September 2013

ROWDY GENTLEMAN Frat Daddy Style

VICTORY STAR Shine on us

THE MAN BEHIND San Marvelous

Battle Cries Meaner, Louder, Prouder

S E P T E M B E R

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| Contents |

Football & Fashion | September 2013 |

16

24

28

BOBCATFANS Magazine

SMTX Magazine

The Tidbits................................................................. 08

Happenings................................................................ 06

Shoe Spirit.................................................................. 10

Bright Like The Sun.................................................... 08

Victory Star................................................................. 12

Wagering.................................................................... 10

Hockey....................................................................... 14

Bike Peddler............................................................... 12

San Marvelous............................................................ 16

Chilympiad................................................................. 16

SMTX Style................................................................ 21

Chewed & Brewed..................................................... 20

Rowdy Gentleman..................................................... 24

Voice Of The Bobcats................................................ 28

Bobcat Battle Cry...................................................... 28

Close Shave.............................................................. 32

@bobcatfans

/bobcatfans

About The Covers Football is back and it feels so good! And what goes better with tailgating than a big bowl of Texas red? Time to get loud and spicy San Marcos.

BOBCATFANS Cover of Isaiah Battle

Photographed by Eric Morales

SMTX Cover of Texas Chili

Illustration by Will Bowling

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Publisher Rick Koch @rickkoch Art Director Will Bowling @wbcreative Photo Editor Eric Morales @ericmphotoTX Events Johnell Huebner @johnellhuebner Development Steve Huskey @wizardofgoogle Feature Writer Diana Hendricks Contributors Katie Lewis Hilda Helsing Tiffany Matthews Bryan Miller Grace Marlow Ace Rothstein Brant Freeman E. Scott Ross James Wilson Anthony Gauna Kevin Carswell Xander Peters Advertising 361.236.5624 rick@bobcatfans.com Feedback @bobcatfans bobcatfans@gmail.com Copyright 2013, BOBCATFANS LLC 139 E. Hopkins Suite B San Marcos, TX 78666.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

BOBCATFANS | SMTX Magazine is a private company and is not affiliated with Texas State University.

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SMTX | Tidbits

Spirit Burger Tailgate who, what, when, where The Texas State Athletic Department announced its tailgating initiatives for the 2013 football season. Most notably is the ability of fans to tailgate on a first-come, firstserve basis, for $10 per parking spot in Bobcat Alley in the Strahan Coliseum lot at the corner of Aquarena Springs Drive and Charles Austin.

Spaces in Bobcat Alley per individual or group are unlimited and open to all groups such as student organizations, RVs, alumni and groups of individual fans. Fans should enter the lot off Aquarena Springs Drive on the south end. All other entrances into this lot will be closed on game day.

Reserved Parking - Gold (Bobcat Club Donation Required)

THE RULES - No glass containers, hard liquor, kegs, or party balls.

General Public - Green ($10 fee with multiple spots option)

- No alcohol present before 9am.

Free Parking - Yellow (Do NOT pass Go or collect $200)

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Sonic Drive-Ins across the country are ready for some football. Various schools have a signature sandwich tailored to its respective fan base that features the team’s logo emblazoned on the top bun. Sonic is using a process similar to the one used to transfer photos onto cakes.

The logo is made of a tapioca starch on wax paper, which is then steamed onto the top of each specialty bun.

Sonic currently has deals in place with UTSA, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the University of Louisiana. Ummm...Texas State, get on that!

Sportula City My, where did you get that lovely Bobcat spatula?

From Sportula.com of course. They make a great tailgating gift, and what better way to say “Eat’em Up” than with the gift of a fine crafted spatula?

Besides, everyone needs spatulas. How many times have you been in a situation that required the aid of a spatula, but alas, none was available?

No one should have to go through such mental anguish.

- Tailgating suspended 20 min prior to kickoff. Max 2 persons at tailgate area during game w/ NO alcohol consumption.

Weird Al’s Spatula City Commercial

| Editorial Staff |

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09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 9

BOBCATFANS | Pride These Toms are all made to order and hand painted. Acrylic based paint is mixed with a textile medium for fabric and finished up with Scotchgard to protect the shoes and artwork.

Shoe artisan Allison Kurek has been painting for 20 years but recently quit a full time job to pursue this adventure! It typically takes 4-5 weeks to complete an order. Time frame varies depending on how many orders are placed at time of purchase.

Notes | Tailgate fashion

Kicks with pride

Cost $120 Where to buy? etsy.com/shop/solespirit

| Editorial Staff | 10 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

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BOBCATFANS | Tradition

Light the star on...?

For nearly eight decades, students at Texas State University have coexisted underneath a single shiny crown that is one of the oldest physical traditions on campus, the Victory Star.

Born as a temporary Christmas decoration in December 1936, the students caught sight of a homespun star on top of a 50,000-gallon water tower near where the Chemistry Building stands today.

It was not until 1942, when a night watchman stumbled across the original emblem, that students began to recognize the star’s gleam after the Bobcats won football games, laying the foundation for a new local tradition.

Years later, the campus-deemed “Victory Star” proved to outlive that same water tower, prompting a local sign maker to build a new star for the tallest building on campus, Jackson Hall. To this day, it can still be seen as the face of Texas State from miles around in celebration of an athletic accomplishment or during graduation.

As for the life of the tradition today, time drags on.

Three years ago, the outset of the “Lighting the Way” initiative was established in order to replace the star above Jackson Hall with a more contemporary version. In an effort to do so, former engineering students Lindsey Whitworth, Nick Worley, Robert Fischer and Wes Poirier constructed a flat-bar, aluminum, single constellation that stretches 18 feet in diameter and tops the scale at just over 400 pounds. From there, the plan was to make arrangements and mount it on the head of Jackson Hall. But that’s where the engine for the campaign

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began to lose steam…

After hiring a structural engineer to survey how the regenerated emblem was built, as well as any implications behind mounting it, the university failed to wave the green flag on the project’s continuation due to safety concerns with wind loads and the new star’s design.

Because of this afflicted intervention, the Victory Star of tomorrow can be found in the same place it has been for the last year and a half. Patiently sitting in a dusty warehouse off Ranch Road 12, like a husky child with his arms crossed waiting for his turn to be picked for a game of dodgeball, the star sits folded in half, still yet to be finished and strung with the light it deserves, waiting for the opportunity to shine.

However, the Lighting the Way initiative has opted to a new venue for the star. Don Compton, assistant director of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, stated the university has an unofficial plan to hang the new Victory Star on Strahan Coliseum.

“It’s not like we’re trying to just shove it up on a wall,” Compton said. “We were looking for a free wall, and that was one thing. And if you look at the wall on Strahan (Coliseum) that faces the football stadium, the chances that a very large group of people who could see that on a regular basis was very good.”

That’s where another problem comes to the surface though. The new Victory Star is heavy enough to literally rip the wall off if not properly installed. Compton said it would have to be mounted through a type of iron beam in the structure, not directly to the wall. “It’s not like bringing a bucket truck out there and sticking it to the wall.

The last thing we need is this heavy star flopping down on the ground. Plus, it’s dangerous.”

As far as the remaining process goes, there is still speculation as to when the project could ultimately be finished.

Although Compton claims after the students put the finishing touches on the star and a contract is solidified, it could take two to three months depending on the time of year (after mentioning there had been previous talk about making the installation before this fall’s homecoming).

In regards to the cost, he stated there was not an accurate number worth throwing around at the moment. The Facilities Department still lacks a scope of the work needed, as well as pricing, approval and the necessary funding. With those variables, Compton said his department could then make a contract to push forward with the project.

Until then, raising the star will have to wait placidly for a new radiant beacon to shine over our university.

| By Xander Peters |

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SUBWAY | train hard. Eat fresh.

Profiles

Myles Adair Loves Ice Hockey When you think of ice hockey, it would be understandable that you don’t automatically think of Texas. But for 21-year-old Myles Adair, Texas State University junior, ice hockey is all he thinks about. In fact, he calls the sport “the love of his life.”

Adair got his start on the ice when he was only 4 or 5 years old, when his dad put him in his first pair of skates. He really took the time to cultivate a love for the sport at a young age.

He grew up in competitive select teams in the DallasFort Worth area where there are 20,000 youth hockey players. Seems as though the Texas Stars really influenced the kids of the DFW area to break the football-saturated box of Texas sports to get on the ice.

Adair, like many others, finds that getting out on the ice becomes more of a meditation and a stress release than anything. He does enjoy the social aspect but doesn’t ignore the importance the sport has for his mind and for his life as a whole.

Adair wanted to emphasize that the reason this club team is so successful is because of the people who support them. From the amazing coaches and great manager who volunteer both their time and money to the group, to the Lady Ice Caps, the support organization they founded this past year, they rely on the support and dedication from the people who come to the games and rally them up.

Follow the team on Twitter at @TxStHockey for updates and information!

notes | Hitting the mats

As for Texas State? Adair thought the university was a great place and transferred, and guess what? They have an ice hockey team! Who knew? The Texas State Ice Hockey team was formed in 2011 and competed for the first time in Division II of the American Collegiate Hockey Association during the 2011-2012 season, which lasts from September to March.

Bobcat Hockey Facebook.com/TXSTIceHockey Home Games Chaparral Ice Northcross in Austin Last Season Finished just under .500

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| By Katie Lewis Photo Eric Morales |

速

unique student

COTTAGES DESIGNER INTERIOR FINISHES

spacious floor plans. new bus stop coming soon. private backyards. pet friendly.

apply online @ RetreatSanMarcos.com 512.757.8980 | 1531 Old Ranch Rd 12 09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 15

A San Marcos Original

By Katie Lewis

The Most Interesting Man In The World better watch his back because Texas State Alumni Rio Rodriguez could easily take his place. As the creator and curator of the burgeoning San Marvelous clothing brand, Rio has developed a stylish and fun way for people to share San Marcos pride.

