Jake and the Giants!
Link to article about Jake Muasau from The Arizona Republic @ www.AZCentral.com.I'm so proud of Jake! I think I'm fixin' to be a Giants fan, y'all!
Georgia State Football from a Mama's Perspective!
Showing posts with label Georgia State Panthers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Georgia State Panthers. Show all posts
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
GSU Spring Scrimmage 2012
Georgia State University
Spring Scrimmage 2012
An enthusiastic crowd, made up of Georgia State family and fans, lined the football practice field and filled the temporary bleachers for the Spring Scrimmage. Coach Bill Curry welcomed everyone, and shared comments throughout the warmups and scrimmage.
The offense won the scrimmage.
A number of players had good plays. Lots of new faces had playing time today. Defense had 14 players sidelined with injuries (including my son, and his roommate, Mark Hogan, GSU's first signed player.)
It was fun seeing former players returning for the scrimmage! Several former Panthers are in the process of trying out for the NFL draft!
Many attendees enjoyed their first look at the indoor practice facility, which opened in August 2011. The building houses locker rooms, training rooms, film room, laundry, conference rooms, etc. (The team has been using the practice fields for two years.) The football complex is a great example of GSU's influence on urban renewal in Atlanta.
It was great to see fellow "Panther Mamas," Dads, family members, and fans today! We're looking forward to starting Season Three on Thursday, August 30th, at the Georgia Dome! GO PANTHERS!
Click here for Photos from the GSU Football Spring Scrimmage 2012
Spring Scrimmage 2012
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| Pantherettes greeted fans with programs/rosters. |
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| Coach Curry Greeting the Panther Fans |
A number of players had good plays. Lots of new faces had playing time today. Defense had 14 players sidelined with injuries (including my son, and his roommate, Mark Hogan, GSU's first signed player.)
It was fun seeing former players returning for the scrimmage! Several former Panthers are in the process of trying out for the NFL draft!
Many attendees enjoyed their first look at the indoor practice facility, which opened in August 2011. The building houses locker rooms, training rooms, film room, laundry, conference rooms, etc. (The team has been using the practice fields for two years.) The football complex is a great example of GSU's influence on urban renewal in Atlanta.
It was great to see fellow "Panther Mamas," Dads, family members, and fans today! We're looking forward to starting Season Three on Thursday, August 30th, at the Georgia Dome! GO PANTHERS!
Click here for Photos from the GSU Football Spring Scrimmage 2012
Saturday, October 8, 2011
GSU vs Murray State--October 8, 2011
Will post some videos in a few days. Just wanted to get the photo gallery up as soon as possible!
GSU vs Murray State Photo Gallery
GSU vs Murray State Photo Gallery
Friday, September 16, 2011
Greyhound Photo Booth Link from GSU vs ODU
Thanks, Greyhound, for putting smiles on so many Panther fans' faces!
(Including GSU Panther Mama--wearing #18, Blake Wyatt's practice jersey for the game--and Panther Dad.)
LINK: Greyhound Photo Booth from GSU vs. ODU Game.
(Including GSU Panther Mama--wearing #18, Blake Wyatt's practice jersey for the game--and Panther Dad.)
LINK: Greyhound Photo Booth from GSU vs. ODU Game.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Game Day Musings from an Old Cheerleader (GSU vs ODU)
The following is a repost from the Game Day Thread in Panther Talk's Football Forum. I didn't want it to be buried, because I think some Panther Fans may need a little "cheerleading" from an old college cheerleader!
GAME DAY MUSINGS FROM AN OLD CHEERLEADER (GSU vs ODU)
I feel a "soap box moment" coming on!
I feel everyone's pain, but I'm optimistic, and excited, for a lot of reasons!
WE HAVE FOOTBALL AT GSU!
My son, Blake #18 is on the team, enjoying that time Bill Curry talks about "in the Huddle" where Blake, and the other players, are learning the athletically inspired meanings of teamwork, commitment, and true friendship.
I, and a lot of others, had a REALLY good Game Day experience today! The excitement in the Dome was contagious. (OK, only when "something big" was happening. But, still...it's a start!)
