-Red McCombs Honored-
 Member and strong supporter of the TLBAA, Dr. Red McCombs was honored with the Presidential Citation of the University of Texas at Austin on Oct. 6. 2004. The award was presented to McCombs at "The University at 121: An Anniversary Observance," an annual program at which UT President Dr. Larry R. Faulkner presented the President's Address on the State of the University. The Presidential Citation program was established in 1979 to recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals who personify the university's commitment to the task of transforming lives. The Presidential Citation honors those who have brought great distinction to the university and helped the institution to achieve its mission. McCombs was also honored by the city of San Antonio. The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce presented McCombs with the 45th Annual Freeman Award on Sept. 8, 2004. The award honors those who have shown outstanding community service and support of Texas Agribusiness. McCombs has been a TLBAA member for more than two decades and holds the Red McCombs Fiesta Longhorn Sale at his ranch in Johnson City each year. McCombs attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX from 1945 to 1946, prior to military service. Returning from military duty, he transferred to the University of Texas Law School. His business career began in Corpus Christi as an automobile salesman in 1950. In 1958, he relocated to San Antonio where he became owner of Red McCombs Automotive, building the sixth largest dealer chain in the United States. McCombs is a supporter of several colleges at UT, especially its school of business, which was named in his honor in 2000. In 1997, he funded a new softball complex at UT, the largest gift in the history of Longhorn women's athletics. In 1998, he received the University's Distinguished Alumnus Award. McCombs co-founded Clear Channel Communications, Inc., which operates radio and television stations in 32 countries. In addition, he has owned a number of professional sports franchises, including the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Vikings. McCombs is married to Dr. Charline Hamblin McCombs, who is also a former Southwestern University Student. Both were granted an honorary doctorate in 1997 from Southwestern University.
-Bevo XIII Retires-
Although McCombs will be frequently seen at UT, the eyes of Texas will no longer be upon Bevo XIII after he said his goodbyes as UT's mascot at their season opener on Sept. 4, 2004.After witnessing a record 191 games, 16 season openers and Ricky Williams' run to the Heisman Trophy, Bevo XIII surrendered his title at the Saturday game against the University of North Texas in Denton before a crowd of 80,000 at the Daryl K Royal Memorial Stadium. Bevo XIII, aka, Sunrise Express was present during the first half of the game but left the second half up to his successor. It was Bevo XIV, aka, Sunrise Studly who watched UT become victorious over UNT 65-0. Two-year-old Sunrise Studly, a 1300-pound Texas Longhorn, was chosen because of his color, calm temperament and horn size. Still young, with years of growth ahead, his horns already measure 55 inches, tip to tip. Owners John T. and Betty Baker, who have been breeding Longhorns for 35 years, loaned the two TLBAA registered steers to the university. Members of the Silver Spurs, a male student service organization responsible for care and transport of the mascot, visited the Baker's Sunrise Ranch in Liberty Hill, TX and asked to borrow Sunrise Express for the 13th Bevo. The Silver Spurs raise thousands of dollars a year for the Austin Boys Club and have been Bevo's caretaker since 1937. "They looked around and found one that they liked," Baker said about the members of the Silver Spurs. "The steer was extremely docile so I guess that turned the tide in his favor." The search for Bevo XIII's successor ended April 8 this year, when an executive committee of Spurs members, with input from Spurs alumni, chose Sunrise Studly. His parents were a beautiful bull named Sunrise Sid, who was struck by lightning and killed, and Sunrise Sweet Pea II, a Female of the Year in the early 1990s. In June, Bevo XIV was named the Grand Champion Youth Steer at the 2004 World Expo. The difference in the two steers is more than just 18 years and 500 pounds, said Betty. She said Bevo XIV is more people oriented and gentler. "He will lie on the ground and let you scratch his tummy. He is like a puppy dog," Betty said about the new Bevo. "Bevo XIII wanted more space, but Bevo XIV really loves people." John T. said there is no right way to train a Longhorn to be a UT mascot, but two musts are that the steer is halter broken and is the color burnt orange. "I don't think there are any preparations. They should have good docility and a good disposition," Baker