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| By Katie Lewis Photo William Bowling |

SANMarvolus

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You’ve seen them: the brightly

colored tanks with the heroic, bold and boisterous “San Marvelous” moniker. You may have even been one of the four people who literally bought the shirt off his back at one of the Bobcat Football Tailgates or at Rally On The Square last fall.

Rio wanted to make sure that those who don the San Marvelous duds felt strong and confident in sharing their pride. “Bobcats are more than just maroon and gold, the Texas State colors. We Bobcats have a lot of color to us, a lot of vibrance. There’s a lot of magic to this town and to this university, and I wanted to give the people something to be proud to wear that symbolizes that,” explains Rodriguez.

It was during Rodriguez’s college journey, including his days running the exciting Rockstar Productions, throwing and attending various house parties, lavish pool parties, wild nights at the bars, making new friendships, cultivating the old ones and all that was in between, that San Marvelous was born.

When Rodriguez first began his college experience here in the fountain of youth, he initially thought that he’d study to be in radio or television. He had always been interested in brands and advertising and figured that it would be natural to pursue an endeavor in Mass Communication.

However, when his passion for customizing denim for himself and his friends became more than just a hobby, the jeans he created became a showstopper on campus and at the bars. Rio took the suggestions from those who admired his work and decided that Fashion Merchandising might be the best way to go.

He realized he made the best decision of his life when he entered his first fashion class, with 112 students; 110 of which were female. He figured this was a dream come true--all the girls he could ask for! As it turned out though, the path in fashion was a life changer, as he found himself more and more excited about the material they were learning, the people he was being introduced to, and most importantly, the summer networking opportunities he took advantage of in

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Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

But instead of following the trends of leaving for the shining beacons of New York City or Los Angeles, Rio decided to stick around town and pursue the San Marvelous dream.

Rio believes that memories may fade, but tangible things such as t-shirts will always remain. He reflects that one day most of us will move on from our times in San Marcos, get married, have a family, and when our kids are teenagers and they ask about our college years, we’ll have something to show them, to laugh about, to let the fond memories of this great city live on and be remembered.

In fact, San Marvelous is not just a brand; it’s a conversation starter. “I mean, if you’re living anywhere in the world, and you’re wearing your San Marvelous shirt or tank and someone asks, ‘What’s San Marvelous?’ you automatically have some really cool stories to share,” said Rio. During the course of this interview, Rodriguez learned something new about himself and why he designed San Marvelous the way he did. “When I was designing logos for San Marvelous, one of my goals was to make something that would be a ‘Superman’ shirt. What I mean by that is, I wanted to make a shirt that makes you feel special when you put it on.

You know it’s going to be a good day when you have on your San Marvelous shirt. I used to have this blue Superman shirt when I was a kid and it was my favorite. It made me happy, and I probably wore it 5 or 6 times a week... Haha, I think that may have been when my infatuation with branding and logos began. I never realized that until this interview.”

So next time when you see this San Marcos inspired brand, you will know that it was birthed right here on campus with pride and hard work from a Bobcat who went from Gucci and Versace to tank tops and flip flops.

San Marvelous clothing can be found online at SanMarvelous.com and is sold on the square at Barfish Lounge.

Katria Major: Geography San Marvelous: Summer 2011 Doing now: Journalist for magazine in Thailand

Whitney Major: Mass Communications San Marvelous: Spring 2012 Doing now: Miss United States 2012-2013

Tiffany Major: Advertising San Marvelous: 2012-2013 Doing now: Account Coordinator for Level Two Advertising Firm

Ali Major: Mass Communications San Marvelous: 2012-2013 Doing Now: Sports Analyst at KCWX in Austin

San Marvelous Kittens are the models and promotion girls for the local clothing brand.

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SMTX

l a oc

L style TXST

BOBCAT

Tailgate SHIO

N

FA

University Bookstore LBJ Student Center & Bobcat Stadium Fan Shop Go way beyond t-shirts with this Bobcat baby doll cotton knit dress with scoop neckline.

There is no better place to deck yourself out in maroon and gold than the University Bookstore.

The selection is vast with styles that make a proud statement.

Looking good while you tailgate with friends is half the fun.

| Photo Eric Morales | Model Grace Marlow |

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!

OUtdoor Duds

COMFY

Hays County Outfitters

& Casual

105 East Hopkins

At Hays County Outfitters, they encourage you to “Get Outside!” They have a unique selection of clothing and footwear for the outdoor lifestyle. If shopping local is your thing, scoop up some Rowdy Gentleman tanks and trunks or support the San Marvelous movement with some of their exciting and bright styles. Whatever the case, Hays County Outfitters is the place to look for your next outdoor adventure!

Barefoot Athletics 700 LBJ Suite #108 Want something that screams “YOU?” Well, head over to Barefoot. This new apparel shop opened in August and has a whole new world of apparel, from crazy t-shirts to hip sunglasses.

You can dress yourself from head to toe in that SMTX style.

78666

Stylish Threads

!!!

Emeralds 300 North LBJ Drive If you’re in the market for a cute dress, laid back duds or something stylish, sleek and sexy, Emeralds might be what you’re looking for. Emeralds provides a relaxed shopping atmosphere, providing the ladies of San Marcos elegance at a great price. They also have tons of unique gifts for any occasion!

| Models Colt Keeney, Leigh Cason |

!!!!

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Rowdy Gentleman: Made in San Marcos 24 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

| By Katie Lewis Photo Eric Morales |

t

Two former Texas State University frat boys from the Kappa Alpha order, Madison Wickham and Ryan Young, have created and built a well-segmented brand under the umbrella, Grandex Media and Apparel.

They have managed to capture the essence that is Animal House meets Old School, all done in an upscale/rich boy arena.

Their simple idea started with an irreverent entertainment site and has since grown into the nationwide clothing brand: Rowdy Gentleman.

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et’s start at the beginning, shall we? “Ryan Young, my old college roommate and now business partner, called me with the idea for TotalFratMove.com in the summer of 2010,” explains Wickham. “I instantly loved his idea for both the content and the platform. Drawing inspiration from our own experiences in Greek life at Texas State, we attempted to capture the unique, satiric voice of the American fraternity man.”

The idea wasn’t completely new for them.

“This is actually something we used to talk about back in school,” recalls Wickham. “It wasn’t until three years after we graduated that the idea really solidified, and we possessed the combined resources to make it happen.”

The two fraternity brothers were working other jobs at the time and started the TotalFratMove.com website as a fun afterhours project. Actually, when the site first launched, co-founder Young was at boot camp training to be a firefighter, where he could be found editing and monitoring content using a shattered iPhone.

It’s that kind of dedication and drive that gave them the best problem two young entrepreneurs could ever have: a sudden and unexpected frenzy surrounding their budding comedy site.

“It took off way quicker than we could have imagined, and we ended up concentrating on it full-time about 4 months later,” explains Wickham. “This also happened to be ten days after my son was born.”

As you can surly imagine, quitting his day job for Total Frat Move was not an easy sell to Wickham’s wife, but somehow he managed to convince her that following this path was the right move. So with her blessing, he left his corporate job in web design and took the plunge into a fulltime frat move. But he didn’t make the leap alone. He and Young dove headfirst together into what would soon become a national craze.

Total Frat Move is targeted to men and women from the ages of 18 to 34 and averages a whopping 18 million monthly page views from 1.6 million unique visitors.

The rapid interest in Total Frat Move has not only led to some exciting expansion with sister sites, Total Sorority Move and Post Grad Problems, and a best selling book, but the two long-time friends used the recent momentum as a springboard to create a whole new brand and clothing line: Rowdy Gentleman.

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“About 10 months after launching Total Frat Move, we decided to experiment with merchandise. I designed a small selection of t-shirts, and we promoted them to the Total Frat Move audience,” describes Wickham. “Our early merchandise was a success, and we just kept rolling with it.”

In fact, they didn’t really have a solid merchandise direction in the beginning. They were just designing shirts that they thought were cool.

Over time, it evolved and their vision for the products and the brand solidified. “We are still working hard to build out our product offering, and we have a lot of cool stuff planned for this fall and spring 2014.”

Out of this merchandising experiment and the clear successes they were experiencing, the fraternity brothers moved full steam ahead into all things Rowdy Gentleman.

A Rowdy Gentleman, as Wickham so eloquently describes, is equal parts sophisticated and sophomoric.

He’s refined and rambunctious. He’s clean cut but cut loose. The Rowdy Gentleman clothing line offers a unique collection of products, created and curated for the modern day gentleman.

The name Rowdy Gentleman perfectly represents the vibe and vision of their brand. “We are building the ultimate selection of products for guys who live a ‘work hard, play hard’ lifestyle,” explains Wickham. “[Rowdy Gentleman] is for guys who wear a tie to work or a collared shirt to class, then let loose on the weekend at the lake, beach or backyard BBQ.” With slogans such as “To good times,” “Let’s get weird,” and the ever patriotic “Camo: America’s Away Colors,” one has to wonder who comes up with these designs and ideas. “We run internal design idea contests among our entire staff when creating new batches of tees and tanks. It’s really a group effort.

Our company as a whole is highly creative and full of great ideas,” said Wickham.

And as for the merchandise being both fashionable and serving as a platform for a message, their products are really a mix of both.

“The official Rowdy Gentleman

“We definitely see a lot of females ordering and wearing our stuff.”

“

Of the 12 people we have on staff, six of us went to Texas State, and five of us grew up in Austin.

”

Madison Wickham

Ryan Young

slogan is ‘to good times,’ and we try to create products that embody this vibe.

Whether you’re wearing a Rowdy Gentleman tank and a pair of trunks while floating the river or a Rowdy Gentleman fleece and hat to the bar, we want you to look good and have fun in our gear. Some of our tee and tank designs are louder than others, but it’s all in good fun. We never intend to push serious messaging through our products.”

