Troy University Athletics
Troy and Ohio players came together for a visit to Children's Hospital on Thursday.
Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer
Trojans Have Attention on Task at Hand
12/17/2010 11:15:52 AM | Football
PHOTO GALLERIES: WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY 1 | FRIDAY 2
NEW ORLEANS -- After three days in New Orleans, the Troy University Trojans have turned their full attention toward the Ohio Bobcats for the final 48 hours leading up to Saturday's showdown in the 10th Annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
The game will be televised live on ESPN with kickoff scheduled for 8 pm (CT). Troy fans can also listen in to the Troy Sports Network for coverage of the game with Barry McKnight, Jerry Miller and Chris Blackshear on the call of the game.
The Trojans had their final practice on Thursday afternoon at the Louisiana Superdome in preparation for the game, and returned to the dome on Friday morning for team photos.
Following the bowl banquet today, with keynote speaker Deuce McAllister, the team will be taking it easy at the New Orleans Marriott for the final 24 hours before kickoff.
On Thursday, several of the Troy players, including junior punter Will Goggans dressed as Santa Claus, visited with children at the local Children's Hospital. The Trojans, and several players from the Ohio squad, passed out gifts and visited with the kids at the hospital in what is annually one of the most popular events among the players.
Members of the Troy squad also reflected at practice on the 2010 season and the obstacles the team had to overcome to get to the New Orleans Bowl.
“We had that devastating loss to UAB early in the season and we were iffy about things after that because we are so used to winning,” senior Sam Sellers said. When we lost to ULM it really hurt everyone. But, we have some younger guys who are just now starting to come around and really play well. It has been fun watching them grow up.”
Sophomore Jonathan Massaquoi said that, even though the tough parts of the season, the Trojans kept their focus on where they wanted to be at the end of the year.
“Things started to go our way at the end after having some rocky times early in the year,” Massaquoi said. “I think this team grew through all of that and got better. Our main goal was to win that fifth conference championship in a row and get to New Orleans. The guys are excited to be here and will be ready to play on Saturday.”
Senior Daniel Sheffield said that even with all of the potential distractions of New Orleans, the teams has kept its focus during bowl week.
“Most people were doubting us early in the season, and we were doubting ourselves, but we knew that we had to come together as a team and, if we did that, we would have some good things happen for us,” Sheffield said. “The number one priority since we have been here is to win this bowl game.”
Sellers, who is one of four Trojans to have been a part of all five Sun Belt Conference title teams – along with Austin Silvoy, Tanner Jones and Jonathan Chandler – said getting a win in the last game is very important to the seniors.
“That big win against Rice in '06 was great for the program and great for recruiting,” Sellers said. “To come back here and lose to Southern Miss was tough and then the loss last year in the GMAC was devastating. For the seniors, with this being our last game, we are really looking forward to getting a win against a really good MAC team.”
Goose Crowder - T-Day
Saturday, April 18
Donnie Smith - T-Day
Saturday, April 18
Gerad Parker - T-Day
Saturday, April 18
Gerad Parker - April 16
Thursday, April 16