Trying to fight through whatever this is....

Started feeling sore and sluggish on Monday afternoon.

Not sure what I caught, but I have some kind of bug.

I was dead to rights during our show on Monday, took some medicine, seemed to kick it by early Tuesday morning but woke up Tuesday morning and still sore and just no energy.

I had to get to my weekly meeting at China Spring to discuss our next broadcast with Coach Bell and Company and one of the assistants gave me some medicine that seemed to do the trick.

But, about two hours later, the pain returned.

I've never had migraine headaches, but I've had them for the past two days.

Somehow survived today's show and Butch even gave me a little "remedy" to try, but I came back to my place and worked on our Brownwood broadcast.

Fell asleep a couple of hours ago, but now I'm wired.

Frustrating, I'm tired, grumpy, but now I can't sleep.

I'm about to sqig some NyQuil, that always helps.

I hope it works, because I have a pretty quiet day tomorrow---might try and sleep in.

I am the biggest baby when it comes to being sick, but aren't most men?

My wife called late tonight but I was out cold, now I'm up and working on this silly blog.

Oh well, hopefully feel better in the morning.

Smoaky

Cowboys, BU, split right down the middle...

We heard from a couple of Cowboys analysts today, Brad Sham, "Voice of the Cowboys," and Jennifer Floyd-Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Both had their take on this week at Valley Ranch following 27-20 Bears.

I also recorded a 4:00+ segment with Coach Briles on their disappointing performance at TCU in Fort Worth.

There were two specific questions I wanted to ask to some of his answers over the weekend.

Coach Briles mentioned his team playing hard, but being basically overwhelmed from the beginning. Believe me, no one is more upset about it than he is...but TCU just came out and sent missiles at TCU's defense. Coach Briles also said he didn't understand why TCU came out with "something to prove."

I didn't expect anything less, but honestly, I also thought BU would come out breathing fire.

Game, set, match.

TCU is much better right now, more talent, established program and if you play them you better bring a lot of emotion because the 'Frogs always play with a chip on their shoulder.

Thanks to all of the calls, from Austin to south Dallas and the email messages too---we had a couple on the line at the end and wish we could have gotten to them too.

We'll be back at it tomorrow from 3pm-6pm, Butch is back, he was out today with a funeral in Stephenville. Butch and I spoke at length on Sunday afternoon about the Baylor game and he'll have plenty in the holster on Tuesday.

I thought what was soreness from walking more and more at night, has turned out to be some kind of bug, so it's NyQuil for me in about 2-3 hours. I have too much to do to be sick, but I might lose that battle tonight.

Just heard from Brownwood AD/Football Coach Bob Shipley, he's sending me my game broadcast information on his program tomorrow, I'll work on that tomorrow night.

We're not at Don Carlos for the next 2-3 weeks, trying to find a better setup within their restaurant, back at their place sometime in October.

Have a great week...

Smoaky

Wrapping a week of BU-TCU, Cowboys-Bears, and Family

I spent the weekend covering high school, college and pro football, but the weekend was wonderful because I spent time with our daughter Jennifer and my wife Cindy in Plano...oh yea, and Jennifer's dog, Oreo...an incredibly smart and lovable Border Collie.

The only thing missing was Craig, our son, who stayed back in Tyler to get his final weekend of R&R with the team he covers, Whitehouse, having a bye week. I'm hoping he'll come in for a BU game, perhaps Kansas to get a feel for a conference game and tailgate. If not, I'll run back to Tyler for a day or two this weekend or next.

Jennifer is a Tech grad and she wasn't too thrilled with the loss to Texas on Saturday night. First thing she said following the loss, "Great, now all my UT friends will be hammering me on Facebook this week." Oh well...

Our broadcast on Friday between China Spring and McGregor went well, but we're still not able to get the best audio for the broadcast. China Spring's stadium, Cougar Stadium doesn't have any access to a phone line and it's not the best setup for us. I sure hope that changes sometime soon. The campus is very nice, so is the stadium, but the distance between their buildings and the stadium don't allow the phone company to get a line from A-Z. We're using a couple of technical options, but still not what I want.

China Spring will get their best test of the season this Friday at #1 Brownwood.

I've already sent a request for all the broadcast information we need to their head coach Bob Shipley.

I drove to Fort Worth to watch Baylor @ TCU at Amon Carter Stadium on Saturday.

Major disappointment.

