Smoaky's Blog

Cowboys lose Bowen, sign 1st-Round Pick Smith

2011-07-28T10:38:00.001-07:00

Cowboys started training camp with no depth at defensive end and it just got worse, Redskins got Stephen Bowen for 5-years, $27.5M with $12.5M guaranteed.

Cowboys did sign 1st-round draft pick, OT Tyron Smith to a 4-year, $12.5M contract.

Smoaky

Cowboys Training Camp

2011-07-28T10:36:00.001-07:00

Paul Catalina and I arrived in San Antonio on Wednesday night, went straight to the Alamodome this morning and already have secured audio from the first practice with Demarcus Ware, Dez Bryant, Tony Romo, Bradie James and DC Rob Ryan.

We'll have bits and pieces of reaction and working on a player interview for today's show.

Excited to be here in San Antonio and ready for some more football.

It's a great time with HS workouts starting on Monday and Baylor's workouts starting late next week.

Smoaky

Thank you Baylor Nation and Central Texas!!!

2011-06-19T15:33:00.001-07:00

A year ago this weekend, I began packing some of my things for my trip to Central Texas to begin work at what was AM1660 ESPN (KRZI).

A year later, we're ESPN Radio-Central Texas with four frequencies, AM1660, 106.9FM, 101.3FM, and 100.9FM.

I want to thank everyone for such a wonderful year. "Most" everyone has accepted me with open arms and I will always remember the hospitality.

I've had a blast and I love it here. While I do have some options in front of me, I plan on signing a contract extension with M&M Broadcasters this week.

I want to thank each of you for your support and it's truly blown me away. As I mentioned during my first appearance a year ago, the foundation was built, I just wanted to build on that and perhaps change the culture and personality of the radio station.

I hope we've done that to your satisfaction.

As I look back on our last 52-weeks, I hope you don't mind me listing some of our accomplishments, knowing we cannot and will not settle and we will only do everything possible to get better.

When I arrived, I told our staff, "We need to get bigger, better, faster and stronger." I hope you think we've done that, so far.

I know not everyone likes the faster paced talk show and some don't like me, but I'm okay with that too.

I don't expect to please everyone. But, for those who don't like the faster paced show or me, I ask that you give me another chance and know that I hear, listen and read everything and take it to heart.

If I offended anyone since my arrival or just flat angered you for whatever reason, programming decisions, coverage, or opinions, I sincerely apologize. But, please understand that I go full throttle because I am a workaholic, a Type-A, driven person and then there's the A-D-D or A-D-H-D thing that sometimes is a positive or negative :)

I have fallen in love with Central Texas and I'm very fortunate to be in the broadcast business, I absolutely love my job. And, it's been an absolute blast covering a Division I athletic program.

As I've said from the beginning, you can email me anytime to smoaky@1660espn.com and I will always, ALWAYS respond. We have a link on the homepage, "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" which is here http://www.1660espn.com/includes/news_items/1/news_items_more.php?id=691&section_id=1.

As we approach my first year in Central Texas, here's a list of what we've done or tried to accomplish:

We've added the following broadcasts:

*2011 Midway Panther Football

*Dallas Cowboys Broadcasts

*Dallas Mavericks Broadcasts

*And, we actually host our talk show on Friday afternoon during football season. We that wasn't done before is beyond me, but we went 3pm-5pm last season, we're committed to 3pm-6pm this football season.

Interviews, Segments and Analysts:

*We interviewed 75 different Baylor athletes during the 2010-2011 school year.

*We interviewed 33 former Baylor athletes over the past twelve months.

*We also interviewed 18 current Baylor coaches during the 2010-2011 school year.

*We deleted the former website and added 1660espn.com. We added podcast links and streaming. Yes, I know we still haven't locked-in iTunes, but that will be available by the first week in August.

Our podcast link on 1660espn.com is here http://www.1660espn.com/podcasts/.

*I've tried to remain in touch with all of you on this website and three others who cover or discuss Baylor athletics.

*I've tried to promote each and every segment we do involving Baylor on Twitter and our guest lineup is always updated on the 1660espn.com homepage. http://www.1660espn.com/includes/news_items/1/news_items_more.php?id=585&section_id=1

Special Events and Appearances:

*Texas Bowl in Houston and Cotton Bowl in Arlington.

*American Football Coaches Association Convention in Dallas.

*Super Bowl XLV in Dallas/Arlington.

*Cowboys Training Camp in San Antonio.

*Rangers Training Camp in Surprise, Arizona.

*Big 12 Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.

*We broadcast live from outside of the Ferrell Center and then spent the night in an RV in the parking lot to promote ESPN College Game-Day.

*NCAA Women's Regional Tournament in Dallas.

*NBA Finals, Games 3, 4, 5.

Segments and Analysis:

We've added the following analysts since June, 2010:

*Jennifer Floyd-Engel, Columnist, F.W. Star-Telegram (Monday, 3:25pm)

*Brad Sham, "Voice of the Cowboys" (Monday, 5:25pm during football season only)

*Tim MacMahon, ESPNDallas.com (Tuesday, 3:25pm)

*Ian McCaw, Baylor Director of Athletics (Tuesday, 4:10pm)

*Jay Ratliff, Cowboys Nose Tackle (Tuesday, 4:30pm during football season only)

*John McClain, Columnist, Houston Chronicle (Tuesday, 5:25pm)

*Central Texas Writer's Roundtable (Wednesday, 4:10pm). This went from one columnist from only the Waco Tribune-Herald to columnists and sportswriter's from the newspapers in Waco, Temple, and Killeen.

*"Where are they Now?" (Wednesday, 5:25pm during football season only)

*Mickey Spagnola, DallasCowboys.com (Thursday, 3:25pm)

*The Big 12 Hour (Thursday, 5:10pm during football season only)

*Art Briles, Baylor Football Coach (Monday, 4:10pm during football season only)

*We had almost weekly interviews with Scott Drew and Kim Mulkey and a handful with Steve Smith during their respective seasons.

*And, we plan on adding a Phil Bennett segment at a day and time to be announced sometime soon.

What's next for ESPN-Central Texas?

There are some plans I can't discuss at this time, but we are making more changes this coming football season, some subtle, some more obvious.

An example is completely renovating the 15-17 back-to-back high school football coaches segments on Friday afternoon. We'll not only have the 15-17 coaches interviews each week, but we're adding several coaches segments around Temple, Belton and Killeen. But, the biggest difference is spreading those segments throughout the week, not just one after another like they once did on Friday.

We're spreading those out throughout the week, probably 4-5 each day (Monday-Friday), much shorter interviews with Central Texas HS Football Coaches, but we hope more informative.

And, we're working on adding a brand-new Central Texas HS Football section on 1660espn.com. This section will include coaching staff information, program history (year-by-year results), and even all-time playoff appearances and state championship game appearances.

I mentioned the interest in adding a Phil Bennett segment this season, and we're also working a national college football writer or analyst sometime on Monday.

And, we began this last football season and we're going to do more Central Texas HS football player interviews this season.

We'll tighten things up a little bit during the show, but try and continue to keep you informed, entertained and involved.

Sponsorships or Sales:

Because of our great sponsors and our sales staff, ESPN Radio-Central Texas is up 69% in sales since July, 2010. But, we can always add new sponsors.

If you're interested in becoming involved as a sponsor with any our programming, segments or broadcasts, I will email you information upon request.

And, I'm still looking for a sponsor for our audio-streaming and podcast link.

We can customize a schedule to get you involved in our segments with Baylor coaches and athletes, our analyst segments, straight-up commercials, or "You Make The Call."

Thank you again for your time, interest and support and I hope to hear from you very soon, whether by email, in-person or by a call-in during our show.

David Smoak
Program Director
smoaky@1660espn.com

Happy Father's Day...

2011-06-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am so fortunate to have the best father any man could ever want. My father, who is in his 80's and lives in Largo, Florida with our mother---has been the absolute best role model any son could ever hope for in his lifetime.

I've said this many times, but my father, not Richard Gere, should have starred in the movie, "An Officer and a Gentleman."

And, as a father of two, I'm blessed that my son (Craig) and daughter (Jennifer) are healthy and successful. I spoke with both of them today, and my wife of 29-years, Cindy and I'm very blessed.

I also called my father, mom and my oldest brother Robert, and I sure hope we can get down to Florida to see my side of the family very soon.

I called my father-in-law, Jim Jolly, who is up in Plano. He's been a great role model too and it was great to hear his voice. We used to spend Father's Day playing golf somewhere each year, but he's not quite able to get around like he used too. He keeps asking me for strokes when we play---I'm not that naive, he can still hit it well.

Two years ago, my Father's Day was not very good, in fact as I was trying to search for a few things in life, it was a miserable memory. Last year on Father's Day, I started packing up a U-Haul to bring a lot of my things to Waco to begin work here at ESPN Radio-Central Texas.

This year, I'm as happy as I've been as a husband, father, person and professional as I've been in a long, long time.

Life can take all of us through some difficult times, sometimes brutal times, and a lot of adversity, but in the end---you must fight through it and live and learn.

And, based on a conversation with our owner last week---we've truly only just begun at ESPN Radio-Central Texas.

Thank you to anyone and everyone who listens, even if for a second or two, or 5-10 minutes or all three hours (I wish), and send me your feedback, opinion(s), and suggestions.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

Finishing up my first year in Central Texas

2011-06-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just can't believe my first year in the Central Texas market is almost done. It was one year ago this week when I was offered a job as program director at AM1660 ESPN-Radio. I walked thru the doors at M&M Broadcasters in Waco on Tuesday, June 22nd.

So, next Wednesday, June 22nd will be one full year.

I have some decisions to make with over the next 2-3 months, but I have absolutely loved my time here in the Central Texas area.

I look back at what we've tried to accomplish from re-establishing audio-streaming to our website to attending and covering special events, most recently the NBA Finals (Games 3, 4, and 5).

We've been able to do a lot, but as I mentioned to my staff this morning, we've set a higher bar into the future. And, that includes programming, coverage and sales.

Our owner, Gary Moss of M&M Broadcasters, has set the table for us with all the bells and whistles, frequencies, translators, equipment and new building and studio(s).

And, based on what I know from my talks with Mr. Moss, we have more coming up and I can't wait to see it through.

Thank you to anyone who has listened to our show, thank you to anyone who has given me feedback on our show or what we're trying to do.

I hope we can meet our own expectations, but especially yours.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

NBA Finals and Summertime...

2011-06-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Paul Catalina and I are at Game 4 tonight in American Airlines Center in Dallas, we also had the chance to cover Game 3 on Sunday and we'll be here on Thursday for Game 5.

Mavericks entered tonight down 2-games to one, and trail by four after 3-quarters tonight.

We'll see if they can close it out and even the series.

But, being here reminds me of something I was told about Central Texas that I didn't believe for one minute, "Central Texas doesn't care about the NBA."

Really?

We've had as many calls the past month about the NBA Finals than anything else, including the Rangers, NFL Lockout or anything-Baylor.

I hope our mixture of covering events and appearances is what you want---and believe me, as I've mentioned before, we're only getting started.

Thank you for listening when you do and our great sponsors for supporting our product.

David Smoak

A night away...

2011-05-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

from our first-ever Academic All-Stars banquet.

I've entered the names and sponsors on 1-2 occasions, but here are the numbers that blow me away.

Of the twenty Academic All-Stars, four of them are Valedictorians, six of them are Salutatorians.

The overall grade-point-average of all twenty All-Stars is 99.996 and the overall class ranking of all twenty All-Stars is fourth.

We have everything ready to go, just a matter of getting to 7:00pm on Wednesday night.

David Smoak

Academic All-Stars Banquet is less than two weeks away...

2011-05-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Our promotions director, Casey Hartmann, is really doing a great job running our 1st-ever Academic All-Stars program.

We'll honor the 20 Academic All-Stars on Wednesday, May 25th, and we have a lot of work to do.

*Gathering all the information, logos and pictures for a Full-Page, Full-Color Ad

*Ordering the Plaques for the recipients

*Ordering roses for the female recipients and all the mothers

*Getting the checks from the Waco Foundation

*Finalizing all details for our guest speaker, Grant Teaff

*Producing our banquet program

*Seating chart for head table, All-Stars, sponsors, media, additional guests, and potential new sponsors

And, I'm sure there's something else I haven't thought about.

David Smoak

An enjoyable Saturday...

2011-05-14T23:03:00.001-07:00

I'm finishing up a very enjoyable weekend, 18-holes at Twin Rivers, grilled some shrimp and a rib-eye, Scalloped potatoes, and the weather has been really unbelievable.

I was playing really well, felt like everything was clicking, birdied 14, the long, downhill par 3 and was +5 thru 14. But, on a short, tight, par 4, 15th, I somehow just completely shanked a 3-iron off the tee box and my round only got worse.

I was so stunned by the shot, I lost complete concentration and finished, triple-bogey, par (sand save), triple-bogey and triple-bogey. I haven't had a triple-bogey in my previous 5-6 rounds this year.

I can understand hitting a poor shot, even a shank, that's why I'm only a 6-handicap, bad shots happen, but I haven't had a meltdown like this in some time. I was still fine after 15, had a nice up and down 16 for a par out of the sand, but damned if I didn't top my tee shot on the easy par 5 17th hole. Ridiculous.

Oh well, there's another 1:30pm tee-time on Sunday. I have really been peaking over the past 3-4 rounds, but still not quite able to finish a round. Hopefully, I can do that on Sunday afternoon at Twin Rivers.

David Smoak

Here is our 2011 Academic All-Stars Team

2011-05-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

2011 ACADEMIC ALL-STARS

WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 1ST-EVER ESPN RADIO-CENTRAL TEXAS “ACADEMIC ALL-STARS” TEAM.

TWENTY OF THE VERY BEST SENIOR STUDENT-ATHLETES WHO EXCEL IN ATHLETICS, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, ACADEMICS.

WE RECEIVED 100 NOMINATIONS FROM HIGH SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT CENTRAL TEXAS. AND WE’LL HONOR OUR ACADEMIC ALL-STARS AT A BANQUET ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 25TH AT THE TEXAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME.

FORMER BAYLOR HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND THE EXECUTUVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION GRANT TEAFF WILL BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER.

THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT STUDENT-ATHLETES THROUGHOUT CENTRAL TEXAS, AND HERE ARE SOME OF THE VERY BEST.

FEMALE ACADEMIC ALL-STARS:

BROOK BRASHEAR, CAMERON YOE H.S.
ALLISON SMITH, CRAWFORD H.S.
MARYAM KHAN, HARKER HEIGHTS H.S.
EMILY NEUBERT, MIDWAY H.S.
BRITTNEY FRAZIER, SALADO H.S.
KATE HARRISON, REICHER CATHOLIC H.S.
CALLIE CLUGSTON, RIESEL H.S.
LINDSAY FLOYD, GLEN ROSE H.S.
KAYLA HINES, ROBINSON H.S.
BRITTNY SCHWERTNER, JARRELL H.S.

MALE ACADEMIC ALL-STARS:

JAKE TALBERT, CRAWFORD H.S.
ARNOLD MARTINEZ, UNIVERSITY H.S.
TAYLOR BARNES, BOSQUEVILLE H.S.
ZACH TIMMONS, ROBINSON H.S.
NEIL RABROKER, ROSEBUD-LOTT H.S.
RYAN REKIETA, BREMOND H.S.
TYLER UNDERWOOD, LORENA H.S.
MICHAEL MARTIN, CHINA SPRING H.S.
GABE WAPLES, MART H.S.
JA’QUAIL HASKINS, KILLEEN H.S.

THE 1ST-EVER ESPN CENTRAL TEXAS ACADEMIC ALL-STARS TEAM IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

ALLEN SAMUELS, DODGE, CHRYSLER, JEEP, RAM
SOUTHWEST SPORTS MEDICINE
HILLCREST BABPTIST MEDICAL CENTER
FUDDRUCKERS
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CENTRAL TEXAS
TARGET RESTORATION
COCA-COLA
LOCHRIDGE-PRIEST

AND ESPN RADIO-CENTRAL TEXAS

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR, DONOR OR CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS PROGRAM. PLEASE CONTACT DAVID SMOAK, PAUL CATALINA OR BUTCH HENRY.

DAVID SMOAK (smoaky@1660espn.com)

PAUL CATALINA (paul@1660espn.com)

Academic All-Stars Team Selected

2011-04-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Our selection committee has spoken, and we'll announce the 1st-Annual Central Texas Academic All-Stars Team on Tuesday, May 3rd.