But what about the ladies? We can’t forget the ladies. Wickham says that for the time being, they’re only concentrating on male products. “We’ve certainly discussed the possibility of a female offering, though we don’t have any concrete plans right now.”

But that doesn’t stop the ladies from loving Rowdy Gentleman. “Many of our products could be considered unisex, so we definitely see a lot of females ordering and wearing our stuff.”

The early traction that they’ve gained as a young brand among both men and women has been really exciting for the two men behind it all. As one can guess, starting something new comes with huge joys, such as what Wickham has experienced on this rowdy journey. “This past spring, we attempted an experimental retail push where we began partnering with retail shops who were interested in carrying Rowdy Gentleman products. This was a big move for us considering we did not know anything

about the world of brick and mortar retail.

The response we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive from both the retail shop owners and their customers.

Retail is quickly becoming a critical outlet for us and is turning out to be a great complement to RowdyGentleman.com, our online store.”

And as they soon learned, with the good times also comes the tough ones. Though Wickham does not have many complaints about his current professional situation, he does admit to facing challenges.

“The biggest ongoing challenge Ryan and I face is bearing the weight of every major decision our company faces. As the two people ultimately in charge, it is on us to make dozens of important decisions every day, and at times, this can be overwhelming.” Even with the extra pressures of being the boss-man, Wickham couldn’t be happier. “This is exactly what I want to be doing.”

And he’s doing it exactly where he wants, too, right up the road in Austin. Even with the new-found national recognition and excitement surrounding Total Frat Move and Rowdy Gentleman, Wickham and Young are determined to remain local.

the bulk of our business local.” Wickham is optimistic that their San Marcos production partner, RiverCity Sportswear, will be able to scale with them as they grow.

RiverCity Sportswear was established back in 1978 by Bob Sanders, as a creator and supplier of custom t-shirts and sports uniforms. Now run by his son, Luke Sanders, RiverCity is headquartered in San Marcos with a goal to meet the needs of producing high quality apparel for both their local and world wide clients’ needs, whatever they may be.

RiverCity Sportswear is built upon customer relationships, like those with Grandex, and that’s what makes them such a trusted and reliable supplier to Rowdy Gentleman.

“They have been the absolute perfect fit for the growing Rowdy Gentleman brand and merchandise line. Luke is a great guy to trust with our brand,” says Wickham.

It’s only been three years since the duo’s humble beginnings with a shattered iPhone, but the two fraternity brothers from Texas State University are taking clear and concise steps to grow their young brand with proven potential. Their business future is not only bright, it’s ROWDY!

“Of the 12 people we have on staff, six of us went to Texas State, and five of us grew up in Austin. We love that we are able to keep 09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 27

Set a school record last season with a 98-yard touchdown reception.

Average distance of touchdown receptions in 2012: 72.3 yards (shortest TD catch was 57 yards).

Bench presses 500 pounds (2.5x his body weight)

Isaiah

#BATTLE(CRY) Wide Receiver

Changed his number from “82” in 2011 to “6” in 2012, because “6” is how many points you earn scoring a TD Has 9 career TDs in two seasons at Texas State…5 of them have been 50 yards or longer, two of them 90 yards or longer (returned a kickoff for a TD 93 yards vs.

Prairie View A&M in 2011) The biggest debate of the off season? Which QB is Coach Fran choosing to throw him the ball?

BOBCAT #BATTLECRY

It’s not about football wins. It’s about demanding #TXSTVictory on every level.

The collective spirit that makes up #BobcatNation yearns for excellence. Over the past decade, the #RisingStar of Texas has been moved forward by a student body whose contagious bravado is rooted in individual #TXSTPride. United we are Texas State. Keep the #Maroon&Gold on high and unleash your #BattleCry.

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A yell or chant taken up in battle by members of the same unit. The purpose is a combination of arousing one’s own aggression and causing intimidation in the foe. United battle cries aim to create a competitive advantage by overstating a clear uncaged aggression where the enemy prefers to avoid confrontation altogether, opting to flee or lay down and die.

| Photo Eric Morales |

09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 29

The Battle Suit Ever wonder how much it costs for college athletic departments to outfit a football team?

Most Division I football programs spend a minimum of $100,000 to suit up their team.

The University of Oregon ranks at the top end of the spectrum at nearly $350,000 per season.

Helmet: $285 Face mask: $20 Mouth guard: $5 Chin strap: $10 Shoulder pads: $350 Game jersey: $95 Practice jersey: $40 T-Shirts: $24 (2 shirts @ $12/ea.)

Gloves: $200 (8 pairs @ $25/pair) Game pants: $85- Practice pants: $40 Knee brace: $1,200 (2 @ $600/ea.)

Pant pads: $20- Hex pad girdle: $32 Socks: $50 (10 pairs @ $5/ea.)

Shoes: $275 (5 pairs -- 3 for practice,

2 styles for games -- @ $55/ea.)

Total: $2,731 30 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

| Compiled By William Bowling Photo Eric Morales |

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Used sensibly and carefully, a straight razor is an excellent means of shaving.

Without due care and attention, it is possible to injure yourself, just as with any sharp-edged object. If you try out the shaving method described here, be aware that we make no guarantee, implied or otherwise, that you won’t manage to cut yourself. You will. But you will learn and become proficient.

Straight shave

The finer points

The strop doesn’t sharpen the edge of the razor at all, but simply aligns the edge keeping the very thin metal all pointing in the same direction.

Pictured Colt Kenny

Make the first pass with the grain (that means in the direction of hair growth).

| Photo Eric Morales |

Apply the hot lather to your face and let it sit on for 5 min or longer if hair is extremely coarse.

|

Use a 20° angle of the blade to your skin. You can obtain this angle by letting the blade almost “sit” flush on the face and turning it slightly to get the 20 to 30 degree angle.

Remember to use slight pressure!

Men’s grooming specialist John Taylor of Lamar’s Barbershop has 20+ years in the business |

Lather up again and make the second pass sideways to the grain.

Make a third and final pass against the grain.

This pass is the most dangerous and when the most accidents occur.

S E P T E M B E R

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13

Chilympiad For 33 years San Marcos was home to the “Best Bowl Of Red” in Texas.

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09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS

Events & Happenings

| September 2013 |

11th Annual PET FEST & 5K Run/Walk

PET FEST is a celebration of all pets, large and small, and restrained animals with nice manners are invited. Costumes are encouraged!

Bring a pet or come meet and greet the homeless pets from shelters and rescues who are waiting to be adopted. Admission is free, but it is requested that attendees bring a donation of dry pet food. Cash donations are also accepted.

September 28, 8am @ San Marcos Plaza Park, CM Allen Pkwy (Hopkins St) STAR Park Forum: Leading the Innovation Economy If you have been meaning to check out TXST’s STAR Park here is your chance to get an up close look at the technology in innovation. Tours of the research facility will be available in 30-minute increments following the forum. Space is limited!

September 5, 8am

@ Embassy Suites & Star Park (tours) 1001 E McCarty Lane, San Marcos

TXST Football vs Prairie View A&M

VIP lounge open to all with face painting, a photo booth and two chair massaeuses.

September 7, 9pm

@ The Marc 120 E San Antonio St, San Marcos

Readings from Poet Natalie Diaz

Acclaimed poet Natalie Diaz will give readings and book signing at Texas State University’s Wittliff Collections. The event is FREE and open to the public.

LAZERBASS

NightCulture presents a wild and crazy night on the square. The best in electronic music to get the blood flowing and heart racing.

September 14, 9pm

September 13, 3:30pm John Slaughter

Zombie Apocalypse: Preparedness 101

@The Wittliff Collection at TXST Library

Learn how to eat, sleep, and play in a way that prevents you from feeling like a zombie. This workshop is geared to help you build college survival skills so that you can successfully manage the stress of being a student. Free

September 7, 6pm

@ Bobcat Stadium 1100 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos

September 18, 1pm

@LBJ Student Center Room 3-7.1

Triple Six Burlesque

6 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

@ Cheatham Street Warehouse 119 Cheatham St, San Marcos

@ The Marc 120 E San Antonio St, San Marcos

First home game for the Bobcats and the first season in the SunBelt Conference.

Tailgate and enjoy college football.

Spend a titillating night at Back to School Burlesque! Presenting 28 of the hottest, talented ladies of the hill country. All ladies in the door before 11pm will receive a free raffle ticket for prizes. Dance party downstairs with beauty all around with a

September 13, 10pm

You may not have heard of John Slaughter but he is worth coming out the see. John has co-written two #1 songs on the Texas Music Charts: “ I love Being Lonsome” by Roger Creager and more recently “Pray for Rain” by Cody Johnson.

Central Texas Speedway Race

Live music, volleyball, concessions, and the bar will be available and continue throughout the evening.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased

online or at the door. Remember children 12 and under are always FREE!

September 21, 5pm

Opening Door Dance Theatre & BFA Senior Concert

@ Central Texas Speedway 24801 Interstate 35, Kyle

STRAIGHT UP.

Canoe & Kayak Fall Demo Days

Enjoy two full days of on-the-water action and, as always, expect to see and demo a wide selection of kayaks, standup paddleboards (SUPs) and canoes. Activities will also include raffles, lots of vendor representation and clinics all day long on a wide range of topics.

Test Paddle 90+ Kayaks

Opening Door Dance Theatre presents the choreography of faculty and guest artists danced by Texas State students. This concert will include The JUSTICE Project, an experiential and community-oriented interdisciplinary performance work created and developed collaboratively within a designated group to ignite the individual artistic spirit and to enliven a deeper sense of kinship from personal to global perspectives.

@Texas Ski Ranch 6700 N IH 35, New Braunfels

Tickets: $7 Students $12 General @Evans Auditorium, TXST Campus

Texas Junior Water Safari

TXST Football vs University of Wyoming

September 21 &22, 10am

A 16 mile mini race from San Marcos City Park to Staples. Entry fee $25 online per person thru 9/16. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided at the finish line. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at San Marcos City Park. Cut-off deadline for reaching Hwy 1979 Martindale Bridge is 12 noon.

