Update on my mother...

When I left this morning to pickup credentials at Valley Ranch, I packed 3-4 days worth of clothes and a suit.

But, somehow---thank God, my mother's health has improved since this morning.

It's dramatically better, but she's still not out of the woods and will remain at the hospital at least another night.

It's amazing how many things run through your head when you're so far away and unsure of when to make the decision to get on a plane and be with my family.

My father, who absolutely positively adores my mother and dotes on her was very concerned this morning, as he should have been.

Come to find out they diagnosed my mom with pneumonia and that's usually not good for anyone, much less an 80 year old woman.

The doctors also discussed she was so weak that she suffered a "minor heart attack."

A "minor" heart attack is when it's someone else.

Somehow or another she had no collateral damage from the setback, but I knew I'd be in Tampa by tonight.

My brother Michael called me right after lunch as I was leaving Cowboys Headquarters and said things were looking up...and I should wait.

So, I raced back to Waco to host our afternoon talk show at Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant and Cantina.

I received a text from one of my brothers that her condition strengthened while I was on the air and that was a huge relief.

I received a handful of text messages and email from friends in greater-East Texas who are reading this blog, and I appreciate them.

Meanwhile, I had dozens of text messages or email come throughout the day from people here in Central Texas, and 90% of them I'd never met----but they were nice enough to contact me and wish my mother the best.

That meant the world to me.

I'm headed to China Spring HS tomorrow to get information for Friday's broadcast against Glen Rose. I'm expecting information from Coach Tommy Dunn and use tomorrow night to tweak and work on my depth chart and spotter boards.

I voiced a few more promo billboards today, and started the day with Account Exec Terry Tacker at Vitek's on some possible business.

I've heard all about the "Gut Pack."

Smoaky

Pray for my mother...

My oldest brother Robert called me a couple of days ago to inform me our mother had been feeling sluggish and was taken to the local hospital in Largo, Florida for observation.

I spoke with her two days ago and again yesterday afternoon, and everything had stabilized and she was doing, "okay."

I talked with my dad late last night and she was going to be in the hospital another night for more tests as a precautionary measure.

This morning, my phone rang at 6:30am and my father said mom was being moved into ICU because of a difficulty breathing, but was, "okay."

I'm trying to run around this morning to decide what to do---my head is swirling.

I have an 8:30am appointment with a potential client here in Waco, but I was also planning on driving to Valley Ranch to pickup our season game credentials and get an interview or two with a Cowboys player while I'm there.

I've decided to pack some clothes for 3-4 days in case I need to fly to Florida.

Please pray for my mother...thank you.

David Smoak

Time continues to fly by...

What a great, busy and productive day.

Spent time with a couple of prospective sponsors and even went to see one after the show with Terry Tacker.

Today was all about two things...

1) Art Briles first weekly press conference for the upcoming game against Sam Houston State. BU SID's and Coach Briles agreed to give me about 5-minutes following each session and I also secured interviews with senior safety Byron Landor and senior left tackle Danny Watkins.

2) Tweaking and cleaning up the opening week of the high school football season. I made some mental notes from Thursday's first game broadcast through late last night. Some changes or tweaks on technical issues, some on formatting and one or two others.

I had some quality time discussing how we get better this week and improve on last week with Zach, Paul, Tony, and Jason.

We will get better, including me putting them in better position to win.

I don't think anyone can imagine how much information is crammed into our system the week or two before our first high school broadcast. It's almost insane, but we do it because we should and because we love it.

This week should be a "little" easier but still have work to do.

I'll spend an hour or two tonight doing some paperwork for the rest of the season. Actually, simple things, but adding all the paperwork, stat sheets, rosters and more so everything is bundled together and each week I just pick up a stack and everything we'll need for the week and a Friday night is right there. I'll put together 15-18 bundles.

Smoaky

Blog #100

Well, spent almost all day here at my place working on wrapping up the weekend, adding and editing scores to our various links and websites.

1660espn.com, smoaky.com, and this blog.

Also, contacted dozens of coaches for our "Player of the Week" promotion and we've already lined-up and posted our "Game of the Week" information.

Started working on my next high school football broadcast, Glen Rose @ China Spring. Spoke with Mark Bell at China Spring and Glen Rose head coach Tommy Dunn.

I start to compile stats for both teams from last week, update depth charts, work on some intangible information for the broadcast, and I'll interview Coach Bell later in the week.

Just posted our entire Week 1 schedule on 1660espn.com and my website, Smoaky.com. I'm now including both greater-East Texas and Central Texas.

I'm working on who to select for the Player of the Week promotion and Paul Catalina is working on who won our Fuddrucker's Pick 'Em contest.

