Bowl Diary Day 4
Dec. 23 – Broncos Final Day of Preparation and Fun
Western Michigan spent the morning having its final practice of the 2015 season. The Broncos followed up their hour of preparations with a press conference with the local Nassau media. For the final team outing of the trip, the team swam with dolphins.
Here is what the Broncos had to say at the press conference.
HEAD COACH P.J. FLECK
Excerpts from Opening Remarks
“First, I'm not sure how we became the home team. Middle Tennessee State's president is from this country, so I'm not sure how we became the home team, but we'll take it (laughing).”
“I work for a pioneer -- a lady (athletic director Kathy Beauregard) who took a chance on me three years ago when nobody else would. Who would hire a 31-, 32-year old young kid to run their program? She would. So, I want to thank her and our president, Dr. (John) Dunn.”
“A year and 16 weeks ago we were the worst team in college football. And now we've had back-to-back bowl games, the greatest turnaround in program history, in Mid-American Conference history and the greatest in college football last year. And to be able to sustain that with the schedule we did – we called it a schedule of champions.”
“(We wanted) to separate the work from the fun (on this trip). These players are very mature for as young as they are. We only have nine seniors. We are a very, very young football team…. There are a lot of things to experience here on the islands. I still have to pinch myself to say we are actually here. It's a beautiful place. It's probably the best place I've ever been to on a vacation, which you're actually working on a vacation, which is nice.”
On Middle Tennessee State quarterback Brent Stockstill
“I think whether it's professional football, the National Football League or whether it's college or high school football, it starts with the guy with the ball and that's the quarterback. It always does. You look at (Brent) Stockstill and what he's been able to do as a redshirt freshman is extremely impressive. I call him a 12th-year senior. He's a redshirt freshman, but he's a 12th-year senior. He's the son of a head football coach. That immediately makes you smarter than anyone else in terms of the game of football, instantly, right? Because you're always around the game. He was probably 6 or 7 years old learning (football) concepts when everyone else was playing with blocks and trucks, and that's what he was doing. He's very sharp, very intelligent and he makes everything go.”
More thoughts on Middle Tennessee State
“First and foremost, they are very well-coached. Coach Stockstill is one of the legendary coaches in college football and he has done a tremendous job building his culture. They are very disciplined team on the field. That's what we want to represent every single day – be a disciplined football team that plays the game the right way (and) respects the game at all times. Because I think there is a right way to play it, and there is a wrong way to play it. I really believe that. I'm old school that way. I might be one of the younger coaches, but I truly believe that.
“When you look at them, they are identical to us. Their quarterback and two receivers, their offensive line, the running backs… and then their defense is kind of a no-name defense. We're a no-name defense. We don't have any defensive players up here (on the podium) because we just play really well collectively. We're a very selfless team.”
Do you plan to begin recruiting in the Bahamas?
“(To a Nassau TV reporter) You're big into track, right? Well, speed kills. So, yes! We will be very interested. We might have a whole team of them. We might bring your whole country to Western Michigan. If you can run, you can play football.”
#11 ZACH TERRELL, Jr., QB
What has been your favorite activity on the island?
“Besides the slides, the beach and everything like that we got an opportunity to go to the orphanage. It just so happens earlier in the day that we have a professor in the aviation program. And we're at the orphanage, and I was talking to one of the kids. He's a senior, 17 years old, taking the SAT. I can kind of relate, obviously. Four years ago that was me. It just so happened that I had an aviation T-shirt with me from Western Michigan. He had talked about how he wanted to get into aviation… It was really cool to see him light up. We have one of the top aviation programs in the country. That was probably my favorite moment so far.”
On having two outstanding wide receivers to throw to
“It's kind of a blessing and a curse because you have to get them all the ball (laughing). We have such talented guys and so many of them. Obviously, it makes my job easy and then hard at the same time because you have to find creative ways to get them the ball. They're all special. We have a very selfless team. Guys don't get selfish. Corey Davis (for example) will block just as hard as he does running a route.”
#84 COREY DAVIS, Jr., WR
What has been your favorite activity on the island?
