2007 TTU Football Schedule Aug. 30 at Eastern Illinois * Charleston, Ill. Sept. 6 Cumberland University Cookeville Sept. 13 Concordia College Cookeville Sept. 20 Murray State * Cookeville Sept. 27 at UT Martin * Martin, Tenn. Oct. 6 Austin Peay * * Homecoming * Hall of Fame Cookeville Oct. 11 Tennessee State * Cookeville Oct. 20 at Jacksonville State * Jacksonville, Ala. Oct. 27 Samford * Cookeville TBA Nov. 3 at Auburn University Auburn, Ala. TBA Nov. 10 Open Nov. 17 at Eastern Kentucky * Richmond, Ky. * Denotes Ohio Valley Conference games. Dates are subject to change. For more information or to purchase season tickets, visit ttusports.com or call Athletics at (931) 372-3940. Download 2007 ticket applications (PDF) Click here to order tickets online

Brown has immediate impact on Tech, community and region

TTU Head Football Coach Watson Brown

It hasn't taken Watson Brown long to have an impact on Tennessee Tech, the university's alumni, the Cookeville community and the Upper Cumberland Region.

And that's fine with him.

Since he was named as Golden Eagle head football coach in December, Brown has been going non-stop in preparation for his first season.

That preparation has included recruiting new student-athletes, including several from Cookeville and schools in the area, setting up the 2007 schedule, hiring his coaching staff and directing the team through a month of spring drills.

In addition to those football-related tasks, Brown has also been busy in a wide variety of other activities to help promote Golden Eagle football. The list includes speaking engagements at civic organizations in Cookeville and surrounding regions; public appearances including alumni events in Chattanooga, Oak Ridge, and Columbia; attending dinners; participating in radio, television and newspapers interviews; andauctions on eBay of football collectibles.

Brown has also been deeply involved in fund raising and development efforts, the selection of the new turf currently being installed in Tucker Stadium and upgrading the football facilities.

All of those activities have had an impact on the TTU football program and Brown has had an impact on fans and supporters in the region.

"I came here to have an impact," Brown said. "I wanted to finish my career by doing something special, and that's what we're trying to do here. I feel that Tennessee Tech is a place that can win if the commitment is growing, and I believe it is."

Brown admits to being an "unbelievable Tech fan" since a young age.

"I came here for two main reasons," Brown said. "The first reason is that this is home. The second reason is that Mark Wilson has convinced me that there is a strong commitment to win."

The commitment includes bringing Brown home to lead the program.

"I want to help the community have pride in Tennessee Tech football," Brown said. "The fact that we haven't won a conference championship in so long helped influence me. We want to win a championship, and the community is slowly grabbing hold of that idea. They're making $500 and $1,000 pledges, and they're buying season tickets."

Brown said the primary goal of his widespread appearances is to educate fans and followers about "where we are and what we need, whether that's in financial support, physical support, coming to the games, or buying season tickets."

"We want to explain to everyone that 'here's where we are, and here's what we need you to do,'" Brown said, and added that the reception has been tremendous.

"It's been just fantastic. It's nice to see so much excitement in people's eyes. Of course, we know we have to win games. It's no different in Cookeville than it is in Norman, Oklahoma."

"We want our alumni and fans to know that we need their help," Brown said. "We need to all pull together and make Tech football a special place. I know I can't do it by myself."

Director of Athletics Mark Wilson has been impressed with how passionately Brown has accepted the challenge and how much of an impact he has had so quickly.

"This is truly a great time for Tennessee Tech football, with Watson Brown coming home to the state of Tennessee to coach the Golden Eagles," Wilson said. "With increased ticket sales and greater fan support, we have a unique opportunity to restore Tech Football to its championship 'glory' days."