Coach Royal made my role quite clear when I became a Longhorn student manager in 1960. He had no problem with me also being a sportswriter for The Daily Texan but emphasized I was not to report anything about the team that other sportswriters or reporters from other media did not have equal access to,- never did.

I sat on the biggest story for 50 years after we had trounced Navy in the 1964 Cotton Bowl game, before letting the press in the locker room, he told the team to never mention how we exploited Navy’s defense that day. He said revealing our secret would detract from our overwhelming victory and we would wrongfully be accused of cheating. Our lips were sealed.

Below are two video stories about stealing signals.

https://youtu.be/UK81aq1uUAI?si=IC0aQH9Txtj3g5_a

https://youtu.be/VC2CcizDEUE?si=tX0liMK6DoTicPZ6

Several decades later a prominent Metroplex sportswriter broke the story in that year’s Cotton Bowl Classic program. But his assertion that a rival coach had leaked Navy’s hand signals to us may not have been true.

I never heard Coach Royal or any of his assistants mention such a tip, and I was in a position to see or hear something. Perhaps there was a tip that Navy used hand signals. Period. I just can’t see the coaches studying film for as long and intently as they did IF they had already been given the signals.

Trust but verify, you say? I admit that’s a possibility but I don’t believe it. As one of my writing idols, Kirk Bohls would say, “I think I know” this is how it happened: It started with the teams exchanging film of all their games that season, a custom before bowl games.
Next, led by future athletic director Bill Ellington, the assistant coaches started poring over the films almost frame by frame. Ten to 12 hours a day the first week was not uncommon. I know because I was in charge of setting up the projectors and securing them for the night. About a week into the meticulous film study, the coaches struck paydirt. They matched some hand signals from a Navy assistant on the sideline to the defense that Navy would shift into right before the ball was snapped.

https://youtu.be/1IxppS0gI0c?si=w8CzXt7asfStyw8D

Navy might as well be using ship-to-ship semaphore flags from the 18th century. But how to get that information to quarterback Duke Carlisle?

We had three weeks after the Aggie game to prepare for Navy. We practiced in Memorial Stadium instead of the regular practice fields that were more open. To help Duke get the information from our
sidelines, the coaches worked out some hand signals of our own.
To ensure that Duke could see the signals, Coach Royal revamped our huddle. Instead of the familiar oval shape, he had two rows of five players with their backs to the line of scrimmage. Duke, who was kneeling, positioned himself to see our sideline while the huddle “hid” him from the Navy bench. Using binoculars, an assistant coach in the press box (I think it was Russell Coffee) would observe the hand signals from a Navy coach and immediately relay the information by telephone to hulking assistant coach Charlie Shira on the Longhorn sideline. At about 6-8 and 285 pounds, the former lineman at West Point and Texas A&M was a walking billboard.

Coach Shira wore the only burnt orange parka on the Texas sideline so Duke could easily see him before he called the next play. A manager was assigned to make sure no one on the sideline blocked Duke’s view of Coach Shira.  Coach Shira is in the top row, second from the left.

I was handling Coach Royal’s water (a nervous sip between most plays), a senior manager’s coveted task. Having him move a few steps was the only time I ever told that coaching legend what to do! He understood.

THE TEST: On Jan. 1, 1964, Texas had already been declared national champion but a loss to #2 Navy in the Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas would tarnish the trophy forever.

Texas wasted little time in exploiting the Navy signals. We won the toss and elected to receive. On the game’s sixth play, Duke got the signal he was looking for. As the Navy safety ran himself right out of the play, Duke hit 18- year-old sophomore Phil Harris — the youngest player on the field — with a 58-yard touchdown pass. Untouched.

Less than three minutes had come off the clock. The TD marked the eighth time in 11 games that the Horns scored on their first possession. Six minutes into the second quarter Duke got the green light again. This time the TD pass to Harris covered 63 yards, again untouched. Navy was so shell shocked it fumbled on the next possession and Duke’s nine-yard scamper made it 21-0 at halftime.

Meanwhile, Scott Appleton and the rest of the Longhorn defense, hounded the Heisman-winning Staubach unmercifully. Although the future Dallas Cowboy Super Bowl winner would wind up with 228 yards passing, he was sacked for 47 yards in losses. Appleton had 12 tackles alone and the Middies never made a single first down rushing the whole game. The 28-6 score was not only a team victory but a coaching staff victory as well. breaking the code to the Navy air defense.

ANOTHER SECRET WEAPON: I don’t think this has come up before, but I think the Longhorns were better prepared physically than our opponents due to logistics. You see, back then the practice fields were an estimated quarter mile from the locker room.
Concrete and buildings now cover what was three full-size football fields All that is still recognizable is Waller Creek. More on that later.

I submit that my Longhorns learned balance and footwork while walking to and from practice each day. I say “walking.” They were literally SKATING across San Jacinto Blvd., maintaining their balance on hard rubber cleats slipping on unforgiving pavement.
Dodging the two-way traffic called for some fancy footwork, quick stops and fast go’s.

After surviving San Jacinto’s traffic, there was one last test; one at a time, players had to practice critical balancing skills while crossing Waller Creek. That meant not slipping on 18-inch square stepping stones, placed about a foot apart.

Oh, did I mention that they were often wet after rain made the creek rise? Or that the players sometimes had to dodge branches, beer bottles and other debris coming downstream?

