GSU vs JSU--Sept. 17, 2011--Game 3

GSU vs JSUSept. 17, 2011--Game 3

The trip to Jacksonville State was easy--less than 2 1/2 hours. We left at 11 a.m., stopped in Anniston and had lunch at O'Charley's (the Mini Dessert Sampler: tiny fresh doughnuts, mini caramel pie, and brownie with ice cream is awesome-only 400 calories when split 3 ways!)

After lunch, we drove the last 20 minutes to Jacksonville, AL, and easily found the shuttle parking lot. The bus dropped us off on the lovely, tree lined campus, near the stadium. As we entered the stadium, an hour before kickoff, our Panther football players were huddled together mid-field. They were gearing up for the game by loudly humming one of the tunes that revs up the crowd whenever it's played in the Dome! (They stopped humming before I could get it on video!)

The visitors' stands were much less crowded than the home stands. As expected, red was the dominant color in the venue. However, a fair contingent of Georgia State Panther supporters, proudly wearing blue, were interspersed with the enthusiastic Jacksonville State fans.

The newly enlarged JSU Gamecock's stadium was impressive, but it in NO WAY compares with the Georgia Dome! "Our House" has spoiled the Panther Nation! We're always dry and comfortable when we're playing at home! (This video is a pre-game semi-panoramic view of the new stadium.)

It was VERY exciting to see (and hear) that our entire band had made the trip! As is customary, Pounce, and the cheerleaders, escorted the team onto the field.

It has been years since I have been so hot at a football game! The blistering sun and searing heat made watching the game pretty miserable during the first half--especially for those of us who wore long pants and shirts with sleeves. I was expecting cooler temperatures, based on The Weather Channel's "high of 78" forecast!

The direct sunlight and concrete significantly boosted the temperatures in the stadium. Infrequent cloud cover and cooling breezes were welcomed when they came! Even though I borrowed sunscreen from Mark Hogan's Panther Mama, I came home with a sunburn. I can only imagine how hot it must've been on the field, in helmets and pads.

The Panthers showed improvement over last week. I believe we outplayed the Gamecocks in the first half. We were tied 14-14 at the half. After that, we got behind, and didn't recover. This was a tough loss.

I'm not a sportswriter, so you'll need to get more specific details and commentary, at PantherTalk. Just a reminder, though, let's be positive! We need to support our TEAM--no matter what! Our young team is a work in progress. We need to remember: they want to play well and win, as much, or more, than we want them to. They are playing their hearts out!

Do you know how many hours EACH DAY the football players put into conditioning, workouts, strength training, practice, team meetings, reviewing films, studying plays, etc.? In addition, they have classes, labs, tutoring, homework, and study hall. Players' days start at 5:30 a.m., and often don't end till 9 or 10 p.m.!

Football players train eleven months of the year. Football related obligations in the fall leave very little time for necessities like eating and sleeping, much less time for family, friends, or any kind of social life outside of football. These guys are totally dedicated to building OUR NEW PANTHER FOOTBALL TEAM!

I found this image on Pinterest, and saved it as a reminder for myself. As I told y'all last week, I try to be a "glass half full" girl. So, for those of you who lean more toward the "glass is half empty" maybe this can remind us all that our glasses are already full of good things--we just need to remember that!

Let's continue to recognize the positive things our team, coaches, and staff are doing, more frequently than we lament the mistakes from which our team needs to learn. As this illustration shows, even when we believe our glass is half empty, "technically, the glass is always full!"

OK, I'm off my soapbox again! Here are a few shots from game day. In the first one, I was excited that I caught the handoff of the ball on the far right. Then Blake (#18) informed me that the photo isn't really all that good, because I basically missed the action! LOL! There is a link at the bottom to a Game Day Photo Gallery with 50+ more Photos.

Note handoff, far right!

Extra Point was good to tie the score 14-14! 

Rallying the Crowd!

The band stayed and played our GSU Fight Song as the team exited the stadium, even though the crowd was almost gone. We have an AMAZING BAND! 

