Texas Tech University Athletics
Little Leaguers Get Red Raider Welcome
September 08, 2007 | Football
Sept. 8, 2007
By Matt Dowdy, Texas Tech Media Relations
Lubbock, Texas - Perhaps the loudest response during halftime in Jones AT&T Stadium history was made Saturday night when the Lubbock Western All-Star baseball team was brought down the home tunnel for a special presentation.
At halftime of Saturday's Texas Tech victory over UTEP, the Western All-Stars were recognized by the university for their effort in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn.
As soon as carts carrying the players and coaches came through the tunnel, Tech students in the north endzone greeted them with a loud applause.
While players were being announced and given an autographed Mike Leach football, the 52,403 fans in attendance responded with a loud standing official.
"It was amazing," ace pitcher Garrett Williams said of the response. "All the fans just gave us a loud round of applause. It was just pretty cool."
In weeks leading up to the World Series, the team attended a Tech football practice where they were given a tour of the Football Training Facility by Leach and given the opportunity to meet most of the team.
"That was first class," coach Gerald Arredondo said. "I have all the respect in the world for Coach Leach and the way he treated the boys. The boys still talk about it. Being in the huddle with the boys, that made it pretty special."
For the U.S. Championship game, Tech baseball coach Larry Hays and basketball coach Bob Knight traveled to Williamsport. Arredondo said the players were not aware before the game that either were there, but were thrilled when they were later told.
"I didn't expect them to be there," infielder Bryndan Arredondo said. "It was great."
With the success the team had in Williamsport, the thought of possibly putting on a Red Raider baseball uniform sounded excited, especially to Williams.
"I hope so," Williams said. "That would be a dream come true."