Special thanks to Casey Hartmann for her commitment and passion for this program. She's handled a lot of the tedious work in preparing the nomination process, contacting counselors, and working with our selection committee on the criteria and process.

We'll announce the twenty (20) member team during You Make The Call on Tuesday.

This program honors the elite student-athletes in Central Texas, student-athletes involved in extra-curricular activities, heavily involved in on-campus and community events and charitable organizations.

We'll honor these student-athletes on Wednesday, May 25th at 7:00pm at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, donor or want tickets to attend the banquet, email me at your convenience.

David Smoak
Program Director
ESPN-Central Texas

Happy Easter, Family Love, Our gifted son Craig...

2011-04-24T18:04:00.001-07:00

My wife of 29-years, Cindy, and our son, Craig, just left to drive back to Tyler. Our daughter, Jennifer, just left for her drive back to Plano.

Cindy and Craig have Monday off and will chill out and get some rest, Jennifer has to work first thing on Monday morning, as do I.

The four of us just had a memorable Easter Weekend, and I can't count the tears when they had to leave.

I miss all of them so much and we're as tight as a family as we've ever been. Although a person may be fortunate to have an endless number of friends, it's family that is everything. My family has been incredibly loyal through thick and thin, and I want to share a poem our son wrote on my Easter card.

You've heard me mention how incredibly talented and gifted he is---and even more so, what a caring young man he has always been.

Dad,

Pain comes with love,

Love comes with pain,

Things happen in life that we never can change,

We're better in forgiveness than we are estranged,

But, always having you here makes me know things will be okay,

I love you as a fighter, a father, a friend,

I'll stand toe to toe with you and battle til the end,

Sometimes in life things just aren't fair,

But the love our family shares can never be compared,

What happens will happen and their will be deal after deal,

Just know I truly love you forever and for real.

Happy Easter Dad.

Craig

Well, that says it all. I'm a very lucky husband and father.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

Rangers, Texas Open, Melissa Jones, Perry Jones III

2011-04-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Let's start with the Rangers, currently 9-3 after losing their last two in Detroit, both in the bottom of the ninth-inning. Still a nice start and you get everything you can because who knows when Josh Hamilton might be out again? Well, he is, injuring his shoulder sliding home on a tag on a foul pop. Hamilton threw 3B coach Dave Anderson under the bus, horrible timing and just not sure what he was thinking, but frustration from the injury influenced an otherwise a pretty smart kid.

I was watching the first-round highlights from the Valero Texas Open and noticed Kevin Na got an unthinkable "16" on the Par 4, 9th-Hole. I wondered how that was possible until two things, one---I watched the highlights and his meltdown, and then I recalled a round I played at the very same course last summer covering Cowboys Training Camp. I came away from that round thinking I'd just played the most difficult course I've ever been on.

Kim Mulkey announced on Thursday night senior Melissa Jones will have an award named after her and no one will ever again wear Jersey #5, nice touch.

And, speaking of nice touch, the Perry Jones III Retribution Tour began on Monday afternoon when the freshman from Duncanville announced he'll return for his sophomore season at Baylor. Everyone immediately starting thinking about his impact on the men's basketball team in 2011-2012, I immediately thought his decision was a big middle finger to the NCAA. That's "MY" opinion, not Perry's, at least I don't think :)

David Smoak

The Masters @ Augusta National

2011-04-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

Just watched extended coverage of The Masters on ESPN. Alviro Quiros and Rory McIlroy are two young studs, and they grabbed the first-round lead with -7 65.

Phil Mickelson's short game was tremendous and he pulled out a -2 70, Tiger Woods shot -1, 71, still amazed he has "NEVER" broken 70 in an opening round at Augusta National.

I just love watching The Masters, and maybe, if the weather holds up, I'll finally get a chance to play a round on Saturday morning, get home, relax, sit back and watch the third-round on TV.

David Smoak

A wonderful experience on Fort lHood

2011-03-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Paul Catalina, Terry Tacker, Casey Hartmann and I woke up bright-and-early on Tuesday and drove to Fort Hood for an appearance at their Equipment and Technological Expo.

We interview vendors who he design, build and produce material and equipment that will help our great soldiers become bigger, better, faster, lighter, stronger and smarter.

God Bless Our Troops and everyone who has ever served or is serving to protect our freedom.

We finished up the remote at noon and Sgt. Joe Radcliffe took us to lunch a short tour of the base.

Paul, Terry and Casey stayed in Killeen for another appearance at Fuddruckers in Killeen, while I drove up I-35 to attend the NCAA Women's Regional Final between Texas A&M and Baylor at the American Airlines Center.

It's Round IV between these two really good teams, with Baylor winning the first three.

David Smoak

NCAA Women's Regional Semifinals in Dallas

2011-03-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Paul Catalina and I landed in Austin just after midnight on Sunday morning following our trip to Rangers Training Camp in Arizona.

I got just enough sleep to be dangerous, cooked a nice breakfast for a change and headed up I-35 for the NCAA Women's Regional Semifinals at the American Airlines Arena.

Texas A&M crushed Georgia in the first game and we're just under 9-minutes into the second half and Baylor leads Wisconsin-Green Bay, 57-49.

If Baylor wins, we'll have a fourth Texas A&M-Baylor showdown.

Baylor won the first three in knockdown drag-out fashion. #4 won't be any different.

David Smoak

Surprise, Surprise...Arizona

2011-03-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

Paul Catalina and I in our second day at Rangers Training Camp in Surprise, Arizona.

Now. This. Is. Work.

MLB Training Camp.

We're currently watching the Padres vs. Rangers at Surprise Stadium, been a long, but productive day.

We basically got through Wednesday on fumes and adrenalin after literally NO SLEEP following the Lady Bears win against West Virginia on Tuesday night. But, hey--someone has to do this job, right?

Wouldn't want it any other way.

We were so tired after the show on Wednesday, we left the stadium, checked into our hotel, went to PF Chang's (where else did you think we were going?) and then crashed before the sun was down in Arizona.

We didn't wake up until 6:30am on Thursday.

But, we were rested thank goodness and went straight to the Rangers Clubhouse for interviews.

We secured a recorded interview with Ian Kinsler and Derek Holland. We spoke with Holland before the Rangers actually announced their starting rotation and he didn't even know at the time he was included.

Problem is---Tommy Hunter strained his groin pitching against the Reds and now the Rangers are searching for a short-term solution until Hunter is back.

Meanwhile, we also had veteran lefty Darren Oliver drop by the booth and come on live with us this afternoon.

We're LOADED for Friday's show (our last here in Surprise) with the following guests that we know of and working on others.

*Ron Washington, Rangers Manager
*Jon Daniels, Rangers General Manager
*Ian Kinsler, Rangers Second Baseman
*Jamey Newberg, The Newberg Report

Paul and I are also working on getting Melissa Jones or a Lady Bears player for Friday's show before they leave for the Dallas Regional. We normally would have been at their Media Session today, but couldn't make it due to our coverage here in Arizona.

Rangers and Padres are 4-4 into the top of the 7th, we'll wait around for the conclusion and then head to the Clubhouse and get another piece of audio or so.

We'll be right back in the Clubhouse first thing on Friday morning around 8:00am. I brought my golf clubs, might try and hit the links after Friday's show.

You turn around and can run into a golf course. There's one right down the street, well--there are a couple of dozen shows right down the street from the ballpark.

It might be time to hit the little white ball on Friday afternoon.

Thanks for listening when and if you do!

David Smoak

H.S. Football Broadcast Programming Announcement

2011-03-21T22:01:00.001-07:00

We added Midway High School football to our group for the 2011 season. We also acquired the rights to broadcast additional Midway sporting events based on our programming schedule.

We're excited about the acquisition of Midway football and I want to thank AD Randy Weisinger and head football coach Terry Gambill for their professionalism throughout the negotiating process.

We also have the rights to Robinson, China Spring and Copperas Cove, and we're looking at adding more between now and late-August.

A lot of what we do in placing a program on any frequency is what frequencies and signals we have available.

We do plan on broadcasting high school football on AM1660, 101.3FM, 100.9FM, 106.9FM, Mix929 and eventually, AM1590.

David Smoak

What a nice weekend...

2011-03-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at court-side at the NCAA Women's National Tournament, 1st-Round game about to tip between Baylor and Prairie View A&M. West Virginia just advanced past Houston and will play the winner on Tuesday night here at the Ferrell Center.

It's been a great weekend, Cindy came in from Tyler, we relaxed and then went out a little bit on Saturday night.

But, we just enjoyed some time together, and of course with Jennifer's dog, "Oreo," who is always the star of the show.

Oreo is so fun to be with--never stops, always wants some loving and I'm always willing to give it to her. Cindy left mid-afternoon to go back to Tyler, Jennifer is on her way back from the coast and I'm at the Ferrell Center. Craig is in Tyler, enjoyed a quiet weekend himself.

I got a little antsy with wanting to play a round of golf, but not yet time--I will try and sneak out and play a round while in Arizona later this week.

Paul Catalina and I leave for Rangers Training Camp bright-and-early on Wednesday morning and will return on Sunday, March 27th.

David Smoak

Playing catch-up again...

2011-03-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

You'd think something so simple at updating a daily or weekly blog would be easy. Well, it should be and I apologize for not updating much of late.

It's late on Thursday night, the first night of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and I went 6-2 in the first 8-games, not sure about tonight's results, but not bad...but like every year, my bracket will be a mess by this time Friday night (if not earlier).

I love the NCAA Tournament...obviously, it's one of the great single-day's in sports each year. I'll take the opening day of the Masters golf tournament. I used to think the same thing for the opening day of MLB when so many games were played during the afternoon on a Monday---but that's changed with so many opening games being spread out with television coverage.

Well, Paul Catalina and I returned from our week covering the Big 12 Basketball Tournament's in Kansas City, and throughout the entire trip...and even now, I'm still fighting this cough.

I saw my doctor on Monday, he prescribed Z-Pac and steroids and Codeine cough syrup. Everything has worked by the Codeine-laced cough syrup. I couldn't wait to try it the first night back (Monday), but I've been wired after taking it every night. I haven't had more than 2-3 hours sleep in any one night for 2-weeks, and I'm not whining, just updating my blog.

I'm taking straight-up NyQuil in about 20-minutes. But, I have a 6:15am wake-up call for our special show on Friday morning in Temple. We're on 8:00am-11:00am tomorrow morning (like we were today) because our regular hours are blown out with the NCAA tournament games.

I didn't want us to lose the daily revenue during our show and we not only saved the revenue with the special morning shows, we added sponsorship dollars from Automax Hyundai-Temple.

I think we beat everyone to the dealership this morning, but we took a ton of calls and Paul and I had a great time with some topics and discussion. Also, had a nice chunk of people come by and register to win a nice group of prizes.

We're back at it in the morning. I hope, after the NyQuil that I hear my alarm clock. If I don't, that's okay--means I actually got some good sleep.

Our amazingly talented son, Craig, turned 27 this week, continues to co-host his sports talk show in Tyler. So proud of him.

Our fiercely committed daughter, Jennifer turns 24 in early-April, she dropped by my place on Tuesday evening, brought her (my) dog, Oreo, a black and white border collie and Oreo and I are "running buddies." She's so damn smart it's hilarious.

We had dogs when I was younger, our family had everything, dogs, cats, birds, ducks, fish, you name it, we had it. Sometimes the cats enjoyed some of the "pets" as treats, but we just replaced them. But, after getting married to Cindy, we just never had a dog...always cats...cats are cool, they complain on occasion but would rather you not bother them, unless they're hungry or just sucked on catnip.

Thinking back at it, we did have a dog for less than a week back in the mid-80's, but it didn't last long, it was a black lab and we gave it to a friend who had a big ranch...good decision for the dog.

Okay, I'm watching the end of the UCLA-Michigan State game, UCLA was rolling, but not trying to hang-on, up just one with :04.4 left. UCLA at the free throw line. I didn't realize this until the tip, but these proud basketball programs have never met during the NCAA Tournament, hard to believe.

Cindy is driving to town on Friday night to spend a couple of days, looking forward to that...although I think she wants to see Oreo more than me (and Jennifer when she comes back through on Sunday) :)

I think Craig and his girl, Mandee might even drive down, and that would be awesome.

Baylor Lady Bears start their march towards an possible NCAA Championship on Sunday at home, I'll be there for the coverage on Sunday evening. If they win, and they should, they'll also host a game on Tuesday in Waco.

Paul Catalina and I are headed to Rangers Training Camp on Wednesday morning for 5-6 days covering baseball spring training. That's about as relaxed as it gets. Looking forward to getting some fresh air--hope my cough is over by then, might take the sticks and play a round of three of golf. At least, I hope so.

We're trying to keep March busy with basketball and so much more. It's been a great month for us and so many people at our station have contributed.

I continue to be amazed by our camaraderie and so proud of the effort, commitment and professionalism.

We're finishing up the 1st-Quarter of 2011 with a lot of momentum, now we need to sustain it through April-June. If we can somehow sustain the momentum in April, May, and June...I can't wait for what we can do during the football season.

Oh, we're about to make a major announcement involving our 2011 high school football coverage on Monday of next week.

Stay tuned and thank you for listening when and if you do.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

I can't wait to get back to Kansas City...

2011-03-13T21:50:00.001-07:00

I'd been looking forward to our trip to cover the Big 12 Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments, and I enjoyed the games and tournaments.

I just wish I'd felt better. I caught a pretty bad head cold following our ESPN College Game-Day weekend and here I am, nine days later and I'm still coughing constantly, battling a stuffy nose, an earache and sore throat.

I've tried everything and special thanks to folks within the Baylor athletic department for trying to help with some medicine.

I have coughed almost non-stop for 8-9 days, some days worse than others, and here I am on Sunday night and battling you guessed it, a nagging cough.

I will go and see my doctor here in Waco, Dr. Hinds, sometime on Monday. I had a throat culture done before I left and everything came back negative. But, something is strange because I've taken Advil Cold & Sinus, NyQuil, DayQuil, Advil, Lozenges, Mucinex, anything and everything and I'm right back at square one.

I actually feel better today than I have in a week, but the constant coughing has just worn down my throat and I'm not sure if I'll be on the air for another day or two. That in itself is very frustrating.

We'll have a lot to digest this week, including Baylor missing out on the NIT, man...from the Elite 8 to nothing. I know every program would want any post-season tournament but perhaps this season needs to end, "now."

The Lady Bears captured the regular season and conference championships and they'll get a #1 seed and host the first two rounds in Waco and most likely play their third and fourth round games in Dallas. They have a watch party set for 5:00pm on Monday and we'll try and get Coach Mulkey on our show sometime between 3pm-6pm.

We've launched our NCAA Bracket Madness promotion, YOU picking the NCAA Tournament and my goal is 300 entries. Right now, without any promotion, we're only at 15, but we'll pound away at this for the next 2-3 days. I "NEVER" do well at these brackets, NEVER. But, I'll fill it out like I always do and watch is disintegrate right before my very own eyes.

Baylor football resumes their spring drills and we'll dive back into that as well this week.

I need a quiet week, and we should get that with some appearances, but being back home is great.

Paul Catalina and I leave for Rangers Training Camp a week from Wednesday and we're looking forward to that, was hoping Butch would come just for the golf, but he has some family plans. I think he'd love Arizona with the baseball and golf and we'll work on him this week.

So, our week in Kansas City is over, and because I couldn't enjoy it like I wanted--I can't wait for next year.

David Smoak

Trying to summarize the past week...

2011-03-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here inside the Parsons Roofing 40' RV, otherwise known as our ESPN Radio-Central Texas Luxury Suite.

We've been broadcasting and spending the past 36-hours inside of this RV counting down the ESPN College Game Day and Saturday night's Texas @ Baylor game.

I'd like to start by thanking Baylor University for their unprecedented access to their campus and events this week. As I've said many times, I don't know what relationship our station had with Baylor before I arrived in late-June, but I do know the response we are receiving from throughout Baylor Athletics has been tremendous.

The month of March should fly by with the Big 12 Tournaments next week in Kansas City, whatever we do with the NCAA Tournaments, Rangers Training Camp in late-March in Surprise, Arizona, and perhaps the NCAA Women's Final Four the first week in April.

Our sales staff has aced the sponsorships in putting us in position to not only cover these events, but cover our expenses and add to an already record-breaking March.

We will continue to push to get better...

I received an email asking me why we decided to cover the ESPN College Game Day with an appearance in an RV outside of the Ferrell Center. I responded, "why not?"