I'm looking forward to our next game. I hope a lot of you will be following the Panthers to Houston! I'll miss that game because of a class reunion in Florida. Panther Dad will be in Houston, and I'm hoping he'll take some pictures! Will any of you other Panther Mamas who are going to Texas please volunteer to contribute your thoughts for next week's blog? Let me know!

GO PANTHERS!
Please Vote for GSU Panther Mama to be on Times Square Billboard. Deadline, Tuesday, September 20th. 

GSU vs JSU GAME DAY PHOTO ALBUM LINK
Please Follow GSU Panther Mama on Facebook

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. 

GSU Panther Mama's Game Day Diary--GSU vs ODU

GSU Panther Mama's 
Game Day Diary--GSU vs ODU

6:45--Got up to get ready for Game Two of the Panther's Second Season against Old Dominion University.

8:00--Left home for the Georgia Dome. The temperature was in the high 50's, so it was a little cool, which translates into perfect tailgate and football weather!

8:45--On the way, we picked up Blake's girlfriend, Faith, and her roommate Molly at Intown Market. Ed picked up some huge, yummy breakfast sandwiches there!

9:10--Parked at the Georgia Dome near the Ferris Wheel and Chair Swing! We quickly greeted our friends as we headed to the Dome for the Panther Walk. We didn't want to miss seeing Blake coming in, as we did last week.

9:20--We were talking to Director of Football Operations, Sarah Gigantino, as she got the call from Coach Curry that the team was leaving their hotel for the Dome.

10:00--Strike up the Band, the Panther are coming into THEIR HOUSE!

10:15--Back to the Orange Lot to Ride the Ferris Wheel, and to watch others ride the "Chair Swing." (No chair swing for me, thank you!)

View of the Dome from halfway up on the Ferris Wheel

Pounce Joined in the Fun on the Chair Swings!

10:45--Across to the Panther Event Area to answer the question "What'll Ya Have?" I had a Coke and chili dog (as opposed to a naked dog) from The Varsity, along with samples of two tasty omelets from
J. Christopher's--ALL FREE! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! (Please support the businesses who support GSU Panther Football, and tell them you appreciate their support!)

Blake's girlfriend, Faith, and my friend Kathy, and her daughter, Ayiesha, tried to ride the mechanical bull. Nobody stayed on even 30 seconds!

We all had our photo's taken from Greyhound's photo booth. And talked to people at Hot 107.9, and they "gave us some goodies." Thanks to SunTrust Bank, and all other participating sponsors!

11:05--Back to breeze through the tailgating parties, including the Panther Talk party, then headed into the Georgia Dome! (Family members using player tickets go into a special entrance, near the Will Call ticket windows.)

11:25--Took pre-game warm-up photos of son Blake (#18) and his teammates. A Patriotic remembrance of 9/11 was announced as the theme, and a GSU student sang the National Anthem a cappella.

11:45--Met fellow Panther Mama, and my facebook friend, Marilyn, for the first time! She's Matt Hubbard's (#49) Mama.

12:10--Watched the awesome GSU Band's pre-game show!

12:17--Watched the Panther's Enter the Dome, then, proceeded to watch the Game, and enjoy the time with family, friends, and fellow Panther Fans!

Half-time featured a Patriotic theme. The band played America the Beautiful, while a slide show of American scenery played on the Jumbotrons.

3:29--Game Over. We didn't win. It was still a GOOD Game Day! Enough said! (See my previous blog: Game Day Musings From An Old Cheerleader if you want to hear more about my opinions on the outcome of today's game.)

3:47--We got down to the bottom of the Georgia Dome waiting for the team to come out. Tough time for the team. A number of guys came by so I could give them hugs on their way to the bus!

5:00--We left the Dome, headed home. When we got out into the sun in the parking lot, on the way to the car, it certainly felt hotter than 82 degrees, which was supposedly today's high. I am SO GLAD we play in the air conditioned Dome! We dropped off several of Blake's friends, in addition to Faith and Molly, and turned toward home. Had to detour to avoid traffic/road work.

5:40 Home again! Looking forward to the first away game of the season next week, against Jacksonville State! Hope to see you there!

Go Panthers!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facebook Gallery of 140+ Photos from Game Day!


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)

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!