You could tell from the opening snap it was going to be a long afternoon for the Bears defense, TCU QB Andy Dalton was precise and riddled the BU secondary. It was almost as if Dalton knew Baylor's CB's would be playing off their receivers and it was easy pass and catch for most of the night. TCU also has a nice running game with Wesley and Tucker and they just did basically what they wanted on offense.

TCU is well-known for their aggressive defense, and Saturday didn't change anything.

BU QB Robert Griffin III missed some opportunities but he was running for his life from the first snap.

Tough loss for the Bears who like their fan base were expecting much more---so this could be Art Briles' toughest coaching week of the season. Coming off the disappointing showing and a road trip to a dangerous Rice team in Houston.

Speaking of the Bears, Lovie Smith's Bears haven't been very good for the past three seasons---following their trip to the Super Bowl.

But, Lovie, who I'm proud to say is a great friend of mine, changed his coaching staff, brought in offensive genius Mike Martz, and another former head coach, Mike Tice, and another one in Rod Marinelli.

Think about that---Smith, Martz, Tice and Marinelli all on the same staff.

I'm not sure if the Bears can sustain their 2-0 start and especially their new-found offense, but they've made me a believer. Turnover-prone QB Jay Cutler looks like Kurt Warner through two weeks.

Bears defense, which has been crushed with injuries in recent years is healthy with Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman running around making plays left and right.

Lovie Smith was a guest on our show last Thursday...he's as complete a true gentleman that you can find...along with my father.

Cowboys are 0-2 and 0-2 in the NFL usually means no playoff team. It's happened before, but I believe there was a stat of 18-teams starting 0-2 in the past twenty years and making the post-season.

Cowboys last started 0-2 in 2001, they finished 5-11. If this Cowboys team finishes 5-11 or worse than 9-7 or 10-6, there will be a lot of heads rolling by Christmas.

And, yes---I do remember the 1993 Cowboys starting 0-2 during an Emmitt Smith holdout. He came back, Cowboys got on a roll and won Super Bowl XXVIII. But, as much as some people keep talking about the talent of this years team, it doesn't compare to '93, but not many do.

As I've said on the Monday following a Cowboys loss, "we don't deserve to get a paycheck today," it will be like taking candy from a baby...Cowboys loss, 0-2 start, and BU coming off their disastrous loss in Fort Worth.

Butch Henry will be out on Monday at a funeral, Paul Catalina and I will co-host the show.

My advice to him, "let 'em vent..." and we will starting at 3:00pm on Monday.

Let's have a great week.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

Tragedy brings everything back to reality...

As we wrapped-up our China Spring 26-0 shutout win against McGregor, word started to spread throughout the state on the death of West Orange-Stark quarterback Reggie Garrett.

Garrett, a star quarterback just threw his second touchdown pass of the night against Jasper and then collapsed and later died at a local hospital.

As you can imagine, the balloon of Texas high school football just popped.

Unimaginable, and why?

There's never a good reason, but the big man upstairs knows why.

Garrett was a tremendous player and somehow, someway, West Orange-Stark continued on and beat rival Jasper, 27-6. Jasper had to be shaken as well, as was anyone else at the stadium.

The collapse itself had to be frightening, the news of his death just made everything tonight irrelevant around high school football in Texas.

It brings all of us back to reality, scores, highlights, stars, touchdowns and tackles, and then you wonder why?

I'd like to wish the entire West Orange-Stark family our prayers and especially to the Garrett family.

He was beloved in the southeast Texas community and he will be missed.

David Smoak

Thank you Central Texas...

I'd like to thank everyone who has contacted me by email or in person since I arrived on June 22nd.

I've tried to do everything possible to listen and read the suggestions and opinions.

I'd been to Waco and the Central Texas area many times, but never more than a day or two for a football game or basketball tournament. I cannot believe how much I didn't know about Waco/Temple/Killeen/Fort Hood and Belton. I've mentioned on several occasions how many great local restaurants they have here---and how giving the people are---and I see something every day that makes me realize how special this area really is...and the hospitality has been overwhelming.

I know some of my programming decisions or show formatting ideas have not always been met with approval...but other than one or two who get really frustrated and angry, others have approached our changes with an "open-mind."

Thank you again to those who've welcomed me with open arms, and even to those who haven't.

