Crabtree, Harrell Named to 2008 Maxwell Award List

The pre-season publicity continues for the Texas Tech Red Raider football team as senior quarterback Graham Harrell and red shirt sophomore wide receiver Michael Crabtree were both named to the 2008 Maxwell Award list.

The Maxwell Award winner will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow won the award last year.

Here is the 2008 Maxwell Award list:

Red Raiders listed in RED, other Big XII schools listed in BLUE

Beckum, Travis University of Wisconsin TE SR
Benn, Arrelious University of Illinois WR SOPH
Boeckman, Todd Ohio State University QB SR
Bradford, Sam University of Oklahoma QB SOPH
Britt, Kenny Rutgers University WR JR
Byrd, Demetrius Louisania State University WR SR
Cantwell, Hunter University of Louisville QB SR
Carpenter, Rudy Arizona State University QB SR
Carr, Greg Florida State University WR SR
Claussen, Jimmy Notre Dame QB SOPH
Coffman, Chase University of Missouri TE SR
Crabtree, Michael Texas Tech WR SOPH
Crompton, Jonathan University of Tennessee QB JR
Daniel, Chase University of Missouri QB SR
Davis, James Clemson University RB SR
Davis, Nate Ball State QB JR
Devine, Noel West Virginia University RB SOPH
Dillard, Jarett Rice WR SR
Fletcher, Damion University of Southern Mississippi RB JR
Foster, Adrian University of Tennessee RB SR
Gibson, Brandon Washington State University WR SR
Goodson, Mike Texas A&M RB JR
Gresham, Jermaine University of Oklahoma TE JR
Grothe, Matt University of South Florida QB JR
Hall, Max BYU QB JR
Harper, Cullen Clemson University QB SR
Harrell, Graham Texas Tech QB SR
Harvin, Percy University of Florida WR JR
Herring, Keegan Arizona State University RB SR
Heyward-Bey, Darrius University of Maryland WR JR
Hill, P.J. University of Wisconsin RB JR
Holbrook, Chase New Mexico State QB SR
Iglesias, Juaquin University of Oklahoma WR SR
James, Javarris University of Miami RB JR
Jarvis, Eugene Kent State University RB JR
Johnson, Ian Boise State University RB SR
Johnson, Stafon University of Southern California RB JR
Kelly, Aaron Clemson University WR SR
Kinder, Derek University of Pittsburgh WR SR
Lane, Jorvorskie Texas A&M RB SR
LeFevour, Dan Central Michigan QB JR
Locker, Jake University of Washington QB SOPH
Lucky, Marlon University of Nebraska RB SR
Maclin, Jeremy University of Missouri WR SOPH
McCoy, Colt University of Texas QB JR
McCoy, LeSean University of Pittsburgh RB SOPH
McKinley, Kenny University of South Carolina WR SR
McKnight, Joe University of Southern California RB SOPH
Moody, Emmanuel University of Florida RB SOPH
Moreno, Knowshon University of Georgia RB SOPH
Murray, DeMarco University of Oklahoma RB SOPH
Painter, Curtis Purdue University QB SR
Reesing, Todd University of Kansas QB JR
Ringer, Javon Michigan State University RB SR
Robinson, Zac Oklahoma State University QB JR
Robiskie, Brian Ohio State University WR SR
Sanchez, Mark University of Southern California QB JR
Smith, Antone Florida State University RB SR
Spiller, C.J. Clemson University RB JR
Stafford, Matthew University of Georgia QB JR
Stroughter, Sammie Oregon State University WR SR
Sutton, Tyrell Northwestern RB SR
Tate, Ben Auburn University RB JR
Tebow, Tim University of Florida QB JR
Thomas, Mike University of Arizona WR SR
Tuitama, Willie University of Arizona QB SR
Turner, Patrick University of Southern California WR SR
Underwood, Tiquan Rutgers University WR SR
Weatherford, Drew Florida State University QB SR
Wells, Chris (Beanie) Ohio State University RB JR
White, Pat West Virginia University QB SR
Williams, Jaison University of Oregon WR SR
Williams, Keiland Louisania State University RB JR
Williams,Derrick Penn State University WR SR
Wilson, John Parker University of Alabama QB SR

Mike Leach does the Weather-Revisited

There is not a whole lot of news Texas Tech related lately, so I thought I'd revisit the infamous Mike Leach weather forecast.