We'd other be in the studio or another appearance on Friday, so why not start the countdown to the ESPN College Game Day show? It only made sense and now, sitting here inside the RV, mid-afternoon on Saturday, I can't think of much else we could have done. We had a couple of gremlins in the system "outside of what anyone heard on the air," and we react to both with ease.

I'll go ahead and answer another email question, "Why did you decide to broadcast live on Saturday morning leading up to College Game Day."

Again, "Why not?" Butch, Paul and I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and atmosphere.

We had ESPN's Rece Davis and Jay Bilas on Friday's show...and we were still able to cover the local high school and college post-season tournaments.

I'd like to thank a few people in particular for the past week's access at Baylor, including Ian McCaw, Nick Joos, Chris Yandle, John Garrison, Diane Jee, Jordan Barker, Kevin Huffine, Tom Hill, Drew Pittman, and Scott Drew.

There are many more who were involved, but those are the people who I had the direct contact with at some point.

One story about Friday night...Coach Drew stopped by our RV on Friday for a live interview and then I didn't think we'd see him again until perhaps Saturday morning. Well, as a pretty good group of us were enjoying the tailgating on Friday night, here comes Coach Drew---with a large aluminum pan of Crazy Wings from George's. He spoke with us for about 15-20 minutes and went home to the family and I'm sure to watch more video on Texas.

And, speaking of food, I'd like to also thank Fuddruckers, Rudy's and Hooters for their donation to helping feed about a hundred students who stayed around the Parsons Roofing RV on Friday afternoon.

Right now, there's about 50-80 people coming and going right outside of our tailgate location.

Mike Dewey did another nice job of coordinating the area with Baylor University. Mike loves to tailgate, he loves to have a good time, and he is really trying to start a tradition of great tailgating at Baylor sporting events.

I just received an email from ESPN Radio in Bristol, and they've asked me to live updates during tonight's UT-Baylor game. That sounds great and all, but because of the setup inside the Ferrell Center, I have to do the updates from inside the media room about 1-2 times and hour...so I'll have to walk away from the live action a few times.

Oh well, enough for now, Paul and I just met inside the RV to discuss our upcoming trip to Kansas City...just one of many things we're doing this month---and very excited about it all.

Thank you for reading this blog if you do, and listening to our show when and if you do.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

An update or ten about ESPN Radio-Central Texas

2011-02-28T23:18:00.000-08:00

We finished February up 61% in sales and we're entering March 52% up from where we ended March, 2010. And, we're going to be awfully busy and mobile in March.

*Weekend coverage of ESPN College Game-Day.

*Big 12 Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament

*Rangers Training Camp in Surprise, Arizona

*NCAA Women's Final Four in Indianapolis, Indiana (Tentative)

And, this doesn't include covering the Baylor Bears football team and spring drills and girls and boys high school basketball state playoffs. The Fairfield girls are the lone Central Texas team at the Girls State Tournament this weekend in Austin.

A couple of local nuggets from the weekend.

*Harker Heights OT Camrhon Hughes gave a verbal commitment to Texas.

*Former Killeen Ellison star Tommie Harris was released by the Chicago Bears. He'll find a new home depending on when free agency continues, which won't be until after a new Collective Bargaining Agreement--and who knows when that will be?

We hosted our first show of the year from Hooters, great atmosphere but we had a technical issue off the top of the show and had some terrible audio for the first 2-3 minutes. That's frustrating and we'll figure out what went wrong on Tuesday morning, but special thanks to Zach Burke for somehow finding the issue(s) and working them out.

We're back at Hooters on Tuesday, Tilted Kilt in Killeen on Wednesday.

We're preparing for the College Game-Day weekend and our use of a 40' by a lot RV for our show on Friday and throughout the day on Saturday. This RV is a monster and we will be all over College Game Day this weekend. While I use the term preparing, I think "bracing" is more what Paul Catalina is doing...

I have him petrified of what to expect. He's young, he'll get over it.

Special thanks to Baylor University and Baylor Athletics for allowing us to think outside the box on how to promote and cover the event.

Well, I have to make a presentation early-Tuesday at a sales meeting so it's time to try and get a little decent sleep.

Oh, by the way, I had fallen asleep and completely out of nowhere I woke up in all but a cold sweat realizing I hadn't sent off a payment for a loan that was due last week. There's a grace period, so we'll be fine---but what made me think of this completely out of the blue, while sound asleep?

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

Busy week ahead...

2011-02-26T23:27:00.000-08:00

We're headed into a very busy week and that's the way we like it.

We'll spend all week trying to prepare and plan for our ESPN College Game-Day weekend coverage, including using an RV for a variety of reasons, hosting our show, tailgating, perhaps even spending the night outside the Ferrell Center.

We're live at Hooter's on Monday and Tuesday, live from Tilted Kilt in Killeen on Wednesday.

Hey, someone has to do this job.

I think we're in-studio on Thursday, I'm sure that will change.

Friday, it's wall-to-wall craziness with the ESPN College Game-Day coverage.

This week is busy, but next week is too...

We'll start with our show at Hooter's again (Monday) and then off to the Big 12 Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments in Kansas City, Missouri.

David Smoak

Butch and Paul think I'm nuts, they may be right...

2011-02-23T22:55:00.000-08:00

ESPN College Game-Day is a little over a week away and we're working on how we'll cover the event.

We'll broadcast "You Make The Call" on Friday, March 4th somewhere outside of the Ferrell Center and either inside or right outside of an RV. We'll have it all dialed-in, tailgating, the show, Smoaky, Paul and Butch, right?

Well, Paul and Butch are trying to convince ownership I've lost it, hey--I could have told them that...but we are going to broadcast on that Friday afternoon, enjoy it, and we're spending the night because we are "LIVE" the next morning at 7:00am. Yep, 7:00am, not 10:00am or Noon, 7-A-M!

Why not broadcast on the morning leading up to ESPN's College Game-Day?

Why not broadcast on the evening before ESPN's College Game-Day?

Why not spend the night because we won't be off the air long in between our Friday show and Saturday's special hours?

Butch gets a pass on our little "Slumber Party"---but Paul, he's staying with us in the RV.

Now, who is "us?" Not sure yet, Paul, me, and 1-2 others who might be as crazy as me.

Fuddruckers will give the first 50 people who drop by the show a free certificate for a 1/3rd pound hamburger...and they're supplying a little food that afternoon too. We'll have t-shirts, food, soft drinks, beverages, and of course, we'll talk a little sports too.

Butch will be involved both days, although I think he's still negotiating an extra vacation day or two---and that's okay, I've never counted hours or vacation days, he deserves them.

So, if you're bored and don't have anything else to do on Friday afternoon, March 4th. Drop by the Ferrell Center and see if I'm in a straight-jacket or a robe.

Smoaky

Did I really hear Lace Dunn say, "They wanted it more than us tonight?"

2011-02-19T21:07:00.000-08:00

I was in the post-game press conference following Baylor's 9-point loss to Texas Tech.

You could sense the tremendous disappointment in the voice and words of head coach Scott Drew.

Going into that game, I felt (along with probably many others) the Bears HAD to win no less than 3 of their last 5 games to become NCAA Tournament eligible. In my opinion, 9-7 in the Big 12 would get them.

Well, now the Bears are on NCAA Tourney life-support after Saturday night's loss. Now, they must win three of their last four, and those four include, @ Missouri, vs. Texas, @ Oklahoma State, vs. Texas A&M. They going to win three of those four?

Where? It's going to be difficult and losing to Tech, an under .500 team makes me wonder if they won't have to sweep the final four regular season games.

But, back to the post-game press conference.

I interviewed Lace Dunn following Tuesday's win against Wayland Baptist and asked him, "When does your team realize the clock is ticking on their chances?" He responded with, "We have to start playing better." I responded with, "But haven't you guys been saying that for over a month?"

I can answer for Dunn and his teammates, "Yes."

But, following their loss to Tech, I heard Dunn say, "They (Tech) wanted this more than we did tonight."

Huh?

How can that be possible?

How can a team knowing their NCAA Tournament lives depend on a win, allow a sub-.500 team to beat them and control the game after the first 2-3 minutes?

I think, "they wanted it more than we did," is a cop out and Dunn isn't the only player whose ever said it.

It's become an any-player or coach or media or fan cop out line.

We'll discuss this more in-depth on Monday's show.

Have a great weekend everyone!

David Smoak

Our own version of "March Mad-mania"

2011-02-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

We are approaching one fun month with our programming and coverage.

We have tremendous plans for March, including coverage of the following events:

*ESPN College Game-Day @ Baylor University: We'll not only broadcast the Friday afternoon before at the Ferrell Center, but host a special 7:00am-9:00am "You Make The Call" the morning of College Game-Day.

*Big 12 Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments (Kansas City, Missouri): We'll broadcast live from the Media Hotel in downtown Kansas City as we cover the Bears and Lady Bears.

*NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments (Everywhere, USA): The Lady Bears will host the women's 1st and 2nd round games in Waco, and we'll be all over their run to the championship. ESPN Radio-Central Texas is also the home for every single game of the NCAA Men's Tournament and the Women's Final Four (along with whatever games involving the Bears and Lady Bears).

*Rangers Training Camp in Surprise, Arizona: We'll broadcast live from Rangers Camp and bring back the atmosphere with interviews and the great "crack of the bat, pop of the mitt, and fresh cut grass." We'll be there for 3-4 days to accumulate audio for our time there and the following week. The regular season opener is April 1st against the Red Sox, and unless I'm wrong (brain cells aren't what they used to be)---this is the first time ever in my lifetime that MLB has started a season at the end of the week and not on a Sunday night or Monday afternoon, or in some cases for some teams a Tuesday. There might have been one or two years when a season started somewhere early like with the NFL, but I don't remember.

*NCAA Women's Final Four (Indianapolis, Indiana): Depending on Baylor's run to a national title, ESPN Radio-Central Texas will be live mixed in with our game broadcasts of the Lady Bears if they become eligible for the Final Four.

And, this doesn't include some of our other appearances throughout Central Texas.

Our sales staff hit the streets with our sponsorship packages on Wednesday and we have some work to do, but based on the energy and pacing from the past 7-months, we'll be in good shape. I think I mentioned this in an earlier post, but our sales are up 61% in February and there's still just under two weeks remaining. But, this month is almost done so we have a lot of work to do in March and into the future.

In between all this action, I'm working on a quick trip to try and see my mom and dad and three brothers in Tampa, Florida area. My mother had the illness she fought through during the fall and she's back home and finishing up her rehab so I'm headed down there later in the month. I can't wait to see my parents and my three brothers, relax for a weekend, smoke a few cigars on my father's back porch and catch-up on some good memories.

I hope everyone is doing well, and thanks for listening or reading when and if you do.

Thank you.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

The word is spreading, 1660ESPN Radio is ESPN Radio-Central Texas

2011-02-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

I first met our owner, Gary Moss, for lunch at a restaurant in Cleburne where he owns other radio stations. We drove from Cleburne to Waco to visit 1660ESPN Radio in Waco and we talked about everything, goals, sales opportunities, and life.

He told me on that late-June day, "I want you to build a regional giant, including Waco and other places we're about to invade with new frequencies."

I asked him if he'd let me "run" and make decisions that worked in a similar duel-market like Tyler/Longview and even Lufkin/Nacogdoches.

Very simply he said, "Yes."

I will give you all the tools you need and let's take care of Waco and then move on to Killeen/Fort Hood and keep growing.

Well, that's what we're trying to do, 1660ESPN Radio is now ESPN Radio-Central Texas and we have other goals in other cities. But, we're focused on greater-Central Texas right now.

You'll always hear me say we have work to do, and we do---but we're slowly but surely finding our niche throughout the area, not just Waco.

We've constantly hosted our show or game broadcasts from Waco, Temple, Killeen, and tonight in Lorena.

We've been in Lorena before for the HS Football game between Lorena and China Spring.

But, that was football...we're continuing commitment to some high school basketball. We're blocked out from any games the week of February 14th-20th because of previous programming commitments with Baylor. But, we'll be back the week after with some playoff games.

It's been another great week, new sponsors, pretty good guests, meeting more and more of the great people in Central Texas.

Thank you for listening when and if you do, and have a great weekend.

David Smoak

Decompressing from our trip to cover Super Bowl XLV

2011-02-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

This week has absolutely flown by, which is unusual following a week at the Super Bowl.

I returned from my 18th trip to the Super Bowl and the following week has always "dragged on" like a bad hangover.

Not this week, we came back on Monday and went straight to covering the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, there was our high school basketball game on Tuesday night between Midway and University High....and tonight, I'm at the Nebraska @ Baylor men's basketball game at the Ferrell Center.

Thursday is the day I release the All-Smoaky.com H.S. Football Team so I'll be up pretty late tonight getting that done.

We have an appearance in Temple at Automax Hyundai on Friday and then our broadcast of La Vega @ Lorena for the District Championship in 19-3A.

And, the momentum continues with our sales as we added a couple of brand-new clients this week.

I appreciate those of you who have responded to our Super Bowl coverage from a week ago. It's a special week for us to cover it, but also fun to try and bring back the atmosphere from Radio Row.

We're already working on how to improve our coverage of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis next year.

Smoaky

In the end, "Jerry's World" shines...

2011-02-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Despite the issues with the wintry weather and Seat-Gate, "Jerry's World" put on a show.

Congratulations to the Packers, their fourth Super Bowl Championship, aptly named "Lombardi Trophy" to Titletown, USA.

I thoroughly enjoyed our week in Dallas/Fort Worth, had an incredible week at Radio Row and a tremendous game.

David Smoak

Super Bowl XLV Sunday

2011-02-06T12:31:00.001-08:00

Paul, Zach and I are here at the Media Compound inside Cowboys Stadium, several hours before kickoff.

We have our own little talk show going to David Wilkinson from KCEN and Ricardo LeCompt and Dan Ingham from KWTX, just talking pregame and even Baylor basketball.

Hey, we need to talk about something to kill 3-4 hours.

My prediction, Packers 24 Steelers 20.

David Smoak

Super Bowl XLV (Saturday)

2011-02-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Cindy and I just returned from the first phase of the Leigh Steinberg Party a few blocks away.

They raise a tremendous amount of money for charities, including Wounded Warriors.

We saw a lot of celebrities in attendance, but heck, we've seen those all week on Radio Row. Serena Williams, the tennis star made a brief appearance.

We're headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame announcement for the Class of 2011 at 6:00pm, and then headed to a couple of parties later tonight.

I've learned a valuable lesson over the years covering the Super Bowl. Despite the temptations of all the parties on Saturday night, DON'T OVERDO IT. Because, the shuttles start taking us to the stadium by mid-morning and the earlier you get there the better because of security. And, it's a long day from pregame, game and then reaction in postgame---and shuttle back to hotel.

Not complaining, just a little sense of learning curve.

David Smoak

Super Bowl XLV Day V

2011-02-03T17:30:00.001-08:00

We just wrapped-up our Thursday show, and another day of success.

Mike Ditka, Drew Pearson, Deacon Jones, Jay Ratliff, Terence Newman, Thomas Everett, Rick Gosselin, and Mean Joe Greene.

My staff busted their butts for our station today and they have been all week.

But, despite the great day we had---and the day we're set to have on Friday---office politics took center stage. I'm amazed at how selfish some people can be...

We've had people busting their tails all week for the radio station--as they should be--and being at NFL Media Headquarters and Radio Row and covering the Super Bowl isn't a cocktail party, it's not a frat or sorority party---it's hard work.

But, I love it, I'll always love it and I am fortunate to be involved in the business.

As I've said many times, I get paid to talk about something I love, sports, athletics, games, scores, teams, players, fans, and I will always appreciate it.

I have never-ever complained about not being invited to an event in my 30-years in the business.

David Smoak I would've responded in so many ways that would be destructive.

David Smoak II took a deep breath and didn't send the compulsive email response or make that phone call and rip someone's head off.

We're here at NFL Media Headquarters and Radio Row and covering the Super Bowl and we've given the radio station more coverage and exposure---perhaps EVER.

And, yet--there's always someone who doesn't appreciate the work, doesn't understand what we're doing and has just basically ruined it for everyone else.

I've done everything possible to give those who most deserve it "this year" a chance to experience Super Bowl week. But, after today...well, I'll just bite my tongue.

David Smoak

P.S. Since some of you have asked, Butch Henry has been wonderful to work with and he was invited but couldn't make it up because of two reasons, Wednesday's Lady Bears game against OU (he's the shot clock operator), and the weather conditions. We're bringing him back a bunch of souvenirs and love. Butch doesn't travel much, but Paul and I have set a goal to get him out of state before the end of the year. I think Rangers Training Camp in Arizona is going to be tough for him to turn down. Baseball, GOLF, GOLF, and GOLF!!!

