RE: 1969 Bi-District Champs
Posted Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 5:28 PM
 

I remember Frank, I never felt so low (or laughed so much).  I remember I was on the outs with Barbara during that trip.  I know, I need to be careful here, public space and all.  I ripped a "B" and a "C" off of the aisle locators in the hall we were playing in.  I remember calling her and all was forgiven.  I went to college with one of the guards from Samuels (I think that was one of the schools that beat us, the other Thomas Jefferson).  Steve Huey.  Excellent guard and we were a decent pair of frat boys in intermural competition.   Barbara and I married, then divorced, but not before having a son, Scott, and he just had his first son, Dillon - a week ago.  They call me Granddad West. 

I think I remember mostly laughing during our senior year.  I remember Dennis Love's Mach I Mustang.  I remember Paul Duff; what was his shoe size?  I truly remember Jimmy Sowell's '57 Chevy.   I just wrote a note to Gail Thornton - remember Gail?:)  Does she remember me:(  Her husband Jerald and I worked together in Austin a few years later.  Course if she doesn't remember, I'll probably be arrested for stalking.  I remember Glenn Knox.  Insane laughter.  I wish I could find Jeff Frace (M.D.) and say hello.  I remember Steve Cearley (Class of 1970).  I had the pleasure of spending more time with him at Southwestern University.  I was sorry to hear of Kathy Meek passing, she got me thru two years of French and I'd love to say thanks. I remember summers '69, '70 &'71 rolling thru Oak Forest.  I remember Volkswagons of all colors.  I remember Steve Bailey.  He and I and Bill Barton kept each other amused during sermon's on Sundays at St. Stephens.  I remember following Roz's pitching in to the Majors and I keep those memories alive by visiting for a burger every time I'm in town.  I not only remember, but have as my longest friend, from fishing at the bayou prior to elementary, thru college, fraternity and few marriages, James "Buster" McKay. How does anyone carry a tan year round?  I remember the whole Pyndus clan (thru St. Stephens).  Hard to believe, but it seems like Sue and I just had a conversation, catching up, at our 30th reunion. She's still gorgeous (sorry Sue, but true). 

But, back to basketball.  Principle Cotton apoligized to Coach Foster Martin for having the worst group of players ever to play at Waltrip; no Howdon (sp), no Counsleor, Coach's first year at Waltrip.  True story.  He told us as we prepared to play Wheatley in the round of four City tournament.  Wheatly beat us by something like 30 points in the Jaycee (sp) Tournment earlier in the year.  During the second go round, we lost by 9 (I think), out rebounded them both halves and basicly tied them points wise in the second half.  Their coach called their first and only time out the entire season during our game, we'd come within one point at the start of the fourth quarter.  At least that's how I remember it.  I can tell you the guys on that team were friends, loved every minute of the year 1969 and would do it again in a heart beat.  I remember during that time out, looking up in the stands and seeing all the faces of Waltrip 1969 - and they were screaming and yelling like a bunch of kids.  And then coach benched me for not driving the bucket after we broke a full court press. Damn!