Football players sign poster for Army alum in Afghanistan

Jessica Cates, associate director of TCU's Alcon Career Center, wrote us to share a heart-warming story about what the team did before it left for California.

"My brother, Clay Eiland, a TCU alum and graduate of the ROTC program (and die-hard Horned Frog fan), is a Captain in the Army and is currently serving at Camp Marmal in Afghanistan. This is his second tour. His wife, also a TCU alum, and 5-week-old daughter are anxious for his return in May (as are the rest of his family!).

A couple weeks ago, Clay’s twin brother, Cliff (a 2nd year TCU MBA student) contacted Jake Kirkpatrick to see if he wouldn’t mind signing a poster to send to Clay. Jake happily agreed and said he would try to get some of the other guys to sign the poster as well. When we got the poster back from Jake, all of the players (from what I can tell) had signed the poster, along with a thank you message to Clay. Jake also gave us a couple of individual signed pictures of himself in case there were other Frog Fans at Camp Marmal. I know this seems so small, but it will provide a much-needed connection to home for Clay. While he was disappointed to miss this year’s Christmas with family, I think he was more bummed about missing the Rose Bowl (don’t tell his wife!).

It could have been so easy for the football team to be focused on themselves, especially leading up to the biggest game of their lives, but it speaks wonders of their character to think of someone so far away. I have never before been so impressed with a group of young men.

Just thought someone should know. Go Frogs!"

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