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Home , Charlie Gogolak, Clint Longley, Danieal Manning, Derrick Ross, Dwight White, Ernest Hawkins (coach)

1221 W. Campbell Rd. Suite 245 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Richardson, Texas 75080 Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Phone: 972-234-0033 Contact: Melanie Robotham, (972) 234-0033 Fax: 972-234-4110 www.lonestarconference.org th LSC Football standouts honored as part of 75 Members anniversary celebration Abilene Christian University Angelo State University RICHARDSON, Texas – The top 75 football players and coaches from the Lone Star Cameron University Conference’s first 75 years have been honored in a listing announced by league officials University of Central Oklahoma Wednesday as part of a year-long anniversary celebration. East Central University The LSC, known to be the oldest collegiate athletic conference in the southwestern United States, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a tribute to the outstanding Eastern New Mexico University teams and great sports personalities. An NCAA Division II conference with 15 member Midwestern State University institutions in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas, the LSC was founded on April 25, 1931. Northeastern State University The 1931-32 athletic seasons were the first for the league. The Top 75 listing is an impressive compilation of well-known names throughout both Southeastern Okla. St. University college and professional football, with eight of the selections - Johnny Bailey, Rodney Southwestern Okla. St. University Cason, , Pierce Holt, , Dwayne Nix, Richard Ritchie and Tarleton State University Gil Steinke – having been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Texas A&M University-Commerce At least six of the former LSC players on the list have gone on to win rings, including an amazing four rings by former Steeler and three by former Texas A&M University-Kingsville Bronco and Patriot Keith Traylor. Texas Woman’s University Twenty-nine members of the list participated during the LSC’s famed 11-year national West Texas A&M University championship run in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). In 11 years from 1969 to 1979, LSC teams won 10 NAIA National Championships. Some of the greats from that era who made the list are Darrell Green, , Dwight White, Wilbert Montgomery and , plus coaches Gil Steinke and Jim Wacker. Green left his mark in the LSC during the 70’s as a standout at A&I. The former seven-time All-Pro defensive back for the Washington Redskins played in three Super Bowls, winning in 1988 and 1992. He was also tabbed the World’s Fastest Athlete in 1991. Martin was named to three All-America teams when he helped East Texas State (now Texas A&M-Commerce) to the NAIA title in 1972. He went on to be a four-time selection and start in three Super Bowls, winning in 1978 and losing in 1976 and 1979 for the . Martin is one of five defensive players to win the Super Bowl MVP award. White, an All-American defensive end at ETSU, played in four Super Bowls and won four Super Bowl rings as a member of the famed Steelers “” defense. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 1973 and 1974. Montgomery left ACU as its all-time leading rusher after leading the Wildcats to the 1973 national title. He set a collegiate record with 70 in his career before playing in the NFL. In eight seasons with the , he set seven team rushing records, received two Pro Bowl invitations and led the NFL with 2,012 all-purpose yards in 1979. Longley, a standout at ACU, led the Wildcats to the 1973 NAIA national championship. He went on to play in the NFL for three years. Longley was with the Cowboys for two seasons, including the 1976 Super Bowl team. Steinke, the longtime Texas A&I head coach, finished his 22-year career with a record of 182-61-4, while Southwest Texas (now Texas State) head coach Jim Wacker led the

Bobcats to 42-8 record which included three LSC titles and a pair of NCAA Division II national championships in his four years at the helm. Gene Upshaw, a former Javelina offensive lineman, is another notable name on the list. He is the Executive Director of the NFL Players Association, after a successful 16-year pro career as a player. He appeared in six Pro Bowls and was named Lineman of the Year in the AFC in 1973 and 1974. In 1977, he was voted top lineman in the NFL. Upshaw is the only player in NFL history to play in three Super Bowls in three different decades – in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Another TAMUK lineman on the list is Jermane Mayberry, a first round draft choice of the Eagles who was All-Pro in 2002 and played in the 2005 Super Bowl. The former Javelina standout is currently with the . Holt, a three-time All-American for ASU, played for the 49ers in Super Bowls in 1989 and 1990, winning both. He was also a Pro Bowl pick in 1992. Two players who made the LSC’s Top 75 list are both current starters for the NFL’s hottest team this year as Danieal Manning and Roberto Garza are both enjoying key roles for the undefeated after playing collegiately for ACU and TAMUK, respectively. Below is the list of all 75 players and coaches in alphabetical order followed by a listing with biographical information:

Name School Pos. Years Hometown

Joe Aska Central Oklahoma RB 1993-94 Oklahoma City, Okla.

Alfredo Avila Sul Ross DB

Johnny Bailey Texas A&I RB 1986-89 Houston, Texas/Jones

Autry Beamon East Texas State S 1971-73 Kaufman, Texas/Kaufman HS

Drew Beard Southeastern Oklahoma QB 2001-04 Rush Springs, Okla.

Stan Blinka Sam Houston State LB 1975-78

Phillip Boggs Midwestern State QB 1999-2003 Hallsville, Texas

Carlton Booe Northeastern State RB 1998-1999

J.W. Boren Tarleton State K 1999-02 Stephenville, Texas

Stan Carraway West Texas A&M WR 1985-86 Carson Calif.