said. "These steers travel a lot and are used to different noises. Adaptability is very important." To get Bevo XIV used to noise, the Bakers took Bevo XIV to two UT band practices. To simulate the post-touchdown firing of Smokey the Cannon, the Bakers occasionally fired-off shotguns near the steer. Betty said she was proud of how the steer did at his first UT game. With Bevo XIV being a show steer at an early age, she said he was used to traveling and meeting new people. "He did very well. But during the second half he mooed because he missed his pal Bevo XIII," Betty said. "He had a champion mom and dad who made a good offspring." During football games, the steer typically stands or sits placidly behind one of the end zones and is occasionally greeted by UT players when they score touchdowns. Bevo rides in a special burnt orange livestock trailer with his name on the side. From past tales, Bevo's name originates from a 1915 defeat experienced by UT at the hands of Texas A&M. As legend has it, the Aggies kidnapped the UT mascot and branded Bevo with the game score: 13-0. Longhorns then converted the figures into the name "Bevo." Another explanation is that the editor of the Texas Alcalde magazine gave the steer its name. In the December 1916 issue of the magazine, editor Ben Dyer gave a full account of a game stating, "His name is Bevo. Long may he reign!" But, the most popular theory has been that the steer's name was borrowed from the label of a new soft drink, "Bevo," a non-alcoholic "near beer. Having had two of their Texas Longhorn steers chosen as the UT mascot, Betty said she and John T. are very proud. She said the entire event has been a bonding experience with her family and Bevo's handlers of the Silver Spurs. "This is such an honor and such a neat experience," Betty said. "It was wonderful bonding with those young men since we saw them almost everyday." Four handlers are elected by member vote in the spring of their junior year, and they spend several months learning from former handlers and the Bakers how to work with Bevo. The job can mean late nights and early mornings depending on game times and events, along with the one-hour drive to the Baker ranch. Bevo XIII will live the rest of his days roaming the pastures of the Sunrise Ranch where he grew up. There was speculation about what would actually happen to him, but rest assured the most recent Texas Ex will enjoy a relaxing life back as Sunrise Express. To many, Bevo is more than a symbol of UT. Rather, many say the steer is a symbol of freedom and tradition, strength and honor. He represents the country's untamed western heritage and is one of the most loved mascots in the world. To honor his retirement and remember his legacy, the UT Silver Spurs and the Texas Exes have teamed up to create the BEVO Endowment to benefit the future care of BEVO, the university's Neighborhood Longhorns Program, and UT student scholarships. For more information about Bevo, see the October 1997 issue of the Texas Longhorn Trails. This article featured information from the Texas Alcalde Magazine.
-Board of Directors Met on August 26, 2004-
The Board of Directors of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of
America met on August 26, 2004, in Fort Worth, Texas, prior to the
Association's 40th Anniversary Celebration the next day.
Directors present were: Dr. Eugene Berry, Sherman Boyles, Richard
Carlson, Tom Claassen, Morgan Cook, Jr., Ronnie Cruce, Aubrey DuBose,
Joe Graddy, Dr. Bob Kropp, Maurice Ladnier, Joel Lemley, Bob Larson, Dr.
Fritz Moeller, Tim Miller, Bob Moore, Carla Jo Payne, Ken Swisher, Ron
Walker, Col. Fraser E. West, Cliff Whitfill, Wilton D. Wilton. Absent
were Sam Scott, Alan Clemmensen, and Christy Randolph.
Chairman Bob Moore called the meeting to order, and routine business was conducted. Directors accepted the minutes of the past meeting and the treasurer's report.
President/CEO Don L. King presented the CEO report. The first topic
was office space. The rental agreement for the TLBAA offices at the
Wells Fargo Bank Building was renewed for four years, and it was
renovated to accommodate the addition of new staff and additional
equipment to aid in the new programs established. He noted that two
employees had been hired, and there could possibly be another full-time
person as well as a Trails' intern.
King brought up the rule concerning animal name change. Discussion
followed. Directors defeated Cliff Whitfill's two motions: (1) to change the Name Change rule back to the original form; (2) that you must have the seller's permission and a $100 fee in order to change the name of an animal.
King presented a letter from the Canadian affiliate, previously
Saskatchewan, resigning as a TLBAA affiliate. Motion was passed to
accept this resignation.
The Board also passed a motion to continue the new membership coupon program.
