Grouchy Obstinate Boosters

Our site has for a long time linked up the two main message boards that provide online Raider nation with the bulk of our Raider nonsense - Rivals' RedRaiderSports.com (Inside the Double T) and Scout's Raiderpower.com (the home of Raider Alley).

In the past few days the Good Old Boys have been out in full force at Inside The Double T. Their season of discontent continues - and it's been an 8 year drought in West Texas as far as they're concerned.

My generation versus the GOB generation is turning out to be an ugly battle. The Good-Old-Boy generation seems to enjoy tearing down the new Texas Tech as they sip on their Natty Light and reminisce about the good old days of the I-formation and the Veer.

It's fair conversation to start, I think. No matter how successful a program may be, there will always be detractors, no matter how valid their claims may or may not be. Texas Tech has always had a bit of an uphill battle to be sure. The South Plains is home to a rugged breed - and that mentality is a great asset in times of difficulty. As it relates to Texas Tech football though, we've been on a pretty sweet little roll of success. I don't think that's a fact that is disputable at all.

So what's not to like?

We haven't won any Big 12 championships to be sure, but it's not like the trophy cabinet was full of SWC titles either. The one Cotton Bowl of that era was only achieved via a tie - and our trip to Dallas was awarded because the other eligible teams had "been there done that" more often than Tech.

Some of the complaints center on our recruiting - though it seems to me that Leach has clearly had a focus to bring in players that have skills that suit this program specifically - even when they may not have the "stars" that recruiting nuts have to have to validate their little lives. Not to mention the fact that Tech has done an OUTSTANDING job recruiting real-life student athletes. A recruit that committed recently had offers from 2 service academies. That's outstanding.

You know, as I recall, Spike Dykes recruited before the days of Rivals and Scout. I wonder how many stars Reagan Bounds would have had, or Tracy Saul. Did guys like that get offers from UT or Oklahoma? I bet they didn't. So how is Leach's recruiting somehow worse?

I have been quite proud that our football players of late have been smarter than average, graduating more than average and have character that is clearly above average. That has been a long time coming - a real shift in the fabric of Texas Tech Football - and may the sole reason I get so frustrated with the GOB crowd. Their implied complaint is that they would gladly sacrifice grades and character to have higher profile athletes to rub shoulders with I suppose.

Maybe instead of "lecturing" us (lecturer), you can kindly give us your recruiting credentials and experience.

As far as I can tell the GOB crowd really can't stand Coach Leach. I'm not just basing this on a few folks who were posting on an anonymous message board - but I believe these folks really do think Tech Football is mis-managed by Leach. Which is a thought that I just can't buy into.

Mike Leach represents all that is new generation about college football - and that just pisses off the old fellers...

Mike Leach is a lawyer, which doesn't help matters, but has a long list of demerits that the old money boosters just aren't ready to accept. Let's see if we can list all of them here and get those boys' blood pressure up a little higher - you know - to mess with their bypass a little...


1. Lawyer
2. Probably a Mormon
3. Never played football
4. Despite growing up in Wyoming - he's just not Texas enough
5. Glamorizes pirates
6. That VanGogh self portrait thing is just odd

We all know that the Spike Dykes days were full of back-slappin' one-liners that we all got a kick out of. They were also the same years that we fielded teams that were flagged by the NCAA as chock full of illegally recruited players.


They were the years where Coach Dykes would glad-hand the boosters and GOB crowd - regailing them with stories of coaching high school football in the backwaters of West Texas and in Midland. Always available for a round of golf or a hand of poker, Spike Dykes was the good-old-boy coach of your dreams. Somehow the old money crowd would gladly write big checks even while Bam Morris was getting thrown in the slammer and embarrassing our school.

I'm not here to beat up on Coach Dykes - rather to bring to light the differences I see in our program as it exists today. And to remind the GOB boosters about how things operate in the 21st century. We do things a little differently today.

And when we do win that Big12 title - will the GOBs slap my back and tell me what a great job we did?

a little over a day left

to buy a piece of sparkly Texas Tech football history...

