Let's Get This Party Started! 8/28/12

The smell of college football is in the air. Why did you take so long to get here? I am looking forward to the season starting, but I know in the end I will not want it to be over. As Matt starts his senior season my emotions will be out of whack, but the good thing is that I am fully stocked with plenty of drawers for the season. Let's get this party started! Camp is over and game week has begun so I thought. Due to Hurricane Issac our game against Texas A&M has been moved to October 13th. Really? WTH? This is not even going to be close to what I went through at the Southern Miss game last year. I understand the safety of the fans and the players, but come on man. Outdoor sports are meant to be played in the elements. The only way I am going to be happy about this decision is if we can somehow get this game played in Ruston.

Matt went into camp this year in awesome condition. His off season and summer workouts have been very precise and structured thanks to Damon Harrington. Matt has told me all along that you don't go into camp looking to get in shape. You go into camp in your very best shape. That is why we work so hard in the off season. He has limited his kicks during camp so he can keep his leg fresh for the season. Matt said that this team is going to do things very special this year. The team chemistry is right where it needs to be. He roomed with Ryan Allen again this year at camp.

Matt said this special teams unit is very talented. I feel like we are going to do great things on the field this season. We will be ready when called upon. Matt said the practices and scrimmages have been intense yet the team is very focused on their goals. One of the biggest obstacles I see is the timing and chemistry with the deep snapper and the holder. This will be Matt's 4th holder at La Tech and the trust and bond has to be spot on. Josh, David & Matt have worked very hard over the summer and during camp to get everything down pat. Most of the summer (1 to 2 days a week) they were on the field at 6:00 AM working on their timing. All of this was done on their own to try to get better. Matt told me that things are really starting to click and he can not wait for the opening kickoff.

He has really been kicking the ball well with good pop off of the ball. When Matt helped Matt Stover with his kicking camp over the summer he got to spend a little time with Matt and they worked on a few things and it has really helped with keeping his shoulders in the right alignment. I am really excited for this team and the first game can not get here soon enough. Janet and I along with other family members made our way over to Ruston in the middle of August. Matt & Kasie graduated on August 16th and what a special moment this was for us. Watching these 2 young adults achieve what they have is truly a blessing. Kasie graduated with a degree in Biology and Matt graduated with his finance degree in 3 years. He is currently working on his MBA.

I am not sure how you do this and play football along with his community service participation. It is just awesome. It was so cool to watch Matt walk across the stage to get his diploma and honor his friend TD22 with his pin on his gown. It truly brought tears to my eyes. After graduation was over we got to hang out with Kasie's family for a bit and take pictures of the 2 graduates. There was not a whole lot of time to celebrate as Matt had practice that evening. Once practice was over we would go grab something to eat.

In between meetings and walk thru on Friday we got to spend a little time with Matt. Janet and I were excited about getting to watch practice. With the team still in an open practice we got to get pretty close to the field as in on the sideline. It was so cool to get to listen to the coaches as they ran through all of the different plays. When theses guys hit they hit. I never played football myself but if I got hit like that I am sure I would not get back up. There were a few fights during the scrimmage and that is just going to happen as emotions were running very high.

As practice was coming to an end they were sending balls through the jugs machine for the punt returners to catch and return. What I did not understand was that they were practicing on a field with no light and it was pretty dark. I guess it is a way to focus on catching the ball even in no light conditions. Practice was over and Matt had to go check in at the cafeteria and then it was off to WOW for some wings with Josh, Janet, Matt & Kasie. Matt showed me his schedule for Saturday and I was amazed how little time they do have in a day. Saturday morning we headed to Shreveport to meet Janet's parents and give a little money to the casino. Saturday afternoon we headed to Independence Stadium to watch practice and then visit with the players at the meet & greet.

Practice was cut short as there was lightening in the area. They had the meet & greet setup with name plates for the players and it made it easy as we went through the line. I had a few things to get signed and was a total blast talking to the players and coaches. Every player I spoke with was very gracious and thanked us for being there. It was really awesome. We told Matt goodbye and headed back to the casino. What an awesome few days it was. I always feel comfortable in Ruston. Now it is time to get my game face on as the opening kickoff is staring me in the face. NOT! Now I have to wait until the U of H game on September 8th. I am not happy, but what are you going to do. It is what it is! On a side note Matt informed us this week that he is La Tech's National Collegiate Scholar Athlete nominee for 2012. Are you kidding me? What an awesome honor just to be a nominee! If selected to the final 16 he would be awarded 18K in scholarship money to apply to his MBA classes. That would be sweet and I am very proud of his dedication to football, school and his community. Quin Harris was a finalist in 2008. Matt you rock man! Some of the photos in my blog were taken by Mr. Tom Morris and I appreciate him letting me use them. He does an awesome job with his photography.

I can't wait to share my thoughts with everyone this season. I appreciate those who are following my journey. It is such a blast and an honor to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team. I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are at that moment and sometimes I get a little carried away. I am very passionate about La Tech football. I am just a College Football Fan and I love College Football. Until our paths cross again have a blessed week. College Football Dad!