Link to Blog about Wellspring LIving--An Atlanta Organization that deals with Sex Trafficking

In my Dancing On The Journey blog, I wrote an essay about how easy it is to overlook things, and people. Atlanta is one of the top three places in the country for child rape for profit. This is a very uncomfortable subject, and most Atlantans have no idea that this goes on in our city. Super Bowl Weekend last year was the biggest sex weekend of the year.

100 Young Girls are trafficked each Day in Atlanta.

7,000 men per month pay to have sex with 12-17 year olds in Atlanta.

The average lifespan for girls "on the street" is 7 years.

One in four girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.

I serve on the board of Wellspring Living, which provides a safe place for child sex trafficking victims to start over. My essay is not "hard sell," it is simply a gentle reminder that we need to "be aware," here is a link:

Things--and People--We Overlook

GSU vs CAU--Videos and Photos--First Game of Season Two--2011

GSU vs CAU
First Game of Season Two--2011

Clark Atlanta and GSU Pre-Game Warm-ups

More warmups. (Son, Blake Wyatt #18)

The Georgia State University Panthers' first game of the second season started with a BANG--Literally! Fireworks were an attention getting addition to the Panthers' pre-game pageantry. The team's new inspirational video debuted to a standing ovation. The band played and the cheerleaders cheered, while Pounce and the Pantherettes escorted the Panthers onto the field! The video below captures all the excitement!

It was exciting to see even more people than last year arriving early to tailgate! PantherTalk hosted their traditional pre-game party, where fans bring food to share, and all fans are invited to join the festivities. Look for the Pirate Flags and Panther Talk Banner in the Orange lot at home games. Click the link if you're interested in PantherTalk's Concrete Jungle T-shirts, and be sure to follow PantherTalk on facebook.

After filling up on hot dogs, chicken wings, dessert and other tailgate fare, we walked over to the Dome about 5 p.m. to join other fans for the "Panther Walk." (That's when the Panthers enter the lower level of the Dome, from their buses.) Unfortunately for us, the team arrived early, and we just missed seeing our son going in. Fortunately, he later told us saw us heading down the steps, so he knew we were there!

The video below captures the band playing at the Panther Walk, some of the team members arriving, and GSU Athletic Director Cheryl Levick gearing up for the game, while parents and friends cheered on our team.

This year, the Georgia State University Marching Band is fielding over 175 members! It is quite impressive seeing the band grow so much in a year! I caught some of the band members on video as they were leaving the Panther Walk.

After the starting players were introduced on the Jumbotron. Each player did something to personalize their intro. Some of their moves/gestures included head bobs, forming a heart symbol with both hands, folding their  arms, etc. It was fun seeing the different personalities that make up the Panther team.

Screen shot of one of the player's video introductions. 

The GSU Band made a grand entrance as they ran onto the field from all directions, pre-game.  This next video shows the band playing the GSU Fight Song. (The link will take you to the Georgia State Sports website where you can learn the lyrics.)

Note the welcome addition of player's names on their jerseys this season!

(Son) Blake Wyatt # 18

As you probably know by now, GSU won handily over Clark Atlanta 41-7. The victory was the perfect ending for a perfect first GSU Game Day, Season Two! The GSU Panthers are "On The Prowl!" Game Two is next Saturday, September 10th, at noon, against CAA rival Old Dominion. Hope to see you there!

Final Score. 

After the Game, GSU Panther Mama with her family. (Blake Wyatt #18)

Please consider voting for the GSU Panther Mama to be on a Times Square billboard! Click this "about.me" link, then click on "share" in the upper right corner, then please click to "Vote!" Thanks for your help!  http://about.me/dancingonthejourney

For continuing links to more news, photos, and videos this football season, PLEASE FOLLOW GSU Panther Mama on facebook!

FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THE FIRST GAME OF THE SECOND SEASON, CLICK THE BLUE LINK for a 90+ PHOTO GALLERY Game Day GSU vs. Clark Atlanta 

Be sure to bookmark www.gsupanthermama.blogspot.com

For all things Football and GSU Sports, bookmark www.panthertalk.com
PantherTalk features the GSU Panther Mama blog on the Blogroll at the bottom of the Panther Talk home page.

For the Georgia State University Football facebook page.

