January/February 2010
THE SPORTSMAN
Rocky Thigpen
HUNTING REPORT
Rekindle a Lost Passion
ON THE GREENS
Preparation for Spring Golf
CREATING THE ULTIMATE M A N C AV E
The Best Super Bowl Burgers! 1 | EAST - January/February 2010
The hottest hunting and fishing items on the market
Cover photo by lisa crow,
January/February 2010
www.specialeventstx.com
contents
6 8 10 12 13 14 16 17 19 22 23
the sportsman Rocky Thigpen
hunting report By Christian Scudder
game accessories
skills and techniques Sealy Outdoors
fishing guide
Sam Rayburn Tournament Schedule
fishing east texas Cassels-Boykin Park
the cutting edge
sports center By J.P. Heath
the next level Brandon Belt
men’s health The Importance of Screening Tests
24 26 27 28 30 31 33 34 36 39
lifepoint Top of the Game by John Greene
man caves Darry Meyer
unsung hero Rodney and Reed Squyres
car and driver Jerry Johnson
biker alley Brother’s Keeper
on the greens Preparing for the Spring by Ben Burns
grilling 101
The Best Super Bowl Burger By Billy Huddleston
ranch and rodeo
PRCA Rodeo and Steer Show
trophy hunts why i love east tx
high-tech
In-Wall Speakers
5 | EAST - January/February 2010
By Bruce Partain
The Sportsman/ Rocky Thigpen “The real value is when a kid has a chance to go into the woods. Then killing a buck is just a bonus.” Because opening day was the big highlight for Rocky as a child, he wanted to get his boys excited, too. He started taking his boys out in the woods, hunting, and sitting on the stand when they were four years old. “I can remember sitting on a one-man stand and my boys sitting between my legs for two hours or more and never saying a word,” he said. The anticipation for the day was big, but Rocky wanted to teach his boys that season-opening is not when it started. “It was not just a couple months for deer season,” he said. “We scouted and looked all year long for that perfect spot. And those are some of our best times together.” Some of Rocky’s fondest memories are with his boys, dad, and brother. But, it’s about the camaraderie with friends, too. Hunting is about the memories and experiences shared on the hunt together.
F
or some, the best part of hunting are the memories, the family time and the overall camaraderie shared with friends. Rocky Thigpen, of Lufkin, enjoys the sport of hunting because of those very reasons.
to his children.
His first of many years worth of hunting memories began when he was five. The experiences are why he does it and why he wants to carry that legacy forward
“My dad was a very patient man and wanted us to hunt with him. He never said we were too young to go with him, he just said, ‘Come on.’ It was a value instilled in him at an early age and he wanted us to hunt with him to learn from his knowledge,” said Rocky. Hunting at a young age was all about the thrill and anticipation of opening day for Rocky. “I was always excited at school knowing Saturday was the first day to hunt and the best chance to kill a big buck,” he said. Rocky was taught that hunting was for the sport and to be glad to see everyone’s success. “I remember being young, that a buck was a buck,” he said. “It did not have to be scored or weighed. You were just proud of the hunt, the stalk, and then the kill.” Today, there is more pressure by parents for their kids to kill the right buck and to meet up to everyone else’s standards. “The real value is when a kid has a chance to go into the woods,” Thigpen said. “Then killing a buck is just a bonus.”
One of Rocky’s favorite adventures was one with his good friend, Tom Selman. They put together a low-budget hunt in Wyoming, driving 100 miles north of Cheyenne in 24 hours. Tired and exhausted, they were still ready to hunt. The ranch they stayed in had a bunkhouse. “Being the good friend Tom is, he said he would take the top bunk,” Thigppen said. “The top bunk had no bottom in it--just slats. Tom was still tinkering with his hunting gear at bedtime. We also planned on shooting prairie dogs with Tom’s 223 rifle. As Tom was putting his stuff up, he let his flashlight fall through the slats and I was laying in my bunk below. The three-pound tube fell through the slats and hit me right about the hair line where your hat sits and it almost knocked me out. Tom was hysterical! It did not break the skin on my forehead, but it put a knot on my head a baby calf could suck. Needless to say, we were 100 miles from a hospital and Tom was really worried. I just milked it for all it was worth.. It did hurt and he kept me up all night asking if I was okay. We had a great hunt and we both killed deer.” The stories are endless. The best part is if hunting wasn’t a part of his life, Rocky would not have the experience, knowledge and memories of his hunts. The great thing about Rocky is he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He loves to hunt just as much as the next person, but he keeps it all in a realistic perspective. Recently, Rocky was interviewed along with a state game warden by local television station KTRE. The title under Rocky’s name was “Experienced Hunter.” Since then, Rocky has run with his new title. He has his own Web site, www.experiencedhunter.com. Rocky says he is far from being an expert. Because of the mentorship by his father, years of hunting, hunts with other hunting buddies, along with teaching his boys the ins and out of the sport, he always has something to say.
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All in all, the fondest memories for Rocky are hunting and being in the woods with his children when they were small. “Those were great times and they grow up too fast,” he said. “I think most dads would say, ‘Give me some of those days back and I will make better use of it.’Today, I think how funny it is when my 23-year-old son asks me to sit on a box stand with him, and how funny we look. But we are able to catch up and just talk about things. I think, ‘Who cares what we look like?’ Just being with him and knowing he will still ask me to sit with him makes it all worthwhile.” Rocky moved to Lufkin after his dad was transferred with his job. He attended Angelina College and later graduated from Stephen F. Austin. During those years, he attended the Texas Department Public Safety Highway Patrol Academy. Rocky served five years as a Texas Highway Patrolman. He eventually settled in working at Angelina Hardwood, where he has been for the last nineteen years. Rocky is married to Terri and they have four boys, Alan Thigpen, Austin Thigpen, BlakeWilliams, and RyanWilliams.
Above: Rocky and son, Austin
Below: Rocky’s dad
Blake, Rocky, and Austin
Rocky’s son, Alan, at age 9, with his first deer
Experienced Hunter Tips For Avid Hunters
Keep doing what you need to do, but do it with your family. It is not how big the deer is or how many, it is spending time with your family and kids.
If Rocky could give only one tip
Promote gun awareness! It is very important that we pass on to our kids how important our rights as gun owners are. We must be aware that there are people out there that do not want us to hunt and we need to preserve this for our kids.
Hunting East Texas
If you have a property you hunt, treat it like your own. Be aware of the landowner’s wants and needs and make sure you do not abuse what you have. They are not making any more land and it is getting harder and harder to find private places to hunt. eastmensmagazine.com | 7
HUNTING REPORT/ rekindling an old flame by christian scudder
Christian Scudder (left) and Daniel Colvin
I
was in the midst of calling duck calling contests and wishing that wing shooting season was here when I was re-introduced to an old passion: turkey hunting.
I was speaking with a new friend, Dr. Dan Witt, about fishing and hunting when he mentioned to me that he had a huge turkey flock in north-central Kansas that was seldom hunted. He said I was welcome anytime to try it out. I got with my friend, Daniel, and we decided to take the trip at the end of the season, three weeks away, giving us time to work on our calling and get all our gear. I had never hunted in Kansas before and looked forward to going there and hunting a bird I had not hunted in a long time. I was bringing my newly purchased Vinci from Benelli and I was super excited to go afield with it. The specks were awesome, lightweight, and had a modular design. It had crio barrel and chokes and had 72 percent less recoil than other market shotguns. More importantly for me was the total package performance. I had been shooting 870’s since I was 13, and this was only my second semi-auto loader. We arrived at 2 a.m. on a Friday to be greeted by the Hoisington Police. We received an escort to Dr.Witt’s home where he was waiting for us with his black lab, Smooch. The beds were turned down and we were unpacked and asleep in about 30 minutes. Dr. Witt headed back to bed, but before he left, he stated, “I have a great spot for the both of you in the morning.”
