Texas Tech University Athletics
Where Are They Now?
September 20, 2002 | Football
Sept. 20, 2002
by Kayla Biggerstaff, Texas Tech Athletic Media Relations -
Without the friends, family, coaches, fans, and the sport itself, Tracy Saul would not have been the All-American that he was when he played football for Texas Tech. He made memories, set records, and learned lessons that have carried on into his life today.
Saul has uncountable recollections from on and off the field.
"The best overall memories come from the friendships and relationships you develop with people," Saul said.
In fact, one of the guys he played football against in high school, Ben Kirkpatrick, later became his recruit host when he came to visit in 1989. They still keep in touch today.
When it comes to football, Saul stated, "The Win in '89 in Austin stands out the most because of the magnitude of the whole thing. It was a big win for us. Texas Tech hadn't beaten UT in Austin in probably 10 or 15 years." He continued by stating, "It took us to a different level as far as confidence. It gave us the confidence to play week after week at that level."
Saul did more than make memories and simply play football for Texas Tech. He performed well in every aspect of his athletic career, including basketball. He was able to walk on his freshman year but decided against returning his sophomore year due to his commitment and obligation to football. That decision resulted in becoming the Southwest Conference record holder in interceptions and interception return yardage. He was also one of college football's leading all-time pass thieves with 25 career interceptions. Among other things Saul tied for fourth on the NCAA career interception list and was fourth on the NCAA career interception return yardage list with 425 yards. He also excelled on special teams. Saul ranked second in the Southwest Conference in kickoff return average and had 132 yards in punt returns in 1992. He continued his success with 317 career tackles. He was selected to numerous pre-season All-American teams. Additionally he was an All-Southwest Conference selection for four years. In 1992 he was an All-American free safety. The list goes on and on.
"Probably the most self gratifying moment of all was really just to be able to go in there and be able to play." Saul went on to say, "It was a dream come true. All I ever wanted was to play college football in the SWC and I grew up watching the Red Raiders, so gratification never had to do with wins or losses."
Saul finished his career at Tech in style. He graduated with a degree in general business and took a position working at America State Bank. After a year, he moved on to coach high school football. Saul only coached at Cooper High School for a year.
"I couldn't see myself still trying to teach kids how to play football at the age of 60," stated Saul .
"Working with kids that lacked the necessary desire to be great and refused to work hard was so frustrating."
Luckily about that time a position became available at the family owned business. During Saul's freshman year at Tech his dad took over a manufacturing representative company in the sporting goods industry. E.C. Frazier and Associates has been a part of their family for 14 years.
"Since I grew up around athletics it's neat that sports can still be such a big part of my life."
No matter what job he's had, one thing has stayed the same. Saul normally attends four to six Tech football games a season enjoying every moment while analyzing and trying to predict what might happen next.
In 1997, Saul met his soul mate on a blind date around Thanksgiving. After carrying on a long distance relationship with Kyna Massey, a native of Sulphur Springs, the two became engaged. They married the following June and now have an amazing 18-month-old little girl named Shelby. The family currently resides in Hewitt, a small suburb of Waco. Kyna says that she, like everyone else who has been touched by Tracy, remains in awe of the type of person he really is.
"His outstanding character can be accredited to his parents."
If Saul could give one piece of advice that was given to him, it would be to remember how fortunate you are.
"Coach (Spike Dykes) used to ask us how we were doing and people would say tired, hot, or they didn't feel like being there. He always responded the same way telling us that we had two arms, legs, hands and feet. He would say we were fortunate to be able to do the things we were doing, and to never take it for granted; it flies by in a hurry."
Saul has some advice of his own to pass on to not only football players, but everyone playing the game of life.
"Stay on an even plane. You go through a lot of highs and a lot of lows and you have to be able to handle both. That's in all of life. You have to know how to handle the good times and bad times as well; but no matter what, no matter where you go or what you're doing, work hard to get better. Work ethic is everything."
Texas Tech was truly blessed with Tracy Saul who was an All-American football player and is an All-American person.
