April 22, 2008
RUSTON - When Terry Bradshaw talks, people listen.
On Monday morning at Squire Creek Country Club, the Blonde Bomber did exactly that.
He talked. He spoke on many subjects but his main topic was the direction of the Louisiana Tech athletic department and how excited he was with what he saw happening at his alma mater.
"I am more stoked than I have ever been about what's going on (at Tech)," said Bradshaw during a press conference held in conjunction with the Bradshaw-Kix Brooks Golf Tournament. "I like what I'm seeing. I'm excited about it."
Bradshaw, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft after a stellar collegiate career with the Bulldogs, was excited about everything from the new football uniforms - "the stripe on the helmet is awesome" - to second year head coach Derek Dooley - "I love our coach."
However, his main message was more about the overall direction of the athletic program and what Tech fans need to do to keep the momentum headed in the right direction.
"We all know this," Bradshaw said. "You've got to create pride in your university through your alumni base. You have to get your alumni excited about your university, and fortunately, whether it's right or wrong, athletics does it. Athletics does it.
"Just ask LSU, Alabama, Notre Dame. They can say all they want to about their graduation rates, but bottom line is (their alumni and fans) talk about their football program, basketball, etc."
Bradshaw, who donated his four Super Bowl rings and other memorabilia to Tech in April of 2006 - the items are displayed in the museum area of the Charles Wyly Athletic Center at the Bulldog football facility - , said he felt like new and improved facilities was one of the biggest keys to Tech's continued growth.
"Absolutely," said Bradshaw when asked if he felt facilities make a difference in college athletics. "This is not the 1960's anymore. When you drive down Tech Drive, you've got the big arching gates of Louisiana Tech; it's not dorms anymore, it's those (new) apartments.
"Then you look and see all the new buildings that are going up; you're proud that this is your school. And you give money. When you see people that get excited you give more money. I think that's a natural thing."
And Bradshaw continues to do his part. The star of the NFL Today Show on Fox Sports each Sunday during football season makes it a point to come back to his alma mater every spring for the golf tournament which is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Tech Athletics.
With the help of country music singer and Tech alumnus Kix Brooks as well as the generosity of James Davison and Squire Creek Country Club, the event continues to sell out on a yearly basis as Tech fans come back to see one of their favorite Bulldogs.
Bradshaw said it's these same fans and many others that hold the key to Tech taking the next step in college athletics.
"I think pride is a very emotional, powerful tool that stimulates people to get involved in a positive way," Bradshaw said. "That's what we're having here. It's kind of like a revolution going on (at Tech), and I like it. It's kind of neat."
Almost as neat as having a four-time Super Bowl champion serve as your university spokesperson.