Rodney Cason Angelo State OL 1968-71

Ned Cox Angelo State QB 1983-86

Larry Collins Texas A&I RB 1974-77 San Antonio, Texas /Edison

Romar Crenshaw Southeastern Oklahoma WR 2000-2003 Broken Bow, Okla.

Pence Dacus Texas State QB 1951-53

Karl Douglas Texas A&I QB 1967-70 Houston, Texas/Worthing

Grant Feasel Abilene Christian OL 1979-82

John Fitzgerald Central Oklahoma OL 1997-00 Oklahoma City, Okla.

Charlie Franklin Angelo State RB 1971-74

Cyril Friday Texas State LB 1980-83 Austin, Texas/LBJ HS

Gonzalo Garcia Texas State OG 1947-49

Roberto Garza Texas A&M-Kingsville OL 1997-2000 Rio Hondo, Texas /Rio Hondo

Jim Gray East Texas State QB 1951-53

Darrell Green Texas A&I DB 1978, 1980-82 Houston, Texas/Jones

Andy Hawkins Texas A&I LB 1976-79 Van Vleck, Texas/Van Vleck

David Hill Texas A&I TE 1972-75 San Antonio, Texas/Highlands

Pierce Holt Angelo State DT 1984-87 Marlin, Texas

Arthur James East Texas State RB 1967-69 Texarkana, Texas/Dunbar HS

Randy Johnson Texas A&I QB 1962-65 San Antonio, Texas

Steve Kelly Tarleton State QB 1999-01 Burleson, Texas

Rex Lamberti Abilene Christian QB 1984-86, 1993

Clint Longley Abilene Christian QB 1971-73 Wichita Falls, Texas

Clay Lowry Sam Houston State WR 1976-79

Johnny Luter Central Oklahoma LB 1994-98 Lawton, Okla.

Danieal Manning Abilene Christian DB 2003-05 Corsicana, Texas

Harvey Martin East Texas State DE 1969-72 Dallas/South Oak Cliff HS

Kevin Mathis East Texas State CB 1993-96 Gainesville, Texas

Jermane Mayberry Texas A&M-Kingsville OL 1993-95 Floresville, Texas /Floresville

Todd Mayfield West Texas A&M QB 1984-86 Panhandle, Texas

Sam McCord East Texas State QB 1957-59 Gainesville, Texas/Gainesville HS

Dustin McNeal Central Oklahoma OL 1994-97 Owasso, Okla.

Mike Miller Texas State QB 1978-81 La Grange, Texas

Cle Montgomery Abilene Christian WR 1974-77

Wilbert Montgomery Abilene Christian RB 1973-76 Greenville, Miss.

Mark Moseley Stephen F. Austin K 1967-69 Lanesville, Texas

Dwayne Nix Texas A&I TE 1965-68 Kingsville/H.M. King

Johnny Perkins Abilene Christian WR 1974-76

John Randle Texas A&I DE 1988-89 Hearne, Texas /Hearne

John Reese Texas State OT 1960-63 Freer, Texas

Dominic Rhodes Midwestern State RB 1999-2000 Abilene, Texas

Richard Ritchie Texas A&I QB 1973-76 Mineral Wells, Texas /Mineral Wells

Derrick Ross Tarleton State RB 2004-05 Huntsville, Texas

Ken Sanders Howard Payne DL

Heath Sherman Texas A&I RB 1985-88 El Campo, Texas /El Campo

Michael Sinclair Eastern New Mexico DL 1986-1990 Galveston, Texas

Chuck Sitton Abilene Christian DB 1974-77

Greg Stokes Angelo State DL 1992-95

Aundra Thompson East Texas State RB 1972-75 Richardson, Texas

Keith Traylor Central Oklahoma LB 1989-90 Malvern, Ark.

Darrell Tulley East Texas State RB 1936-38

Gene Upshaw Texas A&I OL 1963-67 Robstown, Texas /Robstown

Mike Walton Eastern New Mexico LB 1996-1999 Portales, NM

Clayton Weishuhn Angelo State LB 1978-81

Dwight White East Texas State DE 1968-71

Wade Wilson East Texas State QB 1977-80 Greenville, Texas

Wally Bullington Abilene Christian Coach 1968-76

Ron Harms Texas A&I Coach 1974-75, 1979-99 Houston, Texas /Lutheran

Ernest Hawkins East Texas State Coach 1964-85

Gary Howard Central Oklahoma Coach 1977-02 Tulsa, Okla.

Bill Miller Texas State Coach 1964-78

J.V. “Siki” Sikes East Texas State Coach 1954-63

M.A. “Catfish” Smith East Texas State Coach 1951-53

Gil Steinke Texas A&I Coach 1954-76 Ganado/Ganado

Jim Wacker Texas State Coach 1979-82

Jerry Vandergriff Angelo State Coach 1982-2004

Joe Aska Central Oklahoma RB 1993-94 Oklahoma City, Okla. First-team All-LSC, Offensive Back of the Year, consensus first-team All-American and third in Harlon Hill Trophy balloting in 1994 after rushing for a school-record 1,629 yards.

