Michael Banogu

[KRAM1]

Nice piece by Brett Vito in today's Denton Record-Chronicle about former walk-on and now scholarship starting tackle Michael Banogu.

Michael walked away from DII Arkansas Tech to pursue his dream of playing at the Division I level.  He felt he could reach that goal, so he left Ark Tech and enrolled at UNT as a walk-on paying his own expenses as he pursued his dream.  A turning point came last fall when he all but had to quit football and leave UNT because he and his family could no longer afford the costs accociated with his UNT enrollment.  He confided in the coaching staff that he might have to walk away from his dream due to the costs.  Because he had shown himself capable as a player at the DI level, the staff awarded him a scholarship to enable him to continue with his dream.  "You should have seen the tears".... A quote from interim head coach Mike Canales. Coach Canales continued "That is when it is special, when you know a kid us in a tough situation and you're able to give him something.  To see how thankful they are to get a chance to play and get their education.  The gratitude he showed us priceless.  He is a special young man."

And, this was no charity case...as we know Michael has started 11 of the Mean Green's last 12 games.  He earned this scholarship...it wasn't just given to him because of his serious financial need.

So, want to know why I continue to give to the Mean Green Club in spite of records, in spite of coaching and/or personnel changes, in spite of challenges within the ticket office or any other area around campus?  Read the story of Michael Banogu...and many of our other great student-athletes in any of our other sports...and you will know exactly why I do what I do, why I have for many years and why I will continue to give and support this university.  I have said it many many times...it is all about the students for me.  I hope others who have stopped or are considering doing so their donations to the Mean Green Club will take a moment are read this piece on Michael.  And then, just ponder a bit on what it means to these young men and women and how what you give can be the help needed toward a transforming life moment for these very worthy student-athletes.  I am proud to be able to say that my donations help young men and women pursue their dreams...just like Michael Banogu.

EDIT: For those interested...noticed the same article in today's Dallas Morning News sports section...page 8C.

Edited November 19, 2015 by KRAM1

[GTWT]

Good stuff.  These are our kids.  Forget the AD.  Forget the coaches.  Support UNT's student athletes.

[Ben Gooding]

Good stuff.  These are our kids.  Forget the AD.  Forget the coaches.  Support UNT's student athletes.

I agree. I have decided not to pullout on support because I don't do it for the no-class AD that is not even affiliated with our university except for his "job." Coaches come and go as well. It makes it far easier to donate more, for me anyways, if I know the money is being managed better with success to follow. 

[Brett Vito]

DRC: Here's the story. Read the full version.

http://www.dentonrc.com/sports/colleges/north-texas-headlines/20151118-football-effort-pays-off-for-former-unt-walk-on-banogu.ece

 

[KRAM1]

Thanks for posting the link, Brett.  I don't know how to do that as every time I try I never get there.  Thanks.  Folks do need to read this story...it is a good read and a nice job by Brett Vito.

[UNT 90 Grad]

He became one of my favorite players after watching him eat ghost peppers in Beyond the Green.   Got to see tears in his eyes then too!

[southsideguy]

i remember seeing the guy on the sidelines last year not dressed and thought that is one big dude.

[FirefightnRick]

Good for Mike.  It's a shame he and his teammates who deserve better won't get it.  If only more people would demand some accountability these guys might play in a sold out Apogee some day?

 

Rick

[UNTexas]

Good stuff.  These are our kids.  Forget the AD.  Forget the coaches.  Support UNT's student athletes.

The problem with forgetting the AD & coaches is they are a big part of the equation and their failures are directly hurting these kids. Demand accountability perhaps for the kids because the current administration is failing them.

Edited November 19, 2015 by UNTexas