Big 12 Media Days began with tributes to flood victims in Central Texas, overshadowing football discussions.
FRISCO, Texas — As the college football world gathers in Frisco for Big 12 Media Days, the upcoming season remains a major talking point — but it’s far from the only one.
Just days earlier, catastrophic flooding devastated parts of Central Texas, particularly in Kerr County along the Guadalupe River. As of Tuesday afternoon, officials report 109 people dead and at least 161 still missing.
The impact of the tragedy has rippled throughout the state, including in North Texas, where several have experienced significant loss.
So, before getting into the football side of things on Tuesday, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark provided some kind words and took a moment of silence to pay respects to those impacted across Texas.
“Before we begin today’s events, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tragic flooding in Texas this weekend, particularly the devastating events at Camp Mystic,” Yormark said. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and everyone affected. We are keeping the entire community in our thoughts.”
Yormark wasn’t the only one to offer his thoughts and prayers. Texas Tech Head Coach and former Cedar Hill High School Coach Joey McGuire began his opening statement by talking about the tragedy, explaining that it’s a place he’s familiar with.
“Before I talk about my team, being a proud Texan and being nowhere else, I just want again, we put this out the other day, but our prayers are with everybody in Central Texas,” Coach McGuire said. “I have family that live in those areas and have had different alumni reach out to me that have had young ladies and kids going to different camps. And so, I just want to say that at Texas Tech, we’re praying for you guys. I can’t imagine. Debbie and I have talked about it as parents of what they’re going through and just want to know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers.”
Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda offered another perspective on the tragedy, explaining how heartbreaking the situation is in the eyes of a parent.
Aranda described his experience with sending his little girls to camp and the anticipation and nerves that come with it, emphasizing the unimaginable pain these losses must cause.
“I wanted to start just by acknowledging and commenting on just the flood and just the travesty there in just Central Texas,” Aranda said when he sat down on stage. “Just so affected by that as a parent, and you know I know a lot of you guys are the same way. I remember when my little girls were going to camp and just the build-up to it, the anticipation, and the nervousness, and then the excitement. Then, when you drop them off, it’s kind of scary and then it ends up being so good. Oh my, I initially think of it like that. I think of it through that lens and then I learned more about the little girls that passed away and the little girls that are missing. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, and it’s beyond tragedy. The last couple days, I have just really been struggling with that. My wife and I have been just keeping up with it and I just wanted to say that, you know, my heart is broken and the girls and the families affected are in my thoughts.”
And these words weren’t just shared by those who coach and operate in the state of Texas; other coaches from out of state took time to say what they felt was necessary about the flood, despite being hundreds of miles away.
UCF Head Coach Scott Frost was one of those who, though unfamiliar with the area, offered his support to those impacted.
“I think before I get started, I just want to take a minute and kind of reflect on the things that have happened in Texas over the last week,” Frost said to open his time during media days. “Coming down here and reading about it and seeing it, it’s a good reminder to me of how much we love football and how important it is, but there’s bigger things in life, and thoughts and prayers are certainly with people around here.”
So, while football remains the focus in Frisco this week, the heartbreak in Central Texas continues to weigh heavily on everyone’s minds.
If you would like to donate to support those impacted by the flood, visit here to learn more.