The football department/alumni are doing an outstanding job coming up with promotions and giveaways, and providing activities, food, and places to gather. Those who take advantage of the tailgating and activities have fun! Even with the swings and ferris wheel, there were plenty of unused spaces in the Orange Lot. I, personally, am thrilled that Greyhound, The Varsity, J. Christopher, and all the other sponsors, are willing to provide FREE food and fun activities for Panther Fans. They certainly could have spent those promotional dollars in other ways. So, THANK YOU to all who are trying to provide an exciting Game Day experience for GSU fans.
In the bathroom after the game, I talked to two students who were lamenting how "early" the game was after a late night out. They said most of their friends had just slept in. I remember those sleep deprived student years. It made me think that maybe later start times would help student attendance. Just saying....I hope we're considering that...
I agree with the "glass is half full" philosophy: Today was just ONE loss; not the end of the program! To respond to some other comments in the Panther Talk Football Game Day thread about the football program: I KNOW Georgia State has a "real" football team, and is on the way toward cementing a solid football tradition, because I'm seeing and hearing from some really rabidly loyal Panther fans! If we did not have a bona fide, up-and-coming football program in the works, we would not be inspiring "Real" Fans!
I attended Grad School at GSU, but dare I admit here that my undergrad degree is from the University of Florida? Trust me, I speak from experience: I know authentic fans when I see them! I've seen plenty of vocal Division I--nice and not so nice--fans. SEC fans are notorious for their fervor!
I know "die-hard" Florida fans who bleed orange and blue and love their Gators win or lose. I also know "fair weather Florida fans" who are happy when the Gators are winning, and whining and complaining when they're not. EVERY team, even former National Championship teams have bad games--even multiple bad seasons!
GSU had a winning first season, and we have only played two games in our second season! Florida's First 17 years yielded: 85 W, 37L, and 9 ties. For Georgia's first 17 years, they won less than half their games! GA is just around 50% "lifetime" wins with most of their major rivals! Rivalry Record Link.
If we continue to cultivate our alumni, the students, and the community at large, OVER TIME, we will achieve the level of play, loyalty and attendance numbers we are working toward. AGAIN, THIS IS SEASON TWO, and we ARE competing with long traditions of loyalty to Tech, Georgia, Auburn, etc.. We are also competing with other sporting events (including children's leagues), and any number of community events and festivals.
Let's try to look at all the "good stuff" and give our Panthers the enthusiastic fan support that will encourage them to rise to our expectations! With all the hours and effort our team, coaches and support staff are putting in, they DESERVE our support! There is nothing like cheering fans to inspire athletes! I hope we'll have a good showing of support at Jacksonville State!
OUR PANTHER FOOTBALL TEAM is counting on US just as much as we are counting on them! Go Panthers!
(Stepping down from my soapbox! Next?)
P.S. My regular Game Day Blog Entry will be forthcoming later this evening, along with a link to a gallery of 150+ photos from today's Game Day Experience.
Please consider voting for GSU Panther Mama to have my photo on a Times Square Billboard. Click on this link, then click on the "Share" or "Vote" button in the upper right of the page, then click on the "Vote" button. Thank you!
Please click the photo in the top left column of my blog, OR this link to follow GSU Panther Mama on facebook!
GAME DAY MUSINGS FROM AN OLD CHEERLEADER (GSU vs ODU)
I feel a "soap box moment" coming on!
I feel everyone's pain, but I'm optimistic, and excited, for a lot of reasons!
WE HAVE FOOTBALL AT GSU!
My son, Blake #18 is on the team, enjoying that time Bill Curry talks about "in the Huddle" where Blake, and the other players, are learning the athletically inspired meanings of teamwork, commitment, and true friendship.
I, and a lot of others, had a REALLY good Game Day experience today! The excitement in the Dome was contagious. (OK, only when "something big" was happening. But, still...it's a start!)