I don’t remember a player falling in — it was usually no more than a foot deep — but I fell in more than once while shagging footballs kicked there by Tony Crosby practicing field goals.

Caught poison ivy twice as well. I eventually turned over the shagging duties to an eager junior high kid who said he wanted to kick for the Longhorns someday himself.

Sure, kid, I thought to myself. And I want to be Blackie Sherrod or Lou Maysel. As long as you keep shagging the walls out of the creek for me, you can be Lou Groza if you want to. Oh, you might recognize the kid’s name: Billy “Sure” Schott.

The post GOOD COACHING; NO CHEATING by Roy Jones appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

Leroy W. Sutherland, Jr. age 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16th, 2026 at Ascension Seton Williamson with his wife, Nancy (Nichols) Sutherland at his side. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in January.

Leroy was born in 1946 in Bangor, Maine. His father served in the U.S. Army in WWII and his mother was a fantastic cook in Bangor restaurants and at home.

From a young age, Leroy roamed the Maine Woods, hunting and fishing with his father and friends and went to beaches and parks with his extended family. He served for four years as an officer in the Bangor High ROTC. He was an outstanding marksman and a good map reader. In his senior year of high school, he was quarterback for the Bangor High Rams and they “lost the state championship in a blizzard”.

Damn good, man, Coach Sutherland! Godspeed Coach! – Todd Smith

All the players loooved LĒROY! WE imitated him in his NortherN accent!!! Scott Bethea

Leroy was a nice guy and boy did he love the horses!!!! He visited with me in the office many times about them. Scott Bethea

– MANOR_D0WNS!! he liked to sēē the Hosses Run – Lael Moore Hasty

Leroy was truly one of the good guys. Tiger Hanner

So sad to hear this. Leroy was a great guy! My condolences to his family. Bob Napoles

Eastern New Mexico University: Leroy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He took a year off to nurse his mom back from an illness and that is where he learned to cook.

U.S. Army: In 1971, he was drafted into the Army, then after Officer Candidate school, he spent almost 7 years in the Army. He rose to the rank of Captain in Air Defense Artillery, serving in five states, the Republic of South Korea, with special mission locations during the Vietnam Era, earning the Army Commendation Medal.

Texas A&M University: In 1977, he used his GI Bill to attend graduate school in Recreation and Parks Management at Texas A&M University and started working in the Athletic Department. He was promoted to Academic Counselor and Dorm Manager in Cain Hall with Nancy joining him after their marriage in 1981. He completed his Master’s in 1983 and started on doctoral work in Health Education.

Memphis State University: In January 1985, Memphis State hired Leroy to be Director of Athletic and Academic Services for Men and Women. Leroy and Nancy remembered these busy 18 months with a smile.

The University of Texas at Austin: In fall of 1986, Leroy took the Athletic Academic Counselor job and in his 21 years at Texas there was “never a dull moment”. He was either the Academic Counselor or the Compliance Coordinator (or both). He and Nancy both worked on campus. Happily, they were big sports fans and were privileged to attend exciting events including National Championships, Final Four, and Texas/OU.

A common theme throughout his life was helping thousands of 18-22 year old men and women. Leroy also appreciated working with so many awesome coaches, wonderful colleagues, faculty, alumni, dear relatives, and friends who made a positive difference in his life. Years later, many still remember the advice he gave them.

If you feel inclined to donate in honor of Leroy, please consider the Dallas 24 Hour Club or the Neighborhood Longhorns.

We will be celebrating of the life of LEROY W. SUTHERLAND, JR. (1946-2026)

Saturday, April 25, 2026 — Noon – 2 pm

Light refreshments at noon and a brief presentation at 1:00 pm.

The Lone Star room at the Retreat in Sun City 1220 Cattleman Dr. Georgetown, TX 78633

We hope you’ll have some stories and memories of Leroy to share.

If possible, please RSVP to sutherlandleroy7@gmail.com

The Beached Ring

In early October 2019, I received a phone call from a bartender in Hawaii who said he had read the TLSN website and knew he could reach me through my profile. The bartender said that a guest at the hotel found a Big XII Texas track Championship ring on the beach near the hotel. He said the name on the ring was “Sutherland” and “compliance.” After some detective work and a few emails, Chris Plonsky, Ivan Wagner, and Tyrone Scott responded and said the ring belonged to Leroy Sutherland, a compliance officer for UT. Below is the correct historical photo sequence of the story about the “beached” ring.

Leroy says :

After 21 years in the ocean a large Big 12/Texas Longhorn Track ring was found by a Fall City, Washington man, Jesse Sheppard, who was snorkeling for treasures and shells for his little girl, Harper. He found it on a beautiful beach on Maui called Maluaka Beach. That evening their waiter, Robert Park, overheard their conversation about the ring and was interested because he had attended UT!. Rob contacted Billy Dale who put it on Facebook for his Detectives of Longhorn Sports history to help out. Several track athletes then got word to me through Facebook.

How did it get there?

Leroy continues:

In the spring of 1997, Texas Men’s Track won the first Big 12 Outdoor Championship and created an outstanding record for the team. Back then, I was Compliance Coordinator and was honored to receive it from Coach Bubba Thornton. Interestingly, instead of having the “Name” and “track event or coach”, it had “Sutherland” and “Compliance”. It was a large, imposing ring with the Big XII in gold on the stone.

