The second weekend in October will greet the Frogs in Lubbock, Texas, but it’ll feel like July. Temps tomorrow in the Hub City will be hot, around 95 degrees.

Both TCU and Tech hope to follow suit and get hot in their own right.

TCU won’t have the home team advantage this weekend against Texas Tech. Gary Patterson’s Frogs will need to rely on a run game. Courtesy of TCU Athletics | Photo by Gregg Ellman

The Frogs and Red Raiders have both fallen victim to Bevo over the last two weeks and have also sustained a bunch of injuries.

The “Battle for the Saddle” will feature a TCU team that’s been “that close” over the last two games, despite not playing its best.

Tech is an older football team, filled with lots of portal transfers. Tech coach Matt Wells has made it a point to get more experience on his football team in a hurry. He’s in his third year at Tech and is feeling the heat to produce wins. His older team features 10 “super seniors” – the most in the Big 12.

On the offense, Tech’s got old friend Sonny Cumbie calling the plays. The Tech legend was brought back to take over the offense but the plan got derailed in the Texas game when Oregon transfer and starting quarterback Tyler Shough left the game with a broken collarbone. He hopes to be back this year. Tech put in Henry Colombi, another transfer (from Utah State), who the Frogs saw last year and frustrated in the 34-18 TCU win. Cumbie & Co. want balance and the have the backs to do it with #28 Tahj Brooks and #4 SaRodorick Thompson. The air is still the preferred method of attack, though, and receiving leader #13 Erik Ezukanma will return from injury in time to face the Frogs. Tech has four other wideouts, all 6-4 or taller, who can go up and get the ball. Tech has also reinstalled the Tight End into the offense — BIG TE’s #15 Travis Koontz and #80 Mason Tharp, who’s 6-9!

On the defense, the Red Raiders are looking for an identity. Two defensive coordinators and the 3-3-5 scheme show you a lot of looks, if you’re an opposing QB. Tech will go with 3-down, 2-down and even give you a five-man front. Regardless, it’s the linebackers that the defense is built around and ol’ Raider Red leans heavily on #17 Colin Schooler and #6 Riko Jeffers to stop the run, pressure the passer and make plays in coverage. It’s a demanding scheme for linebackers and the defensive staff is struggling trying to find the right combo. The Frogs will have an opportunity for big plays in the run game when Tech goes to the 3-man front — lots of room to work.

As I mentioned, Tech is working through lots of injuries, but they are playing at home, which is always tough for the visitors, especially at night where the red and black are 43-16 under the lights at Jones Stadium since 2002. It’s also Homecoming in Lubbock. Here comes the parade.

Speaking of history, did you know that Tech leads the all time series 32-28-3. All three ties in the series came in three-consecutive games in Lubbock. In 1979, the Frogs and Tech tied 3-3 in a snow storm, while in 1981 TCU came back from a 24-7 halftime deficit to tie 39-39 and dampen Tech’s Homecoming. In 1983, a dust storm in Lubbock Friday morning followed by torrential rains turned the field at Jones Stadium into a slippery, chocolate milk-like surface and the two teams slid their way to a 10-10 tie in Jim Wacker’s first season.

We’re on the air Saturday night at 5 p.m. on the Horned Frog Sports Network to get you ready for a 6 o’clock kick.

Until then,

Kick ‘Em High!

In the aftermath of the SMU game, Frogs fans have come forth with multiple opinions, theories, belly-aches and concerns.

More than a few, including your scribe, have lost some sleep.

Granted, SMU ran for 350 yards and has an offensive line/running backs combo that’s the best since the Pony Express days of the early 1980s. That’s saying something.

Add to it that the Frogs were not at their sharpest and just had a bad day. Missed tackles and dropped balls, along with an unfortunate turnover inside the Frogs’ five yard line and you have a recipe for misery.

Now on to UT. The Frogs have had success here, winning 7 of the last 9. Especially impressive, when you consider that the Frogs did not beat UT from 1968 to 1991. That’s too long.

The Longhorns come in hot, coming off of wins over Rice and Texas Tech. They’ve changed quarterbacks and junior Casey Thompson has gotten the Texas offense moving. They’ve scored on 24 of their last 27 possessions. That’s efficient.

But the Longhorns have had their issues.

UT’s game at Arkansas revealed that perfection has not yet arrived in Austin, Texas.

