Texas Tech University Athletics
One Last Time
November 18, 2002 | Football
Nov. 18, 2002
By Kayla Biggerstaff, Texas Tech Media Relations
For Robert Wyatt, Rex Richards, and Kliff Kingsbury their football careers here at Tech are all too close to an end. The three seniors who all came to Tech from different places for different reasons, have all learned different lessons, and will probably all take on different futures; however, their attitude and determination to succeed bring them all together.
Wyatt, senior defensive tackle and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, had no problem committing to Texas Tech. Between family, friends and the coaching staff it was not a hard decision to make.
"I had really strong family and friend influences." Wyatt, the Duncanville native, said. "I really liked the way he (Spike Dykes) came across to me and presented himself to my family the first time he came to my house. I knew that I would like playing for a coach like that."
Wyatt's most memorable game was during his freshman season when they beat Texas A&M 21-19in front of the largest audience of the season here in Hub City. He also started seven of the last 10 games that year under Coach Dykes. Shortly after the end of his freshman year the coaching staff who had recruited him was replaced. Red Raider football took a completely new look after Mike Leach was named head coach in 2000.
"When Coach Leach came in I was still young. I had just finished my freshman year so I acted like I was the new guy coming in to earn a position. I really respected the way he took us under his wing even though we were not his recruits." Wyatt said.
Wyatt went on to have his strongest season his sophomore year. Not only was he named to the Academic All-Big 12 first team he had over 30 tackles with numerous sacks, quarterback hurries, forced fumbles and 13 defensive starts; furthermore, he was able to do just what he had hoped for.
"I wanted to come here and be able to play a lot." Wyatt stated.
After his successful season however, Wyatt had to face some tough situations that life tossed his way. He suffered a serious knee injury that involved complications.
"It got infected and took a long time to heal," Wyatt said.
He was at a point where he had to make a choice. He could quite trying or work harder to get back to where he was.
"When I was injured, my fraternity, Omega Psi Phi really helped me to see it through and not give up." Wyatt continued, "I've learned to stay positive because you have to take whatever life gives you. You can't choose what you want to deal with. You have to handle whatever comes your way the best you can. If it's a negative experience, be positive, and no matter what, strive for greatness."
That's exactly what the 330-pounder did. He has not let his dreams get away from him.
"I want to get back to where I was before I injured my knee," the letterman of three years said.
After graduating with a degree in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management Wyatt is happy with the past, present, and looking forward to the future.
"Looking back the only problem I ever had in football was my knee injury, so other than that I don't think I would change a thing. Right now I'm just focusing on working hard enough to be able to keep playing football. If that doesn't work out, I'll go on to use the degree I've worked hard to earn."
As in Wyatt's situation, Coach Dykes is responsible for bringing yet another great player to the Red Raider team. Richards knew early that Texas Tech was right for him.
"Even before the recruitment process I was really close to the old coaching staff, and had a lot of friends on the team so I felt like this is where I belonged," said Richards.
Richards came in with high standards and just like anyone else wanted to be able to get his career started early. Richards accomplished his goal as the first true freshman to start during Coach Dykes' 13 year career as head coach.
"I really wanted to play and that is what I was able to do. It was a big accomplishment to be able to start seven games as an 18 year old."
That was a good foundation for becoming honorable mention All-Big 12 in just his second year on the team; however, that was not good enough for someone like Richards. After starting 12 games his sophomore season the 315-pound offensive lineman went on to start another 12 games his junior season. He is the epitome of what every offensive lineman should be. As noted in the 2002 Football Media Guide, "He is probably the most consistent player in the trenches. He makes other players around him better and has off the field leadership capabilities. Furthermore; he has a good voice for the team in terms of motivation and leadership." Along with that recognition, Richards was also named Associated Press All-Big 12 second team as well as All-Big 12 second team by the coaches.
Richards didn't stop there. He has already started seven games this season with a total of 38 career starts.
"Time went by so fast," Richards said.
But in a short four years Richards said he has learned a lot of things from being a part of a team like this.
"College football teaches you a lot of lessons. In life, just like in football, you can not take anything lightly. Anytime you go at something, go all the way. Always be aggressive and never sell yourself short." He went on to say, "I'll continue to work hard to achieve my goals, to be a great husband and a coach or an NFL player."
Looking back Richards says there is only one thing he would change about his career.
"I always worked hard but I would have worked harder."
As Richards prepares to graduate and move on with life he recognizes that Tech football and the people here have made significant impressions in his life.
"The relationships I have developed here would be hard to beat anywhere."
Choosing Texas Tech was just as easy for senior quarterback Kliff Kingsbury for but for a completely different reason.
"I didn't really choose Tech. Tech chose me," Kingsbury said. " They were the only school to offer me a scholarship so of course I took it. At that point I wanted to come in and start at an early age. Luckily, everything worked out."
Kingsbury played in six games his freshman season with only started one.
"I think my most valued accomplishment was my first because it was Coach Dykes' last game and he was the only coach that gave me a scholarship so, it was a great way to pay him back."
That single start his first year was not indication of the way the path Kingsbury's career would lead. The staff change in 2000 only worked in Kingsbury's favor.
"It was a big change going from one coaching staff to another. Coach Dykes and his staff had a different type of offense that liked running the ball. Then, Coach Leach came in and likes to throw every play which fits me better so I was fortunate to be here when he got here."
In 2000 he assumed the starting role as quarterback. Since then Kingsbury has written his own chapter in the book of Tech football. He has been presented numerous awards. Along with being named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll three times, once with a 4.0 grade point average, he is also a two time All-Big 12 Conference; not to mention, Verizon Academic All-District Team, Associated Press second-team All-Big 12, and Academic All-Big 12 first team two times. And in December, he will be honored by the The National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame as one of its 2002 National Scholar-Athletes.
These things do not hold a candle to the abundance of records he has broken. Kingsbury has set numerous Tech, Big 12 and NCAA records. He currently has 1,696 pass attempts in his career and 1,917 career plays, prior to the Oklahoma State Game.
Kingsbury credits his accomplishments to the teams help.
"I felt like I could have a good career here just because I saw a team that was on the rise. I have been fortunate enough to have wonderful players around me and have had a pretty successful career." This quarterback hasn't had all of his success without gaining a little knowledge and learning a few lessons.
"Football taught me about character. It has taught me to work hard because everybody else is doing the same thing and if you want to be a good player, you have to go above and beyond. If I could go back and change anything, I would have worked harder in the weight room I would have lifted more weights so I could have gained a little more weight and been stronger."
Like all college players Kingsbury hopes for a future in the NFL, preferably, somewhere near a beach. If not, he has graduated with a degree in management and is currently working towards a master's degree in sports administration.
Even though Robert Wyatt, Rex Richards, and Kliff Kingsbury all chose, or were chosen by Texas Tech for different reasons, played different positions, and have different statistics, they all have one very distinct thing in common. They are all seniors who came in with the same desire to be great. Now, they are all winding down their rather successful careers as Texas Tech Red Raiders with the desire to be greater.
These are only three of 19 seniors who have contributed significantly to the Red Raider football team. Others playing their last game at Jones SBC Stadium include: Peter Abrigg, Lamont Anderson, Eric Bartee, Lennard Christensen, Cody Davis, Jeff Denton, Lawernce Flugence, Clinton Greathouse, Joselio Hanson, Preston Hartfield. Aaron Hunt, Rodney Mc Kinney, Josh Page, Anton Paige, Ricky Sailor and Robert Treece,