Earlier this week, I received some negative feedback from an anonymous blogger and anyone who says criticism doesn't bother them is lying. I didn't like a couple of comments about a member of our staff and responded by protecting one of my own (Paul Catalina). Well, I over-reacted, and after thinking it through, pulled all of my comments and his/hers. I asked for their real name and an email address so I could contact them, I tried to send an email but it was kicked-back. Oh well, maybe I'll get a real email address to communicate with him/her sometime soon. I won't apologize for protecting Paul...I've got his back.

I'd like to stop for a few minutes and mention a lot of people behind our success throughout our company.

We have such a great group of people at our radio stations, Dustin Drew, Beth Richards and Jessica Goodlett at Mix92.9FM. Dustin has been supportive in every way, and remains patient every time I ask him to show me "again" how to use the printer, issues with the Internet and even a few technical tips. I honestly don't think there's anything within the walls of the station that Dustin can't fix or solve, and although this is a volatile profession, he just ticks along. He's also a darn good cook and is always working up something in our kitchen at the station.

Beth has gone overboard on helping us with 1660espn.com and does a lot of the work outside of her normal hours. Of course, in our business, what is "normal?" It doesn't matter when I text or email her something about our website, she's on it. Like Dustin, she has to be up very early for their morning drive shift--but somehow, Beth gets it done, updating the website's homepage, our podcast link and more than you can imagine.

Jessica hosts Mix's afternoon/evening drive and we've added her to the mix on 1660ESPN, she's doing some morning Sportscenter updates and she's a nice addition to what we're doing. I'll never forget the look on her face when I handed her season credentials to Baylor athletics, it was something she wanted, but wasn't expecting. She deserves them and as the season progresses, she'll add quite a bit to our show.

I've mentioned our sales staff on multiple occasions including an entry earlier today but Bill, Becky, Terry, Rich, Linda and Kisha are busting their tails---and I mean every-single-day...but I'd like to focus on the others this time around.

Butch Henry, when I first spoke with John McClain, Steve Fallon and others about the opportunity at 1660ESPN Radio, they immediately mentioned Butch Henry. He's been covering and coaching sports and entertaining people in Central Texas for decades. I've heard all about his Little League coaching success, including the team back in the 70's that came so close to Williamsport, Pa...but fell a game short. What a thrill that must have been for "Coach Henry" and the team. He knows everyone, knows everything about Central Texas, and knows the family tree of basically every local player, coach, program, athlete and fan. I've tried to suck out everything from his library of knowledge, while also soaking in his wisdom. We have changed some things up within the show, and although Butch and I have talked about some of them, I appreciate his support throughout these first 2 1/2 months. Butch and I had a really good talk on Wednesday afternoon and I tried to soak in every minute.

Paul Catalina, a huge Red Sox and FSU fan has helped me in more ways than I can imagine, he's involved in our programming, a lot of technical work especially on appearances and game broadcasts. The first week I was here, he did some stand up comedy at a local club--he was funny and I know he's looking for his next opportunity. There is no way I could have helped institute some of our goals without Paul taking on more and more responsibilities. He's been a God-send.

Then there's Zach Burke, a 22-year old who is ready to spread his wings. He's brilliant with his production of commercials, billboards and open and close productions. Like Paul, he's a huge sports fan and I think can recite every NFL team's starting lineup and even the backups. I used to be able to do that, but I've lost too many brain cells to keep up. Zach is also on the air as a producer for our 2pm-3pm show with host John Morris, "Voice of the Bears." He's co-hosting our Friday night scoreboard show and also voices some Sportscenter updates. Zach's confidence continues to rise every day---it's fun to see him develop a swagger. Now, if he'll just learn to close his office/production room door so he can get more work done. Everyone loves to hang around Zach's door asking for this and that and then this and that again.

Jason Barringer is a young man who is all-Texas A&M...and he's willing and able to learn everything-radio. I heard some of his work with A&M baseball as a student. I can see him one day being a play-by-play broadcaster for a minor or major league team. I've tried to spend some additional time with Jason, he's fearless and one night when I asked Zach and Jason not to close out our scoreboard blog until we dug for every score (there are about 100+ scores), I felt terrible when I received an email from him at 3:00am on a Saturday telling me he'd scoured everything but couldn't find a few scores.

I sent him an email and asked him why he was up so late. I think his response must have been, "You're apparently doing the same thing, why are you up this late?"

Tony Loomer is our Utility Infielder for everything-M&M Broadcasting. He answers the phone, fixed the copy machine, knows everyone's extension, does all the handy work around the office and does a nice job producing a lot of our shows. Tony is old school, and this week when I asked him for some upbeat music for some bumps...he responded, "Oh, don't worry I've got a lot of music to choose from..." I think he's dug deep into the great late-60's and 70's for some good stuff.