The Journey Begins! 8/2/12

Wow! I sit here so excited that the time between the spring game and fall camp is over and the season is right in our grasps. On the other hand, why have the years that Matt has been at La Tech gone by so fast? Really, only one more season. Please don't say it is so! I need another bowl game! I really cannot wait for camp to start and I am so excited for Matt and the entire football team. It is going to be an exciting upcoming season. We have some great OOC games this year and we should own the WAC. The games I am looking forward to the most is our opener against

Texas A&M, U of H and the Virginia game. While Illinois will be a tough challenge I feel like those 3 games will set the tone for really how good this team is going to be. The team reports today and hits the field tomorrow. Saying that Matt is anxious for this journey to get started is an understatement. He is like a kid in the candy store bouncing all over the place. He has worked so hard this off season. The field and the weight room has been his home away from home. He has spent 3 to 5 days a week in the weight room since the spring game, runs way too many miles and he kicks 3 to 4 days a week with Josh Cuthbert & David Gru. David will be Matt's 4th holder in 4 years and I feel like all of their hard work over the summer will pay off. All 3 of those guys have to be in perfect harmony. Matt knows the tremendous potential that this team has as well as he does personally.

This team has a chance for national recognition along with several of the players. I truly believe that La Tech has not only the best specialist duo in the WAC but one of the best in the nation. We will score a lot of touchdowns and Matt & Ryan will be called upon when those times don't happen. They both will have opportunities to be game changers and I look forward to watching them excel at their craft. Matt said the seniors have really come together as a team and have taken a leadership role on and off the field. They are focused and have the mindset that they can beat anyone that they play. We have 28 days until kickoff and it cannot get here soon enough. I am so ready for this ride and I hope Wal-Mart has enough drawers for me this year.

Since this is blog #1 for the 2012 season I would like to reflect on some of the things that Matt has been involved with and accomplished this spring and summer. First of all I must say that this young man amazes me everyday and I am so proud of him. His desire, focus, mental toughness, physical ability and his continued climb towards his goals leave me speechless. I am also thankful that he got all of those genes from his mom. Once the spring Game was over Matt went back to work on the weekends at Squire Creek. His 2nd love is golf and he is still working on his game. Matt loves interacting with people and this gives him a way to do that. In May Matt planned a river trip to float the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels.

I think there were about 12 of them who went including his girlfriend Kasie Onken, Kendall Guillot, Vince Cano, Zack Voss, Tyler Nelson (brother), Colton Carley and his great friend Jake Trevino. The cool thing was that Matt proposed to Kasie on the river in front of friends, teammates and his brother. We knew it was going to happen and could not wait for the phone call. Kasie, welcome to the family! Wow! I am getting old! Matt and a few of the players attended the Hico Elementary 2012 picnic. Ms. Toni set everything up so the kids could have a very special day. They played softball, ate with the kids and signed autographs. There are so many things that these young men do in the community that go unrecognized.

I wish La Tech would promote/acknowledge some of these activities that these young men participate in. These guys are not just athletes and La Tech is blessed it has the student athletes that we have. They give so much back to the community. During the summer he worked an internship at Merrill Lynch in Monroe. He was very blessed with the opportunity. He is very intrigued with finances and he said this was going to be exciting. Matt went to Baltimore in June for a couple of days to help Matt Stover with his kicking camp. He loves helping kids who have a desire to become a specialist and he had a blast hanging out with Matt. Over July 4th weekend Janet & I got to go spend some time with Matt. He had just moved into a new house with RP Stuart, Ryan Allen and Ray Holley. We stayed there for a couple of days and got to spend some time with Ray as the other guys went out of town.

Ray Holley is such an amazing person and is very excited to get the season started. I loved sharing the hottest grilled jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon with him. We all shed a few good tears! One of the days we were in Ruston we went with Matt to the field while he kicked. Josh Scobee had planned on working out during the same time. It was so awesome to get to shag balls for Matt & Josh. Watching these two elite athletes kick and go through their routine just blew me away. It is something I will not forget for a long time. Matt was selected to the College Performance Awards watch list again this year along with the Phil Steele pre-season First Team All Wac. These are cool mentions, but winning as a team and performing on the field is all Matt is about. If your play on the field leads to those things then all of your hard work has paid off.

Ok, I cannot wait anymore but the thing I am most proud of is that Matt will be graduating August 16th with his finance degree and a 3.5 GPA. Are you kidding me? A finance degree in 3 years while playing football! On top of that he has concurrently been taking grad classes and should graduate with his MBA in the spring. August 16th will be an awesome day for our family. Not only will Matt be graduating, but Kasie will be graduating with her degree in Biology. There will be a little time for a celebration that night as the team will have practice in full pads that morning. Then it will be back to the task at hand. Wow! I am out of breath. I cannot keep up with Matt's pace and I am not sure how he does. I am already sweating and out of breath! I hope this gives you a little insight to what Matt has been doing this spring and summer. I am sure I have left out several things, but now that I am 50 I am granted a few memory issues. HaHa!

I know he is ready for fall camp to start and I am ready for the kickoff against Texas A&M on August 30th. We are very proud of Matt and his accomplishments. I feel good about this year's team. I am ready for the tailgating to begin and can't wait for the season to start. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and I look forward to seeing everyone at the games. I want to say Happy Birthday to Tyrone on 07/31/12. You are missed! RIP #22. I am very saddened by the loss of Tech XX. As a dog lover I am very upset that something like this can happen. RIP Tech XX. On a happy note I would like to wish Dan "The Man" Matthiesen the best of luck at Georgia State.

