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79 79 t h e Staff

HEAD COACH 27

21st Season At Texas Tech

Career Record: 1,456-803-4 (36 Seasons) Record At Texas Tech: 761-422-3 Alma Mater: Eastern New Mexico, 1966

here is an old sports cliché that reads “Behind every great different styles, Hays has won with strong pitching and defense Tteam is a great coach.” When you take a glance through the one year and with power hitting the next. Perhaps the master of history of Texas Tech baseball, you will find this overused cliché recruiting both the junior college and high school ranks, Hays come to life in Texas Tech head coach Larry Hays. has been able to rebuild an entire team every few seasons while Perhaps one of the most respected men not only in Lubbock maintaining a successful and winning program each year. In but in the coaching profession as well, Larry Hays has never lost short, Hays has proved to be one of the nation’s finest and most sight of the important things in life and that focus has made him respected coaches in the profession. one of the most successful coaches in collegiate history. Hays, In 2002, Hays led the Red Raiders to a 42-20 overall record and a native of Dora, N.M., is a loving family man, husband, father, a second place finish in the Big 12 Regular-Season. After starting grandfather and devoted son to L.D. and Pearl Hays. With all of the season at 0-3 and sitting in the bottom half of the standings for these titles, however, Hays has been able to maintain his priorities most of the conference season, Hays and his players rattled off 15 of God first, family second and at a very distant third baseball. His straight wins to close out the regular-season including two sweeps amazing character, demeanor and baseball mind have made the of conference rivals Oklahoma and Baylor. Tech’s dramatic late Texas Tech baseball program one of the nation’s elite. season surge propelled the Red Raiders into the NCAA Tourna- His “elite” status was forever documented on February 26, ment for the eighth consecutive season. Hays reached another 2005 when he became just the fourth coach in NCAA history to win career milestone midway through the season when he picked up 1,400 games. His 1,400th win came against the Lamar Cardinals his 1,300th victory against Missouri on March 29, 2002. in the first game of the 2005 Midland Rockhounds College Classic In 1998 he guided Texas Tech to the at Citibank Ballpark in Midland. He joined Texas’ Tournament title in Oklahoma City, Okla. The championship was and , Wichita State’s and Virginia especially impressive considering the Red Raiders accomplished Tech’s Chuck Hartman as the only NCAA coaches to accomplish that feat with only seven . The former professional softball this feat. also led Texas Tech to its first-ever Big 12 Conference Amazingly, Hays has spent his entire collegiate coaching regular season championship with a 23-7 conference and 46-14 career in Lubbock where he is the all-time win leader at Lubbock overall record in 1997. Texas Tech also claimed the No. 1 ranking Christian University (695) and at Texas Tech (761). When Hays in collegiate baseball for several weeks, the first time a Red Raider took over the Texas Tech baseball program in the fall of 1986, he inher- ited a very unusual situation. Prior to Hays arrival, the Tech baseball program had a losing overall record of 550-576 through 37 years of play meaning Hays had plenty of work cut out for him just to get Tech to the .500 mark. In his first season at Tech, Hays had to endure the second and last losing season of his career as the Red Raiders went 21-28. The losing didn’t last long as Hays started the turnaround at Tech the very next season by leading the Scarlet and Black to a 34-25-1 campaign in 1988. Texas Tech, the once ignored col- lege baseball program on the South Plains, was under the leadership of a new skipper and it has been smooth sailing ever since. Hays has led the Red Raiders to three conference championships, posted winning seasons in 19 of 20 years as head coach, led Tech to nine NCAA Tournament appearances and has established Texas Tech as a national power in baseball. His coaching strengths are apparent in his abilities to adapt his players on a year-by-year basis. Able to adapt Larry and Nell Hays 80 80 t h e Staff sport was ranked No. 1 in school history. The Hays’-led squad 1-05-01) along with three grandsons- Hunter (born 10-23-96) and also hosted its second consecutive NCAA regional and appeared Heath (11-24-98) Joshua Hays Redding (10/8/02). Coach Hays’ in regional competition for the third time in three seasons. three sons have followed their father into the coaching profession. Hays also guided the Red Raiders to their first-ever Southwest Hays hired Daren in June of 2000 as an assistant coach while Sha- Conference championship in 1995 as they posted a school-record non is the head softball coach at Lubbock Christian University. 