Alfredo Avila Sul Ross DB Avila posted a career high 5 (tying Andrew Jackson's performance against McMurry in 1990) in Sul Ross State's 35-7 win over East Texas State in 1965. He had a season high 14 interceptions during the 1966 season to add to his career of 36 (1963-1966), setting a school record. Avila also earned All-Conference and Little All-American Honors 1965-66. Avila has something that only he and his Donna Redskins teammates can brag about -- a football state title. Avila was a key figure of that 1961 Redskins team that won the Class AA state championship, and then was a success in both collegiate and professional football. During the glory high school days in Donna, Avila also played on the Redskins team that finished fourth in the state tournament as a junior, and then he placed sixth in the 440-yard run at the State Track Meet as a senior. He accepted a scholarship to play sports at Sul Ross College in Alpine, where he made varsity his freshman year in football. The Lobos played in the 1964 All-Sports Bowl, won the championship in 1965, and advanced to the NAIA championship game. He intercepted 16 passes in his senior season, when he was again named All- LSC. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1967, and played there during the pre-season. He also played with the San Antonio Toros of the World Football League. Avila is currently a Professional Employer Specialist for Executive Administration Services Incorporated (EASI) in San Antonio. He and his wife, Becky, have five children and two grandchildren.

Johnny Bailey Texas A&I RB 1986-89 Houston/Jones Three-time Harlon Hill Trophy recipient and runner-up the other year…all-time leading college rusher (6320) when he concluded his career…Texas college all-time leading career rusher…AP Little All-America first team four years…AFCA All- America first team four years…Football Writers of America All-America first team…College Football Hall of Fame…LSC Hall of Honor…NCAA Division II Hall of Fame.

Autry Beamon East Texas State S 1971-73 Kaufman, Texas/Kaufman HS A safety that won all-LSC and All-America honors all four years at A&M-Commerce.

Drew Beard Southeastern Oklahoma QB 2001-04 Rush Springs, Okla. Beard completed his career as the most prolific offensive threat in Lone Star Conference history. The Rush Springs, Okla. product amassed 9,684 yards of total offense while leading Southeastern to a 22-9 record and its lone trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2004. Beard was a multi-threat from the position accounting for 100 or more rushing yards on eight occasions while passing for more than 300 yards four times. He twice eclipsed the century mark on the ground while throwing for more than 300 yards through the air. Beard, a two-time first-team All-LSC selection, was a third-team D2Football.com All-America selection in 2004.

Stan Blinka Sam Houston State LB 1975-78 Holds Bearkat career records for most tackles in a game (24), season (211) and career (536) ... played professional football for the from 1979 to 1983 and for the Denver Gold in the USFL in 1985. Inducted into SHSU Lettermen's Hall of Honor 1985 Football 1975 1976 1977 1978 Track letterman 1976 1977 1978 1979 NAIA All-America 1976 1977 1978 All-Lone Star Conference 1976 1977 1978

Phillip Boggs Midwestern State QB 1999-2003 Hallsville, Texas A 2002 for the Harlon Hill Award, Boggs broke all MSU career passing records by completed 422-of-732 passes (20 interceptions) for 5,466 yards and 41 touchdowns in his career. He holds the MSU career total offense record of 6,988 yards. He set MSU records for single game passing yardage (429 vs. West Texas A&M, 2002) and has MSU longest ever run from scrimmage, 95 yards (vs. SW Okla., 2003).

Carlton Booe Northeastern State RB 1998-1999 Booe rushed for 3,068 yards in two seasons and averaged 5.5 yards per carry over 23 games, leading NSU to the NCAA Division II semifinals at Carson-Newman in 1999. Booe scored 34 touchdowns and averaged 133.7 yards per game during his career. He also had 30 receptions for 286 yards and five TDs. One of the most impressive feats he accomplished was establishing the NSU and LSC single game rushing record when he ran for 342 yards at Southeastern Oklahoma State, coming just 40 yards shy of the NCAA record for all divisions. He was a two-time All-LSC North choice as well.

J.W. Boren Tarleton State K 1999-02 Stephenville, Texas Boren holds the all-time school career scoring record with 313 points in 46 games from 1999-2002. He is also tops in the following career categories: attempts (83); field goals made (59); point after attempts (148); and PATs made (136). He holds single-season records in field goals attempted (25, 2002); field goals made (17, 2002); PATs attempted (57, 2001); and PATs made (52, 2001). He holds single-game records in field goals attempted (6, 10-21-00); field goals made (tied with five, 10-21-00); PATs attempted (tied with eight, 10-6-01, 8-29-02 and 10-29-02); and PATs made (tied with eight, 10-6-01, 10-29-02 and 8-29-02). He led the team in scoring in 2000 (78), 2001 (94) and 2002 (90).

Stan Carraway West Texas A&M WR 1985-86 Carson Calif. Stan Carraway transferred to WT from Cerritos (Calif.) JC as a 5-7, 150-pound wide receiver from Paramount, Calif. In his two years at WT in 1985-86 Carraway caught 173 passes for 2,412 yards and 20 touchdowns. That’s a 13.9 yard per average catch and 114.8 average yards per game. Ironically, his longest catch ever was for 51 yards. In 1986 he was part of an offense that set seven school, four LSC, and one national team records. Carraway was selected first team All-LSC, third team AP Little All-American, Football News first team All-American, and Kodak first team All-American after his 1986 season, in which he caught 94 passes for 1,175 yards and nine TD’s. He currently resides in Long Beach, Calif.

Rodney Cason Angelo State OL 1968-71 Cason is arguably the best offensive lineman to ever play at Angelo State. A three-time All-American, Cason was inducted into the NFF Hall of Fame in 2001 along with his coach at the time, Grant Teaff. He was the first-ever three-time All- American from the Ram football team. He was an 11th round draft choice of the in 1972.