Missed assignments along the offensive line and big plays given up in the secondary, just to name a couple.

Steve Sarkisian is a crafty coach and he will move skill players around in search of the right matchup against the TCU defense.

In last week’s game against SMU, Zach Evans had 113 yards rushing on 15 carries. He landed a 46-yard touchdown catch for the first receiving score of his career. Courtesy of TCU Athletics

Quarterback Thompson has been good, but it’s been in garbage time vs. Arkansas and in starts against Rice and Texas Tech. He has yet to face pressure and the Frogs must bring it. It you like running backs, this is the game for you. The Horns will run Bijan Robinson to counter TCU’s Zach Evans. This will be fun to watch.

The Texas offensive line has experience but not much depth. Against Arkansas, they broke down and the Hogs attacked at will. TCU will need to find a way to disrupt this group. The starting five will play the entire game for Texas.

Keep an eye on #8 Xavier Worthy and #4 Jordan Whittington are speedy options at receiver. Keep an eye out for #6 Joshua Moore — a dangerous target in the deep ball game, but he turned an ankle this week in practice and will be a game time decision.

Defensively, Texas has gone to a multiple set that will feature a four-man front along with a 3-3-5 look, depending on the situation. The D-Line for Texas is led by big #99 Keondre Coburn at 346 pounds. His nickname is “Snacks” and he is the team comedian. Does stand-up comedy in the locker room.

At the defensive end spots, #46 Ray Thornton and #3 Jacoby Jones powerful on the edge and TCU’s tackles will be tasked with keeping them neutralized.

#0 Demarvion Overshown is a force at linebacker and walk-on Luke Brockermeyer, #47, has fought his way onto this football team at middle linebacker.

The secondary has not had a great start to the year and there will be deep ball opportunities for the Frogs. They’ll need to make those plays.

This one comes down to the TCU defensive line going up against the UT offensive line. The outcome will be decided here in Fort Worth.

We’re on the air on the Horned Frogs Sports Network at 10 a.m. Join for the 92nd meeting between these two proud programs.

Until then,

Kick ‘Em High!

In 1999 the CEO of Alcon Laboratories spoke at the spring commencement ceremony, encouraging students to give back to those who helped them.

Terrific Other PeopleS: Repaying in Multiples/A Lifetime Commitment

May 15, 1999

I wish that every one of you could be standing in my central spot in this coliseum and be able to feel the total electricity of excitement that is being generated by this wonderful occasion.

Congratulations. You’ve actually done it. You are now within a few moments of getting your hands on a certificate of graduation — the diploma that you’ve striven so diligently to obtain.

Ed Schollmaier was chairman and CEO of Alcon Laboratories, Inc. in 1999. He and wife Rae provided the naming gift for the Ed and Rae Schollmaier Basketball Practice Complex, which opened in 2004, and the lead gift for the Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Photo by Glen E. Ellman

As that super special moment approaches, I can sense, can actually feel, the variety of emotions that you are experiencing. For many, perhaps all of you, there is a feeling of utter relief. This sensation will alternate with an eagerness to move on to the next phase of your life. Quite possibly, there will be a hint of apprehension about unforeseen difficulties that may be encountered. Beneath the surface, there will repeatedly percolate a well-deserved sense of pride — pride in the significant accomplishment of reaching a major goal in your lives.

Some of you will experience an intermixing of sadness — sadness in realizing that many of the events, disciplines and relationships that brought you comfort and joy are now in your past. In some cases, the deeper sadness of realizing that some loved one who embraced your dream is no longer available to celebrate your success.

These rambling thoughts and many related ones are all perfectly normal. They are, of course, intensified by the emotional energy that this event generates.

Many of you, again possibly all, will have a powerful desire to express thanks — thanks to special friends, thanks to parents, thanks to teachers, and thanks to various individuals who gave a helping hand, advice or encouragement to you along the way. You will be surprised by how many such people — truly deserving thanks — there are already likely to be at this early stage of your life.

During my sixty-five years, there have been dozens of individuals who have shared kindness and support, given a helping hand, and provided a gentle, or not so gentle, nudge in the right direction. Regretfully, there may have been many more that I have failed to notice or have forgotten.

When I was orphaned early in my senior year in high school, the principal, Elmer Kizer, handed me a key to his home. He said to use it if for any reason my options didn’t feel right. Several days later, I found myself on his front porch. In response to my ring, Mrs. Kizer opened the door. “You must be Eddie. Come in and let me show you your room.” I can’t tell you how much I came to love those wonderful people.

