Introduction to the University of Houston Football
Many sports fans tend to lose faith quicker than the most fickle serial dater. It’s part of being a fan in some ways, with every bad game looming as a grand disaster, a sense of complete doom and gloom never far away. The University of Houston football fans are no exception, with first-year coach Willie Fritz’s name now often used in vain on message boards. However, UH billionaire backer Tilman Fertitta remains unbowed, still completely convinced that Cougar football is now in the right hands and primed for future success.
Fertitta’s Confidence in Coach Fritz
“I think Willie’s going to do a great job,” Fertitta says. “It’s just tough your first year to play in the Big 12. But we need to support Willie and show up for Willie. And I think both he and new athletic director Eddie Nuñez are going to be around the University of Houston for many years to come.” With Fritz’s UH program set to host No. 18 Iowa State, there are legitimate concerns about what the crowd size at TDECU Stadium will be. Fertitta hopes UH fans will still show up to support the team.
The Importance of Patience in Sports Rebuilds
Fertitta has learned the value of having patience in sports rebuilds with the Rockets. His son Patrick Fertitta and Rockets general manager Rafael Stone often needed to remind him of the larger, forward-thinking plan, and it was anything but easy. However, Fertitta stuck with it through the losing, and now the Rockets are what he considers the deepest team in the NBA, with young stars on the rise. A complete UH football rebuild under Willie Fritz will take time too.
Fertitta’s Support for Athletic Director Nuñez
Fertitta is equally confident in how Eddie Nuñez has handled his first month on the job as Houston’s athletic director. Nuñez has quickly worked to evaluate all of UH’s 17 programs and start to determine what each one needs to be successful in the future. “That’s why we hired him,” Fertitta says. “Eddie is a leader, he’s fought battles as an AD. And we’re excited. We think he’ll do a great job. He definitely has a plan.”
Tilman Fertitta’s Love for the University of Houston
Even as Fertitta officially opens up the new $70 million Memorial Hermann Houston Rockets Training Center, his thoughts don’t stray far from his beloved UH. Fertitta brings up how he still vividly remembers being a third grader watching Elvin Hayes drop 39 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks on Lew Alcindor and John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty. This memory showcases Fertitta’s deep connection to the University of Houston.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tilman Fertitta remains committed to the University of Houston and its football program. He believes in Coach Willie Fritz and Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez, and is confident that they will lead the team to success. With patience and support, Fertitta is convinced that the University of Houston football program will thrive in the Big 12. As a loyal supporter, Fertitta will continue to be involved and invested in the team’s future.
