Self portrait of CTE, Golf Coach Penick, Stewart Keller

1899 – Longhorn letter sweater.

A SELF PORTRAIT OF CTE

The road that Greg and Deb Ploetz traveled is a reflection of the struggles that many of our teammates and their families have suffered from this dreaded disease.

Initially diagnosed with dementia, it was later determined to be CTE. In the early stages of CTE in 2009 Greg, who was an award winning artist , was determined to paint a tribute to the 1969 team. The completion of the painting is a story of his heart holding on while his mental capabilities and hand-eye coordination declined.   The painting was completed in 2010, and it is obvious looking at it that he is struggling to remember details.

However, this painting is not about art. It is about the human spirit winning a battle against an aggressive opponent.

This painting represents a victory of the heart over the mind.

The rest of Greg’s CTE journey and the story of the DKR Longhorn autographs is in the Que.

Above Tom Kite is talking to Coach Penick while Ben Crenshaw listens. Harvey coached some great golfers both men and women while he was the Longhorn Golf coach.

There is much research still needed to complete the history of Longhorn golf. Written Information on this subject is scarce so comments by those who created Longhorn golf sports history are the only remaining sources who can chronicle the compelling history of Longhorn golf. I hope some of them will step forward and tell their stories.