Random Sunday Texas Tech News

• The Charlottesville, Virginia Daily Progress has a story on Texas Tech baseball recruit Kenny Flemming. Fleming, a first-team, all-state selection in Virginia this past season, starts summer classes this week.
  
• The Texas Tech Museum has received high marks from the Texas Historical Commission as reported by the Lubbock A-J.
  

Random Saturday Texas Tech News

• ESPN.com is running a story on the newest Texas Tech Masked Rider, Ashley Hartzog.
  

  Hartzog on seeing the Masked Rider as a kid:
  

(From ESPN.COM) "To a 5-year-old, football is just something to watch, but it wasn't nearly as exciting as seeing the black horse that runs out in front of the team when it takes the field," Hartzog said. "I was struck from the first time I saw it."

• The Lubbock A-J has the story of the passing of former Texas Tech basketball coach Polk Robison. He was 96.
  
• Former student body president Kelly Stumbo has been named by Governor Ricky Perry as the third Texas Tech student regent in school history. The Lubbock A-J reports that the law student will serve as student regent for one year.

Ford Reconsiders, Chooses Red Raiders

Abilene Cooper safety Will Ford has changed his verbal commitment and will head to Lubbock instead of Norman in the fall of 2009. The Abilene Reporter-News has an update on Ford's decision.

Ford on choosing Tech:

(From the Abilene Reporter-News) "I've liked Texas Tech ever since I was little," Ford said. "The first college football game I ever went to was at Texas Tech and I've wanted to go there the whole time."

Other stories on Ford's commitment:

• Double T Nation
  
• Lubbock A-J
  

  
  

  
  

New Bell Tower Reflection Pictures

These are some reflection shots of the bell towers I was able to get last week after thunderstorms in the Lubbock area. The original reflection shot is the fourth picture that was taken in February of 2005. I don't think the new ones are as good as the original though.

If anyone is interested you can purchase a variety of different campus shots at my West Texas Prints web site.

Random Tuesday Texas Tech News

• The Lubbock A-J has a story on new student orientation on the Texas Tech campus. The orientations have been taking place throughout the summer.
  
• Tech students will have the opportunity this fall to get an interest-free loan for a bicycle. The Daily Toreador has the story on the program that is being started by the Tech Outdoor Pursuits Center.
  
• The Lubbock A-J also has a story on the Texas Tech women's rodeo team recently placing eighth at the College National Finals Rodeo that was held in Casper, Wyoming.

Dwayne Slay Revisited

It's a really quiet day in Raiderland today, so I thought I would revisit one of the hardest hits ever in Red Raider history. Dwayne Slay's hit on Kansas State quarterback Allen Everidge.

I hope to have some more campus shots to post sometime this week.

Two Commit to Lady Raider Basketball

The Lady Raider basketball program has received two verbal commitments for the 2009-2010 season. Shauntel Nobles from Justin Northwest in Fort Worth and Marissa Ashton of Dickinson are the latest to give verbal commitments.

Nobles averaged 19.7 points and 15.6 rebounds a game while Ashton averaged 16 points and 10 boards a game.

Random Saturday Texas Tech News

• The Lubbock A-J has a story on former Estacado High standout and former NFL assistant coach Jerry Gray's new foundation to provide scholarships to Estacado High students to attend Texas Tech.
  
• ESPN.com has a story about four players to watch during the 2008 college football season and Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree is on that list.
  
• Texas Tech Provost William Marcy will step down from his position on August 31^st according to the Lubbock A-J. Marcy has held the position since 2002.
  
