Texas Tech Launches Two New Community Programs

Texas Tech Athletics launched its Gameday Professor Program (GDP) and Special Spectator Program this season to recognize various members on campus and in the Lubbock community.

"The Game Day Professor and Special Spectator programs are great initiatives that are strengthening our athletics department's relationships across the university and Lubbock communities," said Jessica Gray, the assistant director for community and character development in the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy. "It's an exciting time for Texas Tech Athletics and these initiatives are only going to continue the success of our student-athletes and athletic programs."

Spearheaded by the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy, the Gameday Professor Program highlights faculty and staff who have been valued partners and supporters of the athletics department and Texas Tech students-athletes.

This program debuted at the start of the football season, featuring a different group of Texas Tech faculty and staff across campus honored at every home game this fall. The program has stretched to volleyball and soccer as well as four Gameday Professors were recognized prior to the Abilene Christian match on Sept. 16 as well as prior to first kick between the Red Raiders and TCU this evening.

Each athletic program will select at least one Gameday Professor to attend a preselected home game. Selection as the Game Day Professor could encompass a combination of experiences including but not limited to, an athletics facility tour of the Marsha Sharp Center for Student-Athletes,, a presentation by Athletics Academic Services and Leadership Academy staff, attendance at a weekday practice and gameday recognition and attendance at the selected home game.

As part of the Red and Black Giveback community engagement initiative, the Special Spectator program highlights individuals from the Lubbock community who exude the spirit of a Fearless Champion. In partnership with the football program under the leadership of new head coach Matt Wells, the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy debuted the program at the start of the 2019 football season, recognizing a different Special Spectator each game.

Selection as a Special Spectator includes a two-day experience featuring attendance at a weekday football practice, tour of the Football Training Facility and Sports Performance Center and an on-field recognition prior to the start of the selected home game.

The Gameday Professor and Special Spectator Program will continue to demonstrate Texas Tech Athletics' goal of cultivating long-lasting and meaningful partnerships across the university and Lubbock community.

For any questions regarding the Game Day Professor and Special Spectator Programs, please contact the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy at talkingtonleadershipacademy@ttu.edu

The fall 2019 Special Spectators are listed below with their nominating organization:

Our inaugural Special Spectator, Will Jordan, was nominated by UMC Children's Hospital and recognized at the Celebrate Texas Tech home opener against Montana State on Aug. 31.

Cassie Payne, nominated by Special Olympics, Area 17 of Special Olympics Texas, was recognized as the Special Spectator for the UTEP game on Sept. 7.

Tori Swenson, nominated by Covenant Children's Hospital, kicked off the month of October with his Oct. 5 recognition at the Oklahoma State game.

Chris Brogan, nominated by High Point Village, will be recognized as the Special Spectator this Saturday for the Homecoming game versus Iowa State.

Honorary Red Raider, Aiden Cuevas, will be recognized at the Celebrate America Game when Texas Tech hosts TCU on Nov. 16.

Lastly, Austyn Montgomery, nominated by UMC Children's Hospital, will be honored on Senior Day versus Kansas State on Nov. 23.

The Game Day Professor program highlights faculty and staff members who are valued supporters of the athletics department and TTU student-athletes.

Tonight the @TexasTechSoccer Game Day Professor is… ??????

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— Texas Tech Red Raiders (@TechAthletics) October 18, 2019

Texas Tech University Athletics

Texas Tech Launches Two New Community Programs

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