In November of 1998, I wore the ring on a trip with the John Fields Golf team to the Stan Sheriff Classic Golf Invitational. On the trip, it was my job to supervise their study sessions since finals were only weeks away. Coach Fields’ wife, Pearl, and my wife, Nancy (an academic advisor in History at UT) were chaperones for the very long plane trip and the stay in the Maui Prince Hotel, southwest side of Maui.

During my one and only brief swim in the crescent beach (Maluaka), the ring slipped off in a wave. We looked for it in the water near the shore but to no avail. Over the years, we often wondered if anyone would ever find the ring.

I believe the ring was probably found very close to where it was originally lost. Putting all the facts together, as well as seeing the picture of adorable 5-year-old Harper wearing the gigantic ring (to make sure that pirates didn’t get it again), was a blast.

Thank you to Jesse, Rob, Billy, and all those who made this fun story come full circle after 21 years.

Horns up for Leroy Sutherland, who played a significant role in enriching the lives of so many Longhorn boys turning to men.

The post The Celebration of Leroy Sutherland life journey appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

FUNERAL HOME
Puente & Sons Funeral Chapels – Northeast
14315 Judson Rd – San Antonio, Texas

Tom Stolhandske
June 28, 1931 – November 1, 2025
Tom Stolhandske, a dedicated family man, beloved husband, esteemed public servant, and legendary athlete, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. He was born on June 28, 1931, to Karl Eber Frederick and Janie Stolhandske in Baytown, Texas.

A Remarkable Football Career

A proud Baytown native, Tom (Swede) attended Robert E. Lee High School, where he was an All-State High School football player before becoming a celebrated member of the Texas Longhorns at The University of Texas from 1949 to 1952. A three-year letterman, he earned First-Team All-American honors. He was a force on two Southwest Conference Championship teams and played in two Cotton Bowls. Tom showcased his versatility with a memorable 123-yard receiving game against North Carolina, including a 62-yard touchdown. His collegiate career culminated at the 1953 Hula Bowl, where he was honored as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Tom’s talent earned him the 10th overall pick in the 1953 NFL draft, but he chose to play for the Edmonton Eskimos. His professional career was temporarily paused when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After his military service, he returned to the field and played for the San Francisco 49ers.
After his playing career, Tom was inducted into both the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in Waco and the University of Texas Hall of Honor.

Missing Tom. He played for Coach Daryl Royal in the Canadian League. The Royals and Stolhanskis were lifetime friends. Tom left pro football to go back to college at St Mary’s Law School in San Antonio. He stood for honesty and community service as a County Commissioner in Bexar County, and leader at Woodlawn Methodist Church in San Antonio, soon to become University Methodist Church, a Mission Church started when Woodlawn fell on hard times due to an aging membership. Tom will be remembered among other things for his friendliness, kindness, and illustrious football career at Baytown High School, the University of Texas and the San Francisco 49ers. Bill Nash

Captains Dick Ocho, Tom Stolhandske

1952-1953 9-2 Coach Price’s team was ranked #10 nationally.

This was Coach Price’s best team. Seven members of the 1952 team are All-SWC. Tom Stolhandske and Harley Sewell earned All-American status and helped the Horn beat Tennessee in the Cotton Bowl.

Texas lost to #3 Notre Dame and #4 Oklahoma but beat Tennessee in the Cotton Bowl.

Texas Longhorns Career (1949–1952) Stolhandske was a three‑year letterman and one of the most versatile players of his era. Key highlights:

First‑Team All‑American (1952)

All‑SWC in 1951 and 1952

Played on two Southwest Conference championship teams

Appeared in two Cotton Bowls, winning the 1953 game

Led Texas in receiving in 1952 (30 catches, 519 yards)

Recorded a legendary 123‑yard receiving game vs. North Carolina, including a 62‑yard TD

MVP of the 1953 Hula Bowl

He was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1976.

Service, Law, and Public Life

Following his professional football career, Tom transitioned to a life of law and public service in San Antonio, Texas. He attended law school and became a highly respected attorney. His commitment to the community led him to serve as a Justice of the Peace before being elected to the Bexar County Commissioners Court, where he served for sixteen years from 1967 to 1982. His work in public office reflected his strong sense of justice and dedication to the people of Bexar County. Some of his most notable accomplishments included initiating the groundwork for the Wurzbach Parkway, creating the current EMS system, and introducing electronic voting in Bexar County.

My father (George Gentry, Jr) played at UT from 1947-1950 and knew Stolhandske well. My father graduated from Temple HS, but had indirect Baytown roots as his father (my grandfather) was Supt. of Schools for the Baytown schools from 1946-1970. My father could have transferred to Robert E Lee for his senior year, but chose to stay in Temple and graduate with his long term friends. Although he had a very good high school career (played in the North/South all star game), his time at Texas was marred with injuries and he played very little after starting his freshman year. He graduated in 1950 and became a career Marine officer and later a teacher at Southwest Texas. George Gentry III

Family and Personal Life

Tom’s greatest pride was his family. Tom is survived by and shared an extraordinary life and a 72-year marriage with his beloved wife, Betsy Stolhandske. Together, they raised three children.
Tom and Betsy cherished time spent together at their ranch in Kerr County, a place where he was an avid hunter and found peace in the Texas Hill Country. Tom and Betsy were longstanding members of Woodlawn Methodist Church, which later became University Methodist Church, where he served in various leadership capacities.
A Memorial Service was held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 2:30 pm at University Methodist Church at 5084 De Zavala Road.

