ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Every Lobo football player has a journey, whether it’s getting out of the mean street of Philadelphia (Delane Hart-Johnson) or growing up knowing your goal was to play football for your favorite team (Aaron Overacker) to just wanting to carve out your own path (Alex Hart). On Sunday, head football coach Bob Davie addressed UNM’s incoming freshmen, the Class of 2022, and asked to hear their story.
On late Sunday afternoon, Davie, wearing the same cherry T-shirt with the official university logo on it that was given to all incoming freshmen, addressed the newcomers, parents, and others in a nearly packed Popejoy Hall.
“This will fly by, so enjoy every second of this experience,” said Davie in his opening remarks, talking of how far away 2022 seems, but how quickly it will get here. But what coach Davie was interested in, was in the stories behind the faces he was starting out at.
“As I look out at this freshman class, I can’t help but think about all the different stories,” said Davie. “All the difference backgrounds and all the different paths to get here. We have some here that knew what they were going to major in since they were five years old. We have some that are going to change their major five times before their sophomore year.” That was one of many comments that elicited laughter from the crowd, that one more from the parents.
In wrapping up his opening comments, Davie made a salient point. Regardless of the differing backgrounds, whether ethnic, socioeconomic, age or nationality, everyone there had a common defining thread.
“I know this, with all the diversity in this room, you all share one thing in common … none of you would be here without the help of someone else.” Davie mentioned that the students could email thanks to those people, and even give them a hug, but there was a better way to showcase their gratitude. “If you really want to thank them, make the absolute most of this opportunity you have been given.” That message was met with a hearty round of applause.
President Stokes was all smiles backstage hanging out with Lobo LouieAnd it’s there that Davie wanted to learn more about the freshmen class of 2022. He wants to hear from the group, in the easiest way possible. Davie invited the members of the freshmen class to send him an email to lobofb@unm.edu, and tell their story. “Whatever your journey was, because I appreciate each and every one of you.” For their efforts, each freshman that emails their story can head over to the football offices and pick up a free t-shirt to wear to the season opener.
Four members of the Lobo Football Leadership Council, captains Alex Hart and Aaron Jenkins, along with Teton Saltes and Aaron Blackwell, also spoke to the collective, talking about their stories, and teamwork. Saltes asked the group what he referred to as a very simple question, but a question that struck a chord, as them to work at affecting change in their own communities.
Each player engaged the group, basically putting them in the huddle and letting that group know that they were looking forward to seeing them at Dreamstyle Stadium on September 1 when the Lobos open against Incarnate Word at 6 p.m. Judging by the reaction of the crowd, there are going to be a lot of freshmen wearing free t-shirts courtesy of UNM football
Reminder that season tickets are still on sale, and single-game tickets are also on sale. Fans can head to the Lobo Ticket Office at Dreamstyle Arena, or call 925-LOBO. Fans can also logon to www.unmtickets.com and purchase seats, and there are still a few Cumulus Sweet Deal season tickets left as well, which are available here.