Edward Graham (along with Dustin Drew) were the first one's to take me to dinner when I arrived in Waco. "Graham-Man" is full of energy and he's brought a ton of it to our stations and building. He's always on the go, thinking about promotions and he's done a tremendous job with 104.9The Beat. Today, before our appearance at Cricket's, Graham-Man, voice-tracked some of his afternoon shift and walked over to Cricket's to help us setup the remote, table, banners, speakers and everything else. It didn't go unnoticed, he's contagious and has given me an energy boost with his personality.

We just hired two Interns, Regan and Jordan, both are students at Baylor University and they also bring a tremendous amount of energy to all three stations. They are fearless and wanting to learn everything-radio. Just last week at Cricket's, both grabbed our wireless microphone and went up to some of the patrons and customers and asked questions about Baylor football...they are our "Fountain of Youth." Regan is from Austin Westlake, Jordan from Highland Park...and they are going to be future leaders of our great country.

And, there's Casey, she started as our promotions director two weeks ago. She'd never been in radio and she's learning something new everyday. She's also fearless, gathering goodies, and freebies for our appearances on Mix, The Beat and 1660ESPN.

Like Regan and Jordan, Casey comes ready to work, and leaves tired because she's always moving around helping promote our stations.

And, finally...there's our owner, Gary Moss. I know, you're rolling your eyes...here's the suck-up time. Nope, not with Gary...he doesn't want that or expect it. He is involved in so many things technical I can't name them all. He's always working on improving our towers, signals and frequencies. He's told me of some near future goals and they are exciting and will take what we do to another level and then some. He's tough, demands a lot, but nothing that's not unfair or unexpected.

We have a chance to do some great things and Gary is always thinking of something else that will make us sound better and reach more people.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

An update on "Mom"

I spoke with my dad earlier today, and my mother continues to gain a little strength each day.

She remains in the rehab wing after becoming ill earlier this month.

My dad said they've run a bunch of tests and the doctors feel they have quite a bit of information and narrowing down what else has been causing her weakness.

She might remain in the rehab wing for another couple of weeks, but we're so fortunate she's through what we hope is the tough part.

She's an amazingly strong woman and I can't wait to see her very soon.

I can't list all the great things she's done---it would take a million pages, but I will always remember her voice whenever my brothers and I were in competition, Little League, Pop Warner, Junior High, High School, anything--she was there and always knew how to keep us focused and motivated.

Love you mom!

David

Special thanks to...

Van Goodall, Casey, Regan and Jordan, and Edward Graham from 104.9TheBeat for setting us up with a great location and backdrop at Cricket's Grill and Draft House----signs, live audience mic and prizes.

Thanks everyone!

For those who haven't dropped by on Wednesday's, we're here at Cricket's from 3:00pm-6:00pm and if you get on our live audience mic, you win a free appetizer.

We have t-shirts, prizes and even Baylor football tickets.

David Smoak

Sales, Sales, Sales, we couldn't do it without them...

I spent my first 9-years in the media business in television before moving into radio in January, 1990. My first owner in radio hired me to give the talk show some momentum and change the culture but he always said I'd be good with potential sponsors and in sales.

I didn't believe one word he said, at least then.

Well, at the time, coming from TV, sales and on-air types just didn't match.

I really enjoyed the dual challenge of on-air work and sales and although sales is a job where you get your teeth kicked-in more often than not, the high of the a client or sponsor saying, "yes," is fantastic.

Knowing both sides of being on-air and sales, and respecting what each has to do has allowed me to spend time with our sales department here at 1660ESPN.

I'll never forget that first meeting with our sales department and GM-Bill LeGrande on that Tuesday, June 22nd. I don't think anyone in that room believed me and/or some of my goals...but I hope they do now and if not, I'll keep working hard to make them believe in what we do.

I'd been given a heads-up on each them before arriving, and I'll never forget Terry Tacker asking me that afternoon, "What are your thoughts on the ratings?", "When are you going to get on the air?" and if we had more time, I'm sure he would've asked a hundred more questions.

I knew then, his passion and everyone else at that table and their passion for our radio stations.

I have a story about a client call with Terry from Wednesday that I'll mention in a second...but I have been lucky to have Bill, Becky LeGrande, Terry, Rich Richardson, Leslie, Kisha Davis, and Linda Hill on our side.