I remember writing about Tom when I was an intern at Baytown Sun in 1980. Reid Laymance

The post Tom Stolhandske Celebration of Life appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

Plenty of Longhorn football records from the DKR era will never be broken: Start with the 30-game win streak (’68-’70), the 42-game home unbeaten streak (’68-’76), the six straight conference championships (’68-’73). Winning 17 out of 18 against Texas A & M (1957-1974, DKR’s first 18 games in the rivalry).

Tons of team and individual marks appear to be untouchable, for many reasons.

1966 Bill Bradley 1968, who intercepted 4 passes in one game against Texas A&M.

One QB (Peter Gardere) at the helm for four consecutive wins over OU.

In men’s basketball The 44‑Game Winning Streak (1913–1917)

In women’s basketball, Rori Harmon surpassed Linda Waggoner’s 45‑year-old record of 351 steals. She did it while also becoming Texas’s all‑time assist leader, meaning she’s carrying two career records simultaneously — a rarity for any program.

Jeff Moore’s dynasty-era dominance (1983–2005) — 506 wins and a .768 winning percentage as head coach. The sport’s parity and conference realignment make this level of sustained dominance nearly impossible to replicate.

Søren Hess‑Olesen finishing the season as the No. 1 singles player in the nation is the cleanest, most airtight “will never be broken” individual record in Texas men’s tennis history. It’s a perfect storm of era, format, and program identity that simply won’t align again.

Peyton Stearns — 2022 NCAA Singles Champion
The only one in program history, and the one most shaped by modern forces that make a repeat nearly impossible.

Greg Swindell’s 14 Complete Games (1985) No modern pitcher will ever approach this. Today’s elite starters might throw one complete game in a season—if any.

Retha Swindell was the First African‑American woman to play varsity basketball at Texas.

She was a two-time MVP of the Texas team, an All-American, and scored 1795 points and 1759 rebounds. As of 2026, this is still a record.

Roger Clemens 35 Strikeouts in Two CWS Games (1982)

Jim Gideon’s 19–2 season (1975) A 21-game pitching is impossible today due to pitch‑count limits, expanded bullpens, and fewer complete games. Gideon’s workload belongs to a different era.

Terrence Rencher – Terrence Rencher is the all‑time leading scorer in Texas Longhorn men’s basketball history, finishing his career with 2,306 points from 1991–95 . Rencher’s record has held for more than 30 years

Cedric Benson led the team in rushing — big rushing stats — for four years.

Reese Atwood is Texas softball’s all‑time career home run leader, breaking the previous school record in February 2026. She set the mark with her 59th career home run, surpassing Taylor Hoagland’s former record of 58.

Three-time national champion Anna Jensen added yet another accolade to her lengthy list of achievements Friday, earning the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Division I Athlete of the Year award.

Eddie Reese–Era Anchor (Representative: Aaron Peirsol–caliber legacy) will never be equaled . Program-defining dominance

Lamar Evans says , How could you forget Teagan Kavan’s record e.r.a. of 0.00 in the WCWS? Her name will forever be in the record books! Her record can only be tied! Not even Cat Osterman matched this record! It will always be a school record, AND a national record, in perpetuity!

Jan Bixler Bennett says, What about 30 consecutive wins from 1968 to 1970?

Nor will a QB be good enough or stick around long enough, to be the winning “pitcher” in 45 games, as was Colt McCoy.

Leigh Ann Fetter is one of the most dominant sprinters in NCAA history. Her record haul spans multiple categories that no other UT woman matches including a 15× NCAA Champion — the most by any Texas woman swimmer. 4× NCAA Champion in the 50‑yard freestyle — the first woman in NCAA history to win the same event four straight years. First woman ever under 22 seconds in the 50‑yard freestyle.

Ben Crenshaw holds the most significant and enduring individual records in Texas Longhorn men’s golf, and by a wide margin. His dominance shows up in national titles, conference titles, and career impact.

The Longhorn with the most major records: Ben Crenshaw Crenshaw’s record haul is unmatched in program history, and several of his marks are effectively unbreakable in the modern era. His most important Longhorn records – 3× NCAA Individual Champion (1971, 1972, 1973) — the only Longhorn to win three national titles, and one of the most dominant runs in NCAA golf history. – 2× SWC Individual Champion (1972, 1973) — anchoring Texas’s powerhouse early‑1970s teams. – Part of back‑to‑back NCAA team championships (1971, 1972) — the foundation of UT’s national golf identity. – Only Longhorn to win NCAA titles in three consecutive seasons — a record extremely unlikely to be matched given today’s early‑turn‑pro trend. These achievements place him at the top of every “most decorated” or “most records” list in UT men’s golf.

Michiko Hattori holds the most significant and enduring individual records in Texas Longhorn women’s golf. She is the only Longhorn woman to win multiple individual conference championships (SWC titles in 1988 and 1989) — no one else has more than one. The records she set will probably never be equaled at Texas in women’s golf.

A record that will never be broken, Jim Deitrick says
Men’s swimming & diving team’s 47 consecutive conference championships and still counting! ( SWC, Big 12 and SEC). Below is a montage of this spectacular accomplishment.

Texas men’s teams under Coach Reese won many national titles, and his swimmers earned NCAA titles, American records, and Olympic medals during his coaching tenure. While many individuals could fit here, this spot represents the collective dominance of Texas swimmers during the Reese dynasty, which defined men’s collegiate swimming for four decades.