You were awesome at what you did and will be missed! I also want to give my oldest son Tyler a shout out for landing a job with AT&T in Austin as a level 2 commercial WiFi specialist. I hope he can make a couple of Matt's games this season. My next blog will be after camp, but before the opening kickoff. I will continue through the season with my thoughts after each game. I appreciate those who are following my journey. It is such a blast and honor to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team. I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are at that moment and sometimes I get a little carried away.

I am very passionate about La Tech football. I am just a College Football Fan and I love college football. Until our paths cross again have a blessed summer. College Football Dad!

Reflections & The Golden Ticket 2/9/12

I sit here and wonder what it is going to be like without football. The bowl games are over and the Super Bowl just passed me by. The Spring game is too far away and I don't want to even thing about how far away the start of the 2012 season is. I think I would like to be a bear right now. I can go into hibernation and wake up and football is here again! That would be sweet! 2011 was such an awesome season. I would of never in my wildest dreams imagined our season would of finished like it did. I have so many great memories from the Spring game to the final whistle. My reflections of the season will start with the Southern Miss game. I guess water was the word of the day! Since this game was a 9:00 CST start, I thought for sure the rain would give us a break before kickoff. I was wrong as we got hammered with around 10" of rain. I got to do two firsts at the opening game of the season. I had to make a trip to Walmart and buy new drawers since I did not pack any. Hanging loose was not on my agenda and tailgate in our hotel room.

When we arrived at the stadium and saw the field I had to look twice. It looked like there was a lake on the field. How are they going to play this game? I watched Matt take warm ups and they had him kicking out of large bodies of water. It looked like an explosion shot out of a sand trap. This is going to be interesting! The game started on time with multiple ponds all over the field. I will call this game the game of missed opportunities. We get the ball on their 14 yard line and go for it on 4th and 1 instead of taking the 3 points. You guessed it, Southern Miss takes possession of the ball. Then with 3 minutes left in the first half, 4th and 18 on their 34 yard line we decide with 7 seconds left on the play clock to send in the FG team. You can't do that with 7 seconds. We get slapped with a delay of game penalty and the punting team comes on. We played a great game overall, but with the final score Southern Miss 19 to 17 we left too many missed opportunities on the field.

I still believe you have to take points when they are there to be taken. In this game they could of changed th outcome of the game. One cool memory for me was watching Matt come out during half and nail 2 FG's from 51 and 56 yards each. This is where the FG would of been before the penalty and after. You can not tell me Matt is not focused and mentally tough. Our first home game was against Central Arkansas. This meant family and the first tailgate of the season. I got a new flat top griddle during the off season and breakfast and lunch would be cooked the old school way. This game was a game of wild plays, long bombs and two defenses who did not want to be on the field. I got to witness my first OT game and La Tech wins 48 to 42. It was not supposed to happen this way, but a win is a win! Our defense made an incredible block of their FG attempt in OT. This opened up the door for us to take it either way. Our next game was against U of H. We had lots of family come in for this game. I was looking forward to this game the most.

A top 25 team coming to Ruston was where it was at. Fajitas were on the grill and game time was here. We pulled all stops out in the first 3 quarters with a fake FD that led to a TD and Matt connecting on a 47 yard FG into the wind. Tech goes into the 4th quarter with a 34 - 14 lead. Then the circus brought in a roller coaster and we go from the top to the bottom as CK leads U of H to 21 unanswered points and defeats Tech 35 - 34. Oh the highs and lows are very painful. Onward to Cow Bell University we go. Mississippi State was our next opponent. Anytime you plat an SEC team it is going to be a tough game. We go back in forth in this game. The offensive play calling is suspect towards the end of the game. We go to our 2nd OT game of the season and the Cow Bells win 26 - 20. Matt connects on FG's of 43 and 28 yards. Another game of missed opportunities. Looking back at our season after 4 games we could really be 4 - 0 instead of 1 - 3. The Hula girls come to town next.

The team will be sporting their red uniforms. This game got ugly early with each team having a PAT blocked and then the 22 minute referee fiasco that completely changed the game. Tech was never in this game as the skirts win easily 44 - 26. Next we head to the potato state to take on the Vandals. My brother made his way over from Portland to attended the game. Tech dominated the game with a strong defense and an incredible punting exhibition. Matt connected on another FG as Tech wins 24 - 11. This was an awesome road win and we really needed it. We travel to take on the Blue Aggies next. I had to follow the game on game tracker as I was traveling back to Dallas from New Orleans. Tech was up 7 - 0 when I boarded the plane and when I landed we were down 14 - 17. As I made my way from the airport to the house, Tech scored a TD and a FG and held on to beat Utah State 24 - 17. Wow! 2 wins in a row and 2 wins back to back on the road.