The football department/alumni are doing an outstanding job coming up with promotions and giveaways, and providing activities, food, and places to gather. Those who take advantage of the tailgating and activities have fun! Even with the swings and ferris wheel, there were plenty of unused spaces in the Orange Lot. I, personally, am thrilled that Greyhound, The Varsity, J. Christopher, and all the other sponsors, are willing to provide FREE food and fun activities for Panther Fans. They certainly could have spent those promotional dollars in other ways. So, THANK YOU to all who are trying to provide an exciting Game Day experience for GSU fans.
In the bathroom after the game, I talked to two students who were lamenting how "early" the game was after a late night out. They said most of their friends had just slept in. I remember those sleep deprived student years. It made me think that maybe later start times would help student attendance. Just saying....I hope we're considering that...
I agree with the "glass is half full" philosophy: Today was just ONE loss; not the end of the program! To respond to some other comments in the Panther Talk Football Game Day thread about the football program: I KNOW Georgia State has a "real" football team, and is on the way toward cementing a solid football tradition, because I'm seeing and hearing from some really rabidly loyal Panther fans! If we did not have a bona fide, up-and-coming football program in the works, we would not be inspiring "Real" Fans!
I attended Grad School at GSU, but dare I admit here that my undergrad degree is from the University of Florida? Trust me, I speak from experience: I know authentic fans when I see them! I've seen plenty of vocal Division I--nice and not so nice--fans. SEC fans are notorious for their fervor!
I know "die-hard" Florida fans who bleed orange and blue and love their Gators win or lose. I also know "fair weather Florida fans" who are happy when the Gators are winning, and whining and complaining when they're not. EVERY team, even former National Championship teams have bad games--even multiple bad seasons!
GSU had a winning first season, and we have only played two games in our second season! Florida's First 17 years yielded: 85 W, 37L, and 9 ties. For Georgia's first 17 years, they won less than half their games! GA is just around 50% "lifetime" wins with most of their major rivals! Rivalry Record Link.
If we continue to cultivate our alumni, the students, and the community at large, OVER TIME, we will achieve the level of play, loyalty and attendance numbers we are working toward. AGAIN, THIS IS SEASON TWO, and we ARE competing with long traditions of loyalty to Tech, Georgia, Auburn, etc.. We are also competing with other sporting events (including children's leagues), and any number of community events and festivals.
Let's try to look at all the "good stuff" and give our Panthers the enthusiastic fan support that will encourage them to rise to our expectations! With all the hours and effort our team, coaches and support staff are putting in, they DESERVE our support! There is nothing like cheering fans to inspire athletes! I hope we'll have a good showing of support at Jacksonville State!
OUR PANTHER FOOTBALL TEAM is counting on US just as much as we are counting on them! Go Panthers!
(Stepping down from my soapbox! Next?)
P.S. My regular Game Day Blog Entry will be forthcoming later this evening, along with a link to a gallery of 150+ photos from today's Game Day Experience.
Please consider voting for GSU Panther Mama to have my photo on a Times Square Billboard. Click on this link, then click on the "Share" or "Vote" button in the upper right of the page, then click on the "Vote" button. Thank you!
Please click the photo in the top left column of my blog, OR this link to follow GSU Panther Mama on facebook!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Panthers Part 2 by Christopher Dunn
The Fayette County News published the following half page article about Georgia State Football. Sports Editor, Christopher Dunn, released the article and accompanying photo to share with the Panther Nation on the G.S.U. Panther Mama blog.
Panthers Part 2
by: Christopher Dunn
(Reprinted with permission: Fayette County News/Today in Peachtree City)
Georgia State prepares to follow up successful inaugural football season
The first season is out of the way for the Georgia State Panthers. Now they look to avoid a sophomore slump.
By any measure, the 2010 inaugural season for Panther football was a triumph. The first ever game saw 30,237 fans storm the Georgia Dome to see the Panthers dominate Shorter 41-7 for the team's first ever victory. Their first road trip ended with a last second win over the Campbell Fighting Camels. State's final home game was a come from behind 23-17 win over Lamar, locking up a winning record in the team's first season.
