Design Editor and Contributing Writer: Katherine Whitfield “The noblest search is the search for excellence” “T”ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2012

Don Coryell Executive Director MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT (512) 245-2220 [email protected] Dear “T” Association Members,

It was great to see many of you this past fall at our “T” tailgate parties and Bill Miller room receptions. Our participation from “T” members continues to grow, and upcoming events are sure to be even better. We are excited about our move to the WAC and the opportunities that lie ahead for Texas State and the “T” Association.

“T” Association President Kyle Harrell and family A special thanks to Clint and Stacey Bendele, Aaron Bolado, Bill Wyman, Brad Schley, David Williams, and many others who helped out with and attended the “T” Association tailgates this fall. A special thanks also to Rebekah and Clayton Bynum for their leadership and help with our Facebook and Twitter updates.

Be sure to make plans to join us Saturday, March 3rd for our Basketball and Baseball tailgate event. Reach out to an old teammate and invite them along for the fun.

Eat ‘em up! Kyle Harrell Thanks to our Board of Directors: Vice President- Julie Brooks Muegge, Bobby Hutcherson, Bruce Gregg, Courtney Holden, David Williams, Earlanda Williams, Glenn Peavy, Jeremy Fikac, Jim Bob Jackson, Jimmy Fife, Joddie Witte, Karen Chisum, Ken Huewitt, Kyle Harrell, Lloyd Little, Mike Ferris, Paul Thornton, Rebekah Bynum, Reece Morrison, Steve Smith, Vernon McDonald, Wallace Dockall. 2012 HOME SCHEDULES 2012 “T”- Association Spring Event Men’s Basketball 2/29/12 Lamar University 7p.m. 3/3/12 Sam State University 4p.m. Saturday, March 3rd Basketball vs. Sam Houston State @ 4pm Softball Tue. 3/13/2012 Liberty University 2:00 p.m. Fri. 3/16/2012 Stephen F. Austin State University 6:00 p.m. Baseball vs. Notre Dame @ 6:30pm Sat. 3/17/2012 Stephen F. Austin State University 2:00 p.m. Fri. 3/23/2012 Southeastern Louisiana University 6:00 p.m. Sat. 3/24/2012 Southeastern Louisiana University 1:00 p.m. Fri. 4/6/2012 University of Central Arkansas 6:00 p.m. Each “T”- Association Sat. 4/7/2012 University of Central Arkansas 2:00 p.m. member will receive one Wed. 4/18/2012 Houston Baptist University 6:00 p.m. complimentary ticket Fri. 4/20/2012 McNeese State University 6:00 p.m. for both Basketball and Sat. 4/21/2012 McNeese State University 2:00 p.m. Baseball games Tue. 4/24/2012 University of Texas San Antonio 5:00 p.m.

Baseball Athletic Alumni Tailgate Fri. 3/2/2012 Notre Dame 6:30 p.m. -2:00pm at Strahan Entrance Sat. 3/3/2012 Notre Dame 6:30 p.m. Sun. 3/4/2012 Notre Dame 1:00 p.m. Tue. 3/6/2012 Rice 6:30 p.m. -Complimentary Food and Drink Fri. 3/16/2012 Stephen F. Austin 6:30 p.m. Sat. 3/17/2012 Stephen F. Austin 2:00 p.m. for “T”- Association Members Sun. 3/18/2012 Stephen F. Austin 1:00 p.m. Tue. 3/20/2012 TCU 6:30 p.m. -Music by The Aviators To RSVP Contact Don Coryell Tue. 3/27/2012 Oregon 6:30 p.m. 512-245-2220 Wed. 3/28/2012 Oregon 12:00 p.m. [email protected] Fri. 3/30/2012 McNeese State 6:30 p.m. Sat. 3/31/2012 McNeese State 2:00 p.m. Sun. 4/1/2012 McNeese State 1:00 p.m. Fri. 4/20/2012 Central Arkansas 6:30 p.m. Sat. 4/21/2012 Central Arkansas 2:00 p.m. Sun. 4/22/2012 Central Arkansas 1:00 p.m. Fri. 5/4/2012 Lamar 6:30 p.m. Sat. 5/5/2012 Lamar 2:00 p.m. Sun. 5/6/2012 Lamar 1:00 p.m. Wed. 5/9/2012 Baylor 6:35 p.m. Fri. 5/11/2012 UTSA 6:30 p.m. Sun. 5/13/2012 UTSA 1:00 p.m. BOBCAT HIGHLIGHTS Volleyball Women’s Basketball Diamond Ford scored her 1,000th career point as part of Texas State’s 73-67 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, January 25th, at Strahan Coliseum.

