Labor Day weekend has always marked the beginning of a new school year, whether it officially starts a few weeks before or the day after. High school and college football are in full swing–thank goodness–because it’s been a long, hot summer. I recently had the opportunity to speak at UTSA Football’s kick-off luncheon in front of 700+ who are ready to support the next chapter for San Antonio in the American Athletic Conference, raising the bar for our city. Comments by Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Judge Peter Sakai and head UTSA Football Coach, Jeff Traylor, were palpable and inspiring.
In my remarks, I tried to remind everyone of the impact one athlete, one pep rally, one free ball or a donated ticket can make on the next generation. The next Frank Harris could be at the Alamodome when UTSA takes on Texas State. While last week’s season opener didn’t go UTSA’s way in a highly touted rematch against Houston, it did for Texas State who beat a Power 5 school for the first time ever, shocking Baylor 42-31.
And it’s not just about football right now. The next generation of standout, female athletes made last week a game-changer for young girls watching in San Antonio. Alamo Heights graduate and University of North Carolina senior, Fiona Crawley, competed at the U.S. Open fighting her way into the main draw as a qualifier. Nebraska Volleyball hosted 92,003 in an unprecedented match in Memorial Stadium, where the Cornhuskers play football…the most fans ever to watch a women’s sporting event. You read that correctly…THE MOST EVER!
For all of us who think about the year in terms of school and sports seasons, we have much to look forward to, watching the next generation being inspired by amazing athletes in our own backyard and on television.
A shout-out to all the coaches who get up early, stay late, drive a bus and do all the things for our kids to help influence their lives and journeys. You are making a difference through the “power of sport.”