Western Kentucky athletic director Todd Stewart and Conference USA commissioner Britton Banowsky talk briefly about the Bahamas Bowl.

Todd Stewart

    Travel on Saturday: “It went really well and I got to give everybody a lot of credit, from the bowl to everyone here at Atlantis, it’s been very well-organized. We came in two different shifts and everybody’s here and we’re locked and loaded.”

    Playing in this type of game: “Our guys deserve it. I think a lot of times bowls are about your seniors. I think about our senior class. When they bought into this program, they were coming into a program that was in a 4-32 stretch.

    “Now we’ve had four straight years where we’ve won seven or more games, and of the 128 teams in the country, only 29 have won seven or more four straight years. That’s the legacy of these seniors, and hopefully they can get one more win, because that’s what they deserve.”

    Moving the program in the right direction: “That was something that we always talked about. Certainly there were some major growing pains going through the process.

    “But I think we did it the right way. Even through the coaching change, we’ve always had high-character kids. What’s happened now, because we’ve won four straight years, I really believe we have a winning culture. I think that’s part of what pulled us through when we were 3-5, is that this group is so used to winning.

    “They didn’t quit, they hung in there, that’s why we’re 7-5 now and, hopefully, 8-5 in a few more days.”

Britton Banowsky

    The experience for a C-USA team: “Well it’s an experience for any team to play in this bowl game. First of all, it’s a brand new game, but it’s got all the ingredients.

    “This hotel, this property is unbelievable. The property is great. The venue’s great. Obviously the beach behind us is amazing. And then to have to opportunity to do it the very first time, have the very first bowl game here, is tremendous.

    “I’m happy for the folks at Western Kentucky, and also the folks at Central Michigan.”

    Rooting for the C-USA team? “Always. But I just hope we have a good game, a lot of competition, everyone kind of stays healthy. But obviously it’d be great if we got Western Kentucky a win.”

    Attending the Bahamas Bowl personally: “Well, we actually own and manage this game. The Bahamas Bowl LLC is part of Conference USA, so we’re here because we have to make sure it goes well.

    “So we’re working. I wish I could tell you I was on the beach all day today, but no, I’ve been, pretty much, hustling. And it’s great for us because having a start-up game and having one that we can control and manage ourselves, rather than relying on a third party, is pretty cool.

    “Then to watch it come together and be so neat – the kids are having a great time. Very excited about it and can’t wait to kick it off.”