“Roo Ties Everywhere: Austin College and the Legend of Bonnie and Clyde.” Chapter 1: Ma Ferguson & George Butte Texas Governor Jim “Pa” Ferguson was furious. Ferguson had demanded the removal of seven University of Texas professors he found objectionable. Longhorn president Robert Vinson refused, citing academic freedom. Vinson was an Austin College Kangaroo, class
How is a Roo Tale born? It depends. Sometimes, it’s because of all y’all. One of you may write or share something relevant. Maybe you message me about it, or maybe I just happen to read about it. Then, others will add their own related story or experience. Next thing you know, whole groups of
The 1923 football season was about to kickoff at SMU, and the Mustangs had a brand new stadium on campus: the Ownby Oval. The new field was inaugurated during the first game of the year against Austin College. SMU was a member of the Southwest Conference, with lofty goals. But the Mustangs were struggling against
A north Texas college experience was a novelty for me, a south Texas guy. I came around pretty quickly though. The school I was attending at history, which I liked a lot. That history including athletics; back in the day, little Austin College had suited up against state powers such as Texas, Texas A&M, and
Those Longhorns? They always go looking for the best Kangaroos. E. J. “Doc” Stewart and the Texas Longhorns kicked off their 1923 season at old Clark Field against Austin College. Not a mile away, land was being cleared for a new stadium promoted by UT President Robert Vinson. Vinson, who encouraged UT alumni and fans
(10) Commissioned as a Captain by Stephen F. Austin during the Texas rebellion after the Battle of Gonzales in 1835. At Gonzales, the Texans had said “Come and Take It.” Santa Anna didn’t take it. Hey, didn’t they name a college after Stephen F. Austin? (9) Seguin was at the Alamo alongside William Travis, and
If Roo Tales are anything, they are the connections and relationships that sport provide over time and place. I try to make it a point to tie Roos with an interest to any story I happen to be writing. And boy howdy, did I stumble across an incredible tie last week. It’s so cool that
Top 10 facts associated with this Texas A&M building: #10: Built in 1914, same as Sherman Hall at Austin College. #9: Oldest building at Texas A&M, same as Sherman Hall at Austin College. #8: Found next to the Simpson Drill Field, the site of the 1898 AC-A&M football game (first Aggie game at home against
I was planning on doing some writing tonight now that the kids are headed to bed, and here I am writing as planned. Only, I wasn’t planning to write about this particular topic. But hey, some things just can’t wait. One of the joys of writing is the learning. As writer Bobby Hawthorne said to
When Wayne Gretzky was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame, veterans were asked to name the best of all time. They all answered the same. Gretzky. Only Gretzky himself disagreed. He said Gordie Howe. Nice try Gretzky. Points for humility. Jim Thorpe is considered the godfather of professional football, and maybe the greatest athlete