51 wins (51-14) and advanced to the Midwest I Region champion- ship game. In 1996, Tech posted a 49-15 ledger as the Raiders hosted both the Post-Season Tournament (finished third), then hosted the NCAA Central II Regional. In 1995, Tech joined the national rankings on Feb. 20 and never looked back. On March 22nd the Red Raiders were ranked No. 3 in one of the three major polls, marking the second highest ranking ever for a Tech baseball team. That same year Tech became only the fourth SWC team to ever reach the 50-win plateau. The Red Raiders won the national batting title by hitting .344 as a team and the club established school records for wins, winning percentage, runs scored, hits, RBI, doubles, total bases, walks and consecutive games with at least one . Successful seasons have been the norm for Larry Hays, who won his 1,000th game on April 12, 1995. In his 36 years as a college head coach, he has produced 20 teams that have surpassed at least 40 wins. And he has led teams to 12 league titles and guided his 1983 Lubbock Christian University team to the National NAIA Championship. Hays is also highly regarded by his coaching peers. He has been honored as “Coach of the Year” following nine different seasons including the 1997 season when he was selected Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year by both the Big 12 coaches, the Dallas Morning News and the Austin American-Statesman. Plus, he has been inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. Hays’ players have also seen unbelievable individual success. He has coached 29 NAIA All-Americans, one NAIA Player of the Year, 36 All-Southwest Conference performers, 18 First Team All- Big 12 recipients, 14 consensus NCAA Division I All-Americans, five NAIA Academic All-Americans and three NCAA Academic All-Americans. To date, 89 of his former Red Raider players have been drafted by teams while 15 of his former Tech players have appeared in a major league uniform. It all started for Hays as a standout athlete in both baseball and basketball at Dora High School in New Mexico. From there he went on to Lubbock Christian Junior College where he lettered in both sports and earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1964. He then attended Eastern New Mexico where he earned both Bachelor’s (1966) and Master’s (1969) degrees. Hays then took over the Lubbock Christian head basketball coaching reins in 1969 and in 1970, helped start baseball as the school made strides to move from junior college to senior col- lege status. While at the Chap controls he compiled a 695-381-1 record and led Lubbock Christian to eight NAIA District titles, two Area championships and the 1983 national title. He served as the school’s Athletic Director from 1979 until he departed for Texas Tech in 1986. During his eight-year stint as athletic director, he served as chairman of the NAIA Baseball Rating Committee. Lubbock Christian rewarded Hays and his family as the school renamed its field “Hays Field” in a ceremony on April 20, 1999. Among his more noteworthy Lubbock Christian and “civic” accomplishments were spearheading the effort to bring the NAIA World Series to Lubbock for three years from 1981-83. The Series became an official success in its final season of 1983 as the Chaps won the national title in front of the home crowd. Tech has played in numerous (SWC/Big 12) conference tour- naments, winning both the 1998 Big 12 Conference title and the 1995 Southwest Conference crown and placing runner-up in the inaugural 1997 Big 12 Conference tournament. Hays is currently ranked among the nation’s top-5 all-time and active NCAA Division I head coaches in victories (1,425) and is the fourth winningest coach on the NCAA all-time list. Hays has been married to the former Nell Ainsworth for 42 years. They have five children- Daren (41), Shanon (39), Bandi (36), Justin (32) and Melanie (27). They also have eight granddaughters: Brittany Kaye (born 8-19-92), Brogan Leigh (born 6-29-95), Allie (born 12-4-96), Ashleigh (born 9-13-98), Kaytee & Kelsee (born 5-11-01), Hampton Renee (born 7-25-01) and Mary Elizabeth (born 81 81 t h e Staff