Bill has been in radio sales for years and once ran sales for a monster group in Houston. Now, that's pressure, sales in Houston. There are millions and millions of dollars on the line almost daily in that market. He's a veteran and a pro. He and I haven't always agreed with some of my ideas, but I appreciate how he gives me the time to "sell" my ideas or goals and not all GM's or Sales Managers give you a voice. I think he knows the history and contact of every potential client in Central Texas. Bill has gone out of his way to help me fight for things we've needed, technical equipment to a few other things. He's allowed me to "run a little bit," but knows when to pull me back.

Rich Richardson is a 7-foot sports-a-holic, who also happens to be a sales rep. He was here at 1660 before and then left and has returned. I call Rich the "wheeler dealer," and I mean he has ideas coming out of his head every hour. I've had to pull out the Program Director paddle on occasion when Rich wants to negotiate a little too much. There's no doubt though, he absolutely loves 1660ESPN Radio. He wants to be on the air, but most people do...I've thrown him a bone at times and I know one thing, he's a great in-game broadcast stats man. He's a huge Steelers fan, but we'll forgive him for that....oh yea, if you ever talk with Rich, ask him about his notebook of promotions and proposals. It's a wealth of information.

Linda Hill, Kisha Davis, and Leslie are are "newbies" on the sales staff. Leslie has a deep background in radio sales and she's about to help us a great deal especially down in our southern listening area. She was in Chicago, so like Bill, she knows how to be competitive. Linda and Kisha are still learning the business...both have sales backgrounds but not in radio, but I think both are "getting it now," and I believe in both of them. Linda is funny as heck, Kisha is very quiet---but she's always pounding the street for new clients and revenue. Linda and I have closed a couple of deals, including developing a great relationship with Randy Crook at Salty Dog.

Becky LeGrande has a media buyer background so mixing numbers, ratings, CPP, and proposals is her strength. We haven't been on as many calls since I arrived, but when we have, we're 2-2! La Fiesta and then Sam's on the Square. She is very good at creating promotions and really excels with Mix92.9. She did a great job with a "Fill The Bus" promotion for needy children in the Waco area.

Terry Tacker is the one who has taken me on more sales calls than anyone else. He's on the verge of breaking a personal record for sales in a month, I think he's $1,100 shy of that barrier for September. He's fearless in working on appointments and meeting potential clients. He has a board next to his corner of the room desk that looks like an NFL Draft-Board. If there's something that's been sold or something that hasn't been sold---it's up in his corner...it's impressive. Being a former Sports Information Director, I think Terry has an NFL Draft Board up there somewhere, just not sure...I'll figure it out one day. Not only has Terry taken me on numerous sales calls, he's introduced me to a lot of people who are decision-makers in Waco, he's always on the go, and his wife, Brenda---she works at Baylor---she's been like my Li'l Sis checking up on me from time to time.

Now, to today's story involving Terry.

He and I visited a prospective client today, spent about an hour and "she got it." She understands marketing, advertising and I think we'll get a commitment within 1-2 days.

I told Terry if he didn't close the deal, "he'd have hear about it for the next several weeks."

This prospective client loves 1660ESPN, and Terry had this detailed proposal and the client made a couple of suggestions and then I interjected some ideas she should look at and I promise you if the changes had been in red ink, it would have looked like one of my Chemistry tests back in high school.

I have great respect for the sales people who live and die by proposals and "yes and usually no."

I'm hoping we add the new sponsor very soon along with many others.

Thanks to our account exec's, and our great sponsors. We don't exist without them.

Smoaky

Wrapping up another week of HS broadcast preparation...

Just tweaked and revised my China Spring offensive and defensive spotter-boards for their game on Friday against McGregor.

I've finished McGregor's spotter-boards as well, now waiting for a little information and feedback from Tim Seward, especially some pronunciations.

McGregor is coming off back-to-back losses to Crawford and Reicher, so they'll play well on Friday.

China Spring won a huge road game last Friday in Liberty Hill.

Smoaky

"You Make The Call" Online Streaming...

(Monday)
http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/...&id=1925688C5F

(Tuesday)
http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/...&id=19233E8C6C

(Wednesday)
http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/...&id=19233E8C79

(Thursday)
http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/...&id=1923EF8C86

(Friday)
http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/...&id=191BE68C93

I cannot imagine why Baylor's game with Buffalo wouldn't reach a crowd of 40,000+

I don't know enough about some of the old scars between the City of Waco, Central Texas and Baylor University.

