MOBILE, Ala. (1/2/13) – Arkansas State Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir and interim head football coach John Thompson participated in a press conference Wednesday night held right before both teams went to the Great Southern Wood Team Welcome Reception.

The press conference featured GoDaddy.com Brand Marketing Manager David Welsh, Mobile Mayor Samuel L. Jones, Mohajir, Thompson, and representatives from Kent State.  After opening comments by Welsh, Mayor Jones presented Mohajir a key to the city.  Mohajir then spoke briefly and was followed with some brief comments by Thompson.

“We want to say thank you, especially on behalf of Governor Mike Beebe, System President Dr. Charles Welch, and Chancellor Dr. Tim Hudson, and we can’t tell you how excited we are to be back here,” Mohajir said.  “Thank you so much for everything you do and thank you for the key to the city Mayor Jones.”

“It’s an honor to represent Arkansas State University and to be here in the GoDaddy.com Bowl,” Thompson said.  “Our players, our fans, and the whole community of Arkansas State are very excited about being back in this bowl.  It is a pleasure and we’re looking forward to this week.”

At the conclusion of the press conference both teams went to the Great Southern Wood Welcome Reception which provided a southern-style shrimp boil and entertainment to the players, coaches, administrators, media members, and special guests.

Winners in eight of its last nine games, including the last seven in a row, the Red Wolves claimed their second consecutive Sun Belt Conference title with a 45-0 victory Middle Tennessee in their regular-season finale.

The Red Wolves are receiving votes in both major polls and are listed at No. 37 in the latest BCS rankings.  A-State is receiving 20 votes in the latest USA Today Coaches Top 25 poll for its most in school history since joining the NCAA FBS in 1992.  Kent State will bring an 11-2 record and No. 25 ranking the AP Top 25 Poll into the GoDaddy.com Bowl.  The Golden Flashes are also No. 25 in the BCS rankings.

Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase GoDaddy.com Bowl tickets only through the ASU Ticket Office to directly support the Red Wolves and to ensure they receive priority seating within the designated A-State area.