• Texas Tech track and field star Sally Kipyego is named the Women Track Athlete of the Year by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The official Texas Tech athletics website has the story on the seven-time national champion.

Random Friday Texas Tech News

• The Dallas Morning News has a story about pirate Mike Leach and the Red Raiders 2008 season.
  
• The Texas Tech search for a president is now down to three candidates, but the names of those three individuals have not been released. The Lubbock A-J has the latest story.
  
• USA Today has a story on Texas Tech shot putter Patience Knight's successful battle with cancer.

Graham Harrell's Little Brother Competing for Quarterback Job at Tulsa

The Tulsa World has a story Clark Harrell, the younger brother of current Texas Tech starting quarterback Graham Harrell, competing for the starting quarterback job at Tulsa University. It's too bad the Golden Hurricane pulled out of the home-and-home series with the Red Raiders. If the younger Harrell won the starting quarterback duties, it would have set up a brother against brother quarterback duel for one day.

Random Wednesday Texas Tech News

• The Daily News of Galveston County has a story on the newest Texas Tech quarterback recruit, Jacob Karam.
  
• CSTV reports that Texas Tech women's golfer Megan Dowdy has made the cut at the U.S. Amateur Women's Open in Erin. Wisconsin.
  
• The Lawrence Journal World lists their top-five juco players to keep an eye on this fall and Texas Tech defensive end Brandon SeSay is in that list.
  

  Paragraph on SeSay:
  

(From the Lawrence Journal World) 3. Brandon SeSay, Texas Tech DE (Visalia [Calif.] College of the Sequoias) Why the hype: Rivals.com ranked SeSay No. 11 in its 2008 junior-college top 100. That ranking was higher than any other juco prospect in the Big 12, including Crawford (16) and Miller (26). SeSay, listed at 6-6 and 273 pounds, runs a speedy 4.6-second 40-yard dash. It's no secret Texas Tech's offense makes everyone break out the calculators trying to add up the ridiculous numbers. Look no further than quarterback Graham Harrell, who passed for 5,705 yards; or sophomore-to-be wide receiver phenom Michael Crabtree, who caught 134 passes for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns. If SeSay can solidify the defense, coach Mike Leach undoubtedly will challenge Oklahoma and Texas in the South.

Another Article on Jacob Karam

Here is yet another article on new Texas Tech quarterback recruit Jacob Karam. This one is from the Friendswood Journal.

Friendswood head football coach Steve Van Meter on Karam choosing Tech:

(From the Friendswood Journal) "He wanted to play on a big stage and this is it," Friendswood athletic director and head football coach Steve Van Meter said. "Texas Tech's been in the picture all spring, but their situation is a little different."

Big 12/PAC 10 Hardwood Series Schedule Released

The schedule for the second-annual Big 12/PAC 10 Hardwood series has been released by the two conferences. Texas Tech's game at Stanford on Sunday, December 28^th is considered part of the series even though it falls outside the four day event that is scheduled for December 4^th through 7^th.

BIG 12 / PAC-10 HARDWOOD SERIES

Thursday, December 4, 2008
Oklahoma State at Washington
UCLA at Texas
USC at Oklahoma

Friday, December 5, 2008
Arizona at Texas A&M

Saturday, December 6, 2008
Baylor at Washington State
Oregon State at Iowa State

Sunday, December 7, 2008
Kansas State at Oregon
Nebraska at Arizona State
California at Missouri

Outside the four-day series window
Colorado at Stanford (Sat., Nov. 29, 2008)
Kansas at Arizona (Tue., Dec. 23, 2008)
Texas Tech at Stanford (Sun., Dec. 28, 2008)

Lubbock and Tech Prepare for FFA Convention

Ten-thousand visitors are expected for the Future Farmers of American Convention that will be held in Lubbock and the Texas Tech campus July 15^th through the 18^th. The convention is expected to bring in over four-million dollars to the local economy. Texas Tech University is the only college campus in the state to host an FFA convention.