September 21, 9am

@ San Marcos, City Park

September 26, 7:30pm

This is the premier match up of the Bobcats home schedule. Wyoming got the best of the Bobcats back in 2011. Time for the Cowboys from up north to feel a little Texas heat. With a nightime kickoff that gives you plenty of time to tailgate and wet your #battlecry whistle.

September 28, 6pm

@ Bobcat Stadium 1100 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos

Hill Country BBQ Cook-Off State Championship Need we say more? Okay, The Spazmatics will rock the place out Saturday night.

Friday (Free Admission) Saturday the gates open at 10am DAY Admission: $5 Free for children younger than 9 years of age

self-serve frozen yogurt 350 N. Guadalupe St. (Guadalupe & University) 512-667-6720 CATERING • CAKEBALLS FUNDRAISING • PARTIES

Extreme Bull Riding and Mutton Bustin’ beginning at 2:00pm

September 20-21

@ Hays County Civic Center 1249 Civic Center Loop, San Marcos

09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 7

SMTX | back stage

Bright like the sun BrightLikeSuns-Instagram | BrightLikeSuns @twitter | Reverbnation.com/brightlikethesun

Who needs a front man or a lead singer? Christian (bass at the time) and Rob (guitar) started jamming about two years ago and responded to an ad looking for Post-Rock musicians. They went through a few drummers before settling with Steven, which was really the foundation for the first record/first year of the band. They started writing more material and started identifying the need for a fifth member to help fill out the space. The Band started playing keys more and more, so Christian moved over to guitar and a really close friend of theirs, Chase, started playing bass for them. The fifth member has made a WORLD of difference, and this fivesome hopes that the next record will reflect that!

Is the reason for no lead singer because y’all are not good vocally or is it because you are still looking for the right fit?

We’ve never even entertained the idea of a singer; we all started playing together under those auspices. Most of us CAN sing actually. I’ve been the singer for a few bands before; I think Christian has too.

Vocals just aren’t something that fit well into our music. We wouldn’t be opposed to using them in the future.

How do you describe your music to people when you really don’t have a front man?

8 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

It’s difficult at times to describe it, but we try to relay to people the idea that it’s pretty universal.

I think the best description for us would be something like “instrumental, big, reverb, intense, movie music, loud, quiet, space, and noise all shaped into coherent songs.”

How do you rate your live performance ability?

It’s a huge focus for us. We don’t really have a “front man,” so it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that the crowd feels comfortable watching us, which in turns allows them to feel comfortable indulging in

whatever emotion they happen to be feeling.

What are your songs about, with no lead singer and lyrics?

Why do you want to record and release your own music?

I don’t think that any of our songs cover any real specific themes but rather are just an extension of how we felt at the time. We have some really optimistic/happy/poppy songs, and a couple really broody ones, which really just stems from the natural evolution of the human psyche. We’ve had friends and fans write lyrics and do art inspired by our songs, and it’s always amazing to see how dramatically differently the results are, how differently people interpret the same piece of music.

We have actually gone back and forth with this issue internally quite a bit, as the idea has both its merits and drawbacks. At this point in our relatively young career, however, we’ve simply found that we’re able to do a lot more for ourselves by keeping control over this aspect than what we’d be able to do while operating under the auspices of a label.

| Photo Anthony Gauna |

SMTX | in the know

Gambler’s Lingo ATS (Against The Spread) - A method of referring to the result of an event that takes the pointspread into account. Also, the act of taking points rather than betting with the spread, or “laying” points.

Book - An establishment that accepts bets on the outcome of sporting events.

WanNA Bet? Football is back, and that means, so is football wagering! Did you know that Las Vegas sportsbooks will accept over 3.5 billion dollars in sports wagers (mostly football) this year? Did you also know that this business is even bigger off the strip? Financial news outlet CNBC estimates that between 60 - 70 billion dollars is illegally wagered on college football alone, every year. This means that the vast majority of the sports betting volume in this country takes place via the infamous local bookie.

Every town has at least one or two of these guys. If you give them a call instead of flying to Vegas you better know what you’re doing before you start risking the rent. You might get rich quick (like our hero below), or you might end up with a baseball bat to the knee caps if you can’t pay-up.

Legend has it that some wiseguy won a $120,000 longshot last year by betting on our beloved Texas State Bobcat football team. You probably remember the game; it was the season opener vs. the formerly awesome Houston Cougars. Our hero, (un-named Vegas gambling legend and Bobcat optimist) bet $2,000 on the moneyline, with 60 to 1 odds, that the Bobcats would win the game outright and upset the Cougars, who were 34 point favorites. And they did! And he won 60 times $2,000 (or $120k) with that simple bet.

Here are some tips and general advise for all you squares out there trying to make a quick buck and beat the book this season. Beware: If you are a college booster, gambling on sports is a NCAA violation and not a good idea, unless of course, you are Johnny “Hancock” Manziel.

Ace’s Tips - Don’t gamble in Texas. It’s illegal.

- Do fly to Las Vegas to place your sports bets at the Tangiers Casino.

It’s fun!

- Don’t chase it when you get there, if you start to lose.

- Do look for value in mispriced lines and press when you find them.

- Don’t bet on your home team.

Too many emotions will cloud your judgment.

10 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

Buy (Points) - When a player pays an additional price to receive half a point or more in his favor on a pointspread game.

Chasing - Doubling the amount of your next bet to make-up for the loss on your last losing bet Cover - To beat the pointspread by the required number of points. When you win, you have “covered the spread.”

Edge - A person’s advantage when it comes to sports betting.

Favorite - The team expected to win an event.

The quoted odds reflect the extent to which the choice is favored.

Futures - Bets placed on an event or outcome taking place some time in the future (e.g. betting during the season on the Super Bowl winner).

Handicapping - The attempt to predict the outcome of sporting events. Usually involves research.

Hedging - Placing wagers on the opposite side in order to cut losses or guarantee a minimum amount of winnings.

- Do your research before wagering, or consider a handicapper service for an edge.

Laying the Points - Betting the favorite by giving up points.

- Don’t jinx yourself by texting your friends about how smart you are before the game is over.

Laying the Price - Betting the favorite by laying money odds.

- Do follow a strong hunch when you get one. It might be God trying to make you rich!

Lines - Another word for odds.

Lock - A “sure pick” to be an easy winner.

Moneyline - A wager where no pointspread is involved.

Over/Under - A bet on whether the combined total of the points/goals scored by the two teams will exceed or be less than a specified number.

Parlay - A bet on two or more teams or outcomes where the original stake and winnings are reinvested on the next wager. All selections must be correct for the parlay to win.

Pick ‘em - A game where neither team is favored and the point spread is zero.

Pointspread (spread) The handicap, or head start, which the favorite gives to the underdog for betting purposes.

Press - To wager a larger amount than usual.

Push - When a contest ends with no winner or loser for wagering purposes.

Square - A novice when it comes to sports betting.

Straight Bet - A wager on just one team, athlete or horse.

Taking the Points - Betting the underdog and its advantage in the pointspread.

Taking the Price - Betting the underdog and accepting money odds.

Teaser - A bet on two or more teams where the line on each team is adjusted in the favor of the bettor. Like a parlay, all selections must be correct for the teaser to win.

Ticket - A sports betting wager.

Under - A wager that the total points scored by two teams will be under a certain figure.

Value - Getting the best odds on a wagering proposition; the highest possible edge.

Wiseguy - A well-informed or knowledgeable handicapper or bettor.

| By Ace Rothstein |

09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 11

On August 26, this man set off on a West Coast mountain bike journey starting in Portland, Oregon, and continued down the Pacific Coast Highway and across the country, pedaling his way back home to Central Texas.

Leaving

nothing behind

Meet Brandon Ewers, a mountain bike racer, exercise aficionado, Texas State University graduate and the founder of The 60/40 Foundation.

The 60/40 Foundation is part of Ewers’ effort to raise funds to provide children and teenagers with bicycles in order to create a fun and physical outlet to help them cope with the struggle of mental health disorders.

12 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13 | By Katie Lewis Photo Eric Morales |

Listen Eortlessly.

Diagnostic hearing and balance assessments.

Hearing instruments and counseling.

Jasmine Burrington, Au.D. Audiologist

512.353.6400 1340 Wonder World Dr. San Marcos, Texas liveoakhealthpartners.com

09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 13

“ When was the last time you saw a child on a bike without a smile?”

take a dime for himself. 100% will go to ways to help children who he refuses to let disappear in the fast paced, competitive world in which we live.

By starting small, starting local, right here in San Marcos, he hopes to create a global impact and shine a light on mental illness. Ewers recognizes that in order to impact the world, you have to start small. But he wants to make sure that it’s the kids who get all of the benefit.

“Yeah, I created it,” said Ewers, “but I don’t want the spotlight on me. No. The spotlight will always be on those whom the bikes go to, those whom the shoes will go to, and those who get helped by this foundation.”

It was an easy leap for Ewers to go from enjoying his time on his bicycles, whether in a race or just for fun, to sharing his passion with his local community.

As a young man, Ewers struggled with a severe learning disability called Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), a complex problem that affects the way kids process the information they hear; for some reason, their ears and brain do not coordinate. Children with APD often do not recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, even when the sounds are loud and clear enough to be heard. It made Ewers’ pursuit of education a difficult journey, but this past May, he accomplished an amazing hurdle and graduated from Texas State University.

With his personal experiences and battles with learning disabilities and his undying passion for making a positive impact on the community, there has been 14 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

As he sees it, “a lot of people with special needs get left behind, or not given a chance with regards to higher education. There’s a lot of competition out there, and sometimes what someone with mental disabilities needs is just someone to push them in the right direction—to give them some drive,” said Ewers.