Ned Cox Angelo State QB 1983-86 Cox ranks as ASU's all-time leader in passing yards (7,843), total offense (8,894), total plays (1,821), completions (389), attempts (1,205) and passing touchdowns (56). To this day, Cox holds the ASU single-game passing record with 475 yards against Texas A&M-Kingsville in 1986. The four-year starter had a school-record 13 games of 200-or-more passing yards during his career. Was named first team All-LSC in 1984 and 1985. Earned honorable mention All-America honors by AP in 1985.

Larry Collins Texas A&I RB 1974-77 San Antonio/Edison On teams that won three NAIA national titles and four LSC championships…team had 41-1-1 record with him in the backfield…AP Little All-America, NAIA All-America…LSC Back of the Year…ranks in top five leading rushers in Texas college history.

Romar Crenshaw Southeastern Oklahoma WR 2000-2003 Broken Bow, Okla. Crenshaw is one of the most accomplished wide receivers in Lone Star Conference history. The 6-0, 185-pound Broken Bow product tops the conference career charts with 92.1 receiving yards per game, most yards per reception with 23.2 and most receiving touchdowns with 33. In 2001, Crenshaw led the conference in scoring with 114 points including 13 receiving touchdowns and six rushing scores. Crenshaw had 14 games with 100 or more receiving yards including three with over 200 yards. Crenshaw, a two-time All-LSC selection, earned D2Football.com All-America honorable mention in 2001 and 2003.

Pence Dacus Texas State QB 1951-53 A First-Team All-Lone Star Conference pick as well as named Associated Press Little All-America as a senior. Completed 113-of-207 forward passes for 1,654 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior. Still ranks fourth in all-time passing yards at Texas State (3,904 yards). Averaged 193 yards of total offense per game as a senior.

Karl Douglas Texas A&I QB 1967-70 Houston/Worthing NAIA All-America first team…quarterbacked teams that won two NAIA national championships and four LSC titles…team had 41-4 record in his career.

Grant Feasel Abilene Christian OL 1979-82 1982 first team all-America; member of LSC all-Decade Team for the 1980s; Two-time first team all-LSC; played 11 years in NFL, mostly with the .

John Fitzgerald Central Oklahoma OL 1997-00 Oklahoma City, Okla. Three-time first-team All-LSC North and Offensive Lineman of the Year. First-team All-American in 1998 and second-team All-American in ’99 and ’00.

Charlie Franklin Angelo State RB 1971-74 Franklin earned second team All-American honors for the Rams in 1974 en route to becoming ASU second-leading rusher all time with 3,659 yards. He ranks ninth on the LSC all-time rushing list. Earned first team All-LSC and second team All- NAIA honors at running back in 1974.

Cyril Friday Texas State LB 1980-83 Austin, Texas/LBJ HS A three-time All-Lone Star Conference First-Team selection who as named the LSC Defensive MVP as a senior. Was also a two-time, second-team Associated Press Little All-America selection. Registered 362 career tackles at Texas State and ranks second all-time at Texas State with 27.5 career quarterback sacks.

Gonzalo Garcia Texas State OG 1947-49 One of Texas State’s all-time great offensive linemen who was a three-time, First-Team All-Lone Star Conference selection at offensive guard. Member of Texas State’s 1948 Lone Star Conference championship team.

Roberto Garza Texas A&M-Kingsville OL 1997-2000 Rio Hondo/Rio Hondo Two-time AP Little All-America first team…two-time AFCA All-America first team…national champion in track & field…currently starter for the Chicago Bears.

Jim Gray East Texas State QB 1951-53 Three-time All-American quarterback … QB of ETSTC team that started the 29 consecutive games and had a 30-game unbeaten streak in the early 50s. MVP of the 1953 Tangerine Bowl where ET defeated Tennessee Tech 33-0. Holds ET records with 6 TD passes in a game (vs. Austin College in 1952), averaged 11.0 yards per pass attempt in 1952 and had a career average of 8.9 yards per pass attempt.

Darrell Green Texas A&I DB 1978, 1980-82 Houston, Texas/Jones AP Little All-America first team…AFCA All-America first team…one of nation’s top sprinters in track & field…first round draft choice…College Football Hall of Fame…NCAA Division II Hall of Fame…Texas Sports Hall of Fame…LSC Hall of Honor.

Andy Hawkins Texas A&I LB 1976-79 Van Vleck, Texas/Van Vleck AP Little All-America first team…AFCA All-America first team…NAIA All-America first team…on NAIA national championship teams in 1976 and 1979…had pro career after college.

David Hill Texas A&I TE 1972-75 San Antonio, Texas/Highlands AP Little All-America first team…AFCA All-America first team…NAIA All-America first team…on NAIA national championship and LSC title teams in 1974 and 1975…East-West Shrine game, American Bowl game, Japan All-Star game, College All- Star game…had pro career with .

Pierce Holt Angelo State DT 1984-87 Holt was a three-time All-American for the Rams at defensive from 1985-87). He was inducted into the NFF Hall of Fame in 1995 becoming the first of three representatives from ASU in the Hall. A two-time LSC Defensive Player of the Year for the Rams, Holt was also a two-time academic All-LSC pick for ASU. He went on to an NFL career that earned him two Super Bowl rings along with All-Pro honors and two Pro Bowl appearances.

