We are coming upon one of the most anticipated and exciting times of the year.

Students are returning back to campus and our fall sports are in preseason camps. And there is much to anticipate when it comes Bobcat athletics.

Both our football and volleyball teams are coming off appearances in the NCAA playoffs and are expected to vie for Southland Conference titles again this year. And with nine seniors, soccer is also expected to compete for a conference championship this fall. In fact, our soccer team will have the home field advantage as we play host to the Southland Conference Championship in early November.

Recently, the Southland Conference announced its football broadcast schedule for this fall. We will be making two appearances on Fox Sports Net Southwest in an eight-million household region covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Both games will also be seen in selected markets from coast to coast on Fox College Sports.

We will be able to showcase our university and facilities in a game against a Nicholls State team that claimed a share of the conference title last year. This year’s “Battle for the Paddle” is being moved from Saturday, November 4th to Thursday, November 2nd. And for fans unable to travel out of state, our game against preseason conference favorite McNeese State will also be televised on FSN on Oct. 14.

Also, our new online ticketing system has gone online. Now, purchasing season tickets as well as individual game tickets for any event can be made from the comfort of your own home and personal computer. We have partnered with Austin-based Texas Box Office for our online ticketing services. And in addition to purchasing tickets online, they may also be purchased at select H.E.B. stores as well by calling toll free (877) 798-CATS or (800) 982-2386.

In the coming weeks, three of our programs will be opening their seasons with matches and games at home.

After playing host to St. Mary’s in an exhibition match Aug. 19, the soccer team will open at home against Big 12 opponent Oklahoma State on Aug. 25. And unlike last season, when the team played just four home matches, this year you can look forward to seeing the squad at home 10 times during the regular season including the first four matches of the year.

Also the final weekend of August you can see some of the best volleyball played in the country right here in Strahan Coliseum. Karen Chisum’s volleyball squad will play host to the CenturyTel Bobcat Premiere Aug. 25 and 26. The classic field includes North Texas, Texas-Pan American, USC and Wyoming as well as your ‘Cats. The team will also play host to Baylor in early September.

And football opens defense of its 2005 SLC title Sept. 2nd when the squad takes on a Tarleton State team favored to win the Lone Star Conference’s South Division. The following week the Bobcats travel to Kentucky to take on a Southeastern Conference opponent for the first time in school history.

Finally, the cross country squad also has an early competition at home as we play host to the Texas State Invitational Sept. 9 at Gary Job Corps.

As you return to athletic events this fall, you’ll notice new banners and signage at both Bobcat Stadium and Strahan Coliseum. In addition, the outside of the stadium has received a fresh coat of paint as well continue to strive to make our facilities some of the best in the Southland Conference southwest.

We want to make everyone’s experience at Texas State athletic events a memorable one with expectations again high for all of our athletic programs we look forward to seeing you often this fall on our campus.