Monday Evening Tech News

• Go San Angelo has a story on Texas Tech defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill.
  
• The Daily Toreador published a story on Dan Spencer officially being named the new head baseball coach.
  
• The Daily Toreador also has a story a number of dorms getting renovated this summer.

Goin' Band 2004 Holiday Bowl Performance

Since there is not a whole lot of news out there this morning, this post will feature the halftime show of the 2004 Holiday Bowl by the Goin' Band.

Tech Women’s Track Teams Places Fifth

The Texas Tech women's track and field team finished fifth at the NCAA National Track and Field Championships held in Des Moines, Iowa. The fifth place finish was the highest in the history of the program.

Texas Tech coach Wes Kittley on the team's overall performance:

(From the Lubbock A-J) "(We had) a phenomenal meet from Sally (Kipyego) and the neat thing about this meet was we got some help from Patience (Knight), Dee Dee (D'Andra Carter) and Irene (Kimaiyo) and it was nice to get some other points."

The men's team tied for 25^th place.

Related story from the official Texas Tech Athletics website.

Women - Team Rankings - 21 Events Scored
1) LSU 67
2) Arizona State 63
3) Texas A&M 48
4) Penn State 39
5) Texas Tech 32
6) Stanford 31
7) Michigan 29
8) Oregon 27
9) Florida 26
10) Texas-El Paso 25

Men - Team Rankings - 21 Events Scored
1) Florida State 52
2) LSU 44
2) Auburn 44
4) Texas 35
5) Texas A&M 32
6) Arizona State 28
7) Baylor 27
7) Southern California 27
9) Kentucky 25
10) Colorado 24

Random Saturday Texas Tech News

• The Amarillo Globe-News has a story this morning on Texas Tech rodeo coach Chris Guay.
  
• The Texas Tech track and field teams are doing well at the NCAA National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. The Lubbock Avalanche Journal has an updated story.
  
• The Lubbock A-J also reports this morning that the Texas Tech search committee for a new school president will soon be trimming the pool of candidates to a short list.
  

Dressler Makes Cut at U.S. Open

Former Texas Tech All-American golfer Andrew Dressler made the cut at the U.S. Open by ending the first two rounds seven over.

Dressler on making the cut:

(From the Lubbock A-J) "I'm relieved now," Dresser said. "Going into the week, I expected to make it. I thought I had the game to do it, but my putter kind of let me down (on Thursday) and the greens were really bumpy. It was tough.

2008 Big 12 Football Non-Conference Predictions

So far the blog has simply provided information related to Texas Tech or my "TTU Campus Pictures" segments. This entry will be my first "opinion" piece and it will focus on predicting the outcome of the Big 12 non-conference games for the 2008 season. Rankings will be rated from easiest to hardest. This is just one fan's thoughts, so be sure and leave your own comments and predictions as well.

2008 Big 12 Non-Conference Predictions
(Easiest to Toughest)

12. Texas Tech (Eastern Washington, @ Nevada, SMU, Massachusetts) As a Texas Tech fan, putting Texas Tech in the 12^th-position was hard to do, but with two Championship Subdivision (formally Division I-AA) schools on the schedule it had to be done. The scheduling was not all Tech's fault however, as Tulsa pulled out of a home and home series at the last minute. This season's game in Lubbock with the Golden Hurricane was replaced by Eastern Washington. Even if the Tulsa game had remained on the schedule, Tech probably would still have the easiest non-conference schedule in the Big 12. The real test for the Red Raiders will be the first road game of the season at Nevada. However, the Wolfpack ended last season on a sour note with a 23-0 loss to New Mexico in the New Mexico Bowl. The Red Raiders should roll through non-conference play without a blemish, if not; it will end the highly anticipated season before it ever begins. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 4-0)

