Monday, January 12, 1998
Dallas extends
an hospitable arm to Bruins
BOWL: Players enjoy special treatment, give back to needy
children
By Brent Boyd
Daily Bruin Staff
DALLAS — Though the victory over Texas A&M was certainly a
highlight of Cotton Bowl week, it certainly wasn’t the only
highlight for the Bruins on their trip to Dallas.
During the week, the players saw a couple of world-famous
performers, practiced at a world-famous stadium, and brought
presents and smiles to children in a local hospital.
"The Southwestern Bell Cotton Bowl people have done a fantastic
job – particularly for the players," head coach Bob Toledo said at
a mid-week press conference. "They are having a tremendous time.
They may be having too much fun."
And that was even before they won their 10th consecutive
game.
Though the Bruins may have understandably been upset about being
in Dallas rather than playing in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, they
didn’t let it show.
UCLA arrived in town late on Dec. 26. The next day, all were
treated to "The Tonight Show Texas Style with Jay Leno." Dressed in
a cowboy hat and boots, Leno did a stand-up comedy routine solely
for the players, coaches, media and guests of the Cotton Bowl.
The following day, the Bruins received a private tour of the
Sixth-Floor Museum of the Book Store Depository – the building
where the shots that killed President John Kennedy in 1963 were
fired from. And that night, the players got free video games,
miniature golf, jousting and a barbecue in a reserved mall in the
historic Dallas West End.
But the Bruins also had a football game to prepare for and had
practice every afternoon. But this wasn’t your normal everyday
practice at Spaulding Field – the first two days they practiced at
Texas Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
"When you practice at Texas Stadium it’s kind of hard to
concentrate on anything other than football," senior offensive
lineman Chad Overhauser said.
He couldn’t enjoy it too much – after all, he said he’s a 49ers
fan.
Before their practice on Dec. 27, the team got a visit from a
Bruin that has had lots of success on that field – Troy Aikman.
"Cade got a chance to speak with (Aikman) a little bit and
enjoyed that," Toledo said.
The following day, UCLA switched from the turf field of Texas
Stadium to a high school with a grass field – like that of the
Cotton Bowl.
Following practice was a visit to the Scottish Rite Hospital – a
place for children with orthopedic problems that doesn’t charge
patients for anything. (It is completely supported by
donations.)
The players talked to children of various ages and illnesses,
signing autographs and bringing gifts.
"We realize we are so fortunate," Toledo said. "When our players
see these young children, they will be blessed by the
experience."
And they certainly were.
"This is definitely a life experience," junior placekicker Chris
Sailer said. "Just to put a smile on a little kid’s face is
something you enjoy doing."
Defensive end Weldon Forde, who gives speeches to elementary
schools during the off-season about the importance of an education,
concurs.
"It’s just nice to give back," he said. "They very well may not
know who we are, but just to give them gifts – it gives them a nice
Christmas."
That night, the players were treated to a performance by Roy
Firestone, the noted sports interviewer-turned entertainer.
As New Year’s Day neared, the activities slowed down a little
bit – a visit to Lawry’s Beef Bowl on Dec. 30 preceded the Big Play
Kickoff Luncheon the day before the game. At the luncheon,
highlights of the season were shown as well speeches from the
opposing head coaches.
The highlight of the day was the door prizes (signed footballs)
that were thrown from the podium by the two quarterbacks – McNown
and Texas A&M’s Brandon Stewart.
Overall, it was a busy week for the Bruins, and one they won’t
forget.
"One of the great things about Dallas is the hospitality,"
Overhauser said. "It’s been a good time."
JAMIE SCANLON-JACOBS/Daily Bruin
Senior tailback Skip Hicks signs autographs for Quintin
Whitfield.