Morning came and we were off. We were full of coffee, three hours of sleep and visions of the hunt to be. We ended up in Ellington, about 30 minutes from Great Bend, which was a 25-minute drive from Doc’s home. I took the west side of the woods and Daniel took the east. The wind was approximately 28 miles-per-hour out of the south and it was 78 degrees. Daniel and I set up three-quarters of a mile apart from one another. It was almost 7 a.m. and I heard a shot from Daniel’s direction. I sent him a text, and in reply he stated, “One down and many still around.” We hunted separately for the next two hours, but I had still not seen nor heard any signs of turkey. Daniel sent a text: “Come my way and be quiet, there are turkeys everywhere.” Daniel was right! On my 20-minute trip, I saw about nine turkeys in a nearby field. After the hunt, Daniel told me about his first harvest, and how he saw three Toms right after Dr. Witt drove off. He studied one for about 10 minutes before deciding it’d be a great one to take. The bird appeared to be three years old. He had right at about 1-inch spurs and a 10-inch beard. After talking to a local Kansas game and fish wildlife officer, we all agreed that Daniel had shot a hybrid (part Eastern and Part Rio). That evening, we returned to the same spot, where we spotted three hens about 20 yards away and one jake. But we didn’t travel 10 hours for a Jake. It was Tom or nothing.
8 | EAST - January/February 2010
After a great evening meal of pasta and wild pheasant (courtesy of Mrs.Witt) and a good night’s sleep, we set out again--this time to a new location. The wind was out of the north at about 30 miles per hour, and the temperature had dropped to 42 degrees. We each slipped on some Natural Gear Fleece tops and bottoms and we were off. After set-up, we had about four Toms and three hens headed our way. One of the things that was so awesome about that morning was seeing pheasant--and for every pheasant we saw, we heard another 20. Turkey were everywhere. Two of the Toms broke in a dead sprint to us and then hung up in the creek bed to our left. They double and triple gobbled at us for 30 minutes, then headed back to their origin About to give up, we decided that it was still early enough to possibly call that last Tom with the 3 hens in. We set up down in the bottom close to the creek. Upon setting up, we heard and saw Canadian geese flying overhead. At this point, we both started calling, playing “little hen, big hen.”
“So the next time you find yourself just outside of your favorite season’s close, look to other avenues of sporting and see for yourself--you may find a new passion or light a fire to a forgotten one.”
I stood up only to find a Tom in full strut at about 275 yards out, and with two of the hens. He put on a great show. He stayed in full strut all the way to the decoy. The hens almost gave us away, as they were at the decoy about 20 minutes prior to the Tom getting there. The Tom never came out of full strut. Finally, after 90 minutes of watching him strut, I harvested him at about 13 yards. What a great bird. He was huge. His beard was over 11 inches and he had almost 1 ½ inch spurs--he was sure to be a 3½ to 4 year old turkey. There was talk that I too had shot a hybrid (part Rio but mostly Merriam’s). When we got back to Hoisington, Doc suggested we weigh the bird. We went to the local supermarket and weighed the bird, right there with everyone shopping for food. That was a treat--only in small-town America will you find such a sight. He weighed in at almost 21 pounds. We capped the day off with another evening in the woods with many hens and Jakes in sight, but the elusive Toms were not going to have any part. We then met up with folks from Kansas Fish and Wildlife and hunters from Wichita and Denver for a great fish fry at Doc Witt’s house.What a great evening. Every group who had hunted that day had harvested a great Tom. Kansas has a new place in my heart. The people and the scenery were hard to beat. There is so much wildlife in that area. Any outdoorsmen could have the time of their life chasing game. So the next time you find yourself just outside of your favorite season’s close, look to other avenues of sporting and see for yourself--you may find a new passion or light a fire to a forgotten one.
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game accessories/ new products
Humminbird 597ci Color Fishfinder Combo with Internal GPS This 4.5 inch display screen will allow every angler to see the fine details the 640 vertical pixels the Humminbird has to offer. It comes with a dual beam sonar and Hummingbird Sonar Echo Enhancement. The system is so clear that you can separate fish 2.5 inches apart and track a jig down 70 ft.
BUCK Knife X-Tract This is an all-purpose tool to keep on hand. All of the tools are accessible with one hand. Tools included are: full size, partially serrated knife blade, spring loaded needle nose pliers, 12-guage wire cutter, flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, bottle/can opener, and a LED flashlight.
Delorme PN40 Handheld GPS Known for their knowledge and experience in mapping, the latest and greatest Delorme PN40 is better than ever.This unit includes a barometric altimeter and digital compass with accelerometer. Instant map and satellite imagery redraws. With greater internal memory than other units and a very usable screen in bright sunlight (or backlight at night), this is the GPS you want.
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skills and techniques/sealy outdoors
T
he ears of anglers from all around perk up when the name “Sealy” is mentioned, and they want to hear what is being said. Someone has a story about a bass that won a tournament, someone is discussing the upcoming tournament schedule, or someone talking about this year’s prizes. The new tournament schedule for the McDonalds Big Bass Splash is highly anticipated and anglers of all ages can hardly wait for it to begin. That is exactly what Bob Sealy, founder of McDonald’s Big Bass Splash, set out to do when he designed the amateur only event.
Not only do they add fun for the tournament participants, Sealy Outdoors staff has turned the tournament into a fun family day.
In the ‘70s, Sealy was a professional fisherman. One of his good friends and mentors, Ray Scott, is known for bringing organization and competition to the sport of fishing, also known as the BassMasters. As much as Sealy loved the sport, he knew there were just as many people out there who would enjoy the chance at winning big at a fishing tournament without the high entry fees that a professional tournament requires. With his wife, Donna, by his side, they officially began Sealy Outdoors in 1983.
“There is one set of brothers who have set their vacations up for the annual Sam Rayburn tournament for the last 18 years,” Sealy said. “One brother lives in New York and the other lives in California. This is their way of bonding, catching up, and spending a great week together fishing.”
“We both said if we were going to do this, we would do it the right way and always do it the way we said we would,” Sealy said. Since its inception, they have brought much ingenuity to amateur fishing and they keep raising the bar every year. “We really got lucky getting on board with McDonalds and Academy early on,” Sealy said. The part of the tournament name “McDonalds” is there for a reason. In 1986, the company began giving part of the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House in the states which tournaments are conducted. To date, they have given millions to the house. This past year, Sealy Outdoors was featured in a one-hour National Geographic program. “That made a huge impact for us,” Sealy said. “It has aired at least eight times since the original program and every time it runs, the phones start ringing. People wanting to become a sponsor, want to find out more on how to enter. We can just tell when it has aired again.” National Geographic chose to highlight Sealy Outdoors because it is the first amateur fishing tournament ever and it is the largest fishing tournament in the world. What makes it the largest? “We have had over three-quarters of a million entries over the years in our tournaments,” Sealy said. “Our Big Bass Splash brings entries from all 50 states and three to six countries.” The tournament schedule is currently in Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. This year they plan to add Arkansas and Kentucky. As the tournaments grow, they get bigger and better than the year before.