I don't know for sure, but Paul, Butch Henry, Jason Orts and I picked nine games last week on "You Make The Call," and from what I can tell my record was 8-1, missed the Mexia-China Spring game.

I watched the final round of the PGA Tour's "Barclay's" and feel for Martin Laird for not finishing up his lead on 18, but I'm a big fan of Matt Kuchar. Looks like Tiger is playing himself back into shape and getting a little closer and closer. He had the great opening round (65) but really slapped it around in round 2 and 3. He played much better today.

Still not sure what to think of the Cowboys loss in Houston...I HATE PRE-SEASON NFL FOOTBALL, but as I've said many times before, it's a necessary evil.

About the time I'd get concerned about a team during the preseason, they'd start 3-0 or 6-1, and about the time I thought a team was playing well during the preseason, they'd start 0-3 or 2-5 and then miss the playoffs.

I give up trying to figure out any team from the preseason.

Rangers are flirting with disaster after losing two of three to the A's this weekend. still lead AL West by 7 1/2 games....but they could have put the A's away had they swept or won two of three.

But, let's put things in perspective.

Rangers are 73-57, A's are 65-64.

Rangers have 32-games remaining, if they finish 16-16, Oakland would have to win 24-9.

Not impossible, but not realistic.

Smoaky

Got a lot done today...

After a late night with high school football, slept in a "little bit," but went straight to several errands.

Went by the station for about an hour and printed and gathered a ton of information for our various "Player of the Week" nominations...and updating the schedule for next week.

Also, and FINALLY, went by Sedberry's Furniture and bought chair for me to use at my big desk at my place.

I've been sitting on these chairs I bought at Augusta National but my back was starting to hurt from bending over so I'm set now. Not sure why I waited so long to get a decent chair, just been busy.

Okay, after getting great news on my weight loss, I was VERY tempted to eat something out of my diet late last night, but stayed pretty steady, big salad, lots of fruit.

Went by HEB and picked up some groceries for the next few days, it's amazing how much cheaper things are when you don't by a lot of junk food.

Salad, block cheese, Melba Toast, Water, Fruit, Veggies and a couple of other items.

I used to buy a case or two of diet coke everywhere I went, I didn't even sniff the soft drink section.

Now, having said that, I have a bone-in Ribeye in the frig for tonight but not going to load up the baked potato.

Also, plan on dropping by Salty Dog for a couple of cold one's and watch the Cowboys first half, but want to get back in time to watch the ESPNU High School Game at 9:00pm between Tyler Lee and Euless-Trinity.

Most NFL preseason games should be pretty entertaining for 2-3 quarters this weekend because it's their final true tuneup and dress rehearsal before most of the backups and those getting cut play next week.

It's a great ladder for football season, high school games started this week, college next week, NFL in two weeks.

I'm watching San Antonio Madison playing Cibolo Steele on ESPN right now.

Watched some of the PGA Tour's "Barclay's" today, Tiger couldn't sustain Thursday's great round and had to grind it on today's back nine to put himself in position to play next week.


Smoaky

An update on my diet coke's and the diet...

Well, somehow, I've done something right, went to weigh-in this morning and found out I've lost seven pounds in a week.

I feel good and I can tell the difference.

I'm also proud that my diet coke intake has remained very low. Nothing for five consecutive days, and then a half a can on Thursday night, one fountain drink after our show tonight.

I have a long way to go, but I'm working on it.

I do plan on enjoying a juicy bone-in rib-eye steak on Saturday night.

Stay tuned.

Smoaky

Opening week of the HS season about over...

Well, it's 3:37 in the morning on Saturday, and I'm about to get some sleep.

Enjoyed the Friday afternoon show, live from 3pm-5pm with Paul Catalina.

One quick decision I made when arriving in late-June was putting "You Make The Call" back live on Friday's for some time.

We're normally on 3pm-6pm, but for the past couple of years, they made the decision to not have the show during high school football season on Friday.

I can't imagine not hosting a local talk show on Friday afternoon in Texas during high school football season.

We took a ton of calls and enjoyed the banter.

Meanwhile, Paul and I did the broadcast of China Spring @ Mexia, Mexia won 45-31, but a very entertaining game.

I saw Mexia RB Doug Gentry up close and personal for the first time, he's a stud, 199-yards and 3-TD's, including a 76-yarder.

I really liked how China Spring kept coming back, head coach Mark Bell told me this week, "We might not be quite ready for a game and opponent like this...but we'll give it a shot."

Mexia led by 20 at halftime, and then by 18 in 4th-Quarter. but the Cougars kept fighting back with a bruising running game, led by Michael Martin.

