Rest in Peace

RIP Ernest Hawkins. The athletic department announced that Texas Tech Hall of Fame quarterback Ernest Hawkins passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.

“Ernest Hawkins’ life was nothing short of impressive,” said Rodney Allison, Director of the Double T Varsity Club. “He served his country bravely during World War II and then returned to become one of the greatest multi-sport athletes in our history. We will keep his family in our thoughts during this time.”

Hawkins remains one of the early greats in Texas Tech history as he led the Red Raiders to three Border Conference titles during his three seasons as the starting quarterback from 1947-49. Tech was a perfect 14-0 in Border Conference games with Hawkins at quarterback en route to appearances in both the Sun Bowl (1947) and Raisin Bowl (1949).

I happened to know the Hawkins family and we’ve all lost a really good man.

Texas Tech Track and Field

The #RedRaider men keep their 🔝5️⃣ spot in this week’s @USTFCCCA ranking! #WreckEm #TopFive pic.twitter.com/vpNpOgSfq6

— TTU Track & Field/XC (@TTU_TF_XC) January 29, 2018

Lady Raider Basketball

Coaching List. Raiderland’s Ryan Hyatt has a long list of coaching search targets to replace Candi Whitaker. I can’t say that I know many of the names, I do know the name Cayla Petree and I think this is a situtation where she’d recruit her tail off, much like she’s done at South Plains. Not on the list is Steve Gomez at LCU and Hyatt just doesn’t think that Gomez is a candidate.

Texas Tech Baseball

#TexasTech to play 5️⃣ nationally-televised conference games on FS1/ESPNU in 2018.

📝➡️ https://t.co/bv7ArEuiKw #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/bU2WcRAsp6

— Texas Tech Baseball (@TTU_Baseball) January 29, 2018

Gingery 3rd Team Preseason All-American. Baseball America named Steven Gingery as a preseason third team All-American. And another.

Texas Tech Basketball

Ranking Updates. The AP and USA Today, have their new released top 25’s and Texas Tech is 10th overall in both polls, up 4 spots from last week and one spot ahead of West Virginia and a few spots behind Kansas, who is at 7.

Texas Tech Football

Nic Shimonek will be back at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Friday night for the @AllStarFBall Challenge. The event begins at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

📰➡️: https://t.co/CB7gEDdy9h #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/l54ZfeBTGa

— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) January 29, 2018

Campbell’s Donation. RedRaiderSports’ Chris Level and Will McKay talked with Cody Campbell, the former Red Raider footballer who is set to make a significant donation to begin the construction on the south end zone of Jones AT&T Stadium and the football training facility. I’m guessing that you guys have probably already posted this in the comments (I’m still catching up), but if you haven’t seen it, I think that this is interesting because I think Campbell feels the same way as you all in that he’s frustrated where the program is at, but he’s going to do what he can do to change it:

“I’m not happy with where our football program is today. I know that most ex-players, alumni, and fans feel the same way. Kirby and Kliff are not happy with where our program is today, either. Rather than complaining and bellyaching, I am personally committed to do everything I can to right the ship and make the program what it can and should be. I’m willing to leverage my money and my time to make that happen.”

/snip/

“I would like to challenge every Red Raider to take the same approach I’m taking, and personally do everything you can do to help. Pick up the rope and pull it in the right direction. Bellyaching and complaining do no good. What does good is donating money to the Red Raider Club or Campaign for Fearless Champions, renewing season tickets, showing up, and being loud. Now is the time to be supportive, show up, and be loud.”

There’s a lot more there and you should read it. Will be an interesting discussion I’m sure.

Decision Day. 2018 running back target Tazhawn Henry tweeted that he would decide between Texas Tech and Oregon State on February 3rd at 7:30 p.m.