Around the Horned With Brian Estridge
Sept. 19, 2001
Not Last Week: As many of you realize, we didn't join you last week with Around the Horned or on the radio. It just didn't seem right--like none of it was as important as what was going on in New York and Washington. Virtually every American was touched in some way by the tragedy, whether it was worrying about friends and family or simply worrying about our future. But as is always the case, the best about America came out. Just when we start thinking that this big ole' giant is down, he comes out of the corner ready to fight for what is right in this world. I'm proud to be among you and proud to be American!
Speaking of Proud: And you would have been proud of your fellow Horned Frogs on Friday, September 14. Over 110 student-athletes, plus 50 support personnel representing every team at TCU, came out in support of "Change for America" day. Hal Jay and the morning team at WBAP worked with us to gather over $35,000 in donations to the Red Cross. It was an emotional day, capped off by the TCU band's renditions of "Amazing Grace" and the "National Anthem." It was truly a heart-tugging event.
Right decision: It looks as though TCU Athletic Director Eric Hyman was ahead of the curve. He met with his staff last Tuesday to discuss preliminary plans regarding the Marshall game, listened to all of the opinions and then with the blessing of Chancellor Ferrari and Marshall University officials, decided on Wednesday to cancel Saturday's football game. Citing the "bigger picture" of what was taking place in America, I for one, think he made the right decision. The rest of the NCAA Division I teams agreed to postpone their games on Thursday.
Everyone affected: Even football coaches who can hole up with the best of them and hunker down watching tapes of upcoming opponents, had their routines broken last week. As I walked by their offices I didn't see Marshall, Northwestern State or Houston, I saw Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather. Please keep Marlon Dumont, our senior basketball player, in your prayers as well. Marlon lost a brother in the World Trade Center tragedy on Tuesday.
Frogments: The TCU vs. Texas Tech basketball game on December 1 has been picked up by ESPN. Tip-off in Lubbock is now scheduled for noon. You think that one is going to be interesting with Billy and Bobby on the floor together?...The date of the Horned Frog Classic, the wonderful fall golf tournament coordinated by Hal Roach, Mark Mourer and Davis Babb every year, has moved. Generally on Columbus Day, this year's tourney will be played on Monday, November 5. Once again, all proceeds go to the Frog Club. For more information, contact Mark at (817) 257-6905...Charlie Owens was named the C-USA Defensive Player of the Week for his hustle in the SMU game, and with Nick Browne garnering the special teams honor the first week, the Frogs are 2-for-2 since joining the league. Let's hope the streak continues!...And don't forget, TCU GameDay with Scott Masteller and Andrea Pilcher starts at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, our airtime is 5:30 on the Network and the kickoff is set for 6:00.
From the streets and avenues of North Texas to the information super highway, I'm Brian Estridge. We'll see you on the radio.
