From The Desk of #ADJD
1/9/2020 3:37:00 PM | General
Dear Horned Frogs Fans:
A NEW DECADE
Happy New Year and Best Wishes in 2020 Frog Fans! It was a lot of fun to look back at all the accomplishments and incredible moments our athletics programs shared over the past decade and equally exciting to think about what the next 10 years have in store for the Horned Frogs! I say this often but it is worth repeating – I am very encouraged by the upward trajectory our programs are demonstrating and the men and women we have at TCU working to help our student-athletes achieve their full potential.
COMING IN 2021: TCU WOMEN'S TRIATHLON
In case you missed our exciting news Wednesday, we are proud to announce women's triathlon as our newest intercollegiate sport at TCU. Triathlon now gives us 22 intercollegiate sports, including 13 for women. We looked at numerous options with a lot of factors going into the decision process, including Title IX compliance, economic considerations, facilities, competitive advantages and overall fit within the TCU and DFW communities. For all those reasons, triathlon was far and away the best match for TCU. For those of you who do not know, collegiate triathlon consists of a 750m open water swim, a 20k bike race and a 5k run. Competition will begin in Fall 2021. Please CLICK HERE for our complete announcement.
BIG 12 SEASON HAS ARRIVED
It has been a couple thrillers in conference play so far for our men's basketball program, winning 81-79 in overtime over Iowa State and 59-57 at Kansas State. We have our first 2-0 start in the Big 12 and host Oklahoma State on Saturday at 1 p.m.
We need that home-court advantage in Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena! Even with our students on winter break, our fans made a difference in this past Saturday's win over the Cyclones. As a reminder for both men's and women's basketball, if you cannot make it to a game, please ensure your tickets still find a good home and are used. You can transfer them electronically to a friend or simply log in to your online account, select transfer option and have them donated to Vet Tix. If you have difficulty doing any of those options, please contact me directly and I am happy to assist you.
Speaking of our women's program, they are also playing very well, highlighted by a 65-63 victory at No. 25 Texas for our first-ever win in Austin over the Longhorns. We host Kansas on Sunday at 2 p.m. See you there!
FALL GRADUATION
You have likely heard me speak about favorite days of the year, and seeing our student-athletes in a cap and gown ranks right at the top. Congratulations to our 23 student-athletes who received their degrees last month! Included in that group were Big 12 champions, All-Americans and TCU record holders.
To provide a study break for our 500-plus student-athletes before exams last month, we held our inaugural Pre-Finals Frolic in the Champions Club of Amon G. Carter Stadium. The event included a chance for everyone to spend time together, enjoy a meal, photo booth, holiday pictures with SuperFrog and other fun festivities before buckling down with the books for finals week.
NATIONAL RESPECT
In a great example of the level of respect our coaching staff has among their peers across their country, we have three head coaches who will be taking presidency roles in their respective organizations.
On Monday in Nashville, Gary Patterson will become President of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). In April, Jamie Dixon takes over the presidency of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Later in the spring, Angie Ravaioli-Larkin becomes President of the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA). Also deserving mention is Jim Schlossnagle, serving as the third vice president for the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). That position will eventually lead to a presidency role for him.
SURVEY TIME
If you are a football season-ticket holder, check your email inbox later this morning. You will see a survey from us, requesting input on your game-day experience this past season. The feedback is very important as we always look for ways to enhance your experiences with us while also helping prepare for a special 2020 season. In 2020, we will celebrate the 20th year of Gary Patterson as our head coach and the grand opening of our new Legends Club on the east side of Amon G. Carter Stadium.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
If you're watching Monday night's National Championship Game between Clemson and LSU, make sure to tune in to ESPNU at 7 p.m. for the annual Coaches Film Room which will again feature Gary Patterson. It will be Coach Patterson's third straight year on the show. He's always a big hit with his in-game analysis.
TICKET NOTES
Please note that Friday is our deadline for baseball season-ticket renewals. We begin practice January 24 with the season opener on Valentine's Day (for all the guys reading this, the date is February 14) against Kentucky.
Also, if you are a basketball season-ticket holder, you have until January 24 to reserve your seats for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship in Kansas City. The women's tournament will be played simultaneously in KC. It really is a great opportunity to support both of our basketball programs at the same time. If you have not been before, you will be amazed at the hospitality in KC for these tournaments.