“We even give stuff away to the families that come to watch. We have given cash, pontoon boats, and lots of other prizes,” said Sealy. Recently, they have added live entertainment to the lineup. Singers who have performed in the past include Tracy Lawrence, Blake Shelton, and Mark Chestnut. “They used to fish our tournaments when they were younger and before they were stars,” Sealy said. “There is no telling who is fishing our tournaments now and will one day be a big star.” The fun for the whole family is what is all about and why the Sealys wanted to start amateur fishing tournaments. “A lot of the participants I met when they were kids. Now their kids are fishing the tournaments, and some have their grandkids fishing the tournaments,” Sealy said. Sealy knows firsthand that tournaments bring families together.
One of the best memories at a tournament for Sealy was in 1992 at the “Granddaddy of them all.” This was the largest tournament in the history of the lake, drawing over 6,000 entries, and over $250,000 was to be paid out in cash and prizes. “Ron Stepan was fishing with his 13-year-old son, Jason, in a flat bottom aluminum boat when he caught the winning bass -- 12.13 pounds, worth $45,500,” Sealy said. “I’d never have landed that fish without Jason,” Stepan said. “It was as much his fish as it was mine. That money means a lot, but doing it with one of my sons means a whole lot more than anything money can buy.” East Texans have a gem right in their back yard. “Of course my favorite lake is Rayburn because I grew up here,” Sealy said. “Rayburn has more number of fish per acre than any lake in the country. Well, it would rank at least in the top five! We are really blessed to not have an over commercialized lake that’s not overcrowded, that you can enjoy fishing.” For Sealy it all started with a dream. Now 27 years later, it is bigger and better than he could have ever imagined. If you have never been to a McDonald’s Big Bass Splash, it’s an event you have to try. Even if you do not have someone fishing the tournament, you should attend and enjoy the fun. There is something for everyone and the payouts and prizes only get better. For more tournament information, visit www.sealyoutdoors.com
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FISHING GUIDE/ Sam rayburn tournament schedule 27 Bass Champs Umphrey Family Pavilion 28 2 Of Us Mill Creek
APRIL 3 Photo by Elaine Cmeron
Zavalla Project Celebration Team Tournament Monterrey Park
FEBRUARY
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Anglers Quest Saturday Series #4 Mill Creek Park
ABA Distr 53 Mill Creek
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Bass N Bucks Umphrey Family Pavilion
Bass Champs Umphrey Family Pavilion
Media Bass Jackson Hill Marina
Fishers Of Men Jackson Hill Marina
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MARCH
ABA Distr 53 Mil Creek Park
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Bassmaster Weekend Series Umphrey Family Pavilion
McDonald’s Big Bass Splash Umphrey Family Pavilion
Anglers Quest Saturday Series #3 Mill Creek Park
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Bass Champs Umphrey Family Pavilion
Texas Stren Series Umphrey Family Pavilion 6 Anglers Quest Saturday Series #2 Mill Creek Park CAST Couples Cassels Boykin FLW – College Umphrey Family Pavilion 7 Anglers Quest Individual Series #2 Mill Creek Park 13 Bass N Bucks Umphrey Family Pavilion 17 PAR Bass Club Caney Creek 20 PAR Bass Club Caney Creek Media Bass Jackson Hill Marina ABA Distr 53 Mill Creek
Anglers Quest Individual Series #3 30 Mill Creek Park 20 Media Bass Jackson Hill Marina Goodyear Jackson Hill Marina 26-28 Take A Soldier Fishing Jackson Hill Marina
eastmensmagazine.com | 13
Triple S Umphrey Family Pavilion
MAY 1 Dr. Bill Shelton’s Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure Cassels Boykin
FISHING east texas/ cassels-Boykin park
B
efore you start planning your spring fishing at Cassels-Boykin, make sure you know the ins and outs of the park. A team of people who loved to fish Sam Rayburn realized what great potential Cassels-Boykin had to offer professionals, amateurs and families who love to fish. It was a big undertaking, so it was put off for many years. Finally, in the late 90s, the late Dr. Bill Shelton spearheaded a task force. The Lake Enhancement Task Force went to work. Today, more than a decade later, East Texas is reaping the benefits of all the hard work of dedicated individuals.
be a perfect place for weddings, reunions, concerts, parties and other large gatherings. Some of the changes people can expect to see are renovated restrooms, deep-water boat ramps (with protection from north and east wind, which is accessible during times of low lake levels), a handicapped accessible pier, and larger parking lots.The first thing you will notice as you drive up is the 100-space parking lot.You can see the frame of the 100-foot pavilion now being roofed. It will be home to many fishing tournaments. The pavilion is slated to be completed by Feb. 2010, just in time for the fishing tournament season. The installation of the five new boat ramps was an impressive undertaking. “They were constructed on dry land and then pushed into the lake in the largest project of its kind in the U.S.,” James Slack said. Those who fish Sam Rayburn know the tremendous amount of fish you can catch. The area right around Cassels-Boykin is home to some of the sweetest fishing spots on the lake. “The proposed fishing pier should be of great interest to fishermen also, as it will allow more of our area children to be introduced to fishing and the outdoors,” Slack said. “Because of the shoreline restrictions inherent with a Corps reservoir, there is very limited access to Rayburn for non-boaters, and once the new pier is completed with wheelchair accessibility and close-by restrooms, a whole new segment of both young and old will be able to enjoy fishing.” After the current renovations are complete, there is a plan to keep enhancing the Cassells-Boykin area. Additional campsites are planned for the north shore of the park’s 270 acres, as well as hiking and biking trails for its southern shore. To find out more about the lake enhancement and the updates to Cassels-Boykin, visit:
Fishing, boating and recreation were the main drive behind the task force, as the park is in the heart of one of the best lakes in the nation. When the Emily and Bill Shelton Pavilion is complete, the enhancement can be enjoyed for far more than fishing. The Cassels-Boykin area will
www.casselsboykinpark.com
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Dr. Bill Shelton’S
Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure May 1, 2010 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Cassels-Boykin Park on Lake Sam Rayburn regiStration Friday, April 30, 2010, Noon- 8 p.m. & Saturday, May 1, 5 a.m.- 6 a.m. Entry fee $200 per team (1 or 2 person team) $2500 guaranteed first place (based on a minimum of 90 teams)
KiD FiSh Two Divisions 5-8 year old, 9-12 year old 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. • $10 entry fee For entry forms and more information contact Lindsey Mott at Memorial Health System of East Texas 936-639-7613
memorialhealth.org
THE CUTTING EDGE/ new items on the market Method Putter The highly anticipated introduction of Nike Golf’s new METHOD putter today satisfied the curiosity generated by the Nike Golf prototype putter that is already responsible for two major championship titles and three other Tour victories worldwide. It’s proven on the PGA Tour. It’s proven technology. The revolutionary and visibly distinctive polymetal groove technology is influential in creating a faster forward roll after impact for the kind of accuracy and consistency that is demanded by Tour professionals. While most traditional steel faced putters start the ball with backspin, causing the ball to initially bounce a little higher, the Nike polymetal groove technology starts the ball with forward spin to minimize bounce and keep the putts on line. Available February 1, 2010.