And that’s what he hopes to do through The 60/40 Foundation: 60% Mental, 40% Action.

Here’s action for you. On August 26, Brandon Ewers set off on his West Coast mountain bike journey. He started in Portland, Oregon and continued down the Pacific Coast Highway to San Diego, California. From there, he‘ll head back up to Nevada, across Utah, Colorado and will end up right back here in Central Texas.

On his ride for mental health awareness, he will be raising funds for something truly special for children, right here in San Marcos, Texas.

Ewers has pledged and is more than excited to give 100% of the funds raised to the Na-

tional Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

It is Ewers’ goal to raise enough funds with this ride around the western continental USA to grow The 60/40 Foundation and be of large-scale significance, starting right here in San Marcos.

The funds will provide children and teenagers who struggle with any variety of mental illness-from Down’s syndrome to bipolar disorder--with a bicycle.

“When you see a kid on a bike, they always have a smile on their face, don’t they? I mean, when was the last time you saw a child on a bike without a smile?” Ewers said.

But this isn’t where The 60/40 Foundation will stop. No sir.

Ewers has dreams of starting a second project in the future, involving a long distance run and raising funds for shoes, instead of bikes!

Whatever happens, Brandon Ewers promises to keep The 60/40 Foundation wholly nonprofit, and he says he’ll never

notes | Wear a helmet

As he describes it, he was riding his bike one day, and it struck him that he knew his purpose: to make a positive impact, to do something big. It was only natural that he would combine his passion for bikes and his passion for those with mental illness.

no stopping Ewers on his path to make a difference.

Brandon Ewers estimates he will be pedaling his way back into San Marcos around the end of November. We wish him the best and hope his bike has a comfortable seat.

The Journey 4,177.4 miles 256,362 feet of elevation gain 225,000+ calories burned 75 - 125 miles a day Website 6040foundation.org Follow on Facebook at the 6040foundation or track his progress daily at strava.com/athletes/391539 The Bike Specialized Stumpjumper S-Works 29er mountain bike modified. It weighs in at 54 pounds, fully loaded. The front wheel is custom-built with a power generating hub that connects to a USB which will allow for lights, GPS, camera and phone usage.

Leave Nothing Behind Donations can be made on The 60/40 Foundation website.

Walk right in.

No appointment needed.

Open late and weekends.

512.353.6425

M-F 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sat/Sun 8 a.m. - Noon 1941 North IH35, Suite 101A on the frontage road at Wonder World Drive

The hands behind our da Vinci Robotic Successes belong to a dad, husband, golfer and wakeboarder

Now oering virtually scarless surgery through single-site da Vinci procedures.

Dr. Erik Anderson, General Surgeon, is now performing more successful single site procedures than any other physician in the Austin-SA region. Find out why more people choose da Vinci Robotic surgery at Central Texas Medical Center.

ctmc.org 09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 15

NOBODY KNOWS

MORE BOUT

CHILI THAN I DO! | By Diana Finlay Hendricks |

With a nod to pioneers like Joe Cooper and Carroll Shelby, a whole bunch of chili queens who graced the plazas of San Antonio, more than two thousand men who cooked in San Marcos’ own Chilympiad -- the State of Texas Men’s Championship -and all who put a Bowl Of Red on the culinary map, I will stand up to anyone who wants to argue this statement.

Bring it on!

The National Chili Anthem “If You Know Beans About Chili, You Know That Chili Has No Beans.”

16 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

It was the early ‘80s, and chili was hot.

The Texas legislature had named chili the “State Dish of Texas.” Chili cook-offs were springing up around the nation, in parking lots and arenas, at rodeos and fairgrounds, and thousands of people were flocking to Terlingua to fight over who made the best bowl of red.

The first weekend of November, 1983, we had just finished judging the World Championship Chili Cook-Off, and I was sitting at a picnic table at Villa De La Mina in Terlingua, Texas, listening to car designer Carroll Shelby tell me how chili cook-offs came to be.

I had been around chili cook-offs since the first Chilympiad in 1970. My mother had been cooking competition chili for more than a decade (with the “Jump Up And Kiss Me” chili team), and she coordinated the first international chili cookoff in Guadalajara, Mexico. I had been named the second or third runner up in the Miss Chilympiad Contest in 1976, at the esteemed and ever so sexist Men’s Texas State Championship Chili CookOff, and cooked enough competition chili in children’s divisions, college divisions, and finally adult divisions to bring home a pile of trophies and make a name for myself in the competitive chili world. But until that November afternoon more than a quarter-century ago, I only thought I knew the history of chili.

Carroll Shelby and Dallas Morning News columnist Frank X. Tolbert were in the

midst of one of those heated fights that old friends wage when they don’t remember the same story the same way.

Tolbert was writing his popular weekly Texas culture column for the Morning News and buying ink by the barrel.

Shelby had just gone national with his “Carroll Shelby’s Chili Mix.” And, according to Shelby, Frank X. Tolbert was rewriting history and retelling how chili cook-offs began. Bottom line, Tolbert was not giving Shelby the credit he thought was due.

Shelby had a stubborn streak, money to burn, and a war to win. Dangerous mix.

He offered me the chance to edit a national chili magazine and said he would fund it. He told me I could write anything I wanted about chili as long as it was the truth. I said okay, and we shook hands.

I hadn’t yet learned that “the truth” came in so many versions. Like the old story about the blind men and the elephant, everyone I talked to told a different story from their personal view of the beast.

It was a wild two months gearing up for that premier issue, during which time I was privileged to interview legendary names in the chili world - the people who started chili cook-offs as we knew them.

Oh, the stories they could tell. Straight from the horses’ mouths, I learned that the first chili cookoff at Terlingua came about because about 25 newsmen and public relations guys got together regularly in the Press Room in Dallas to solve the problems of the world, drink

a lot of whiskey, and eat Wick Fowler’s chili. Bottom line—and something people forgot somewhere in the heat of competition later down the line—it was ‘all for fun.’

It had come to pass that a Yankee travel writer named H. Allen Smith penned a story for Holiday magazine entitled, “Nobody Knows More About Chili Than I Do.” The chili chef of this rambunctious group of friends in Texas, Wick Fowler said, “Them’s fighting words, Yankee.”

Backed by some of the greatest media talent in Texas and beyond, Fowler threw down the gauntlet. Smith accepted the challenge, and the chili war began.

Along about that time, on a lark, Carroll Shelby and Dallas attorney, David Witts, had purchased a 200,000 acre ranch in Terlingua, in the far reaches of West Texas, with what Shelby called “whiskey plans” to turn it into a tourist mecca.

The catch: No one had ever heard of the old mercury mining ghost town, Terlingua, Texas. It was a long way from anywhere. But some of the public relations folks convinced Shelby and Witts that this chili war would be the perfect opportunity to put their ranch on the map. So Fowler challenged Smith to a chili contest to be waged in the badlands of Terlingua. Several hundred media and PR folks found their way to the old ghost town in the middle of Brewster County, Texas. The press corps included a young Gary Cartwright, who was covering the 1967 cookoff for Sports Illustrated.

09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 17

It was a huge publicity success by all reports.

And by the way, neither Smith nor Fowler was declared the clear winner in the first competition. Cartwright reported in SI that the contest was declared a draw. One of the three judges, attorney David Witts tasted Smith’s chili and immediately declared his taste buds damaged beyond repair and was rendered unable to finish judging the competition. Did I mention that Smith’s recipe called for vegetables? As Cartwright reported in Sports Illustrated, Smith’s chili included, “God help him, canned pinto beans. ‘Nuff’ said.”

“Best Bowl of Red in Texas” 1979 Chilympiad Video True Chili Madness!

Our first edition of Chili Monthly came out in January 1984. The cover story was “The Gospel According To…” and featured interviews with those chili war veterans: Tolbert, Shelby, Cartwright, Hallie Stillwell, George Haddaway and more. Everyone described their elephant from a slightly different angle, but all agreed that in the beginning, it was all about fun.

Tolbert died of natural causes shortly after that first issue hit the streets. Shelby, always a competitor, took that as a win for his side in the chili history war and gave me free rein to keep going as long as the money held up.

Through the next eighteen months, I met the nephew of a legendary 6666 and XIT chuckwagon cook, who gave me his personal copy of Richard Bolt’s Forty Years Behind the Lid, a homemade cookbook filled with authentic range recipes. In subsequent issues, we wrote about chili wars that had been waged for decades by chili queens in San Antonio market plazas, chuck wagon cooks on the cattle trails, in small town cafes and bus stops, and even jails that earned reputations among outlaws for having good chili. I even got to interview Gene Autry about his mentor, Will Rogers, another great chili aficionado.

Chili Madness in San Marcos

Chilympiad Beauty Pageant Contestants

litany list of rules and regulations (all tongue in cheek and quite irreverent). In 1970, they decided to hold the first Republic of Texas Chili Appreciation Society State Championship Cook-off to decide fair and square who would be the CASI representative at the 1970 Terlingua Championship.

After the first couple of Terlingua cook-offs, it was determined that Wick Fowler didn’t have to be the only competitor, and bragging rights would be more pungent if the competition was between more than one Texan and one Yankee. This bunch of journalists and public relations flacks (also war veterans and war correspondents) had been instrumental in the organization of the Confederate Air Force as well as the Terlingua Chili Championship, so they were pros at creating much ado about nothing.

Don Russell, one of the gang and then general manager of Aquarena Springs Resort at the headwaters of the San Marcos River, offered the use of his resort. Austin American Statesman journalist Nat Henderson coined the phrase “Chilympiad” and sent out many of the original press releases, promising “chili madness” as the order of the day. Cooks showed up from everywhere. There were almost a dozen in all. Spectators showed up in droves, and all of the CASI folks, the CAFers, and the plain old folks who wanted to watch history in the making headed for the headwaters of the San Marcos River.