But, like anything else, everyone needs to grow up and bury the hatchet.

Has BU made some previous decisions that alienated potential ticket buyers, yes--and based on my conversations with Ken Starr, Ian McCaw and others---they've tried to reach out and attract a new fan base and perhaps work a new relationship with those who haven't been coming to the games.

In my opinion, two things need to happen or Baylor football will be on the outside looking in again sometime sooner than you think.

1) Everyone needs to grow up, forgive and forget and give Baylor another chance. But, that doesn't happen without Baylor truly reaching out and sustaining their interest in the community...not for a couple of home games but forever.

2) No matter how much BU markets their football program, they team MUST win and they must be convincing in some of their victories.

Look, they're in a very difficult division, but that's not going to change, so get better.

Art Briles and his staff are doing what they believe in to bring the Bears back, it won't happen overnight, but the window of opportunity to convince fans is ticking.

I mentioned how disappointed I'd be if the attendace didn't reach 40,000+ today, and about 25-minutes from kickoff, that's up in the air.

I hope those who told me I'm clueless about demanding 40,000 are wrong.

If not, I'll be hammering away at my philosophy on Baylor's football future and the fan base.

If you want to be a big-boy program, you have to act like one.

That's on the team, program, players, coaches and fan base.

David Smoak

"You Make The Call" Online Streaming Test Drive

We're launching our new website later this month and eventually the setup for online streaming.

However, until then, we will look for options, including an online streaming TEST DRIVE on Thursday, September 9th between 3:00pm-6:00pm.

http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/index.cfm?id=191BAE711A=

Please send responses on the quality of sound to smoaky@1660espn.com.

Just taped a TV interview with KCEN...

Christine Winter called me this morning about a segment on college football and the national rankings and a formula by Cody Kellner that ranks teams based on their record but also margin of victory.

I've never been big on margin of victory but rather strength of schedule and the strength of schedule of your opponents.

Eventually, it's up to any team to win their own games, but personally, I get a better gauge through strength of schedule.

I've used the same philosophy ranking high school football teams.

Example, if a high school team is 0-2 but they've played two state-ranked or highly-ranked teams still being better than a 2-0 team who ran up a couple of wins against bad competition.

I think the interview or a clip or two of it on KCEN's 10pm newscast.

That's also the thing about television compared to radio.

In television, you can record 3-5-7 minutes of an interview and they're looking for a really good 10-20 second audio clip.

In radio, you tape 3-5-7 minutes, you have time to use it all.

It's the difference between a three-hour show and a 3-4 minute sportscast.

Smoaky

Why wouldn't we host our show on Labor Day?

I had a few people almost shocked that we hosted "You Make The Call" on Monday, Labor Day.

My question is "why not?"

It's the first show after Baylor opening game and the first day of the week with the NFL season about to start.

We had our regular guests and had plenty to talk about.

At least now, it's not about what might happen, but some games and results to discuss.

Smoaky

Headed to the locker room for an interview

BU up 31-3 with just over 6-minutes remaining, headed to the locker room.

Not a bad start, they need to iron some things out between now and Buffalo, but they'll be fine.

Smoaky

3rd-largest home-opening crowd in Floyd Casey Stadium history...

42,821.

Not bad for a Labor Day weekend with some kids back home.

Maybe a dominant win will give those who didn't show up a reason to be here for Buffalo next Saturday.

Smoaky

42,821

Baylor running game...

There was none a year ago, and just the presence and speed of Robert Griffin III will help...and but others must be a threat.

Jay Finley just raced 44-yards for a TD early 3rd-Quarter.

Bears up, 28-0.

Smoaky

A couple of nuggets from BU-Sam Houston State

I like the speed I see on the kick and punt coverage, Tevin Elliott delivered a vicious hit on one kick return, and big Phil Taylor inside tossed a SHSU RB around like a dish rag. Taylor MUST play well for the BU defense this season. And, Terrance Lloyd forced turnover, blowing up an option play forcing the fumble and getting the recovery too.

Smoaky

Welcome back Mr. Robert Griffin III

Baylor leads Sam Houston State, 14-0 4:00+ left 1st-Quarter.

Last drive Griffin scrambled for a first down and you could sense the anxiety in the crowd, but he got up and the crowd exhaled and then a huge applause.

A few plays later, Griffin goes 30-yards on 3rd and long for the TD.