Shortly thereafter, the father of a friend arranged an appointment for me with James Shouse, President of WLW-T in Cincinnati. He nodded when I told him that I planned to skip college and attend a radio-:-TVc ourse. Television was in its infancy, and I was eager to get in on the ground floor. Mr. Shouse asked me what I hoped to be doing in fifteen years. I was a little shaky on this but indicated interest in a position similar to Peter Grant, a highly respected news analyst. Mr. Shouse responded that this probably wouldn’t be possible since in fifteen years I would still be ignorant. He urged me to go to college and begin a life long process of pursuing education and an ongoing quest for knowledge and experience.

He promised me a part-time job at the television station to help with expenses and to provide career insights. No sooner had I left his office than I realized that I had been given truly profound advice. The next day I enrolled at the University of Cincinnati.

I could go on and on with examples. Dr. Gertrude Baldwin of Greensboro, Pennsylvania kept a room full of patients waiting while she explained in anger exactly what I needed to begin doing in order to execute my first Alcon job properly. Then she took the time to arrange pharmacy appointments for me so that I got off to a decent start.

There have been literally dozens of such people in my life. All made a significant difference. You, no doubt, have had and will continue to have similar experiences. I refer to these wonderful folks as T-O-PS Terrific Other PeopleS. TOPS, in my opinion, is an extraordinarily appropriate acronym. T-O-P-S, TOPS, Terrific Other PeopleS, TOPS.

When I went to thank Mr. Shouse at the time of my graduation, he said that he was pleased by my expression of appreciation, but, he said, “Not so fast. By acknowledging the usefulness of my aid, you are acknowledging your obligation for repayment. To even the score you must provide similar assistance to twenty other worthy and/or needy individuals that you encounter along the way.” He explained that 20 times was the average financial multiplier or PE ratio for stocks at that time. Simply put, he was recruiting me for membership in TOPS (Terrific Other PeopleS). How could I have refused this challenge?

Likewise, I know that there will be no way for you to refuse as I offer the same challenge to you. The steps are simple. (1) List the TOPS (Terrific Other PeopleS) in your life. (2) Acknowledge your obligation. (3) Promise to pay back, in kind, as opportunities present themselves in the years ahead.

Don’t forget the multiplier. It’s OK to use 20 or 22 times. Yet many stocks today are commanding a 45 to 60 PE ratio. I know that this is a coliseum full of high fliers and that at least a multiplier of 45 times could be used. Don’t let this throw youyou’ve got the rest of your lives to meet your obligation.

Now, let me use the Shouse formula of advanced mathematical extrapolation to illustrate what you have invested in your degrees. At $15,500/year times, let’s say 4 1/2 years, times a 43 PE ratio: You’ve made an investment with a reasonable expected worth of $3 million.

If you’ve received scholarship help, it doesn’t reduce the value of the investment. It merely acknowledges that there were some Terrific Other PeopleS (names perhaps unknown) who stepped up and contributed scholarship funds for your benefit. Whoever they are, you owe them.

These numbers are only the half of it. While you may not be acutely aware of it, each and every one of you received significant financial aid from TCU. To calculate this, you only need to look at the school’s financial statements and note the Annual Fund contributions and Endowment income. What these two items represent are gifts — gifts this year and in the past — from whom? You’ve got it — TOPS, Terrific Other PeopleS.

If you’ve made an investment in your degree worth $3 million, it must be reassuring that Terrific Other PeopleS, TOPS, have doubled the bet on your future by adding another $3 million for a total valued investment of $6 million.

By now you are probably thinking, it looks like you’re going to be in a repayment mode all your life. Well, I hope so. You will be a better and happier person for it. The world will certainly be a better place because of it. Keep in mind that much of this can be done in kind, with kindness, advice, mentoring, and volunteering. Of course, you will also be presented with many opportunities to write checks. Don’t wait to get started. You’ve got a lot of repaying to do, but as Jim Shouse inferred to me, “If you hadn’t received, you wouldn’t owe.”

Consider the full possibilities. If each of us who has been helped helps forty-three others, who in turn each help forty-three others, who in turn each help forty-three others — on and on — the impact on our society will be enormous. Let’s make it happen.