Super Bowl XLV Day IV

2011-02-02T11:17:00.001-08:00

Well, it's been the busiest day at NFL Media Headquarters and Radio Row. We've already recorded interviews with Leon Lett, Erik Williams, Actor/Comedian Jay Mohr, Jerry Kramer, Christian Okoye, and the Miller High Life man, Windell Middlebrooks--and we're working the room for Sam Bradford and John Elway. We'll win a few, lose a few and do it again tomorrow.

My young Cubs, Zach and Paul went roaming last night, but they deserved to release a little energy after a busy day.

More ESPN Radio-Central Texas folks coming in today, webmaster-Beth Richards and photographer Marcel van Es.

David Smoak

NFL Media Headquarters, Radio Row, Day #2

2011-01-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Dallas to get checked into our hotel, get our credentials and get setup at NFL Media Headquarters and Radio Row.

Paul, Zach, Terry and Graham were here in full force. Our promotions director, Casey Hartmann came up from Waco this morning to spend the day.

We're about an hour away from our first show which will include Roger Staubach, Former Baylor All-American OL Randy Grimes who has battled an addiction to pain killers from his days in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Bucs. We'll also have Baylor commit Spencer Drango, ESPN's Trey Wingo (Baylor Alum), Author Jim Dent, who wrote books---Twelve Mighty Orphans, King of the Cowboys, Junction Boys and his newest book, "Super Bowl, Texas Style." And, our regular Monday analyst, Jennifer Floyd-Engel.

Smoaky

Super Bowl XLV

2011-01-29T21:06:00.000-08:00

Paul, Zach, and I will leave for our coverage of Super Bowl XLV on Sunday morning. We'll check into our hotel, check in for our credentials and begin setting up our spot inside NFL Media Headquarters and Radio Row.

My first visit to Radio Row came in January, 1993, Cowboys vs. Bills in L.A.. Media Headquarters and Radio Row was inside the Century Plaza Hotel in Beverly Hills. I've been to every Super Bowl but once since that first visit and I have to say, it's been nearly impossible to match that first trip.

Super Bowl, L.A., Century Plaza Hotel, it was like my first trip to The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, "just take me now."

Radio Row is amazing, personalities, celebrities, current, former and future NFL stars, and a hundred plus radio stations broadcasting from Hawaii to Boston, from Seattle to Miami.

And, we'll be there for the entire show...

I'm more excited about watching Paul and Zach's reaction to the week than anything else.

I've pretty much seen it all, I think.

Another exciting part about this year is watching how my son, Craig, and his radio station out of Tyler react to their coverage. Craig's been to a pretty good chunk of Super Bowl's but no one else at his station has been involved, so their reaction will be interesting to watch too.

We'll have video, pictures, interviews, and blogs on 1660espn.com.

David Smoak

What a huge week this could/will be...?

2011-01-24T20:46:00.001-08:00

This week is going to fly by and when it does we'll have added new sponsors, created more energy and added more promotions for our station.

We're serious about infiltrating Central Texas to the south, Killeen, Fort Hood, Copperas Cove, Temple and Belton.

Why wouldn't we be serious?

We've added the frequencies to cover that area...and now we're spending more and more time in the southern part of our region.

Paul Catalina and I were live from Automax Hyundai in Temple again on Friday and then stayed around to broadcast the Belton @ Harker Heights boys basketball game. It turned out to be a pretty good one, Harker Heights remained unbeaten in 12-5A with a 71-67 victory.

Paul and I will be right back in Killeen on Tuesday, live at Fuddrucker's in Killeen, and then it's Copperas Cove @ Ellison right afterward.

We'll also broadcast Midway @ Killeen on Friday night.

We have two crucial meetings this week, one with a sponsor, another with an administration that could set us up for some huge revenue increase and exposure.

We're awaiting decisions from two additional administrations on some programming contracts that we've already discussed, either offered or countered and awaiting final counter. It's a fun part of the business as I continue my goal of understanding the administration end of running a radio station.

I received our sales figures for January and we're up 40% from this time a year ago. I'm so proud of our sales staff, Terry, Rich, Becky, Bill, Linda, Andee and Casey. Some of them have been in radio sales quite some time, some are learning the ropes.

We've also all but sold out our Academic All-Stars program honoring the elite student-athletes in Central Texas later this spring.

We'll send out the nomination packets to 65-70 Central Texas high schools this week, give them until March to return the nominations, sift through the nominees throughout April, announce the final team on Monday, May 2nd...which just so happens to be my birthday (50-something)!

We'll host our banquet in late-May, guest speaker, honor the winners and hopefully get some good media coverage as well.

We're working towards what we need with our Super Bowl XLV coverage in Dallas. I've told Paul, Jason, Zach and others who will be involved that I'll be pushing them all week to make sure we're ready, set, locked-and-loaded.

None of them have ever been to a Super Bowl or covered the "Week of Events" so they're in for a tweet, well---it's high-energy, intense and a media meat market.

David Smoak

2010 ESPN Radio-Central Texas "All-Central Texas"

2011-01-24T00:04:00.000-08:00

2010 Central Texas All-Smoaky.com Nominations:

(All-Smoaky.com East Texas Polls will be up later this week)

Coach of the Year:

Rusty Nail, Mart (Class 1-A, Division I State Champions)

Offensive Player of the Year:

Jack Rhoades, QB, Cameron Yoe, Sr. (239-357 passing for 3,553-yards. 48-TD, 215-yards rushing, 6-TD)

Defensive Player of the Year:

D'Shun Kinsey, LB, Mart, Sr. (188-Tackles, 24-TFL, 4-Caused Fumbles, 8-QB Pressures, 3-PBU,
1-Interception)

Lineman of the Year:

Beau Blackshear, DT, Midway, Sr. (77-Tackles, 3-Caused Fumbles, 2-Fumble Recoveries, 7-Sacks, 20-TFL, 14-QB Pressures, 6-PBU)

Game of the Year:

Class 2-A, Division I State Championship, Daingerfield 33, Cameron Yoe 27 (Cameron Yoe rallies to tie the game in the final minute, but Daingerfield QB Tyler Boyd hit WR Keyarris Garrett for a 69-yard TD pass with 26-seconds remaining in the game to win it).

1st-Team Offense:

Center: Michael Mooneyham, Sr., Fairfield
Guard: Gabe Waples, Sr., Mart
Guard: Cody Elenz, Sr., Copperas Cove
Tackle: Christian Barry, Sr., Midway
Tackle: Michael Starts, Jr., La Vega
Tight End: Dillon Dumas, Sr., China Spring
Wide Receiver: Heath Harris, Sr., West
Wide Receiver: Stephen Ruen, Sr., Groesbeck
Wide Receiver: Kevin Thomas, Sr., Midway
Quarterback: Jack Rhoades, Sr., Cameron Yoe
Fullback: Michael Martin, Sr., China Spring
Running Back: Damyon Kelley, Sr., Cameron Yoe
Running Back: B.J. Kelly, Soph., Midway
Utility: Devin McGowan, Sr., La Vega

1st-Team Defense:

Defensive Tackle: Beau Blackshear, Sr., Midway
Defensive Tackle: Trevor Valdez, Sr., Copperas Cove
Defensive End: Jairo Campa, Sr., Cameron Yoe
Defensive End: Jordan Taylor, Sr., La Vega
Linebacker: D’Shun Kinsey, Sr., Mart
Linebacker: Trey McGowan, Sr., Kerens
Linebacker: O’Neil Spells, Sr., Cameron Yoe
Linebacker: Lee Bristow, Sr., Midway
Cornerback: Trevion Sims, Sr., Cameron Yoe
Cornerback: Gene Gilbert, Sr., Copperas Cove
Safety: Chandler Snodgrass, Sr., Lorena
Safety: Jake Talbert, Sr., Crawford

1st-Team Special Teams:

XP/FG/Kicker: Collin Cranfill, Jr., China Spring
Punter: David Ash, Sr., Belton
KR/PR: Decrick Westbrook, Jr., Cameron Yoe
KR/PR: T.Q. Echols, Soph., Whitney

2nd-Team Offense:

Center: Justin Ingram, Sr. China Spring,
Guard: Dylan Brown, Soph., McGregor
Guard: Camrhon Hughes, Jr., Harker Heights
Tackle: Devin Threat, Sr., Mexia
Tackle: Sergio Vasquez, Jr., Goldthwaite
Tight End: Nick Renfro, Sr., Dawson
Wide Receiver: Tyree Jackson, Sr., La Vega
Wide Receiver: Adonis Haven, Jr., University
Wide Receiver: Adrian Henderson, Sr., Belton
Quarterback: David Ash, Sr., Belton
Fullback: Aurelio Rodriguez, Sr., Buffalo
Running Back: Brandon Bordovsky, Sr., Axtell
Running Back: Alex Shaw, Sr., Dawson
Utility: Bradly Krall, Jr., Lorena

2nd-Team Defense:

Defensive Tackle: Anthony Martin, Sr., Mart
Defensive Tackle: Dylan Brown, Soph., McGregor
Defensive End: D.J. Woods, Jr., Kerens
Defensive End: Cagan Smith, Sr., Goldthwaite
Linebacker: Colby Gordon, Sr., Lorena
Linebacker: Tristan Eche, Sr., Waco High
Linebacker: Christian Santulan, Sr., Gatesville
Linebacker: Johnathan White, Sr., Bremond
Defensive Back: Daniel Donoho, Jr., Corsicana Mildred
Defensive Back: Daniel Post, Sr., Crawford
Defensive Back: Kieran Wilson, Sr., McGregor
Defensive Back: Shakiel Randolph, Jr., Midway

2nd-Team Special Teams:

XP/FG/Kicker: Kevin Potts, Midway
Punter: Joseph Pickett, Sr., Temple
KR/PR: Will Randolph, Sr., Copperas Cove
KR/PR: Logan Simpson, Sr., Midway

More on the newest Baylor Football Commit, Kyle Boyd

2011-01-22T19:20:00.001-08:00

Kyle Boyd #33
LB Mesquite John Horn, TX. H.S.
Class of 2011 *Baylor verbal commit

HT: 6-2 WT: 225 40: 4.68 20-yd. shuttle: 4.31
B.P. 310 SQ. 445 Clean: 265 VERT. 28"
CORE GPA: 4.00 (14 courses)
SAT: 1010 (Math & Verbal) Coll.Major: Crim. Justice

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing

Highlights:
1. District 11-5A Co-Defensive MVP Dec. 2010 (Had 116 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 caused fumbles, 4 fumble recov. (1 for TD) in 2010).
2. THSCA Class 5A Academic All-State Team Dec. 2010.
3. Unanimous 1st Team All-District 11-5A Inside Linebacker Dec. 2009.
4. Had 82 tackles and team-leading 10 TFL in 2009. Added 4 QB hurries and 1 blocked pass.
5. Student Sports Nike camp invitee (Ft. Worth) April, 2010

The first "Phil Bennett" recruiting switch...

2011-01-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

There was no doubt Baylor's new defensive coordinator, Phil Bennett, would make a dent or two before national signing day, and chalk one up with Mesquite Horn LB Kyle Boyd, switching from Iowa State to Baylor on Saturday.

Also, word I'm getting is this Herschel Sims (Abilene High RB) visit is more than serious. A pretty good source tells me OSU has contacted the coach of a running back in East Texas who has just committed to a Big East school, and they did it because they're expecting one of their RB recruits to change his mind.

Sims is currently committed to Oklahoma State.

David Smoak

NFL Playoffs, HS Basketball and "Spanning the Globe"

2011-01-19T22:19:00.001-08:00

Despite all the wide-open, high-flying offensive teams and styles in all levels of football, I've always remained an old-school guy.

I love a good running game, solid defense, and fundamentally sound special teams.

Who wouldn't, right?

Well, based on the spread offenses, I'm not so sure.

I like a good 20-17 game rather than 50-45. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against a good shootout every once in a while, but not week-in and week-out.

Look the NFL's "Final 4."

Bears, Packers, Steelers and NY Jets have one thing in common, DEFENSE.

Yes, some of them can score more than others, but they win with defense.

Maybe Jerry Jones can learn from this lesson, especially with the Super Bowl in his stadium.

Jerry and Cowboys have committed a lot of their draft picks to defense, but most of their bigger contracts and especially free agent acquisitions are on offense. And, even worse, most of their bad contracts have been spent on offensive players (Barber, UT-Roy), you get the picture.

-----

We're committed to broadcasting a handful of high school basketball games over the next month or two, starting with Belton @ Harker Heights this Friday. Belton is trying to get into the playoffs, Harker Heights is unbeaten in 12-5A.

-----

I made it very clear that what "was" 1660ESPN Radio-Waco will become ESPN Radio-Central Texas...and we will realize there's a southern area in our listening area, Temple, Killeen, Fort Hood, Belton, and wherever else.

The added FM frequencies in Temple, Killeen and Waco only enhance our commitment and passion for the entire market, not only Waco.

We've built our foundation in Waco, but our future is Waco, Temple, Killeen and greater-Central Texas.

With that being said, I've reached out to some of the other Central Texas sports editors and asked them to be involved in our show, once or twice a week, short, sweet, energetic, but informative.

We're going to do it, we've started to change the mentality, and we will.

Thank you for listening when and if you do.

David Smoak

Another great week, with the weekend to come...

2011-01-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited about what we've accomplished this week.

We've tried to stay ahead of the curve on the various coaching staff changes within the Baylor football program.

We had the nugget during Thursday's show the day before it was announced Phil Bennett would be the defensive coordinator. We had the note on Twitter very early on Friday morning before that release as well.

And, we were able to get a lengthy one-on-one with Phil Bennett on Monday afternoon and the response was nuclear in a good way on the various message boards and on our talk show. Bennett has given Baylor Nation a little "kick in the pants" with his various quotes.

Paul Catalina and I were live from the American Football Coaches Association Convention on Tuesday at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas and grabbed Art Briles to talk about the Bennett hiring and the pending changes on the defensive staff.

And, on Wednesday, we continued to stay ahead of the curve with the nugget about Jim Gush as linebackers coach and Carlton Buckels as cornerbacks coach. Sicemsports.com had a note about Gush on Tuesday evening and I had three sources give me confirmation on his eventual hiring on Tuesday night.

We were able to line-up Coach Buckels on Wednesday's show, and Coach Gush today (Thursday).

We've also had a nice run this week involving segments with former Astros All-Star OF Jimmy Wynn and Cowboys Hall of Fame DB Mel Renfro.

I'm headed to the Killeen/Fort Hood/Copperas Cove market on Friday morning to meet with a school or two about the football season and to dig around on some potential sponsors.

We're hosting You Make The Call at Automax Hyundai in Temple.

It's been another really good week, and our sales for this month have surpassed a number that was once the threshold during a good month. And, for it to come during January, normally a very slow month in radio sales, makes it even more special.

David Smoak

Cotton Bowl, Phil Bennett, NFL playoffs, busy week ahead...

2011-01-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Paul Catalina and I enjoyed our trip to broadcast "You Make The Call" from Cowboys Stadium and the Cotton Bowl.

It is still very strange for me to say we're at the Cotton Bowl, knowing it's at Jerry's World. Like, when I opened one segment with, "We're live from the Cotton Bowl."

Well, were we?

Yes and no. There's still this 75,000+ stadium in south Dallas that calls itself the Cotton Bowl, but it's becoming more and more irrelevant each year.

I wonder how long before the Texas-OU game is moved to Arlington.

I spent a lot of time with family again this weekend, this time a ton of relatives celebrating a "late" Christmas in Plano with Cindy's parents and family. They put on a show, but as we all get older, it's so much fun to watch the grand kids enjoying "Santa Claus."

I've been nursing a little nagging cough and it's made me a little nervous coming off the double-pneumonia from back in early-October. I can't take anything for granted so I might go and get a checkup on Monday or Tuesday.

I'll just suck down a dose of NyQuil tonight to get some decent sleep and avoid the ticklish cough that drove me crazy last night.

I went 3-1 during the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs, missed the 7-9 Seahawks thumping the defending champion Saints. I never felt like the 2010 Saints got their Mojo going and so another year goes by and another defending champion bites the dust without the opportunity to defend their title.

Round 2 is loaded with intriguing games including a GREAT Final Four in the AFC, how can it get much better than NY Jets-Patriots, Ravens-Steelers...NFC not bad, interesting, last time Chicago went to the Super Bowl, they had to beat Seattle on their way---they'll host the Seahawks this weekend. I look forward to the Green Bay @ Atlanta game.