“...I’ve said this before, that Larry Hays is the Nolan Ryan of Texas Tech, from his bearing to his old-fashioned family values, to the truck that he drives to the cattle he favors when he isn’t around baseball players. His influence has been far-reaching, his integrity unquestioned... Larry Hays has never compromised his values or looked the other way when it was time to dis- cipline. He would get to the top eventually, but not by taking a moral shortcut. It’s easy to forget that championships and ethics can coexist in the same program these days. The guys who strive equally for both deserve our praise…” -Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

WINNINGEST NCAA DIVISION I COACHES HAYS AND PLAYER ACCOMPLISHMENT By Victories Consensus NCAA All-Americans:...... 14 Rk. Coach, Team Yrs. Won Lost Tied NAIA All-Americans:...... 29 1. Augie Garrido, Texas 38 1,583 738 8 Total All-Americans...... 45 in 36 years 2. Gene Stephenson, Wichita State 29 1,552 511 3 NAIA Players of the Year:...... 1 3. LARRY HAYS, TEXAS TECH 36 1,456 803 4 Big 12 Players of the Year:...... 2 in three years 4 Cliff Gustafson, Texas 29 1,427 373 2 All-Big 12 Conference Recipients:...... 38 5. Chuck Hartman, Virginia Tech 45 1,444 816 8 All-SWC Performers:...... 36 Major League Baseball Draftees:...... 89 Major League Baseball Players:...... 15 WINNINGEST ACTIVE NCAA DIVISION I COACHES USA Baseball Players:...... 6 By Victories NAIA Academic All-Americans:...... 5 Rk. Coach, Team Yrs. Won Lost Tied NCAA Academic All-Americans:...... 4 1. Augie Garrido, Texas 38 1,583 738 8 Big 12 Academic Honorees:...... 28 2. Gene Stephenson, Wichita State 29 1,552 511 3 3. LARRY HAYS, TEXAS TECH 35 1,456 803 4 HAYS’ MILESTONE VICTORIES 1 LCU, 3/10/71 vs. Artesia (14-2) 100 LCU, 3/11/74 vs. Panhandle State (10-0) WINNINGEST BIG 12 COACHES 200 LCU, 3/27/76 vs. New Mexico State (3-0) By Victories 300 LCU, 4/18/78 vs. Panhandle State (17-2) Rk. Coach, Team Yrs. Won Lost Tied 400 LCU, 5/16/80 vs. Dallas Baptist (7-5) 1. Augie Garrido, Texas 38 1,583 738 8 500 LCU, 4/20/82 vs. Hardin-Simmons (10-1) 2. LARRY HAYS, TEXAS TECH 36 1,456 803 4 600 LCU, 4/8/84 vs. New Mexico State (14-6) 3. Brad Hill, Kansas State 15 588 216 2 700Texas Tech, 3/31/87 vs. Coll. of the Southwest (15-5) 4. , Baylor 11 455 284 1 800 Texas Tech, 3/13/90 vs. St. Edwards (12-3) 5. , Missouri 12 399 290 2 900 Texas Tech, 3/17/93 vs. Arizona (4-0) 6. , Kansas 12 364 340 1 1000 Texas Tech, 4/12/95 vs. UT-Arlington (6-4) 7. Mike Anderson, Nebraska 4 182 73 0 1100 Texas Tech, 4/16/97 vs. Grand Canyon (21-3) 8. Frank Anderson, Oklahoma State 3 113 69 0 1199 Texas Tech, 5/29/99 vs. UW-Milwaukee (8-5) 9. Sunny Galloway, Oklahoma 2 57 28 0 1200 Texas Tech, 2/2/00 vs. West Texas A&M (14-3) 10. , Texas A&M 1 25 30 1 1300 Texas Tech, 3/29/02 vs. Missouri (7-4) 1400 Texas Tech, 2/26/05 vs. Lamar (5-3)

82 82 t h e Staff YEAR-BY-YEAR WITH LARRY HAYS At Lubbock Christian University (16 years) Year W-L Pct. Dist. HiRnk NAIA 1971 28-16 .636 N/A N/A N/A 1972 31-14 .689 N/A N/A N/A 1973 35-14 .714 1st 30th N/A 1974 41-17 .854 1st 2nd N/A 1975 36-24 .600 1st 2nd N/A 1976 49-17 .742 2nd 2nd N/A 1977 44-27 .620 1st 13th T-5th 1978 47-24 .662 1st 4th N/A 1979 42-24 .636 1st 7th N/A 1980 54-34 .614 1st 8th T-3rd 1981 38-40 .487 N/A 5th T-8th 1982 64-21 .753 N/A 1st T-8th 1983 56-27 .675 N/A 2nd 1st 1984 51-14 .785 2nd 1st N/A 1985 38-29 .567 2nd 9th N/A 1986 41-39 .513 1st 10th N/A LCU 695-381 .646 8(1st) N/A N/A

At (20 years) Year W-L Pct. Conf. Pct. NCAA 1987 21-28 .429 7-14 .333 N/A 1988 34-25-1 .567 7-14 .333 N/A 1989 33-22 .600 9-12 .429 N/A 1990 31-29 .517 5-16 .238 N/A 1991 42-18 .700 9-12 .429 N/A 1992 29-25 .537 15-19 .441 N/A 1993 43-15 .741 11-7 .611 N/A 1994 40-17 .701 12-6 .667 N/A 1995 51-14* .785 16-8% .667 3-2 1996 49-15* .766 15-9 .625 2-2 1997 46-14* .767 23-7& .767 0-2 1998 44-20* .688 18-11^ .620 1-2 1999 42-17* .712 18-8 .692 2-2 2000 36-26* .580 18-12 .600 1-2 2001 43-20-1* .671 19-10-1 .633 3-2 2002 42-20* .677 16-11 .592 1-2 2003 30-25 .545 8-18 .307 N/A 2004 40-21* .655 17-9 .653 2-2 2005 34-25 .576 9-16 .360 N/A 2006 31-26-1 .535 9-16-1 .452 N/A TTU 761-422-3 .643 261-235-2 .526 15-18 Career- 1,456-803-4 .644 261-235-2 .526 15-18 *NCAA Tournament Appearances; %Southwest Conference Tournament Champion; & Big 12 Conference Regular Season Champion; ^Big 12 Conference Tournament Champion

“The biggest thing Coach Hays taught me was how to compete hard and act with class at the same time. He wants to win but at the same time he wanted you to remember what is really important.” -Mark Brandenburg, former Texas Tech and Major League player