In approaching conclusion, I would like to call special attention to one group of Terrific Other PeopleS that are more readily recognizable to you and many of whom are here today. These TOPS are your parents. They have contributed immeasurably to your being here today and are wonderfully proud of you. Psychologists will tell you that each of you, on average, has one thing for which you have not totally forgiven your parents. Usually this is reflected by withholding or not sharing feelings with them. This could represent resentment for sending you to boarding school or for some similar transgression. I ask that you reflect on this and that you immediately forgive them. Keep them in your lives. Be sure that they know how much you love and appreciate them.

I salute you all. You are now all officially TOPS (Terrific Other PeopleS). You will also shortly be graduates. Hearty congratulations and best wishes.

As the Frogs get ready to welcome SMU this weekend, we also get ready to welcome back some of TCU’s greatest to be honored as the newest members of the TCU Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame Weekend is managed and administered by the TCU Block T Association, which is made up of more than 2,000 current and former TCU athletes.

If you haven’t been to the TCU Hall of Fame, you should visit it in Schollmaier Arena. There’s a lot to see. The Justin Foundation provided the funding for the new Hall of Fame.

Courtesy of TCU Block T Association

This year’s honorees, representing the 53rd class to be inducted, include Michael Cannon ’86 (men’s track and field), Jamie MacCurdy-Kizer ’02 (women’s swimming and diving), Victor Payne ’02 (football) and Roy Williams ’01 (men’s track and field). Additionally, Nolan Brawley ’64 (men’s track and field) is this year’s Vintage inductee with longtime TCU Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Operations T. Ross Bailey ’76 the first-ever honoree in the Special Contributor category.

Induction ceremonies will take place Thursday night with the class recognized on the field at the end of the first quarter during the SMU game.

Cannon was a two-time All-American in both the 400m and 4×400. He was a Southwest Conference champion in the 4×400 and finished fifth at the 1985 NCAA Championship. He was also a quarterfinalist at the 1984 Olympic Trials in the 400m. He established a TCU record in the 400m of 45.14 seconds that stood for 19 years.

MacCurdy-Kizer was a member of the Conference USA All-Decade Team while only swimming one year in the league. She won four events and was runner-up in two more at the 2002 C-USA Championships. She was named TCU’s Athlete of the Year for all sports in 2002 and TCU’s Most Valuable Swimmer all four years.

Payne was first-team All-Conference USA as a senior in 2001 and named by Sporting News as the conference’s Best Blocker. He made 36 career starts and was a key part of LaDainian Tomlinson leading the nation in rushing in 1999 and 2000.

Williams was a 2000 NCAA Champion in the 4×400 and a national runner-up in 1998. A three-time All-American, he was on the winning 4×400 at the 2000 Penn Relays. He was a 10-time All-WAC recipient and the 2000 and 2001 champion in the 400m. He was also on three WAC Championship 4×400 teams (1998-00).

Brawley was a three-year letterman in track and field and co-captain of the 1963-64 team. He was the Southwest Conference runner-up in the mile and all-conference in the event.

Bailey has had a six-decade association with the Horned Frogs, including being named head athletics trainer at the age of 24. He moved into an administrative role in 1998 and served as the senior associate athletics director for facilities and operations until his retirement in December 2020.

Friday, we’ll get ready for SMU.  It’s the 100th game in the series that dates all the way back to 1915.

Until then,

Kick ‘Em High!

Week 2 brings a still-unranked (and underrated) TCU team a visit from the PAC-12 as the Cal Bears look to erase the memory of a disappointing loss to Nevada in their opener.

Like TCU, Cal has become known for its defense under head coach Justin Wilcox. The problem for the Bears in recent times has been that they haven’t gotten support from their offense.

TCU quarterback Max Duggan’s 207 yards in the air against Duquesne put him over the 4,000-yard career mark. He’s now at 4,079 which ranks ninth in TCU history. Courtesy of TCU Athletics | Photo by Gregg Ellman

Cal’s quarterback Chase Garbers has wheels and would rather run than throw. He’s not as comfortable throwing the football, but if he gets in rhythm he can be a problem. Former NFL assistant Bill Musgrave is Cal’s offensive coordinator and he want to run a complex offensive system, but the QB position appears to be the hold up to fully exploiting all facets of the offense. Garbers can move, though: Last year, he outran USC’s secondary on a play that opened some eyes. The Frogs will need to be patient and sound on defense as Cal will huddle, slow things down and run it with #28 Damien Moore, who doesn’t need much room to pop a big play. Follow him with stocky back #34 Christopher Brooks at 235 and there’s the power game. There are ample WRs, but getting them the ball with accurate throws has been an ongoing problem and was Cal’s blight last week vs. Nevada.