Will be interesting to monitor the positive feedback from the Phil Bennett hiring and his arrival to Waco this week. I'm looking forward to talking with him on our show this week. The response from all angles has been very positive.

And, busy week for us at 1660ESPN Radio, we'll be at the Phil Bennett announcement on campus whenever that happens---although that might happen up in Dallas where we'll be at the American Football Coaches Convention. Tuesday night it's OU vs. Baylor Bears, who opened Big 12 play with a nice win in Lubbock.

I've been invited to speak at the Kiwani's Club meeting on Tuesday, first invite to speak at one of those local groups since my arrival in late-June and I hope there's more to come. I enjoyed my trip to speak to students at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor back during the fall.

We have the Lady Bears at home on Saturday night, and an appearance at Automax Hyundai on Friday, Click's on Thursday and working on launching our Academic All-Stars program.

David Smoak

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity...

2011-01-07T21:58:00.001-08:00

I will never forget the words of KLTV-TV sports director in the fall of 1984.

I had just moved to work with KLTV a couple of months earlier from KTRE-TV in Lufkin/Nacogdoches...and here I was a couple of months later breaking a story on a coaching change in the East Texas area.

After the 10pm news one night and after we broke the story, Jerry came up to me and said, "Smoaky, great job---we got them tonight."

Back then, there wasn't much competition in the TV market in Tyler/Longview, there was KLTV and the new CBS affiliate, KLMG in Longview.

Our main competitor was the Tyler Morning Telegraph, they had a great staff of writers...

They beat us a few times and visa-versa.

So, after Jerry's comment, I said, "I got a little lucky."

He immediately responded, "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity."

I've never forgotten that phrase, and today's Tweet on Twitter early this morning, "It's a done deal, he's coming to Baylor," was all about preparation meeting an opportunity.

"It's a done deal, he's coming to Baylor" was about Phil Bennett taking the defensive coordinator position under Art Briles. I've known the Bennett family since the mid-1980's from their connection to Marshall, Texas where they were born and raised and other stops in the high school coaching tree, including Jerry Bennett at Jefferson and now at Linden-Kildare HS in deep northeast Texas.

I called Jerry earlier this week working a completely different story on Baylor recruiting, and before you know it our conversation turned to his brother Phil and one thing led to another, and...."It's a done deal, he's coming to Baylor."

Had I not made the phone call to Jerry Bennett earlier this week, I don't think we have the conversation about his brother Phil. But, we did, and I was able to Tweet this morning and give our radio station a little exposure.

The story isn't over, more changes could be on the way and we hope to be on top of all of them.

David Smoak

1660ESPN continues to grow by the frequency...

2011-01-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

When I arrived at 1660ESPN Radio in Waco, we were on AM1660 and that was it.

In November, we started to simulcast our station on 106.9FM in Killeen, Fort Hood, Kempner, and Copperas Cove.

And, tonight, we've added two new FM frequencies to our "ESPN-CENTRAL TEXAS" family.

Welcome to 101.3FM in Waco, and 100.9FM in Temple.

These additions won't change what we do because we've been covering greater-Central Texas for many years.

These new frequencies will just add a little "umph" to what we do with our signal, especially at night but also in some cases during the day.

Of course, along the way, we added "Live Streaming" on 1660espn.com.

Thank you for listening when you do...

David Smoak

Nebraska's disappointing finish...

2010-12-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how their current Holiday Bowl game will end against Washington, but I'm extremely disappointed in how Nebraska finished their 2010 season.

It's not about losses, it's the demeanor of the team.

Bo Pelini teams always play hard, but they weren't always "there," in my opinion, almost since they won at Oklahoma State.

They have been so inconsistent, and it's just something I've always hated about any team.

I was as loud as anyone about the "Big 12 Conspiracy" during the A&M game, but Nebraska has continued to make mistakes and ridiculous pre-snap or dead ball penalties.

They're doing it again tonight in falling behind Washington, 10-0.

Nebraska just scored to cut the lead to 10-7, but here are some obvious questions.

1) When was the last time Taylor Martinez really made a big play with his legs? Yes, I know he had the ankle sprain, but football is a physical game, get over it or let someone else play.

2) I know he's an easy target with his personality and sideline antics, but I love his passion. Yes, he needs to back off, calm down, grow up and mature. Hell, I did too throughout my lifetime. Those complaining about his stalking the sidelines and semi-tantrums were the same one's begging for some fire and energy and passion under Bill Callahan.

I know Nebraska football may never reach the greatness under Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne, but I sure would like to see them beat a handful of Top 25 teams each season.

But, who wouldn't?

They started winning some big games under Pelini, but they weren't winning big games on the road...so this season they go to Oklahoma State and beat a really talented and eventual 11-win team in a wild shootout.

I'm not sure the 'Huskers have played well on offense for 4-quarters since then. In fact, they haven't. And, whipping Colorado doesn't count.

They appeared to have everything straight with their 17-0 start against Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game, but they went brain dead for the last three quarters.

Tonight, against Washington, they start down 10-0 with numerous penalties, including one late hit that kept a drive alive and two....CONSECUTIVE...delay of game penalties. Seriously?

This was a no-win game for Nebraska, they pummeled Washington in Seattle back in September and I mean whipped their...well, you know.

The rematch was going to be very difficult for Pelini & Company, and---if you don't mind another Big 12 conspiracy theory, Dan Beebe and his minions knew it. Nebraska was originally scheduled to play Iowa in the Insight Bowl in Phoenix. The Big 12 knew it would be a 3-4 hour Big Ten preview, love fest...they forced Nebraska to the Holiday Bowl. Not only did that keep the Big Ten love fest from happening, it put the 'Huskers in a tough situation against a team they thumped.

I don't blame any of this on the Big 12, I blame it on Nebraska for not taking care of business against Oklahoma when they led 17-0.

David Smoak

What a difference a year makes...

2010-12-30T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here I am on the deck of our house in Tyler, relaxing with my wife Cindy, our son Craig and his girlfriend, Mandee.

I'm enjoying a cigar, some Crown and Diet Coke, and about to watch Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.

I hosted "You Make The Call" this afternoon from here on our back deck, took a lot of great calls and opinions, and tried to help wrap-up the 2010 Baylor football season.

We'll digest and discuss and even dig into more of the program throughout the upcoming off-season.

Obviously, after their loss to Illinois in the Texas Bowl, there's a lot of frustration and emotion from the Baylor fan base.

Today's show was their show, as it should be---although I hope that's the case every show.

Like any evening after the show, there's a little adrenalin rush, and then a little crash...a chance to decompress.

Now that I've had time to reflect back on the year, I'm glad it's ending yet sad at the same time.

A year ago at this time I was trying to figure out my future, knowing there was a chance coming up with ESPN Radio-Dallas, but not knowing exactly what those plans would be---part-time, weekends, full-time, no one was sure, especially not me.

But, after some quality time working with ESPN-Dallas Program Director Tom Lee and many others throughout the spring and into the early-summer...my opportunity came with a phone call from the owner of M&M Broadcasting, Gary Moss.

It was a Wednesday morning, it was before 8:00am, and he wanted to talk about their opening as program director at 1660ESPN Radio in Waco.

We talked for just a little while, decided to meet the following Monday, and within a week, everything was signed, sealed and delivered.

I started at 1660ESPN on June 22nd, went on the air for the first time on Monday, June 28th, and it's been one helluva ride ever since.

In fact, things have changed quite a bit, we're now 1660/106.9ESPN Radio-Central Texas.

1660 is a powerful frequency that at times can stretch from Dallas to Austin on I-35, but 106.9FM gives us coverage in the Killeen, Fort Hood, Kempner, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Gatesville at night---when our signal is affected during the late-fall and winter with the time change.

We have more changes (additions) coming down the pipeline, including another FM signal/translator in Waco and then Temple. It's just another chance for us to truly cover Central Texas.

Unlike most radio ownership groups, national groups or otherwise, M&M Broadcasting is looking to expand, to grow, and from all indications, we're not done.

It's been a nice ride since late-June and I can't wait for what we can accomplish as a station in 2011.

Happy New Year!

David Smoak

"Live" from the Westin Galleria, Houston on 1660/106.9ESPN Radio-Central Texas

2010-12-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Paul Catalina and I are broadcasting right now from the Westin Galleria in Houston, near and/or off Westheimer, Alabama and Sage Streets in Houston.

Great atmosphere, good discussion and topics, giving out hundreds of Bowl Towel's, mini-Baylor footballs and Baylor Nation arriving in full force.

Baylor AD Ian McCaw will join us at 4pm, former BU wide receiver, the "Ice Cube" Gerald McNeil in the 5pm hour, along with BU QB Robert Griffin III and RB Terrance Ganaway.

Oh yea, and Jennifer Floyd-Engel and Brad Sham talking Cowboys.

David Smoak

Merry Christmas from the Smoak Family!

2010-12-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

Cindy, Craig, Jennifer and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas on this special day.

We appreciate your time, loyalty, support and commitment to our family and those who've made my first six-months in Central Texas so special.

Also, we appreciate all 23,600+ members to our website, Smoaky.com, and although my name is on the site, it belongs to those of you who are registered.

For the ninth consecutive year since the site was launched in July, 2002, we broke various records, including most online, along with the number of unique visitors, hits, views, and you name it, we accomplished it.

We couldn't have the success without each member, even those who make it a little more challenging for our mods and admins.

And, special thanks to our mods and admins who keep everything running with their hard work and tough decisions, our web host, Brian Welch and his staff at Perfect Presence, and our newest "Li'l Genius" Cesar Najera, from McLennan Community College who is about to help launch some subtle changes to our site.

Special thanks as well to my newest family, everyone within the walls of M&M Broadcasting and especially to those who have helped me at 1660/106.9ESPN Radio.

I cannot explain how much I've enjoyed Waco, Texas with real people, people who care, people who love sports and people who give back.

And finally, we all learn valuable and sometimes very tough lessons in life but through it all, we learn the value of our friends and family.

We consider all of you a part of our family.

Thank you and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

David Smoak

Closing in on a "Merry Christmas"

2010-12-21T18:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day is three days away and I'll be returning to Tyler after our talk show on Thursday afternoon.

Our station and those I work with have been hammering away since my arrival on June 22nd, so it will be nice to get a little "break," before heading to Houston to cover the Texas Bowl.

Paul Catalina and I will meet in Houston on Sunday evening and host our talk show from the Westin Galleria (Baylor Team Hotel) on Monday and Tuesday afternoon. John Morris will also host his 2pm-3pm show from the same location on those days.

We'll all broadcast live from Reliant Stadium on Wednesday, "Game-Day" with our special broadcast (You Make The Call) coming on Wednesday from 12:00pm-3:00pm.

As we approach Christmas, and like I mentioned during Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for and the holidays bring out all the emotions.

My family, my friends, those who I've met and gotten to know here in Central Texas have been amazing to me and supported me through thick and thin and now through the increasingly good times in Waco with 1660/106.9ESPN Radio-Central Texas.

Please enjoy the holidays with family and Merry Christmas!

David Smoak

2010 has been the "Year of the Dynasty"

2010-12-18T21:25:00.000-08:00

Although 5-A perennial power Euless Trinity lost to Pearland, 2010 will go down as the year of the "Dynasty" in my opinion.

Lake Travis won their fourth straight state title, Aledo won their second straight, Carthage won their third straight, as did Daingerfield and Mart won their 5th state title overall.

David Smoak

"Live" from Newsom Stadium, Mansfield, Class 1-A, Division I State Championship Game

2010-12-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

1660/106.9 ESPN Radio-Waco is "Live" on this gorgeous Saturday from Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield, Texas for the Class 1-A, Division I State Championship Game.

(12-2) Mart vs. (12-2) Goldthwaite, in a rematch of an earlier non-district game (Goldthwaite won 29-23).

Broadcast Team includes:

Producer: Zach Burke
Sidelines: Lark Smith
Stats: Rich Richardson
Color Analyst: Paul Catalina
Play-By-Play: David Smoak

David Smoak

And the chemistry continues to grow...

2010-12-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

It's always difficult to mix in someone new, and in my case, I was the new kid on the block when I arrived at 1660ESPN Radio in late-June.

There was a lot of speculation about decisions I'd make involving "You Make The Call" and I was amused at some of them.

Bottom line, here we are nearly six-months later and I've had a lot of people tell me they can sense and hear the chemistry and camaraderie that we've developed...

I have to give almost all of the credit to Paul Catalina and especially Butch Henry.

Butch has been apart of our show from it's inception, 13-15 years ago. And, although I made some subtle and not so subtle changes to our format---Butch has done a great job of "give and take" throughout the first six-months.

While he hasn't always agreed with my decisions, he's given me time to prove why I felt they were important and necessary.

It's like we've been doing a show for much longer and I can't wait to be involved with Butch and Paul every day. And, Jason Barringer, our young but talented producer has come a LONG way during the six-months. In fact, Jason has really taken control of the show (well, unless you hear everyone talk about me running late into the commercial breaks).

Jason was a shy, sometimes nervous young man when we promoted him to producer.

He's learning the ropes, very well and extremely fast.

There are a lot of bullets flying when you're hosting or producing a talk show on the radio--but Jason has taken some of those bullets and gotten back up and kept fighting.

He's going to be very good, if not already.

David Smoak

Jerry's World is truly one of a kind...

2010-12-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, my first trip to Cowboys Stadium for the Sunday night game with Philadelphia.

The amenities, space, and access within the press box is truly insane.

It's like I had my own place and a great angle.

Really enjoyed it, most of all, good game and even better seeing a lot of people in my profession who I respect and have known for years.

Smoaky

Great weekend with family...

2010-12-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

I drove in from Waco to spend the weekend with Cindy's parents and family in Plano, and our daughter, Jennifer, who also lives in Plano.

Our son, Craig and his girlfriend, Mandee also came up.

Had a really good time, need to do these more often, except too much good food, and I'm losing battle with the waist-line again.

David Smoak

1660 will broadcast Class 1-A Division I State Championship Game

2010-12-12T17:39:00.001-08:00

Mart I.S.D. has asked 1660/106.9 ESPN to broadcast their state championship game against Goldthwaite. Broadcast is 11:30am pregame, 12:00pm kickoff at Newsom Stadium in Mansfield.

I will handle the play-by-play, Paul Catalina color and we'll someone on the sideline as well.

David Smoak

Not a good day to be former University star Perrish Cox

2010-12-10T09:46:00.001-08:00

Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox, a rookie starter, is in Douglas County Detention Center today on charges of sexual assault. He was arrested around 10 p.m. Thursday by Lone Tree police.

The bond on Cox's case has been set at $15,000, according to Casimir Spencer, spokeswoman for Douglas District Attorney Carol Chambers.

All records in the case have been sealed. Cox will make his first appearance this morning in Douglas County District Court to be advised of the complaint.

According to a statement by the Lone Tree Police Department, the department was notified on Oct. 28 that a sexual assault had occurred in the City of Lone Tree.

After a lengthy and detailed investigation, a case was presented to the district attorney's office. After review by that office, charges were filed and an arrest warrant was issued against Cox, 23. He was arrested without incident, and transported to the Douglas County Jail.

The case filing has been sealed by court order at the request of the district attorney's office to protect the identity of the alleged victim.

"We are aware of the reports and are currently in the process of gathering information and reviewing the facts," said Broncos media relations director Patrick Smyth. "We are taking this matter very seriously and are fully cooperating with every aspect of the process."

Cox was drafted out of Oklahoma State in the fifth round by the Broncos. The team had him rated as a first- or second-round talent, but he fell in the draft because of character concerns. He was suspended from Oklahoma State's Cotton Bowl game last season because of curfew violations.

Cox was scheduled to make his ninth start at right cornerback Sunday at Arizona. It's possible he will be replaced by veteran Andre' Goodman, who is returning after a long absence from a thigh injury.

Not a bad list of upcoming guests on "You Make The Call"

2010-12-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

Friday will include all four of the greater-Central Texas high school programs left in the state playoffs, Cameron Yoe's Rick Rhoades, Mart's Rusty Nail, Lexington's Jason Holcomb, and Bremond's Bruce Brignac.

We'll also have Baylor WR Lanear Sampson and S Tim Atchison.

And, we have Gene Stallings on Friday as well.

Plus, we'll talk about the Cliff Lee Sweepstakes.