KODAK Playsport This rugged, durable and pocket-size HD video camera has an appetite for adventure. The KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera is specifically designed for consumers with active lifestyles, allowing them to capture full 1080p HD video – even underwater* – with the touch of a button. The KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera is waterproof up to 10 feet and features built-in software and USB cable output so users can edit and easily share with family and friends through sites such as YouTube and Facebook. The KODAK PLAYSPORT also features electronic image stabilization and KODAK Imaging Science for sharper videos with vibrant colors and less blur.
YouTek Radical MP Looking to bump up your tennis game? Try the new Youtek Radical MP. There is power technology in every racquet.This brings you the perfect combination of power and control.
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SporTS cenTer/ by j.p. heaTh
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G
he temperatures get cool and the smell of popcorn inside a crackerjack box gym is intoxicating. It may be cold outside, but action is hot on the court in the most under appreciated sport in this area: Hoops.
ive Juco ball a shot. I come from the stance of a pure homer after spending many a long, bumpy bus ride after broadcasting a doubleheader for
Whether it’s Juco, D-1, or high school, I’d make the argument that basketball is a better bang for your hard earned buck than either football or baseball. By the time you read this, the playoffs may very well be in full swing. But here’s my take on what you may be missing if you don’t shuffle off to a gym near you.
Angelina College. With
Stephen F. Austin
that out of the way, AC is potentially a great team, but hold on a second. I’m referring to Byron Coleman’s
Lady
Roadrunners
, quite simply one of the most dominant Juco women’s teams this season.
has scratched and clawed its way to Southland Conference respectability since 2002. Losses to Sam Houston and UTSA way back last decade set a precedent that Danny Kasper has continually pushed higher and higher.
Todd Neighbors’ has a club of guys that aren’t old enough to shave. Eleven freshmen on a twelve man roster have Neighbors going prematurely grey at times, but they have shown moments of brilliance, too. Lone sophomore Takoby Jackson can fill it up from deep, and Joevoskie Mitchell will drop 20 on you without hesitating.
It will be hard to top last year’s historic run to the NCAA tournament, but don’t sleep on the ‘Jacks. Eddie Williams has developed into the scoring leader they needed with three-point whiz Josh Alexander departing. Jereal Scott is Photograph by Hardy Meredith anything but a Matt Kingsley clone in the pivot, and with Eric Bell back as a veteran point guard influence, SFA may very well make a repeat dancing appointment in March.
inally, I bid you a farewell with a plea to my basketball-Jones brethren out there. Before the good Lord takes you, you must visit Austin in March. In 1995, as a junior in high school, my hoops coach, noticing my passion for the game, strongly suggested I go to the state tournament at “The Drum”. I did, and wonder what would have happened if I didn’t listen to Coach Curtis.
Check out the craziness of SFA’s early schedule. Coach Kasper isn’t afraid to take on the big dogs, with road trips in his tenure to Texas Tech, Texas, Minnesota, Arkansas, TCU (not such a big dog anymore, huh?), etc. You get the drift. Well, this year the Techies escaped with a 63-61 win in Nacogdoches. Just nine days later, I turned on SportsCenter and saw the same Red Raiders going crazy after beating top-10 Washington. Point being, SFA has been consistently good enough to deserve mention as an elite team in the Southland Conference. Heck, Coach K himself even told me last year’s team that made the NCAAs wasn’t his best club.
Photograph by Susan Stallard
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Since then, I played in one and have missed just two tournaments, one for a wedding and another because of a broadcasting obligation. But in between, I’ve had a chance to experience most of the sports nostalgia I now reflect upon: the great 2000 and 2001 Sugar Land Willowridge teams (two NBA players), the big battle mid-decade between Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors) and Kendrick Perkins (Celtics), and I will never forget seeing the half court heave by Chris Ross burn the net to win the 5A title in 2002. A little secret of mine is a wanting to chronicle the greatness of the boys’ state tournament in some medium, but please don’t take my word for it. Go yourself, grab some popcorn, and make your own memories.
SFA Ladyjacks
are struggling this season and will have The to fight and claw their way up the conference ladder if they’re going to make another tournament run. The elephant in the room is that LeeAnn Riley might not be long on the sideline, but it’s not fair to compare her ledger against Gary Blair. When recruiting players, the Lumberjacks hall of famer didn’t have to compete against regional and national TV exposure that the bigger conferences now provide.
J.P. Heath has worked around the East Texas sports scene since 2002. He currently broadcasts for Rice University and Texas A&M-Commerce. He has also been the play-by-play voice for Lufkin Panthers sports and Angelina College. He and his wife Lisa are members of Harmony Hill Baptist Church.
eastmensmagazine.com | 17
Photograph by Hardy Meredith
Photograph by Hardy Meredith
the next level/ brandon belt by jeff awtrey His junior year saw the end of his pitching career. “Coach Garrido decided he liked me as a hitter and that’s where my focus should be,” Belt said. “And plus, our pitching was so stacked last year I wasn’t going to be needed there.” That’s when the dominant lefty pitcher became one of the Big 12’s best hitters.
“If you told me back in high school I’d be a professional hitter, I’d say no way.”
E
ast Texans who remember Brandon Belt recall a lanky lefthanded pitcher who dominated high school baseball and was destined to make the big leagues.
“If you told me back in high school I’d be a professional hitter, I’d say no way,” Belt said. “I thought I was trained to be a pitcher. All the coaching I ever got was toward me being a pitcher. But stuff never turns out the way you plan it to be.”
That pitcher never made the majors.Instead, Belt emerged as one of the top hitters in the nation and is ready to become a major-league first baseman. You could say God had another plan for Belt’s future, because that’s what Belt believes. “I have a lot of faith,” he says. “God has a plan for me and my life and there are reasons things happen the way they do.” Following a high school career at Hudson High School in which he threw an astonishing six no-hitters his senior year, to go along with a 0.17 ERA, Belt was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round of the 2006 draft. However, Belt had a round in mind that he wanted to be drafted, and the 11th round wasn’t it. So he decided to go to college. “I felt I left myself down,” he said. “When (getting drafted high) didn’t happen, it was a huge letdown. I guess you could say I had a chip on my shoulder.”
Above: Brandon Belt at bat for The University of Texas Below: Brandon Belt 2008 MostValuable Player
Belt enrolled at San Jacinto Junior College. He wanted to play for the University of Texas, but the rule for Division 1 baseball is a player isn’t allowed to go pro until after their junior year. Going the junior college route allowed him to be eligible for the draft every year. While at SJJC, Belt became a great hitter. He led his team with a .439 batting average while still taking care of business on the mound. But another disappointing draft caused Belt to rethink his career path. “I figured it couldn’t hurt me at all to go to Texas,” he said. “I could just go to school for two more years. Plus, I love winning and my best chance to win was by going to Texas.” In his sophomore season, Belt dominated at the plate and became one of the best hitters in the game. He still pitched, but he found more success at the plate.