83 83 t h e Staff 1,400 HAYS JOINS ELITE COMPANY seasons Hays by George Watson was at LCU, arry Hays had everything going at Tech had just LLubbock Christian University. eight winning Having already brought a national seasons and championship to the school, the veteran finished better baseball coach was averaging more than than fourth in 43 wins per season, which, if he had the Southwest remained there to this day, would have Conference made him one of the most successful just once. baseball coaches in any division. But When he was approached in 1986 after some about taking over an average Texas struggles in Tech program, another challenge was Hays’ first presented. There were no guarantees few years at baseball would work the way it did at Tech, things LCU, but there was a chance it could started turn- become more than it was. ing around ‘‘(Former Texas baseball coach) Cliff in 1993. The Gustafson told me (former Tech athletic Red Raiders director) T. Jones was a baseball man, finished tied and T. came in and told me what he for second thought could be done here, and it that year sounded exciting,’’ Hays said. ‘‘Then, and in 1994, part of it was I had been at Lubbock then had the Christian for a long time and it sounded breakthrough like it would be fun to do something dif- year in 1995, ferent.’’ winning the SWC tournament for the first chase me off. Until one of those two For Hays, the fun continues, and so time in school history and earning the things happens, I’ll go as long as I can. have the wins. program’s first-ever NCAA berth. That, ‘‘People ever once in a while ask me Since moving from LCU to Tech, the plus winning the first Big 12 champion- if I’ve ever talked about quitting, and I 19-year Red Raider skipper has had just ship in 1997 when Tech earned its first always wonder what I’d done to make one losing season and became only the ever No. 1 ranking, stand out as two of them think that. I think the advantage fourth coach in NCAA history to reach Hays’ favorite memories. I have is I could walk away any time, 1,400 wins when his team defeated Since then, Tech has finished third or but that time is when it’s not fun for me Lamar on Feb. 26 at the Rockhounds better seven times in nine seasons and anymore. Some people think when you College Classic in Midland. has been to the NCAA postseason nine have problems, you have a crisis of ‘‘This is all special to me and not just times in the past 11 years. faith, that’s when you get out. But that’s because we’re coming up on a mile- As much as the wins have brought no- why we’re in it, to battle those things stone,’’ Hays said. ‘‘The whole thing is toriety to Tech, however, it’s the lasting and compete when things are not going special to get to be a part of it, to get to effect he has on people that he is most well and fight through them. That’s the coach and to get to be with these guys remembered by. adventure of living.’’ out here. It’s a good bunch of people ‘‘You can’t help but respect him and and to get to be around them, I’m lucky always know that he has your best inten- FIRST TO 1,400 to get to do that.’’ tions in mind,’’ said Brad Ralston, who 1. Cliff Gustafson, Texas Those who have been or are a part of played for Hays from 1995 to 1999 and is March 8, 1996 vs. Maine Hays’ program feel the same way. currently an assistant vice president with ‘‘He gave me the opportunity to play PlainsCaptial Bank. ‘‘It’s like playing for 2. Augie Garrido, Texas college baseball and he’s given me the your father. You see him out there and March 29, 2003 vs. Texas Tech opportunity to coach at Texas Tech,’’ want to do well for him. He knows how to said Red Raider pitching coach Travis treat people. In business or baseball, it 3. Gene Stephenson, Wichita State Walden, who played on Hays’ 1983 NAIA all boils down to people and being able May 21, 2003 vs. Indiana State national championship team at Lubbock to work with each other and having in- Christian. ‘‘When I came out of high tegrity. One of the things you can always 4. Chuck Hartman, Virginia Tech school I was a nobody, and the same count on from him is integrity.’’ May 19, 2004 vs. East Tennessee State as a pitching coach, I wasn’t a highly And even though Hays could walk regarded pitching coach. You want to do away today and still be one of the most 5. LARRY HAYS, TEXAS TECH things that represent him and make him successful coaches in school history February 26, 2005 vs. Lamar look better and do things to make the — in any sport — it doesn’t appear to be program look better, because he is the coming anytime soon. At least, not as program.’’ long as he’s still having fun. Hays took over the Red Raiders in ‘‘I know coaches who all they ever 1987 after compiling a 695-381 record played to do is coach, and I’ve never and being ranked in the top 10 each year felt that way,’’ Hays said. ‘‘I’ve always since 1978. By comparison, in the 16 wanted to do it while it’s fun or until they 84 84 t h e Staff