Arthur James East Texas State RB 1967-69 Texarkana, TX/Dunbar HS A three-time all-LSC selection, including unanimous and most valuable back honors in 1969, earned All-American honors twice…three-time Lone Star Conference Rushing Leader.

Randy Johnson Texas A&I QB 1962-65 San Antonio, Texas /Sam Houston AP Little All-America first team…LSC most valuable player in 1965…played in several post-season all-star games…first round draft choice of the .

Steve Kelly Tarleton State QB 1999-01 Burleson, Texas Kelly ranked among national passing leaders throughout the season as he led Tarleton to a 10-3 overall record, a Lone Star Conference co-championship and the school's first-ever NCAA playoff appearance. A three-year starter at Tarleton after transferring from the University of (Fla.), Steve passed for 3,411 yards and 27 touchdowns this year while completing 60 percent of his passes. The Burleson, Texas, native turned in a record-breaking season as he became Tarleton's all-time leading passer and finished with school records for total offensive plays and yards in a career, passing yards in a season and career, pass attempts in a season and career, pass completions in a season and career, pass completion percentage in a season and career and passes in a season and career. Kelly, who passed for at least 200 yards in 20 of his last 27 games, is the only Tarleton player to ever have passed for 2,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. He started every game in the final three years of his career. He was named LSC South Division Offensive Back of the Year in 2001 and earned first team All-LSC South honors each of the past two seasons after earning second team honors in 1999.

Rex Lamberti Abilene Christian QB 1984-86, 1993 LSC's all-time leader in completions (595), yards passing (7,934), yards passing per game (233.4), touchdown passes (84) and total yards per game (221.9); Harlon Hill Award finalist in 1993; led nation in TD passes in 1986 (32), which is also the LSC single-season record; honorable mention all-America in 1993.

Clint Longley Abilene Christian QB 1971-73 1973 first team all-America; led 1973 team to NAIA national title; fifth all-time leading passer in school history (6,037 yards).

Clay Lowry Sam Houston State WR 1976-79 Inducted into SHSU Lettermen's Hall of Honor 1986 Football letterman 1976 1977 1978 1979 All-Lone Star Conference 1977 1978 1979 NAIA All-America 1978 Ranks 2nd in career pass receiving for Sam Houston with 2,833 yards on 148 catches including 21 touchdown receptions

Johnny Luter Central Oklahoma LB 1994-98 Lawton, Okla. Second-team All-LSC in 1995, first-team All-LSC linebacker in 1996 and came back from missing ’97 season to injury to earn first-team All-LSC North, Linebacker of the Year and consensus first-team All-America honors in 1998. Division II Linebacker of the Year by Football Gazette. School’s all-time leading tackler. Led team in unbeaten regular season, No. 1 ranking and first-ever LSC title in 1998.

Danieal Manning Abilene Christian DB 2003-05 Named to 12 all-America teams in final two seasons; three-time first team all-LSC selection; three-time first team all-region selection; first on ACU's all-time special teams touchdowns list with six; drafted 42nd by Chicago Bears in 2006 NFL Draft.

Harvey Martin East Texas State DE 1969-72 Dallas/South Oak Cliff HS The 6-foot-6 defensive end was named to three All-America teams when he helped the Lions to the NAIA national championship in 1972. He followed with an All-Pro career with the Dallas Cowboys. Super Bowl XII MVP.

Kevin Mathis East Texas State CB 1993-96 Gainesville, Texas A four-year All-American … currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jermane Mayberry Texas A&M-Kingsville OL 1993-95 Floresville, Texas /Floresville AP Little All-America first team…AFCA All-America first team…Senior Bowl participant…first round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles…All-Pro selection…currently with New Orleans Saints.

Todd Mayfield West Texas A&M QB 1984-86 Panhandle, Texas Mayfield was a 6-0, 185-pound quarterback from Panhandle, Texas, who certainly had WT roots. His father, Bill, was the WT quarterback in 1959-60, and his uncle, Gene, was the QB in 1945 and 1948-50 and head coach from 1971-76. In 1985, WT’s last year as a Division I school and in the Missouri Valley Conference, he set 11 school and five MVC records, when he passed for 3,432 yards and led the Buffs to a 6-3-1 record. In 1986, he led the Buffs to a 7-4 record and the Lone Star Conference championship, while passing for 3,664 yards on 317 completions of 515 attempts (61.5%) and 31 TD’s and 20 interceptions. He set seven school, three LSC, and four national records. Mayfield was selected first team All-LSC, third team AP Little All-American, Football News honorable mention All-American, and the Scholar-Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame in 1986. His three year totals from 1984-86 were 630 completions out of 1,036 attempts (60.9%) for 7,424 yards with 56 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. His most prolific passing game was Nov. 16th, 1985, when he was 30 of 37 for 565 yards and five TD’s against New Mexico State. Mayfield is currently an attorney in Amarillo, Texas.

Sam McCord East Texas State QB 1957-59 Gainesville, TX/Gainesville HS A two-time All-American quarterback, “Stumblin’ Sam” led the Lions to a 28-3-0 record over three seasons, which included two Tangerine Bowl victories and three LSC titles.