GSU Panther Athletic Club 2011 Football Kickoff Luncheon

GSU Panther Athletic Club 
2011 Football Kickoff Luncheon


(Disclaimer: I tried my best to accurately record notes and quotes, however everyone was excited, and had so much to say, that I had to resort to abbreviations. I used every available scrap of paper, including my grocery receipt, to document the day! If I misinterpreted my notes, or misquoted anyone, I apologize. Let me know, and I will fix it! I've attempted to boil down the content, and capture the spirit of the event!)


The elegant ballroom of the Capital City Club's downtown location was the setting for the Panther Athletic Club's First Annual Kickoff Luncheon Thursday. This sold out event set the stage for an exciting Second Season for the GSU Panthers. Plans are already underway for a larger venue for next year's Kickoff Luncheon!

Screenshot as everyone entered the banquet room

Sam Crenshaw, Reporter and Sports Anchor for 11 Alive (WXIA), and football announcer for the GSU radio network, served as Master of Ceremonies. Sam welcomed everyone, and encouraged us to enjoy our meals. He said we'd have an opportunity over lunch to get to know the assistant coaches and players seated with us. Sam hinted that the announcements, speakers, and debut of two new team videos during the luncheon would make for an exciting Second Season Kickoff Event. He was right! 

Sam Crenshaw

Table centerpiece: Helmets on pom poms, surrounded by commemorative mugs 

Favors: Commemorative Mug (front)

Back of mug

Prior to entering the dining room, fans signed in, then gathered in an adjacent room to visit, meet players and staff, enjoy tea, water, or lemonade, and bid on silent auction items.

Salad: Young Boston Bibb Lettuce with carrots, bleu cheese, walnuts and pears

 Main Course: Grilled Petit Filet Mignon, Smoked Cheddar and Bacon Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus and Carrots

"Dessert Symphony"
Creme Brulee with glazed fresh berries, chocolate cake with chocolate embellishment,
and miniature lemon tart

 Tea, coffee and water were served with lunch. 

Panther Athletic Director Cheryl Levick took the stage, (after having spilled water on her speech,) psyched up for "our first game in a week and a day!"  She started out by sharing that the most memorable part of the first season for her was standing on the concourse as 30,000 people, most of whom were wearing their Panther regalia, flooded into the Georgia Dome. A number of people--students, alums, and others--thanked her for giving them a team of their own. Ms. Levick shared that those types of remarks, which continued throughout the season, were what touched her soul, and meant the most to her.


Ms. Levick announced that the student athletes at the luncheon were among the largest group of athletes ever. "They represent over 350 student athletes and their 18 sports, who are building a lasting sports legacy for Georgia State." She said that everyone can be proud of how our athletes combine athletics and academics, epitomizing GSU's Athletic Mission Statement: 'To shape champions for today and leaders for tomorrow.' 


"The Panther Athletic Club is new. It is our core." Ms. Levick continued. "I was asked to introduce the President of the University, who is well on the way to developing our University into a leading research University. President Becker believes in the value athletics brings to a campus, and he allows athletics to be an ambassador for the community." 


President Mark Becker came to the podium accompanied by the applause of the audience. He began with an enthusiastic, "WOW!" He continued, "One of the things you learn when spending time with football coaches is that they remember everything." He said that Coach Curry had told him that people had no idea what was going to happen when football came to the University, and that Coach Curry was right. "Cheryl Levick and Coach Curry know what it takes to build a successful program," President Becker asserted.   


He continued, "Last week, we welcomed back the student athletes. They are the best group ever to have competed for the university, and to be ambassadors for the University in all they do. We enrolled 32,000 students this year. We are making our plans to grow. We welcomed 87 new faculty members. Football is a nice representation of what is happening at the University." 


Having previously acknowledged that people come to kickoff events to hear from the coach about the football team, President Becker finished his remarks and turned the microphone back over to Sam Crenshaw to introduce Panther Athletic Club President Joe Reinkemeyer, the first PAC Board President.


Mr. Reinkemeyer spoke about the tradition the Panther Athletic Club is building, in bringing alumni, and people from different parts of the city, together to support Georgia State football. Mr. Reinkemeyer said he has been involved in football, behind the scenes, since the beginning, and remarked about the difference football has made on the campus, since he was a student. 