Ebay

I had a dream almost just like this

I was wearing the Texas Tech basketball jersey and scoring.

Goodbye Mainland USA

Bond J Bond will be off getting drunk and sunburned. Mahalo.

Some NFL Draft trivia....

Name for me the last year the NFL Draft had three white guys selected 1-2-3 like we just had this year in Long, Long and Ryan? (Those three need to start a law firm, btw)




The answer is 1975 - 33 years...

Steve Bartkowski
Randy White
Ken Huff

The 4th pick that year was this guy Walter Payton - that name rings a bell for some reason.

bobby burton bows up

Bobby Burton responded to the Daily Herald article that we just posted about yesterday.

Suprise! They deny blame and point the finger back at Ron Zook.

I win the nickel.

rivals and scout might be corrupt?? no!

First of all - a HT to The Wiz for finding an interesting tidbit on the fallibility of recruiting "insider" websites...

First, the LINK from the Daily Herald in "Suburban Chicago"

Then the cut and paste job:

College coaches aren't allowed to meet or talk with potential recruits during this time, but it's a rule that has been fudged and/or flaunted in certain pockets across the country.

That's why head coaches have been banned from the road -- to prevent the rule from being fudged. Zook has at least two problems with this new plan.

"The reason that I was told is because they say when head coaches go out, they talk to the players," Zook said. "And I said, 'That ain't right.' But I will tell you this: If a high school coach is bringing a player in to talk to a head coach, he's bringing in a player to talk to an assistant coach, too.

"So it don't matter. They're talking to the coaches, right, wrong or indifferent."

The other issue grows bigger every day and needs to be addressed soon.

Because operator/writers for Internet sites, such as Rivals.com and Scout.com, are the only ones who have unregulated access to recruits when coaches can't talk to them, it's an area that's ripe for corruption.

Some programs have secretly allied themselves with the Web sites that report on their school as another way to communicate with recruits.

In return, the Web sites get better information, more traffic and make more money.

"We're turning the recruiting over to the so-called recruiting gurus," Zook said. "Now, all of a sudden, just like you've got basketball coaches complaining that it's turning over to the AAU coaches, now we're turning it over to these guys that can call them.

"Well, you know what a lot of them are saying. They're selling their school to these kids, and we're not able to talk to them. To me, we're losing this thing, in my opinion."

and now the insightful commentary:

Wow, it was only two days ago that the ranking of prospects on Rivals was a big topic of conversation on the Rivals boards...they just released their initial "stars" rankings and the inevitable onslaught of complaining began from know it all amateur talent scouts across the nation...

"Our guy should be ranked above your guy" - and Tech's favorite - the "Tech effect." That is, when a four-star athlete commits to Tech - despite offers from OU or LSU and the like - he automatically becomes a three-star athlete.

The author of the story, Lindsey Willhite (which is a guy, btw), makes a pretty stunning accusation - that there are Universities that have "secretly" aligned themselves with a particular recruiting company. Interesting - this isn't Watergate or anything - but I wonder what editor would allow that kind of allegation to be published without and supporting evidence.

Because Ron Zook says so?

Ron Zook is on record as saying "It don't matter" so I hope they aren't counting on Ronnie's towering intellect.

The next step would be to investigate the books of Rivals and Scout - their automatic answer would most certainly be a denial - and there would be scarcely any way to prove the allegation to be true.

We know that Rivals and Scout are certainly profit-focused - we enjoy the fruits of their labor every day - it's fun to be in "the know" about your football program - the access they are able to provide is impressive.

Despite the fact the allegation shouldn't have been published...I have no doubt that it's true. So DT! readers, do we care if Tech is paying money for more and better access?

guys love girls on horses too...

Seth at Double T Nation gonna be a little upset - his man - the mustachioed Masked Rider has had his spurs retired...

So one last pic of Mr. Kevin Burns...
A sincere "Thank You!" from the fellas at DiscoTech! We also want to say thanks for you Gator Bowl run - we'll never forget it. We hope you find your future of many beautiful West Texas sunrises.

Marlena Hartz of the A-J announces our newest Masked Rider...Ashley Hartzog.