ASSISTANT COACH 12 DAREN HAYS

Eighth Season At Texas Tech

Alma Mater: Lubbock Christian, 1989

aren Hays, entering his eighth season at Texas Tech, works directly with the Red Raider outfielders and hitters. Since joining the DRed Raider Staff in 2000, Hays has helped make Texas Tech one of the deadliest offensive attacks in the Big 12 Conference. Texas Tech has ranked in the top four in virtually every offensive category in each of the last seven years under his instruction. The Texas Tech offense is one of the most potent attacks in the Big 12 Conference and nationally thanks to Hays leadership. Two of the most prolific hitters in school history (Cameron Blair and Josh Brady) were signed by Hays and went on to have All-American seasons as Red Raiders. Last season, Roger Kieschnick became the latest big hitter in the Red Raider arsenal and became the first true freshman at Tech to earn Freshman All-America honors since Josh Bard. Prior to coming to Texas Tech, Hays spent eight seasons as head baseball coach at crosstown Lubbock Christian University where he amassed a 356-163 overall record. He became the first coach in LCU history to win 300 games in only seven seasons. His last season at LCU, Hays was named the Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after leading Lubbock Christian to a 47-17 record and a number seven NAIA national ranking. He won 40+ games in six of his eight seasons at LCU and won 50+ games two seasons, leading the Chaparrals to a 52-16 record in 1995 and 52-18 record in 1998. Hays received NAIA District VIII Coach of the Year honors in 1993 after his Chaparral hitters led the nation in batting average. During his tenure at LCU, 14 of his players were selected as NAIA All-Americans, four were named GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-Americans while 20 of his players were named to the All-Sooner Athletic Conference team in its five years of existence. In 1998, LCU player Keith Hart was named the NAIA National Player of the Year. In eight seasons at LCU, Hays sent 28 players to . After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Lubbock Christian in 1989, Hays played professionally in the organization. Hays is married to the former Kristi McGee of Lubbock. The couple resides in Lubbock and have two daughters, Brittany and Brogan.

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ASSISTANT COACH 15 BOBBY SHERRARD

Second Season At Texas Tech

Alma Mater: Lubbock Christian ‘91, ‘99

obby Sherrard enters his third season with the Red Raiders but his first as an assistant coach. Sherrard assists with Bvarious coaching duties and helps lead Tech’s recruiting efforts. Sherrard didn’t have to travel far to Texas Tech as he comes to the Red Raiders from Lubbock Christian University. He spent five seasons at LCU between 1999 and 2003 including the final two years as the head coach. While at LCU he coached four All-Americans, six All-Conference players, and four Academic All-Americans. As the head coach at LCU he led his squad to the postseason both years including a regional finals berth in 2003 and left LCU with an 86-44 record. Sherrard earned his bachelor’s degree in education from LCU in 1991 and his master’s degree in 1999. He and his wife Kristi have two children, Jake and Hannah.

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VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACH 48 LANCE BROWN

Third Season At Texas Tech

Alma Mater: TCU ‘67

ance Brown enters his third season as the pitching coach for the Red Raiders after joining the team midway through the 2005 season. L In his first season with the Red Raider pitching staff, Brown lowered the staff ERA nearly one full run from the 2005 season and coached Freshman All-America hurler Miles Morgan. Brown comes to Texas Tech after spending 17 seasons at the helm of the Horned Frog baseball program where he remains the school’s all-time winningest head coach with a record of 517-471. Brown played a large role in the success of TCU baseball, first as an All-America player who pitched the Horned Frogs to the 1963 Southwest Conference championship, then later as a coach. Thirty-one years after he earned ‘63 Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors by posting an 11-1 record (8-1 in the SWC), he guided the Frogs to the 1994 SWC title as the head coach, making him one of only two men to win both the SWC Player and Coach of the Year honors. Brown remains tied for the school mark for pitching victories in a season and ranks third in in a single season with 109. When Brown took over as TCU’s head baseball coach in May 1986, he inherited a program that was making its fourth coaching change in 11 years. During that same timespan, the program had only five winning seasons and its best finish in the Southwest Conference had been sixth place. In 1994, en route to a school-record 38 wins, the Frog diamond men won their first Southwest Conference regular season title since 1972 and first outright crown since 1956. They received an NCAA Regional tournament berth for the first time since 1956, where they recorded the school’s first NCAA Tournament win, an 11-3 triumph over Memphis in Stillwater, Okla. Well-respected by his coaching peers, Brown was selected as the 1994 Regional Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. He was named the 1994 SWC Coach of the Year, his second such honor in his career. He also was the 1991 SWC Coach of the Year. Preceding his arrival at TCU, Brown served as the pitching coach at Rice University from 1983-86. In Brown’s first season on the Rice staff, the Owls led the nation in team with a 2.60 mark. Four pitchers from that staff were signed to professional contracts and three were named All-Southwest Conference. Brown also holds an impressive list of coaching credentials at the high school level. He coached at Arlington’s Sam Houston High School from 1967-69, Irving MacArthur High School from 1969-76, and Newman Smith High School in Carrollton from 1976-83. Brown coached seven major league products in his stint as the Frogs head coach, including pitcher Scott Atchison, who made his major league debut as a Seattle Mariner in the 2004 season. Glenn Dishman ( and ), Tim Mauser (San Diego Padres), Fred Benavides (Montreal Expos), Chris Eddy (Oakland Athletics), John Briscoe (Oakland Athletics) and Jeff Zimmerman (Texas Rangers) have all gone on to careers at the major league level. In 1999, Zimmerman was named to the Ameri- can League All-Star team in his rookie season. In addition, 40 Horned Frogs were drafted by Major League organizations during Brown’s stint as head coach, including five in the 2003 MLB Draft. In all, Brown coached 52 all-conference selections during his TCU career, including Royce Huffman, the 1999 WAC Most Valuable Player, and Clayton Jerome, the 2003 Conference USA Pitcher of the Year. Six Brown-coached players - Scott Malone, Tim Grieve, Adam Robson, Darren Tawwater, Terry Trofholz and Jerome - received second- or third-team all-America honors, while third baseman Royce Huffman was a first-team All-America selection in the 1999. A 1960 graduate of West Plains High School in West Plains, Missouri, Brown earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from TCU in 1967. He spent three seasons in the Chicago Cubs organization while finishing his degree at TCU. Brown’s wife, Molly, graduated from TCU with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