11. Kansas State (North Texas, Montana State, @ Louisville, Louisiana-Lafayette) Wildcat head football coach Ron Prince will be leaning on a juco heavy recruiting class for 2008. The Cats should handle the three home games with ease and have a test on the road at Louisville. KSU might be able to pull off a surprise on the road because the Cardinals are coming off a disappointing season under first-year coach Steve Kragthorpe. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 3-1)

10. Kansas (Florida International, Louisiana Tech, @ South Florida, Sam Houston State) Kansas fans are still riding high after the Jayhawks BCS Orange Bowl win over Virginia Tech last January, but it will be hard to tell how this year's team shapes up with this non-conference schedule. The Jayhawks will return to Florida with a non-conference tilt against South Florida, a team that had BCS aspirations of their own early in the 2007 season. Kansas should sleepwalk over their home opponents without a problem. (Predicted 2008 non-conference schedule: 3-1)

9. Texas (Florida Atlantic, @UTEP, Arkansas, Rice) The hardest part of the non-conference season for the Longhorns might be getting used to the new expansion at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas does have Arkansas on the schedule, but the Horns face the Hogs at home, without running back Darren McFadden, and first-year coach Bobby Petrino. The Longhorns should waltz into Big 12 play with a perfect record. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 4-0)

8. Missouri (Illinois-N, Southeast Missouri State, Nevada, Buffalo) The Tigers only test and road game will be at a neutral site against Illinois in St. Louis to kick off the season, otherwise Missouri's high-powered offense led by quarterback Chase Daniel and wide out Jeremy Maclin should have no problems with the home non-conference affairs. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 4-0)

7. Iowa State (South Dakota State, Kent State, @ Iowa, @UNLV) The Cyclones are the only Big 12 team to play at least two non-conference games on the road with games at in-state rival Iowa and at UNLV. One of these road trips will probably end up in a loss. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 2-2)

6. Texas A&M (Arkansas State, @ New Mexico, Miami of Florida, Army) The Aggies will be fine-tuning a new system under first-year head coach Mike Sherman and this season's non-conference foes could provide some tests. A&M has to face a tough New Mexico defense at altitude in Albuquerque, plus the Miami game follows a week later making this a candidate for the upset in Big 12 non-conference play in 2008. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 3-1)

5. Nebraska (Western Michigan, San Jose State, New Mexico State, Virginia Tech) The Cornhuskers will start and end their non-conference schedule with tough games against Western Michigan and Virginia Tech, with easy affairs against San Jose State and New Mexico State. The good news is the Huskers play all four games at home. The bad news is they will be adjusting to the new system under first-year head coach Bo Pelini. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 3-1)

4. Oklahoma State (@ Washington State, Houston, Missouri State, Troy) The Cowboys will have to start the season with a trip to the Great Northwest with a game against Washington State. On paper this should be the only bump in the road for the Cowboys, however, Troy will visit Stillwater a year after the Trojans embarrassed OSU 41-23 on national television in Alabama. Will the Cowboys revenge prevail or Troy trying to prove it can play with the big boys? Be sure to tune in late in September. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 3-1)

3. Oklahoma (Chattanooga, Cincinnati, @ Washington, TCU) Like their instate rival, the Sooners will also play in the Great Northwest with a road game at Washington. The last time the Sooners headed that direction, an on-side kick and a blown call by an official cost OU a game against Oregon. TCU will make a return visit to Norman, but don't look for the Frogs to come away with a win like they did in 2005. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 3-1)

2. Baylor (Wake Forest, Northwestern State, Washington State, @ Connecticut) Season number one for new Bear's head coach Art Briles could be a long one as Baylor's non-conference games are one of the toughest in the Big 12. The Bears will get Wake Forest (two years removed from the Orange Bowl) and Washington State at home and there's a chance Baylor could pull a rabbit out of the hat with one of those games, but BU will also have to make a long trip back east to play a tough Connecticut team that was in the Big East race late in the season. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 1-3)

1. Colorado (Colorado State-N, Eastern Washington, West Virginia, @ Florida State) Drum roll please! And the toughest Big 12 non-conference schedule belongs to the Buffs. Head Coach Dan Hawkins has the Buffalo's headed in the right direction, but with games against West Virginia of the Big East and Florida State out of the ACC, Colorado will be tested. Plus, throw in a neutral site game against in-state rival Colorado State that is never easy and you have the toughest non-conference schedule in the Big 12. (Predicted 2008 non-conference record: 2-2)

Is it time for kickoff yet?