Hartzog, the 47th Masked Rider, is a senior animal science and Spanish major. She takes the reins from Kevin Burns.

She said she has been enchanted with the mascot ever since she first laid eyes on the horse and rider at a football game with her father, a Tech alumus. She was just 5 years old.

Waddya know...we have the inside track on Ms. Hartzog...


Farwell?

Hey, I had to look it up - so I'll save you the time:


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EA Sports NCAA Football 2009 Trailer

As if there weren't already enough to get you pumped about the upcoming football season, here is the preview for EA Sports' NCAA Football 2009 courtesy of gametrailers.com.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/32876.html

I personally have been a fan of the series itself since the 1995 Bill Walsh version. You even catch a glimpse of Michael Crabtree in the video.

guys love cheerleaders

So the boys over at Raiderpower are asking for more Rhonda Lewis - who am I to be a buzzkill? And I'm even gonna toss in some new beauties tonight - just because I care...

Pamela Cameron didn't even WIN Playmate of the 1971 La Ventana! Who was judging that year? Did some guy have a frozen pizza box on his head?

Rhonda - Serious about TDs

The total package

The Cadillac of Cheerleading

In the top 8

...dunkers of all time...

Thanks to TAnderson1988 on the Rivals board for this...



I don't know why the production company couldn't get the rights to the actual dunk that is his most famous...so here's the video for y'all:

For the golfer in your family

In my case, that just happens to be ME.

Sooooo.......Happy Father's day to me...

MyJoys by FootJoy - with collegiate logos!

The great part is that this isn't one of those products that you can only get with a burnt-orange longhorn on it...you know, like those killer flip-flops you see at the grocery store...

Despite the fact some of our readers may not be in the mood to spend money on their house right now...just remember that when you need that new air conditioner - don't forget to look at the York Affinity models...

I have to say that the Double T is showing up on a lot more products these days - it's a good thing...

Congrats to Coach Hays

...as he becomes only the fourth college baseball coach to make it to 1500 wins in a career...

ESPN

I think his career is more than likely pulling into the station - I am glad to say I got to see him manage many a game at the Law...

Congrats Coach Hays!

Not the NIT - the PIT

DT! Now at guard for YOUR Tidewater Sealants.....

MAR....tin........ZEEEEEEEEEEnoooooooooooo

Portsmouth Invitational Tourney Rosters

Seriously, I loved Martin Zeno's time at Tech. When I say that, what I mean is...I am so glad he has graduated and I don't have to hear about how he hasn't improved any over the summer...

I expect that he won't be drafted and that his time with the Tidewater Sealants will be a prelude to his trip over the pond to Europe. The kid from Sulfur, Louisiana will have a hard time finding crawfish etoufee in Spain, I'm almost sure of that.



DT! A couple of things to note from the recent A-J...

If you're in Lubbock (I'm not) , please make it out to the McCool Track and Field Center and support the Burkhart Center's fundraiser...I don't advertise here - but I make an exception for it when it comes to raising money for a cause that help kids with Autism...

Tech autism walk to benefit Burkhart Center

Texas Tech's autism research center is hosting a walk to raise money for two projects.

The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research will host "Hands for Hope 2008: A Walk for Autism" at 2 p.m. April 13 at Coronado High School's Willie McCool Track and Field on 34th Street and Vicksburg Avenue.

This month is Autism Awareness Month.

Proceeds from the walk will be used to help construct a building to house the Burkhart Center and a residential village for adults with autism, according to a Tech news release.

Walkers can register online individually or in teams at www.burkhartcenter.org.

DT! And once again "You can't beat our meat..." judging team -

Tech meat animal team wins back-to-back titles

Texas Tech's meat animal evaluation team won its second consecutive national championship March 27-28 at the 2008 National Meat Animal Evaluation Contest held at the Oklahoma City Stockyards and Oklahoma State University, according to a university news release.

Also, the university's livestock, meat and wool judging teams recently won intercollegiate judging competitions at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The three teams placed first in their respective divisions, defeating hundreds of contestants, according to a news release.