Smoaky

Sam Houston State @ Baylor

Well, spent a lot of time out at the various tailgate parties, saw some people who've made my first couple of months so enjoyable, Mike Dewey, Pete Rowe, Jeff Kilgore, and it's amazing how many people we met from East Texas, including David Hene, who went to school with our kids at Tyler Lee.

China Spring head coach Mark Bell had a great setup for his tailgate and his ribs were DELICIOUS.

I saw the Bear Mobile, very interesting.

That area is wonderful---and it's Baylor's version of Animal House.

My wife Cindy made the trip in---it's a recruiting visit, but it's won't be against NCAA rules if someone was to offer her inducements and even a nice job...

Just kidding, maybe.

We're a half-hour away from kickoff, back in a moment.

Not a bad crowd here this evening, not completely packed but everyone here in the press box telling me it's one of the best crowds they've seen in awhile...the "Baylor Line" stretches from the entrance of the football team to midfield 10-15 deep.

Smoaky

Cautiously optimistic...

I'm a lifelong Nebraska football fan, that's never changed---even with their less than spectacular run of late.

I was very proud of their run at the end of last season and disappointed, frustrated but proud of their performance against Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game.

I know everyone seems to be on the Nebraska bandwagon, but until they piece together a few weeks of success, I'll be cautious.

For whatever reason--I've had that game at Washington, against the great QB-Jake Locker as the one where we'll know a little more about the 'Huskers.

It's one thing to come back and chase people when you've struggled, it's another thing when you're the one that's being chased.

Nebraska isn't at UT or OU's level, even though they beat OU last season. They did that with Sam Bradford injured.

Don't get me wrong, it was a huge win for them, but still--let's calm the national championship talk until they win a really big conference game against a highly-ranked opponent.


Smoaky

Game-Day at Floyd Casey Stadium

Well, my wife Cindy is on her way into town for the weekend and we'll head straight to Floyd Casey Stadium for the Sam Houston State-Baylor game.

I've been asked to drop by numerous tailgate parties and we'll try and enjoy them all.

I know this isn't a big-boy game, but it will be nice to get that first one to watch, observe and then discuss on our show on Monday.

And, yes---Monday is Labor Day, but in our business, we don't take a day off the day after the college was cover has played or the opening week of the NFL season.

Our show will start later with an 11:30am Rangers game in Toronto, but we'll be live at Waco Hyundai.

Smoaky

Not sure who started this one...

One of our account executives, Terry Tacker, called me on Wednesday morning to inform me of a rumor circling around Waco this week.

Terry had a client tell him they wanted to commit to "You Make The Call," but they heard I was leaving.

Huh?

Would someone mind telling me when?

Wow...

I'm locked-and-loaded with ESPN Radio-Waco and I have no plans on leaving anytime soon.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again, I have fallen in love with Waco and Central Texas.

In fact, I'm so busy (in a good way) right now I don't have time to think about tomorrow much less next week, next month or six-months from now.

So, let me make this very clear, "I'm not going anywhere."

We have so much on the table right now and I want to be right smack in the middle of all of it...and a lot of people at the radio station have upped the ante to support what we're trying to do with the changes and revisions, and in some cases, status-quo.

Seriously, I need to mention everyone who first listened to my goals here and I'm sure some of them rolled their eyes, "whatever." Kind of like our daughter whenever I told her something silly.

Oh well, some of those goals are done, some are starting now and some into the future.

Management:

Gary Moss
Bill LeGrand

Assistants:

Mary Montanez
Phyllis Curry

Sales:

Terry Tacker
Rich Richardson
Becky LeGrand
Linda Hill
Kisha Davis
Leslie J.

Production:

Zach Burke

Sports:

Butch Henry
Paul Catalina
Jason Barringer
Zach Burke

Others who have helped who are involved 1660ESPN and/or Mix92.9 and/or 104.9TheBeat:

Dustin Drew
Beth Richards
Jessica Goodlett
Tony Loomer
Graham-Man
C.K.
Batman
Marcel
Zach Burke

And, to those helping during H.S. Football season, Lark, Tom, Derek, and Coach Tusa.

Oh, better not forget the two best Interns in the country, Jordan and Regan.

Scoreboard show crew, Zach Burke, Jason Barringer and Tony Loomer.

They sure have made our remote appearances better looking.

And, I'll give a "shout-out" to former Interns, Corbin and Blake...

And, there are many others throughout Waco and Central Texas, people, friends, sponsors, just so many people who have given me advice, suggestions and support.