Random Friday Texas Tech News

• The Lubbock A-J has a story on the Texas Tech track and field team taking place this week in Des Moines, Iowa. The Red Raiders have a number of athletes that have advanced to the finals of different events.
  
• The Texas Tech athletic department has scheduled a news conference at noon today regarding the Red Raider Baseball program.
  
• The Tech athletic department also has a story on a couple of new faces that will wear Lady Raider basketball jerseys this season. Freshmen Jordan Barncastle and Lindie Kimbro are already on campus.
  

Tech Quarterback Graham Harrell Named to Pre-season Award List

Red Raider senior quarterback Graham Harrell is one of four Big 12 players to be named to the pre-season Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Harrell is joined by Big 12 conference quarterback's Chase Daniel of Missouri, Joe Ganz of Nebraska, and Texas A&M's Stephen McGee.

Matt Ryan of Boston College won the award last year.

Here is the entire pre-season list:

2008 Candidates for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award C.J. Bacher, Northwestern Todd Boeckman, Ohio State Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State Tom Brandstater, Fresno State Hunter Cantwell, Louisville Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State Chase Clement, Rice Chase Daniel, Missouri Joe Ganz, Nebraska Sean Glennon, Virginia Tech Cullen Harper, Clemson Graham Harrell, Texas Tech Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State Brian Hoyer, Michigan State Will Hudgens, Memphis Brian Johnson, Utah Nate Longshore, California Tyler Lorenzen, Connecticut Stephen McGee, Texas A&M Ben Olson, UCLA Curtis Painter, Purdue John Parker Wilson, Alabama Mike Teel, RutgersWillie Tuitama, Arizona Pat White, West Virginia Drew Willy, University of Buffalo

 

Tech Officially Names Spencer Head Baseball Coach

Dan Spencer was officially named the new head baseball coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders at news conference on the Tech campus today. Spencer, who takes over for the retired Larry Hays, is the eighth head coach in the history of the program.

Spencer on being named the new Red Raider head coach:

"I am very excited and honored to be the head baseball coach at Texas Tech University," said newly named head coach Dan Spencer.  "For the last 20 years I have thought that maybe one day I would have a chance to be a head coach but to be honest I never thought I would have a chance here until the last year or so.  To have this job it's a dream.  It's not a job that in the next five years, I'm going be looking to go somewhere else.  This is the perfect place for me and my family.  It's great to be a Red Raider."

Related stories on today's news conference:

Official Texas Tech Website

KCBD.COM

Random Thursday Texas Tech News

• CSTV has the story of former Texas Tech golfer Andrew Dresser playing in this week's men's U.S. Open in San Diego, California.
  
• The Lubbock A-J reports that theTexas Tech track and field teams have advanced four to finals at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.

Pat Knight Announces 2008-09 Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Non-conference Schedule

Four games in the Legends Classic Tournament will highlight the 2008-2009 men's basketball schedule. Knight announced the Red Raiders will play 10 of 15 non-conference games at home. The Red Raiders open the season November 14^th with a home game against St. Francis of Pennsylvania.