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The nexT level/ conTinued
A
fter his junior year (in which Belt led his team to the College World Series), the San Francisco Giants drafted him in the fifth round of the Major League Draft. It was the third time Belt had been drafted, and this time he decided to make the jump. “To be honest, it’s about the money,” he said. “Now I’m not all about money, but everyone knows if you wait until your senior year, you’ll get nothing. And I wanted to be able to have money for my parents, something to get my brother in college.” Belt is eagerly awaiting his debut in professional baseball. It’s not time for the bright lights yet, as he has to work his way through the minor leagues before he gets that opportunity. “I know I have to be happy and confident in my ability and I can move up the ranks fairly quickly,” he said. During the offseason, Belt attended some Giants camps where he has learned how they want him to train. He’s gained 15 pounds of muscle since he’s been drafted, but he has lost something else: his awkward batting stance. Belt was the victim of plenty of jokes among his teammates in college for the squatty stance he used. The stance was even the subject of one article in a school newspaper. “Yeah, I’m happy to say they changed my stance,” he said. “It’s not near as goofy. But I’m still hitting. They’ve helped me out and tweaked it and I love the way I’m hitting now.”
Brandon Belt withWillie Mays
Jeff Awtrey has worked in East Texas media for 10 years and is assignments editor at KTRE-TV. He and his wife, Janine, are the parents of Adam, 6, and Emily, 3. Jeff writes a blog tracking athletes with East Texas ties at ktrenextlevel.blogspot.com.
“God has a plan for me and my life and there are reasons things happen the way they do.”
20 | EAST - January/February 2010
men’s health/the importance of screening tests for men
by Dr. James W. Rogers D.O., family practice
Body measurement: Measuring a man’s height, weight and waist will
help a physician determine if he is overweight or obese. Those who are overweight have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure and are vulnerable to a variety of other diseases.
Blood pressure: It is important for men to have their blood pressure
tested to ensure early detection of high blood pressure. If high blood pressure goes untreated for an extended period, the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage increases.
Photo by Sanja Gjenero
Cholesterol test: Most physicians will test cholesterol levels on an annual basis using a simple blood test. Cholesterol is basically the amount of fat that is circulating through your blood stream and collecting in your arteries. When certain types of cholesterol are too high, your risk for serious diseases such as heart disease and stroke go up significantly. Men should begin having their cholesterol checked at age 45.
A
re you a man’s man? Do you like hunting and fishing? Do you avoid talking about your feelings? If so, you probably visit the doctor only when you are extremely sick, skipping preventative care. Am I correct? Each year, men make about half as many physician visits for prevention as women. Yet men on average continue to lead women in 14 of the top 15 causes of death in the United States and still die five years earlier than their wives. While partly biological, men’s attitudes towards healthcare play a significant role in the disparities between men and women. Research by the Commonwealth Fund shows that many men fail to get the medical care they need to stay in good health. In fact, an alarming number of men report not getting routine checkups or preventative care and often ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical attention when they are sick. This survey also found that one in three men don’t have a regular doctor, compared to one in five women. Finally, about 60 percent of men age 50 or older reported they had never been screened for colon cancer and 41 percent have never been tested for prostate cancer. The irony is that routine physician visits can help identify health problems early, when they are most treatable. In addition, many of the top causes of death – heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes – are preventable with early detection and can be managed through medicine and lifestyle modification. That is why doctors recommend a variety of routine screenings for men to ensure good health and to prevent a variety of sicknesses and diseases.
Colorectal exam: Designed to examine the colon and rectum, colorectal exams include several tests. Each test helps detect cancer and growths on the inside colon wall. Men should begin being tested for colon cancer at age 50. Prostate cancer screening: Men should also begin having yearly
prostate cancer screenings at age 50. In addition to a PSA, which is a blood test to screen for prostate cancer, your physician may feel the prostate gland in order to check for any abnormalities that may signal the beginning stages of prostate cancer.
Testicular exam: To detect testicular cancer, a physician should check
the testicles with each physical exam. Men should examine their testicles monthly, looking for changes in size, shape or consistency.
Eye exam: These exams are important in determining whether or not glasses or contacts are needed, as well as in identifying vision problems like glaucoma or cataracts. Until age 39, men should only be tested as needed, but from age 40 to 64 testing should occur every two to four years. After age 65, testing is recommended once a year. Hearing exam: Until age 50, men should have their hearing tested
every 10 years. After 50, testing should increase to once every three years.
Scheduling regular physician visits and getting appropriate tests will help men detect serious conditions early when they are most treatable. In addition, your doctor can help you maintain a good quality of life and functionality through encouraging healthy choices and an active lifestyle. For more information on the above screenings, speak with your physician at your next regular visit. If you don’t have a physician, call Woodland Heights Medical Center’s physician referral line at 699CARE to find a doctor who meets your needs.
22 | EAST - January/February 2010
hIGh Tech/The 411 on in-The-wall and in-ceiling speakeRs by gRegg duRham
Quality Versatility Aesthetics
F
or the people who have not heard or listened to a nice pair of in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, they may still have that “old doctor’s office style” mentality. What do I mean by that? We have all heard and seen some terrible in-ceiling, ugly, crackling speakers in a restaurant or office building. You can’t even hear or understand the music due to the distortion. Fortunately, today, we do not have to have that in our homes. 90% of all of our speaker sales at Home Theater Concepts are in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. Why is ratio of sales for these speaker types so high, you ask? Here are a few of the reasons why:
Quality - The quality of these speakers has increased each year. The
speakers today handle a great deal of power, play deeper bass, and higher treble. This allows a lot of people to use them as surround sound speakers, not just in background music. Quite often, they sound as good or better than most bookshelf/monitor type speakers.
enclosures are available for most of the speakers that are not already sealed. This will help tighten the speaker up and give it a deeper bass sound. Some speakers are even “aimable” to help focus the sound. No two in-wall or in-ceiling speakers are the same. There are several styles and good brands on the market. There should be something out there to fit your budget and needs. On average, a pair of wholehouse audio speakers should run around $250.00 and a pair of surround speakers should run around $375.00. The biggest US in-wall and inceiling company is Speakercraft. You can visit their website at www. speakercraft.com. When you are remodeling your home, adding some sound, or building a new home, think about integrating in-wall and in-ceiling speakers in your build. They will look great and sound amazing. I say this as a customer, as I am listening to mine in my living room as I write this article!
Sizes - Speakers are not just limited to one size. They range anywhere
from a 3” to a 10” (round) for the ceiling and anywhere from 6” to 72” (square or rectangle) for the walls.
Aesthetics - In-wall and in-ceiling speakers today not only sound
good, but they look good as well. Some have seamless and smooth grills. Several of these speakers are paintable (to match your wall, ceiling, and other trim). This is really a key feature in new home construction.
Gregg Durham is the co-owner of Home Theater Concepts and specializes in sales and installation of mid to high-end custom audio/video systems. For additional questions or more information, you can contact Gregg at (936) 560-6942 or audioplustx@aol.com.
Extras - Some speakers have sealed backs.
These keep the speaker from getting damaged and sound escaping out of the back. Sound
eastmensmagazine.com | 23
lifepoint/ top of the game by john greene
Photo by BrianWintersteen
“Promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God.”
I
n the last few weeks, if you are like me, you’ve been scratching your head over one of golf’s greatest players…Tiger Woods.
As I have listened to the newscasts and read the papers and seen the magazine headlines, again and again people are asking: “What was he thinking? Didn’t he have a beautiful wife at home? Didn’t he have everything going for him? What made him do such a ‘stupid’ thing, not once but again and again?” Those are great questions and they deserve some time. I do not suppose to be the final word, but there are some things that have come to me from God’s Word that bear repeating… especially to “us guys.”
