Stories Inside the Man Cave

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The week the Dallas Cowboys re-signed Dak Prescott to a four year contract which includes an NFL record  $66 million dollar signing bonus, the boys invited a legendary voice into the Man Cave.

Brad Sham, the voice of the Dallas Cowboys, who has been a radio announcer and play x play talent for 40+ years, discussed all things Cowboys related including the Prescott signing. 

Sham delivered some insight on the Dallas Cowboys behind the scenes and what fans should expect this season. But, he did emphasize pausing on any expectations due to the new NFL salary cap and for the simple fact the roster is far from complete.

The humor and storytelling by Sham were both priceless including his Man Cave story.

The boys minus Coach Mo, finished the 63rd episode debating on whether or not the recently released study on the origins  of UT's school song, Eyes of Texas has any racially offensive roots despite the fact it was determined not to have any. Essentially inconclusive.

The UT men's basketball team's March Madness expectation were discussed as well as another edition of "Tell Me Something Good".

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It's been a hectic week for all of the boys.

So, Clynch was solo for episode 62. But, he was joined in segment two by a friend of the pod and longtime friend of Clynch, KVUE's main anchor, Bryan Mays.

During segment one, Clynch addressed all of the anxiety built up from removal of the face mask mandate by Texas Governor, Greg Abbott and stating that Texas is open for business 100% beginning March 10th.

What's lost is the fact that all businesses are free to continue the requirement for patrons and clients to wear a mask. And, everyone has a choice to wear a mask.
Regardless, all businesses are free to open back up to 100% since Covid19 shut down the state in March of 2020. 

The outrage and criticism of other's opinions motivated Clynch to voice his opinion on everyone to respect others and their own opinions. It's simple, if you want to wear a mask, wear one. If you don't, don't wear a mask. 

During the middle break, a promotion for the Under Ballou Skies Golf Tournament and Party with a Purpose which benefits ALS Association of Texas. KEYE's Sports Director, Bob Ballou organizes this event annually to raise money with hopes of conquering this nasty disease.

Click here to sponsor and/or register golf team for the May 14th event at Avery Ranch Golf Club in Austin:

https://www.alstexas.org/events/texas-chapter-events/ballou-skies-golf-tournament/

B-Mays joins Clynch is segment two to offer his opinion on Gov. Abbott's decision and the Texas Tribune's damning article about the Eyes of Texas which documented emails from University of Texas alumni going as far as threatening current Longhorn football players if they don't stand and sing the school song after games.

Mays also offered his take on the UT men's basketball situation heading into the final games of the regular season and March Madness as well as UT baseball's young season.

Both Clynch and Mays delivered their "Tell Me Something Good" feel good takes.

Mays described seeing the NASCAR cars at COTA race track in Austin and relating that to achieving more normalcy.

Clynch recently lost two of his best friends, Jason and Chrisla Reeves (husband and wife) after a battle with Covid. He described how amazing it feels to see the outpouring of love and support for his dear friends in a GoFundMe fundraiser, which his currently at over $19,000.

Also, the support received for creating meals for Austin area utility and grocery store employees for their efforts in helping us all during the recent winter storm.

Those employees can redeem limited meals at Top Notch, Boulevard Grill on Far West Boulevard, and Slab BBQ off of 183 and Burnet Road in Austin. 

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For the next two weeks beginning with episode 61, the Man Cave boys have an accomplished author as a VIP guest.

Nick "Nino's Corner" Battle is a 2005 graduate of the University of Texas who was an RA in Jester East dormitory at UT. It was during that time he connected with some of the best to play football at Texas. 

Battle's list of career accomplishments is  lengthy one. He is currently an active duty Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. That alone is impressive. 
Battle's has authored three books, his latest is called "My Wonderful Life: An Adoption Story. That was inspired by his son who is adopted.

And, Lt. Colonel Battle is also a member of the podcasting fraternity.  He is the host of "The Nino's Corner Podcast". He focuses mainly on Texas Longhorns football.

He adds a cerebral touch and is connected deeply to the recruiting landscape.  Be sure to follow him on Twitter: @NinosCorner

Get this, Battle is also a music producer and a graduate of Texas A&M-Commerce, University of Texas, and Columbia University. 

During the break Hardball Hardge brings awareness for men to have their prostate health by having their PSA levels checked annually.

Segment two was personal for Clynch.

The boys honored Jason Reeves and his family. The former Austin Anderson High School product played linebacker at Texas (1991-1995). Reeves and his wife, Chrisla were both  hospitalized during Valentine's week. Chrisla passed away last Friday and Jason passed away this Tuesday.

It's been a devastating week for the Reeves family and Chrisla's family as well. But, also for Clynch. Jason was Shawn's best friend since junior high school. Jason and Chrisla have two beautiful children in Kyra, who plays soccer at the University of Missouri, and Jaylon who is a junior quarterback for Pflugerville High School. 

Check out our Instagram page and our Twitter site @storiesmancave for details on the viewing on Friday and the funeral on Saturday.

The boys closed it with the Tell Me Something Good segment.

Coming up on episode 62, the second female to enter the Man Cave will be Dr. Katie Russell Newland. She is is the author of a book which will soon hit the shelves across the country. The Austin resident traveled the nation to visit each Major League Baseball stadium 

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Jeff Traylor entered the Man Cave with Clynch and Hardge on "thaw out day" or the beginning of the big melt from a week long deep freeze and problematic winter weather.

Traylor, who played on those great football teams in the late 1980's at Stephen F.  Austin State University, began his coaching career in East Texas as a high school football coach. 

