COMMERCE, Texas – Anticipation is building around the Texas A&M University-Commerce football team, its students, alumni and fans as the Lions have hit the practice field in preparation for the upcoming season and the 2010 Harvey Martin Classic. The third annual matchup is set for Saturday, Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. against the Angelo State Rams at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

“This will be my third year playing in the Harvey Martin Classic and it is still just as special,” said Taylor Fore, Lions wide receiver. “We are excited about playing again this year.”

The Harvey Martin Press Conference kicks off the week’s events on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at noon in the Dallas City Hall Flag Room. The luncheon follows on Thursday, Sept. 9, at noon at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, and will feature guest speaker Gene Stallings, former NCAA national champion head football coach and Dallas Cowboys assistant.

Stallings is currently a member of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, and will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December. He began his coaching career with the Texas A&M Aggies in 1965, and went on to win a national title with Alabama in 1992. He will speak about his knowledge of the game and his experiences on and off the field.

Many former Dallas Cowboys will also be in attendance. Tables and individual tickets are still available, and can be ordered at harveymartinclassic.com or by calling 903-468-3085.

The Harvey Martin Classic golf tournament follows on Friday, Sept 10, at The Golf Club at Castle Hills in Lewisville.  Golfers tee off at 1:30 p.m., and will receive one sleeve Nike golf balls, green and cart fees, fully-equipped carts with coolers and tees, digital scoring, lunch, dinner, and a $20 bounce back coupon for the next visit. To register for the tournament contact Amy Bassham at 903-468-3075 or at Amy_Bassham@tamu-commerce.edu.

All events lead up to the Harvey Martin Classic football game on Saturday, which honors the former East Texas State and Dallas Cowboys standout. Martin was inducted into the university’s athletic Hall of Fame in 1987, and became the first A&M-Commerce athlete to be selected for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.  

For more information about all Harvey Martin Classic events or tickets visit www.harverymartinclassic.com.