Texas Tech University Athletics
Spike Dykes Book Signings Set For Friday and Saturday
October 21, 2004 | Football
Oct. 21, 2004
By Jenna Sampson, Texas Tech Media Relations
Former Texas Tech football head coach Spike Dykes will be in town this weekend to sign copies of his newly released book entitled, "Spike Dykes's Tales from the Texas Tech Sideline."
Dykes, the winningest coach in Texas Tech football history, was at the helm for 13 years before retiring following the 1999 season. Known for his colorful storytelling abilities, he gives an inside look at the players and coaches associated with the school's 80-year football history. Tales of Texas Tech legends Donny Anderson and E.J. Holub are supplemented with stories of recent record setters Kliff Kingsbury and B.J. Symons.
"It's easy reading. Dave Bowen is a writer in Spokane, Wash., and has done several books for coaches and I thought he did a great job," said Dykes. The native West Texan led the Red Raiders to 82 victories and seven bowl appearances during his career, including the first Cotton Bowl appearance in 56 years during the 1994 season. Dykes was also the first coach in the nation to produce two Doak Walker Award winners, Byron Morris (1984) and Byron Hanspard (1996).
Dykes' son Sonny is the current Red Raiders wide receiver coach, but Spike doesn't have to bother passing on coaching tips to his son. "Are you foolin' me? He wouldn't listen to me, he passed me by eons ago," he laughed.
The former head coach is looking forward to this weekend's matchup against the rival Texas Longhorns and claims the fans at Jones SBC Stadium are second to none.
"When you're playing a team that's top ten ranked you can't turn the ball over and let them win the turnover battle. They know that. The crowd is going to be a big factor. The fans at Texas Tech are exceptional. They really do give you an advantage playing in Lubbock, there's no doubt about it. I think that's going to be a thorn in [Texas'] side. It should be a great game, a classic really," he added.
Sales from the signing events will be donated to Stoney Garland, a former Texas Tech defensive lineman paralyzed in a 1997 automobile accident. "Stoney was in an accident on Thanksgiving night about six or seven years ago and he's a quadriplegic. His family is struggling as everybody would be that faces those medical expenses. Any way that we can help, we want to. This is a small token, but it's our way of trying to help him and his family," said Dykes.
Friday's signing session will take place at the Barnes & Noble at 6707 Slide Rd., from 10 a.m. until noon. On Saturday, Dykes will be at the Barnes & Noble located inside the Texas Tech student union from 1:30 -3 p.m.
Dykes is also an author of the 1997 book, "Principles of Coaching Football."
