SUMG

(from the DMN blog): Ron Springs, the retired Cowboys running back who received a kidney transplant from his friend and ex-teammate Everson Walls in February, is in a coma in a Dallas hospital. I just spoke to one of Ron's former teammates who has visited him several times and he reports the situation "is not good." Ron went into the hospital to have a cyst removed from one of his arms and things went bad in surgery, his ex-teammate said. Ron's son Shawn, a defensive back with the Washington Redskins, has left the team to be with his father.

The Limeys can host a Super Bowl.......the same year that Wimbledon is held at Waranch Tennis Center.

A few other things: They have some of their games on their own network, MTN (or something like that). Anyway, it's not picked up by DirecTV and most cable systems. (not sure about Dish). Also, I think, for TV....this is the second year in a row, where the Frogs have three Thursday night games. Personally, I would hate that many.

Yeah, it was a nice sized crowd. But, we could have squeezed a few more in there. I encourage anyone who can, and hasn't come to one of coach's radio shows....to try and make it to one. The food's great. The margaritas are awesome (only $2!). And of course, TD and Georgie are both greatness.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10410478

Alex is the middle of the three Lott sons (from what I just read). His older brother is at Rice. (as pictured above). He has a younger brother, Kris who is a great young WR at Plano (6', 190). Kris is a junior....and might be someone we're going after for the 2009 class. Anyway, Alex seems to be a pretty good receiver in his own right. He's shorter than Kris.....but had some good games at Plano, as well.

I don't. Besides Evan Fentriss and Greg Garden......TD mentioned the Lott kid, and I think two others who are sitting out, after transferring. (I think he said that the Lott kid was a slot receiver. And, I thought he said one of the other transfers was from TTech.) Coach also mentioned that we will have between 21-24 schollies to give. And, he went into what area of the state that each assistant recruits. We have 6 different coaches recruiting parts of the Metroplex. Anyway, I guess you heard all this, Marty. I was just repeating it for folks who weren't there or didn't hear it. Great show....and we gave Coach a standing ovation when he walked in. GMG!

Personally...I thought our band was great last night. I'm not talking about the half-time show...cause I'm not really into those. But, as far as what our band was doing in the stands...to fire up the fans---I thought they were just great. And major kudos to the students--another good turnout and lots of enthusiasm from them.

According to this morning's DRC....Akpunku runs a 4.42 40. And this is his first year to get significant playing time (heck...according to DCTF....they had 11 kids who signed with Div. I schools last year). Anyway, Brandon is among their leading tacklers according to the paper. Speed at LB....Craig Robertson gave us a taste of what that's like last night.

Rayford Cooks?????

Holy Cow! I googled Mr. Apunku....and came across this....2 pages worth of guys who are considering us. And, maybe every one of these is listed over on the recruiting board...I don't know. Anyway...make sure to check out both pages: http://northtexas.scout.com/a.z?s=353&...c=4&yr=2008

BTW...here's a disclaimer: First practice reports are notorious for being glowing. They were mostly doing drills....in which you can see athleticism....but until they practice and scrimmage...it's hard to pick out flaws. That being said....we do look very athletic. I didn't see anyone woefully out of shape.....they all look in good shape, as a matter of fact. Speaking of athleticism...Justin Howerton is very athletic. He's mobile and agile.....runs the court really well. Don't know if he'll ever put it all together on the court.....but he has the tools to be a good player.

Here's the story: http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sport...ory/266820.html

According to today's FW paper....Giovanni Vizza's grandad founded a car wash chain...there in San Antonio. It's called The Wash Tub, and there are 20 San Antonio locations (if you SA area fans want to give them some business). It says in the story that all of the family (included Gio) have washed cars at one time or another (at one of the businesses). It's a neat story on him and his family. If it's on the FW-ST website...I'll try to link it over here. Good luck today...Giovanni!

I only stayed an hour or so.....so others who were there may want to add stuff that I missed. 1) We are once again going to be very athletic. We've added a lot of other athletic players to the mix. (our new guys). 2) Quincy and Harold Stewart both looked like they had hit the weights...both have really toned arms. 3) Even though he's redshirting....Mangrum was suited up. He didn't participate in many drills (if any). But, the fact that he wasn't in street clothes....makes me think that he'll be able to start practicing in the near future. 4) Freshman Josh White....has great ball handling skills. 5) Some great hops out of Adam McCoy---an unbelievable dunk. 6) Kedrick Hogans----when we signed him late (in June or so)....some thought he was a "reach." I think you'll change your mind, once you see him. Good player, lots of potential. 7) First fight of the practice...occurred about 10 minutes into...as Odufuwa and Wooden tangled up. Some other guys piled on top of them...and then JJ jumped in to separate everyone. No harm done. Later on, drex and I started fighting in the stands and JJ had to separate us, as well. 8) There were probably 30-40 fans watching the practice...I'd say. 9) With the addition of Tic Price....we really have a seasoned coaching staff. A lot of expertise and experience for JJ to go to... Anyway....that's just some of the stuff...that I noticed. I think every kid out there has the potential to contribute...and I think you're really going to like what the newcomers bring to the table. Others may add their thoughts.........

I made the mistake of buying two of the college b-ball preview mags...without checking them out before purchasing. Both CBS Sportsline and The Sporting News...did horrible reporting on our team. Both mags mention three players....Bell, Quincy and Wooden. That's it. Not a single mention of any of our new players. Whoever wrote the write-up on the SBC teams .....didn't do 10 minutes worth of research.

Kudos to the Athletic Department for moving the start of the Cameron game...back 30 minutes to 7:30. This will allow folks plenty of time (provided there's no OT)....to get from the Navy football game to the Cameron basketball game. And they should be in their seats in time, for the Banner raising. Good move, Athletic Department.

CMJ and UNT 92......sorry if I misinterpreted your responses. I know that you both are great fans.....and that we all tend to get frustrated by the way UNT hoops is treated like the ugly stepchild. Anyway, I'll be at the practice tonight---am glad that it is now at least open. I'll report back on how the guys look.

Oh you guys are right....I'm sorry. We couldn't possibly have had an event tonight to arouse interest and kick things off AND have a banner ceremony on November 10....as well. My bad...sometimes I forget and think that I'm following a Division I sports program.

I've been told that the carrier pigeon which the Athletic Department uses to dispense information....has the bird flu.

The fan event would be so that you might generate more interest....and thus have more fans on GAME DAYS. Other schools do this kind of thing. Having distraction at one practice...isn't going to ruin the team...trust me.

I'll be there.... GMG B-Ball!

Maybe now it's open again......the line about it being closed has been taken off of the article at meangreensports.com Note to the Ath. Dept.: If the FW paper screwed up, and that stuff that I mentioned in the first post---is not planned....THAT'S OKAY. Most of us just want to see practice. No one will hold the FW paper's mistake against you.

One more thing: I'm 50....so I no longer come to pep rallies....now that they're concerts and food fests. But, if say someone had planned the b-ball event from say 7-8:30 or 8:45...my old ass would have walked from The Super Pit to the pep rally...since I was already in the area. Done right.....and this b-ball event could have increased the size of the pep rally crowd.

I get the feeling, Buford that this wasn't JJ's call (closing the practice tomorrow). Like I said in the first post....there was a blurb about the event in today's FW paper. So, somebody had some stuff planned for tomorrow. And I'd bet the reason that it was cancelled was because of the pep rally. Note to NT: Pep rallies don't have to be 3 hour events....with free food and concert. If the students have to be bribed to come to a pep rally---we should stop having them.