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YNN’s Russell Wilde is Wilde about Texas. Join Russell each Thursday as he travels throughout the state visiting the people and places that make Texas unique. Do you have an idea for our next Wilde About Texas? Send it to us by clicking here.



09/22/2011 10:51 AM

Wilde About Texas Football: Setting up for Friday night

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With as much work as the players put into a football game on Friday night, the same amount goes on behind the scenes to make sure the show goes off without a hitch.

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Mike Szymarek has been the Operations Manager of Burger Stadium for 16 years. He’s says that by the time the teams take the field, his job is done.

Then it’s time for Szymarek to sit and enjoy the game from his seat just beyond the field goal post.

“There's not a better place to be,” he said. “It's the best seat in the house. I just want my boss to buy me a bass seat so I can swivel around and see the scoreboard.”

Szyrmarek is not simply a spectator while the players battle on the field. He takes the time to mingle and chat with anyone who can spare the time.

"Going out and meeting the coaches, they are all nervous and talking to their players and asking who the captains are and what are they going to do and they are all like ‘Ahhhhhh!’," Syzmarek said.

It’s the community atmosphere and the common love for the sport and tradition that he loves.

"Everybody comes fired up and in a good mood to see high school kids compete,” Syzmarek said. “The score doesn't mean a whole lot to anybody except the teams playing because everyone just wants to come and enjoy the game and relax."