“We got (a chance) to play football with a lot of kids (at a clinic on Tuesday). For some of them, they had never played football, never heard of it, and it was a lot of fun just to see the looks on their faces. It was really a blessing (for me).”
#8 DANIEL BRAVERMAN, Jr., WR.
What has been your favorite activity on the island?
“I had never been out of the country. Every day I wake up and look outside my balcony I realize how blessed we are to play football in this beautiful country. One thing I really want to do is (swim) with the dolphins and we get to do that today, so I'm really excited for today.”
Bowl Diary Day 3
Dec. 22 – Broncos Visit the Community
Western Michigan spent the afternoon visiting the community at the Ranfurly Home for Children in the Bahamas as well as participating in a local youth clinic for Play 60 to promote physical fitness.
Here is what the Broncos had to say about their visits.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE DAVID CURLE
On participating in the Youth Clinic
“We're helping the kids and teaching them how to play football. We're going to do a couple drills and it's going to be a good time.”
DEFENSIVE BACK RONTAVIOUS ATKINS
On what they're teaching
“We're teaching them the fundamentals and really enjoying ourselves right now.”
RUNNING BACK JAMAURI BOGAN
On what he enjoys about the youth clinic
“I think it's really a blessing. I don't think you get a chance every day to get out and be a part of something like this. These kids have never played football. In America kids play football all the time. It's a great experience to teach someone else.”
WIDE RECEIVER KENDRICK ROBERTS
On what his role is at the Children's Home
“We're playing basketball out here. It's awesome. A lot of these guys came from rough neighborhoods and rough upbringings. Our job is to motivate those guys to do the right thing and understand no matter where you come from there's always opportunity out there. Just because you come from a rough past, that doesn't have to dictate your future.
LINEBACKER AUSTIN LEWIS
On what he talks to the kids about
“We talk to them about college athletics and the importance of school. We just want to let them know how sports affected our lives in a positive way.”
QUARTERBACK ZACH TERRELL
On his favorite part
“My favorite part was talking to one of the kids who's 17 years old, a 12th grader. He wants to study aviation and I just happened to get a shirt from one of the aviation teachers who's down here in the Bahamas with us. I had it with me and what an opportunity to give a kid in the Bahamas a Western Michigan aviation shirt and hopefully he'll wear it and who knows, maybe he'll go to Western.”
Sights and Sounds From Day 3
Bowl Diary Day 2
Dec. 21 – Broncos Practice and Enjoy Atlantis
Western Michigan began its second day in Atlantis with a practice at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. The Broncos treated it as a normal “Wednesday” practice with it being three days before game day. Following practice, the players were able to go around the resort and enjoy all Atlantis has to offer before a Beach Bash sponsored by the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl.
Here is what the Broncos had to say after practice.
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ED PINKHAM
On the first practice in Nassau
“It was sharp. I think the kids executed well today. The heat is definitely a little different from what we left in Kalamazoo, but they responded pretty well. I thought we had a real good practice.”
On Middle Tennessee State's offense
“They have a couple of skill guys who are really, really talented. The Coach's son (Brent Stockstill) is the quarterback – I know he's only a redshirt freshman, but he executes extremely well. (Wide receiver Richie James) is one of those guys, a playmaker, the kind of guy offenses like to get the ball to. They do an awful lot of things – they stretch you out, they'll line up with three backs in the backfield and yet they'll line up in empty sets, so it's a pretty versatile offense. From a defensive standpoint it makes you focus on a lot of things.”
On the prediction that the game could be high-scoring on both sides
“You prepare your kids to play with the assumption that you will play well defensively. I'm sure both teams feel that way. That's why we play on Saturdays – or whatever day we are on the field. I don't think any defensive coach ever goes into a game with a thought, 'hey they're going to score 40, let's just hold them under 41.' You want to go in and you want to dominate the game, and you'll see if you can do that. Your game plan is that anyway.”
On how the team successfully rebounded from a disappointing loss to Northern Illinois to win on the road at Toledo in the regular season finale
“The kids were really upset after the Northern Illinois game. I think it really hit them hard. But, we came back, and (Coach) P.J. (Fleck) did an excellent job of bringing the kids around for the next week. We had played Toledo the year before and clanked an extra point attempt off the upright. I think some our kids remembered from last year that we can play with anyone in our league, and we just came to play that day and executed well.”