Martin was an offensive lineman a year ago, but he's a bull of a runner...China Spring had the ball at the Mexia 15 with just over a minute left in the game, but Trey Bullard had the ball knocked loose on a pitch play, and Davonta Foreman returned it 85-yards for the back-breaking touchdown.

Enjoyed the atmosphere, being at the stadium and a great crowd.

Our next game broadcast is Glen Rose @ China Spring, 7:30pm, September 3rd.

I returned the station about 11:30pm, spent about a hour going over a few things with Zach Burke and Jason Barringer, who produced our broadcast and then hosted the scoreboard show.

Those two seem to be gaining confidence in what they do, and I'm proud for them.

I spent the past couple of hours updating my own high school website, Smoaky.com, and already working on our "Player of the Week" nominations.

I normally don't go to bed on a Friday night and expect only a "NAP" because there's not much time before some good things to accomplish on Saturday.

Smoaky

It's time...

Well, about to head to Waco I.S.D. Stadium for our afternoon sports talk show and then our first high school game broadcast this season, West vs. Lorena.

Talk show at 3:00pm, pregame at 7:00pm.

I've been waiting for this day for a long, long time.

David Smoak

Buckle down tonight, the fun begins tomorrow...

I have all the laminated spotter boards for our broadcasts, sure was a lot of talk around the station about how I've done them and the amount of information included.

It's what I will be doing each week and what we expect.

I'll spend tonight tidying up a few loose ends, and start working on our stats sheets and scoring summary sheets.

Found out tonight we sold the weekly Centex "Player of the Week" sponsorship, so one more down, and now just two analyst segments away from pretty much being sold out for the football season.

That is GREAT news.

Terry Tacker, Rich Richardson, Becky LeGrand, Linda Hill and Kisha Davis have kicked butt this month and we are starting September ahead of where we are ending August.

Also, thanks to Sales Manager Bill LeGrand as well for keeping everything organized.

I'm watching the Rangers tonight, leading 4-3 in the 7th, Vlad Guerrero just went deep as his bat is heating up just in time.

Smoaky

Yes---another deadline is met...

Just sent our spotter boards for our two broadcasts this week, West vs. Lorena and China Spring @ Mexia.

That's a huge part of what I'm doing at night, glad that's done.

For the most part until the playoffs, I'll just have to focus on one game each week, two this week.

Also, no diet cokes through 4 1/2 days but I'm about to eat a can of it.

Didn't walk last night, back acting up---but I'll walk tonight.

We're taking pictures tonight after the show for the new 1660espn.com website. We've sent everything but pictures to Triton Digital Media...now awaiting the mock site which should be sent back to us within a week.

And then----we'll launch in mid-September.

Smoaky

Just returned from "Meet the Cougars"

After wrapping up our show this afternoon I drove to China Spring for the annual "Meet the Cougars" rally inside their gym.

It was absolutely packed with dozens of people lined up in each entrance.

Incredible energy and it just made me think there are over a thousand schools around Texas doing this in their gym on the football field tonight or throughout the week.

Texas High School Football is just something special, nothing like it, and although yes---other stats have caught up and are loaded too, I'm no different than most anyone else this week, ready to get it started.

Paul Catalina and I are broadcasting from Waco I.S.D. on Thursday night, Lorena vs West on 1660ESPN and then we're off to Mexia on Friday for China Spring at Mexia.

Tom Barfield and Johnny Tusa will do the Robinson games again this season, they start in Alvarado.

I saw Coach Tusa tonight at the China Spring rally, his daughter is the head coach in cross country.

Well, I'm about to finish off my fourth and final day of "Diet Coke Free," and not really sure how I'll react in the morning.

I'll either stick my mouth under one of those convenient stores soda machines, or perhaps...just not think about it.

Ha...I'm sucking down a diet coke at some point tomorrow.

I also checked my weight at the Metabolic Research Center today, lost two pounds in less than four days. Not a bad start.

Just watched the Rangers polish off a nice win against a solid Twins team, Felix with another save.

Smoaky

Well, I've dropped 2-pounds...

Seems like it should be 5-7 pounds after all what I've eaten, or what I haven't eaten. I've also been walking between 30-50 minutes each morning and/or afternoon.

I've eaten a ton of smoked turkey, chicken breast, Melba Toast, some cheese and LOT of lettuce with an occasional radish or TEN for taste.

No diet cokes since Saturday morning, working on finishing up my fourth day with them.

I can have one or two on Wednesday.

The only way I would've had more water is if I'd drowned.

Went by China Spring High School this morning for our broadcast information, I've completed spotter boards on West, Lorena and Mexia. I'll work on Lorena tonight, send it off to Kinko's for lamination and we're set.

