Their main objective was to hear a presentation from Oklahoma State University head football coach Les Miles, whose appearance was delayed because of turbulent weather. Miles was scheduled to arrive at 5:30 p.m. His flight from Dallas was re-routed all the way to Midland, Texas to avoid bad weather.
It was Miles' third meeting this spring with other OSU boosters and this was by far the best crowd. Only 80 showed up in a gathering at Houston and 100 in Dallas.
"We cross the border and we come into this state and we find true Oklahoma State people," said Miles. "How thrilling it is to walk into room with 450 people sitting in it. We are very fortunate to represent a great school and the people of that school make it so very special."
Miles reviewed last season which climaxed with an appearance in the Cotton Bowl.
"We started by stubbing our toe against Nebraska. We got it going and won the next seven. We beat K-State, Texas Tech and A&M on the road. We were really right where we wanted to be with the opportunity to take a lead in the Big 12 South and do the things we would like to do year in and year out with our neighboring institution. And they got us. It didn't sit well with us, I promise you. It's Boone Pickens Stadium next year and we look forward to it."
Miles said the team finished strong but it fell short of the goals the coaches players want for the program.
"It was not what we set out to do," said Miles. "It was not the position to be in at the end of the year. The goal at Oklahoma State is to win the Big 12 South, win the Big 12 Conference and win our last game of the year. That will always be a standard that we look to."
Miles said Rashaun Woods will be missed and it is likely that quarterback Josh Fields will sign a professional baseball contract and not be around for his senior season. With that in mind, Miles turned his attention to the most recent recruits.
"This team that we recruited will augment what we have," said Miles. "I think recruiting went well. We got four guys from high school, including highly touted quarterback Robby Reid, who transferred to OSU at mid-term.
"How wonderful it was to see guys who were so ahead in their high school year academically that they could leave at mid-semester," said Miles.
Because of that and the presence of redshirt freshman quarterback Donavon Woods, it gave Miles and his staff a good look at that position in the spring. "It let us know that the position of quarterback is in great hands for years to come," said MIles.
Miles reviewed the rest of the team. Here are his comments on each side of the ball.
Offensive line - "Our offensive line should be a strength. If we can control the line of scrimmage with those five guys, that will give us strength offensively.
Tight ends - "We have the finest blocking tight ends in the country in Billy Bajema and Charlie Johnson.
Receivers - "Dejuan Woods had a great spring, making his case to his team to be the next Rashaun Woods."
Tailback - Greg Jones, Vernand Morency and Seymour Shaw are competing. "We have three that are really capable guys.
Fullback - Shawn Willis is a veteran.
"The key for this offense is not to turn the ball over," said Miles. "If this football team does not suffer turnovers early in the year, we will have great success."
Miles then reviewed the defense.
Secondary - All Big 12 Derrent Williams is back. Robert Jones and Jon Holland, Vernon Grant and Jamie Thompson all have "tremendous speed."
Linebacker - "We are as deep and as talented at linebacker as we have ever been." Patitte McGee, Lawrence Pinson, Victor Degrate, true freshman Brad Johnson and Paul Duren all could see playing time."
Defensive line. Xavier Lawson Kennedy, Clay Coe, Brad Girtman, Efe Mowarin look good at tackles.
"We'll be fine on the inside of the defensive line. Our ends will be tested early." Sophomore Marque Fountain will start at one end and Jerry Don Bray will probably start at the other end.
"Our defense will be as talented as it has been and better with more speed."
Special teams - Cole Farden will do the punting and handle the kickoffs and Luke Roberts and incoming freshman Cole Ricks will compete for the extra points and field goal duty. "We'll have strong return teams.
"This team overall will mature based on what we can do early," Miles said. "If we can go to UCLA and get started with a win, come back and take care of business at home and go into the Big 12, I think you can see a team that can contend for the title. After the success the basketball team had. I kind of like what Eddie (Sutton) says. 'Cautiously optimistic.' I would like to have the same success they had. A Big 12 championship and national honors."
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