2012 Daily Bowl Update Dec. 18
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012
Today’s Weather:
Hi: 79 degrees
Lo: 56 degrees
Sunny
Hi: 79 degrees
Lo: 56 degrees
Sunny
UCF TEAM ARRIVAL:
Led by a police escort, four charter buses pulled up to the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in beautiful DowntownSt. Petersburg this afternoon bringing UCF’s entire team – all 104 players – to their bowl week home. As soon as the coaches and players exited their buses, local and national media greeted them to get their insight into the bowl events and the game vs. Ball State.
George O’Leary, UCF Head Coach
On being in a bowl game close to home
“Basically our fan base is close and I like playing games in a warm weather areas. We are looking forward to the game Friday. I think the city of St. Petersburg has done a great job of organization with the bowl and they really make you feel at home as far as taking care of all your needs.”
“Basically our fan base is close and I like playing games in a warm weather areas. We are looking forward to the game Friday. I think the city of St. Petersburg has done a great job of organization with the bowl and they really make you feel at home as far as taking care of all your needs.”
Sean Beckton, UCF WR Coach
On playing at Tropicana Field
“I enjoyed last night, seeing these guys pick up their bowl gifts. Today I enjoyed watching these guys see the nice arena over here.”
“I enjoyed last night, seeing these guys pick up their bowl gifts. Today I enjoyed watching these guys see the nice arena over here.”
On getting time to relax during bowl week
“Coach O’Leary gives us an opportunity to spend some time with our families in the afternoon. We get our work done early in the morning so that after practice we have time to bond with our families and catch up after a long season.”
“Coach O’Leary gives us an opportunity to spend some time with our families in the afternoon. We get our work done early in the morning so that after practice we have time to bond with our families and catch up after a long season.”
Lyle Dankenbring, UCF Safety
On how important it would be to get 10 wins as a senior.
“It’d be huge! I think one of our coaches mentioned this week that only 25 teams have the chance to win 10 games, so that would be huge. A great way to go out.”
“It’d be huge! I think one of our coaches mentioned this week that only 25 teams have the chance to win 10 games, so that would be huge. A great way to go out.”
On what he is looking forward to
“The game, obviously we are here to play the game. We want to come out here and play our best and send all the seniors off right. The Beach Bash was fun in 2009 watching the big guys go down the waterslide. It should be fun.”
“The game, obviously we are here to play the game. We want to come out here and play our best and send all the seniors off right. The Beach Bash was fun in 2009 watching the big guys go down the waterslide. It should be fun.”
Victor Gray, UCF DL
On what he is looking forward to.
“You’re gonna relax, but also know you came here for business as well.”
“You’re gonna relax, but also know you came here for business as well.”
BALL STATE PRACTICE:
Ball State arrived on Sunday and has held practice in Clearwater the past two days. The first official Bowl Week practice takes place at Tropicana Field on Wednesday.
TEAM CRUISE:
The Player VIP Cruise was this evening with both teams being treated to a special 90-minute dinner cruise and around Tampa Bay.
What’s Happening On… Wednesday, Dec. 19
Weather Forecast:
Hi: 77
Lo: 61
Mostly Sunny
Hi: 77
Lo: 61
Mostly Sunny
UCF Practice at Tropicana Field:
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Closed to the media, interviews post-practice.
Closed to the media, interviews post-practice.
Ball State Practice at Tropicana Field:
Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Open to media, interviews post-practice.
Beach Bash at Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center:
4:00 p.m.
UCF and Ball State will enjoy the afternoon on St. Pete Beach for fun and friendly competition. Players will be able to take advantage of numerous beach activities before convening at the Sirata Beach Resort pool for the first head-to-head competition of Bowl Week. Bragging rights will be on the line in the belly-flop contest and various other events. The school travel parties, including cheerleaders will be on site to cheer on the players. The event is open to the public to attend.