So, who's the MVP on this squad? Is there one singular player of note? A student that is struggling with the decision to stay on the team and stay in school - or head straight to the pros and get their career underway?

Anyone with some inside info that can help us understand our national dominance in this field would be appreciated.

The Reload With Reagan Campaign

...is in full swing - getting national coverage on With Leather this week...

Reagan's YouTube video is piling up the views as people all over the country now wonder "why is he simulating masturbation on the steps of what looks like the public library?"




Check out Reagan's campaign headquarters...and you might want to turn your speakers because the Corps Band is in full effect at his site...

The College Baseball Hall of Fame

What I'm listening to:and the pride of Aledo, Texas...



Folks, that's Dan Hunter - he's just released his full-length "Texas" LP...and it's incredible...go to iTunes and make the kid rich!

On to Tech stuff...but first a little bit of a story to set up DT!s first "e-mail intervew."

While I was a student at Tech I made many, many friends, but I'm pretty sure nobody was as legendary on campus as a guy I had the pleasure of getting to know fairly well, Chis Snead.

Chris was a student at Tech for a little longer than 8 years (maybe longer). Never before had I met a guy that was as in love with his school - and sports in general - as Chris. (If you get to meet him, ask him how many hats he's up to.)

He invited me to come sit with him at what would be my first Texas Tech Baseball game at Dan Law...and what an experience that was. For the uninitiated, Chris was the ringleader of a group of fans known as the "Tech Hecklers." They created an enviable environment and a distinct homefield advantage. They raised the level of heckling at the baseball diamond to an absolute art...it was something to see...if you want to lean more about the Hecklers and read more about their storied history - click the LINK and have a cup of your favorite beverage ready...

Dr. Mike Gustafson on the left and "Sneader" on the right

Chris, fittingly, went to work for Texas Tech after he finally did graduate - and he continues to be an ambassador for Texas Tech and Lubbock.

While we were at Tech together (something only about 100,000 Red Raiders can claim) we shared many beers and many trips to Ruidoso so it was fun to re-kindle an old friendship...

One day not too long ago I had the occasion to call Chris as we had some no kidding business to discuss - and while on the phone I asked him about the current project that has garnered national attention - the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

Before we get started, you might want to check out these links...

College Baseball Hall of Fame/College Baseball Foundation

Here goes nothin'...

DT!: So Chris, give our readers an idea about what you were drinking (and who you were drinking with) when you got the crazy idea to start the College Baseball Hall of Fame…

"Sneader": Actually, we were having lunch at a local barbecue joint, the we being Mike Gustafson, Brad Walker, Ryan Hyatt and another person. For several years, Mike Gustafson and Brad Walker had talked about creating an award for middle infielders in college baseball since there was already an award for player of the year, pitchers and catchers of the year. Well, we came to find that the Smith Award, a national player of the year award given in Houston, was no longer being given in favor of the new Roger Clemens Award for pitchers. So we decided to create our own Player of the Year Award. A few meetings later, an opportunity feel into our laps when we were informed that there were plans for a West Texas Sports HOF to be built in the proposed Minor League Stadium that was to be built in Wolfforth, just west of Lubbock. In subsequent meetings, there was an agreement between that group and the College Baseball Foundation, the umbrella organization for the HOF and Wallace Award, that would have placed the College Baseball Hall of Fame out at the site but the plans fell through with the construction. So we got from a simple little middle infielder award to a College Baseball Hall of Fame in a really short time.



DT!: How has the Hall of Fame and the College Baseball Foundation being received by the players?

"Sneader": The response has been overwhelming! We hear stuff like “Thank goodness you guys are doing this” and “it’s about time!” We are inducting our third class this summer and everyone of the inductees has been in town for the inductions or had a family member accept for them if they were deceased. I think that these guys appreciate what it is that we are doing which is telling the story of college baseball.



DT!: Some folks are just stunned that Lubbock would be the home of this facility. How do you deal with that controversy?

"Sneader": That is a natural reaction for a person to say “Lubbock?!?” But that is okay. What we do is open the doors of our fine city and show off the hospitality of the great people of west Texas and by the time that people leave, we have created a new convert. 2007 Inductee “Bobo” Brayton said in his induction speech “The world needs more Texans,” referring to the kind way he and his wife were treated in Lubbock during his stay.