THERE’S ONE OF A KIND TEMPTATION AT THE TOP The world looks different at the top of the pile. We’ve seen it so many times played out in the lives of successful men. Whether it’s betting on the outcome of games they were playing in, betting and arranging dog fights, carrying guns into public places, driving drunk, taking enhancement drugs, even preachers acting out sexual fantasies …it seems that all these crazy antics are taken up by “guys at the top of their game.” When men have worked hard and gone far, it seems that they are tempted to take the proverbial “stupid pill.” Guys take them because they are at the top of their game and it often produces a type of insanity. Here’s the insanity: guys begin to imagine that they got where they are on their own and they’re invincible. When a guy reasons to himself that he achieved his success on his own, then he can convince himself that
he can handle anything and do anything he wants to and somehow stay at the top of his game, impervious to the repercussions that bring other guys to the bottom. That’s the danger at the top. Top of the game theology says, “I am great. I deserve more than I am getting. I can do this and not get caught.” Here’s the problem as I see it--often success separates a guy from the One who ultimately brought him to success. Psalm 75:6 says, “Promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God. He promotes one and deposes another.” Guys at the top of their game tend to forget that they didn’t get where they are on their own. This does not negate hard work and diligence and the development of skill in a guy’s craft, but the bottom line is that there are many golfers who work just as hard or harder as Tiger at their craft but they have not risen to his height. Want to know why? Others haven’t achieved Tiger’s level for this reason…God gave Tiger promotion among men through abilities…abilities put in him by God from conception…abilities that Tiger had nothing to do with…they are a gift of God. The danger at the top is we forget God and begin to act like we are ‘gods’ and can do whatever we want with no consequence. There’s a second thought that comes to me about successful guys.
NEVER FORGET THAT EVERYONE CAN FALL I don’t know, I suppose the “air” gets thinner at the top and successful guys just don’t think clearly. Not thinking clearly seems to be a common event because we see it in a broad spectrum of successful
24 | EAST - January/February 2010
lifepoint/ continued men: sports celebrities, Senators, Congressmen and preachers. The thin air philosophy is this: successful guys actually believe they can do wrong and get away with it.
There’s an old, but true adage that goes “Sin will cost you more than you want to pay, hold you longer than you want to stay and take you further than you want to go.”
Guys who have worked hard and accomplished much get so successful that they forget they are mortal.The Bible keeps our feet on the ground by reminding us we are mere men and we have weaknesses that can be our undoing. Proverbs 30:8 expresses a wise prayer for every man to take up: “Give me neither poverty nor riches…lest I be full and deny thee, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain.” That is a great verse for us guys to keep us thinking straight. I want the blessings of God but I don’t want the blessings of God to blind me so that I can’t see God any longer.
One last thought on this subject.
When success comes to any man, it seems there is a tendency to begin to believe they are invincible. So here’s the warning for all of us:
There is only one Tiger Woods, but all of us achieve some level of success and can fall under the same spell that fostered Tiger’s unwise decisions.
We need to remember that we are successful because of His blessings and not our brains. We need to remember that God is Sovereign and He will not let sin get a free ride. God has told us, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap.” Another warning goes, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Tiger is learning afresh today that the world may look different when you are at the top of your game…but that is an illusion. It doesn’t matter how far you go or what success you achieve, everyone can fall-everyone. Success is heavy stuff and few are the men who achieve success in their field and at the same time make it to the end of their days successfully.
“
Sin costs and success can cost us dearly if we break God’s Laws of right and wrong. The good news is there’s hope even in the midst of so many successful men failing at living life. The Bible says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the Humble.” Simply put, God walks back into a man’s life when he admits that he is just a mortal man, prone to weakness, and totally able to fail if left alone by God.
I close with the words of the wisest man who ever lived. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God and keep his commandment, for this is man’s all.” All of us are mere men, we are fallible. All of us experience success to differing levels. Never forget that everyone can fall, but with God there is mercy if we humble ourselves before Him.
John Greene is the thirty-seven year Senior Pastor at Harmony Hill Baptist Church of Lufkin. He enjoys riding his motorcycle and snow skiing, John and his wife, Kathryn’s two sons, Kristin and Joel, gave them two great daughter-in-laws and nine grandchildren.
Never forget that everyone can fall, but with God there is mercy if we humble ourselves before Him.
eastmensmagazine.com | 25
“
Success can be dangerous if it keeps us out of God’s House once very seven days. We guys need to worship once every seven days so we remember that there is a God and we’re not Him.
GOD IS MERCIFUL TO THE HUMBLE
man caveS
I
t has been long said that men need their own sanctuary. Every man’s lifestyle is different so their actual sanctuaries are different. Darry Meyer’s Man Cave is something he shares with the whole family, but he can definitely get away and get lost in a good game. Darry has one room dedicated as a game room complete with a pool table, shuffleboard, air hockey, foosball, card/game table, and gaming center. The room also has a snackbar kitchenette, refrigerator, full bath, and its very own popcorn machine. The heart of Darry’s Man Cave, which is one room over, is the custom theater room, designed and installed by Home Theater Concepts. The theater includes 15 reclining theater seats, a Runco RS-900 projector firing onto a 120 inch projection screen. There is a 7.1 surround sound speaker system, that includes seven (qty 7) 8” 2-way Speakercraft in-ceiling surround sound speakers, a 12 inch 300 watt powered subwoofer, and a 700 watt Denon receiver/ amplifier to drive it all. You can lay back and recline in one of the theater chairs and enjoy a quiet movie with the family or have all of the guys over to watch the big games on Sunday and control everything with a universal remote control, without ever leaving your seat. The set up makes it more comfortable, sound better, and look better than any movie theater you can pay to go to, without ever leaving home and he can share it with 14 of his best buds!
26 | EAST - January/February 2010
unsung hero/ rodney and reed squyres Reed signed on to be a combat engineer. A combat engineer does everything from building to demolitions to mine sweeping. Reed says, “My dad wasn’t too excited about it knowing that majority of the war area in Iraq and Afghanistan is heavily mined and/or has IED’s everywhere with engineers clearing the path for grunts.” Together Rodney and Reed share the deep bond of brotherhood and that they are both a part of something big. His whole life, even before the Marines was an option for Reed, he would watch his dad put on his uniform and go in to work. Reed says, “He’s always been my biggest role model growing up. Growing up, I was very active in sports, outside of school and in school; my dad, not so much. So like he says, with me being in the Marines, he is now living his life vicariously through me. I know I can always count on him to give my good guidance and advice. He’s a great man, role model, and a great father.
“I know what I am doing is important because I’m fighting for what we all believe in, our freedom.” Of course, it’s not easy for the wife and mother of these two fine men. Reba Squyres says, “I am so proud of them both. I still swell with pride every time Rodney puts on his uniform and turns to kiss me before going to work. Then when I see him for first time each day I am so proud that he is my husband and an honorable Police Officer for Lufkin. Reed fills me with pride everyday for the sacrifices he is making for all of us.”
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Like father, like son--they are sacrificing to keep every one of us safe. Reed Squyres says, “I know what I am doing is important because I’m fighting for what we all believe in, our freedom.” odney and Reed Squyres have taken on a huge commitment and are both serving their country in their own way. This father son combination not only share serving their country together, but also share a deep bond with each other.
