To the Tarleton State football players, coaches and families:

It is with an unclear head and heavy heart that I write this letter. I am fully aware that there is nothing I can say in this to take your pain away although I wish more than anything that I could.

You should never have to experience the heartache of losing someone so close to you. Someone you grew with, learned with, played with, lost with and won with. You should never have to deal with the fear and confusion that comes with that. I cannot begin to express how sorry I am. And I know that sorry does absolutely nothing, but I can't seem to find any fitting words.

The number of losses you all have suffered as a team is unreal and frankly unfair. Yet I hope you see the amount of love you have from above. You have a team of guardian angels watching over you. I wish I could tell you something, anything that could help put your minds and hearts at ease, but honestly I know there isn't. There isn't some magical word, line or phrase that is going to take all of your pain and suffering away. Though I can't take that awful tragedy away from you there is something I can tell you ...

I can remind you that you have a HUGE family that stands behind you. I don't know about other schools but I know how Tarleton stands tall in the face of tragedy. I know that we have each others backs off the field as a family, that bleeds purple in the same way you do so on the field. I can tell you that we are hurting with you. While every single one of us may have not known each person individually. I know that there is an unspoken bond between us as Texans. I can tell you that they will be honored in the best way we know. I can tell you that you are some of the strongest men I know and are truly leaders on campus.

I know I can't understand your pain. I wish I could and I know my peers feel the same. We would never wish what you are going through upon anyone but we will continue to support you through it. We will do whatever we can and personally I pray that y'all have been tested enough. I know God uses his best and strongest warriors in battle and I know at times it doesn't seem that simple. You have each been tested and persevered as strong and remarkable men.

I hope with all my heart that you utilize your family during this time. Both your personal family and the one you have gained with Tarleton State University. We are always here as thousands of sets of shoulders to lean on. We walk with you in this journey and you are never alone with us by your side.

We are Tarleton strong.