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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (April 18, 1997)
S The Battalion PORTS Page 11 Friday • April 18, 1997 Photo Courtesy of jim Sigman, UT Photo Department UT Head Coach Augie Garrido (left) stands with former coach Cliff Gustafson (right) during the retirement of Gustafson's number. Garrido Continued from Page 9 Garrido attributes his suc cess to the sacrifices of all his former players and coaches. "There’s no question about that,” Garrido said. “I’ve had great assistant coaches and great play ers who worked for me. Baseball is the ultimate team sport. It’s all about team work. I’ve been sur rounded by great teammates. “The success I’ve had has come from what others have given to the same common goal.” Because of his accomplish ments, Garrido was selected National Coach of the Year in 1975, 1979, 1984, and 1995. He also has been ranked as one of the top three baseball teachers in the nation by the major league directors of play er development. Although he has received several accolades, Garrido said he has no desire to manage at the professional level. “I think it’s a different game and [Ij prefer the college level,” Garrido said. “In pro fessional baseball, you use the players for the betterment of the game. In college baseball, you use the game for the bet terment of the players. “I have a teacher’s mentality and prefer being in an academ ic environment.” Garrido’s teacher’s mentality is evident in his views on baseball. “Baseball parallels life,” Garrido said. “It’s a lot like golf in that, as a game, it really tests your inner strengths. It’s a game filled with adversities and it’s a game that is very difficult to play well. “It tests your ability to over come problems and to find ways to be successful. It takes an awful lot of work, determina tion, commitment and dedica tion — all the ingredients to be successful in life. That’s what I like about it. It provides a great vehicle for people to learn how to be successful in life in the university environment.” Garrido’s new players and coaches are working toward a new common goal — winning the Big 12 Conference. They are working to continue the long standing traditions and suc cesses of a baseball program rich in history. But even with all the expecta tions of the university and its fans, Garrido said he did not feel he had to prove himself and win from day one. “Maybe I should have (had high expectations], now that we’re not doing so well,” Garrido said. “I was not and am not. I feel like I served a long apprentice ship. This is a difficult and demanding environment. I think I am the right person at the right time for this job. “My only hesitation was to get to know my bosses here at the university and see if we agree philosophically and ethi cally about how things would be done and where the priorities would be. That was put to rest quickly by meeting (athletic director) Deloss Dodds and Butch Worley.” In his first season at the helm, Garrido has experienced a lot of disappointment. The-Longhorns are 22-17 overall and 5-10 in conference play. Texas currently stands eighth in the conference race behind Kansas University (10-8) and the University of Missouri (7-11). Making the race more chal lenging is the fact that Texas will play three fewer games than the front-runners in the conference. The Longhorns had a three- game series against Iowa State University which was snowed out, April 12-13, and because of Big 12 bylaws, the series will not be rescheduled. Garrido said this season has not been difficult for him because it is not the first time he has experienced down time season in his first year with a new program. “It’s been difficult for the players,” Garrido said. “I’ve been through this four times before when I started programs up at (Cal Poly) San Luis Obispo, (Cal State) Fullerton the first time, Illinois, and when I went back to Fullerton. • “The people I’m concerned about are the players who are in an environment that is difficult. I’m trying to help them find solu tions and to be successful.” Adding to the pressure of dealing with a frustrating season, the Longhorns have to all but run the table to close out the season. “We have to win nine out of the next 12 mathematically, for us to be included in the final six,” Garrido said. “It is our chance to salvage a season that has otherwise been very dis couraging for the players.” The 12-game journey begins with a three-game series against Texas A&M University. Game 1 is tonight at Olsen Field at 7. The series then returns to Disch-Falk Field for the final two games Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Garrido said the Longhorns will focus solely on themselves and not the Aggies. “We’re trying to get our infielders to catch ground balls and throw them accurately, pitchers to throw strikes, and (our offense) to hit the ball,” Garrido said. “We don’t have time to get concerned with our opponent at this point.” GRADS If you ordered a 1997 Aggieland and will not be on campus this fall to pick it up, you can have it mailed. You should stop by room 015 of the Deed McDonald building between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and pay a $6.50 mailing and han dling fee. Defunds will not be made on Aggieland yearbooks not picked up within one semes ter of the publication date. MAKE MONEY THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY. SELL SOMETHING. The Battalion Classifieds Call 845-0569 Do You Have Panic Attacks? Freedom Research, Inc. is seeking volunteers for a 12-week research study of an investigational medication for panic disorder. You must be 18-65 years old in good health. You may be paid up to $200 for your particpation in the study. For more information call: 229-0049 Don’t Miss Messina Hofs Wine & Roses Festival Saturday April 19 10 am-5 pm X7T> XT XT ADMISSION Tree lours & Tastings Team Grape Stomping Artist Competition Classic Car Clubs Arts & Crafts Vineyard Hayrides Pony Rides Train Rides Aggie Wranglers t h e 1998 AGGIELAND The 1998 Aggieland is accepting applications for the following positions: Batde Of the Bands: Common Groove Ice Cold Blues Band Brian Whitaker Top Five Band Superband Wasteband Food Sc Fun For The Whole Family Messina Hof 4545 Old Reliance Road Bryan, TX (409) 778-9463 Layout Designers Copywriters Photographers Applications are available in the Aggieland Office, Room 004 Reed McDonald All Positions are Paid Step off...Into the Spotlight Ring Dance 1997 HI Saturday, April 26, 1997 from 9 p.m. until I a.m. in the MSC/Rudder Complex. HI Featuring eight rooms filled with endless entertainment. The Killer Bees, a Latin Music DJ, a comedy pianist, a big band orchestra, a GO's-SO's DJ, karaoke, Elvis, and Chris Wells and the Texas Edge will all be there, will you??? HI Tickets available now in the MSC Box Office, phone 845-1234. HI For questions call 845-1 51 5, or come by our table in the MSC!! Aggie Parents Tired of Paying Rent? We Can Help! WE ARE OPEN PARENTS WEEKEND COME IN AND GET A LIST OF ALL REALTOR(R) USTED PROPERTIES HOMES, TOWNHOUSES, DUPLEXES, CONDOMINIUMS, RURAL HOMES FOR SALE IF YOU NEED TO SELL WE CAN DO IT Open 9:00 AM to'5:00+ PM Saturday and Sunday. Drop by our convenient new location on University Drive in Chimney Hill Plaza next to the Hilton, or call if you want information mailed to you, or to set up appointments to see property. Classic Realty Inc., Better Homes and Gardens 701 University Drive East, Suite 405 College Station, TX 77840 F71 Phone: (409) 846-8844 http://www.classic.com/ Lka Choose your AGGIELAND option. Order your copy of Texas A&M's 1998 Aggieland yearbook when you register for fall classes. Don’t miss the chance to own the nation’s largest yearbook—an 800-page record of the 1997-98 A&M school year. Simply select fee option 16. Just $30 + tax. FEE OPTION 16 for the book that will last a lifetime