#6 ASANTAY BROWN, So., S
On the first practice in Nassau
“It was fun. We just came to practice (and) came prepared. It's a lot hotter than it is in Michigan.”
On Middle Tennessee State
“Their receivers, their running backs… they are just a sound football team, there's no other way around it. You just have to continue to prepare and do our best to stop them.”
Are the heat and humidity a concern?
“No. We don't let the circumstances dictate our behavior.”
#12 KEION ADAMS, Jr., DE
On the first practice in Nassau
“It was a great practice. We came out with a lot of energy. We knew, even though being in the Bahamas, we still are here to play a game. That's what we are here for. There's a time to have fun and there's a place to work and do our business. We got after it (today). There was a lot of intensity.”
On having nearly a month in between games
“Like everything else there are positives and negatives. It's a positive that we get to study our opponent, we get to do everything that we need to do to get prepared. But, there's also some negatives. You take time off and you get away from hitting and you might not be as physical when the game starts. So, you have to get back used to it during the game instead of starting off fast. I think there are more positives than negatives.
On MTSU's offense
“They have a great receiver in (Richie James), he's an All-American, and the quarterback likes to get the ball in his hands. They like to sling it around and get it to their playmakers. I feel like getting to the quarterback and get home will benefit us on our end.”
On the heat and humidity
“No (it won't impact the team). Most of our guys are from Florida and the South. I don't think it will be much of a problem. We prepared ourselves by practicing in our indoor facility and Coach Fleck pumped the heat up, so we'll be used to it when game time comes around.”
Are you having any fun?
“I'm having an elite experience. It's a great experience. This is my first time out the country. Coming here, just to see a different culture, a different atmosphere, it's just a great time for everyone.”
Sights and Sounds From Day 2
Bowl Diary Day 1
Dec. 20 – Broncos Arrive at Atlantis
Western Michigan arrived in the Bahamas on Sunday, a 3.5 hour flight that spanned 1,280 miles. Upon arriving the team met with local media and then went to a welcome reception that featured the local Junkanoo Band and a dinner sponsored by Popeyes.
Here is what the Broncos had to say upon their arrival.
HEAD COACH P.J. FLECK
General thoughts on arrival in Nassau
“I've never seen a team more excited to actually get on a plane and go play a game. That's what it's all about. About 90 percent of those kids may never travel out of the country, and they may never be able to come to the Bahamas again. We're ecstatic about being here. We've got a tremendous opponent. We've got a wonderful support staff. Popeye's, ESPN and the Bahamas Bowl staff have been absolutely amazing to us. This is an experience our kids will remember for a lifetime.”
How will your team balance work and play this week?
“It's the same way we train back in Kalamazoo, Michigan. When we work, we work; when we have fun, we have fun. I think the biggest part is building a bridge between those two. Especially when you are here for three or four days – not be distracted by too much fun and too much work, it's got to be able to balance out. I think our schedule allows our players to do that.”
On the heels of making consecutive bowl game appearances for the first time in the history of the program, what would the first bowl victory in school history mean to the program?
“(It would be) Very similar to back-to-back bowl games. We haven't won a MAC West championship since 2000 – close to 15 years. We've only won three MAC West titles in 125 years, which we did this year. It would be the next step. That's all it really is, the next step for this to become a traditional championship-type football team, and that's what we are working on making it.
What is the health of the team entering the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl?
“We've got some guys who are out for the year that this won't affect at all – they are still out for the year. It's really given us a lot of time to be able to recover some of the guys who maybe had some bumps and bruises. It's given us time to be able to give some of our redshirt freshmen basically another spring ball, which has been absolutely awesome. Any time you have a chance to go to a bowl game it helps.”
ZACH TERRELL, Jr., QB
How many of the Broncos have been to the Bahamas?
“Maybe a handful. I've been here one time before, on a cruise, I stopped through, but that was years ago. I know our guys are really, really excited to be here. What an opportunity for all of us – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and we get to play football down here, and possibly win the first bowl game in program history. It's kind of magical and it's a lot of fun to be here.”
