Around the Horned With Brian Estridge
Jan. 3, 2003
This time of year always gets me thinking. More so in the last several years. Maybe because of the state of our world today, maybe because I am getting older and finally maturing or maybe because my priorities are changed and I look at things in greater detail. Whatever the reason, I always like to put down into words the things that I am thankful for. I break it into categories - things I am thankful for in my personal life, things that I am thankful for in my professional life and, what I am going to share with you today - things I am thankful for in my Frog life. So here goes.
I am really thankful for the state of this football program and proud of these players and coaches, too. People had questions two years ago and now they have finally been answered. Answered by an outstanding head coach who put together a wonderful staff to lead an amazing group of young men. I can't name them all but I can highlight a few that stand out to me.
I'm thankful for the play we get at corner from Jason Goss and Tyrone Sanders. They should receive a gold star for living the way they do on an island.
I am thankful for the graceful yet powerful moves we see from Robert Pollard and Bo Schobel on a weekly basis.
I am thankful for the twists and turns and stunts that John Turntine and Chad Pugh ad lib each game.
I am thankful that we have LaMarcus MacDonald, my vote for the country's defense player of the year. Physical yet creative, confident yet humble, but most of all I am thankful that he is going to be back next year!
I am thankful for Sean Stilley. I can't tell you enough how much I respect this lad, what he's been through, how he has handled everything with class and integrity. There are a lot of us in the older generation who could learn a thing or two from this 22 year old.
I am thankful for Reggie Holts. We never talk about him enough, but it is often his lead block that clears the path for Madison and Hobbs. It has been his big catch that has saved a drive. Thank you Reggie, we'll miss you.
I am thankful for this offensive line of the Frogs, mean and nasty when they need to be, but perfect gentlemen off the field. Just spend some time with Anthony Alabi, Josh Harbuck, J.T. Auginbaugh or Brady Barrick, you'll see what I mean.
am especially thankful for LaTarence Dunbar, not only for his skills on the field, but for the leadership he brings to the team. His competitive spirit is unmatched.
I'm thankful for Adrian Madise, Terran Williams and Kevin Brown and the emerging Reggie Harrell. I think they have laid the groundwork for a TCU passing game that has tremendous upside.
And of course, Joey and Nick, sounds like an Italian Restaurant, but in actuality they're just a couple of specialists, specialists that are two of the bets in the nation!
I am also thankful for the folks behind the scenes who never get credit. Matt Nutt and Jose Carpinteyro and their student support staff in the equipment room. They do more than we'll ever know.
I am thankful for Chris Hall, Todd Nalder and the sports medicine staff and how they handle the toughest job in the program.
I am thankful for the job that Mike Sinquefield and his staff does in coordinating the day-to-day functions of the football program. This might have been the smoothest year of them all.
I am thankful for "Teddy Bear" and the grounds crew who guarantee us one of the finest fields in the country week in and week out.
I am thankful for the security detail that JJ Yale and John Carter provide- JJ hang in there!
I am also thankful to Steve Fink and the media relations staff for all of the information they provide us to help my job that much easier.
And most of all, I am thankful for you TCU fans. Thanks for your support of the Frogs and thanks for helping all of us extend the TCU family.
From the streets and avenues of North Texas to the information super highway, I'm Brian Estridge. We'll see you on the radio!