And, don't forget next week's list of guests is loaded up too:

Scott Drew, Baylor Men's Basketball Coach
Kim Mulkey, Baylor Women's Basketball Coach
Tim Few, Gonzaga Men's Basketball Coach
Fran Fraschilla, ESPN College Basketball Analyst
Robert Griffin III, Baylor Quarterback

And more to come...

David Smoak

We'll have Gonzaga vs. Baylor tickets over the next week...

2010-12-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

We'll give everyone a chance to register to win some free Gonzaga vs. Baylor tickets on "You Make The Call" from Friday, December 10th through Friday, December 16th.

Just to check on who is reading this blog...

First five (5) of you to send me an email, will get a pair of tickets.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

Texas Bowl coverage sponsors continue to rise...

2010-12-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

Paul Catalina and I will broadcast "You Make The Call" from the Baylor team hotel, apparently the Westin Galleria on Monday, December 27th and Tuesday, December 28th, and from Reliant Stadium on game-day, Wednesday, December 29th.

Our show on Wednesday will be a special time, 12:00pm-3:00pm, which is earlier than normal due to the pregame and game broadcast of the Texas Bowl on 1660 and 106.9FM ESPN Radio.

Our sponsors to date include:

*Belfor Restoration Company

*Salty Dog Sports Bar & Grill

*Fuddrucker's

*Target Restoration

*First National Bank of Central Texas

What a nice surprise on today's show...

2010-12-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

We had several topics up for discussion today but every caller had something to say about the late-great Don Meredith, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 72.

We had Brad Sham, "Voice of the Cowboys" already scheduled as we always do on Monday, but I started flipping through my iPhone Rolodex and found the perfect person to discuss the passing of Don Meredith, Bob Lilly, "Mr. Cowboy."

I spoke with his wife Ann earlier this afternoon and she confirmed Mr. Lilly's availability in our 4pm hour. I've interviewed Bob Lilly a handful of times and he was at his best today talking about his former teammate and friend.

The interview will be available on http://www.1660espn.com/podcasts/ under our podcast link.

David Smoak

Wrapping up a weekend...

2010-12-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

where I watched my favorite college football team, Nebraska, blow a 17-0 lead against Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game.

Where I watched my favorite golfer, Tiger Woods, blow a four-shot lead in the final round of the Chevron Challenge. It was great theater and I think most everyone thought Tiger sealed the win with the approach shot on the final hole within 3-4 feet up the cup. But, Graeme McDowell capped off an amazing year by draining a long birdie putt and then another one in the playoff to complete Tiger's winless year.

And, I then blew a gasket watching the Redskins stink it up against the NYGiants, losing, 31-7.

These next four games will test Mike Shanahan's leadership and patience.

And, I ended the weekend on a positive note, recorded my one-on-one interview with Baylor football coach Art Briles on their Texas Bowl berth. And, then...erased whatever was left from the Crawfish and Shrimp Etoufee I had left from the night before.

Looking forward to a really good week...

David Smoak

The Ultimate Fan Catch-22

2010-12-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

Well, the Big 12 as we knew it in football officially ends tonight, the Championship Game at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Nebraska vs. Oklahoma.

I am a lifelong Nebraska football fan, but my wife Cindy and our son Craig are both HUGE OU fans.

Cindy's entire side of the family is Boomer Sooner, and I'm the minority, but, I've had my pretty good moments along the way.

However, Cindy and I decided to remain apart for this one tonight. Marriage is tough enough so we decided it would be better for everyone involved if we remained 2 1/2 apart.

Seriously, this is what I wanted for the final Big 12 Championship Game for the conference as we knew it.

I predicted Texas-Nebraska at the beginning of the season, but we know what happened in stunning fashion to UT...and I'm still shocked by their sudden fall.

I love the 'Huskers in football and my place is loaded with Nebraska helmets, jerseys, pictures and glasses and signs and old SI covers, including the "Game of the Century" in 1971.

Anytime I bring that one up to Cindy, "Well, there was an obvious no-call on a block in the back on the Johnny Rodgers punt return for a TD."

She's wrong.

There were two block in the back calls that were missed, but oh well....

We've enjoyed the rivalry throughout the time we met, and although OU had the upper-hand through most of the 70's (except '70 and '71 and '78), Nebraska has held their own with the mighty-Sooners throughout the past 30-years.

I love the rivalry and I hate that it didn't remain an annual game once the Big 12 was formed.

Tonight, the rivalry takes another step, but no matter what's on the line, I don't know how it can ever match the intensity and respect from the old Big 8 days.

David Smoak

Man, this week has flown by...

2010-12-02T20:57:00.000-08:00

Last week seemed quick because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but this week is almost over and I don't know where it went.

I've enjoyed it by watching two good basketball games at the Ferrell Center, the Lady Bears beat Notre Dame on Wednesday, Bears wrapped-up a win against Arizona State earlier tonight.

And, there's still a weekend of high school football playoff action, and the Big 12 Championship Game.

I'm a lifelong Nebraska football fan, but I'm one of the few that was upset when they decided to leave for the Big Ten. But, it's time and they have one game left and I can't think of any better team to play than former Big 8 rival, Oklahoma.

I noticed the Sooners are favored by about a touchdown, and that doesn't surprise me. As a 'Huskers fan I'm concerned about their lack of firepower without a healthy Taylor Martinez at QB and Niles Paul at WR. I don't know who will stretch the field without Paul, even though he's had a case of the drops in some of the bigger games.

Nebraska is going to have to pound the rock and slow down the game like they did a year ago to beat OU. I can't imagine Landy Jones playing worse than he did up in Lincoln.

But, since my wife Cindy and son Craig are both huge OU fans, if the 'Huskers are going to lose I'd rather it be to the Sooners. But, don't get me wrong, I won't be a happy-camper.

I know a lot of has been written about the 'Huskers wanting to win even more so because they're leaving the conference.

No, I completely disagree.

I think it's about breaking a long drought, a way too long of a drought without a conference championship!

David Smoak

The greatness of being in a Big 12 city...

2010-11-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

Over these next few days, I'll be able to watch teams like Minnesota, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Arizona State play at the Ferrell Center in either men's or women's basketball.

This is so much fun to be involved.

I just returned from a media session and interviewed Lady Bears star Brittney Griner, and we'll get a Bears player on today's show around 3:00pm.

Smoaky

Mexia's Gentry commits to Purdue University

2010-11-25T14:09:00.001-08:00

I thought this would interest a few people.

Mexia running back Doug Gentry, 6-1, 198, 4.5, has given his verbal commitment to Purdue University. Gentry ran for 1,108-yards and 19-TD's during his senior season and finished his career with 4,801-yards his last three years at Mexia including 58-TD's.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Smoaky

1660ESPN Radio "Golf Course"

2010-11-24T11:47:00.001-08:00

As some of you know, our new radio station building overlooks Cottonwood Creek Golf Course, #16 green is just to our left, and #17 is straight in front of my desk.

I've been watching one player after another hit shots throughout the last six weeks since we arrived at this location.

Finally, with the holidays upon and nothing else to do, and basically most everyone from our stations on vacation, I couldn't resist.

I brought my 3-wood and driver to work today with a handful of golf balls.

Yes, I did it.

I took some shots from just outside the door from my office and started banging away at the #17 green. My first shot went up the front of the green but rolled off left. The last 3-shots ended up with the fish in the pond that is left of the 17th-green.

I'm about to dig out another sleeve of golf balls from my trunk and fire away.

Update coming soon.

David Smoak

A lot to be thankful for as we hit the holidays...

2010-11-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Butch Henry, Paul Catalina and I will host "You Make The Call" on Wednesday and then head into the Thanksgiving weekend.

I'm so thankful to be in Waco and Central Texas and Butch, Paul, and so many others have made my transition from Tyler to ESPN-Dallas to ESPN-Waco very enjoyable.

I can't explain the camaraderie we have among our stations, 1660ESPN, Mix929 and 1049The Beat.

From the first day I arrived (June 22nd), I've felt apart of a tremendous family.

I remember the first meeting with our GM (Bill LeGrand) and our sales department and that seems like just yesterday. I remember Mix929 Program Director Dustin Drew and 1049The Beat Program Director Edward Graham taking me out for dinner that night and just chilling out and talking about our plans as a group.

Those two never met me before that day and they treated me like family. I'll never forget their immediate hospitality.

I remember walking to Cricket's sports bar with our owner, Gary Moss, before meeting with everyone and John Morris, "Voice of the Baylor Bears" yelled my name across the parking lot near our office and we shared a nice handshake hug and JMo said, "Welcome to Waco, glad you're here Smoaky."

I remember walking through the front door of ESPN/Mix/TheBeat and Beth Richards greeting me with a huge smile, "We're glad to have you at ESPN."

We've all had some goals and we've accomplished each and every one of them.

*Our sales have increased dramatically and we're holding steady for a nice November.

*Website renovated, podcast segments available and audio-streaming completed (Special Thanks to Beth Richards)

*Upgrading and changing the culture and personality on "You Make The Call" with weekly analysts and guests discussing the Cowboys, Big XII and much more.

*We moved into our really nice building just over a month ago, it's ours, no elevators, no leasing or rent, it's our building and it fits our great atmosphere among everyone involved.

Do we have a few cat fights, disagreements and eruptions, yes---just like every normal radio station or even most businesses where it's not a "cookie cutter" environment.

I will co-host our Wednesday show and head back to Tyler to spend Thanksgiving with my wife Cindy, our son Craig and his girlfriend Mandee, and our daughter Jennifer. I'm not sure if she's bringing her boyfriend Brandon or not. If she is, Cindy better get an extra turkey or two.

And, I can't wait to love on our four cats and Jennifer's...excuse me, MY DOG, Oreo, our Broder Collar from hell.

Oreo is the smartest dog I've ever known and her personality is amazing. I can't wait for her to maul me when I get to the house sometime on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, I'll return back to Waco on Friday morning and then Paul, Rich Richardson and I will start our drive out towards West Texas to Clyde for the Crawford-Idalou high school playoff game broadcast.

I've studied and prepped for the game and everything is set, locked-and-loaded.

For nearly 20-years, I did Class 5-A football broadcasting every Tyler Lee game but one from 1991-2008, and a nice handful of John Tyler games too.

I've been broadcasting mainly 3-A and now 2-A games this season, and like me personally, it's been about getting back to basics.

The 4-A and 5-A teams get almost all of the attention from the larger markets and nationally, but in my opinion, Texas HS football has its backbone from Six-Man to Class 3-A.

I've enjoyed working with Mark Bell at China Spring, Ray Biles at Lorena, Willie Williams at La Vega, Brian Lewis at Robinson, Kyle Cooper at Gatesville, Mike Rabe at Connally, Paul Weaver at Mexia, Bob Shipley at Brownwood, among many others.

We picked up the Crawford Pirates last week and Delbert Kelm has been a nice fit and very cooperative in sending me whatever I've requested.

Ever since my first season of covering high school football, 1981, I've always enjoyed watching any city or town get excited about playoff run...dreams are made, sometimes broken...but memories are forever.

I've also been fortunate to arrive in Waco as the Baylor football team broke a decade-and-a-half-long drought, not only finishing being bowl eligible, but 7-5. I remember asking Art Briles to appear on my first show with Butch and Paul, and he was there for us, and I remember an off-the-cuff prediction about Baylor's record. I think Butch and Paul said 6-6 and I mentioned 7-5. I had no clue but just felt the program was on the uptick.

I'd been told there hadn't been many player interviews in the past and I'm not sure if that's true, but I just went over the Bears roster and we interviewed Tim Atchison, Phillip Blake, Krys Buerck, Elliott Coffey, Ahmad Dixon, Tevin Elliott, Derek Epperson, Jay Finley, Chris Francis, Terrance Ganaway, Robert Griffin III, Antonio Johnson, Aaron Jones, Cameron Kaufhold, Prince Kent, Byron Landor, Clifton Odom, Lanear Sampson, Brad Taylor, Phil Taylor, Danny Watkins, Terrance Williams and Kendall Wright at least once and in some cases, many times.

We have plans on being right smack in the middle of the Baylor bowl game preparations and festivities.

I am a very lucky man, and I want to thank everyone, especially Cindy, Craig and Jennifer for believing in their husband and father. Cindy's family and mine as well for giving us our space and being very patient.

I want to thank my best friend, Eric Horton for being there for me through some difficult times in my life during the summer of 2009, along with David Dobbs, Randy Peters, Jerry Gumbert, Randy Galloway, Brad Sham, John McClain, and yes, the great Earl Campbell. Those guys have no idea how much they meant to me, although I've tried to tell them many times.

My golf buddies, Joe, John, Gene and a few others. I really miss all the trash-talking, and unfortunately, I haven't had time to hit the links since August and right before the high school football season began.

But, I'm used to that---I'll somehow get in a round or two during the holidays, depending on the weather and then make up for lost time next spring and summer.

But, the bottom line to everything I'm trying to write---thank you to so many people for supporting me in my first few months in Waco. I can't believe it's been exactly 5-months to the week I arrived...and we have so much more to do and accomplish.

I'm going to do something stupid and try and list everyone with the radio stations who have made a huge difference to me, Tony Loomer, Terry Tacker, Rich Richardson, Kisha Davis, Becky LeGrand, Bill LeGrand, Beth Richards, Leslie, Casey, Jessica Goodlett, Edward Graham, Dustin Drew, Gary Moss, Van Goodall, Mitch, Zach Burke, Paul Catalina, Butch Henry, Lance, Marcel, Linda Hill, Jazee, A.J., B.J. that D.J., Batman, Mary Montanez, Jazee, and Phyllis Curry.

A special thanks to Brenda Tacker, Terry's wife, who works at Baylor University. She has been my "Li'l Sis" in Waco and she has made sure I remain focused on the day-to-day and the big picture. Terry and Brenda were instrumental in getting me in front of some doctors when I was feeling awful before being diagnosed with double-pneumonia.

Let me tell you about the camaraderie inside our building. I've never experienced anything like it and when there are disagreements or concerns, no one takes it personally, at least not for very long.

That's a refreshing environment.

Casey, who we hired as our promotions directions about 6-8 weeks ago has been a breath of fresh air with her youthful exuberance and energy. She does everything for our appearances, including hanging banners, duct taping wires and phone lines and then helping take everything down when we're done.

And, today---after whining and complaining about my hair getting to long (as if I have enough to get too long), she brought her styling packet with scissors, clippers and everything else and right outside on our porch overlooking Cottonwood Creek Golf Course, she lowered my ears a little bit.

That was the ultimate in teamwork. HA!

Well, it's approaching midnight and I've been warned not to stay up too late too often---by the doctors and nurses at Hillcrest Hospital. If I even sniff past midnight, it's like when I was a kid when my mom had eyes in the back of her head.

But now, it's either Cindy or Brenda, Craig or Jennifer busting me over the chops with a verbal warning or stern text message.

Speaking of Hillcrest. I brought up my bout with double-pneumonia from back in early-October.

I'm not one to get sick. I don't miss work, I can't stand not working, but those two weeks changed my life and the staff at Hillcrest was truly amazing.

It's just what I've come to expect from Waco and Central Texas, true and real hospitality, nothing fake.

Thank you.

David Smoak

Our growth in Central Texas continues...

2010-11-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

We signed on with a new FM frequency today, 1660ESPN Radio is now being simulcast on 106.9FM KHLE in Kempner, Killeen, Fort Hood.

It's the first of what should be three FM frequencies we'll be using very soon.

The next should be in Waco and then Temple.

David Smoak

Just interviewed Art Briles for Monday's show...

2010-11-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

I've interviewed Art Briles throughout the season on Monday before his weekly press conference.

The time was never long-enough but I appreciated the chance to visit with him and share with our listening audience.

Today gave me a chance to have a pretty lengthy time with him, about 8-minutes and we talked about the emotions of the regular season ending, the disappointment of three consecutive losses and perhaps why the slide occurred.

Coach Briles was as relaxed as I've seen him and somewhat emotional shot like his football team.

I'll replay the interview at 4:10pm on Monday.

He discussed their success overall compared to the past decade and a half of Baylor football.

Did the season end with the thud with losses to Oklahoma State, A&M and OU, yes.

But, in the big picture, the Bears broke a long drought that had to be broken.

Smoaky

Nebraska and the Big XII

2010-11-20T23:39:00.000-08:00

I'm on record as being completed against Nebraska's decision to leave the Big XII for the Big Ten, but after tonight's game in College Station, I'm on board and won't look back.

Look, Nebraska's offense was bottled-up by the Aggies in a great atmosphere at Kyle Field.

31,000+ students attended the game, an apparent record and it was the largest crowd in Kyle Field history, that's great.