On balancing fun with the goal of winning the game
“We learned a lot last year. Last year was our first bowl game in a long time. I think guys were just happy to be there. Now, it's different. Guys are excited to be here and to have fun, but we really talked about bridging the gap between fun and business. When it's time to work, we'll work; when it's time to have fun, we're going to have fun. That's the great thing about our team – we have a lot of mature guys that understand why we are here, and that's to win a football game. At the same time we're going to enjoy ourselves, but we are going to conduct ourselves like professionals. That's what the expectation is and that's what we'll do.
What are the players looking forward to doing most?
“It's all over the place. I think swimming with the dolphins is something we're all looking forward to doing. Like I said, most guys haven't been here before, so we just want to soak it all in and getting to experience as much as possible because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
What would the first bowl victory in school history mean to the program?
“This is a season of 'nevers.' We had never been to back-to-back bowl games. We never won eight games back-to-back. There are just a lot of things we wanted to accomplish. There's another one on the table – to win a bowl game. (Western Michigan) has never won a bowl game in all our years of playing football. So, what a tremendous opportunity going against an awesome team like Middle Tennessee State.”
What do you know about the Middle Tennessee State defense?
“I know a lot, by now. We've had a lot of time to prepare. They are really tough. We have worked really hard the past couple weeks preparing for them and we know they are going to present a lot of challenges for us, and they have a very tough defense. They've played hard and they've played well all season. They've played a lot of tough teams in their non-conference, like we have, and they played a really tough schedule within the conference. We're really looking forward to the challenge. They present a lot of things that will be difficult, but we are up for it and are really looking forward to it.”
WILLIE BEAVERS, All-MAC, Sr., OL
What are the Broncos looking forward to doing outside of football?
“I'm really looking forward to swimming with the dolphins. I've never done that. I've heard it's an unbelievable experience.”
How do you focus on the goal of winning the game while having fun in the Bahamas?
“We have our free time that's our fun time and get-away time, but we also have our time to focus in. We know how to separate those two.”
On Middle Tennessee State's defense:
“They're a really good team. They're very good up front – I think that's a strength of their defense. Their interior linemen are very good. The entire defense is very good and it will be a good challenge.”
What team did you play this season reminds you of Middle Tennessee State?
“I think they are unique in what they do. The team closest to them (from our schedule), is Georgia Southern. They're really physical and really good and really get after it.”
Sights and Sounds From Day 1
About the Game
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan University accepted its seventh bowl berth in program history on Tuesday morning, as it will play in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl on Dec. 24 at noon in Nassau against Conference USA opponent Middle Tennessee State. The bowl berth marks the first time in program history the Broncos have gone to bowls in consecutive seasons, both coming under head coach P.J. Fleck.
“It is truly another great day to be a Bronco,” Western Michigan athletic director Kathy Beauregard said. “We are proud to be able to represent the Mid-American Conference in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. The student-athletes and staff have worked incredibly hard in pursuit of this once in a lifetime experience. We are truly ecstatic to be able to showcase our Broncos, our University and our greater Kalamazoo community in a nationally televised appearance on ESPN. We take great pride in being able to provide Broncos everywhere the opportunity to watch and cheer our Broncos from wherever they may be in the world.”
Western Michigan is coming off its first win over a ranked team in program history, beating No. 24 Toledo 35-30 last Friday. The Broncos (7-5) earned their first share of the MAC West Division championship since 2000 with a 6-2 record in the league.
“We're thrilled to be going to the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl and to play against an ELITE Middle Tennessee State team,” Fleck said. “It is an ELITE reward for our players and staff for all the work they've done. We continue to accomplish “nevers” in our program as this is the first time in program history we've gone to bowl games in consecutive seasons. With ELITE preparation and execution we hope to also earn our first bowl victory in program history.”
On the field, the Broncos feature the top receiving duo in the country in Daniel Braverman and Corey Davis with 185 combined receptions. They will be paired against the second best receiving duo in the country in Richie James and Ed'Marques Batties of Middle Tennessee who have 177 combined receptions.