The post Longhorn Records in all sports that will probably never be broken by Larry Carlson appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

Coach Patterson

First row- Pharo, Holloway, Mcfarland, Vick, John Campbell, Miller

Second row- Coach Patterson, Busch, Goodall MacNaughton, Roessner, Nibouar, Willis, Scott Brown

Third row- Gottesman, Robinson, Blodgett, Roberts, Beasley, McCutcheon, Elder, Jacobs, Salzhandler

1972-1973 Coach Patterson

Coach Patterson says, “Most scholarships ever while he was the swim coach was 7.” I had to go over to the Athletic Council, Frank Irwin, for help on swim scholarships.

Coach Patterson says, “Most scholarships ever while he was the swim coach were 7.” I had to go over to the Athletic Council, Frank Irwin, for help on swim scholarships.

Three divers qualified for the NCAA meet- McFarland, Holloway, and Vick.

Bob Clothworth is hired as the diving coach and Ron Heubner is hired as stroke coach

The swim team finishes 2nd again to SMU. The Horns are the Avis of the SWC. They try harder but still finish 2nd. Times are about to change .

The Horns set 11 school records and 5 SWC records and manage to win 10 of 18 events at the SWC championship meet.

In 1972 the Horns lose to SMU by 376 points in 1973 they lost by 119 points.

1973-1974- Coach Pat Patterson 2nd in the SWC

A U.T. administrative indifference to the swim team in 1974 upset Coach Patterson. Patterson fights the administration for swimming scholarships and salary for his assistance and chooses to miss the only road trip for the year.

Bob Rachner – The photo is Bob Rachner, the only Longhorn who placed first at the SWC championships. The team men qualified 7 swimmers and one diver. Tim Carter, Ralph Watson, Ron Tyre, diver Bill Hobbs, Fred LeMaistre Jaime Baotf , Dick Worrel and Rachner. Unfortunately, no points were scored at the NCAA meet.

1974-1975- Coach Pat Patterson “Mo” begins to work for the horns.

Longhorn ‘Psyche’ Breaks SMU’s Hold on the SWC .

Horns break SMU’s dual meet 19 year record beating the Horns . The score is Texas 63 and SMU 50. 12 of 13 Longhorn school records fall this year. Dick Worrel, Jamie Baird, Ron Tyre, Bob Rachner, Tim Carter, and Ralph Watson lead the team . Patterson says that great swimmers are starting to put Texas in the same league with USC and Alabama but the Athletic Council continues to reject Patterson request for 19 instead of 14 scholarships.

15th at Nationals

Guy Hagstette, Jamie Baird, Bob Rachner, Dick Worrel are All Americans

Horns broke 12 of 13 school records this year.

1975-1976- Coach Pat Patterson

Patterson wonders why the Athletic Council built a $6,000,000 swimming facility and then says that due to budget restraints will not allow the swim team the maximum number of swimming scholarships . The NCAA allows 19 swimming scholarships and the Horns only offer 14.

Texas finishes 2nd to SMU. It is the 20th consecutive time that SMU is SWC champion. Even though this team was considered the best ever at this point in Longhorn history only 3 swimmers scored at nationals. The Horns finished 20th at nationals.

Guy Hagstette sets two SWC swimming records and the relay team took 9 seconds off the SWC record in the 440 I.M. He is high point man at the SWC meets.

Brent Barker, Darrell Fick, Jeff Krumweide are All Americans. Darrell Fick took 9 seconds of the old SWC record in the individual 440 individual medley.

1976-1977- Coach Pat Patterson Pending More information

https://youtu.be/I_izvAbhExY popular song in 1976

The new pool opens and is the high-tech wonder of the United States.

Ken Armstrong enrolled at the University of Texas after competing for Canada in the 1976 Olympics. He began his coaching career after two successful seasons with the Longhorns and another Olympic team selection in 1980. Armstrong was selected as head coach for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, where Woodland’s diver and TSDHOF inductee Laura Wilkinson won the Olympic gold medal in the women’s 10-meter platform event. This was the first Olympic diving gold medal for a U.S. woman in that event since 1964. He has been a member of every U.S. Olympic coaching staff since 2000.

Below is a letter written by Tex Robertson complimenting Bill Robertson. The letter captures the internal conflict and decision-making process required to hire Coach Reese for Men’s swimming and Paul Bergen for Women’s swimming. I separated the letter below into two parts so the font is more significant. If you don’t want to read the letter, I have written the bullet points of the letter below:

Frank Erwin, in 1969, said there would be no new swimming center unless Texas won the SWC or hired a new coach.

SMU had won the SWC 15 times in a row, and Frank Erwin wanted to change those results.

Pat Patterson is the answer for the coaching change.

In 1973, Betty Thompson, the women’s sports administrator, asked Pat Patterson if he would also coach the Women’s swim team.

While Coach Patterson beat SMU in a dual meet, he never beat SMU for the SWC championship. However, there is no question that Coach Patterson’s formula for success is a winner, and the team improved dramatically during his years as head swim coach. Coach Patterson laid the foundation to fulfill Frank Erwin’s demand for a winner before a new swimming center was built.

Coach Patterson resigned in 1978 on excellent terms with UT and was instrumental in hiring Coach Reese and Coach Paul Bergen.

Coach Patterson’s coaching choices resulted in the National Championships for the men’s and women’s swimming teams four years later, in 1981.