A&M should be proud of the effort to pack the stadium and create a difficult environment.

But, 16-penalties to 2 and the yardage involved, 140 to 10 is just ridiculous. Nebraska was a marked team on Saturday and no one can convince me otherwise.

If the 'Huskers weren't a marked team then their special teams stud Eric Martin sure was, 2-3 penalties and one of them after a kick that wasn't even returned. It takes about 2-3 seconds for a kicker to blast a ball through the back of the end zone. What can happen in that amount of time to deserve a personal foul?

Eric Martin has been a marked-man since he blindsided the OSU kicker after a touchdown return against Oklahoma State. Martin plays hard and is fearless, and that's what I want in a special teams player.

The officials didn't even throw a penalty against Martin during the return against Oklahoma State, but he was suspended. I'm good with the suspension, but I doubt the conference would ever suspend a UT or A&M player for something similar.

Nebraska deserved a lot of their penalties but two calls in particular should make Commissioner Dan Beebe feel dirty and ashamed.

The personal foul on Nebraska safety Courtney Osborne that led to the game-winning points for the Aggies. The hit wasn't late, it wasn't cheap and it wasn't helmet-to-helmet and he didn't touch Ryan Tannehill's head or helmet.

Why the flag?

And, despite that, Nebraska driving deep into A&M territory right before that and a flag was thrown on an incomplete pass on 3rd down. Any penalty against the defense extends the NU drive and in this case, it would have been 1st and goal. But, the flag was picked-up after a discussion and waved off.

Why throw the flag?

Overall, the Big XII officiating is consistently inconsistent.

Saturday night in College Station it was a complete joke and if the Commissioner is to suspend anyone or fine anyone, he needs to look no further than the crew that officiated the game in question.

Bo Pelini needs to maintain his composure and I know a lot of people will bring that up but how many of you suggesting that could do the same thing? Seriously, don't lie to yourself.

The game should be about the student-athletes, not the coach who has an anger issue or a program who is leaving the conference.

It was so blatant in my opinion that it appeared the Big XII had this message this weekend.

"Hey, Missouri, we know you were the original team who wanted to bolt the conference, but since you didn't have the balls to leave, we'll take it out on the program who did."

How do any of those officials look in the mirror after this one. They can't.

David Smoak

What a HS football road trip...

2010-11-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

Paul Catalina, Rich Richardson and I completed our 838-miles high school football broadcast road trip early on Saturday morning.

We left for Humble on Thursday morning at 10:00am and return to Waco at just after 3:00am this morning.

We saw a lot of good football and a lot of the Texas landscape.

I have to admit to sleeping in VERY LATE this morning and then got up in time to hear our son, Craig, and his broadcast of Whitehouse and their loss to Mesquite Poteet today in Corsicana, 24-19.

It was a very surprising loss for the Wildcats.

We're already working on next week's broadcast between Crawford and Idalou, Friday, 7:30pm in Clyde.

I'm watching a little college football this season and about to head to Floyd Casey Stadium for Baylor-OU.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

I'm very excited about seeing the entire family late next week for Thanksgiving, we're just not sure where we'll convene, Tyler, Dallas or perhaps even here at my place in Waco.

David Smoak

The mother of all HS road trips is about to begin...

2010-11-17T19:51:00.000-08:00

Paul Catalina, Rich Richardson and I are about to embark on a 2-day, several hundred mile road trip to broadcast games in Humble and Seymour.

We'll depart from Waco mid-morning on Thursday and head to Humble, approximately 180-miles and host "You Make The Call" and then the La Vega-Kirbyville game at 7:30pm on Mix929.

We'll drive from Humble to Corsicana and spend the night because we need to be in Seymour by Friday afternoon.

It's 395-miles from Humble to Seymour so that's 575-miles by Friday afternoon.

And, after broadcasting "You Make The Call" and the Crawford-Spearman game, we'll drive back to Waco, approximately 225-250 miles, and now we're at 800+-miles.

Oh boy!

I'm not sure what will be worse, the driving or me breaking up the cat fights between the two love birds, Paul and Rich.

Wish me luck.

Smoaky

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving...

2010-11-17T10:36:00.001-08:00

Our daughter, Jennifer, who lives in Dallas called me last night asking about my schedule for next weekend, not this one but the last weekend in November.

She wanted to know if we had any high school broadcasts and where I'd be that weekend.

I thought she wanted me to come up and visit her in Dallas or she was coming down to Waco.

Because our schedule is fast and furious (like many others), I didn't realize she was asking about Thanksgiving Day and the weekend because I CANNOT BELIEVE IT'S ALMOST THANKSGIVING?

Where have all the days and weeks and months gone?

I guess time truly does fly when you're having fun.

Wow.

Smoaky

"Common Grounds"

2010-11-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

We are broadcasting on Wednesday between 3pm-6pm from "Common Grounds" a business that is just off the Baylor campus.

We have a packed show, Jackie Sherrill, Robert Griffin III, Jakob Coker, MLB from Lorena, Crawford football coach Delbert Kelm and our "Where are they Now?" segment with former Baylor TE Alonzo Pierce.

David Smoak

A triple-header of HS broadcasts again this week...

2010-11-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

We've picked-up three high school game broadcasts again this week.

Thursday, November 18th:

La Vega vs. Kirbyville, 7:15pm, Turner Stadium, Humble (Mix929)

Friday, November 19th:

Crawford vs. Spearman, 7:15pm, Seymour (1660ESPN)

Saturday, November 20th:

Marlin vs. Tatum, 6:45pm (Mix929)

And, we'll have the OU-Baylor game on 1660ESPN on Saturday night, tailgate pregame show at 5:00pm.

David Smoak

Baylor's tough loss, Tailgate Party...

2010-11-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

We had a tremendous showing at the pregame tailgate party on Saturday at Floyd Casey Stadium.

All three stations were there, 1660ESPN, 1049 The Beat and Mix 929. It's great to be at a station with true and legitimate camaraderie and people who truly care about each other.

We had fajita meat galore, chili, pork butt and the biggest and best smoker/tailer/cooker I've ever used, thanks to our man, Edward Graham.

Wow, it's so big walk inside of there's a large area to use as a grill and a big top to bottom smoker box. And, there's plenty of counter space and storage area and it comes with a double sink.

Everything is run by generator and it's a monster.

We also had a huge flat-screen outside to watch the games and a large tent.

Kyle Walton is the MAN when it comes to cooking, he has every piece of cooking equipment known to man. He travels around the southwest in competitions and he had it all.

We had current and former Baylor students drop by, sponsors and just friends from throughout Waco.

My wife, Cindy, surprised the hell out of me by showing up mid-afternoon, driving in from Tyler and that was awesome too.

A handful of people from the station knew she was coming in but no one told me so I'd be surprised.

It was a great day, and Baylor had A&M in trouble at 30-14 at halftime but couldn't finish the deal.

It really appeared to me that A&M came out and just became more physical on both sides of the ball and the Bears didn't respond well at all.

Even after all that---Baylor had a couple of possessions midway to late in the fourth-quarter to take the lead, but couldn't do it.

Aaron Jones, the kicker has an awful game, missed an extra point, had a FG blocked that was almost returned for a TD and then missed two others...that killed Baylor.

Bears host OU this Saturday night on either ABC or ESPN...should be another great week.

Smoaky

We're tailgating...

2010-11-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

Well, we have the game broadcast tonight here in Burleson but when it's over my complete focus will be on Saturday's tailgate party at Floyd Casey Stadium.

We've gathered and compiled a lot of goodies to cook, fajitas, sausage, and I'm making a very large pot of the "Bama Grape Jelly Chili" for anyone interested.

Should be perfect weather with the cold-front that came through earlier tonight.

All three of our radio stations are working the tailgate, including Mix929 and 1049TheBeat.

Looking forward to it and it's perfect timing, everyone has been pushing very hard and we've had a great fall. Time for everyone to let their hair down and chill out a little bit and enjoy the camaraderie.

If you're tailgating tomorrow, drop by and talk sports or just drop by and eat. We'll have plenty.

David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com

As the temperatures changes...

2010-11-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

It's 5:10pm on a Friday evening in Burleson, Texas and the temperature has dropped from the lower-70's to upper-50's since we arrived at 2:00pm.

Windy, cooler, playoff weather as we bring you the La Vega-Fairfield game tonight on Mix929.

Smoaky

H.S. Football Playoffs Begin...

2010-11-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

It's the opening night of the high school football playoffs and Texas and we're broadcasting "You Make The Call" live from Lion Memorial Stadium in Ennis.

Paul Catalina, Rich Richardson and I are broadcasting a Class 3-A, Division I bi-district game between Madisonville and Gatesville.

Both teams are 5-5 but finished the season strong.

Over the past two weeks, Gatesville has recovered an onside kick to continue their comeback against Robinson and then blocked a field goal to seal the win and get into the playoffs. The week before they blocked a La Vega extra point and ran it back for 2-points to seal a win against the Pirates that put them in position to be a playoff team.

We'll be in Burleson on Friday for La Vega-Fairfield.

David Smoak

A long, tough week but very enjoyable....

2010-11-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

I knew this would be a tough and difficult week when we decided to broadcast three high school games during the opening week of the playoffs, and then---I couldn't resist, why not tailgate throughout the day on Saturday leading up to A&M @ Baylor at Floyd Casey Stadium?

Well, we're going to get it done and do it right.

Broadcasting the games is the easy part, preparing for the games with the system I use is time-consuming and very tedious.

I've been using the Power Point system for years and it's great, but it can take some time to create a team that I haven't done before, like this week, games involving both Fairfield and Madisonville.

Gathering the information, depth charts, stats, roster, schedule/results, coaching history, program history and I'm sure I'm forgetting something and putting it into a Power Point form is worth the time and effort.

I do all of the above, send to Kinko's for them to print on 8 1/2 x 14 paper in color, then place each team's offense and defense in flip-flop order and then laminate. Three copies for each team for our sideline reporter, color analyst and me.

When a team we've been covering or have covered is involved, it's a little easier...it's tweaking a few personnel changes and revising the stats.

I can prepare a team we've done before like this week, Gatesville and/or La Vega or throughout the season (China Spring) in a matter of 5-10 minutes.

Putting a new team in the system can take anywhere from an hour to 2-3 hours.

Well, I've sent the depth charts to Kinko's here in Waco for the Madisonville-Gatesville game and for La Vega vs. Fairfield.

Hey, I'm not complaining, I love it and I can't wait to be involved in broadcasting those games.

Smoaky

Our new website is finally launched....

2010-11-10T21:53:00.001-08:00

Well, after several weeks of work and preparation we have launched our new website, http://www.1660espn.com/.

Please send any suggestions or feedback to me by email at smoaky@1660espn.com.

I want to thank Beth Richards from our sister station Mix929 for her thankless hours of work behind the scene in changing the information, logos, url's and everything imaginable from one site to the new one.

Also, Triton Digital Media has been great to work with and they did a great job creating the site.

We have a few gremlins to figure out and some bumps and bruises that will pop up but we're excited about the site and we hope you are as well.

Smoaky

Should be a great week on 1660ESPN Radio-Waco

2010-11-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

I'm as pumped up about this week as I was my first week back in late-June.

We'll have some great topics, including a week long preview of Texas A&M @ Baylor, with interviews from Art Briles, Mike Sherman, and a player or two.

We'll also discuss and predict the opening week of the Bi-District playoffs throughout Central Texas.

And, I'm asking this question on Monday. Who has been a bigger disappointment in football, UT or the Cowboys? Cowboys are about to kickoff at Green Bay on NBC.

We'll have our regular list of analysts and much more.

David Smoak

We'll broadcast three games during the Bi-District Playoffs

2010-11-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 11th: (Pre-Game at 7:15pm)

(5-5) Madisonville vs. (5-5) Gatesville, 7:30pm, Ennis
(David Smoak, Paul Catalina, Rich Richardson, Sideline-TBA)

Friday, November 12th: (Pre-Game at 7:15pm)

(6-4) La Vega vs. (9-1) Fairfield, 7:30pm, Burleson
(David Smoak, Paul Catalina, Rich Richardson, Sideline-TBA)

Saturday, November 13th: (Pre-Game at 7:15pm)

(7-3) Teague vs. (7-3) Marlin, 7:30pm, Waco I.S.D. Stadium
(Tom Barfield and Johnny Tusa)

Central Texas H.S. Football Schedule (Bi-District Schedule)

2010-11-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

Central Texas Bi-District H.S. Football Schedule

Class 5-A, Division II, Region II:

(5-5) Belton vs. (6-4) Longview, Saturday, 7:30pm, Kincaide Stadium, Dallas

(9-1) Copperas Cove vs. Mesquite Horn, Friday, 7:30pm, Tarleton State

Class 4-A, Division I, Region I:

(8-2) Mansfield Summit vs. (8-2) Killeen, Friday, 7:30pm, Glen Rose

(10-0) Waco Midway vs. (6-4) Granbury, Friday, 7:30pm, Corsicana

Class 4-A, Division II, Region I:

(8-2) Everman vs. (4-6) Waco High, Friday, 7:30pm, Waco I.S.D. Stadium

Region II:

(7-3) Corsicana vs. (7-3) Bastrop, Thursday, 7:00pm, Panther Stadium, Waco-Midway H.S.

Class 3-A, Division I:

(5-5) Gatesville vs. (5-5) Madisonville, Thursday, 7:00pm, Ennis

Class 3-A, Division II:

(3-7) West vs. (8-2) Bridgeport, Friday, 7:30pm, DeSoto

(9-1) Lorena vs. (7-3) Mexia, Thursday, 7:00pm, Temple

(6-4) Waco La Vega vs. (9-1) Fairfield, Friday, 7:30pm, Burleson

Class 2-A, Division I:

(9-1) Malakoff vs. (4-6) McGregor, Thursday, 7:00pm, Corsicana

(7-3) Teague vs. (7-3) Marlin, Saturday, 7:00pm, Waco I.S.D. Stadium

Class 2-A, Division II:

(5-5) Hamilton vs. (3-7) Henrietta, Friday, 7:30pm, Springtown

(7-3) Hico vs. (6-4) Alvord, Friday, 7:30pm, Saginaw Boswell

(7-3) Axtell vs. (7-3) Franklin, Thursday, 7:30pm, Fairfield

Class 1-A, Division I:

(8-2) Kerens vs. (5-5) Bosqueville, Friday, 7:30pm, Waxahachie

(4-6) Moody vs. (8-2) West Sabine, Friday, 7:30pm, Troup

Class 1-A, Division II:

(7-3) Chilton vs. (5-4) Gorman, Saturday, 1:00pm, Glen Rose

(5-5) Dawson vs. (4-6) Ranger, Friday, 7:30pm, Godley

Six-Man, Division I:

(8-2) Penelope vs. (7-3) Apple Springs, Friday, 7:00pm, Elkhart

(7-3) Aquilla vs. (7-2) Oakwood, Friday, 7:30pm, Hubbard

(8-2) Walnut Springs vs. Irving Universal Academy, TBA

Six-Man, Division II:

(10-0) Milford vs. (7-3) Harrold, Friday, 7:30pm, Zephyr

(10-0) Jonesboro vs. (7-3) Gustine, TBA

(8-2) Iredell vs. (8-2) Sidney, TBA

TAPPS:

Division II:

(7-3) Waco Reicher vs. Grapevine Faith, TBA

Division IV:

(7-3) Texas Christian Academy @ Muenster Sacred Heart, Friday, 7:30pm

-----

Temple Holy Trinity @ Dallas The Covenant, Saturday, 1:00pm

H.S. Regular Season Ends tonight...

2010-11-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

There are a handful of games around Texas on Saturday, but for the most part the 2010 high school football season ends tonight, that's the regular season.

Can't believe it's almost over.

It's been one of the most enjoyable seasons I've been around since I began my broadcasting career in November, 1981.

In many ways, it's been nice to get back to the basics, the guts of Texas high school football, Class 3-A.

We have a really good one tonight, not sure who wins, really have no clue, but the winner all but assures themselves of a playoff berth, China Spring @ La Vega at Pirate Stadium.

If China Spring wins or loses by 2-or less, or wins straight up they're in.

If La Vega wins by 4-or-more they're in and China Spring is out.

If La Vega wins by exactly and Gatesville beats Robinson, they will have a three-team coin flip.

We'll have an interesting night to say the least.

David Smoak

Catching up on several items (Sorry it's been so long since last post)

2010-11-03T21:38:00.001-07:00

Our staff at 1660ESPN Radio has been running and gunning and we're focused on the final week of the high school football season and what and who we might be able to broadcast and cover during the playoffs.