Spent several minutes this morning voicing promotional announcements for our coverage of West-Lorena, China Spring and Robinson football, our weekly analyst segments and some of our pre-game, halftime and post-game billboards.

Lots going on, lots of working parts...still a lot to do.

Smoaky

Diet Coke "Free" for second consecutive day...

About to finish the second straight day without a diet coke, water-water everywhere, sliced turkey, salad, chicken fajitas w/corn tortilla.

Walked 45-minutes this morning wearing a long sleeve t-shirt, a heavy towel on my shoulders and although I'm out of shape and too heavy---there's something about that feeling when beads of sweat start dripping down into your eyes and down your cheeks.

There's also a certain feeling when I taste that ice-cold diet coke on top of big chunks of ice, but that will have to wait.

Smoaky

Weekend Summary...

I have two of the four teams depth chart and spotter board information we're broadcasting this week completed, I'm done with West and Mexia, will work on Lorena on Monday, China Spring on Tuesday.

This is a great week, we'll be loaded-up against the wall with the start of the high school football season.

Had a quiet day, went to the Baylor football practice and recorded interviews with LB-Elliott Coffey and WR-Terrance Williams. Also, Chris Bullajian from BearsIllustrated.com recorded a segment with me for foxsports.com.

I meet with China Spring's Mark Bell on Tuesday morning, there's a kickoff luncheon on Thursday, and our first game that night at Waco I.S.D. Stadium.

We'll be in Mexia on Friday night.

I've been waiting for this week for a long time, but also can't wait for the first week to be concluded because we can also improve on what we didn't do well enough and then move on.

We should be loaded with guests this week.

I'd like to incorporate a couple of high school players into the mix this week.

Smoaky

Just watched one of my two favorite movies of all-time...

I've been able to get a lot of work done tonight, but also watching one of my two favorite movies, "Tombstone."

I'm You're Huckleberry!

Greatness.

My other favorite is Saving Private Ryan.

Smoaky

The final relaxing weekend until Christmas...

Believe me, I can't wait for the start of the football season, game broadcasts, shows with all the guests and attending games, but this is the final opportunity to relax for a little bit and then hammer away next week.

It's Friday night, I'm watching "Tombstone" and working a little bit on our website(s), adding some information.

I think it's time for me to enjoy a Crown & Diet Coke, but I need to watch what I'm eating and drinking with the start of my diet. I'm in better shape than in quite some time, but I need to lose another 25-30 pounds. It will be very difficult, so any encouragement is appreciated!

Damn, I'm already craving my favorite late night snack, chocolate ice cream.

Okay, focus Smoaky, focus.

I'm about to start working on our opening high school broadcast between West and Lorena.

I'll work on West, then Lorena sometime this weekend. And, then sometime on Tuesday, I'll get into the Mexia vs. China Spring broadcast.

We still have a tremendous amount of behind the scenes work to do, but we'll get it done.

I'd like to thank so many people for making my time in Waco very enjoyable. I know some of my decisions aren't 100% popular, but based on the feedback by email and in public, people are feeling more-and-more comfortable with our philosophy.

I had great meetings throughout the week with Butch Henry, Paul Catalina, Zach Burke, Jason Berringer, Rich Richardson, Terry Tacker and our GM-Bill LeGrande.

I met some very loyal listeners at the 1660ESPN Radio Fantasy Football Draft on Tuesday at Don Carlos---it was nice to put faces with voices.

I've been to a lot of towns and cities since arriving in late-June, and I can't wait to get to more places as the football season begins.

Okay, back to the laptop, while hoping to enjoy one of the best weekends possible.

Smoaky

Friday, August 20th...

About to hit my last weekend without complete full-throttle football.

I have my weigh-in today at 11:00am, voicing a handful of promos and then preparing for today's show. Still working on another guest or two.

And, I'll head to a high school scrimmage or two tonight after the show.

I am CRAVING a few things right now.

*Good steak dinner
*Smoking a cigar
*Playing Golf

I think it will be my last weekend for golf for quite some time.

I love watching and covering college football so my Saturday's are about to be null and void on golf--might squeeze in a round or two next weekend.

I hope you have a great day and weekend.

Smoaky

Okay, I somehow made it....

No, I didn't run a marathon or in fact, run much at all, but just finished up a nice walk for a couple of miles, up some nice hills around where I live, and then ran to a specific spot that I targeted --- but all of that part was downhill. But, walked back up a very steep hill back to my place and although I haven't felt it much of late---there's something about a bunch of sweat dripping down my face. Makes me wish I was in better condition, but perhaps I will be sometime down the road.