San Jose State comes to Ruston next. The excitement is in the air with the possibility of winning 3 straight games. Frito pies and chili dogs were on the tailgate menu for this cool crisp day. Tech started out slow, but came on strong to close the first half out at 24 - 14. Each team scored 2 TD's in the 2nd half and Tech wins it's 3rd straight WAC game and is in good position to challenge for the WAC title. Matt had another FG in this game. Off to the west coast we go to take on the fake Bulldogs for Fresno. Fresno is a tough place to win at. Tech starts off early and often as Tech goes into half up 34 -7. I think I was pretty numb at that point as normal teams don't do this to Fresno State. We gave up a couple of late TD's and roll on to victory 41 - 21. That is 4 straight wins and 3 straight road wins. Matt made 3 FG's during the game. Next up we travel to Oxford for an out of conference game against Ole Miss. We had about 20 people going to the game. We got to test drive some BBQ in Memphis and tailgate in the Grove. It was a chilly and very windy day.

No matter who they are, all SEC teams are tough especially at home. With a TD and couple of missed FG's by both teams Matt comes in with no time on the clock and nails a 43 yard FG into the same nasty wind to send Tech into the half with a 10 - 7 lead. Can I say it was a major momentum shift? Tech scores 2 more TD's and Matt connects on another FG into the same crazy wind and Tech wins 27 -7. At this point I am thinking we have something very special going on and I know we still have more football to go. Can you believe that is 5 wins in a row and 4 on the road. We have also become bowl eligible. Oh My! Off we go to Reno to tackle the Wolf Pack. Nevada is always tough to play at home. Nevada scores first and goes into half up 7 - 0. We exchange a couple of FG's as Matt connects from 29 yards out. Nevada scores another TD and FG and goes into the 4th quarter up 20 - 3. Midway through the 4th quarter Tech runs off 3 straight TD's and with 51 seconds left we are up on Nevada 24 - 21.

The defense holds strong and Tech wins 24 - 21 and a possible share of the WAC Championship. This is pretty exciting as we have now won 6 straight games and 5 straight on the road. New Mexico State is next on our schedule. A lot of family and friends would be in town as we celebrate Thanksgiving. Gumbo was the tailgate food for this game. We started cooking early as we knew the wind and rain would hit just a little after noon. Mother Nature did not fail us as she was right on time. With a constant down pour the Tech offense exploded for a 23 - 0 halftime lead. You sort of had this feeling that good things were getting ready to happen. Matt made a 33 yard FG in the first half. The second half was no different as we blew out New Mexico State with a 44 - 0 win. With a Nevada loss to Utah State that made us the outright WAC Champion and on top of that the Poinsettia Bowl selected us to play in their bowl in San Diego. I told you we got the GOLDEN TICKET!

Can you believe this? Being on the field in the rain celebrating with Matt and all of the players, family and fans is something I will never forget. Watching Matt hold the WAC Championship trophy and that big smile brought tears to my eyes. When you work hard and believe, you can accomplish anything you want! What an awesome season and it was so special to spend it with all of our family and friends! Matt Nelson you Rock! San Diego here we come! We made our plans for San Diego and we are ready to go. The team would arrive San Diego on Saturday, December 17th, Janet & I, John & Carol (mom & dad), Meggie & Papaw (Janet's mom & dad), Cathy, Wes, Parker & Peyton (my sister and her family) and David & Barbara (Janet's aunt & uncle) all made our way to San Diego on December 18th. The game was on December 21st so we would have plenty of time to visit with Matt and explore San Diego. We all arrived around the same time. We were staying at the team hotel which was very close to the airport.

Before we went to the hotel we found a Trader Joe's and loaded up with snacks and adult beverages. Their 2 Buck Chuck is pretty good stuff. One of the other things we found were these Kettle Corn cookies. If I did not have to share them I would have eaten the whole bag. Darn those things were good. Matt had practice today and then the team went to the zoo. After he returned from the zoo we were already at the hotel. He was sporting his new warm ups and his new Nike shoes. He said they got other shirts, sweat shirt, a watch, a gift card to Best Buy and they get to keep their jersey. I thought that was pretty sweet. He said he was going to use his gift card to buy a Keurig single cup coffee maker and a Kindle Fire. What a great reward for an awesome season. Matt had free time from 4:30PM to 1:00AM so a few of us went to the hospital to visit with Vince Cano and see how he was doing. His gall bladder had flared up and he had surgery earlier that day. I think Vince was pretty excited that Matt came to visit and check on his good buddy. We visited with Vince for about an hour and then headed out to get something to eat.

We were looking for a diner and we found one called Brian's. Once we got seated and got our menu we soon discovered that we were in a very friendly diner. We decided to wing it and the food was actually pretty good. The entertainment was not so good! We made our way back to the hotel and visited with Matt before it was lights out for me. It was awesome getting to spend a little time with Matt during this awesome event.  Monday we went to watch practice. It was really cool getting up close and watching the team go through various plays. After practice was over the team went to Sea World and we headed to Hodad's in Ocean Beach. If you watch Diners, Drive-ins and Dives you will recognize this place as one of Guy's favorites. It is a hole in the wall that serves awesome burgers. I was so stoked we did this and the food was outstanding! We made our way back to the hotel and caught up with Matt. He wanted to run out to Torrey Pines and look around. We looked around the pro shop and the had an observation deck that you could see several hole and the pacific ocean in the background.