China Spring needs to beat La Vega or lose by 2-points or less for their broadcasts to continue. If they tie La Vega, they'll have a coin flip involving La Vega and Gatesville.

If China Spring loses by 4-points or more, they're done.

And, how fortunate are we to ride the wave of the near perfect storm of topics this fall.

1) Baylor is enjoying an amazing season, bowl eligible, ranked in all the polls and coming off wins against Colorado, K-State and at Texas.

2) Rangers get to the World Series.

3) Cowboys are in a free fall and it can't get much worse than losing to the Jaguars at home, or can it?

4) H.S. Football season--no matter who moves into the playoffs---covering high school football has been a passion of mine for 30+-years.

And, with all the above going on we're about the launch into the 2010-2001 Men's and Women's College Basketball Season, Lady Bears are #2 in both polls, Baylor men ranked among the top 20 in both polls.

This has been great.

Also, we cracked a sales figure no one thought possible when I arrived in late-June. I said we'd one day break $100,000 within a year.

We passed $90,000 in October. Special thanks to Terry Tacker, Rich Richardson, Becky LeGrand, Linda Hill, Kisha Davis and Bill LeGrand. Without them, we don't hit that goal.

I gave the sales department a hefty goal and then tried to put some sponsorships and ideas in front of them and they ran like the wind.

We'll have our work cut out for us to get near that goal over the next 3-6 months but who knows, no one thought we'd hit $90,000 this quickly either.

We've moved basically everything into our new building off 340/6 and Bagby...what a nice place, still not completely settled in but it's a tremendous upgrade from where we were, and where we were was pretty nice.

Our five new studios in the back are built, now it's about a 2-3-4 week process to add everything, thousands of feet or wires, new computers, consoles and so much more.

I can't wait for us to have an Open House to show it off---everyone is very excited.

It's so nice to be involved with a company that is growing and we're about to add 2-3 new frequencies to what we already have including 1-2 of them being able to simulcast 1660ESPN...deeper to the south.

Our goal is to one day have a regional network, but we have plenty on our plate for now.

The radio business is very competitive and some stations are either stagnant or losing their grip and it's tough out there...so fortunate to be with a company that is growing each day.

Personally, our son Craig continues kicking butt at his station in Tyler/Longview (99.3FM) and he's booking of guests is very impressive. He's such talented and incredibly passionate, and he's grown up into a man over the past year and a half. If I've written this before, bare with me, but he's so much more talented than I could ever dream of and now he's building his own nest and creating his own identity. We have some rather lengthy phone calls multiple times a day, mostly about life in general and our late-night talks are special, very special and I look forward to them.

Our daughter, Jennifer, just started her new job with a bank in north Dallas and she's so excited, great benefits, good pay, and definitely something she's interested in. She still has some interest in radio/television and even trying out for the Mavs Dancers again next summer, but this opportunity at the bank is really cool.

Cindy continues to kick ass with her job as V.P. of SporTyler at the Chamber of Commerce in Tyler. Yes, she's still there---my recruiting efforts (and those of others is working but it appears we'll have to wait until the spring to put it on the market for the best value). Cindy has a great job and loves it and it wouldn't be fair to ask her to leave "yet" but we'll see. She came down last weekend, we just vegged-out and watched college football. She's a huge sports fan too and you've never seen passion until you witness her watching an OU football game.

I can't imagine anyone getting that worked up over their favorite college football team. I'd never dream of yelling and screaming while watching my 'Huskers on television.

Okay, my nose is growing...I'm the worst.

I have an update on my mom, she was hospitalized back during the early part of the football season and was in recovery and in rehab but suffered a setback. But, they did a procedure about 2-3 weeks ago that really gave her renewed energy and she was doing well.

My two older brothers, Mike and Robert called me this week to inform me of her temperature rising and of course that was a concern but it's apparently been corrected.

I just talked with her late last week and I could tell she was doing better because she was grumpy...seriously, she's tired of that place. I can relate and I only spent 9-days in the hospital, she's been there for several weeks.

I know it's worn out my father---he's lost without her and then again, maybe he's getting some peace and quiet because he pampered my mother, always has---and believe me, she took advantage of it :)

I can't believe it's been over four-months since I arrived at ESPN Waco on June 22nd, it's flown by and so many good people in this area have made my time here very special. And, just think, we've only just begun...a lot has been accomplished but we still have a lot of work to do.

Okay, I just realized I could be in trouble.

If the time of this blog is posted once I click "publish," my doctor is going to thump me in the forehead or kick me in the...

I'm on strict orders even 3-4 weeks after the double-pneumonia to shut it down and not work late into the night.

Oh well, thank goodness I didn't blog over the past 2-3 nights...or excuse me, early mornings.

I can't resist, lots of work to do and a lot of time to make up.

Have a great week and stay in touch.

Smoaky

The "Perfect Storm" of Topics continues...

2010-10-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

1) Baylor is Bowl-Eligible, ranked in the AP and USA Today/Coaches Poll, 25th in the BCS Standings and playing against Texas in Austin on Saturday.

2) H.S. Football Season is winding down with two weeks left in the regular season, playoff implications throughout the schedule.

3) Rangers trying to regroup from being down 2-games to none against the Giants in the World Series. Game's 3-4-5 are in Arlington this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. I have to say, Game 5 is "if necessary" if the Rangers don't snap out of their "all of a sudden" funk.

4) Cowboys are in meltdown mode at 1-5 and Romo is out...

Smoaky

Cowboys season on the line and now without their QB...

2010-10-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

Cowboys couldn't have asked for a better start to their Monday Night Game against the Giants, well---until their season appeared dead when QB Tony Romo was sacked and injured in the first half.

Cowboys have three turnovers after four total during their first five games.

Dez Bryant electrified the crowd with a 93-yard TD on a punt return in the second-quarter, but even that wasn't enough to lead at halftime.

NYG QB Eli Manning who threw two interceptions during the Giants first two drives has been on fire with his passing and even play-calling (audibles) throughout the second quarter.

Giants also ended the first half with a 53-yard field goal to lead (despite the turnovers and Bryant PR-TD), 24-20.

Not sure if the Cowboys can emotionally regroup but with their season on the line at 1-4, they better dig real deep or else.

Also, who will Dallas look at signing among the veterans who are unemployed?

Smoaky

Baylor Football gives Waco an emotional lift....

2010-10-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

Not that anything was wrong around here in the Waco area, but the Baylor football team has given this community and area a big-time emotional life with their Homecoming victory against Kansas State.

The win, 47-42, not only broke a 15-year drought of being Bowl eligible, the Bears found out on Sunday they were ranked in two polls, AP and USA Today/Coaches, and they're 25th in the latest BCS Standings.

Talk about knocking down a few doors in one 24-hour span.

Art Briles and his program have a lot in front of them, including what will be an angry group of Longhorns this Saturday in Austin, but they have popped the balloon in some cases and I wonder if becoming Bowl eligible will allow this team to play even better because they'll have nothing to lose.

Bears have two difficult road games at UT and also in Stillwater, and then home games against Texas A&M and OU.

Just a thought.

Smoaky

Us against the Technical Gremlins

2010-10-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

We're another day into our move from downtown to our new building on Bagby off 340/6 and we're still working through some technical gremlins.

While we're moving, we still must give the audience the quality they expect and deserve, but we've had some issues with phone lines and wires and whatever else being moved and not always in sync.

After today's show at Click's, I went straight back to the station to discuss some of the issues with our owner and one of the engineers.

After explaining our concerns and frustrations from being on location with what's going on in the 1660 studio and what they're working on within our building---I think we were able to figure out some of the problems almost immediately.

We're in the communication business but sometimes we're the worst at communicating.

Smoaky

Our move is going well, Rangers on the verge of history...

2010-10-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Let's start with the Rangers.

As a lifelong fan of the team through more thin than thick, I admit almost giving up on the series with the Yankees after their Game 1 late-inning meltdown.

But, this team has been resilient throughout the year and now find themselves a game away from the World Series.

Okay, I need to stop for a second and read that last sentence again.

The Rangers find themselves a win away from the World Series.

Wow.

Pitching, defense and timely hitting and the Rangers have the Yankees on the ropes.

Game 5 today, C.J. Wilson against C.C. Sabbathia and is it possible the series ends today?

We don't have a show, might be a good thing because if Rangers win game 5, I will be celebrating somewhere.

Meanwhile, our radio station(s) continue the long process of moving from our downtown location to our new location at 5501 Bagby off 340/6.

Very nice facility, one story, OUR building, lots of space and parking and it overlooks Cottonwood Golf Course. Yes, I'll be "accidentally" hitting a few iron shots from the side of our building onto the green just below...looks like a good wedge or 9-iron.

Smoaky

My 'Huskers weren't ready for the limelight...

2010-10-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Nebraska safety Eric Hagg made a sensational play to give Nebraska life against Texas, but too little to late and the 'Huskers, although getting better under Bo Pelini, were overrated and quite frankly they hyperventilated against Texas.

Congrats to Texas, huge win for Mack and Company, they always seem to bounce back anytime they struggle early and now they're back in the mix for the Big 12 title.

Nebraska will need every bit of pride and leadership to regroup to beat Oklahoma State in Stillwater next weekend.

Oh well, the good news is spending time with my incredible family this weekend in Tyler.

Now, time to turn the attention to Baylor @ Colorado.

David Smoak

I told you so...

2010-10-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

I said this to start the week and I'll say it as UT is thumping Nebraska in Lincoln.

I'm a lifelong and very proud Nebraska football fan, but I've learned a lot in life, including, death, taxes and UT beats Nebraska in football.

And, they've had the perfect script today to do it again and kick-start their season.

UT took advantage of great field position and took Nebraska right out of there game with an early lead and shut down 'Huskers QB Taylor Martinez.

I still think Martinez is very good, but you have to learn some hard lessons along the way...and he did today.

Mack Brown's best wins throughout his entire career at Texas (other than bowl games) have been on the road and away from Austin.

Smoaky

Friday night high school football

2010-10-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Our crew is here at Cougar Stadium in China Spring for their game against district rival Robinson.

Robinson has won three straight, including their district opener against Connally (42-12), and China Spring is (4-2) coming off a 24-21 win against Gatesville.

Winner will insure at least a tie for the lead in District 19-3A at 2-0, and Lorena (1-0) is playing at Gatesville (0-1) and could be 2-0 as well.

Lorena will host China Spring next Friday.

The weather is absolutely picture perfect.

Our broadcast will be on both 1660ESPN Radio and Mix 92.9.

Smoaky

Good week so far...

2010-10-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

About to leave for our appearance at Click's for "You Make The Call."

Big-time lineup packed with guests today from Rangers, Cowboys, Big 12, to BU Women's basketball and a segment on MCC Men's basketball.

Starting to get a little stronger each day although my voice still a little weak.

Oh well, I never had the great pipes anyway.

Just found out we sold the weekly Jennifer Floyd-Engel segment, greatness as we move towards a record-breaking month in sales.

Have a great day!

Smoaky

Never thought I'd see the day, ...

2010-10-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

After being a Rangers fan since before they were the Rangers, I always wondered if I'd see the day when the Rangers won a post-season series.

I still remember how good those teams were in the late-90's, but this 2010 has now set the standard, beating Tampa Bay 3-games to 2, and winning all three games on the road.

At least, Rangers fans will see their team again for a minimum of two games against the Yankees.

I was a Rangers fan while growing up in the late-60's, my father was working at the Pentagon and we lived in D.C. from 1967 until the summer of '71 before moving to Texas, right before the Rangers did.

I loved Frank Howard, the 6-8 powerful home run hitter...the Senators were terrible but I listened to their games every night on my transistor radio.

Smoaky

Back in the saddle again...

2010-10-11T19:56:00.001-07:00

Well, just wrapped-up my first full day back in two weeks following my illness.

I have to say, I'm not 100% but feel good about putting in a full day.

My voice continues to be a little weak, but that will just take time and a few shows under my belt.

It was nice to see everyone at the office today, stayed busy with interviews at the BU football press conference so I wasn't there too much.

It was Butch Henry's birthday so Paul and I surprised him with a little "birthday love," and I mean this...I hope I have the same sharp mentality, health and energy as Butch when I'm his age. He's amazing.

The hardest part about my return is dealing with the fractured ribs, hard to deal with the on and off stinging pain when I'm standing up during the show.

I'm sleeping with a heating pad at night, feels much better, but I can't walk around everywhere with a heating pad...that would be considered a little weird and where am I going to find the electricity?

I have a couple of stick-on heating pads, might use one tomorrow.

Proud to say we're having another big month on 1660espn in sales, everyone is hammering away at what could be another record month.

I don't remember if I mentioned this earlier but we're moving to a new location sometime this month. My office is basically empty at sometime last week while I was gone, Tony Loomer Moving Company (inside joke) decided my desk wasn't useful for now and it's gone as are some bookcases and a few other items of need.

Oh well, the off-white, dingy plastic folding table matches the color on my walls.

I did spend about an hour on Sunday going through a lot of old folders that I didn't know existed...99% of it was no longer needed and so the office is lighter in more ways than one.

Watching Brett Favre and the Vikings look awful against the NY Jets and based on tonight's performance the Cowboys are very fortunate their MUST WIN this Sunday is against Minnesota.

I don't even know if Favre will finish the night much less be available against Dallas. Favre's been awful, two fumbled snaps, bad throws. Cowboys are about to catch a huge break. I think Randy Moss has handled the ball once, on reverse and throw to Favre that was called back for an ineligible receiver down field.

I'm not sure if a Cowboys win only delays the inevitable or helps them get kick-started.

Just watched another Vikings three-and-out. And, the Cowboys think they have problems?

Smoaky

Football Weekend Summary

2010-10-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, the (1-3) Cowboys will play at what most likely will be the (1-3) Vikings in Minnesota next Sunday.

Who would've thunk it?

Vikings play on the road against the NY Jets on Monday night and if the Patriots couldn't beat the Jets with Randy Moss, why will the Vikings?

Can't believe the Cowboys are 1-3, but they are and must deal with it. They are a loss away from a locker room from hell. Somehow, someway, whenever they've had a cross roads "must win" game in recent years, they've found a way to win.

They did earlier this season at Houston when they were 0-2 and a year ago at the unbeaten Saints when they were splintered.

I've been a lifelong Redskins fan since I was old enough to know about football (about mid-60's) and there have been some fun years under Joe Gibbs and a few others, but the 'Skins have been mediocre at best (other than a couple of good years during Joe Gibbs II), so their 3-2 start with wins against Dallas, Philadelphia and Green Bay is nice, but---still not sold on them.

McNabb makes them better offensively, but they just struggle to score points. Their defense gives up a big play or two each game, but they really scratch and claw each week. I don't know if they've won a couple of close games due to the Mike Shanahan influence, but they're 3-2 and I didn't expect them to be 3-2 after 5-games.

In college football, Texas really needs a win this weekend the schedule is just what the doctor ordered, a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska.

I'm also a lifelong Nebraska football fan and one thing I know since the inception of the Big 12, UT has owned Nebraska. UT has beaten Nebraska in Lincoln, Austin, and even St. Louis in the first Big 12 Championship Game. That 37-27 UT win shocked the college football world and prevented Nebraska from playing in a fourth consecutive national championship game.

Since then, UT has beaten the 'Huskers whether they're better or not.

Nebraska did thump the 'Horns for the Big 12 title in 1999 in San Antonio, but earlier that year, in Austin, Texas edged Nebraska and that one loss also kept NU from another national championship game appearance.

Nebraska's offense has the electric QB Taylor Martinez, and defensively they're forcing turnovers but you watch, somehow, someway, Texas will find a way to win a game they MUST win...even as a heavy underdog. Mack Brown's best wins throughout his career at Texas have been away from Austin.

Baylor was so close to really putting themselves in the driver's seat for a bowl game appearance, but they just made too many mistakes defensively against Texas Tech and then didn't capitalize on a pair of offensive possessions in the fourth-quarter to win it or force overtime.

I wasn't even thinking about this, but Tech was 0-2 in conference play and they had to win, Taylor Potts was huge, important win for the Red Raiders but they better start playing better defense themselves.

Smoaky

What a sports weekend in DFW

2010-10-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

Rangers about to start game 3 at the Ballpark in Arlington, Aggies and Hogs right across the street at Jerry's World.

Tech-Baylor at the Cotton Bowl and a couple of other Division I football games in the area.

Almost too many options for the sports fans...and there's Titans-Cowboys at 3:15pm Sunday in Arlington.

Smoaky