About to grab a small bite to eat, Discovery Channel and/or SportsCenter and bed.

Smoaky

About to walk...

Yep, believe it or not, I'm about to walk out the front door of my place and walk.

I'm committed to getting down another 20-25 pounds, just needs to be done.

If you don't hear back from me soon, well---I tried.

Smoaky

1660ESPN Waco, 3:00pm-5:30pm, Thursday, August 19th

We're off today at 5:30pm for Rangers-Orioles pre-game, first pitch at 6:00pm.

3:25pm-Mickey Spagnola, DallasCowboys.com
3:41pm-Grady Rowe, Troy H.S.
3:45pm-Chris Lancaster, Bruceville-Eddy H.S.
4:10pm-Ahmad Dixon, Baylor Safety
4:41pm-Buddy McBryde, Ellison H.S.
5:05pm-Butch's Trivia
5:10pm-The Big 12 Hour (shortened this week to 20-minutes) We'll have writers who cover Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Smoaky

A little pick me up at Baylor practice...

They started practice a little early this morning at Baylor, so we'll get our interview with Ahmad Dixon.

Even the SID guys were caught off guard a little bit by the early-start.

Seems to be a little extra something in their step this morning.

David Smoak

Thursday, August 19th...

Had a great night of rest, got to the office early to do some website work and keep working towards the high school and college football season.

I'm headed to Baylor football practice right now to interview freshman safety Ahmad Dixon of Midway High School.

I must close one sponsorship deal today or I don't leave the office.

Smoaky

What an absolutely wonderful day...

I started the day meeting with a potential sponsor of one of our last available weekly analyst segments, and I feel "very good" about closing the deal by the end of this week.

I also dropped by Baylor football practice this morning, recorded a couple of interviews with wide receiver Krys Buerck and defensive tackle Phil Taylor.

I love the mid-morning practice schedule right now because it gives me a chance to talk with some players and get an interview or two for our show.

Mickey Rogers, who owns 8-9 Fuddrucker's, including 2-3 in the central Texas area, called me this morning and asked to meet for lunch. I had the Elk Burger---which since I'm trying to remain disciplined on my diet----it was filling but not to the point where I felt like I'd eaten a big old fat burger. Elk is 70% of the the fat than a regular burger.

My assistant sports director Paul Catalina came by about midway through our lunch and dropped down a Buffalo burger in a matter of seconds.

Mickey seemed very pleased with our coverage and our upcoming high school football "Pick 'Em" weekly challenge and high school football coverage.

And, about mid-afternoon, I received a GREAT heads-up tip on some big news coming down from the Baylor football team, and sure enough--it was a story we've been on for several weeks, "Baylor freshman safety Ahmad Dixon was cleared by the NCAA and is eligible for the 2010 football season.

This is huge news for the Bears and Dixon has been very impressive in his 1 1/2 weeks of practice.

I have been in contact with numerous "sources" for the past several days on Dixon's clearance and I was excited some of them trusted me enough to text me and "heads-up, big news coming from BU football."

I was able to get the news up on our website, 1660espn.com almost immediately and soon afterward I posted an update on another website and their membership went nuclear with excitement.

It is SO nice to be involved with a major college athletics program and have almost daily information.

I loved covering the JUCO programs in East Texas and UT-Tyler, ETBU and others, but this is a lot of fun with Baylor football and athletics.

I interviewed defensive tackle Phil Taylor this morning and he's very honest about how disappointing his junior year was after his transfer from Penn State. He told me, "I was too big, overweight and out of shape."

Isn't that the first part of coming back from a disappointment, admitting a mistake or when you're wrong.

I also interviewed senior wide receiver Krys Buerck, who is from Mesquite and I covered some of his games against Tyler Lee and John Tyler while broadcasting in Tyler. Those were the days and some INCREDIBLE memories.

Buerck was also very versatile and he's doing the same thing with Baylor as a wide receiver and punt return man.

Also, our show today was delayed about an hour with the Rangers loss in Tampa, 8-6. Actually, they lost in St. Petersburg and we lost an hour of the show.

We had the updated information on Dixon's eligibility, and we interviewed Chris Bullajian from BearsIllustrated.com on Dixon's clearance.

We started a "Where are they Now?" segment three weeks ago, sponsored by the Baylor Alumni Association and it runs each Wednesday at 5:25pm. Today, we interviewed former BU quarterback Brad Goebel. He beat Texas three of four times during his career in Waco, he won at every level, including Cuero in high school before playing in the NFL with the Eagles, Jaguars, Browns, and Redskins.

Following the show we had a very productive meeting on our upcoming high school football season. We discussed everything from format, commercials, logs, billboards, broadcast crews, equipment, coaches shows and how we can do even better.