I can't thank everyone enough for making this such a smooth transition.

I stay up late with this blog or preparing for a game broadcast or the show, or our websites, and I don't even think about how late.

And, I can't wait to get back up the next morning and start towards the next goals and responsibilities.

I put this up on Twitter two weeks ago, "A great job is when you don't count the hours you work, and you don't know how many vacation or sick days you have left."

Believe me, when that time comes (spring, summer), I'll get my down-time, I'll hit the little white ball around here or somewhere and do everything possible to get up to Hot Springs Village---my favorite golf destination (where I haven't been in two years).

Okay, enough emotional slobber, I have work to do.

Smoaky

And the sponsors keep coming...

We had a very successful week in sales on 1660ESPN Radio.

I know we added several thousand dollars in new revenue with commitments from Waco Hyundai, Coca-Cola of Waco, Grande Communications and a couple of others businesses.

Waco Hyundai will be our on-site location starting on Labor Day Monday, Coca-Cola is now our "Game-Day" sponsor for "You Make The Call."

And, Grande Communications is now our studio sponsor.

We're not done...we're down to 2-3 sponsorships that aren't sold for football season.

When two of them go, we'll be rolling a HUGE wave of momentum.

Smoaky

A relaxing night...

Still not getting enough sleep working late into the night, but it's a great time and fun work.

Some of the spotter board work can be tedious but it's part of preparing for a game.

We're set for Glen Rose @ China Spring on Mix92.9.

I accumulated some good nuggets from Coach Tommy Dunn at Glen Rose the past two days, and had a good meeting with China Spring head coach Mark Bell on Wednesday.

Smoaky

"Bob, Bob, Bob...."

Well, spoke with my father earlier tonight and mom was actually sitting up and although her voice is raspy from the tubes, she's doing much better. Still monitoring a few things, but she was smiling a little bit today.

Only inner-circle family members will know what I mean when I say the next sentence.

When she sits up and starts barking out, "Bob, Bob," that means she's back.

My three brothers and I have heard that for more years than you can imagine.

It's almost an automatic deal with my mom because if she ever needed something she'd yell, "Bob," and damned if my dad wouldn't come immediately asking what she needed.

Our father's first name is "Robert," but we think "Robert" was too long for her to bark it out, so she cut it to "Bob."

I promise you this---she says, "Bob," in her sleep...I know she does.

It's great to be able to joke about it now, because 2-3 days ago it was touch-and-go.

Smoaky

Here's a link to our Glen Rose vs. China Spring Radio Broadcast on Friday...

Here's a link to our Glen Rose @ China Spring game broadcast on Friday. Special thanks to SuperCentex.com for their support.

7:15pm-China Spring vs Glen Rose (David Smoak and Paul Catalina)

http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/index.cfm?fuseaction=embstay&id=19176B504C

7:00pm-#2 Mart Panthers vs. Italy Gladiators (Brian Smith and Dustin Hicks)http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/index.cfm?fuseaction=embstay&id=1924A35032

7:00pm-Cameron Yoe vs LaVega Pirates

http://www.supercentex.com

7:00pm-McGregor Bulldogs vs Crawford Pirates(Remo Williams and Itsy Cartwright)

http://kmacsports.ezstream.com/play/index.cfm?fuseaction=embstay&id=19257F503F

Don't forget to join Zach Burke and Jason Berringer for our Friday night high school football scoreboard show on AM1660ESPN Radio.

David Smoak

Starting to work on Friday's spotter boards...

About to start working on the Glen Rose vs. China Spring spotter boards for Friday's game broadcast.

I have a few changes to make for China Spring, but it won't take but 30-45 minutes after having their information for last week.

It usually takes between 2-4 hours for each new opponent, so with just the one game this week, not nearly as tedious.

I spoke with Glen Rose head coach Tommy Dunn this evening and expecting that information by the morning.

I know of some radio broadcasts that rely on the simplest of information, just a roster---but I have always produced a spotter-board since broadcasting high school football from 1990 until now.

Smoaky

A very good day...

I spoke with my brother Mike earlier today, and my mother remains in ICU, but stabilizing.

Biggest concern now is monitoring the pneumonia and any preventing infection.

She is still weak, but communicating better.

I remain on alert if things change, but it appears she's feeling better which is a huge relief.

I also just spoke with my father, and he sounds like a new man knowing everything is a little better.

Again, I appreciate those of you who have contacted me by text, phone call or email...means a great deal.

Smoaky