It was pretty awesome! We made it back to the hotel and caught up with the rest of the family and we all went to dinner. It was cool getting everyone together and celebrating this time with Matt. Tuesday morning we caught the bus from the hotel and went to the USS Midway. Both teams would be there along with the bands. The bands had a battle of the bands and it was so loud on the 2nd deck of the carrier. Shortly after that both teams arrived and then the line formed to get our food and find a seat. It was so crowded. Both teams had players speak along with the head coaches. It was really well done! After everything was done the team left and we toured the flight deck. This thing was huge! What an awesome experience! Matt had special teams meeting this afternoon so we were just going to take it easy back at the hotel. My dad had some friends in San Diego so we went to dinner with them. We had some great Italian food. We caught up with Matt for just a minute when we returned. He had to be in his room by 10:00PM.

It is game day! It is time to get my game face on. We started early this morning with a quick drive to Point Loma to visit the Carrillo National Monument and the historic lighthouse. The views were breathtaking. Then we made our way to the Coronado Brewery for our pre-game lunch with the rest of the family. The beer was good and cold and the food was awesome. I will visit this place again. There happened to be a liquor store right next door. We loaded up our ice chest with Alaskan Amber and headed to Jack Murphy Stadium. (Qualcomm Stadium) After paying $20 to park we headed as close to the stadium as we could and got to park on the 2nd row. We were also very close to where the La Tech fans would enter the stadium. After a few adult beverages and chill time we ran in to Mr. Harper, his wife and daughter. Shortly after that Mr. Rust found us and then it was back to the adult beverages. All of the family went into the stadium to see the team warm up. Mr. Rust and I celebrated this awesome ride as this was his last game to have a Dawg in the fight.

This would be Dusty's last game an he was so proud of Dusty's accomplishments at Tech. We made our way into the stadium. It was awesome! Janet had given Mr. Rust her ticket so he could sit by me during the game. We don't sit well together during the games. The pre game was awesome and I am ready for some football. TCU kicks off and Tech runs off 5 plays and punts. TCU sputters as well and punts the ball back to Tech. Tech drives the ball down to the TCU 4 yard line and Matt comes in and drills a 23 yard FG. Hoo Ya! That was pretty. The first quarter comes to an end with Tech up 3 - 0. TCU starts the 2nd quarter off with a 25 yard FG and we are tied at 3 - 3. Tech marches down the field and scores a quick TD and the PAT is good. Tech is up 10 -3. TCU sputters again and punts the ball. Tech drives down and sets up Matt for a 43 yard FD and he killed the ball as it just sailed left of the posts. I felt so bad. He made such a good connection on the ball. TCU takes over and still has to punt the ball back to us. CC drives the team down the field and throws an INT. TCU take the ball and ponds it in for a TD. We are tied at 10 - 10 as the half ends. Both teams have had their share of mistakes, but we are still in this game. TCU takes the ball to start the 3rd quarter and drives down and scores. Tech takes the ball and marches down the field and HL scampers 2 yards and scores.

The PAT is good and we are all tied at 17 -17. We exchange punts and then CC finds MW for a 61 yard bomb. The PAT is good and we are up 24 -17. I can smell a victory. Let's do this! The 3rd quarter comes to an end with Tech in the lead. The 4th quarter starts with a long drive by TCU and we are tied at 24. Tech goes 4 and out and TCU throws a 42 yard bomb with 6 minutes to go in the game. TCU now leads 31 - 24. We still have time. Tech takes the ball and runs 3 plays and we have to punt. TCU takes the ball at the 3:33 mark and runs out the clock. Oh we were so close! I am still proud of our performance. We hung very tough with a top 15 program and the winner of last years Rose Bowl. I would say our program is on the right track. We made our way over to the buses to see Matt. This was going to be quite a task as the TSA was right there making the players and coaches go through a make shift security line. I guess they were going right to the plane and they had to take off before 11:00PM due to a noise law/curfew.

If they did not make it they would have to wait until tomorrow. Matt finally made his way through security and I got a big hug. I told him I was very proud of him and to enjoy the moment. He told me that the FG he missed was one the best foot to ball contacts he has made. The ball just drifted left. We said our goodbyes and made our way back to the car. We celebrated our awesome season with a few more adult beverages. Mr. Rust made his way back over to our tailgate area. We gave him a big hug. I am not sure how I will feel when Matt plays his last game at Tech. I have on more year to go and I really don't want to think about it. We headed back to the hotel and grabbed some food before calling it a night. We were a little slow in the morning. We had an early afternoon flight back to North Dallas. All I can say is WOW! What a ride! What a performance by this team this year. This group of guys fought hard and they fought hard for each other. I am so proud of all of them.I know Matt did not have the season he wanted. Kicking is a funny game! Matt will grow from this. I think his senior season will be his best.

He is mentally sound and is leg strong. He will be working with his kicking instructor during the spring and over the summer. He will refine the little things he needs to do so that he is ready for the season. He also has his mentors CB, JS and MS who have been there for Matt whenever he has had a need. We are so grateful for them! We are very proud of Matt being selected to the 2nd team All WAC and to the 1st tam All WAC Academic team. These are awesome accomplishments! Matt has also been approved by the Dean for graduate school and will be taking concurrent classes towards his MBA. Matt will graduate with a finance degree this summer and should complete his MBA at the end of the Spring in 2013. This will be an awesome accomplishment in 4 years! We are so proud of you Matt. I need to take a moment and thank everyone all of the support we have had over the past year. We are so blessed to have such amazing family and friends. We have made so many new friends at Tech and we thank you for all of your support! So many of us who would not normally get together very often have been brought together by this awesome game they call football.