Special thanks to Rudy's Country Store and BBQ for sending some great food our way to nibble on during the meeting.

I also was able to sit back after the meeting and just reminisce about so many things, where I am, what I'm trying to accomplish and what I want to do in life and at 1660ESPN.

Sometimes, it's nice to sit back, relax and just take it all in---because we're about to hit a time when it's full-bore, non-stop, morning-noon-and-night.

I've told Paul (Catalina), if he can help us get a lot of goals completed by Thursday night, he can have Friday off---no vacation day, no vacation request, just get the hell out of here and enjoy a day off.

That takes me back to our high school football meeting, there are some people in our building/company who I think can do much more, are talented but perhaps they haven't been given some opportunities to grow or shine.

That has nothing to do with anyone or anything before I arrived, but ownership giving me the ability to think outside the box with some people.

I tried to give them some new opportunities in the past week, including a couple of people this evening that will also give me a chance to listen to what they do, their talent and decide on whether they can be more involved in our plans.

I really was able to reflect back on some great things in my life and professional career---and I can only hope things go very well here in central Texas. Our owner met me tonight to discuss some additional ideas and plans and it's such a breath of fresh air to have someone who also thinks outside the box and understands you have to sometimes spend money to make money.

He (Gary Moss) has allowed me to run, with an occasional, "Whoa Nellie," when I get a little bit ahead of myself.

We have a tremendous group of people at the station and now, it's time for us to take everything to the next level.

We have a lot in front of us, and I hope to get a little break at some point this weekend---but there's so much for us to do, that might not be possible.

That's not me complaining about hours or time, as I've said, I have a great opportunity and job here in Waco and I believe in this saying, "You know you have a great job when you never count the hours you work, and you never know how many vacation days or sick days you have available."

We don't have time for anything like that, we have work to do, our talk show, game broadcasts, Baylor football, the Cowboys, and scoreboard show.

We'll have plenty of time to look back at some point later this year and hopefully, smile, relax, and say, "that was a blast."

Wow, I've typed way too much, but for some reason my adrenalin has been pumping most of the evening.

Have a great week, I'm headed to get some sleep and then Baylor football practice in the morning.

Smoaky

The week that fly by...

I don't know if I haven't updated this blog in a few days because I forgot or because I'm too busy to remember.

Wow, another week flies by and it's Wednesday of this week.

We had an absolutely tremendous turnout for the 1660ESPN Fantasy Football League Draft, 120+ people packed into Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant tonight...and everyone went away with their "Team of Destiny."

Special thanks to our commissioner, Steve May for putting everything in place and also to Account Executive Rich Richardson for making sure it happened in the first place.

We had a great time, also appreciate the on-site support from Paul, Butch, Terry, Jessica, Zach, Bill, Becky and Linda.

We're 8-days away from the opening night of the high school football season and I've told Zach and Paul if they get my "To Do" list done by Thursday evening, they can take Friday off---without using a vacation day.

Those two have busted their butts for me since I arrived.

We have a 6:00pm meeting on Wednesday to discuss "everything-H.S. football" including sales, formats, logs, billboard, promos, broadcast crews, equipment, coaches shows, and whatever else I didn't mention.

It will be nice to make sure everyone, including me---is on the same page.

Also, thanks to A.J. at Rudy's for agreeing to feed all of us during the meeting. I've known A.J. from when he ran a Rudy's in Tyler, great guy and very supportive.

Meanwhile, we had three new sponsors join our list of newbies in the past 24-hours, and that doesn't include one or two others we received confirmations from over the weekend.

The momentum continues and I think we're just one analyst segment away from being sold out.

Well, got a morning meeting with another potential sponsor, BU football practice at 10am and then back to the office.

Smoaky

Saturday, August 14th

I'm at the office working on some website stuff and some prep work involving our upcoming high school football season.

I'll head to Baylor's football scrimmage at 3:00pm and pick out a player or coach interview or two for Monday's show.

I'm also watching Tiger on pgatour.com.

There was a time when I never thought he'd miss a putt, now---he rarely seems to make one.

He played very well this morning to complete his third-round and finished -3...but five shots behind the leader.

Tiger had very make-able birdie putts on #2 and #3 but just missed, and then pulled his drive on #4 and missed a 15-footer for par and fell back to -2.

I honestly don't know what he's doing wrong with his putter--perhaps it's his mind or just something that can be tweaked.

He can't afford to lose ground.

Smoaky

Clarification on frustration...

I felt compelled to clarify my "first true frustration."

Actually, based on an email about our lack of online streaming, yes---that, online streaming is my number one frustration and it will be until we get that done, up and running.

