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August 5th, 2022 TLSN newsletter topics –
Mark Halfmann,
John Haines Interview,
Doug Shankle’s memories of Coach Akers,
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Details of the breakfast, and viewing of the four national championship quarterbacks have been mailed to the donors. The UT Athletic department is sending an invitation to all the players, managers, trainers, and support staff personnel who were part of the 1963, 1969, 1970, and 2005 championship teams.
I am Billydale1@gmail.com
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Mark Halfmann had a tumor removed from the side of his neck. The diagnostic results showed squamous cell carcinoma on both sides of the neck tonsils. The doctors are in the 6th of 6 weeks, administering a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
Mark says, “This is really a butt-kicking procedure!” Horns and prayers up for this Longhorn brand builder. Mark’s TLSN health watch page is at MARK HALFMANN (squarespace.com).
If you want to send Mark photos or get well comments, please email BillyDale1@gmail.com, and I will post on his TLSN link.
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Spring 2022- Mark is on the far right. Others l to r Bob Lenz, Rusty Campbell, Tommy Woodard, Coach Sark, and Steve Cumley
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John Haines interview by Professor Larry Carlson
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Haines, at one tackle, helped anchor a line that also featured Austinite Eric Holle and future Lombardi Trophy winner Tony Degrate. Look back at individual game stats, and you’ll find astonishing stats. In the SMU brawl, for instance, Degrate had eight solo stops, and Haines had seven. And these were the guys fighting off initial blocks.
Like the enduring underwear slogan from the brand named Hanes, the guy with a similarly spelled name — teamed up with ten other terrors — was wearing thin on Southwest Conference foes.
The long, tall Texan (6-6, 260) would advance to professional football success and make perhaps even greater, more remarkable contributions as a leader among NFL Alumni.
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John has not only helped build the Longhorn brand, he is the proud father of three bright, talented, and athletic sons. John got to watch two of them don the famed burnt orange Texas jersey.
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Dakota, John, Dylan, and Derek Haines
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Big John continues to lead a proud, productive business, and personal life and took time from a busy schedule to visit with TLSN for a most interesting and revealing interview.
His interview and comments from his sons are in the link below.
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Humorous, serious, significant, insightful comments and/or Longhorn photos in your personal portfolio are always welcome for addition to the TLSN website. Send to Billydale1@gmail.com .
Doug Shankle tells his story below.
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Doug Shankle shares memories of Coach Aker’s influence on his life
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Longhorn football record setter Doug Shankle is an excellent example of a Coach preparing a young man for a successful and fulfilling life journey. With all the adversity and obstacles that are part of life, it is important to recognize and then celebrate the “stop and smell the roses” moments that give life depth and meaning. Akers did that for Doug.
THE HOLY GRAIL
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After college, all students search for insight to define their destiny. Doug was no exception. It was under the tutelage of Coach Fred Akers that Doug’s personal holy grail destiny was revealed.
How to dress for success, to lead by example, and the importance of encouragement to others were lessons learned under Akers. Along the way, Doug chose an Aker’s inspired life journey best traveled with a teammate mentality, a work ethic in tow, and self-reliance as the goal.
Horns and Eyes Up!
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Doug says, “both of my parents were deceased before attending High School, and my Grandmother raised me. When she passed away my freshman year at Texas, it was a pleasant and encouraging surprise to see several of my coaches and Coach Akers at the funeral to support and encourage me. Coach Akers’ support for me did not end after I left the 40 Acres.”
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Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer, and a mass was discovered on my kidney. I did not know if I was going to live or die. I recall Coach Akers calling me the day before my major surgery at UT MD Anderson, and he gave me an inspirational message of encouragement.
He told me I was tough-minded and would beat my prognosis. “You can do it.”’ Six years later, I was declared cancer free. His words of encouragement and support meant a lot to me. I enjoy encouraging others since I understand how positive affirmation impacts people.
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The U.T. Athletic Department Honors the 1963, 1969, 1970, and 2005 National Championship teams and the quarterbacks who led the Horns to the pinnacle of College football greatness.
As of this TLSN newsletter, UT has not sent out the invitations, but invites are pending.
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Eddie Phillips, Vince Young
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James Street, Duke Carlisle
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Photo shows workers after drilling the holes in both Duke’s bust and the pillar attaching the two completing a three-year project.
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Below is one photo example of the 2005 column with some of the names enshrined on the side.
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The Marble was shipped from Marble Falls, Texas to the foundry in Cold Springs, Mn. to assemble the columns.
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A SPECIAL HORNS ???? UP TO CHRIS PLONSKY, PAT FROST, AND JIMMY NIXON FOR JOBS WELL DONE COMPLETING THIS PROJECT CELEBRATING 4 LONGHORN FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS.
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All U.T. Athletic department decisions, policies, and direction for this project emanated from Chris Plonsky’s office.
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A link to Chris’s bio is at :
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PRESIDENT OF FROST BANK & GROUP EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF FROST WEALTH ADVISORS / DIRECTOR SINCE 1997
Thanks to Pat Frost’s patience, passion, and resolve to complete this three-year project. Pat was hands-on as this project moved from conception to completion.
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Jimmy Nixon
Jimmy Nixon is the visionary and fundraiser for
1) the Earl Campbell bronze;
2) the 4 Longhorn national championship busts; and
3) The pillars- engraved with all the team players, managers, trainers, and coaches’ names who were part of each national championship team.
HORNS ???? and EYES ???? UP
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left to right Young 2005. Phillips 1970, Street 1969, Carlisle 1963
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Jimmy is on the right, and sculptor Ken Bjorge is on the left.
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Jimmy and Billy’s most excellent adventure to the marble foundry in Cold Springs, Mn
I have shared this adventure on the TLSN website before, so forgive me for repeating this article. This four-day adventure transporting the 4 Longhorn quarterback bust to Cold Springs, Mn, and back to Austin was a highlight of my life.
Having a chance to honor my idols as a boy Duke Carlisle and his teammates, competing on the playing field with teams led by James Street and Eddie Phillips, and having Vince share fellowship with Julius Whittier and me at my home brings full circle a personal journey that has represented some of the greatest moments in Longhorn football sports history.
Click on the link for Jimmy and Billy’s excellent adventure.
In the podcast located in the link above, go to the 1:50 mark to hear the oral history of Jimmy Nixon’s inspiration behind the Earl Campbell statute and the Longhorn QB busts.
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Billy Dale with busts of Eddie Phillips and Vince Young
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TLSN is an independent organization celebrating Longhorn Sports History and assisting qualifying Horns who need temporary financial assistance.
The TLSN website and newsletter are free, educational, historical, and insightful, sharing Longhorn sports history through the eyes of those who created it.
TLSN is not associated with the UT Athletics Department or any organization closely aligned with UT.
Https://texaslsn.org
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