They proclaimed the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), the ultimate authority of chili competitions, and created a

Albert Agnor of Marshall, Texas, won the first Chilympiad. San Marcos instantly became

18 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

another landmark in chili history. And before all the chili pots had been washed, Russell, Henderson and the gang were making plans for the second annual Chilympiad.

Wait. I almost left out one of the most important parts of this history. The founders of Chilympiad were all card-carrying charter members of CASI. And all men. Don Russell explained in the chili archives, “Women have no business whatsoever trying to cook chili.

It’s a man’s dish and a man’s sport.” As Chilympiad historian Pat Murdock (who served as Chilympiad publicist and archivist for more than two decades and later co-chair of the cookoff) is quick to recall, “From its beginning until 2001, Chilympiad was an equal rights amendment supporter’s nightmare.

Over the years, there were mild, mostly tongue-in-cheek, protests, and phrases such as “chili libber” were coined.

Yes, the gauntlet was tossed, and women across Texas took the charge. Chilympiad was taken to court by Allegheni Jani Scho-

cook-offs, the world championship title, the trophy and all the glory was his. Fowler’s remarks upon winning the coveted title of World Championship Chili Cook that year were, “I’m just sorry I didn’t come in second!

When you’re first, you can’t raise as much hell demanding recounts.”

Agnor continued to cook good chili though.

He went on to prove that in 1976, when he won the Terlingua Championship, making him the first man to ever win both Chilympiad and Terlingua.

The Party’s Over…

And for 33 years, Chilympiad, held the third weekend in September, reigned as the “world’s largest CASI sanctioned chili cookoff,” according to Murdock. “While chili cook-offs proliferated across the country, Chilympiad continued to be the world’s largest CASI-sanctioned event. Chilympiad outgrew Aquarena and moved to the Hays County Civic Center in 1974. The cookoff reached its peak in terms of number of entries in 1995 with an all-time high of 582 registered cooks.”

She added, “While Chilympiad had always celebrated ‘the fine art of chili cooking,’ and the chili cookoff has been the event’s centerpiece, it was always more than a chili cook-off. A parade, arts and crafts, food and drink vendors, a beauty pageant and live music were a part of the festival from the beginning.”

field (who later became the first woman to win the World Championship Chili Cookoff with her “Hot Pants Chili”) for practicing sexual discrimination. And indeed, forced by court order, with Hays County Court-At-Law Judge Charles Ramsey presiding, Chilympiad did something about this chauvinistic, outdated attitude. The Chilympiad constitution and bylaws were changed to keep these organizers out of trouble with the women’s rights groups (and, of course, to keep them in the headlines). The new rules allowed that women would be allowed to cook, provided they were 100 years of age or older. But that leads to another string of stories… so let’s get back to that first Chilympiad.

Agnor went on to cook at Terlingua that year, as did Wick Fowler, because it came to mind that a Terlingua World Championship without Wick Fowler as a contestant would be as bland as a pot of navy beans. And Wick, of all people, didn’t have to prove his qualifications to anyone when it came to chili cooking. In a twist of fate that only the Terlingua originators could explain, Agnor did not win the Terlingua cook-off that year. Fowler won.

For the time in the history of competition chili

But Nothing lasts forever. The revelry, humor and competition of cooking a bowl of red had reached its peak. Murdock recalled the beginning of the end, “Like elsewhere in the nation, the tragic terrorist attacks of Sept.

11, 2001, cast a pall on the 32nd Chilympiad, held September 14 – 15, 2001. It was much too soon after Sept. 11 for Americans to be too eager to go out and play. For the more than 400 cooks who entered the first North American Open Chili Championship, it was much like a family gathering at a funeral.

The close knit community of the dedicated CASI chili cooks bonded together to share their grief, doing what they love to do most— cooking competitive chili.”

But 2001 was historic for another reason, according to Murdock. This was the first time in the cookoff’s 33-year history that women were able to cook at Chilympiad. It was the year Chilympiad switched from the Men’s State Championship Chili Cook-off to the North American Open Chili Championship, which welcomed both male and female cooks. The North American Open drew 408 registered cooks. Of the 24 trophies given out, 17 went to females, although the winner was a male, Phil Greenlees of Houston. But

ladies dominated places two through four. In 2002, the results of the second annual North American Open saw a 50-50 split between men and women in the winner’s circle.

2003 brought a suspension of Chilympiad, citing financial losses two years in a row, a shortage of volunteers and a lack of community support. A public auction and sale held June 19, 2004, to dispose of Chilympiad’s assets officially put a lid on the cook-off.

It’s been eleven years since the last Chilympiad. As September rolls around in San Marcos, I am not the only veteran chili cook who remembers the glory days of the World’s Largest Chili Cook-off. The parades, the beauty pageants, the showmanship and the music were all a part of a community-wide celebration that put San Marcos on the map.

In its heyday, thousands of people would pack into the Chilympiad concerts at the civic center “show barn” and dance to the music of legends like the Original Texas Playboys and up and coming musicians like George Strait and Robert Earl Keen.

I dug out those old issues of Chili Monthly and boxes of archives, files, scraps and notes and found myself wandering down back roads, lost in forgotten memories.

Stumbling down rabbit trails and tangents, it occurred to me that I am probably the only person who ever chronicled the stories of these chili gurus in their own words. I have subsequently been quoted as a chili historian and subject matter expert on the topic of Texas chili. Heady praise, I’ll tell you what.

With no disrespect to H. Allen Smith and Wick Fowler, but with just enough bravura, sass, and confidence to make any Texas chili queen proud, I am going to stand on my record and say, “Nobody Knows More About Chili Than I Do.” That said, I am going to put my money - or at least my best chili recipe - where my mouth is. It is Texas chili in its purest form, a recipe that reflects the good taste of Joe Cooper, the author of the first published book about chili. This chili is NOT for professional competition use only. And, yes, you can try this at home.

http://bobcatfans.com/archives/3190 09.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 19

SMTX | chewed and brewed | september 2013 |

The Culinary Criminals Food Trailer 17092 San Marcos Highway Martindale, Texas 78655 (512) 665-0106

Parking

The Felony Burger: featuring feta cheese, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, Sproutwork’s bean sprouts and Ratliff Dean’s creamy jalapeño cilantro dressing. The burger comes served on cheesy buns that are baked fresh daily.

Limited parking next to truck

Attire Casual. It’s a food truck!

If you are someone who craves delicious, local and creative eats, head on down to Culinary Criminals!

Hours Wednesday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 1p.m.

Culinary Criminals is a true food truck adventure, serving scratch made, mostly local-grown and produced organic GMO-free foods.

Culinary Criminal

For a truly scratch-made and locally sourced culinary adventure, head down to Martindale and visit the Culinary Criminals food trailer. Chef/owner Heather aka Fergie had the desire to open this truck with the goal of providing her tiny town and the neighboring city of San Marcos with locally grown and produced healthful foods at reasonable prices.

The Good Grub Guide highlights the dishes and neighborhood favorites in the area’s food scene. They are reviewed and selected by the editorial staff.

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KEY

When you chow down at The Culinary Criminals, you will be enjoying true homemade cuisine. Most everything is made from scratch, including all of their sauces, cheese bread and cornbread. Almost all of the meats are house-smoked over apple, pecan or mesquite wood.

Delivery Happy Hour Outdoor Seating

$$$ Most Entrees over $20 $$ Most Entrees $10 - $20 $ Most Entrees under $10

| Dish Reviews By Katie Lewis |

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BOBCATFANS | SMTX | Good Grub Guide Hays County BBQ & Catering With excellent reviews across the board, and a TEXAS MONTHLY TOP 50 pick, this is pit BBQ done with true central Texas tradition. The house made cheddar & jalapeno sausage is simply amazing. Their slow smoked brisket, turkey, ribs and chops satisfy every time.

Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 2601 Hunter Road, San Marcos (512) 392-6000 $ Milt’s Pit BBQ Located in the downtown district, it’s barbeque Kyle residents visit over and over again. They’re the ones with the finest sauce you never saw coming.

Lunch and dinner Tues-Sun. cash only.

208 W Center Street, Kyle (512) 268-4734 $ BYOB

QC Meat Market Taqueria Tucked inside the humble Mexican market on Highway 123, there is a taqueria that cranks out super authentic tacos and meat plates on a daily basis. They’re not just serving up the usual bacon and chorizo either. At QC, you have the option to be adventurous and try some Mexican favorites like lengua (seasoned and beautifully cooked cow tongue) and cabeza (tender and flavorful head meat). For the more tame palate, they serve up some of the best barbacoa (slow cooked and shredded meat) and intensely tasty bistek (peppered and tenderized sirloin), all for a great price.

AMERICAN Cool Mint Café Just off campus is a slightly hidden 1920’s Arts and Crafts Bungalow style café. With fine dining in mind, Cool Mint chef serves only the freshest ingredients. Lunch and dinner Tues-Sat. 415 Burleson St, San Marcos (512) 396-2665 $$ Gill’s Fried Chicken A San Marcos original, Gill’s serves up crisp, golden, and super juicy fried chicken. While you’re there, sink your teeth into the southern staple, fried okra. It truly is something to rave about. Lunch and dinner daily.

2550 Hunter Rd, #1112, San Marcos (512) 353-3113 $ Grins Grins is a true San Marcos icon that continues to be enjoyed by several generations of students and locals.

Head on over and order a juicy burger or mouth-watering chicken fried steak.

Don’t forget to grab a frosty margarita and dine on their outdoor patio. Lunch and dinner daily.

802 N LBJ, San Marcos (512) 392-4746 $ 22 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 09.13

Gristmill Located along the Guadalupe River in historic Gruene, this massive restaurant is perfect for a family outing. It has a cheerful and warm atmosphere, and as for the food--it’s just plain delicious.

Be prepared though, there is usually a wait, but it’s well worth it.

1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels (830) 625-0684 $$

ASIAN A-Tan Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar This little Asian bistro has, simply put, the best darn sushi in New Braunfels.