I won't sleep well until it's done.

That will be all.

Smoaky

My first true frustration...

I've been incredible calm during the first 6-7 weeks here at 1660ESPN, and mainly because the transition for me and those around me has been pretty flawless...so far.

We've accomplished a great deal, including some behind the scene work as we work towards the high school broadcasts.

However, after recording an interview with Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright, I dropped off my laptop for a tune-up, it's been sluggish.

Well, I was hoping to come straight back to the office and get some work done, but somehow, sometime while I was at Cowboys Training Camp---my hard-drive in the office was switched and ALL of sudden a lot of my bookmarks and information we've been compiling is gone.

I think this is where I'm supposed to insert a smiley-face :)

I'm not smiling.

It was an honest mistake by someone within the office, but I sat at my desk for three hours this afternoon while Zach, Tony, and others tried to re-establish my information, email and whatever else is in a computer.

Well, things happen, after closing my door and yelling a few unmentionables to myself, I'm fine with it.

Hopefully, my laptop will be available by Friday and my life as I know it will be saved.

What I have learned---I/we/perhaps you depend way too much on our iPhones and computer access.

Now, I'm going to end this blog entry and slice my wrist knowing I lost three hours of valuable time today.

In the past, there were times an explosion would've occurred, but I'm all grown up now and I only yell and scream and say bad things to myself.

Pray for me...

Smoaky

Headed to BU football practice...

I'm headed to BU football practice to talk with wide receiver and Biletnokoff nominee Kendall Wright from Pittsburg, Texas.

Smoaky

From this point forward it's, "The University of Midway"

I dropped by the Midway H.S. football practice this morning, spoke with Coach Gambill and visited with a couple of players.

I'll discuss their talent WR/S Shakiel Randolph in a moment, but from this point forward, I will refer to Midway High School as, "The University of Midway."

I don't know if I've ever seen a more impressive campus and I've visited hundreds during my time in radio and television.

The campus itself is great, but the sprawling practice fields for all sports, not just football, even the large area where the band was practicing--and even with all that--it's the massive athletic complex and football stadium off to the distance that is pretty intimidating.

So, from this point forward, it's, "The University of Midway Panthers."

Now, to Randolph.

Coach Gambill introduced him to me after their first break of practice.

Randolph is 6-5, 190, and runs a 4.5 forty, and more impressively, he's 19th in his junior class of just over 500 and holds a 101 GPA.

Smoaky

My golf season winding down...

Had a chance to play a couple of rounds this weekend.

As football season approaches, there won't be many left, shot 75 on Saturday, 78 on Friday and missed numerous 15-25 foot birdie attempts.

Game is in good shape during a year where I haven't played very much.

Looking forward to another round or two in Waco in the next week.

Smoaky

1660ESPN Radio with a busy show on Monday

We've lined-up a large chunk of guests for Monday's show (3:00pm-6:00pm).

3:25pm-Jennifer Floyd-Engel
3:41pm-Terry Gambill, Head Coach, Midway H.S.
4:41pm-Willie Williams, Head Coach, La Vega H.S.
5:25pm-Brad Sham, "Voice of the Cowboys"
5:41pm-T.R. Sullivan, TexasRangers.com

We're also working on a Baylor assistant coach.


Smoaky

Yes, the first day of pads...

Those high school programs who began workouts on Monday, put on the pads for some contact this morning and afternoon.

This has always been one of my favorite days.

There will be more contact at any high school workout today than the Cowboys did throughout their first 2-weeks of training camp.

I know, I know, the pro's have to be protected because of their financial commitments and contracts, but I'll remain old-school on this one.

Let 'em hit a little bit.

Smoaky

Lunch with Ian and Nick....

I was invited to have lunch today at Elite Circle Grill with BU Associate A.D. Nick Joos and Athletic Director Ian McCaw.

Enjoyed the time talking about the radio station, and the upcoming BU athletics season.

We have some ideas to implement that I'm excited about.

Stay tuned.

David Smoak

P.S. Yes, the food was great.

Trying to help a good cause...

Butch, Paul, and I appeared on Thursday at Richard Karr Motors to help gather school supplies for the "Fill The Bus" campaign for those children who aren't as fortunate as school is about to begin.

Thanks as well to Jason, Van, and Becky for their help this afternoon.

Also, special thanks to Haigood Tire & Auto for setting me up with great customer service today.

Smoaky

Happy Birthday to the "Greatest Role Model Ever."

My father turned 82-years old today, and despite my own faults in life, no one could ever ask for a better role model in life than my father, Robert V. Smoak, Sr..