We can not thank you enough! Again we are very blessed! From Dad to Matt: Where do I begin? You have taken me places that I have never dreamed of going. You have made me laugh and you have made me cry. You are such an amazing person and your will and determination gives me hope that I one day will understand how to live life to the fullest. Your commitment to your lord, your family, your coaches and most importantly to your teams is so amazing! Thanks for the memories, the guidance, the phone calls, the love and for just being you. I can't wait to see what you bring to the table next season. I love you man! I will leave my reflections of this season here. Thanks so much to those who have followed my journey. I am so blessed to be able to capture these moments and share them with you. I want to send out special prayers to the Duplessis family and the La Tech family. We were saddened by the loss of Tyrone. Things like this make us ask why? Why Lord did this happen? Even though God has a plan for us it is still tough to swallow. Matt was very upset when he found out and then realized that he needed to be there for his teammates and make sure they were all ok.

Tyrone and Matt came in with the same recruiting class and they were pretty close. CD asked Matt to be there when the family arrived and even though he did not know what to say when he first saw Mr. Duplessis he knew that a hug would say the right thing. Matt along with some coaches and players spent some time with the family before they departed the field house that evening. Matt said he was going to New Orleans for the funeral. He wants to be there for Tyrone. Tyrone thanks for the memories! RIP #22 on 2/2/12. My next blog will happen during Spring camp and during the Spring game. It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team! I might not say the right things, but I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are during that time.I don't intend to hurt anyone's feelings, but I am very passionate about La Tech Football. Thank you so much to Mr. Tom Morris with La Tech Sport Pix for allowing me to use some of his photos for this blog. Thanks to Matt Lange for uses of the #22 avatar, May your Football Season be filled with many Football Victories, Sunny Smiles, Sandy Dreams and Travel Your Way! Until or paths cross again, have a blessed week! College Football Dad!

New Mexico State 11/26/11

I don't know where to begin! I feel like I just won the College Football lottery with this win over the snakes from Reno. I am so glad we came back and shoved that cream pie right in their face! We send them to the MWC with their tails between their legs and a new streak at home. I am not sure what it is really like to be high, but this winning high is one I want to stay on. I keep wanting to sing I Gotta Felling by Black Eyed Peas! Tyler & Matt are going to shoot me for listening to them, but I like the song! It's going to be a great week! Please, just hurry up and get here! I am a little concerned about this game with another one of these Aggie want-a-be's. I am not sure it that is a real word but it sounds right. There is only one Aggie team and it is from College Station! We have everything to gain with a win and they have nothing to lose except a keg of booze! I kid you not!

I was reading some the words to their fight song and I about fell over. "And when we win this game, We'll buy a keg of booze, And we’ll drink it to the Aggies ‘till we wobble in our shoes!" Some drunk admin must of wrote that after one of their field hockey wins! I guess that is what they do in the hills sitting on their letter "A" This is going to be an exciting week for our family! We are headed to Ruston on Wednesday afternoon. My oldest son (Tyler) is driving over Wednesday night from Austin, my parents (John & Carol) and my Aunt Donna are coming over from Florida Wednesday afternoon, and my sister (Cathy) and her family (Wes, Parker & Peyton) are coming over Thursday morning from Houston. This will be the first time we have celebrated Thanksgiving in Ruston with Matt.

We cannot wait for the festivities to get started. Then on Friday our good friends Joe, Julie & Jake Trevino from Cibolo will be coming to Ruston from College Station after the Aggie/Longhorn game. Jake was the QB for Steele HS and was Matt's only holder during HS. He attends Texas A&M now. Then to add more excitement Meggie & Papaw (Janet's parents), David & Barbara (Janet's Aunt & Uncle) and Curtis (Janet's boss) and son Pate will be coming on Saturday. As you can tell our family & friends love their Bulldogs! I talked to Matt a couple of times early in the week. You talk about someone who is pumped up! He is jacked with excitement! He said he is kicking the ball really well. The early forecast has some rain predicted so he is a little concerned with that. NMS has one of the top kick returners in the nation so they are going to working on all sorts of weird kicks. He said it could be like target practice so don't get pissed if I don't kick anything deep. Great!

Just what I need is another reason to watch the kickoff from my camera lens. Oh well! A few more adult beverages before kickoff will help keep me grounded. We met Matt at his house after practice on Wednesday. I had to drop off the ingredients for the chicken & sausage gumbo that we would be serving at our tailgate on Saturday. Matt's refrigerator made it easy to keep things chilled for a few days. Matt had a hankering for a two for one burger special at Portico's, so we headed up there and also met Kasie (Matt's GF) and Jonathan Bale (Tech's #1 golfer) for some grub. We had to get just the right amount of people so we could do the two for one burger thing. The burgers were good, but most of all the company was awesome! We said our goodbyes and then it was off to the Fairfield for a nice bottle of red wine and a comfy bed. Tomorrow morning would actually be a morning I might sleep in a few extra minutes.

