Dec. 26, 2011
EL PASO, Texas – RamblinWreck.com is your hub for full coverage of Georgia Tech’s 15th-consecutive bowl trip, with continuous updates here on the official site, on Twitter, on Facebook and on YouTube.
Day 5 — Friday, December 30:
Friday marked the final day of preparation for the Yellow Jackets, who are set to mark their 15th-consecutive bowl appearance tomorrow versus Utah in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. The day’s festivities included CBS Sports meeting with Coach Johnson, Coach Groh and selected players, the Rotary luncheon in downtown El Paso and also featured the team’s first look at picturesque Sun Bowl Stadium during the walk-thru.
The weather in El Paso has been spectacular all week, with bright sunshine every day and temperatures in the mid-60’s. Saturday’s forecast is no different, with highs approaching 70 degrees. It’s a far cry from last season’s Sun Bowl between Notre Dame and Miami that featured snow showers on game day.
Day 4 — Thursday, December 29:
Thursday was a lighter day on the players’ schedules, with the team having its last official practice at Burges High School. Following morning meetings, press conferences for the coordinators and practice, the players enjoyed the afternoon off before the all-important trip downtown to the Convention Center to select their bowl gifts.
Day 3 — Wednesday, December 28:
With Day 3 in the books in El Paso, it brought Saturday’s Sun Bowl 24 hours closer. Georgia Tech enjoyed a brisk, up-tempo practice at Burges High School to get the day started, then headed to nearby Fort Bliss to spent a day with the troops. The largest Army base in the United State by size at 2.2 million acres, Fort Bliss welcomed the Jackets by allowing them to experience the tank and Hummer simulators and the computerized marksmanship center.
Following that, the travel parties from both Georgia Tech and Utah were treated to dinner and a celebration on the base, which was highlighted by a hilarious hypnosis show.
Wednesday Photo Galleries:
— Practice
— Fort Bliss Visit
Day 2 — Tuesday, December 27:
The Yellow Jackets second day in El Paso was packed from start to finish. The day began with Tech head coach Paul Johnson meeting the media in the morning, followed by the Yellow Jackets practicing at nearby Burges High School. In the afternoon, a number of players and coaches visited patients at a local childrens’ hospital and the day ended with Georgia Tech and Utah players taking part in the Bowl Before the Bowl at Oasis Lanes.
Tuesday’s Photo Galleries:
— Players Bowling Trip
— Press Conference, Practice, Hospital Visit
— More photos from Hospital visit
Tuesday coaches’ press conferences:
RamblinWreck.com interview with JulianBurnett:
Day 1 — Monday, December 26:
It was wheels up from the Atlanta International Airport just after Noon Eastern Time as the Yellow Jackets players, coaches, staff and families chartered a Delta flight for one final business trip of 2011. Destination El Paso for the 2011 Sun Bowl vs. Utah.
Check out this cool video from RamblinWreckTube(the Jackets’ YouTube Channel) of the team’s departure from ATL andarrival at ELP. You won’t want to miss Coach Johnson wearing asombrero and dancing…
Follow the Jackets’ official Facebook Page for tons ofbehind-the-scenes photos! Here are some from Day 1. Don’t miss your chance for up-to-second bowl updates onthe Georgia Tech Athletics Twitter (@GTathletics) #gojackets#gatech #beatutah #sunbowl Monday ended with the Sun Bowl WelcomeReception, and following a BBQ dinner, Georgia Tech and Utahsquared off in a hilarious talent show… Watch some the YellowJackets portion of the contest here:
More photos from Monday’s festivities thanks to Brian Kanof:Photo Gallery
