Organizers Gearing Up for Celebrate Cotton Game at Texas Tech

From Cotton Grower Magazine – May 2015

 

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It’s not uncommon for universities around the country to recognize the importance of agriculture. It is uncommon, however, for one to go to great lengths to highlight the importance of a single crop.

Such is the case with Texas Tech University and the Celebrate Cotton campaign. In 2015, the school will host its fourth annual event in recognition of the cotton industry. Centered around a football weekend each fall, the Celebrate Cotton event is brought forth with partnership between Texas Tech Athletics, Plains Cotton Growers and several area agribusinesses. Cotton Board representatives are also involved in planning efforts. The 2015 version will feature exciting new elements.

“One of the new things being planned is a cotton fashion show that they’re doing with the design department at Texas Tech,” says Plains Cotton Growers Executive Vice President Steve Verett. “They’re talking about other things – maybe some seminars – but there will be a full day of activities, of tailgating, of displaying cotton equipment and recognizing the importance of the cotton industry.”

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This year’s event will be held on September 12 when Texas Tech takes on the University of Texas-El Paso at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock. Organizers say there will be an entire week of events leading up to the game itself. One new element planned for 2015 involves Texas Tech football players delivering educational pamphlets about the cotton industry to local school children.

The idea, according to organizers, is to recognize the impact cotton has on Lubbock and West Texas.

“It came from folks at Texas Tech and others in the community who said ‘We need to show appreciation to the cotton industry and highlight its importance,’” says Verett. “And it’s a good thing for people – cotton farmers and the whole industry – to be recognized. And it’s a natural fit. Texas Tech and Texas Tech athletics understand that. We support each other, and we support what that means to this economy.”

At the Plains Cotton Growers Annual Meeting in April, Texas Tech Football Co-Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith spoke at length about the special relationship Lubbock and Texas Tech share with the cotton industry.

Smith recalled a trip home after spending time in New York during his NFL career. He knew he was near the end of his long journey home, he said, when he began to see cotton out in the fields.

“My grandfather was in the farming business, and I understand how hard it is,” Smith said. “I really respect what (cotton farmers) do.

“The Celebrate Cotton game… It’s a big game for us. We’re playing UTEP, and we’re going to be excited for it.”

For cotton industry organizers of the event, the value of the Celebrate Cotton game is self-evident. Verett points to the longevity of the program as a testament to its value.

“It’s been a big success,” Verett says. “If Texas Tech sees a value to it, we certainly see the value. And Texas Tech has told us they do think it’s very valuable. So we’re definitely pleased with that.”

Event organizers say tickets to the game will be available soon. To learn more about the planned events during Celebrate Cotton week, those interested can check for updates at www.plainscotton.org.

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