A Kick Off to History

Celebrating GSU's Inaugural Football Season

For years, countless individuals on our campus and elsewhere have been working very hard to make Georgia State University football a reality. Coaches and a staff were hired. Contracts were signed. Players were recruited. A marching band was formed, a fight song penned.

A movement began, first as a faint drum beat, then a steady rumble and, now, a piercing roar. This is history in the making, and you've got a front-row seat.

On Sept. 2, I invite you to join the thousands of fans whose Georgia State blue will swarm the Georgia Dome for the inaugural GSU Panther football game against Shorter. You won't be disappointed.

This issue celebrates the many people who've made this dream a reality. Inside you'll find the ultimate fan guide, which covers everything from tailgating essentials to GSU's offensive and defensive philosophy (cover story, page 18). You'll also meet head coach Bill Curry's top three assistant coaches (page 24) and get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of our marching band (page 12).

This is an exciting time for Georgia State for many reasons. We are attracting more and brighter students than ever before. We're recruiting the best scholars and researchers in their fields of study. And we're expanding our physical imprint on downtown Atlanta and beyond.

But in this issue, we celebrate one of the cornerstones of living in the South - college football.

I look forward to seeing you at the Dome as we witness - indeed, experience - a tradition begin.

 

With Panther pride,

Mark P. Becker

President