Holliday visits students at Towers

Marshall University's new football coach spoke to students about his plans for the upcoming season and answered questions Wednesday in Twin Towers Cafeteria.

"I have been very fortunate in this business as a football coach," said Marshall University head football coach Doc Holliday, . "I have had the opportunity to coach at a lot of great places and I have never been treated like I have here in Huntington, W.Va., since the day I got here."

Holliday said he grew up in Hurricane, W.Va., so he was excited when he took the job that brought him back to his roots. Hundreds of people have supported him by attending his appearances since he signed, showing their enthusiasm, he said.

"It tells me that football is important to the people of Huntington and important to Marshall University," Holliday said. "I was excited when I took the job and I am excited now."

During his interview with Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp and Athletic Director Mike Hamrick he told them two things. He wanted the job and to help him recruit.

"Dr. Kopp and Mike Hamrick allowed me to hire great staff and they are dedicated to winning championships," he said. "That's why I am here. My commitment to you at Marshall, as the head coach is at some point we are going to play for championships and we're going to work hard to get that done."

Holliday said the important thing they are trying to get done right now is get the players to learn how to practice.

"I tell my guys I want practice to be so hard that the games are easy," he said. "The ultimate goal is to win championships but we need to maximize our guys as players. As coaches and players we need to make sure that we are the most prepared."

Students can expect a team that is going to play extremely hard with a lot of enthusiasm, Holliday said. But the team needs everyone's help.

"The Marshall Maniacs came to me and asked what they could do to help.  I said put butts in the stands," he said. "Pack that stadium. We need you."

Nick Arkyns, sports management and marketing major from Orange County, Calif., is a member of the Marshall Maniacs and attended Holliday's speech.

"I think it is awesome that he can come and be hands-on with the students and try to get people to come out to the games," Arkyns said.

Arkyns said his favorite part about the new coach is how excited he is to be here and he wants to win.

"I'm real excited about him coming and getting everyone fired up," he said. "He has a winning attitude and I like it."

Tess Moore can be contacted at moore231@marshall.edu.