SuzAnn Spindor, Director of Finance, gave an administration update.
She noted that prefixes couldn't be tracked exclusively so there cannot
be a charge for this service. She also made the Directors aware that
more and more members do not want to brand their animals and alternate
identification means are going to have to be addressed. Spindor noted
that the first E-Trails, an electronic publication, would go out in
September and that advertising sales are up for the Texas Longhorn
Trails. Effort was being made to get the magazine out in a timely
fashion. She also reported that Horn Showcase sponsorship was at an all
time high of $100,000.
Larry Barker, Director of Promotions and Events, gave his field
report. He noted that the Autobahn Motorcar Group Scholarship fund had
been increased to 11 shows with $110,000 in scholarship available to
TLBT members. A World Show committee meeting is set for January, but if
it appears there is a conflict in judges, a meeting could be called
before then. Discussion followed regarding whether the TLBAA office
should provide a judges list, and the consensus of the Board is that a
list should be provided.
Barker then discussed affiliates. The TLBAA does not referee in
personal conflicts within an affiliate, only in the cases of rule or
regulations violations.
Committee reports followed. Joel Lemley reported that Horn Showcase
entries are being received in the office and divisions had been revised.
Sherman Boyles noted that the Sales Management Division of the TLBAA is
moving strongly ahead and is very successful. Dr. Bob Kropp reported on
the Breed Advisory Committee and the 2004 Breeders Symposium.
The Board moved on to New Business. The Budget Committee had
instructed Don L. King to research a change in the current registration
fee structure for the 2004-05 budget period. Two options were presented.
All competitive registration papers are to be processed at par, meaning
that no dual registrations will be processed at the past fixed rate.
Option 1: up to 1 year of age - $20; 1-2 years of age - $30; Over 2
years of age - $50. Option 2: 1-7 months of age - $15; 8-24 months of
age - $30; and 25 months and over - $100.
Mr. King then reported that the stats show that of all the cattle
registered in the 1 to 12 month range, 90.1% were registered at 8 months of age or before.
Tim Miller who had moved that Option 2 be approved, then amended his motion to read 1-8 months of age - $15. Motion passed: 19 For and 2
Opposed. The change will become effective December 1, 2004, giving
members time to take advantage of this window of opportunity.
Mr. King then presented the 2004-2005 budget in detail. The budget
was accepted as presented.
Col. Fraser West discussed the possibility of adding another
category to the Horn Showcase - the Texas Twist.
A motion was passed to move the General Membership meeting to
January 2005 instead of November 2004.
Insurance for TLBAA members was discussed, and Chairman Bob Moore is working to obtain a policy to offer the membership.
Larry Barker discussed a Johnes disease study from Texas A&M in
which TLBAA could participate.
New members were accepted as presented.
AI Certified Bulls were accepted as presented. They are as follows:
#593 - Barbicon Chex, Hudson Longhorns, Purvis, Mississippi; #594 - Big
Bang, Tracy Sekely, Jackson, Ohio; #595 - DH Red Ranger, Hunt-Marquess
Partnership, Ben Wheeler, TX; #596 - FCF Smoke Jumper, Star Creek Ranch, Somerville, TX; #597 - Five Star, Frances and John B. Smart, Jr., Fulshear, TX; #598, Gun Smoke, Lazy L Longhorns, Midland, TX; #599 - JM Sue, Hudson Longhorns, Purvis, MS; #600 - Kobra, Hudson Longhorns,
Purvis, MS; #601 - PPF Gun Maker, Plantana Polo Farm, Brookshire, TX;
#602 - Tazman, Carole Muchmore, Ponca City, OK; #603 - Tri 7 Southern
Emperor, Joel & Shirley Lemley, Blackwell, TX; #604 - TTT Royal Justice
- Trigg & Traci Moore, Southlake, TX; #605 - Wyoming Roundup - Kenneth & Vonnie Kirkham, Humansville, MO; #606 - Ginger Bread Man, Crumbaugh/Fenza Partnership, Catlett, VA; #607 - Speck-Tacular, Mike &
Debbie Bowman, Benton, KS; #608 - Lamb's Power Play, Zane Burkham, Red
Oak, TX. -Antoinette Vega back
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