I've said and written this every year, he's the ultimate Officer and a Gentleman.

He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1953, and moved his way through three-plus decades in the military. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in the USAF.

He and my mother have been married since 1953, and they're amazing together.

My mom is outgoing and loud, my father, quiet and cerebral...however---I think he's finally learned how to answer my mom when she yells out, "Bob, Bob, Bob?"

I think he's using his age as an excuse for not being able to hear....LOL.

Smoaky

The day that flew by...

I started off Tuesday morning at the Reicher High School football practice, left for a client meeting with Waco Bone & Joint with Account Executive Terry Tacker. We put a good proposal in front of them and I think it's a great fit for both sides.

Following that meeting, I met another Account Executive, Rich Richardson, at Target Restoration, and really enjoyed out meeting with Mike Dewey. We started off talking about his role in improving and increasing the "Game-Day Experience" at Floyd Casey Stadium, and we ended up walking out with Mike adding to his already nice commitment to us by signing up to sponsor our weekly segment with Cowboys All-Pro Nose Tackle Jay Ratliff.

From there---off to Butch Henry's "Crying Towel" high school coaches luncheon, seven coaches were there, China Spring, University, Midway, Waco High, Reicher, Lorena, and Robinson.

Enjoyed meeting some new listeners and the food was great, catered by Michna's.

Midway's Terry Gambill won the "Crying Towel."

We hosted our show this afternoon from Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, enjoyed meeting a few more listeners.

Spent some of the evening trying to wrap-up a couple of tidbits needed for my place, and now trying to get a little down time watching the Rangers @ Mariners on Fox Sports Southwest.

Smoaky
smoaky@1660espn.com

Working on getting a little better each day...

I mentioned in an earlier blog about getting at least one victory each day, whether programming decisions, on-air tweaking, guests, analysts, format, and sales.

Today, Zach, Paul and I had a lengthy but very productive meeting about my goals and expectations as we hit a tremendous time with football season.

We talked about trimming up a few things in programming, getting better on-air, and some sales stuff that we need to update as well.

And, our high school football lineup.

Paul and I will handle the China Spring High School broadcasts. I want Paul to follow me around for an entire season and perhaps learn my system, formula and what I demand of myself, not just others.

Tom Barfield and former Waco High Head Coach Johnny Tusa will remain the broadcast tandem for Robinson football.

I'm working on our scoreboard show to jazz that up when the time comes as well.

David Smoak

Spending most of Monday at HS Football workouts...

I would be lying if I didn't admit hitting the snooze button a couple of times when that alarm went out this morning at 6:15am...but I made it to four practices this morning, Lorena, McGregor, La Vega and Connally.

Enjoyed visiting with all the coaches and talking with a few players too.

We'll begin our 2-a-day coverage on Monday's show with Robinson's Brian Lewis and Mark Bell of China Spring.

I'm working on who I'll hit up tomorrow morning, but might even sneak by China Spring's evening workout after today's show.

Smoaky

Let the High School Football Season begin...

Finally, at midnight on Sunday, Texas High School football teams can start their journey towards a possible state championship.

Everyone has a right to dream, only a handful will fulfill those dreams.

Every Six-Man through Class 3-A football program in Texas will begin workouts on Monday, and a handful of Class 4-A and Class 5-A programs will also start up.

As most of you know, Class 4-A and 5-A programs have the option of going through spring drills or taking an extra week of practice during the first week in August.

Those programs who conducted spring drills will wait until next Monday (August 9th) to start their team workouts.

It never fails for me, each year at this time, I reflect back on going through these early-August practices in 100+-degree temperatures.

I loved them, most dreaded them. But, I spent my entire summer enjoying many things, but I was always in shape---most athletes are at 15-18 years old.

Imagine the nervous energy of thousands of high school football players who about are to find out very quickly if they're in shape, or not.

Especially those incoming freshmen, who are wide-eyes and bushy-tailed, excited, yet anxious.

I don't know of a single high school coach who has gone over the first day or week of practice a hundred times in their heads over the past few days.

Physicals, Check
Shorts and T-Shirts, Check
Water, Water, Water, Check
Pads, Shoulder Pads, Helmets, and Mouthpieces, Check

Of course, the pads aren't allowed to be put on until later in the week, but that's always a great day.

Contact, blocking, tackling, finding out who is up to the task of playing high school football.

As each year of my life passes by, these start of high school football workouts never changes for me, I reflect back on those days at Chofu and/or Yokota High School in Japan, or Universal City Randolph High School in San Antonio.

I also know, I couldn't get through the first 5-minutes of a practice now...but I'll be somewhere out there on Monday morning, watching, listening, and enjoying.

David Smoak