Dustin McNeal Central Oklahoma OL 1994-97 Owasso, Okla. First-team All-LSC in 1996, first-team All-LSC North and Offensive Lineman of Year in ’97. Consensus first-team All- American in 1997.

Mike Miller Texas State QB 1978-81 La Grange, Texas Named the Lone Star Conference’s Offensive Most Valuable Player in 1981 as he helped lead Texas State to its first NCAA Division II national championship. Named First-Team All-LSC as a senior when he completed 100-of-206 passes for 1,837 yards and four touchdowns.

Cle Montgomery Abilene Christian WR 1974-77 Had 1,168 receiving yards on 1977 NAIA Division I national championship team; only Wildcat to play on a Super Bowl champion (1983 Los Angeles Raiders).

Wilbert Montgomery Abilene Christian RB 1973-76 Named Offensive MVP of ACU's all-Century team; ACU's all-time leading rusher (3,047 yards); led ACU to 1973 NAIA national championship; set a collegiate record with 70 touchdowns in his career; NFL all-pro with the Philadelphia Eagles; member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Mark Moseley Stephen F. Austin K 1967-69 Lanesville, Texas Mark DeWayne Moseley (born 1948 in Lanesville, Texas), is a former professional who played for the Philadelphia Eagles (1970), the Houston Oilers (1971-1972), the Washington Redskins (1974-1986), and the (1986). He was the last full-time straight on placekicker in the NFL; a dinosaur in an era where NFL kickers had long since used the soccer style that was introduced by Pete and in the 1960's and was popularized by such players such as Jan Stenerud. Additionally, Mark Moseley is the only kicker in NFL history to win the Most Valuable Player Award; he did so in the strike-shortened 1982 season. His team (the Redskins) went on to defeat the in Super Bowl XVII, in no small part due to Moseley, who kicked two field goals in the game and made all 3 of his extra point attempts. The Redskins went back to the Super Bowl the following season, facing the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII, but this time they were blown out 38-9, at the time the most lopsided score in Super Bowl history. Moseley's field goal in the first quarter was the only points for the Redskins in the first half. Then in the second half they scored a touchdown, but Moseley's extra point was blocked and they did not score again for the rest of the game. Moseley left the Redskins as their all time leading scorer with 1,206 points in the middle of the 1986 season, finishing the year with the Browns and retiring after the season ended at age 38. In his 16 NFL seasons, Moseley kicked 300 out of 457 field goals (65%), 482 out of 512 extra points (94%), and scored a total of 1,382 points. Before his NFL career, Moseley played for Stephen F. Austin University, where his number was retired and Texas A&M University.

Dwayne Nix Texas A&I TE 1965-68 Kingsville/H.M. King Three-time AP Little All-America first team…College Football Hall of Fame.

Johnny Perkins Abilene Christian WR 1974-76 ACU's all-time leading receiver (2,529 yards); two-time first team all-America; three-time first team all-LSC; Wildcats' highest draft choice (31st pick in 1977 by ).

John Randle Texas A&I DE 1988-89 Hearne/Hearne AP Little All-America first team…LSC outstanding lineman in 1988 and 1989…All-Pro player for the after collegiate career.

John Reese Texas State OT 1960-63 Freer, Texas Two-time NAIA All-America and First-Team All-Lone Star Conference pick. Member of the Bobcats’ 1963 10-0, LSC Championship team.

Dominic Rhodes Midwestern State RB 1999-2000 Abilene, Texas Midwestern State’s all-time leading rusher, gaining 2,541 yards in just two seasons at MSU. Rushed for 1,387 yards in 2000 to set the MSU record for a season (and is third on that list with 1,154 yards in 1999). Holds MSU season and career records for touchdowns (18 in 2000, 29 for career), scoring (108 points in 2000, 174 for career). Currently starts for the .

Richard Ritchie Texas A&I QB 1973-76 Mineral Wells/Mineral Wells As a starter, went 39-0 with Javelinas…three NAIA national titles and four LSC championships…AP Little All-America first team…NAIA All-America first team…LSC Back of the Year in 1975 and 1976…College Football Hall of Fame…LSC Hall of Honor.

Derrick Ross Tarleton State RB 2004-05 Huntsville, Texas Derrick Ross is a member of the in the . Ross, who was a First Team Daktronics All-Southwest Region pick as well as a D2Football.com Second Team All-America pick and a First Team Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-Southwest Region member, finished the 2005 season as the No. 3 rusher in the country. He recorded 1,512 yards on 236 carries in nine games this season, and he scored 13 rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown while catching 17 passes for 192 yards. Ross averaged 6.4 yards per carry and 168.0 yards per contest. He led nation for first three weeks in rushing yards per game. The senior had three 200+ yard games this season and set a school record for single-game rushing total with 269 yards against Western New Mexico (9/10). Ross scored a touchdown in every contest, including three against Midwestern State (10/8) and four against Eastern New Mexico (10/15), and he rushed for over 100 yards in all but one game season. The senior put up the second-most rushing yards in a single-season in school history this year and led the LSC in rushing and all-purpose yards (189.3) this season. He was third in scoring in the conference and first on his team. Ross was named the 2005 LSC South Division Offensive Back of the Year and was a First Team All-LSC honoree. He was named the 2005 South Division Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and was named to the Second Team All-Underappreciated Team by Consensus Draft Services as the only NCAA Division II player to make the top two offensive teams prior to this season. The senior was named Third Team CollegeSportsReport.com Preseason All- America Team and received honors as a Don Hansen's Football Gazette Preseason All-American. Ross holds Tarleton's school record for single-season rushing yards with 1,560 in 10 games (2004) and the school record for 134 points in 2004. He is second all-time with 218 points scored in a career. The senior set a school record with 22 touchdowns in one season (2004) and in a career (35). He is second on the all-time career rushing list with 3,072 yards in 19 games and holds the school record for single-season yards per game (168.0 in 2005) and in career yards per game average (161.7). Ross is first and fourth in single-season carries in school history. He was named to the Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-America Team as a junior in 2004, and he is a two-time Harlon Hill candidate. Ross was also named a first team all-conference and second team Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-Southwest Region in 2004. As a junior, he was a Second Team Daktronics Division II All-Southwest Region honoree.