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DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS 34 BRANDON ROBERSON

Fourth Season At Texas Tech

Alma Mater: Texas Tech

randon Roberson begins his fourth season at Texas Tech and his second as Director of Baseball Operations. Roberson joined Bthe Texas Tech staff during the 2004 season after ending his professional playing career in the Houston Astros organization. He spent the two previous seasons as a volunter pitching coach. Roberson’s duties include all aspects of the day-to-day operations of Red Raider baseball and serves as an assistant to head coach Larry Hays. Roberson returned to the Texas Tech dugout during the 2004 season upon retiring from professional baseball. Roberson was drafted by the Houston Astros following the 2001 season and spent three years in the Houston farm system. Roberson was a standout pitcher for the Red Raiders for two seasons and achieved First-Team All-Big 12 honors both years. His final season in 2001, Roberson went 13-3 and tallied a 4.18 ERA in over 116 innings of work. He and his wife Jacy are the proud parents of a one-year old son, Brooks.

88 88 t h e Staff

BLAYNE BEAL BILLY WHITEHEAD

Associate Director/Media Relations Assistant Athletic Trainer Texas Tech ‘99, Tennessee ‘01 Stephen F. Austin ‘00, Texas Tech ‘05

layne Beal begins his sixth season at Texas Tech as Associ- illy Whitehead begins his second season as the Assistant Bate Director of Media Relations. Beal, a graduate of Texas Athletic Trainer for Red Raider Baseball. He joined Texas Tech Tech University, returned to his alma mater in 2000 after serving AthleticsB as a full-time staff member after serving as a graduate in the sports information office at The University of Tennessee. assistant prior to the 2005 season. He is primarily responsible for the publicity and promotion of Whitehead is a recent graduate of Texas Tech University where Red Raider baseball and assists with football. he earned his master’s in athletic training. He earned his National Prior to coming to Texas Tech, Beal worked under CoSIDA Hall Athletic Trainer Certification this summer and is currently pursu- of Famer Bud Ford at the University of Tennessee as a graduate ing certification as a strength and conditioning coach and sports assistant in the men’s athletics department. While at Tennessee, performance nutritionist. Beal served as the media contact for the Volunteer baseball and Following his graduation from Stephen F. Austin in 2000, he tennis teams. worked as an Emergency Medical Technician before joining the Since his arrival at Texas Tech, he has claimed two “Best In organization as an intern in 2004. Whitehead The Nation” publication honors and three Top Three finishes giv- also has playing experience on the diamond as he lettered at Tyler ing the Texas Tech Media Relations office its first-ever national Junior College (1993-95). publication awards. He just recently served as Press Officer for Whitehead is the son of Gerald and Rose Whitehead and has Team USA Baseball at the 2005 IBAF World Cup in Holland. one sister, Starlette. He enjoys reading, hunting, cross country While in college, he spent two years in the Tech Media Rela- cycling and competing in 10Ks and marathons. tions office as a student assistant where he served as the media contact for softball. During the 1998 college football bowl season, he served an internship with the FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla. Beal earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Texas Tech and his master’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Tennessee. He is an active member of CoSIDA, National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s of America and the Christian Sports Media Association.