BIG 12 NOW ON ESPN+
As a reminder, we have six men's basketball games and four women's contests airing digitally this season on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. The first game will be next Saturday, January 18, when our men play at Oklahoma. Our first home men's basketball game on the digital platform will be January 21 versus Texas Tech.
We will also have baseball games airing this season on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. While our full TV schedule is not set yet, we do know our entire three-game series at Oklahoma State (March 20-22) is scheduled for Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
There is a $4.99 monthly charge for Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Our September 12 home football opener next season versus Prairie View A&M, as well as other special TCU programming, will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. An advantage of this platform is our ability to control start times. For more information on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, please CLICK HERE.
STUDENT-ATHLETE RECOGNITIONS
It was terrific to see four of our football student-athletes recognized with All-America honors from various media outlets this season.
The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Phil Steele both named Jeff Gladney and Jalen Reagor as second-team All-Americans at cornerback and punt returner, respectively. Jalen was also second-team All-American all-purpose by Sports Illustrated. Additionally, linebacker Garret Wallow earned honorable mention All-America honors from Phil Steele.
Safety Ar'Darius Washington was named Freshman All-American by The Athletic.
Internally, we recognize TCU Student-Athletes of the Week. Please see below for our December recipients:
December 3 – Desmond Bane (men's basketball) and Lauren Heard (women's basketball)
December 10 – Kevin Samuel (men's basketball), Jaycee Bradley (women's basketball) and Katie Clark (volleyball)
December 17 – RJ Nembhard (men's basketball) and Jayde Woods (women's basketball)
Our December Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Month were Jaycee Bradley (women's basketball) and Desmond Bane (men's basketball).
TEAM OF THE DECADE
D1Baseball.com recognized the success of our baseball program, with four College World Series appearances, as Team of the Decade for the Big 12. Jim Schlossnagle was named Big 12 Coach of the Decade, while Luken Baker, Riley Ferrell, Preston Morrison and Evan Skoug were named to the All-Decade Team. What is amazing to me about this is that we didn't even compete the entire decade in the conference. Way to go gentlemen!
DEVELOPING LEADERS
Even though their sports might be on break, this is no time to rest for baseball's Austin Henry and football's Kellton Hollins and Montrel Wilson as they are currently representing TCU with our Student-Athlete Development Office at the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Austin. It is the fifth year our Student-Athlete Development Office has attended the conference and the second time for Montrel. During the fall, Austin interned in our communications, Frog Club and Lettermen's Association offices. He is setting himself up nicely for a career in athletics administration when his playing days are over. Kellton, who was a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, was our football program's Big 12 Champions for Life representative. He recently started a Key-Squared podcast with offensive line teammate David Bolisomi. Key stands for "Keep Educating the Youth." I find myself very inspired by their efforts and enthusiasm and also reminded that athletics is a great platform to do things that can help others.
FIST BUMP
We have an incredible set of independent doctors who work with our student-athletes. During our 37-27 football win over Texas this year, Dr. Steven Singleton, Dr. Michele Kirk and Dr. Mark Wylie shared their services with one of our media members. Melissa Triebwasser, who does a great job covering us as a writer and photographer for Frogs O' War, was incidentally run over on the sidelines by a player. Our doctors immediately came to her aid and ultimately provided her a set of crutches. Being the trooper she is, Melissa still made it to the postgame press conference and all the way back up to the Dan Jenkins Press Box. She was sore. However, Melissa, who is a TCU graduate and bleeds purple, said, "It's all good because we won!"
DID YOU KNOW?
With the NFL playoffs in full swing, we've had a Horned Frog in the Super Bowl each of the last six seasons. We have the opportunity to make it seven in a row. Best wishes to L.J. Collier (Seattle Seahawks), Aviante Collins (Minnesota Vikings), Joey Hunt (Seattle Seahawks), Ty Summers (Green Bay Packers) and Jason Verrett (San Francisco 49ers) and their respective teams this weekend!
I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Whether it's through email (AthleticsDirector@tcu.edu), Twitter (@JDonati_TCU) or Instagram (JDonati_TCU), please feel free to always share feedback on our athletics program, experiences at home events, or if we can ever be of assistance.