The post 1971-1977 Patterson as men’s swimming coach appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

William Bonham- Longhorn

Athlete, Lawyer, and Builder of Institutions.

12/27/1930 – 01/03/2026

Known to the rest of the world simply as “Bill,” William Donald Bonham passed peacefully in his sleep on January 3, 2026, with his head resting on a Longhorn pillowcase, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

His gift for tennis emerged at the University of Texas, where he was affectionately nicknamed “Bird Legs Bonham.” After an early baseball injury during his freshman year, he earned a place on the Texas tennis team and loved the University so much that he enrolled in law school to use up his remaining years of tennis eligibility. A three-year letterman at Texas, Bill was undefeated in singles and doubles in Southwest Conference competitions. He was an active member of Delta Tau Delta, the Silver Spurs, and the Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, and he was honored as Outstanding Intramural Athlete of the Year in both 1953 and 1954 while in law school.

1951 tennis Bill Harris (inset left) , Allison, Bill Bonham, Chas Blundworth, Dick Smith, Bernard Gerhardt, Jim Saunders, Penick Manager,Julian Oates

In the late 1960s, Bill hired two young law students, Wayne Fox and Ed Carrington, who became his associates, then partners, and ultimately co-founders of the highly successful firm Bonham, Carrington & Fox, which opened its doors in 1971. By the 1980s, the firm had grown to nearly 50 lawyers in One Shell Plaza. Decades later, his fourth “favorite” daughter followed in his footsteps as a Houston litigator and, shortly before his passing, was named Office Managing Partner of her firm, continuing the legacy he began.

Bill’s fierce competitiveness and love of tennis stayed with him throughout his life. By the mid-1960s and continuing well into his 80s, he captured numerous Texas age-group state championships. He also won national titles, earned international rankings after competing in enough qualifying events, and represented the United States in the Osuna Cup against Mexico for many years. He was a founding member and frequent champion of the Houston Racquet Club, a place he cherished and where he practiced, competed, and spent treasured time with family and friends.

The post Bill Bonham has passed away appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

David Wood Jefferies, 81, of Abilene, passed away on January 8, 2026 after a brief illness.

David was born in Abilene, TX, to Sissy & D.H. “Red” Jefferies, Jr., on October 15, 1944. David shared his birthday with his sister Peggy, who was two years older. He attended Fair Park Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High and Abilene High School. During high school, David excelled in both pole vaulting and on the football field. In the spring of 1962, David became the first person to clear 14’ 0” at the state meet clearing 14, 1.5” and winning the state championship. Following graduation in 1963, David furthered his athletic and academic career at the University of Texas where he was a 3-year letterman on the football team and studied business. He was a proud member of both Phi Gamma Delta and the Silver Spurs organization while in school.

Outside of short stints in Hereford, TX, and Fort Morgan, CO, David lived in Abilene, but his true home was always in Jones County. For most of his career, David was involved in various aspects of the cattle and oil business. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church.

Dave Jefferies was a linebacker on the 1966 Texas Longhorns football team.

He was part of a team that included Fred Edwards, Chris Gilbert, Bill Bradley Joel Brame, Dick Kimbrough, and Mike Perrin — a transitional defensive era just before the 1968–70 defensive dominance under Royal.

Jefferies was not a headline starter, but he was a rostered linebacker contributing to depth and special teams — the backbone roles that kept Royal’s teams competitive during the mid‑60s.

Below are some photos of his teammates

HORNS UP!

The post 2025 David Jefferies football passed away appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

Falk’s enduring self-confidence drove him to success in baseball, football, and coaching.

Few coaching transitions were as stark a contrast as the one from Billy Disch to Bibb Falk. Billy was polished and refined, while Bibb was bold and brash. Billy never cursed, but Bibb knew every swear word in the American lexicon. He could cuss all day without offending anyone. As noted in *Texas Longhorn Baseball* by Wilbur Evans and Bill Little, “Part of the Falk legend is of a crusty old fellow who could curse for an hour without repeating himself.” But Falks Coaching style worked! In 1939 Coach Falk’s team went undefeated in the SWC for the first time in 20 years.

Coach Falk was known for his colorful coaching style and blunt, unpolished philosophy, famously summed up in his quip: “You cannot make chicken salad out of chicken shit!” History says the Longhorns tossed a lot of chicken salad.

His teams win

• 20 conference titles • -176-10 record • 2- National Champions (1949 and 1950) • 1947- Texas FINISHES 3rd in the College World Series

Jim Ehrler gets the victory in the championship game. Jim and Charles Goren yielded only five runs in 27 innings. Tom Hamilton becomes the first recipient of the series’s most outstanding player, hitting three home runs. It was the first year that the award was presented.

Frank Womack was also a hero for the Horns. Six times he opened up the inning with a hit, and he scored four of those times. Texas beats the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1

Frank Womack participates in three championship seasons. He is All -SWC in baseball and the Captain of the basketball team in 1951 Bibb Falk predicts that in 1950, the Longhorns will be back playing for the National Championship. Pitching was the key with Murray Wall, Charlie Gorin, and Jim Ehrler. Jim Ehrler was the leader in batting and fielding.

This article is not complete – am waiting on comments from those who are in the know about the nuances of the 1949 team.

