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Guys, I went to TCU for graduate school. I was only around this coach as a student, nothing more, but I have close friends that are very close to him.

Coach Wacker is a class guy, full of enthusiasm, and full of joy.

I am not too much for prayers, but I think we should all keep his family in mind as he nears the end.

This is from a CBS broadcaster. If you have time, listen. <A HREF="http://www.occo.net/Fortnight8-18mix.mp3" TARGET=_blank>http://www.occo.net/Fortnight8-18mix.mp3</A>

Also, below is a letter Grant Teaff sent to Wacker:
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August 13, 2003


Jim & Lil Wacker
San Marcos, TX

Dear Jim & Lil:

First of all, it was great to speak with you the other day, and I was deeply touched and inspired by you both.

It is my pleasure to take this means to inform you that a huge group of your former players, assistant coaches, and coaches that you have influenced are placing in the American Football Coaches Foundation’s Plaza of Influence, a tribute and recognition to you, Jim, for your unparalleled, positive influence on their lives.

The Plaza of Influence has been created so that individuals influenced by football coaches have a way of recognizing that influence and honoring that coach. Your bench will be very close to the Darrell Royal Fountain and the Bear Bryant Oak Tree.

As soon as this bench is inscribed, we will send you a picture of the bench and the inscription. It will be on the internet, as well, where friends from all over the nation may take a look at this well deserved tribute.

Thanks, Jim, for all that you have done for our great game, our profession, and the hundreds of young people that you have touched.

Sincerely,

Grant Teaff
Executive Director, American Football Coaches Association

GT:ar

Wacker is indeed a class act. I always loved his enthusiasm. My SMU roommates and I used to get a kick out of his interviews; he started every other sentence with "Quite frankly..." Great man, a great career, and a real character.

I had read with deep regret an article earlier this summer in the San Antonio paper about Wacker's terminal illness. His record at Texas Lutheran and Southwest Texas State are part of Texas football lore, apart from what he tried to do at TCU and Minnesota. He deserves accolades from all true noble minded sports fans.

You guys ain't half bad...for a bunch of Mustangs

Seriously, I played for Jim back in the day and I took the time to call him. It was a wonderfully tough phone call. Wacker is staring death in the face and he is able to still laugh about the old days. It makes one put things in perspective. I just hope I have that kind of strength when the time comes. Thanks for the kind words for Coach.


Now, what are we going to call our new conference when baylor comes calling?

Peace, Love and Adolph Hofner-

NORMLFROG

Say what you will about Wacker, but he was honest. He used to drive me crazy with that Gomer Pyle style but the guy was a hoot. Sorry to hear the bad news regarding his health. He was truly one of the good guys. Not too many like like him, sad to say.

I had the opportunity to meet Coach Wacker years ago, and came away completely impressed with the man (especially since he was a Frog, eh NORMLFROG?) I couldn't bring myself to be a TCU supporter, but I've always wished nothing but the best for Coach Wacker. He's a credit to TCU and the other universities for which he worked, and was one of the great people to work with our Fort Worth bretheren.

If Baylor comes calling and TCU does too, then we should ask Wacker what he thinks would be a good name for the private schools who can not afford the horrendous expense of big time football in the NCAA. After all, Wacker excelled in the so-called lower divisions of the NCAA. A man with his standards and vision, could give us a death bed legacy if he would speak the Word of Truth about the sorry mess college semi-pro sports have become.

Let us see. The NCAA has all at one time hammered Baylor, SMU, and TCU. Maybe we should call ourselves the Outlaws Conference.

We could have Waylon, Willie and David as unofficial mascots and the conference theme song could be "Take this Job and Shove it."

And each home defeat could have the fans leave the stadium to the tone of "Whiskey River."

Of course Stallion will chastise us for living in a fantasy world and demand we call the conference the Wussy Conference.

Now that's hilarious!

Go Ponies!

Maybe we should call ourselves the Outlaws Conference.
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Do you think we could have all the players wear Tompall Glaser patches on their jerseys?

NF