Rice's Smiths redefine commitment to family

Harry · November 28, 2011

On Aug. 7, 2004, Andrew Jr., a two-year starter at quarterback for North Texas, died following an accident just outside of Calvert en route to Denton. His parents had watched his career blossom from youth leagues through high school, when Andrew Jr. led Bay City to a state title as a senior. He was an ascendant player with the Mean Green, and his parents witnessed nearly every one of his games in person.

That he wasn't in the stands for every one of Andrew Jr.'s college games gnawed at Andrew Sr. after his son passed away. He and Berrilyn went through painstaking efforts to support their children's endeavors, oftentimes splitting so Andrew Sr. could watch the boys play football — he never missed a Bay City game — while Berrilyn traveled to Austin to support their daughter, Raqisha, a member of Texas' dance team.

This was the Smith family way of life. The tradition included extended family members and spanned games and dance recitals and band concerts. Andrew Sr. coached both of his sons during youth leagues, and the Smiths were most always in the stands. But with their middle child and oldest son now gone, suddenly most always wasn't quite enough.

The North Texas games that Andrew Sr. missed he listened to on the radio and taped for posterity. But for a father whose dedication to his children is unquestioned, Andrew Sr. wanted to do even better for Michael. So when Michael started playing back in '08, Andrew Sr. started traveling.

http://www.foxsportshouston.com/11/25/11/Rices-Smiths-redefine-commitment-to-fami/landing_rice.html?blockID=612414&feedID=3803