The PAC President remarked that the majority in the room were season ticket holders. Those who aren't yet season ticket holders were invited to become PAC members. 


 To purchase individual and season tickets to GSU Football games, click HERE. 

An opportunity was presented to participate in GSU's Charitable Ticket Program. For a $72 charitable donation, you can provide Military Families, Veterans, or Youth and Senior Citizen Organizations with tickets to Panther Football Games. The link on the photo below does not work, but you may use the promo code "GIVE" and purchase tickets by clicking HERE.

Link in photo disabled. Use the link above this photo to donate. 

A "Day in the Life at Football Training Camp" video, starring Ben Jacoby, was shown. It gave insight into the long days, hard work, and commitment of our football players. 

Sam Crenshaw introduced Coach Bill Curry by saying, "There are only two men who, when I am with them, I am a better person. One is former Ambassador Andrew Young, the other is Coach Curry."

Sam's revelation was very moving for Coach Curry, and it caught him off guard. Coach Curry paused for a second, then started off with, "Sam, you got me all shook up," then proceeded to give a history of his coming to Georgia State. 


Coach Curry reminisced about his surprise when he got the call about becoming Georgia State's first football coach. He said he thought he was called to be consulted about recommending possible candidates, and he was prepared to offer a list of qualified, younger coaches. When he got the coaching offer, Coach Curry responded that he'd have to call his "leader," wife Carolyn, to whom he's been married 48 1/2 years. During that time, they have moved 34 times. 


Coach Curry said that Carolyn thought the GSU coaching position would be in essence a "win-win" situation, because he could do what he knows how to do, and she wouldn't have to move! (Previously, when Coach Curry was offered a chance to interview in California, Carolyn had told him she was happy for him, and to feel free to go for it, but "she'd miss him!")


Coach Curry said that as he and Dr. Becker took a walk around campus before the Shorter game, he asked Dr. Becker, "If we don't win this game, will you be mad at me?" Dr. Becker replied, "No, I won't be mad at you, but I'll miss you!" 


Coach Curry continued, "I had no idea of the quality of the individuals I'd be allowed to work with. I'm going to borrow from a Zig Ziglar story." 


"There was a little fellow, 5'6", 165 pounds, who shows up at a logging camp. He challenges the biggest guy there that he'll fell a tree in half the time that the big guy can do it. The big fellow chops the tree and lays it down perfectly in a half hour. The little fellow starts chopping His axe becomes a blur and he dropped the tree in 15 minutes." 


The foreman, duly impressed, asks the little fellow where he's from. 'Sahara' he responds. "That's a desert," says the foreman. "It is now," the little guy says!


"We've got football now," Coach Curry continues. We had to create a lot of deserts; chop down trees. Coach Pugh and I had to find a field. We looked at a lot of fields. When we found one, Ms. Levick got the right people, and fixed the building. She only went in one time. It was pretty bad! She doesn't mind going in to the new locker rooms at our practice facility now, though."


"Our guys knocked themselves out--coaches and young men." At this point, Coach Curry introduced all the assistant coaches and the half a dozen or so football players who were at the luncheon. He said he wished he had time to tell stories about everyone. Coach Curry said these guys are wonderful students and wonderful players, and it is a privilege to coach them. 


Coach reminded everyone that all the players chose to be at Georgia State; that they could have gone anywhere, some even to the Ivy League. He laughingly let everyone know that "only players who didn't have any classes during the luncheon time are here." 


"We have a very demanding schedule this year.
We don't want to go into the CAA without having played some tough teams." 


"Football teaches you to deal with life. We will have our hands full every single game. We have to win the turnover battle. We have to be able to create big plays on both sides of the game. No losses on offensive side. We need to block and tackle. Run and stop runs."


"We have exciting offensive and defensive packages. On special teams, we have a few gimmicks. Expect us to be an exciting team and win with these fundamentals."


"Heads up is our rule. We are careful with our players. We don't let them return to action concussed." Coach Curry talked about other safety measures, including what trainer Bob Murphy does do help keep players safe and from overheating. 