Ford reached her career 1,000 point total at the 15:52 mark in the second half, hitting a left corner three, her third of the game to give the Bobcats a 50-38 lead. She finished the game as the leading scorer with 22 points.

linemen and five offensive linemen,” said The 2011 Texas State volleyball team captured both the Southland Conference Franchione. regular season and tournament titles in the same season for the third time in the Football Texas State We also added four linebackers and three program's history. The team also qualified for the NCAA Championships for the head football quarterbacks with this class. We were able to eighth time in the program’s history after they rattled off a winning streak of 15 coach Dennis sign a little bit of everything with this class. straight SLC matches and finished the season victorious in 18 of their final 20 Franchione matches. The team’s final record stood at 27-8 overall and 15-1 in the Southland announced that “The caliber of players in this class reflects Conference, the team’s most wins since 2004 and best record in conference play since 25 student-athletes our move to the FBS, our move to the WAC, 2000 when the Bobcats went 20-0. Texas State finished the season with an NCAA have signed letters of intent to play football our stadium improvements and of course, RPI of 69. with the Bobcats as they continue their the overall image of Texas State. As our level Senior pitcher/outfielder Jeff McVaney was one of 45 transition to the NCAA Division I FBS. of competition increases on the field, this is Baseball players from across the nation selected for the National happening in recruiting. We were fortunate Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association Preseason Stopper of the Year The nine new players are Jordan Albritton, to win some recruiting battles versus teams Watch List. Justin Booth, Duke DeLancellotti, Thomas from the Big 10, Pac 12, ACC, Conference McVaney, who was on the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Evans, Darius Hood, Jordan Moore, Tyler USA and Mountain West schools.” Watch List last season, is one of two players from the Southland Potter, Kamu Taulelei and Jacob Woten. Conference chosen for the list. Albritton, Booth, Hood and Moore are the Texas State’s battles on the field in 2012 will four high school players. DeLancellotti, kick off at Houston on Sept. 1. The Bobcats Last season, McVaney set a Texas State single-season record Evans, Potter, Taulelei and Woten are the five also play their first game in the renovated with nine saves after taking over closing duties midway through the season. The southpaw finished 2011 with a 2.08 junior college transfers. Bobcat Stadium against Texas Tech on Sept. ERA over 26 innings on the mound to go along with a 1-3 8. record and nine saves. McVaney struck out 24 batters while The Bobcats signed 14 players from Texas, allowing just 12 walks in 17 appearances. eight players from California junior colleges, In addition to adding the signees, Franchione two players from Alabama and one player also announced that he would award a This season, McVaney projects to be the anchor of the Texas from a junior college in Kansas. scholarship to Charlie Will Tuttle, a redshirt State bullpen in addition to being an everyday position freshman who started six games at center for player in the outfield. He enters the season needing two saves to set the Bobcat career record for saves (10) held by both Cory Covert and Garrett “We were able to sign seven defensive the Bobcats last season. Sherrill. pHALL OF HONOR “T” ASSOCIATION WEEKEND Congratulations to our 2011 Inductees: Rudy Bowles Rudy Bowles was a four year letter winner at Texas State as a guard for Men’s Basketball from 1960-1964.He was a member of the team that advanced the NAIA National Tournament and a member of the 1961-1962 NAIA District Playoff team.

Aubrey Horner Aubrey Horner was a four year letter winner at Texas State as a point guard for Men’s basketball from 1952-1956 and lettered one year as a member of the tennis team during the 1956 season.

Claude Mathis Claude Mathis was a four year letter winner at Texas State as a starting running back for the Bobcat football team from 1994- 1997. Mathis was the Southland Conference All-Time Leading Rusher.