Ken Sanders Howard Payne DL Sanders played in the NFL for nine seasons including stints with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings after being selected by the Lions in the 3rd round of the 1972 NFL Draft.

Heath Sherman Texas A&I RB 1985-88 El Campo/El Campo Ranks in the top five leading college rushers in Texas college history…blocker for Johnny Bailey in three of Bailey’s four collegiate years…later played for Philadelphia Eagles.

Michael Sinclair Eastern New Mexico DL 1986-1990 Galveston, Texas Michael Sinclair enters his second season on the West Texas A&M coaching staff and will coach the defensive line. Sinclair, a Beaumont, Texas, native, played for Carthel at Eastern New Mexico from 1986-1990, medically redshirting one season. He went on to play 12 seasons in the NFL, including 11 with the Seattle Seahawks (1992-2001) before playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002. At ENMU, Sinclair was the Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman and Defensive Player of the Year his senior season, after recording 16 sacks, including four in a game vs. the University of Central Oklahoma. Sinclair was also named to the LSC All-Decade Team. Sinclair was drafted in the sixth-round in the 1991 NFL draft, and went on to be a three-time Pro-Bowl selection, from 1996-'98. In 1998, Sinclair led the NFL with 16.5 sacks, a mark that is still the Seahawks' team record, and he is second on Seattle's career sack list with 73.5 while wearing a Seahawks' jersey. Sinclair also is tied for the most sacks in a game with four in 1996, as well as tied for the most forced in a season with seven in 1998 and second with six in 1997, along with 24 forced fumbles in a career to rank second on Seattle's career list. He also led the American Football Conference in sacks for two seasons. In 1998, Sinclair received the Steve Largent Award, presented every year to the player who best exemplifies the spirit, dedication and integrity of the Seattle Seahawks, and named after former Seahawks' legendary receiver Steve Largent. In addition to his sack and fumbles, Sinclair also scored two touchdowns in his NFL career, falling on a in the endzone and 1997, as well as returning a fumble 65 yards for a TD in 2000. Sinclair was a first-team Associated Press All-Pro in 1998 and also won a World Bowl Ring with the Sacramento Surge in 1992, after leading the team and tied for the league lead in sacks, being named to the All-World League Team. Sinclair resides in Amarillo.

Chuck Sitton Abilene Christian DB 1974-77 1977 first team all-America; two-time all-LSC selection; captain on 1977 NAIA Division I national title team.

Greg Stokes Angelo State DL 1992-95 Stokes was a three-time All-America pick for the Rams from 1993-95. He ranks second on the ASU all-time tackles list behind Weishuhn with 434 career stops. Stokes was named first team All-LSC after both the 1994 and 1995 seasons. Tabbed the J.V. Sikes Award winner after both seasons as well as the LSC's top defensive lineman. Also honored as second team Academic All-American as a junior and senior. Was killed in a one-car accident on Nov. 5, 1995, prior to his final collegiate game. He was posthumously the second of two Harlon Hill Trophy finalists.

Aundra Thompson East Texas State RB 1972-75 Richardson, Texas Holds the ETSU record with 1,796 rushing yards in a season, averaging 160.8 yards a game in 1975 … rushed for 3,757 career yards … honorable mention NAIA All-American in 1975.

Keith Traylor Central Oklahoma LB 1989-90 Malvern, Ark. Two-time first-team All-LSC pick at linebacker who has gone on to a long NFL career. Still active, now with the Miami Dolphins as a defensive lineman. Has won three Super Bowl rings, two with Denver and one with New England.

Darrell Tulley East Texas State RB 1936-38 A first-team AP All-America in 1938 (believed to be the very first first-teamer in LSC History) … helped lead ETSTC to the 1937 and 1938 Lone Star Conference titles. Was an honorable mention AP All-America in 1937.

Gene Upshaw Texas A&I OL 1963-67 Robstown/Robstown Participated in Senior Bowl, Coaches’ All-America Bowl and College All-Star game…first round draft choice of Oakland…All- Pro numbers times…played in the Super Bowl in 1968 and lost but he went on to win a ring in the 1977 and 1981 Super Bowls…Texas Sports Hall of Fame…LSC Hall of Honor…Pro Football Hall of Fame…currently the executive director of the NFL Players Association.

Mike Walton Eastern New Mexico LB 1996-1999 Portales, NM Walton started at middle linebacker all 44 games during his time at Eastern, setting an ENMU record with 515 career tackles, with 58 for a loss, 12 forced fumbles, and three interceptions. He was named to four All-America teams, selected First Team All-LSC South twice, and was LSC –South Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1998.