Rodney Squyres served as active military in the Marines from 19781981. In 1983, he began his career with the Lufkin Police Department. Today, 27 years later, Rodney still serves as a Lufkin Police Officer. Reed Squyres joined the Marines in 2006. He says, “I wanted to be the best of the best! I’ve wanted to be in the Marines ever since I was a young child, looking up to my dad who was a grunt in the Marines. I wanted to be a part of something big.” His father, Rodney, says, “When I joined the Marines, it was during peace time. So, it was a different story. The boys that are joining the military during the middle of a war--it says a lot about them.” Going into the Marines, Reed knew he did not want to be behind a desk--or, as he puts it, “something safe.” “I tried doing everything I could to talk him into doing something safe and he did the exact opposite--getting the most dangerous job there is,” said Rodney. eastmensmagazine.com | 27
Rodney, Reed, and Reba Squyres
cAR and driver/ jerry johnson heard it from his friends, his relatives, and I noticed it, too.” Cars were his main hobby and passion. Everywhere he went, he talked cars. Jerry also enjoyed many things outside his passion for vehicles. He enjoyed building houses, riding horses, playing golf, and hunting. He was good at washing and detailing cars because he was a perfectionist, and that same perfectionism carried over to all of his interests. Of the houses he built, his office, the cars, Joyce said, “He fixed everything like we were going to live in it. The cars on his lot were immaculate. All of them were like new.” One of his longtime friends, Eck Franks says, “Jerry was the most honest person I know. He was the complete opposite of what most people think of a used car dealer. He had respect from everyone in his profession.”
“Jerry was the most honest person I know. He had respect from everyone in his profession.” “We never went out of town without driving through a car lot,” said his wife Joyce, “One time we drove to Florida for a few days and on our way back, we drove through a lot in Deridder, Louisiana. We were in his nice new 2008 truck at the time and he drove up beside me while I waited in the truck in an old black truck. He just pointed at me asking which one I wanted to drive home. Of course, I drove the 2008 home! He just always had an eye for the potential of a vehicle.”
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any long time residents of Lufkin can probably remember the Johnson Pinner Motor Company. It was the go to lot in town when looking for a new car. There was one young boy on that lot that made the place shine--young Jerry Johnson, who was barely out of high school. His job was to detail the cars and clean them up.
Everyone knew how much he loved his family, his daughters, Jennifer and Jaime, how he supported the youth and FFA, and how he loved his customers. One of his good friends, Greg Nance said it best, “He was a good friend and a good person. He would help you out no matter what.” Lufkin lost a car dealership this past October. But more importantly, Lufkin lost a good friend.
His wife Joyce Johnson said, “We got married when I had just turned 18. All the car lots in town knew what a great job he did, so they would ask him to clean their cars, too. So, a couple nights a week, we would be at the lot late making the cars shine.” Jerry Johnson continued washing cars for four more years, until he and his dad, Jimmy Johnson, purchased the company, later known as Johnson Motor Company. Jerry owned the company for thirty-four years. This past October, Jerry passed away very suddenly, and the car business lost a classic soul. Joyce says, “He was good at everything he did. I am not just saying that because he was my husband, but I have 28 | EAST - January/February 2010
BIker alley/bRoTheR’s keepeR moToRcycle minisTRy
Flashing chrome. Smelly exhaust mixed with burned rubber. A roaring motor which kids scream and laugh at, holding their ears at the same time. Not the conventional way of teaching the love of Christ, but it works.
“Live what you believe” is this group’s motto. Brother’s Keeper Motorcycle Ministry is an outreach of Brother’s Keeper Church. Pastor Dave Sarver approached Scott Wilcox, owner of Cycle Heaven, about starting up a motorcycle ministry. After trial and error, it finally took on a life of its own. Sarver wants people from all walks of life to feel comfortable at Brothers Keepers. “Brothers Keeper Church is not a biker church. I would say 10 percent of our members even own a motorcycle,” said Sarver. The motorcycle ministry is just our way of getting others involved. The men involved enjoy the thrill of motorcycles. The group is asked to come speak to youth, visit schools and churches, drive in parades, and visit many others, like nursing homes. They also participate in other outreach programs. In December, they pulled off a successful toy run. “If we can influence one child to not experiment with drugs and instead allow God to be the largest influence in their life, then it’s a great success,” (only one of them can say it, and put the attribution after the quote) The message they share? “Live what you believe. If you live what you believe you will change the world around you, for better or worse.” They want to share the message that actions have consequences. Brothers Keeper Motorcycle Ministry is available to a range of events. BKMM will visit youth groups or schools at no charge to make a visit. “Kids always love when a group of chromed out motorcycles roll in to visit them!” Wilcox said. “The message we deliver depends on the age group and if it’s a public or private school.” If you would like to learn more about how to get involved with the ministry or if you would like to book BKMM for an event call Wilxox at Cycle Heaven at 936.634.8404 or visit www.brotherskeeperchruch.com Being a member of BKMM doesn’t require coming to Brothers Keeper Church. BKMM has several members that are active in other local churches. BKMM does ask that you attend church somewhere, as it’s a ministry, not just a riding club. 30 | EAST - January/February 2010
“If you live what you believe, you will change the world around you, for better or worse.”
on the greens/preparation for spring golf by ben burns
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The last step to do is make sure you buy a new dozen golf balls to start the season. If you are one to put your clubs away for the
clubs in the back of the car or in the garage for winter. The everyday heating up or cold of winter will create a bad grip. A slick surface is soon created. Not realizing this, many golfers pull their clubs out in spring and start trying to play. One of the most important principles of playing golf is that it should be a relaxed muscle motion. When the grip is slick, we tend to grip tighter to make sure it does not slip out of our hands. At some point, it is definitely not a relaxed muscle motion we are creating with a slick surface in our hands.
Even though these seem like very unimportant steps to get your golf season kicked off in the right direction, I promise you there is not a golf professional in the world that doesn’t do these same steps. If golf was your business, wouldn’t you want to come to work well prepared? I know some of you are thinking, “but it’s not my business, I just want to have some fun.” Believe me, if you follow these steps, it will be.
olf season is fast upon us. For people who play golf by seasons, there are some things you will want to do to prepare for a quick kickoff.
The first step should be to make sure all of your grips are replaced. The common practice for most golfers is to throw the
The second step is to have all of your lofts and lies checked on your clubs. If you have not done this in the initial buying of your
clubs, make sure you get this done. Getting your clubs fit to you will make you a more consistent player. One of the big mistakes I see with most people buying clubs today is putting an emphasis on the price--in other words, just looking for a great deal. I talk to golfers everyday who tell me they have bought a set of clubs off of eBay for a low price. How good of a deal is it if that set is the wrong set of clubs? Many golfers try to make their swing fit a set of clubs, instead of a set of clubs fitting their swing. Any PGA professional can help you with this. There are two things you need to keep in mind. First, if you have already had your clubs fit, make sure during the winter you have the lofts and lies rechecked. During the course of play, your clubs can change. Secondly, if you haven’t ever had your clubs fit, do yourself a favor and get this done.You will not regret it.
winter season, those golf balls you played with last fall should not be used in the spring, especially if you leave your clubs in the trunk all winter. Changing temperatures in your trunk of the car don’t make for a good golf ball come spring time.