He left his mark of success in his hometown, Gilmer, as soon as he took over as head football coach. During his 15 years as the Buckeyes head coach, Traylor led Gilmer to 3 state championship and helped countless players receive college football scholarships including former Oklahoma Sooner, Manuel Johnson and former Texas Longhorns (brothers), Kris and DeMarco Boyd. 

Gilmer named their football stadium after Traylor and he received his first college football coaching gig when Charlie Strong hired him at Texas. 

He followed Chad Morris to both S.M.U. and Arkansas before becoming the 3rd head football coach in UT-San Antonio program history.

Traylor led the Roadrunners to a 7-5 record during this past pandemic season and a bowl game.

In segment two, Hardge and Clynch discussed the debacle that was a complete failure on many level, the loss of utilities in Texas during the winter storm.

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Gene Watson, a respected name in baseball and Major League Baseball joined Clynch, Big Mike, and Hardball Hardge for episode 59.

Watson has nearly three decades of experience working in professional baseball as a talent scout and in the front office.

Watson worked his way up in baseball after playing college baseball at UT-Arlington beginning with the Texas Rangers.

The Temple, Texas native was recently hired by the Los Angeles Angels as the special advisor to general manager Perry Minasian.

Watson had ties to Pedro Gomez, who was a highly respected baseball journalist at ESPN. Gomez recently passed away. Gene paid tribute to Gomez, who emceed the RBI Austin Now at Bat dinner and fundraiser at the Dell Diamond. 

The boys wrapped things up evaluating Steve Sarkisian's first recruiting class and amped up the UT baseball upcoming season opener in Arlington with a soundbite from Texas head coach, David Pierce. 

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The longest first segment in Stories Inside the Man Cave Podcast history was recorded mainly because of Ty Harrington.

The Longhorn for life baseball fan favorite and winningest head baseball coach in Texas State University history is enjoying the retired life and spending more time as a dad.

Harrington's stories are epic from his playing and coaching days.

Including a specific explanation at the 53:00 minute mark about his batting average .071 when he entered a College World Series game in 1987 vs Stanford. It's absolutely comical.

Harrington shared his testimony as a survivor of colorectal cancer which is inspiring for all men to get tested for PSA and have a proactive colonoscopy.

He is the ultimate ambassador for Texas State University and Texas State Bobcats athletics. Harrington also has plans for color commentating for college baseball games, including Bobcat baseball games. 

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Baseball season is upon us, barring any delays or interruptions by Covid19.

Two of the best to ever wear a Texas Longhorns baseball uniform entered the Man Cave. This was Greg Swindell's (Zeke)  second appearance, but first with Keith Moreland (Zonk).

Both Zeke and Zonk have had their jerseys retired at UT and both had storied careers in Major League Baseball and both are broadcasters for the ESPN family including The Longhorn Network.

The conversation began with their takes and opinions on the Texas Longhorns loaded roster and the prospects of UT returning to Omaha for the College World Series. 

Both Moreland and Swindell played for legendary Texas head baseball coach, Cliff Gustafson. Moreland played on three College World Series teams, winning it all in 1975. 
Swindell played on a pair of CWS teams in 1984 and 1985.

The stories from both are priceless, especially to those who are baseball purists and Texas Longhorn baseball fanatics. 

Moreland described what it was like playing at Disch-Falk Field's predecessor, Clark Field and it's unique limestone hill in the outfield, Billy Goat Hill. 

The subject of baseball's Hall of Fame not having any new inductees voted in this year and how the game can improve it's marketing and interest in American youth were discussed by these Longhorn legends. 

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The boys honored baseball's iconic legend, Hammerin' Hank Aaron who passed away at age 86.

Hardball Hardge placed Aaron's contribution to the game and to our country into perspective in regards to being an African-American breaking racial barriers.

They boys had a healthy debate about how to increase the interest in baseball for African-American youth.

ATX's own chapter of RBI is contributing to that. 

Legendary broadcaster, Larry King of CNN also passed away at age 87. The Man Cave boys paid their respect to King as well. 

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A special 55th edition in honor of the Buffalo #BillsMafia and Longhorn for life, Aaron Williams.

The former McNeil High School Maverick and DBU great played six great years for the Buffalo Bills. Multiple injuries forced him into retirement, but Williams remains a loyal Buffalo Bill and member of the Bills Mafia fan base.

Williams is elated that his Bills are playing in the AFC Championship game this weekend. He discussed the rabid fan base that is the Bills Mafia and paid tribute to one of the legendary late fans, Pancho Billa.

The former Longhorn defensive back great also offered his take on new Texas head coach, Steve Sarkisian and some insight on the program itself.

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Clynch, Big Mike, and Hardball Hardge debated a multitude of topics including the back-to-back state champion, Westlake Chaparrals football team and Todd Dodge winning the Dodge Bowl against his son.

Clynch witnessed it first hand at Jerry World in Arlington. Hardge wanted to know what that experience was like for Clynch as a fan/spectator since he's never truly seen a high school football game in a couple of decades without having an obligation to work as a media member.

The football coaching staff being assembled by Steve Sarkisian at Texas is nothing short of impressive. 

Why did it take so long for legendary Longhorn defensive lineman, Kenneth Sims to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame? The pride of Groesbeck, Texas is one of the good guys and quite honestly one of the best to play at Texas. Sims was a key member of the New England Patriots' 1st Super Bowl team in 1985.

March Madness and Shaka's Longhorns was heavily discussed and the issues what may hold this team back from becoming a Final Four type of team.

It's almost baseball season. What will college baseball look like during a pandemic?

Texas should be stacked and an Omaha type of team especially with the expanded roster due to extra years of eligibility granted by the NCAA and Covid.

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