Double-T Nation Daily Diatribe // 06.25.09

by Seth C on Jun 25, 2009 5:56 AM CDT in Texas Tech News, Notes and Links

Odds and Ends

Sam Harrell Battling with MLS

I know that this should have been under the football heading, but the truth is that this is something that is beyond football, as Graham Harrell's father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and is now discussing the issue publicly (hat-tip to redraidersax for the FanShot). Per the DMN's Brandon George:

"I have MS. It's true. But I'm not quitting or retiring or anything else," Harrell said. "I just have to be flexible with what I do, but nothing is going to change."

Snip

"Heat is really a big factor in it. When you get hot, your mobility and coordination decreases, and most days I'm going to get up and get hot," Harrell said. "It has continued to get worse, and I thought it was time to disclose it and make sure people understood why I couldn't do some things that you should be able to do, like get outside and show them how to run routes. But coaching isn't about demonstrating, it's about teaching, so I just don't worry about demonstrating."

Harrell said that on hot days at practice the last few years, he's coached from a golf cart.

"When it was really hot, I just couldn't do some things," Harrell said. "Now I'll be in a golf cart every day and not just on the really hot days. You just have to adapt."

From reading the article, it doesn't sound like that Harrell will let MLS slow him down any more than it has to, and you would expecting nothing less from a guy that's been so successful in life. Send some good mojo Harrell's way this morning.

Texas Tech Football

The Elf Making a Name for Himself in CFL

Brian Jensen of the Broadcast Booth continues to follow WR Eric Morris as he tries to make the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders roster:

Here's the breakdown: 2 catches/17 yds; 5 KR/98 yds (30 LNG); 2 PR/12 yds. In both games Morris was tied for the team lead in catches and his combined numbers look like this: 6/62 yds; 5 KR/98 yds; 4 PR/27 yds; 1 tackle!

With what Eric has showed throughout camp and especially under the lights...which all Red Raider fans know... and we saw from the booth throughout his career at Tech... the hands, the moves, the consistency in both the return and receiving game, he should be on the opening day CFL roster!

Recapping the TAMU Game, Again

Yesterday, Fox34 had the video, and today, RRS.com's Joe Yeager reviews last year's TAMU game and would agree (to a point) with both of these bullets:

KEY MOMENT: It could have been worse than 23-30 for the Red Raiders at halftime. Trailing Tech by a 20-16 count, Aggie quarterback Jerrod Johnson hit Jeff Fuller for what looked to be a 78-yard touchdown pass. An Aggie was called for holding, however, and one bullet was dodged. Had A&M been ahead 30-20 instead of 23-20 at intermission, this game might have been a little bit hairier than it already was.

STAT OF THE GAME: After surrendering 274 yards and 23 points in the first half, in a performance reminiscent of some bad old days in Stillwater, Tech’s defense held A&M to 32 yards, five first downs and no points (the Aggies did get two points by returning a blocked extra point) in the second. Rarely will you see a defense turn a complete 360 in one game the way Ruffin McNeill’s troops did in this one.

Texas Tech Baseball

Chad Bettis Makes USA National Team

Per the Texas Tech website, sophomore pitcher Chad Bettis had made the USA National Team, with play to begin on Thursday (I think that's today) against Canada. Here's what Bettis' schedue for the summer:

The 2009 National Team will compete in several exhibition games in the Triangle-area of North Carolina, including a friendly series against the Canadian National Team, June 25-29, which will be played across both the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the USA Baseball Training Complex. Following its domestic exhibition schedule, the U.S. will travel to Japan to compete in the 37th Annual Japan vs. USA Collegiate Championships before closing out its summer in Canada at the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline World Baseball Challenge in Prince George, British Columbia.

Congrats to Chad, we'll be following you all summer.

Texas Tech Track

Texas Tech Sending Seven to USA Outdoor Championships

Also per the Texas Tech website, well-wishes to all seven Red Raiders as they will compete to make team USA to then participate in the 2009 IAAF World Championships: Gil Roberts (400 m), Omo Osaghae (110 m hurdles), Harrison Benjamin (shot-put), Brandon Tucker (110 m hurdles), D'Andra Carter (discus), Patience Knight (shot-put), and Ozie Okolie (hammer throw). The meet starts tomorrow, so think a good thought for these guys.

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Comments

Wow! Where to begin? Great stuff, Seth.

All Raider fans, I am sure, are pulling for Mr. Harrell. He is among the great people in Texas, displaying valor in all phases of his life. MLS will not stop this man, and his team, family and friends are there for him should anything happen. As it is, he appears to have hold of this and is continuing his life as always, taking precautions as needed. I will be praying for him to conquer MLS and stay active as a coach for many more years. May God be his guide in all things.

TTpilk

by TTpilk645 on Jun 25, 2009 9:37 AM CDT reply actions

Onward

Elf will no doubt be a force with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders (Riders, Raiders—very similar, huh?) in the future. He will make their roster easily and be a MAJOR contributor for them this year and future years, unless the NFL sees the light and calls. We Red Raider fans know how effective he can be with the ball. He has good vision, quickness, route running capabilities and hands. Hopefully, the NFL will see that light and pluck him out of the frozen tundra of the north and make use of his skills on U.S. soil.

TAMU got to Tech early, but the raiders were able to regroup at the half and display their true selves. The first half problems they had are what I hope they will not have this year, as I think without those errors, they can be true contenders for the South and Big-12 titles, meaning they could be BCS game bound if they do so. But, they must eliminate those types of performances, regardless of which half they are playing, and play hard to win as big as they can all year. No letdowns. No hiccups. “Be all you can be!”

Chad Bettis may become one of the best pitchers ever for Tech. If he can perform well for the U.S.A. team, he will establish himself as one of the top pitchers in the Big-12 for next year. He possesses so much talent and can only get better. If he avoids any health issues, Tech could be watching him leave the school after next season and take his abilities to the highest level in the pros. Congratulations and good luck to him.

Tech Track performers may have, except for one instance, had a collective poor effort in the Nationals, but they are talented and I feel will be a great addition to team USA, “to then participate in the 2009 IAAF World Championships: Gil Roberts (400 m), Omo Osaghae (110 m hurdles), Harrison Benjamin (shot-put), Brandon Tucker (110 m hurdles), D’Andra Carter (discus), Patience Knight (shot-put), and Ozie Okolie (hammer throw).” My thoughts and well wishes are extended out to them in their individual and collective quests.

TTpilk

by TTpilk645 on Jun 25, 2009 9:59 AM CDT reply actions

I took a new job in Galveston with UTMB and every week I commute from outside of Dallas to the south (I refuse to move to that part of Texas). Graham Harrell always crosses my mind when I pass Ennis, and now it will be even more so. I have a brother in law with MS (had it for four years), though his sounds much milder than what Sam is dealing with. It’s progressive and in some people, it can progress very quickly. Here’s to hoping it slows down for Sam.

by Tech92 on Jun 26, 2009 5:10 PM CDT reply actions