Cal’s offensive line has been shuffled due to season-ending injuries to their center and right tackle. The left side of the Cal O-Line is the stronger side.

Game 1 has come and gone and the Frogs find themselves at 1-0.

That was part of the plan scheduling FCS opponent Duquesne.

As TCU faced Duquesne on Sept. 4, Quentin Johnston (#1) and Dee Winters (#13) proved to be key Horned Frogs on the football roster. Courtesy of TCU Athletics | Photo by Gregg Ellman

Observations and thoughts from Saturday’s game:

• The 54-minute game was the first I’ve ever seen in my life with 12-minute quarters in the 2nd half. It was completely understandable, given the injuries and depth issues that Duquesne found themselves facing.
• The TCU offense had 10 different receivers get in the act and eight different ball carriers. Lots of options here. Quentin Johnston on the large end of the scale. Derius Davis on the blur end of the scale.
• The offensive line got a good workout in and will only get better when Wes Harris returns to the lineup.
• The defense is fast. Gary Patterson wants them to be “quick” instead of fast. I think they’re that, too.
• JD Spielman can make a huge difference for this team as a playmaker. I hope we get to see the player he was at Nebraska, where he had three-straight 800-yard seasons. The only ‘Husker ever to do it.
• Max Duggan looks much more comfortable throwing the ball downfield. And he’ll have plenty of chances.
• Max’s backups Matthew Downing (UGA TR) and Chandler Morris (OU TR) are more than capable.
• The wideouts are deep and talented. This will provide headaches for opposing defensive coordinators.
• Watch out for running back Zach Evans.
• And Kendre Miller — who’s bigger and stronger than last year.
• The defensive line will get deeper — and I can’t wait.
• Dee Winters is the next elite TCU linebacker. He can get to the ball.
• Tre Hodges-Tomlinson knows where the ball is at all times. It’s a gift that extreme talents at corner have.
• All three phases of the game have had a chance to stretch their legs and are now ready to meet the raised bar.
• TCU didn’t show much of the playbook in the win over Duquesne.

Cal comes to town after a rough opener at the hands of Nevada (you remember Nevada, don’t you? Google Boise State loss at Nevada 2010). Chances are they’ll be ready to play and redeem themselves. Question is: Can they handle the Frogs and the Texas heat. The forecast for Saturday is sunny and 98.

Friday, we’ll take a deeper look into the Bears’ den. It’s an up-and-coming program.

Until then,

Kick ‘Em High!

Well, here we go!

‘Twas the night before the 2021 season.

• Conference realignment is all anyone wants to talk about.
• Name/Image/Likeness is here.
• Transfer Portals are the rage.
• DFW TV legend Dale Hansen has retired from Channel 8. (Last night, the man who brought down SMU with his 1986 TV investigation hung it up for good.)

As Bob Dylan would sing, “Oh, the times they are a changin’!”

And it’s time to win.

Thank the Lord we get to play a game tomorrow and get the spotlight back on the football field.

Obinna Eze, a senior offensive tackle, is a transfer from Memphis. Courtesy of TCU Athletics | Photo by Gregg Ellman

Players and coaches alike have been working hard all off-season since the Texas Bowl was cancelled.

Tonight they go to bed with another mission on their minds. Let’s get behind them — they deserve it.

Coach Gary Patterson’s defense is fast and deep, but there are a few guys who won’t play, see below.

The offense, now led by new offensive coordinator/old friend Doug Meacham is loaded with a stable of running backs and a fleet of wide receivers.

The offensive line stacks up to be one of the best in years with the addition of Memphis transfer Obinna Eze at left tackle. At 6-8 335, he’s what the late, great OC Dick Winder would call, “a small child.”

I’m anxious to see what this group shows us tomorrow night vs. Duquesne. It should be fun.

There will be a few guys missing. Coach P outlined the details yesterday at his luncheon:

• OL Wes Harris will sit out
• DE Khari Coleman will not play
• CB Noah Daniels is still getting healed-up
• RB Zach Evans will not play the first two series (team policy)

Other than that, the Frogs should be at full strength and ready to kick off what Coach P calls a 2-game season. Cal comes next week and then there’s a break, followed by another 2-game season with SMU and Texas.