TEXAS TECH MEN'S BASKETBALL 2008-09 NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Date; Opponent
Nov. 14; Saint Francis University (PA)
Nov. 17; Sam Houston State
Nov. 20; TBD in Legends Classic tournament
Nov. 22; TBD in Legends Classic tournament
Nov. 25; Southeastern Louisiana
Nov. 28; TBD in Legends Classic tournament*
Nov. 29; TBD in Legends Classic tournament*
Dec. 3; Wichita State
Dec. 13; at Lamar University
Dec. 17; at UT-El Paso
Dec. 20; New Mexico
Dec. 23; Centenary
Dec. 28; at Stanford
Jan. 1; Stephen F. Austin
Jan. 6; TCU
* - At the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

New TTU Campus Pictures-6/11/2008 Edition

The newest group of pictures of the Texas Tech campus and surrounding area has been posted in the Raider Power forums.

This group of pictures includes shots of the new parking lot expansion west of the Merket Alumni Center, the Marsha Sharp Freeway (MSF) near the Tech campus, the new Leisure Pool, the Engineering/Livermore Auditorium renovation, and the North Overton area.

The landscape of the MSF and North Overton is changinig daily with an abundance of activity. The new Overton Hotel and Conference center continues to rise into the Lubbock sky.

The earth work has begun at the new leisure pool that is located directly south of the Rec Center. Completion of this project is schedule for fall of 2009.

Please let me know if you have any comments for questions.

Random Tuesday Texas Tech News 6/10/2008

Some random news on a Tuesday related to Texas Tech:

• The Lubbock Avalanche Journal reports that former Texas Tech golfer Laurie Brower has qualified for the 2008 U.S. Women's Open that will be held in Edina, Minnesota beginning on June 26^th.
  
• The Daily Toreador has a story on the seven Red Raider baseball players that were chosen in last week's Major League Baseball draft.
  
• A story is also in today's Daily Toreador on how rising fuel prices are affecting the bus routes on campus this summer.
• Newsradio 1420 has a story on the Convenant Health Systems partnering with the TTUHSC school of nursing.

ESPN.com Story on Texas Tech’s Sally Kipyego

Texas Tech track and field athlete Sally Kipyego is featured in a story on ESPN.com. Kipyego, who has six national championships to her credit, will be participating in the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa this week.

Kipyego, perhaps the greatest athlete in Texas Tech history, hopes to represent her native country of Kenya in the Summer Olympic Games in China later this year.

Texas Tech track and field coach Wes Kittley on Kipyego's approach to running:

(From ESPN.com) "She's very aggressive and that's what makes her great," Tech track coach Wes Kittley said. "She'll sit in the pack, but she likes to take the lead when she has that opportunity. It's not her style to try to outkick her opponents. Sally is so tough mentally -- she's as good as anybody I've ever coached in that regard."

FSN Southwest to Air “SWC Legends” Series Beginning Tonight

Fans of the old Southwest Conference should enjoy Fox Sports Net Southwest's new series called "SWC Legends" that begins airing tonight. The two-part series will focus on top conference moments and will air in June and July, with two additional series to air in July and August.

The airings will lead up to the opening of the new Southwest Conference wing at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco. Each former Southwest Conference school will have its own designated area in the new wing.

SWC Legends: The 1963 Season Mon. June 9 10:00 p.m. Sun. June 15 4:30 p.m. Mon. June 16 7:00 p.m. Tue. June 17 Noon Sat. June 21 5:00 p.m. Sun. June 29 10:00 p.m. SWC Legends: The 1966 Season Sun. June 22 10:00 p.m. Mon. June 23 1:30 & 6:30 a.m. Mon. June 30 1:30 a.m. Additional airings in July TBA July and August schedules featuring the 1964, 1969, 1974 and 1976 seasons will be announced later.

Tech Women’s Track Team has High Hopes for Nationals

The Texas Tech women's track team will be represented by seven team members in this week's NCAA outdoor track and field championships in Des Moines, Iowa. Tech, ranked fifth in the nation is lead by Sally Kipyego, who already owns six career individual national championships.