SHISHIR BHAKTA CHARLOTTE BECTON

Head Manager Baseball Administrative Assistant Seventh Season

hishir Bhakta begins his seventh season as the head harlotte Becton is completing her first year of being a part S manager for the Texas Tech baseball team and his first as of the Red Raider Baseball program. Her responsibilities a full-time employee.. His responsibilities include equipment includeC any and all phases of administrative duties and attempt- issue and maintenance, practice setup and various other ing to keep the Baseball office running efficiently. gameday duties. Charlotte worked for an oil company, Amerada Hess, while Bhakta is a Lubbock native as he is a 2000 graduate of Lubbock living in Houston. She moved to Marble Falls to retire, but after High School where he played both football and baseball. a short retirement was asked to assist and become an integral Over the past few summers, he has worked as an intern for part of helping Dr. Bobbie Walker in starting up the Highland the New York Jets of the National Football League. Lakes Texas Tech campus in Marble Falls. He is the son of Ishwar and Kanchen Bhatka and has two In 2003 Charlotte made a decision to move back to Lub- younger sisters Yamini (19) and Vepa (17). He graduated from bock and was hired to work for the Athletics Business Office at Texas Tech with a degree in Exercise & Sports Science. Texas Tech. Charlotte came to work for Red Raider Baseball in December 2005. Charlotte was raised near Lubbock in the Petersburg com- munity. She left the area after her husband graduated from Texas Tech and the family lived in several states before relocat- ing back to Texas in the Houston area. Her mother, Clara Neis, lives in Abernathy and her sister and brother-in-law, Bill and Ida Bruington live in Petersburg. Charlotte has two sons, Monty and Jerod who are Texas Tech graduates and a daughter-in-law, Patti, an Iowa State graduate. Monty and Patti live in the Dallas area and Jerod lives in Houston. She and her family have supported the Red Raiders for many years and she is thrilled to be a part of the Red Raider Baseball program. 89 89 t h e Staff

JUDI HENRY SANDY COLLINS

Senior Associate A.D./SWA Director/Event Management Texas Tech ‘75, ‘78, ‘85 UT-Permian Basin ‘80

udi Henry was named associate athletics director and andy Collins begins her first season as Director of Event senior woman administrator at Texas Tech in June of 1997. Management and her eighth overall with the Texas Tech HenryJ is responsible for the management of several men’s and AthleticsS Department. women’s sports and administrative areas of the department. Collins began her career at Texas Tech back in 1999 when She also serves as Texas Tech’s representative to the NCAA she was hired as the assistant women’s tennis coach and later and Big 12 Conference as the department’s senior woman became the head coach from 2002-2003. She then moved to administrator. the athletics ticket office in 2003 and spent three years as a She earned three academic degrees from Texas Tech, includ- coordinator of ticket operations. ing a bachelor of science in 1975, a master’s of education in 1978 She moved over to event management in the fall of 2006 and a doctorate of education in 1985. where she will oversee gameday operations for various sports. Henry began her career at Texas Tech as assistant dean of Collins is no stranger to athletic success as she reached a students in 1980 and eventually served as the school’s assistant career-high ranking of #17 in the world as a professional tennis vice president for student affairs from 1993-95. She also served player. During her prolific career, Collins played professionally in the capacity of adjunct assistant professor and dean of stu- from 1978 to 1995 and in that time frame she played at Wimble- dents/assistant vice president from 1988-93. don and the US Open 17 different times. The biggest win of Henry has helped steer several NCAA women’s basketball first her career came against Tracy Austin when she was top-ranked and second round tournaments at Texas Tech as well as the 1998 player in the world. Midwest Regional. She currently serves on the NCAA women’s Collins is a graduate of UT-Permian Basin and has one golf committee and helps coordinate events with the Girls and daughter, Reagan. Women in Sports Day. She currently serves on the University Strategic Planning Committee and is an adjunct faculty member in HESS (Health, Exercise & Sport Science). Henry began her professional career as a teacher/coach at Smylie Wilson Junior High in the Lubbock Independent School District.

DAVE WELSH JENNIFER BRASHEAR

Assistant A.D./Ticket Operations Associate A.D./Compliance Kansas ‘88 Oklahoma State ‘94, ‘96

ave Welsh joined the Texas Tech Athletics Department in ennifer Brashear is in her 10th year with the Texas Tech the summer of 2003 and assumed the role of Assistant A.D. Compliance Office. She was promoted to Associate Athletic forD Ticket Operations. Welsh came to Texas Tech from Rice DirectorJ in September of 2005. University. Brashear has been with the compliance office for 10 years and Welsh began his association with Rice in 1991, when he was served as the interim director in the fall of 2001. Her responsibilities hired as assistant athletic ticket manager. He was promoted to include maintaining the department’s overall NCAA compliance ticket manager in 1997 and held the position for six years. Among program, which includes rule education, interpretation of NCAA his duties, Welsh coordinated ticket sales for athletic department legislation and continued development of policies and procedures events and handled season ticket orders and seat assignments for NCAA rules compliance. for all sports. He also was the financial budget manager for the As Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Brashear’s NCAA baseball regional and super-regional at Rice during his responsibilities included monitoring all recruiting activities, which tenure. consisted of off-campus recruiting by coaches and on-campus Prior to his employment at Rice, Welsh spent a year and half visits by recruits. Brashear worked closely with all coaches and as the assistant sports information director at the University of athletic department staff to ensure appropriate documentation Tampa and was a sports information intern at the University of of compliance with NCAA Rules as well as educating coaches, Miami (Fla.) during the latter half of 1989. A native of Topeka, Kan., staff, student-athletes, boosters and recruits as to NCAA rules. Welsh earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Brashear was also responsible for the monitoring of sports camps the University of Kansas in 1988 and earned his master’s degree and clinics. in sports administration/sports management from St. Thomas Brashear earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration University in Miami. He and his wife Elizabeth have two children, from Oklahoma State University in 1994 and received a master’s Jonathan and Julia. degree in speech communication in 1996 from OSU. A 1990 graduate of Taloga (OK) High School, Brashear is married to Lubbock native and former TTU student-athlete Robert Brashear. The couple has a daughter, Ellyn Caroline, born March 15, 2002. 90 90 t h e Staff

