These 5. You know what’s cool about these 5 inductees with whom I’m going into the AC Hall of Honor? They’ve all been in Roo Tales. See the comments for all 5 tales. Let’s go through the list of THESE FIVE.
Walker Fenci ’90 – Four-year football player, TIAA Academic All-Conference and NAIA Academic All-American, with a conference record for single-game interceptions.
In 1990, Walker Fenci intercepted four passes against Hardin Simmons (HSU). FOUR! The NFL record? Also 4, set by a group that includes Slingin’ Sammy Baugh (a former coach at HSU). My favorite stat from that game? HSU’s top receiver only had 4 catches too. You can read all about Fenci in a Roo Tale about the 1990 season.
Bryce Frank ’19 – Two-time SCAC Player of the Year in women’s basketball, top-five in SCAC history for scoring and rebounding, and Division III All-Star Game competitor.
I started writing Roo stories 10 years ago and immediately became a fan of All-American Bryce Frank, the centerpiece of some outstanding ACWBB teams coached by new AC Athletic Director Michelle Filander. Bryce went to the Peace Corps after AC; International Studies Marc was motivated to write a little 2020 Roo Tale.
Barry Holcomb ’92 – Four-year member of the ’Roo swim team, NAIA National Qualifier, team MVP, and All-American Honorable Mention.
Swimmer Barry Holcomb was an All-American in 1992. But I find his All-Conference honors as a freshman in the spring of 1989 even more impressive. Why? Because that spring he was also my pledge brother enduring a pledgeship as challenging as swimming the English Channel…..which Barry could probably do BTW. Barry got his Roo Tale in 2024.
Jon Stein ’00, M.A.T. ’01 – Decorated tennis player and long-time McKinney North High School coach, named UIL District Tennis Coach of the Year 15 times.
John Stein’s accolades as an AC tennis player and tennis coach are outstanding. Coach Stein guided his McKinney North Bulldogs to the 2014 State Tournament. There, they fell to Grapevine HS, a school making their first tournament appearance since 1986…..the year they lost to me believe it or not! Now that’s a Jon-Marc tennis tie worthy of a Roo Tale.
Anthony Patrick ’87 – Four-year football player, TIAA Champion, All-Conference, and NAIA Division II Honorable Mention All-American.
AC defensive backs (DBs) are a big deal. Walker Fenci was a big deal. Jeff Cordell, who Walker escorted on a 100-yard interception return against Tarleton in 1988, was a big deal. Barry’s and my fraternity actives Bill Didlake, Carlos Longoria, and Frank Tooley were a big deal. All five of these DBs will be at Legends to honor big deal DB Anthony Patrick, who earned his Roo Tale as a member of the 1984 TIAA Champions.
Where’s my story as inductee #6 you ask? Hey, this is a story about these 5. Besides, I’ve already had a fun year writing stories about my tennis past. And I’ve got one more Marc tennis story before Legends, to be shared on Thursday.
On Friday, I’ll enjoy chatting with Joe Spencer Award winner Brian McKamy (who deserves his own Roo Tale) at Claude Webb’s Gar Hole. On Saturday, I’ll enjoy the AC Legends ceremony with family and friends. On Sunday, I’ll be back to writing Roo Tales about y’all.
It’s a privilege to share the stage this weekend with these 5. The Friday Gar Hole happy hour starts at 5:00. The Saturday ceremony starts at 5:00. Then we’ll go get a drink at 5:00. Hey, it’ll be 5:00 somewhere.
