GEORGETOWN, Texas -- First Army Division West commanding general accepted an invite to do the coin toss at Southwestern University's Military Appreciation football game here, recently.
"It was absolutely awesome," said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, Division West commanding general. "I value our relationship with Southwestern University."
The game kicked off on a sunny Saturday morning, with football players, coaches, cheerleaders and adoring fans and family members of the SU Pirates
Colt, accompanied by Col. Michael C. Kasales, former Division West chief of staff, and a SU volunteer strength coach, mingled with the coaching staff and players before big game's start.
"Coach Joe Austin has allowed me to come and participate on a level that I enjoy participating," said Kasales. "All the players are great and have the right attitude -- they have their heads on straight."
Division West and SU have a blooming partnership due to Kasales' efforts and the team's recent visit to Fort Hood.
"After we brought the football team up to Fort Hood's Leader's Reaction Course, Coach Austin asked me if we wanted a bigger role in the Military Appreciation game," said Kasales.
That role manifested into Colt flipping the Division West commander's coin at the beginning of the game.
"Coach Austin approached Maj. Gen. Colt about doing the coin toss and talking in the locker room and he accepted," said Kasales.
Prior to the coin toss, Colt and Kasales gave words of encouragement to the Pirates.
"We value you because you are a team of teams like the Army," said Colt. "It's about creating a sense of urgency."
"Have confidence in yourself, believe in your coaching staff, and trust in the brother next to you," added Kasales.
After the first quarter, Kasales received the Bob Kelly Guest Coach Award, named after the former professional American football player, from Dr. Glada Munt, SU Athletic Director.
"It's a pleasure working with them," said Kasales.
"It's about the partnership between Division West and a great institution like Southwestern University," said Colt.
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