Though the score wasn't pretty, GSU even came away with positive marks in their season finale against the top ten Alabama Crimson Tide. The Panthers' first offensive play was a 55 yard pass from Drew Little to Emmanuel Ogbuehi, the team's longest of the year. Albert Wilson's 97 yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the longest play Bama gave up all season. Outside of that, the exposure the team received was immense. The Panthers landed on a Thursday night, nationally televised game in front of 101,821 fans on Alabama's campus.
The 6-5 record in year one leaves room for tremendous optimism for the future of the program. All of the pieces are in place for Georgia State to establish itself as one of the premier programs in the FCS level, formerly 1-AA, of college football. Last season the team drew an impressive 17,094 fans per game.
This summer the team celebrated the opening of their new football facilities just down from campus. From the logos emblazoned on walls and glass and engraved in wood, there is no doubt who calls it home. With a headquarters on par with most major college programs, there is little doubt that Georgia State has its aim set high. Now the Panthers want to be Atlanta's team.
Season two won't come without its trials. Offseason suspensions, including a four game setback for starting quarterback Drew Little, will make a tough early season schedule even more trying. If the team can get through the first four games in good shape, the road gets considerably easier from there.
The first game brings in Clark Atlanta on Friday, September 2, for a game that is expected to bring 40,000 out to the Georgia Dome. Game two sees future conference rival Old Dominion in town for a rematch after last year's 34-20 loss. Week three is a roadtrip against FCS powerhouse Jacksonville State. JSU came to the Dome last year as FCS's fourth ranked team, but the Panthers nearly sent them home upset, falling just short instead in overtime.
The fourth and final game of the brutal start comes Saturday, September 24, as the Panthers travel to Texas to take on the Houston Cougars, the lone division one opponent of the season. Houston boasts one of the nation's most explosive offenses, led by Heisman trophy candidate quarterback Case Keenum.
The Panthers will take their lumps, but they will have an excellent chance at another winning season in their second and final season as an independent squad. Year three will see GSU join the Colonial Athletic Association, arguably the finest conference in all of FCS. The conference includes Delaware, Richmond, UMass, New Hampshire, and Villanova. Since the CAA began play as a football conference in 2007, a conference team has played in the FCS Championship game each season.
A key block in the foundation of Georgia State football will be Fayette County. "Fayette County has always been talented. Tapping into the county is very important to us," says assistant head coach for recruiting George Pugh. "The coaches in the area have been awfully good to us. Once you get one player from there, it's easier for us to get two."
Two local contributors return to the Panthers with a pair of local favorites joining up. Blake Wyatt from Landmark Christian played in every game of the inaugural season mainly as a key special teams player. Wyatt moves to linebacker this season where he will be joined by Whitewater grad Davis Knowles, a reserve on last year's squad. Another key member of the defense is cornerback Jamal Ransby from Newnan High School.
A highlight of this year's freshman class is defensive tackle McClain Head, fresh out of Whitewater High School. Head was a first team All-Fayette County performer last year.
Georgia State also welcomed Matt Hubbard from Starr's Mill to the team as a walk-on, a standard practice for a specialist. Hubbard should figure into the competition for the Panthers' open punter job.
As GSU builds towards the future, look for even more local players to hit the field at the Dome and expect our newspaper to be right there with them.
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| Blake Wyatt--Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Athletics |
(Thanks, Christopher, for allowing me to share this article with the GSU Panther Nation!)
Friday, January 21, 2011
GSU Panthers in Tuscaloosa! (Nov. 17-18, 2010)
| GAME DAY PHOTO LINK GSU Panthers in Tuscaloosa! The Panthers have scouted out the stadium and visited the Bear Bryant Museum. Here are some photos to get Panther Fans revved up for tomorrow's game! The Kickoff is 7:33 EST, Thurs., November 18th, on ESPN-U GO PANTHERS!  |
| Coming out of the tunnel! |
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| 101,821-seat Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. |
Blake Wyatt GSU #18 in front of Bear Bryant's Desk
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| Trophies in Bear Bryant Museum |
Coach Curry's Exhibit in the Museum
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