Texas Tech University Athletics
Former Red Raider Garland Passes Away
June 05, 2008 | Football
June 5, 2008
LUBBOCK, Texas - On Thanksgiving night in 1997, Stoney Garland's life changed forever. In the following 11 years, he affected our lives, and his warm smile and passion for life will live with us for years to come. The former Red Raider football player passed away at his home in Plains on Wednesday.
"Stoney was an inspirational and impressive young man," Texas Tech Football Head Coach Mike Leach said. "He spoke to our team several times at practice and in the locker room before games. All Red Raiders that came in contact with him truly valued his friendship."
Stoney suffered a neck injury in an auto accident shortly following his first season on the Texas Tech football team. He spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair with movement limited to his head, neck and left arm. Despite the numerous surgeries, some of which were life-threatening, and setbacks along the way, Stoney was a beacon of hope. His infectious attitude to cherish each day and not take any for granted was truly inspirational.
His love of Red Raider football was unwavering, reflected by his presence at Texas Tech football practices, games and other events. He was as unstoppable off the field as he was on. He didn't want your sympathy, just your friendship. The chair and limited mobility did not define him. Stoney was Stoney.
Former Texas Tech Head Coach Spike Dykes started the Spike Open in 1998 with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Garland and his mother. Although the name has changed to the Red Raider Open, the purpose remains the same.
"When something like that happens to someone, everybody's aware of it for a while and then, after a few years, they forget," Dykes told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in 2001. "We can't forget him. We just can't do it. There's too much work to be done."
And we can't forget him now. Steve Uryasz, Senior Associate Athletics Director and Red Raider Club director, added "you especially can't forget the family in a time like this, nor can you forget the lasting impression Stoney had on so many lives during the last decade. All proceeds from this year's event will go directly to Stoney's family."
Several spots remain for the 2008 Red Raider Open, which is scheduled for Saturday at Meadowbrook Golf Complex in Lubbock. For more information, contact the Red Raider Club at (806) 742-1196.
