleyball fans in America! See you at The Greg!
Last weekend was an extraordinary one for 36 current and former student-athletes who achieved the greatest goal of a collegiate student-athlete -- graduation. Donning that cap and gown, walking the stage and receiving your just rewards for a job well done is a special time for our student-athletes and their families. You could see it in the smiles, hugs, high fives and many heartwarming posts on social media. It's truly gratifying seeing Longhorns playing professionally like Baseball's Kody Clemens and Nick Kennedy recognizing the value of their college degrees and returning to earn their diplomas. We also celebrated eight more football seniors on graduation day, making that 10 Longhorns who will participate in the Alamo Bowl with their diplomas already in hand. Congratulation to each and every one of our graduates!
Keep that Longhorn passion, pride and spirit coming. We absolutely love and appreciate it so much! December is such a wonderful time of the year, and we continue to wish you and your family the best during this Holiday Season.
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Hook 'em, Horns!
