My name is Jackson Walsh and I am a Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets super fan from Northwest Atlanta. You’ve never heard of me, I’m not a football player, coach, or even alumni. I often joke that I wasn’t smart enough to get into Tech. But I call myself a supporter.

Since 2018, I’ve spent a lot of money on season tickets for the football team and to occasionally see them play on the road. Even prior to my time as a STH, I was a part of the fanbase and followed the team devotedly. I’ve met a lot of great friends from this journey and even met my wife through our mutual love of the Jackets. So needless to say, I’m in your corner. I care about the team. You can find me at Bobby Dodd Stadium wearing my signature hard hat during games.

For anyone that knows anything about college football, it goes without saying that the last three seasons of Yellow Jacket football have been abysmal. Since Geoff Collins was hired as our head coach following Paul Johnson’s retirement, we’ve posted a cumulative 10-27 record to date, have never reached a bowl game, have lost to lower tier opponents such as the Citadel and Northern Illinois, and have been annihilated by several Top 25 teams on a regular basis. This petition comes on the heels of another embarrassing, grating home loss to the 20th ranked Ole Miss Rebels. 

My fellow fans and I agree, this play is unacceptable. We knew it would take a while for the team to win regularly again while transitioning to a different offensive scheme better reflecting the modern era of college football, but it’s been four seasons and little to no improvement has actually occurred. It is the belief of many of us that Collins lack of experience, his lower level game management skills, and big promises followed by little to no results is leading to the deterioration of our once great football program.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Growing up in suburban Atlanta, I remember well that the Jackets used to win a fair amount of games, compete in bowls, and showcase NFL talent on what we affectionately call the Flats. The only reason we still show up are the fondness of our memories that made us once fall in love. I think I speak for everyone when I say that it’s time to make new memories. It’s going to take a major change to return to the glory days of Alexander, Heisman, Dodd or even Bobby Ross that helped us capture the 1990 National Championship. I’m not asking for that right away, but at least be competitive. Coach these boys up, let them know the proud storied tradition they are apart of. Make us fans believe that each time we enter BDS, we have a chance to win.

But how can that be accomplished? What can I, a lowly ordinary football loving yokel, do to help turn this sinking ship around? I don’t know, but I have some ideas. We all have our different perspectives but a few things that are commonly agreed upon amongst our fanbase are the following:

-It’s time to hold Geoff Collins accountable for his coaching failures and find a way to buyout his ludicrous, unprecedented contract. For offering him such a deal, lump in Athletic Director Todd Stansbury and start warming his seat as well.

-Start the search for a reputable head coach with solid Power 5 experience that will do what it takes to put games in the win column, even if such a search must happen midseason.

-Our players need to be encouraged and given an incentive to play for our favorite school. I’m sure they are giving all they have, I can’t possibly know what goes on in the locker room, but there are other times I’m seeing apathetic, jaded approaches to their overall gameplay.

-We need to find a way to help our big donors out and donate money to athletics. Don’t get me wrong, I know for sure how hard it is to spend money especially in this economy. But support shouldn’t ride solely upon the heels of big name donors with access to millions of dollars but anyone who cares about the future of this great program. To my fellow fans, we need to do better.

 I realize I’ve said a lot (probably too much) but the overall goal of this petition is to get the attention of the powers that be at Tech. President Angel Cabrera, Stansbury, Collins, Brent Key, Kenyatta Wilson etc. as well as the ones in the seats. Let’s work together to make an impact, even if it’s a smaller one. With that said, Go Jackets!

-Jack