Jan. 11, 2007
TO: Fans, Friends, and Supporters of Georgia Tech Athletics
FROM: Dan Radakovich, Georgia Tech Director of Athletics
The new year certainly got off to a good start last night! Congratulations to Paul Hewitt and his Yellow Jackets for the great victory over Duke. It looks like it’s going to be a really exciting winter at the Thrillerdome as Paul’s young team continues to improve and come together. Thanks to all our students and fans for the tremendous atmosphere.
Let’s make sure we have an equally packed house Saturday for another very important ACC game against Florida State. Please be reminded that tipoff for Saturday’s game is at 6 p.m., which is a change from what appears on your tickets and on printed schedules. I encourage all season ticket holders, if you cannot make it to a game, please turn in your tickets to the A-T Fund. We have a waiting list for all ACC games, so your tickets will be put to good use by another Tech fan, and you will receive A-T credit. We really want to fill every seat for every game.
Congratulations, also, to MaChelle Joseph and the women’s basketball team for a good start after earning a key ACC road win at Clemson last Sunday. Tech will be at home on Monday afternoon, hosting Miami in a special 4:30 p.m. tipoff for the Martin Luther King holiday, and I encourage you to support our women’s team.
THANK YOU
A very special thank you to everyone who attended the Gator Bowl. The end result wasn’t what we wanted, but I think we were all impressed with the way our kids played. And anyone who was there will always remember the remarkable performance by Calvin Johnson in his last game in a Georgia Tech uniform. Congratulations to Calvin for everything that he has accomplished and for the incredible opportunities that he has in front of him – no one could be more deserving. We know that wherever he ends up, he is going to be a tremendous representative for Georgia Tech. I know I can’t wait to see him play on Sunday afternoons next fall.
FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY
As we approach the Feb. 7 National Signing Day for football, our recruiting class continues to shape up as one of the most talented and highly-rated groups in Georgia Tech history. Look for details on our annual Signing Day Celebration that evening. Welcome to the two newest Yellow Jackets, quarterback Steven Threet of Adrian, Mich., and defensive end Derrick Morgan of Coatesville, Pa., who have enrolled this semester. They will participate in spring practice, which begins March 1 and continues through April 7.
2007 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
It’s never too early to start thinking about next football season. We hope to have our 2007 dates finalized by the ACC office in the next week or two, but we already know that we have a great home schedule on tap, including Clemson, Virginia Tech, Boston College and Georgia. In the very near future, we’ll be releasing detailed information on ticket opportunities for next fall, specifically for our highly-anticipated season opener at Notre Dame.
BASEBALL DINNER
I mentioned that Calvin will be a great ambassador for Georgia Tech in the professional ranks. Another pro athlete of whom Tech fans can be very proud is baseball star Mark Teixeira of the Texas Rangers. An American League all-star, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award winner and a class act all the way, Mark will be back at Tech as the keynote speaker for the annual baseball kickoff dinner on Friday, Jan. 19 at the Georgia Tech Hotel. The event includes a silent auction and the introduction of this year’s baseball team. For tickets, contact Ethan Shapiro at 404.894.5410.
Finally, over the last month and a half, I have received literally hundreds of emails. While I try to answer all of them, it’s just not possible. But please, please know that I read each and every one of them, so keep sending your feedback ( goodword@athletics.gatech.edu ) I really appreciate the passion of every Georgia Tech alumnus and fan. Your support is vital to the success of our program.
Go Jackets!