Fasten your seatbelts, Frog Fans! It is time!

Also, on the Frog front: When you hit your knees tonight, be sure to say a prayer for former Frogs Head Coach Dennis Franchione. Coach Fran is battling some health issues and could use your support. Afterall, he’s the guy who got TCU rolling again in 1998 and brought Gary Patterson to Fort Worth. Give credit where credit is due… and pray for Coach Fran.

We’re on the air tomorrow at 6 p.m. CT on the Horned Frogs Sports Network and on XM Channel 83.

Until then,

Kick ‘Em High!

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released their Hard Promises album 40 years ago this summer.

Contained therein is a song entitled, “The Waiting,” a theme with which most Frogs fans can relate. Especially this week.

The chorus reads:

The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part

The season opener is hours away and everyone should be anxious. And relieved.

Courtesy of TCU Athletics

When I was playing at TCU in the early 1980s, the start of the season marked a change in the practice routine. Fall camp and its incessant schedule of practices was over. In-season practices are much different, with a slant toward being fresh going into the weekend.

Weeks go fast. Until Friday night, then the clock seems to crawl as the players anticipate kickoff and that “first play” of the game.

It’ll be the same for the Frogs and their coaches over the next 48 hours or so. The preparation is done, months of hard work are in the barn and it’s all done. Except The Waiting.

While you’re waiting, here a few things to know about Duquesne:

• Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Northeast Conference (NEC), where the team has won five conference titles since 2011
• Played its last game on April 11, while the Frogs were going through spring football
• Head Coach Jerry Schmitt, that all-time winningest coach at Duquesne (sound familiar)
• The Dukes played a shortened schedule of five games last spring, going 4-1
• NBA great Norm Nixon played his college basketball at Duquesne
• TCU Basketball great Doug Arnold (one of Killer’s Frogs back in the early 1980s), transferred to TCU from Duquesne. Arnold played two years for the Frogs (1981-82 and 1982-83) and is a member of the 1000 Point Club at TCU.

Friday, we’ll take a detailed look at the Dukes and breakdown this season opener.

Until then,

Kick ‘Em High!

Bestselling author Sue Monk Kidd ’70 joined the TCU Alumni Association and TCU Magazine on April 6 to discuss her writing process and her latest novel, The Book of Longings. Watch the full video below.

Kidd shared inspiring gems such as “The role of the writer is to rewrite the world” and “Writing is a little everyday act of bravery.”

After describing how she “came upon” her legendary characters, Kidd was kind enough to share a list of some of her favorite books and most impactful reads:

Fiction—
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
The Poison Wood Bible and The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
Lying Awake by Mark Salzman
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Thirteen Stories by Eudora Welty

Non-Fiction—

Holy Misogyny by April Deconick
Time and the Soul by Jacob Needleman
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Rilke
An Interrupted Life: The Diaries of Etty Hillesum
Memories Dreams and Reflections by C.G. Jung
Cassandra Speaks by Elizabeth Lesser
The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg
New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton

Favorite Poets—
David White
Mary Oliver
Derek Walcott
May Sarton
Rumi
Rainer Rilke

Left to right, Stephanie Murphy, Jennifer Jones and Stephanie Jones met by chance at Big Bend National Park. Courtesy of Stephanie Jones

While taking our anniversary trip to Big Bend National Park in March 2021, my husband and I decided to hike one final Texas trail on Saturday. Jacob and I traveled from our home in San Antonio. We had done four trails on Friday, so we were tired. We chose the Window Trail, a 5.6-mile round trip. When we got to the end, we struck up a conversation with a few other couples who had been admiring the view. I came to discover that I, Stephanie Jones ’06 (MS ’08), was in the presence of Stephanie Murphy ’87 and Jennifer Jones ’87. They hailed from Austin, Texas, where my husband and I used to live. Both ladies attended the TCU-Wisconsin Rose Bowl in 2011, as did I. Both of them attended the TCU-Oregon Alamo Bowl in 2016, as did I.

Seriously, what are the odds: Another Stephanie. Another Jones. Twenty years and multiple possible interactions later — we meet at the Window in Big Bend.

Get outside and go frogs!

Tell us about a time you met another Horned Frog in the wild. Write a comment below or email tcumagazine@tcu.edu