TicketsMEMPHIS – The Cincinnati football team held its first on-site bowl practice on Wednesday afternoon, while a select group of student-athletes spent their morning at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital visiting with patients.
One of the best children’s hospitals in the country, St. Jude has been named one of the Top 10 pediatric cancer hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 18 consecutive years. On Wednesday, several Bearcats visited the hospital and spent time with children, a rewarding experience for all who went.
“It was a great experience,” redshirt junior linebacker Jonathan Thompson said. “To see kids who might not have it as good as you, and to be able to give back to them and give them confidence to know that there are people out there who love them and are looking out for them, it was great for all of us. They were even offering us support, telling us they hope we have a good game. It was a beautiful feeling being there.”
The players and kids spent the morning with fun activities like playing games and coloring, and the Bearcats also signed some autographs. It was a day that left an impression on everyone involved.
“It was awesome to go there and spend time with the kids,” redshirt senior offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt said. “Those kids are going through a lot, so to see them smile meant the world to me. It set the tone for the rest of my day. What I’m going through is not nearly as much as what they’re going through on a daily basis. It was a great way to start the day.”
Later in the day, UC held a brief practice in preparation of Friday’s game. Following practice, select players as well as offensive coordinator Brad Glenn and defensive coordinator Tyson Veidt met with media downtown at the Resanant Convention Center.
Among the players present was sophomore defensive lineman Marquaze Parker, who grew up outside of Memphis. He remembered the excitement the Liberty Bowl brought his hometown when he was younger, and when he found out that Cincinnati was playing in this year’s edition of the game he immediately let everyone know they were about to see him play in his own backyard.
“As soon as I found out I started texting everybody,” Parker said. “I let them know I’ll get them a ticket, all they have to do is show up.”
Parker said he’ll have a large contingent of fans at the game on Friday, but couldn’t put an exact number on it.
“I don’t think we have enough time to go through the whole list,” Parker said with a laugh. “It’ll be my family, coaches, friends, and some former teachers.”
Parker played in eight games as a true freshman last year and has appeared in all 12 this season, totaling 17 tackles and 3.5 TFL. He is not only looking forward to playing in front of his family and friends, but sharing his love of Memphis with his teammates.
“As soon as I got off the plane I felt like I was home,” he said. “That’s my favorite thing about Memphis, the way I feel when I come back home. This is where I grew up and I have a lot of support down here.”