Go Frogs!
Jeremiah Donati, J.D.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
A NEW DECADE
Happy New Year and Best Wishes in 2020 Frog Fans! It was a lot of fun to look back at all the accomplishments and incredible moments our athletics programs shared over the past decade and equally exciting to think about what the next 10 years have in store for the Horned Frogs! I say this often but it is worth repeating – I am very encouraged by the upward trajectory our programs are demonstrating and the men and women we have at TCU working to help our student-athletes achieve their full potential.
COMING IN 2021: TCU WOMEN'S TRIATHLON
In case you missed our exciting news Wednesday, we are proud to announce women's triathlon as our newest intercollegiate sport at TCU. Triathlon now gives us 22 intercollegiate sports, including 13 for women. We looked at numerous options with a lot of factors going into the decision process, including Title IX compliance, economic considerations, facilities, competitive advantages and overall fit within the TCU and DFW communities. For all those reasons, triathlon was far and away the best match for TCU. For those of you who do not know, collegiate triathlon consists of a 750m open water swim, a 20k bike race and a 5k run. Competition will begin in Fall 2021. Please CLICK HERE for our complete announcement.
BIG 12 SEASON HAS ARRIVED
It has been a couple thrillers in conference play so far for our men's basketball program, winning 81-79 in overtime over Iowa State and 59-57 at Kansas State. We have our first 2-0 start in the Big 12 and host Oklahoma State on Saturday at 1 p.m.
We need that home-court advantage in Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena! Even with our students on winter break, our fans made a difference in this past Saturday's win over the Cyclones. As a reminder for both men's and women's basketball, if you cannot make it to a game, please ensure your tickets still find a good home and are used. You can transfer them electronically to a friend or simply log in to your online account, select transfer option and have them donated to Vet Tix. If you have difficulty doing any of those options, please contact me directly and I am happy to assist you.
Speaking of our women's program, they are also playing very well, highlighted by a 65-63 victory at No. 25 Texas for our first-ever win in Austin over the Longhorns. We host Kansas on Sunday at 2 p.m. See you there!
FALL GRADUATION
You have likely heard me speak about favorite days of the year, and seeing our student-athletes in a cap and gown ranks right at the top. Congratulations to our 23 student-athletes who received their degrees last month! Included in that group were Big 12 champions, All-Americans and TCU record holders.
To provide a study break for our 500-plus student-athletes before exams last month, we held our inaugural Pre-Finals Frolic in the Champions Club of Amon G. Carter Stadium. The event included a chance for everyone to spend time together, enjoy a meal, photo booth, holiday pictures with SuperFrog and other fun festivities before buckling down with the books for finals week.
NATIONAL RESPECT
In a great example of the level of respect our coaching staff has among their peers across their country, we have three head coaches who will be taking presidency roles in their respective organizations.
On Monday in Nashville, Gary Patterson will become President of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). In April, Jamie Dixon takes over the presidency of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Later in the spring, Angie Ravaioli-Larkin becomes President of the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA). Also deserving mention is Jim Schlossnagle, serving as the third vice president for the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). That position will eventually lead to a presidency role for him.
SURVEY TIME
If you are a football season-ticket holder, check your email inbox later this morning. You will see a survey from us, requesting input on your game-day experience this past season. The feedback is very important as we always look for ways to enhance your experiences with us while also helping prepare for a special 2020 season. In 2020, we will celebrate the 20th year of Gary Patterson as our head coach and the grand opening of our new Legends Club on the east side of Amon G. Carter Stadium.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
If you're watching Monday night's National Championship Game between Clemson and LSU, make sure to tune in to ESPNU at 7 p.m. for the annual Coaches Film Room which will again feature Gary Patterson. It will be Coach Patterson's third straight year on the show. He's always a big hit with his in-game analysis.
TICKET NOTES
Please note that Friday is our deadline for baseball season-ticket renewals. We begin practice January 24 with the season opener on Valentine's Day (for all the guys reading this, the date is February 14) against Kentucky.
Also, if you are a basketball season-ticket holder, you have until January 24 to reserve your seats for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship in Kansas City. The women's tournament will be played simultaneously in KC. It really is a great opportunity to support both of our basketball programs at the same time. If you have not been before, you will be amazed at the hospitality in KC for these tournaments.