Clayton Weishuhn Angelo State LB 1978-81 Weishuhn ended his career at ASU's all-time leader tackler with 523 stops during his time with the Rams. He earned All- America honors after both the 1980 and 1981 seasons by Kodak and the NAIA. Led the Rams in tackles in each of his final three seasons. Three-time first team All-LSC selection at linebacker. Twice named the J.V. Sikes Award winner (1980-81) as LSC's top lineman.

Dwight White East Texas State DE 1968-71 An All-American defensive end … helped lead the ET “Blue Gang” defense of the early 70s, setting the defense in place for the 1972 national championship … went on to become an All-Pro and win four Super Bowl rings with the .

Wade Wilson East Texas State QB 1977-80 A Member of the LSC Hall of Honor … led ETSU to a semifinalist finish in the 1980 NAIA playoffs … threw for 4,616 career yards

Wally Bullington Abilene Christian Coach 1968-76 Led the Wildcats to the 1973 NAIA Division I title and a 1976 Shrine Bowl victory; ACU's director of athletics for 20 years.

Ron Harms Texas A&I Coach 1974-75, 1979-99 Houston/Lutheran Harms was the offensive coordinator in 1974-75 when Javelinas went 25-0, won two NAIA national titles and two LSC championships…returned as head coach in 1979 and won NAIA national title his first year…won 11 LSC titles in 21 seasons as head coach...LSC coach of the year.

Ernest Hawkins East Texas State Coach 1964-85 As the head coach from 1964 to 1985, he compiled a 132-102-6 record, winning or sharing four LSC titles. His 1972 team won the NAIA national championship.

Gary Howard Central Oklahoma Coach 1977-02 Tulsa, Okla. Coached UCO when made transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II and the LSC in late 1980s. Winningest coach in school history wit 162-105-6 record. Led Bronchos to 1998 and ’99 LSC titles and the Division II playoffs in 1996, ’98 and ’99.

Bill Miller Texas State Coach 1964-78 All-time winningest coach at Texas State, posted a 94-53-3 record (63.7 winning percentage). Led Texas State to a 1971 LSC co-championship.

M.A. “Catfish” Smith East Texas State Coach 1951-53 Led East Texas State to the 1953 and 1954 Tangerine Bowls (both on Jan. 1), beating Tenn. Tech 33-0 and tying Arkansas State 7-7 (considered to be the National Championship game that year) … Led ET on a 29-game winning streak and 30- game unbeaten streak. Had a record at ETSU of 30-2-1 and three consecutive unbeaten conference championships. Turned down offers to coach SMU while at ET.

J.V. “Siki” Sikes East Texas State Coach 1954-63 Directed East Texas State to five Lone Star Conference titles before passing away in 1963. Directed ET to Tangerine Bowl wins following the 1956 and 1957 seasons (both were played in 1957) … posted a 63-34-4 record.

Gil Steinke Texas A&I Coach 1954-76 Ganado/Ganado Coached teams that won six NAIA national championships…teams won 10 LSC titles…..had 182-61-4 record…..coach of the year numerous times…Texas Sports Hall of Fame…College Football Hall of Fame…LSC Hall of Honor…

Jim Wacker Texas State Coach 1979-82 In four seasons, led Texas State to three Lone Star Conference championships and a pair of NCAA Division II national titles. Posted a 42-8 (.840) winning percentage during his career at Texas State, including a 27-1 record his final two seasons.

Jerry Vandergriff Angelo State Coach 1982-2004 Tulia, Texas Jerry Vandergriff spent 23 seasons as the head football coach at Angelo State University. During his time with the Rams, he tallied a career coaching record of 143-101-2, including a 91-58-1 record in Lone Star Conference play. He led ASU to four NCAA Division II postseason appearances, including a trip to the national semifinals in 1989. He was a three-time LSC Coach of the Year, earning the honor in 1984, 1987 and 1997. He coached 112 first team all-conference selections in his 23 years at ASU, including nine J.V. Sikes Award winners (outstanding lineman), two J. W. Rollins Award winners (outstanding back) and 1992 Freshman of the Year Greg Stokes. He guided the Rams to LSC championships in 1984 and 1987 and back-to-back LSC South Divisional crowns in 1999 and 2000. During his time as the head coach at ASU, the Rams boasted 38 different players that earned All-America honors. Vandergriff began his association with ASU in 1960 when the Tulia, Texas, native served as a quarterback for then San Angelo College. In his only year with the team, he quarterbacked SAC to a 7-3 record and a bid in the Hospitality Bowl in Gulfport, Miss. That team would be the last one fielded by the school until it expanded to a four-year university in 1964. He would transfer to Corpus Christi University where he earned All-America honors and graduated in 1964. Vandergriff returned to ASU in the fall of 1971 as he was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Rams under legendary coach Grant Teaff. During his 11 years as the Rams' offensive coordinator, the ASU offense averaged 300 or more yards per game on nine occasions. He developed four All-American tailbacks and three LSC rushing leaders. He was part of the ASU coaching staff that won the NAIA national title in 1978 with a perfect 14-0 record. He retired after the 2004 season as the program's all-time winningest coach. He also served as ASU's Men's Athletic Director until his retirement.

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