The post The Story Behind the 1949,1950,1975,1983,2002,2005 and National Championship Baseball teams. appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

Nicole Poole

Friend

12/31/2025

Michelle & family – Although it’s been years since I last saw you and Gerrald, my heart aches for you and the children. Hew was always the nicest ever, full of laughs and I appreciated the times we all spent together. Hold fast to your memories and carry him always in your dreams. The prayers of the righteous availeth much. With love and admiration.

Gerrald is #33

He went on to build a 30-year career as an elevator mechanic, a title he wore proudly, and became known across the industry for his strong work ethic, dependability, and genuine kindness. On March 16, 1996, Gerrald married his college sweetheart, Michelle, and together they shared 29 years of love, partnership, and treasured memories while raising their three children- Kayla, Anthony, and Phillip. In 2009, Gerrald and his family planted new roots in McKinney, Texas and built a life filled with close friendships and a strong circle of family, friends, and coworkers.

Brian Martin
Friend
01/01/2026
One of the first guys I meet when I starting working in Atlanta in the late ’90s. Always a kind word. Always with the positive energy. Condolences to this strong family and long time friends and coworkers. Appreciate the blessing of having the opportunity of crossing the path of this cool individual.

Gerrald was the kind of person who never met a stranger. His smile was welcoming, his humor uplifting, and his stories legendary- always told with animation, laughter, and a sparkle in his eye. He loved to entertain, gather people together, and make others feel like family. Whether cooking a meal for others, telling tales that made everyone laugh until they cried, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Gerrald brought joy into every room he walked into.
Gerrald is survived by his wife, Michelle Houston; children, Kayla Houston, Gerrald Anthony Houston II, and Phillip Houston; siblings, James Houston Jr. (Britta Houston), LaTarsha Martin (Robert N. Martin), Adrian Houston, Darryl Houston (Tina Houston), and Sonja Allen (Byron Allen); and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Brenda Houston.
Let the way Gerrald lived inspire us to love deeply, give freely, laugh often, and show up for others just as he did.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. A memorial service will also be held in Atlanta, Georgia, with details to be announced soon.

On behalf of IUEC Local 21 Mike Mayshaw Jr

Colleague

12/30/2025

The many hours Gerrald sacrificed to continually learn and perfect, his craft were truly exceptional. We are grateful for the time he shared with his brothers and sisters of the IUEC. The gifts Gerrald leaves with us, are the distinct memories of his dedication to our trade and his contagious laughter. We stand with you as you reflect on Gerrald’s memory with love-his most precious gift.

Aunt Angie Washington
Family
01/04/2026
Sending lots of prayers and condolences. We are saddened to hear of Gerald’s passing, yet truly grateful for the time we enjoyed together and memories we made in D.C., Atlanta and Texas.

Gerrald Houston was a Texas Longhorns forward from the early 1990s, remembered as a steady role player who contributed across four seasons and later built a respected life and career beyond basketball.
Gerrald Houston — Texas Longhorn Basketball
Position: Forward
Height: 6’8″
Years at Texas: 1989–90, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94
Career Games: 111
Career Averages: 3.1 points, 2.6 rebounds per game
Best Season: 1992–93 (Junior year)
20.6 minutes per game
4.9 points, 4.8 rebounds
Strengths: Hustle, rebounding, interior defense, energy off the bench
He wasn’t a star in the box score, but he was exactly the kind of glue guy those early‑90s SWC teams relied on—physical, dependable, and willing to do the dirty work.
Life After Texas
Gerrald Houston went on to build a long, successful career as an elevator mechanic and became known for his kindness, humor, and ability to bring people together. He passed away on December 25, 2025, at age 54.

Sheronda Sweet
Friend
01/03/2026
Prayers to the Houston family during this time. I’m saddened to hear of Gerrald’s passing. He will always be remembered. Hook ‘Em Horns – forever a Longhorn.

The post Gerrald Houston has passed away appeared first on Texas Legacy Support Network.

December 21, 1961 – December 25, 2025

Obituary of James T Harris

IN THE CARE OF

Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

In Loving Memory of James T. Harris

December 21, 1961 – December 25, 2025

There are souls who arrive in this world already carrying light, and when they leave, that light does not disappear—it simply changes form. James T. Harris was one of those souls. He passed from this life on December 25, 2025, surrounded by love, at the age of 64—gone far too soon, yet having given more love in his lifetime than many give in a century.

James was a man who loved deeply, sincerely, and without reservation. He was the most devoted and adoring husband to his wife, Maricela, and the most loyal, proud, and loving father to his sons, Jake (wife Victoria) and Matthew (fiancée Maddy). His family was his greatest joy and his proudest accomplishment. He spoke of them constantly, his love for them woven into every conversation, every smile, and every plan for the future. James was the cornerstone of his family, their steady presence, their safe place, their home.

He is reunited in eternal peace with his cherished parents, Charles (Poppie) and LaVan (Vanna) Harris of Austin, TX, his grandparents, David and Rubye Roe of Teague, TX, and J.T. and Gladys Harris of Andrews, TX, and many other loved ones who went before him.

Kevin Kebodeaux

Friend

01/05/2026

James was a great guy and will really be missed. When I was a freshman at UT, he was a senior and he became a mentor and friend, and was always incredibly kind and helpful to me. I’m glad to see he lived such a good life and I’m so sorry for your loss.