Not! As usual I am up early and downstairs on the computer with a coffee in hand.Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you get to eat everything you want, lay on the couch and go back for more! Matt had practice Thanksgiving morning and then the team had a team meal before they were dismissed until Friday. We had a few items to still get for the gumbo and a couple of other errands to run so the morning went by quite fast. Tyler who can work remote had to work from 10AM to 6PM so we were not going to have Thanksgiving dinner until he got off of work. My sister and family made it over to Matt's and we hung out and watched football until Tyler got off of work. I know I am going to catch a bunch of crud for this but we headed to the Cracker Barrel in West Monroe for our Thanksgiving dinner. Besides our family we had Kasie, Jonathan and Hannah go with us as well. Thanksgiving is for sharing and everybody is family to us.

The food was good and the servers who had been serving all day were friendly, but they ran out of stuffing! I was so bummed as stuffing is a must at Thanksgiving! I bet during Christmas I eat more than my share to make up what I missed. All in all it was a great time with family and friends. We made our way back to the Fairfield where we took over the downstairs and watched what will probably be the last meeting between the Aggies/Longhorns for a long time. Man it was a great game as JT boots a 40 yard FG as the Aggies fall short. I need a night cap and then it will be lights out. Friday morning comes slowly and about mid morning some of us make our way over to Matt's house. I have gumbo for 30 plus to make and Janet & Peyton have #33 cookies to make.

I have the roux done, the trinity cooking away along with 7lbs of sausage and 3 rotisserie chickens all swimming in this 24 quart pot. I am not sure Matt's stove can hold this thing. This gumbo smells awesome and the cookies baking in the oven add to the food explosion in my nose. After a family meal at Johnny's and our goodbyes to Matt it was off to get the tailgate spot setup. We were having a Friday night tailgate party with family and friends. Burgers on the grill and a few adult beverages would be on tap. With a chill in the air the heat from the ole Weber it felt like we were camping. The burgers were awesome! The company was awesome and I was ready for some football. Saturday sometime the rain and the cold front would be moving in. It was not a matter of if it was when. From all indications it would hit around noon. This meant I would be serving gumbo around 11:00AM so I could batten down the hatches when the rain started. As Saturday morning arrived I was pretty relaxed.

I am not sure why as I so badly want this team to win and I am normally pretty nervous before the game. Janet and I arrived to the tailgate spot at 7:45Am with all of the food in tow. We got things setup and ready to go. Everything was done and we actually had a few moments to sit and reflect on the season before family and friends started trickling in. The Bloody Mary's were flowing and the good time were about to roll. I had already started heating up the gumbo slowly. I would worry about the water for the rice later. We had some family who left Dallas early AM and gave us rain updates as they made their way to Ruston. We had a real good idea that we were still on track for a noon watering. We so had many visitors stop by the tailgate. Mr. Harper, Mr. Hamm, Mr. Rust, Mr. McGehee (Brought his new son by) and Mr. Garland (Just returned from Korea Friday afternoon) to name a few.

We are so blessed with all of the great people we have met since we have joined the La Tech family! Before I forget, I want to thank the Matthiesen's and the Garlands who helped with extra tickets for our family. You guys are awesome! The adult beverages are flowing, the french bread is on the grill and the gumbo is ready to be served. I have to admit this gumbo rocks! I hope I can remember everything I did so I can duplicate this recipe. Just about everyone has had a bowl or two and now it was on to the brownies and #33 cookies. We could see in the distance and smell in the air that the watering would be soon. We started putting most things back in totes and back in the Suburban. We moved the tables in the center of the tents and all of the chairs around them. Then it hit! Let the soaking begin.

I had already moved the cooker with the gumbo and rice inside of the tents so we were still good for anyone who wanted 3rds. The team did not come in where they normally do so we actually did not know they had arrived. I walked over to the gate and watch Matt warm up some through the fence. He looked like he was making good contact, but he was not kicking with a snapper and a holder. I am sure the ball is going to be slick! After a few more adult beverages I made my way into the stadium. I wanted to be there when the Seniors were announced. I know it is a special time for them to get the recognition that they deserve. It's wet and the kickoff is upon us. The team looks jacked and I gotta a feeling! Matt is going to kickoff and it is down to the 7 yard line and we stop him at the 17. Now that is what I am talking about! Tech forces NMS to punt and we run 12 plays and Matt comes in for a 33 yard FG and it is good.

I was worried about how slick the ball would be and it looks like CL snap to TB was good. Boy I wish the rain would let up some. Matt kicks off with a line drive bullet that NMS had no clue was coming. One of these days our coverage is going to recover one of these funny kicks on the ground. Tech holds them and NMS punts again. Tech runs 10 plays and CC throws a 7 yard TD strike ti TI. Matt comes in for the PAT. The snap is away and it is high and TB has a hard time controlling it and the flying saucer misses left. Looking through my lens the ball never got on the ground and it was on its side when Matt's foot struck the ball. I had a feeling that the ball would become slick in this rain at some point. We exchange a couple of series and the first quarter comes to an end with Tech up 9 - 0. I am ok with this but with this rain I sure would like a bigger lead. Our first series we punt in the 2nd quarter and then CB intercepts NMS. Tech takes the ball and runs off 11 plays as HL scores from 1 yard out.