We don’t feel we have to apologize for where we are. Lubbock is a great place for this. Why Cooperstown, NY? Why Springfield, Mass? Why Canton, Ohio? The truth of the matter is that Lubbock is the place that we live and it is a terrific baseball town, not to mention, it is where we all live!



DT!: What are the future plans for the actual site of the facility and what kind of support are you lobbying for?

"Sneader": The city of Lubbock is about to kick off a large downtown revitalization project and the CBHOF is a large part of the plan. We have the support of the city and will be able to make some fairly large announcements regarding partnerships with the city in a few months. Additionally, we have hired the same person that put together the feasibility study for the George W. Bush Presidential Library to do one for the College Baseball Foundation and we will be kicking off a large capital campaign following this summer’s events.



DT!: When did you decide…”Hey, I need to graduate already?”

"Sneader": When my parents told me they were going to quit paying for school when my younger sister graduated from Tech.



DT!: Has the tradition of the Tech Hecklers continued? Have you considered a Heckling Academy?

"Sneader": The Tech Hecklers has become more of a booster organization, continuing to raise money for the baseball and softball programs, however, on occasion, we put on a little rag session. But nothing the way that so many remember us back in the day. I actually have been approached a couple of times and will be going over to the University of New Mexico to put on a Heckling Clinic for the Lobos at the request of their new head coach, Ray Birmingham. I also do a session on Sportsmanship every year at the student organizational academy put on by the Center for Campus Life.



So that wraps up this evening's post - I hope you guys enjoyed it...

Keep an eye out for the College Baseball Hall of Fame and make sure when you're asked to support it that you give what you can.

Lastly, Sneader, from the folks at DiscoTech! we thank you for your time and your awesome support of our favorite school...If we can ever help you out in any way you be sure and give us a buzz...

Wreck 'em!

Guns Up Erin Andrews

My favorite part is her left foot, playfully out of her heeled shoe...that and her incredible....guns.



Thanks to Barstool Sports

Danny Amendola - NFL Draft

The comparisons to Wes Welker will be in every. single. report.

Wes Welker and Danny Amendola happen to be short, slowish, white guys who run good routes and work hard. Wait a minute. Isn't that how short, slowish, white guys make the field for their college teams as well?

Let's let Draftguys.tv tell us their side of the story...

Thanks to the fellas at draftguys for stopping by Raiderpower and letting us in on their work...

Aggie Editing at Its Finest

Aggie Editors are no stranger to overlooking major details in their publications. Just look at the "Classless Clown" fiasco in their 2002 Football Media Guide. However, this latest mistake has got to take the cake. Who else but Aggies would have an advertisement lauding their work, only to place an individual wearing the logo of a rival school squarely in the most predominant frame? Heck, if it didn't say "Texas A&M," I would mistake it for a Texas Tech ad!

HT to ttuhog on RaiderPower.com for this find.

Texas Tech - a gift - from above

Click on the pic to zoom in.

Another debt of thanks to Scotty at TV TanLine who sends his best to DT! readers with the above gift...

While I can't be exactly sure when the photo was taken, it appears that it was after the United Spirit Arena was built, but before the Garage Mahal.

I can almost exactly make out where I ran from the "rape van" after it caught me taking pictures in front of the Seal at University and Broadway. Why do I say that I was "caught?" Well.... I, along with three of my dorm mates, was wearing only a well placed gym sock in a bit of a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute. Which is funny because they were doing a tribute of sorts of another famous band...

If you know the name of said album - or what I'm talking about of all - you're gaining a better idea of the years that I attended Tech...

Great pic - thanks again to Scotty...

DT! I had a great conversation with an old friend of mine today, Chris "Sneader" Snead. He may not have quite believed that I am Bond J Bond, so I wanted to give him a "shout out" so he knows I wasn't trying to pull his leg.

I think I also convinced him to give DT! readers what they want - an interview with him so he can fill us in on the progress with the College Baseball Hall of Fame.