To view all photos from “T” Association weekend click here. “T” ASSOCIATION WEEKEND “T” ASSOCIATION WEEKEND p2011 HONORARY MEMBERS YOU WILL BE MISSED John Reese Emory Bellard John V. Reese passed away peacefully, on Dec. 31, 2011 at his Encinal ranch. Emory Bellard attended and graduated 1949. After his graduation, Bellard went on to have a very successful career coaching football at high schools and He was born on Oct. 31, 1942, in Freer. He was universities including University of Texas, Texas A&M University, and Mississippi State. a lifelong football coach who began his career in He introduced the wishbone formation to , providing the framework for Robstown. He went on to coach in Raymondville, many of the great running teams of the 1970’s. Olson Field/Baseball Field and the Kyle Field expansion were completed while he was of Texas A&M. He also Harlingen and Laredo for 28 years. He was the head oversaw completion of the new tennis facilities as well as the Cain Hall Athletic Dormitory. coach in the inaugural season of the semi pro Laredo Additionally, with the advent of Title IX, a strong Women’s Athletic Program was installed Thunderbirds. John spent part of his professional and still exists today. Bellard passed away after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease this year life educating children in schools about safety and leaving behind his wife Susan, also a Texas State graduate. His legacy and spirit will live on awareness of snakes and other reptiles. through generations to come. Coach Reese attended Southwest Texas State University from 1959-1963, where he played offensive and defensive tackle for the Bobcat football team. He Earl Engel ultimately obtained his Bachelors of Science in Physical Education, from The University of Engel played football for the Bobcats for a year before sustaining a career ending football Corpus Christi. John participated and excelled in football, basketball and track for Freer injury. After it was certain his football days were over, Engel chose to focus his energy High School. He earned a full scholarship to Southwest Texas State to play football. He into his love of singing and continued to be involved with the university. He joined the earned 1st team All American honors in 1962 and 1963. He was team captain on the 1963 Southwest Texas State College Choir, in which he received a letter. However, due to his undefeated Bobcat football team. He was named to the All Decade Team for the 1960s football injury, Engel was never able to letter for Athletics. He graduated in 1967 with in the Lone Star Conference. He was also elected to the all 75 year team for the Lone Star a degree in Business Administration. Engel retired in 2008 from his position of Vice Conference, from 1931-2006. Players such as Gene Upshaw, John Randle and Harvey President of Reynold’s Plantation, he is a donating member of the “T” Association and Martin accompanied him on this list. In 1963, he received personal letters from Vince currently resides in San Antonio, TX. Lombardi, Hank Stram and the administration of the San Diego Chargers and New York Jets, expressing interest in him as a professional football player. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers. In 1992, John was elected to the Hall of Honor at Southwest Texas State University.

Patrick Graham Coach Reese was a role model and mentor to thousands of students he taught and Graham played Tennis for the Bobcats 1971-1972. He also worked in the visual department coached over his career. He was also instrumental in organizing the first girl's fast pitch, taping basketball games which led to a friendship with then Coach Vernon McDonald. After senior and big leagues in Laredo, in the early 1980s. McDonald’s retirement, Graham remained supportive of Bobcat Athletics. He graduated in 1976 with a degree in Computer Science and later was known as the voice of the Bobcats from 1999-2005. Graham and his wife have been members of the Bobcat Club since 1982 and He retired from education in 2002 and had been living a life he loved out on his ranch, actively support Bobcat Athletics through hosting events, contributing donations, and general hunting, fishing and raising animals. networking with athletes. EXTREME BOBCATS WORM WHISPERER “T” Association President Kyle Harrell has more than your average president’s knowledge. In addition to his support of Texas State Athletics, Harrell supports Mike Maness was hired by the CIA into a non-traditional system for a green lawn. Mikethe Operation’s Maness Directorate, now called the National Clandestine Service (NCT), spending almost 15 of his Harrell is a worm expert. He has successfully understood and taken advantage 20 years of service undercover working primarily against of the symbiotic relationship worms have with Mother Nature. Harrell boasts terrorist targets around the world. Maness received a beautiful lawn and encourages others to as well. He hosts worm workshops commendations from the CIA for my work against Al- to educate others on the value of worm gardening as well as operates a website Qaida after 9/11, and for his time in Bosnia and Kosovo helping others get started. Below is an excerpt from the San Antonio Express during the wars there. Maness is now the Director of Mike Maness News in which his worm gardening was documented. Business Development for TrapWire Inc., a DC-based company founded by a small group of ex-Agency officers, which provides risk mitigation and counter-terrorism Worming his way out of an ugly lawn ROY BRAGG training for the US government, law enforcement and private companies around the Harrell recently helped Texas State University set up a composting and worm operation that country. Maness is a Texas State University graduate and Track and Field Alumnus. uses scraps from the school cafeterias and food-service operations.