Ben Burns Head PGA Professional Crown Colony Country Club
eastmensmagazine.com | 31
Ben Burns has been a PGA professional for 20 years. His experience includes being Head Pro at Brookhaven CC, Hackberry Creek CC and now Crown Colony CC. He has taught thousands of lessons over the years and was elected a PGA pro of the year 2009 for the East Texas Chapter of the NTPGA.
grilling 101/ super bowl burgers by billy huddleston jr
T
he most important part of a Super Bowl party (besides your favorite team winning) is good food. This year, while planning for the All-American game, why not serve an AllAmerican favorite--burgers! Grilling burgers involves easy prep, quick cook-time, and little clean up, which means that you will be kicked back in the recliner with an ice cold beverage in front of that new 58� high-def, plasma TV (hey, a guy can dream, right?) just in time for kick-off.
The All American Burger
Burger Spread
(Serves 8)
(makes 2 cups)
Ingredients: 3 lbs ground beef 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 4 teaspoons onion powder 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons garlic powder 8 hamburger buns Burger Spread (see recipe)
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup 1/2 cup prepared mustard 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons relish 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.
1. In a separate bowl, prepare burger spread. Set aside for later. 2. Pre-heat grill 3. Combine first seven ingredients in a large bowl. Mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape mixture into 8 - 1/2 inch thick patties. 4. Grill burgers uncovered over medium heat 13-15 minutes to medium or to desired doneness. Turn halfway through grilling time. 5. Top each burger with burger spread before serving.
Billy Huddleston Jr. is a lifelong resident of Nacogdoches where he manages Butcher Boys Smokehouse and Deli.The Huddleston family opened Butcher Boys in 1977 and have been working together ever since. eastmensmagazine.com | 33
ranch and rodeo/PRCA Rodeo and steer show Show will not know who will be participating. But, it is because of the high potential earnings of the rodeo that names like this year’s PRCA All-Around Cowboy, Trevor Brazil shows up and signs autographs. For more information on sponsorship, tickets, and times call Expo Center 936.564.0849
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“This is your ultimate hometown rodeo. We are in a small arena and you still get to see the big names that go to Houston, Austin, and Dallas.” ust off those boots and your cowboy hat, ‘cause the rodeo’s coming to town! The PRCA Rodeo and Steer Show rolls into the Nacogdoches Expo Center March 25 through 27.
This is not your everyday rodeo circuit. Because it is not a “big city” rodeo, you get a closer, better experience. “This is your ultimate hometown rodeo. We are in a small arena and you still get to see the big names that go to Houston, Austin, and Dallas,” Expo Manager Bill Plunkett said. The Nacogdoches circuit is part of a smaller series known as the Heartland of America PR Series. This is basically some of the smaller arena rodeos that offer big money to the contestants. “This is a new avenue for some of the smaller rodeos,” Plunkett said. “They offer a separate pot to the series winner. The Heartland Series offers $450,000 to the grand champions of the series which counts towards their earnings for the finals.” That is part of the reason some of the bigger names show up at the smaller arenas. The cowboys know there is big money in the small towns. On top of the Series and PRCA money, the Expo Center has $2,000 of added money per event for an extra $16,000 in earnings! If you don’t make it to this year’s rodeo you are missing out. “You are missing a piece of history that formed this country, by breaking wild animals to help us transport, feed, and assist us with day to day living,” said Plunkett. At the Nacogdoches County Expo, it is situated to where no one has a bad seat.You can see the cowboys’ faces, see the rough stock and feel it all without having to look at a big screen. Along with the rodeo, there is a steer show right before the rodeo begins. This is a compilation of eight county schools that finally show what they have worked very diligently on all year. It takes place on Thursday and Friday. Until the cowboys arrive and register, the PRCA Rodeo and Steer
34 | EAST - January/February 2010
trophy room/trophy hunts
Dennis, Tim, and Trent Bell Limited out on ducks in Alto
Christian Scudder Turkey hunt, Kansas
D.L. Havard and Rayburn Horton & Friends Duck Hunt in OK. Limits of Mallards
D.L. Havard Mallards
Dustin Brewster Sam Rayburn Lake
Dustin Brewster First Duck Hunt, West Texas
Garret Greene
Kris Ball Cypress Hunting Club, Diboll, TX
First buck, 8 point, Smyrna Hunting Club
First Buck, 8 point, Shawnee Prairie
36 36| |EAST EAST - - September/October January/February 2010 2009
Macy Oliver
trophy room/trophy hunts
Ryan Morris
Madison Warren 9 point, Callagahn Ranch
Max McCarty 12 point, San Augustine
First buck, 8 point, Delbert Jones Mgt./ Cherokee County
Dr. Nat and Laurel Robinson 9 point buck, Angelina County
Dr. Nat Robinson 10 point buck, Nacogdoches
12 point buck, Pine Island Hunting Club
Patrick Haney
send your trophy pics to: editor@tjmag.com
Peyton Hardcastle 10 point buck, Nacogdoches
Quinton Wyatt Cawley 5 point buck, “Camp Winkie�, Spurger eastmensmagazine.com | 37
why i love east texas/ by bruce r. partain
L
ike many East Texans, I came here intentionally, excited to be living on the greener side of this great state. Many native East Texans have never left, or knew their rambling would always lead home to the Redlands and pine forests, the fish-filled reservoirs and uncongested byways. Who wouldn’t love East Texas? Having said that, I have to admit I love all of Texas. What a wonderful place – the rugged mountains of the Big Bend, the rocky red canyons of Palo Duro, the limestone escarpments of the Hill Country and even the flatlands of the High Plains and Permian Basin. But these regions need the Texas Forest Country to stand out in contrast. As a rainstorm thunders through these quiet woods, you feel the pulse of life being regenerated. In my backyard, a barred owl calls out early almost every evening, setting up a night of hopefully-successful hunting (by the bird – not me). The brilliant lakes that surround virtually every community in East Texas are luxurious treasures open to all.You expect a five or ten pound bass to come out of Toledo Bend or Rayburn, but there are catchable lunkers of that size in Lake Nacogdoches, Pinkston, or Palestine. Part of the appeal of East Texas is learning more about those who went before us. History lives in these valleys and along the country roads. Recently I began reading Hurrah for Texas by Dr. Archie McDonald. It’s the diary of Adolphus Sterne, an early-day citizen of Nacogdoches . Our own 120-year-old home most likely sits in what was part of Mr. Sterne’s orchard, where the soldiers of the New Orleans Greys bivouacked in 1835 before heading to San Antonio. Eventually, almost all of them died in the Battle of Agua Dulce Creek or in the Goliad Massacre. It is one thing to read dry history. It is quite another to walk in the footsteps of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Finally, there is the ultimate attraction of East Texas. East Texans. Upon arriving here years ago, my wife Linda and I learned we would hear both peculiar linguistics and sage advice from the natives. “You don’t have to do it all yourself,” one wise man opined. “You can have it did.” Several denizens end a story or comment with simply, “I tell you what.” (You can wait for more, but that’s it.) So, yes, I love East Texas. It’s green. It’s historic. It’s full of good people. And it has a great future. I tell you what.
Bruce R. Partain and his dad J.B. Partain enjoy one of the smaller fish from Lake Nacogdoches . (Photo: Doug James)
Bruce R. Partain is President/CEO of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce
38 | EAST - January/February 2010