I’ve told my Dad’s story before, but it might’ve been pre-Surly. He “played” FB for the Longhorns 60-63. He met Tony Crosby (Kountze) at either a HS basketball tournament or Spring track meet, as Dad being a pretty good athlete, but at a small school (Sour Lake) and played every sport, and found out that Tony was going to Austin to visit with the UT staff the Spring of their Senior year in HS and asked if he could ride along and maybe ask to “walk on” if needed. Coach Royal put Crosby on full scholarship, but Dad was offered a “partial scholarship” back in that day, but with certain requirements for his partial that include room/board, but only like 40-50% tuition help and etc. Dad grew up dirt poor and the oldest of 4 siblings, so he jumped at the opportunity. His first Fall, Freshman weren’t allowed to play in Varsity games and they had their on Freshman team that played 6-8 games like within Texas. They were referred to as the “Short Horns,” the Fr. team. Upon arriving on campus, he found out that his “requirement” for the partial scholarship included working in the Athletic Dinning Hall. So after practicing with the rest of the Longhorns all season, he had to bust his ass to the showers to report for dinner. Back then the team meal was served “platter style” and he was like the wait staff helping bring in the food to players that he was on the practice field with about an hour prior. After everyone left, he’d bus the tables and sometimes help clean the kitchen or do pots and pans. He wouldn’t get to his dorm room most nights until around 8 or later. By his Sophomore year Coach Royal still kept him on the partial, but relieved him of any Dinning Hall duties. He was basically a “Scout Team” player his entire tenure on the 40, and because the rule back then that you actually had to play as a statically recorded ST player (kicker/punter), Offensive or Defensive snap in a game to “Letter” as even though having played for two seasons on STs KO coverage/return etc, he hadn’t lettered yet through his Senior season. It wasn’t until about 3 min left in the Cotton Bowl (NC) game vs Navy that Coach Royal asked him on the sideline yet if he’d been in on offense or defense yet? Dad said no, so DKR said next stoppage of the clock you run in there and replace a lineman. Dad asked which position? DKR just said I don’t care just get in there! For the Longhorns’ 40th Anniversary of the ‘63 National Championship, they hosted Arkansas that weekend. For the reunion dinner/banquet, with Frank Broyels (UA AD) at the time I think, but previous UA HC from the 60-70s, DKR asked my Dad to speak in front of those in attendance (only about 2-3 former players), what it “meant” to be a Longhorn! Here was a guy that didn’t play meaningful snaps on the first UT NC team, but DKR loved Dad. As a child we’d go to Spring practice annually and visit with DKR. He’d always tell me that if he’d have had 30-40 Mickey’s each year, they’d never lost a game. Then we’d visit Rooster’s (mandatory) going to Austin from Dallas to buy real UT stuff. Rooster was on the Training staff while Dad was on the 40 and loved the little man, even though he was a “hard ass” on them working out under the West side back in the day. DKR attended my parents wedding in ‘67 in Deer Park, as Dad was coaching there. I think DKR was recruiting the Houston area that week, but he actually attended the service. Dad is 82 now and seems to lose teammates annually from his era, but they met for the 60th Anniversary the previous season. So proud of what he did at UT. 4th from the left - Top row. Mickey Riggs - 1960-1963. Hook’em!!!