Leach, T L 1973, 1997
T. L. Leach, professor in Agricultural Education, reviews his career at Texas Tech University. He elaborates on his work with the Athletic Council while exploring the history, function, expansion and operation of Tech’s athletic programs.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: T.L. Leach
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: September 19, 1973; October 20, 1997
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah, Abel Ramirez
Length: 2 hours, 10 minutes (total)
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Family background and career briefly reviewed,
Tech Livestock Judging teams’ activities recalled (1930s),
Cites mistakes in cattle breeding,
Work with Tech’s Agricultural Education Department described,
Explains addition of "agri-business" program,
Service on Tech committees noted,
Work on Athletic Council examined,
Members enumerated,
Conflicts recalled in relationship between Coach,
DeWitt Weaver and the Council,
Financial problems discussed,
Reveals origin of interest in and work toward,
entrance to the Southwest Conference,
Southwest Conference requirements and stadium,
expansion reviewed.
Tape 1, Side 2: Method of financing athletic improvements,
Disappearance of deficit cited,
Gives reasons for removal of Coach DeWitt Weaver,
Comments on Red Raider Club,
Reasons for hiring J. T. King listed,
Athletic program’s financial success examined,
Ineligible basketball player and incident involving him discussed,
Claims "clean" recruiting policy,
Promotions of J. T. King and Polk Robison explained,
Defends method of finding a coach to replace King,
Preference for youth and head coaching experience,
formed criteria for selecting a new coach,
Jim Carlen’s credentials discussed,
Expresses attitude toward Tech’s athletic policy.
Tape 2, Side 1: Attitude toward "winning" expressed,
Discussion of Jim Carlen’s creation of a controversy,
Explores Athletic Council’s relationship with Carlen,
Expansion of athletic program examined,
Reviews scheduling methods and attitudes,
Changes in Athletic Council membership noted,
Speculates on the future of Tech athletics,
Interviewer’s comment concerning Tech’s delinquent tax situation after the 1939 Cotton Bowl game.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Tape 3, Side 1: T. L. Leach [Abel Ramirez interview],
Born: Brownwood, Texas (September 17, 1912),
Education,
Texas Technological College (1931-1934),
Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry,
High School,
Sports,
Teaching jobs,
Texas Tech (again),
Teaching,
Promoted to Chairman of Athletic Council (1962),
Retired (1978),
Dr. R. C. Goodwin,
Dr. J. William (Bill) Davis,
Athletic Council (again),
Members,
Duties,
Jones Stadium,
Repairing after tornado (1970),
Artificial turf,
Integration of black athletes,
Howard Grubs,
Commissioner of Southwest Conference for about 25 years,
Texas Tech University (again),
Memorable coaches,
Outstanding players,
Gerald Myers,
Opinions,
Southwest Conference,
Demise,
Reasons,
Monetary,
Big 12 Conference,
Texas Tech entering,
State Legislature,
Southwest Conference (again),
Demise,
University of Arkansas leaving,
Private schools.
Tape 3, Side 2: Southwest Conference (continued),
Demise (continued),
Financial problems,
Big 12 Conference (again),
Media coverage,
Southwest Conference (again),
Trying to expand outside of Texas,
Big 12 Conference,
Opinions,
Collegiate athletes,
Paying players,
Opinions,
Stress on players to complete their education,
Substance abuse,
Women’s sports,
Opinions,
Texas Tech (again),
Rule violations (1990-1996).
Range Dates: 1912-1997
Bulk Dates: 1931-1997
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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