Discus thrower D'Andra Carter on the chances of Tech winning a team title:

(From the Lubbock A-J) "We have,'' said D'Andra Carter, who ranks first in the nation in the discus. "I think it's a really good chance. I think the girls here, they know how to work hard and we're very determined to do the best that we can. I think at the meet, everybody will put their best foot forward and we'll do very well and have a chance to win.''

Some History on the TTU Dairy Barn

The Texas Tech University Communications and Marketing Department has a story on its website with information on one of the oldest buildings on campus. The Dairy Barn, located in the heart of the Tech campus, was last used in 1964.

---

Ex-Texas Tech Athlete Found Dead

Some sad news this morning regarding former Texas Tech tennis player Amanda Jo Earhart-Savell. The 30-year old was found dead Thursday in Plano. Earhart-Savell ended her college career in 2000.

Texas Tech tennis coach Tim Siegal on Earhart-Savell:

(From the Lubbock A-J) "I'm just in shock," Tech tennis coach Tim Siegel said. "I remember speaking to her a couple of years ago, and I knew she had gotten very involved with bodybuilding just a few years ago."

Michael Crabtree Desktop Wallpaper

Since there is not a lot of news today, I decided to create a new desktop wallpaper featuring Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree. A wide screen version is also available.

• 800 x 600
  
• 1024 x 768
  
• 1280 x 1024
  
• 1440 x 900 (Wide Screen)

Leach, Red Raiders Mentioned in SI’s College Football Mailbag

Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel gives his thoughts on the upcoming season for the Texas Tech football team. Mandel also mentions head coach Mike Leach and his perspective on football and other things.

Random Tuesday Texas Tech News

• New article from ESPN.com on head men's basketball coach Pat Knight.
  
• Daily Toreador's take on Larry Hays stepping down as Tech baseball coach.
  
• Another Larry Hays story from the Lubbock A-J.
  

Newest Pieces of Campus Artwork Nearly Complete

Artist Farley Tobin and her husband Alton Parks work is about complete on two new pieces of public art located on the Texas Tech Campus. The two new additions are made of granite and are located on the outside walls of the Child Development Research Center.

---

South Wall

North Wall

Hays Steps Down After 22 Seasons with Red Raiders

Texas Tech head baseball coach Larry Hays announced his retirement today after managing the Red Raiders for 22 seasons. Hays, who is the fourth all-time in wins (1,509) in NCAA history, will be succeeded by Dan Spencer.

Hays also managed Lubbock Christian University to 695 wins and the 1983 NAIA National Championship.

Texas Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers on Larry Hays:

(from www.texastech.com) "Larry (Hays) has accomplished a lot of great things in baseball here at Texas Tech," said Director of Athletics Gerald Myers. "He has led us to all four of our conference titles and all nine of our NCAA Tournament appearances. Larry is one of the all-time winningest coaches in the game and the winningest in our school history. We appreciate the time and effort over the years that he has given to our baseball program. Texas Tech is considered to be a strong and viable program in the Big 12 Conference thanks to his leadership. He has been a strong ambassador for Texas Tech University and this community for many years and we look forward to him staying on our staff where he will assist in development and the renovation and upgrading of Dan Law Field."

Related story: www.kcbd.com

Red Raider Men’s Golfers Honored

Texas Tech golf team members Garrett Merrell, Chris Ward, Will Griffin, and Santiago Rivas were selected to the Division I Ping All-Region Team as selected by the Golf Coaches Association of America. Tech tied Texas A&M for the most selections on the south central all-region team.

Tech Women Finish Second, Men Fifth a Regional Track Meet

The Texas Tech men's and women's track teams qualified 14 members for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa June 11-14^th. The women's team placed second while the men's team produced a fifth place finish at the regional meet in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Sally Kipyego set a new school and regional record in the 1,500 meter run with a time of four-minutes, 79.11 seconds.

The Red Raiders also have a chance at qualifying other members in at-large berths that will be announced on Monday. Tech qualified six team members on day one of the event Friday and eight more on Saturday.

Day 1 Qualifiers

Day 2 Qualifiers