Matt comes in and the PAT is good. I think it is rain dripping off of my head, but I was sweating bullets. Matt kicks off with another screamer that hit one of the front line and is on the ground again for our taking. Our coverage team is getting closer. NMS throws down field and AC intercepts and takes it to the house for a TD. Matt connects with the PAT and the 2 quarter comes to an end with Tech up 23 - 0. I've gotta feeling! We take the ball in the 3rd quarter and run off 9 plays with a HL 6 yard score. Matt connects with the PAT and Tech is up 30 -0. Are you kidding me? There is no stopping us now. I smell a WAC Championship! Matt kicks off with a high sky right and we really should of recovered this one. It was placed where no one was. Oh, it was so close! We hold NMS on a 4th and 1 and take possession where we turn the ball back over on an interception. Oh no!

Not good! Tech holds them to a punt and CJ takes it 82 yards for another TD. Matt connects on the PAT and we are up 37 - 0. There is no stopping us now! Matt sends another bullet down field. It is pretty funny watching the NMS players duck. They have no clue where he is kicking it. I am not a fan of this style of kicking, but in these weather conditions I will live with it. We hold them and they punt. Tech takes over and runs off 11 plays and HL scores on a 7 yard run. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 44 - 0. Hoo Ya! Can the game end now? Matt sends a low liner down field and NMS takes the ball as the 4th quarter comes to an end. We play ball control the 4th quarter and the game comes to an end with Tech winning 44 - 0. We are Champions! Can you believe? The players and coaches are going nuts on the field. I was so touched when RH & AG came on to the field holding the WAC Champions poster! They are my hero's! We were told there would be a special presentation after the game.

After the game the NMS players shook hands with the Tech players. Then they made there way to the North end zone where they watched Tech receive their WAC Championship trophy and accept an invitation to the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego! This is so cool! At first I thought they were doing it out of respect to Tech, but after I thought about and watched the head coaches finger pointing, I soon realized that this was a learning lesson. You want to be in that position and celebrate like they are then you have to come to play every day and every time you take the field. You want to experience this? Then work your ass off in the off season and come to Spring football with a fire in your belly! Now get to the locker room! That would be my 2 cents as to what was going on. After NMS cleared the field we were allowed on the field.

We finally found Matt and what a celebration it was. I was so proud of him and this entire team. I even got to give Ms. Toni a big hug! Watching them individually hold the WAC trophy was a very special moment. I can't tell you how many tears of joy I shed, but I am sure glad it was raining. It is sometimes hard for a grown man to admit to tears. I sure let them out. We told as many players as we could congrats and took several pictures with Matt. It was so very special that my oldest son (Tyler) was there so we could celebrate this special moment together as a family! This is so awesome and we get to sit back and wait for our opponent in the Poinsettia Bowl. San Diego is going to be rocking on the 21st. I know we will have many family members in attendance. I gave Matt one final hug and he headed to the locker room. To all players and coaches: We are very proud of each and everyone of you! You rock!

I knew I had a mess at the tailgate area, but I really did not care. It could wait until Sunday. When I got back over there Mr. Rust was there and a big hug was in store. Nothing funny going on! Just 2 very proud parents. We celebrated with the rest of the family and friends with a couple of adult beverages. High Fives and Hugs everywhere! Since we had so many members with our group we decided to go get dry clothes on and bring the party to the Fairfield. We ordered pizza and brought the adult beverages in and celebrated this awesome victory. It is so hard for me to explain my feelings. I am really over whelmed and so very proud of this team. They never gave up! After we consumed 5 Big Daddy's from Foxes Pizza and several adult beverages it was time to find a dry bed! What a complete day spent with so many great people. I hope our players enjoy this win and then get back to business. I am sure our coaching staff will keep them reeled in as we still have some unfinished business to attend to in San Diego!

I wish I knew who our opponent was so I could start preparing, but I guess I have to wait until after next weeks games to unfold. They say we have possibilities with Boise State, TCU, Wyoming, San Diego State and a long shot with Air Force. I think a lot of this will have to wait and see what U of H does in the CUSA Championship. A special thanks to Andrew (tailgate neighbor) who saved our tents Saturday night as the winds blew through! Matt we are so proud of you! My words can not express how you have helped me grow as a person! You have so much composure and focus in everything that you do! From football to your degree, you have a goal every step of the way! Your mental toughness will take you places you have never dreamed of. Your passion for your craft shows more and more every time we see you! Thanks so much for letting me live out my dreams through your eyes! I love you man! Oh what a great season it has been! I know we have one more game to take care of business in, but I wanted to thank all of our family and many friends for all of their support this year!

Words will never say enough as to our sincere thanks! We are so blessed in so many ways and give praise to the lord for everything that has happened! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! San Diego here we come! You had better be ready for some Dawgs to come into town standing tall! I can't wait! See you all then! Make sure and watch ESPN December 8th and cheer on RA as he is up for the Ray Guy Award! Best of luck RA! It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team! I might not say the right things, but I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are during the week and during the game. I don't intend to hurt anyone's feelings, but I am very passionate about La Tech Football. My opinions on the coaches and their coaching abilities are only mine and no one else's. Thank you so much to Mr. Tom Morris with La Tech Sports Pix for allowing me to use some of his photos for this blog. Don't forget to listen to J Ford and Chris Keagle with Bleed Tech Blue on ESPN 97.7 FM every Tuesday night at 6:00 PM. May your Football Season be filled with many Football Victories, Sunny Smiles, Sandy Dreams and Travel Your Way! Until our paths cross again, have a blessed week! College Football Dad!