"We are pleased that Western Michigan will be completing in the 2015 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl," said Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Executive Director Richard Giannini. "Coach Fleck and his staff have done a tremendous job in preparing the Broncos all season long, and their victory over a ranked Toledo team was one of the biggest in the MAC this year. We are excited to have a strong 2015 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl with a pair of 7-5 teams in Western Michigan and Middle Tennessee, and we look forward to what will be a great bowl week in Nassau with both universities and their fans.”
History of the Bahamas Bowl
2014 – Western Kentucky 49, Central Michigan 48
About the Bahamas Bowl
This is the second year for the Bahamas Bowl. Last season MAC rival Central Michigan squared off against Western Kentucky, in a game that saw a wild finish resulting in a Hilltoppers' 49-48 victory, following a late fourth quarter rally by the Chippewas who came from 49-14 down to have a chance to win on the final play before a two-point conversion was unsuccessful.
The game is played at Nassau's Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. The $30 million venue, which holds 15,000 people, was dedicated in 2012 from the People's Republic of China. The facility has been the site for track (2013 Carifta Games and the 2014 and 2015 IAAF World Relays) and soccer (2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier – Bahamas vs. Bermuda, March 25, 2015).
The bowl features unique hospitality for the student-athletes with a welcome party at the Atlantis after the teams' arrivals gave the student-athletes, team travel parties and VIPs a taste of both Popeyes and the Bahamas. Last year, the student-athletes from both teams attended a beach bash the next night at Atlantis and had a chance to enjoy food, fun and fellowship on the beach with spectacular views of the Caribbean and the striking Atlantis resort.
Ticket Information
For tickets, please go through the Western Michigan ticket office by visiting wmubroncos.com/tickets or by calling 269-387-8092.
Travel Information
For travel information, including how to procure a passport required for international travel, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/news/faster-processing-times.html.
For travel packages go to: http://www.sportstravelandtours.com/WebPackage.asp?PackID=15GPOPEY
To book hotels on your own check out:
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
Phone: 242-363-3680
www.comfortsuiterpi.com
Riu Palace Paradise Island
Phone: 242-363-3500
www.riu.com/en/Paises/bahamas/paradise-island/hotel-riu-palace-paradise-island/
Alumni Gathering in the Bahamas
MyWMU invites all WMU alumni and friends to join us for an informal gathering at Virgil's Real BBQ Restaurant and Bar, located in the main level of the Coral Towers at the Atlantis Resort the evening before the Bahamas Bowl. Join other bowl travelers the evening before the big game and connect with fellow Broncos in a special reserved area. Guests are responsible for purchasing their own food and beverages.
Wednesday, December 23, 7 to 9 p.m. ET
Virgil's Real Barbeque
(located on the main floor of the team hotel)
Coral Towers, Atlantis Resort
Nassau, Bahamas
WMU Alumni Stampede @ The Bahamas Bowl Fan Fest
MyWMU is hosting an official pre-game Stampede Tailgate just inside the gates of Robinson National Stadium, site of the 2015 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. The Broncos will take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in Nassau's state-of-the-art Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, located in the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre. Gather before kickoff with fellow Bronco alumni and fans who have traveled to the game in a tented area exclusive to WMU. The Fan Fest is free to attend and features a live local band and interactive guest activities. A variety of food and beverage choices will be available for purchase from numerous local vendors.
Thursday, December 24 9:30 a.m. to Noon ET
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Fan Fest Zone
(pan>Nassau, Bahamas
AdmissLook for the WMU tent!)
Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre
Free to enter the Fan Fest Zone. Guests must have a game ticket to enter. Food and beverage (including alcoholic beverages) will be available for purchase from local vendors. Visit the WMU Ticket Office online or call 1-888-4-WMU-TIX to purchase game tickets in advance.
Watch Party Information
The full listing of watch parties for the Bahamas Bowl is available here. Is your area not on the list? Submit a watch party request form at MyWMU.com/watchparty. We'll get in touch with those who submit a form within 24 hours and send a box of WMU goodies via FedEx a couple days prior to the event. Our watch party policies are also listed on this page for both alumni and venue hosts.