MATT PICKERING TORY STEPHENS

Assistant Director/Academic Services Associate Head Strength Coach Nebraska ‘94, Oklahoma State ‘96 Texas Tech ‘98

att Pickering joined the Texas Tech Athletics staff as ory Stephens is in his 10th year as a strength and condition- academic counselor to coordinate eligibility on December ing coach at Texas Tech but in his second year as associate 1,M 1997. He currently serves as the Assistant Director within the headT strength coach and head of nutrition and supplementa- Office of Athletic Academic Services. tion. Pickering’s primary responsibility is to coordinate initial and Stephens, who is Sports Performance Nutrition (SPN) certi- continuing NCAA and Big 12 eligibility within athletics, as well as fied and Collegiate Strength and Coordinating Coach certified serving as the department’s liaison with the Office of the Registrar, (CSCC), has served the Red Raider Baseball team for five which is responsible for certifying student-athletes with the Big 12 seasons. He designs and implements all phases of strength, Conference office. In addition, he’s a contact with the NCAA Initial conditioning agility, and power and speed development. Eligibility Clearinghouse, coordinates production of the Student- Additionally, Stephens oversees the distribution of nutritional Athlete Handbook, and directs the Student-Athlete Advisory Board supplements and educates student-athletes on safe and NCAA (SAAB) in their annual “100 Holes of Golf” fundraiser. compliant supplements. He has held the title of academic counselor for the baseball Along with baseball, Stephens also oversees women’s team since 2001. In this capacity, he monitors each student- basketball, football and soccer. He is a certified member of the athletes progress toward graduation, athletic eligibility, and getting Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association. them the assistance they need to be a successful student at Texas Stephens, who graduated from Texas Tech in 1998 with Tech. a degree in exercise and sports science, was a letterman in A 1994 graduate of the University of Nebraska, Pickering football, baseball and track at Sweetwater High School. received his master’s degree in athletics administration from Stephens and his wife, Trisha, are the parents of two sons, Oklahoma State University in 1996. Trey and Trevor. Pickering has one daughter, Nicole.

JIMMY FRUSH

Associate Director/External Operations Texas Tech ‘97, ‘02

immy Frush enters his sixth year with the external operations office and second as Associate Director of External Opera- tions.J Frush is responsible for all aspects of the marketing and Ken Moore Shawn Brewer promotion efforts at Texas Tech. Operations Athletic Fields Supervisor Frush, a two-time Academic All-American and All-SWC pitcher at Texas Tech, graduated from Texas Tech in 1997 and returned to his alma mater in a professional capacity in 2001. He is responsible for in-game promotions and manages all me- dia advertising for Texas Tech Athletics. Frush also oversees the Red Raider Tour, a set of interactive inflatable games, and manages the student intern/assistant staff. During his career as a Red Raider hurler between 1994 and 1997, Frush tallied a career record of 21-10 with nine saves. He was drafted by the Florida Marlins in 1996 and the in 1997 and played professionally with the Batavia Clippers of the Class A New York Pennsylvania League from 1997-98. He received his degree in History in 1997 from Texas Tech and his master’s degree in Sport Management from Texas Tech in 2002.

Vince Gould Student Trainer

91 91 t h e Staff GAMEDAY SUPPORT STAFF

PRESS BOX STAFF ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS Left to right: Felicia Michael, Trey Shipman, Kristin Goss, Matt Dowdy, Jennie Left to Right: Tracy Lorg, Sheila Tucker, Chris Cook, Blayne Beal, Tammi Bailey (Video Board) and Rick Gilbert (Public Address). These media rela- Hoffman tions students assisted in the publication of the 2006 media guide.

SPORTS BROADCASTING ATHLETIC TICKET OFFICE Left to Right: Cory Reeves, Jay Lytle, Daniel Shofner, Michael Benham, Front Row (L-R): Katie Gent, Mary Lou Vardy, JoAnn Barraza and Megan Bryce Leggett, Jacob Frank and Sean Sznajder. Not pictured: Travis Ferrell Cortez. Back Row (L-R): Annette Ross, Sandy Collins, Jarod Huddleston, Todd Cotham and Dave Welsh.

EXTERNAL OPERATIONS - MARKETING Front Row (L-R): Kirstie Sherman, Laura Camp, Erika Coronado. Back Row (L-R): Rick Leach, Paige Holland, Jimmy Frush and Garrett Tressler. 92 92