The food at A-Tan is consistent, fresh and inspired. Their most popular roll, the Guadalupe, is not only huge, but ultra delicious. Craving soup? Their egg drop is certainly one-of-a-kind.

1528 Common Street, New Braunfels (830) 620-1888 $$$ How Do You Roll?

How Do You Roll is an interactive fusion sushi joint where you pick the ingredients for whatever taste you’re in. Each roll is made quickly from fresh ingredients, right before your eyes. Choose from a large selection of sauces, wraps and toppings. Try the

420 roll. You won’t regret it! How Do You Roll is delicious, inexpensive and fun. 420 University Drive, San Marcos (512) 393-2221 $ Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Prik Nam Pla has quickly become known for their traditional and mouthwatering curry dishes and lip-smacking fish cakes. The service is consistently accommodating and ultra friendly.

Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 1917 Dutton Drive, Ste 104 San Marcos (512) 396-9919 $ BYOB

BARBECUE Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ Want to talk about amazing dry-rub barbeque? Head on over to Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ. The best time to go is during the weekend, where you can order their ever so succulent, off-the-bone pork chop. This chop is SO flavorful you wouldn’t even want the sauce.

1125 Texas 337 Loop New Braunfels (830) 627-0627 $$

BREAKFAST & TACOS Lolita’s Café This taco stand is arguably the Mecca of San Marcos breakfast tacos. With their two drive-thru windows, and a walk up service area, it’s always easy to grab and go. All of the ingredients are prepared fresh daily, bright and early every morning. You’ll never be disappointed. If you’re SUPER hungry, try their Burrito California, packed full of rice, beans, pico, lettuce and your choice of meat, but don’t forget to ask for extra napkins!

1501 Aquarena Springs, San Marcos (512) 392-3441 $ Pike Restaurant & Antiques Formerly an old Ford dealership, the atmosphere is both vintage and exciting. This place is fantastic for brunch.

Their omelets are especially delicious.

Breakfast and lunch daily.

386 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels (830) 387-4594 $$

GLOBAL

Euro Café & Market Now here’s a local joint where you actually want to try something new every time you go back. The menu features authentic Mediterranean-style entrees, including Gyros, kebabs and delicious inspired specials.

350 North Guadalupe Street, San Marcos (512) 392-6044 $ Vodka Street Conveniently located on The Square, this classic bistro and bar serves up amazing tapas, burgers, and Sun-

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BOBCATFANS | SMTX | Good Grub Guide day brunch. The food is beautifully presented and along side the more elevated and inventive dishes, they serve up old-fashioned favorites.

Dinner daily. Sunday brunch.

202 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 396-4260 $

ITALIAN ilario’s This quaint little trip to Italy is great for any occasion. The menu features old style pizzas and an array of popular Italian dishes with delicious garlic bread at a reasonable price. They’re also serving up some local TX wine.

Lunch and dinner daily.

5401 S. FM 1626, Kyle (512) 268-3300 $ Italian Garden With just a short walk from campus, this little restaurant has become a local staple. They’re serving up consistently delicious dishes that are easy on the pocketbook.

Lunch and dinner daily.

415 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 392-8730 $

MEXICAN Chimy’s Cerveceria This is what you get when you blend a fun college bar with a mouth-watering Mexican food joint. Chimy’s is perfect for a quick bite or relaxing with a stiff margarita after a long day on the river.

Come on by to watch the game while scarfing down ridiculously delicious fajita nachos.

Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 217 E. Hopkins, San Marcos (512) 216-6175 $ Garcia’s Mexican Food Restaurant Garcia’s is Tex-Mex at its finest. Now with two locations in San Marcos, it’s easy for you to try their terrific chips and flavorful salsa. Dive into their terrific fajitas and cheesy enchiladas.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily 1917 Dutton Drive, San Marcos (512) 353-0099 $ Zookas Ultimate Burrito Can you guess what the most common response to hearing the word ‘Zookas’ is? “Obsessed!” Zookas puts other

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Chili Dog Stand When it comes to chilidogs, the San Marcos staple and family run business, Chili Dog Stand, has it SO completely right. Their signature smooth, all beef chili recipe has been in the Garza family for generations.

Chili Dog initially opened up in the 1960’s and has stood at its current location on Invasion St. since the 1980’s. These classic dogs have stood the test of time and continue to be a real local favorite as well as a San Marcos icon. The chilidogs come standard with mustard, chopped onion and a generous portion of their thick and flavorful homemade chili sauce. burrito chains to shame. Serving up endless combinations with unusual sauces and wrap flavors, this is truly the ultimate burrito shop.

Lunch and dinner daily 312 University Drive Ste A San Marcos (512) 353-3913 $

PIZZERIA Brewster’s Pizza Take a drive through the Hill Country and stop for an amazing pizza and inventive house-brewed craft beer. The Omnivore Pie, complete with spinach, is a favorite. You can customize your pie with a wheat crust for a slight flavor twist. Lunch and dinner Tues-Sun. 9595 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley (512) 847-3299 $$ Gumby’s Pizza & Buffet Gumby’s is a typical college pizza joint, but with a hot lunch buffet and a beautifully fresh salad bar. There are daily specials and who can forget the famous Stoner Pie. Gumby’s is perfect to soak up the booze after a night out on the town.

Lunch buffet daily.

403 North Guadalupe Street San Marcos (512) 754-8629 $

PUB/SPORTS BAR Center Field Sports Bar & Grill This sports bar is both warm and inviting with its delicious array of spicy wings and juicy burgers. Watch out though, their huge portions of French fries are extremely addicting! You’ll have plenty to sit through an entire game.

Lunch and dinner daily.

200 West Center Street, Kyle (512) 268-1400 $ Mozie’s Bar & Grill You’ll always find yourself standing in some true history when you’re in the cozy town of Gruene. Mozie’s Bar & Grill is part of that history. The space, while narrow and long, is a perfect setting to eat delicious food. You can’t go to Mozie’s and not get the amazing Shiner beer-battered onion rings and famous fish tacos!

Lunch and dinner daily.

1601-A Hunter Road, New Braunfels (830) 515-1281 $$ Sean Patrick’s Located on The Square, this beautiful Tex-Irish pub features the largest tap beer selection in all of Hays County.

From their delicious Guinness Burger to the more traditional Bangers & Mash, Sean Patrick’s has something for everyone to enjoy.

Lunch and dinner daily 202 East San Antonio Street, San Marcos (512) 392-7310 $

SANDWICHES Mochas and Javas A local favorite for studying, web surfing, or catching up with friends, this coffee shop serves a variety of heavenly panini sandwiches.

Breakfast and lunch daily.

700 N LBJ Drive #103, San Marcos (512) 396-5282 $

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BOBCATFANS | SMTX | Good Grub Guide Pedestrian Café Located in Mimi’s Trailer Park, this food truck combines an array of robust and fresh flavors to form an epic meal. Each dish is hearty with various sides to accompany whatever your heart desires.

Lunch and dinner daily.

301 N Guadalupe St., San Marcos (512) 618-5411 $ Which Wich Sure, here’s one of your typical sub sandwich food chains, but they really do have a crispy style and distinct zest of their own. Which Wich is quick, close to campus and, of course, affordable on any budget.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

302 University, San Marcos (512) 396-4924 $ The Leaning Pear Venture out into the beautiful hill country and make sure to stop at The Leaning Pear. The chef has the gift of fusing flavors that will surpass your imagination. There isn’t a dish that will disappoint.

Lunch daily, dinner Fri-Sat. Closed Tuesday.

111 River Rd, Wimberley

(512) 847-7327 $ Naturally Featuring outstanding homemade quiche and yummy sandwiches, this place is great to take the edge off during your lunch break. The salads and smoothies are a great alternative for a healthy meal as well.

Lunch Mon-Sat. 1102 N. Walnut, New Braunfels (830) 214-6300 $

STEAKS & SEAFOOD Bordeaux’s Serving up filet mignon and fresh seafood like it’s nobody’s business with sides that are just as scrumptious. Located in the heart of Kyle, Emeril Lagasse has dined there to enjoy Chef Larson’s menu.

Dinner Mon-Sat. 108 West Center Street, Kyle (512) 268-3463 $$$

KOBE Steakhouse Hibachi grill for Steaks & Seafood, terrific sushi, happy hour and Asian cuisine all in one! KOBE serves up any combination you’re craving.

Lunch and dinner daily.

515 Springtown Way, San Marcos (512) 396-7200 $$ McAdoo’s Seafood Company This Cajun style seafood restaurant and bar has wonderful food and impeccable service to go along with it. Have a drink at the bar while you wait to be seated, then enjoy fresh oysters, fish, or crawfish. Overall, it’s a great fine dining experience for a night out on the town.

Lunch and dinner daily.

196 Castell, New Braunfels (830) 629-3474 $$$ Myron’s Prime Steak House Sophisticated and upscale, yet relaxed, this prime steakhouse offers succulent steaks and seafood. The menu is a-la-carte, so everyone can experience a little bit of everything.

Dinner daily.

136 North Castell Avenue, New Braunfels. (830) 624-1024 $$$

Rahr & Sons Gravel Road

Brewed in Dallas, this seasonal is a German-style alt bier (which means old). The brown ale is crafted for a longer period of time at a colder temperature. The process yields a smooth and flavorful lighter bodied beer with a nice balance of hops and malt.

On tap at Sean Patrick’s for a limited time.

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Brant Freeman The Voice of the

Bobcats Age: 32 College: Texas State University (Spring ’06) Electronic Media (aka broadcast journalism) Play-by-play voice of Texas State Football and Sports Director at KGNB Started calling games at TXST During The 2003 season (2013 will be his 11th season)

twitter: @Brant_Freeman

“You can’t be afraid of being told what you’re doing wrong.

In fact, the worst thing that can happen to a young broadcaster is to be told how good they are, because that won’t help them get better.”