Coach Curry talked about how an encounter in Attalla, Alabama after 9/11 made him re-examine the importance of football. He was on his way to broadcast a game for ESPN and was concerned that 75,000 people would be vulnerable if they didn't call off the game. He got the call that they wouldn't be playing the game while he was at a convenience store, and told the man he'd just met. In response, the man told him, "Let me tell you: we're going to play football Friday night, because it means a lot to us!"  


Coach Curry observed that the huddle in Attalla, Alabama, and other huddles, represents who we are as Americans. "It's black, white, liberal, conservative, east and west coast. Children can be brought into the huddle and put into jerseys, who have been taught to hate each other. They sweat, bleed, run, dive, have tutoring, study hall, back to tutoring. They realize sweat smells the same and we all bleed the same color."


"We love to play football. We are aggressive and getting after it, we stick together, and the team becomes brothers. And it lasts the rest of your life. I've been going to a few teammates' funerals in the last few weeks. It's the hardest thing I've done in my life. Some of the players I hadn't seen in thirty years. We hug, and it's the same as it always was."


"In practice and games, we get discouraged. We look at minutes on the clock; 1 time out; 100 degree weather. We don't care about publicity or a good article. We just want to quit."


"Greatness of spirit, or in Latin, magnanimitas, lives in every human being. A little voice says 'don't quit.' " You don't have to leave the field to quit. You can just turn your shoulder a little bit, and avoid a hit, and you're quitting on yourself and your team. But, you look at the person next to you, and know you cant let him down, and you find what you need to go on. At the end of the drive, we can look each other in the eye and respect each other."


"We want players to be the best they can be all the time; best in the classroom and on the football field. It is my privilege to introduce the opening video." 

After watching the debut of the new opening video, in my opinion, the quality is such that it could go head to head with any Division One spirit film I've seen. It inspires pride, emotion, and excitement. The PAC gathering seemed to love it! I'm not going to reveal any content, and spoil the surprise, you'll have to come to the first game for the "official" premiere! 

Spread the word! Georgia State Football is building a great new Atlanta tradition. Encourage your family and friends to become part of the Panther Nation--Atlanta's New Home Team! 


Georgia State Football: Panthers are On The Prowl for Season Two!


GO PANTHERS!

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.

Blake Wyatt--Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Athletics

(Thanks, Christopher, for allowing me to share this article with the GSU Panther Nation!)

Georgia State Football Training Camp Scrimmage

Georgia State Panther Football Training Camp Scrimmage

The Georgia State University Panther Football Team's last practice of football training camp included a scrimmage at the practice field. Family, friends and fans gathered at 8:30 a.m. to watch the teams' fourth scrimmage. 

Coach Curry directing practice

Family and fans watch the scrimmage,
with the Gold Dome of the Georgia State Capitol Building in the background. 

GSU's "Eye in the Sky" filming on the platform, which is dwarfed by the Corey Smokestack.
Thanks to Corey for opening their parking lot for Panther fans to use. 

Coach Curry talking to the team after scrimmaging, before drills. (Coach Curry has his arm out, wearing a hat behind another guy in a hat. 

Blake Wyatt # 18 (center), Davis Knowles #52 (right)

Referees and staff, with more photo/videographers
on a hydraulic platform in front of the MARTA tracks and Coca Cola sign. 

The practice field, and Atlanta skyline, with Grady Hospital center, by raised Marta tracks.

Sara Gigantino, Director of Football Operations, gave families and fans a tour of the new Panther practice facility and locker room. Everything is new and very nice! 

Lockers where the team picks up their laundry/equipment. 

Team Lockers and Dressing Area

Murals in the Locker Room

For a gallery of more photos from today's scrimmage, click HERE. 


Be sure to bookmark these sites, for news, photos, and the most up to date Panther info:


My blog: www.gsupanthermama.blogspot.com


For everything GSU Sports: http://www.panthertalk.com

GSU Alumnus, Ben Moore on http://www.panthertalk.com and http://atlanta.sbnation.com/authors/ben-moore

Georgia State Football's Official Page

See you at the Dome, September 2, 7:30 p.m. kickoff, for the first game of our Second Season! GO PANTHERS!