Maness has a son currently attending Texas State and as sophomore made the Dean’s Gardening with worms isn't a rare skill. Worms, Harrell told me, are nature's gardeners.When List. worms wiggle through the soil, they're aerating it, allowing air to mix with the dirt and make it healthier. And when they "do their business," the stuff they leave behind is the perfect fertilizer.

From a startup with a single pound of worms, his operation has evolved into a well-fertilized machine. He tends and turns a 4-by-4 compost bin in the backyard. He keeps it wet, using rain- water whenever possible. From there, it's sifted for fertile worm castings. He can produce about 100 pounds of that every month.

Now he's the guy on the Internet, selling a 5-pound starter kit - approximately 1 pound of worms - to a new generation of fans. Rather than sell large quantities for a quick fix, he encour- ages customers to start small.

"People call up all of the time, wanting to spend hundreds of dollars on worms," he said. "My answer should be 'yes,' but I just want to help them out." To read the full story click here.

Brad Schley For the past 10 years, Texas State University graduate and “T” Association member Brad Schley has been a member of the United States Secret Service. Brad played football for the Bobcats from 1994-98. FALL ATHLETICS GRADUATES WHERE ARE THEY NOW Jessica Weynand The best four years of my life were being a student “ athlete at Texas State. The school, my coaches, my mentors, and my teammates have instilled in me qualities that not only make me a better person, but have played a major role in where I am today. I absolutely love Texas State and all that it stands for and still to this day live by the quote, “It’s a GREAT day to be a BOBCAT!!” ”

from left to right: Matt Novak, Goldstein Okafor, Steven Kenney, Collins Ekeocha, Cameron Johnson, Joe Chaisson, Josh Minde, Marcus Clark, Accomplishments/Achievements at Texas State Caitlin Bliss, Cailey Olson, Jessica Elting, Ashley Gowda and Anna Fagan

The Texas State Athletics Department awarded 13 student-athletes with a Bobcat Club Academic Ring along with maroon and gold cords to wear during graduation commencement.

University president Denise Trauth, athletic director Larry Teis, Bobcat Club representative and former Bobcat softball player Amy Keel along with each student-athlete's coach presented the rings and cords to four football players, four soccer players, three men's track and field athletes, one men's basketball player, a women's track and field athlete and a women's golfer.

Head football coach helped present a ring and cords to Joe Chaisson, Marcus Clark, Steven Kenney and Joshua Minde.

Head soccer coach Kat Conner helped award a ring and cords to Britney Curry, Jessica Elting, Anna Fagan and Ashley Gowda.

Head men's basketball Doug Davalos helped give a ring and cords to Cameron Johnson, while Jessica Weynand was an outside hitter for the Texas head track and field coach Dana Boone assisted in bestowing men's track and field athletes Collins State University Volleyball team from 2006-2009. She Ekeocha, Matt Novak and Goldstein Okafor along with women's track and field athlete Cailey Olson was recognized several times for her outstanding athletic with their rings and cords. talent and has continued to keep volleyball a part of her

In addition, women's golfer Caitlin Bliss received a ring and cords from academic development life after graduation. specialist Matt Phelps. Weynand held the position of Assistant Volleyball Along with their rings, all graduating student-athletes also received a maroon and gold cord to wear at Coach at Blinn College in 2011. Her team had an unde- graduation. Initiated by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in December 2008, the cords feated season (38-0) and earned the title of 2011 NJCAA serve to recognize student-athletes as a unique group on campus. National Champions. Weynand has now accepted a posi- tion as the Assistant Volleyball Coach at Arkansas State This ring and the graduation cords are dedicated to the student-athletes who have made contributions University, effective March 1, 2012. on the field of play and balanced those efforts with a commitment to achieving excellence in the classroom. pSEASON TICKETS p2012 FOOTBALL TICKET INFO friend us follow us