Q-How did you get to where you are today—the play-by-play voice of the Bobcats?

Being at the right place at the right time more than anything else, which goes a long way in any profession. I first applied to be on the sports staff at the campus station at Texas State in the spring of 2003, my third semester at the school. I was hired and had the opportunity to work a few women’s basketball games that spring, including Texas State’s last appearance in the NCAA tournament vs. LSU in Eugene, Oregon. From there I called quite a few Bobcat baseball & softball games and the following fall, an opening came about to call play-by-play (PBP) for Bobcat home games.

At the time, Texas State’s Sports Information Director Tony Brubaker was calling Bobcat Football on the radio but needed to focus on his SID duties for home games and decided to just call the road games. After working several Texas State athletic events the previous few months, Tony and Bill Culhane (who is still my broadcast partner to this day) decided to give me the opportunity, one I am forever grateful for.

Stadium in 2003 to what it is today…incredible.

Same can be said for the baseball, softball, soccer and track facilities as well. That doesn’t come without support which has grown exponentially over the past 10 years.

Q-As a prominent member of the TXST media, how would you describe TXST’s current and future place in the local sports market?

It’s gaining ground, over the past three years we have established a commercial flagship radio station in Austin that covers Texas State football games and coaches’ shows, and we had affiliates in San Antonio last season and do again this season. The Express-News has a beat writer who covers Texas State football throughout the season. Austin TV stations (YNN, Fox) are at practice and media luncheons on a daily/ weekly basis. The television show “Inside Bobcat Football” originates from YNN’s Non-Stop Sports in Austin and airs statewide through Time Warner Cable. The Longhorn Network aired several Bobcat games last year and is broadcasting more this year. The media interest has grown along with growth of Texas State athletics, a trend I expect will continue.

Q-What was it like calling your first game?

My first EVER game was a women’s basketball game at Lamar. I couldn’t sleep all week leading up to the game and had a book of prep work with me. I wanted to make the most of the opportunity and, in all honesty, over prepared and probably called the game at 100 MPH. There were (of course) some technical issues, and we didn’t get on the air until a couple of minutes into the game. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Q-What’s the most interesting aspect of calling the TXST football games?

Being able to serve in a role that represents my alma mater. There are a lot of guys in the business who have similar roles at other schools, but not for the ones they got their degree from.

My wife went to Texas State, as did her parents.

I’m a Bobcat through-and-through, and to be able to be behind the mic for my school’s football team is an incredible honor.

The role of broadcaster has also given me the opportunity to travel all across the country to places I wouldn’t otherwise go, meet a lot of interesting people and develop friendships and professional relationships as well. I was always a shy kid growing up and was always looking for an outlet to “come out of my shell.” Being the “Voice of the Bobcats” has allowed me to do that.

Q-As someone who has a unique perspective, what are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen with TXST Athletics as well as the campus, in general, since you were on campus?

Q-Sports broadcasting is a very competitive business. What advice would you give aspiring announcers as they’re starting out?

Practice, get reps, repeat. When I first started, I would mute the volume on my television while watching a game or even while playing “Madden” and call the PBP. Every game I do, I record it (even now), go back and listen, and work on getting better. I have gone out to minor league baseball games just to practice, something which actually has led to freelance pro-baseball opportunities with the Angels Double-A affiliate. I have sent my work out to countless amounts of people, not looking for a job but for advice and tips. You can’t be afraid of being told what you’re doing wrong. In fact, the worst thing that can happen to a young broadcaster is to be told how good they are, because that won’t help them get better.

One other bit of advice: everybody got to where they are on their own path. Work hard, network, stay in it long enough, and good things will happen in your own way too.

Q-What are one or two facets of the profession that listeners would find most surprising?

The hours involved. For one 3-hour broadcast on a Saturday, I would say a total of 20 hours or so go into preparation. From the spotter boards I put together, to attending practice, media luncheons, interviewing coaches and players—there is a lot of time spent in getting ready for game day. Saturday is the easy part.

As Coach Fran himself says, if you’re not ready for it, your opportunity will expose you.

Q-What would you consider the highlight of your career to date?

It’s hard to argue with Texas State’s two SLC titles, which were both won on the final game of the season with game winning TDs in overtime against Sam Houston State. The comeback win versus Georgia Southern (’05 FCS playoffs) was extremely memorable as well. Outside of Texas State, as I work fulltime as a Sports Director at a nearby radio station, I’ve had the opportunity to cover the Final Four, and two NBA Finals, experiences which have been memorable as well. This may come across as corny, but the real highlight is simply getting up every day and getting the chance to do what I do.

Q-Who do you consider the premier play-byplay announcer in the profession today? Is there anyone you’ve tried to tailor your style after?

When it comes to football, Dan Miller of the Detroit Lions is one of my favorites. Bill Schoening of the Spurs is someone I really look up to, and I’ve been fortunate to strike up a friendship with him in recent years. The best in the business right now is probably Dan Schulman of ESPN. I would have to say my favorite college broadcaster is Dave Hunziker at Oklahoma State. He took over as the “Voice of the Cowboys” after the tragic plane crash involving the 2001 OSU Basketball team that killed longtime Oklahoma State broadcaster Bill Teegins. I want my style to be my own (as everyone should) but listening to talent like this has helped me mold my approach to calling games.

Q-How do you keep your mind straight when officials are doing a less than stellar job managing a game and making horrible calls?

Just have to keep it professional. If you veer off the path of what’s important (the game) to discuss something like a bad call, it comes across as losing control of the broadcast. Bad calls happen; like the players and coaches, you move on.

Q-What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done or said on the air?

I’m sure we’ve all seen baseball games where an outfielder catches a fly ball for the 2nd out, but he thinks it’s the 3rd out and flips the ball to a fan, only to realize his mistake when a base runner takes off for home. I had such a moment a couple of years ago calling a minor league baseball game. I lost track of the outs and starting to go into break thinking that the previous strikeout ended the inning. I cut myself off when I saw that nobody was retreating to the dugout and had to admit to my mistake on air. I went into a cold sweat on that one.

Seems fairly obvious, but the facilities. Bobcat

| Interviewed by William Bowling Photo Eric Morales |

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SMTX | happy hour

Notes | Garden Lounge

Shade Rooftop Patio

The newest rooftop spot in San Marcos has a relaxing lounge vibe in an elevated garden setting. Specializing in craft cocktails, Shade brings a touch of sophistication to the square experience. Excellent for conversations with old friends and making new ones.

127 E Hopkins San Marcos, Texas 78666

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Restaurants Bobcat Nation

Gumby’s

Sean Patrick’s

$1 Frozen ‘Ritas (Tue) $2 U Call It (Wed 6pm) Home of the Coach Fran Radio Show (Thurs) Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 700 N LBJ (512) 667-6393

$1.50 Ziegenbock Daily 403 N. Guadalupe St. (512) 754-8629

Half Price Appetizers 50¢ Wings $1 Off Drafts & Wells $1.50 Margaritas Mon-Fri @ 3pm – 7 pm 202 E. San Antonio St (512) 392-7310

Chimys Cerveceria $.99 Crispy Tacos Wells & Margarita Specials Mon–Fri @ 4pm – 7pm 217 E Hopkins (512) 216-6175

$4 Draft Beer $4 Wells $4 House Wine Mon-Fri @ 3pm- 6 pm 690 Centerpoint Rd. (512) 393-2867

127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313

Showdown

Triple Crown

$2 Wells & Dom Bottles

Happy Minutes Specials

$1.75 Shiner & XX $2.50 Big Bark & Guinness $1.75 Wells

3pm – 7pm Daily

139 E. Hopkins St. (512) 878-2448

$3 Kamikaze Shots $3 Red Snapper Shots

Mon-Fri til 7pm

Gray Horse Saloon $2–$5 Specials All day, Everyday

1904 Rand Road 12 (512) 878-8080

Half Price Appetizers $3 Wells, $1 Off Drafts Mon-Fri @3pm - 7pm 202 N LBJ Dr. (512) 396-4260

Harper’s Pub

Barfish Lounge

141 E. Hopkins (512) 558-7399

Vodka St.

Bars

Jack’s Roadhouse

All Day, Everyday

$2 Drafts, $2.50 Wells $7.50 Pitchers Mon-Fri @ 4pm – 7pm 2550 Hunter Rd. (512) 878-2405

$3 and $5 specials Mon-Fri @ 3pm – 6 pm 218 Moore St. (512) 353-3500

Food Specials $.99 Margaritas $5 Baby Beer Buckets Mon-Th @ 2pm – 10 pm 802 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-4746

Mon-Fri @ 5pm – 8pm

Los Cucos

Tres Hermanas

Palmer’s

Grin’s

$1 Off Everything $2 Off Specials

$2 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Wells $3 Infused Daily @ 4pm – 7pm 119 E. Hutchison St. (512) 878-8862 $1.99 Margaritas 99¢ Domestic Pints Mon-Tues all day Wed-Fri ‘til 7pm 1617 Aquarena Springs Dr. (512) 805-2444

Cody’s Bistro

Black Rabbit Saloon

Louie’s Oyster House & Beer Garden

$2 or less Specials 1625 Hunter Rd. (512) 392-3340

Riley’s Tavern Various Specials

3-3:15pm, 5-5:15pm, Daily

207 E. Hutchison St. (512) 392-7282

Taxi’s Piano Bar $1 Jello Shots, $2 Wells

Mon-Fri @ 6pm - 8pm

202 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-3031

Daily

Treff’s Tavern

8894 FM 1102 Hunter TX (512) 392-3132

Daily @ 1pm – 8pm

Mon-Fri @ 5pm - 8pm

206 N. Edward Gary St (512) 396-2236

Zelicks Various Specials

Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm

336 W. Hopkins St. (512) 757-8787

$1.75–$3 Specials 804 Chestnut St. (512) 353-1594

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