He is survived by his wife, Maricela of Austin, TX; their sons, Jake (wife Victoria) of Round Rock, TX, and Matthew (fiancée Maddy) of Liberty Hill, TX; and his brother, Chuck (wife Carrie) of Palestine, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Susan of Pflugerville, TX; his nephews, Kyle of Palestine, TX, and J.D. (wife Amber) of Austin, TX; his niece, Marisha Alford of Medina, TX and two great-nephews, Jaylen and Eric Alford of Medina, TX; and many cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever changed by his presence.

James was a teacher, a mentor, and a gifted healer who knew early in life that physical therapy was his calling. In 2004, he co-founded Austin Manual Therapy Associates, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning his own clinic. Even more meaningful was seeing another dream realized—working alongside his family in the clinic he loved so dearly. To James, physical therapy was never just a profession; it was a healing art. His patients often spoke of the power of his healing touch and the deeply compassionate care he brought to each session. Healing, through James, extended beyond the body and mind and reached the heart with intuitive grace.

Photo below James is middle row 8th from the left

James Harris was a Texas Longhorns baseball player, and he played a meaningful role on two of the most iconic teams in program history. He pitched for Texas in the mid‑1980s and was part of the 1983 National Championship team.

– Listed on the 1983 Texas Longhorns roster as Pitcher #17.

– Teammates included Roger Clemens, Calvin Schiraldi, Bruce Ruffin, Mike Capel, and Billy Bates — one of the most talent‑dense rosters in UT history.

– Harris was a member of the 1983 College World Series Championship team, which defeated Alabama in the title game.

– This team is widely considered one of the greatest in Texas baseball history.

– Born in 1961, he passed away in 2025 at age 64.

James was also known for giving the very best and endearing hugs—because they came straight from the heart. He was attentive, kind, and intentional in caring for others. He was also unapologetically himself, endearingly human in his habits—locking the car three times, being intentionally verbose or loquacious, and rotating through favorite snack indulgences. Every beautiful strength and every small peculiarity made him who he was, and made him all the more beloved.

My deepest sympathies to Maricela and the boys. I got to spend some time with James when I needed some physical therapy. He was so easy to talk to and helped me feel comfortable being there. He always had a smile on his face and always said hello. And of course we loved to talk U.T. I would have rather just hang out than do my exercises. His kindness was truly genuine. I’m glad I was able to meet him and share in his light. God be with you! Tonia Swartz

One of the greatest sorrows of losing James is losing the very person who would be doing everything in his power to comfort everyone else through this loss. An enduring light has left this world, but in its place remains a legacy of love, belief, healing, and connection that will ripple through generations. His impact cannot be measured, only felt.

To know James was to witness grace in action. He moved through the world with a heart of gold and a rare, intuitive warmth, making everyone he met feel profoundly seen and deeply loved. His presence left an indelible mark on our souls, rooted in a spiritual compassion that turned ordinary moments into sacred reminders of our own worth. Those fortunate enough to know him would tell you there was no one who believed in them more; even when someone could not believe in themselves, James believed enough for both. Through his infectious humor and his ability to find light in any shadow, he lived with a generous spirit that mended hearts as much as minds. James leaves behind a legacy of unwavering belief and a warmth that continues to guide all who were touched by his light.

01/09/2026

James was a truly special, unique, and compassionate soul. As a mentor to me 20 years ago, he left an indelible mark on my life, and he will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, my friend. Arthur Hastings

As we gather to remember James, we do not say goodbye—we say thank you. Thank you for the love you gave so freely, the faith you had in all of us, and the way you taught us to heal, to believe, and to love more fully.

“Do not pity the dead. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.”

There is no one who lived with more love than James Harris. His spirit endures, his love remains, and his light will continue to guide us until we meet again.

Rest in eternal peace, James/Dad/little brother/dear friend you will forever be our guiding light.

A Celebration of Life honoring James will be held on

January 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

at Cook-Walden / Capital Parks Funeral Home

14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660

Brandi Smith

Colleague

01/08/2026

I was 16 when I first met James.

He was my mentor during my physical therapy clinical internship in high school, and it was through my experience with James that my calling to become a physical therapist was formed.

I grew up in a small town in Texas—Smithville. One of our best running backs, a college hopeful, was hit by a drunk driver one night, requiring 14 surgeries on one leg and 12 on the other. Doctors told him he would never walk again.

I watched James meet him exactly where he was. He didn’t just treat injuries—he had deep compassion for the loss my friend was facing: the loss of the sport he loved, the loss of a lifelong dream, and the mental anguish that followed. Session by session, James worked through this with him, motivating him daily with steps that may have seemed small, but always moved him forward.

Eventually, James got approval to bring his personal Olympic lifting station into the clinic. We set it up and began lifting weights, which brought immense joy back into this former football player’s life.

Then something magical happened.

What started as electrical stimulation, leg lifts, and curls turned into standing… then squatting.

Then came the miracle.

One day, when the former football player least expected it, James said,

“I think today we’ll walk.”

I will never forget that day. With tears in his eyes—and in James’ and mine—I watched him stand and walk. He had been told he never would, and at times he believed it. But over time, James wore down doubt until belief was the only option left.

Years later, I was eating at a local barbecue place when a big guy walked toward me with tears in his eyes. It was him. He shared that he owned his own house-painting company, climbed ladders, worked on roofs, and even ran with his kids.

James changed both of our lives that day.

From that moment on, I knew physical therapy was where God wanted me.

James and I crossed paths many times through PT school and our fellowship years. The greatest lessons he tau

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