Kathy and I ran into quite a few Tech Family members in the Bulldog host hotel yesterday as the team was having meetings, conducting a practice, and taking some time to visit the Square Food Pantry to serve a meal at the food bank. I recall the Bulldogs having a similar opportunity to show their charitable side in San Diego at the 2011 Poinsettia Bowl. While there, they met a special Make-A-Wish-Foundation kid, Cael Carmichael. Tech wide receiver Quinton Patton (now with the San Francisco 49ers) was so moved by the event and Cael’s bravery and positive outlook on life that he gave Cael his bowl watch and Best Buy gift card. From there, the special friendships between Cael and the Tech Family have deepened since that time, and we are so pleased that Cael (a California native) is coming to join the Dogs at the Heart of Dallas Bowl. I know that he will have a big smile on his face as will those in the Tech Family who have been inspired by him. Kathy took me out for a birthday lunch yesterday and she happened to choose a restaurant at the Dallas Galleria. Of course, she had to take a shopping stroll after lunch to give me the opportunity to look around Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. But I did not really see anything that I needed and, fortunately, I came out of the mall fairly unscathed. Coach Holtz and a few of the players attended a press conference Tuesday at Cotton Bowl Stadium. I believe that everyone got a little pumped after seeing the championship trophy. I get the sense that the team is enjoying the special treatment and attention of being in a bowl game. It’s something that is certainly well deserved, and I know that it will help those returning next year to realize how special these post-season opportunities are. I do believe the team will be highly motivated and ready to play against the Fighting Illini on Friday. Thanks to everyone who sent me best wishes on my birthday. I was touched by the warm messages and I truly feel blessed to have so many special friends.