BIG 12 NOW ON ESPN+
As a reminder, we have six men's basketball games and four women's contests airing digitally this season on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. The first game will be next Saturday, January 18, when our men play at Oklahoma. Our first home men's basketball game on the digital platform will be January 21 versus Texas Tech.
We will also have baseball games airing this season on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. While our full TV schedule is not set yet, we do know our entire three-game series at Oklahoma State (March 20-22) is scheduled for Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
There is a $4.99 monthly charge for Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Our September 12 home football opener next season versus Prairie View A&M, as well as other special TCU programming, will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. An advantage of this platform is our ability to control start times. For more information on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, please CLICK HERE.
STUDENT-ATHLETE RECOGNITIONS
It was terrific to see four of our football student-athletes recognized with All-America honors from various media outlets this season.
The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Phil Steele both named Jeff Gladney and Jalen Reagor as second-team All-Americans at cornerback and punt returner, respectively. Jalen was also second-team All-American all-purpose by Sports Illustrated. Additionally, linebacker Garret Wallow earned honorable mention All-America honors from Phil Steele.
Safety Ar'Darius Washington was named Freshman All-American by The Athletic.
Internally, we recognize TCU Student-Athletes of the Week. Please see below for our December recipients:
December 3 – Desmond Bane (men's basketball) and Lauren Heard (women's basketball)
December 10 – Kevin Samuel (men's basketball), Jaycee Bradley (women's basketball) and Katie Clark (volleyball)
December 17 – RJ Nembhard (men's basketball) and Jayde Woods (women's basketball)
Our December Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Month were Jaycee Bradley (women's basketball) and Desmond Bane (men's basketball).
TEAM OF THE DECADE
D1Baseball.com recognized the success of our baseball program, with four College World Series appearances, as Team of the Decade for the Big 12. Jim Schlossnagle was named Big 12 Coach of the Decade, while Luken Baker, Riley Ferrell, Preston Morrison and Evan Skoug were named to the All-Decade Team. What is amazing to me about this is that we didn't even compete the entire decade in the conference. Way to go gentlemen!
DEVELOPING LEADERS
Even though their sports might be on break, this is no time to rest for baseball's Austin Henry and football's Kellton Hollins and Montrel Wilson as they are currently representing TCU with our Student-Athlete Development Office at the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Austin. It is the fifth year our Student-Athlete Development Office has attended the conference and the second time for Montrel. During the fall, Austin interned in our communications, Frog Club and Lettermen's Association offices. He is setting himself up nicely for a career in athletics administration when his playing days are over. Kellton, who was a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, was our football program's Big 12 Champions for Life representative. He recently started a Key-Squared podcast with offensive line teammate David Bolisomi. Key stands for "Keep Educating the Youth." I find myself very inspired by their efforts and enthusiasm and also reminded that athletics is a great platform to do things that can help others.
FIST BUMP
We have an incredible set of independent doctors who work with our student-athletes. During our 37-27 football win over Texas this year, Dr. Steven Singleton, Dr. Michele Kirk and Dr. Mark Wylie shared their services with one of our media members. Melissa Triebwasser, who does a great job covering us as a writer and photographer for Frogs O' War, was incidentally run over on the sidelines by a player. Our doctors immediately came to her aid and ultimately provided her a set of crutches. Being the trooper she is, Melissa still made it to the postgame press conference and all the way back up to the Dan Jenkins Press Box. She was sore. However, Melissa, who is a TCU graduate and bleeds purple, said, "It's all good because we won!"
DID YOU KNOW?
With the NFL playoffs in full swing, we've had a Horned Frog in the Super Bowl each of the last six seasons. We have the opportunity to make it seven in a row. Best wishes to L.J. Collier (Seattle Seahawks), Aviante Collins (Minnesota Vikings), Joey Hunt (Seattle Seahawks), Ty Summers (Green Bay Packers) and Jason Verrett (San Francisco 49ers) and their respective teams this weekend!
I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Whether it's through email (AthleticsDirector@tcu.edu), Twitter (@JDonati_TCU) or Instagram (JDonati_TCU), please feel free to always share feedback on our athletics program, experiences at home events, or if we can ever be of assistance.
Go Frogs!
Jeremiah Donati, J.D.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
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