University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Gets Heavy Coverage At Annual Media Day
August 20, 2004 | Football
Aug. 20, 2004
AMHERST, Mass. -
UMass football held its annual media day on Friday afternoon at a sun-drenched McGuirk Stadium. Media from across the state came out to interview the preseason No. 19 Minutemen and head coach Don Brown.
The team also debuted its new white Reebok jerseys with thick maroon and black piping down the side.
More than 30 media members from Boston to Southbridge to Springfield and Greenfield came out for an opportunity meet and greet the 2004 Minutemen. Coach Brown meet with the media for about 20 minutes prior to the team picture which was taken in the stands at the Stadium.
Following the team picture, the players went to several stations for photos shoots. They had position picture, individual mug shots, video mug shots and candid action shots.
While the photo shoots were going on the players were interviewed by various television, radio and newspaper outlets.
Here are some excerpts from Coach Brown's interview.
On the team's outlook
"Ultimately, our goal is to get to Chattanooga (site of the I-AA Championship game). I have lived through that goal back in 1998 and continue to strive to get back to that point.
"Our goals are lofty and I am excited about the challenges in reaching them. I am really excited about the system now that it is installed and I think we will be up to the challenges ahead."
On his team's leadership:
"There is great leadership on this team from our seniors led by Steve Costello, Jason Peebler and Rob Kane. Two nights ago, I sat down with the seniors and we talked. There was great feedback from them. This is their team and I want this to be a great year for them and they will work hard for that."
On getting the state support:
"It is very important to reach out to the state. This summer we went to three sites, Leominster, Brockton and Lowell and really reached out. It is important for the best players in the state, to stay in the state. When I won the A-10 title in 2002, we had 33 players from the state of Massachusetts and that was important.
"My boss thinks it is important to recruit the best players in the state. To (Athletic Director) John McCutcheon it is a big priority. With my track record, I have had good success with in-state players and we will continue to look at them."
The Minutemen open the season at Delaware State on Sept. 4 and return home to face No. 5 Colgate under the lights on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Call 1-866-UMASS-TIX for tickets to the game. It is sure to be a huge event with a fireworks show to cap off the night.
