(11/9) Dallas passes Cotton Bowl Bond with Dome Study, Bob Stoops Finalist and more.
Dallas Voters pass Cotton Bowl Bond, includes dome study: Deep within a multimillion-dollar contract to renovate Dallas' Cotton Bowl is an easily overlooked item that may resurrect an otherwise defunct idea from last decade -- doming the stadium. The $30,000 study would investigate options for covering the Cotton Bowl with a permanent roof or something semi-permanent, such as an inflatable, retractable or removable dome. The Dallas City Council is scheduled to vote today on the contract, which taps Atlanta-based Heery International Inc. to coordinate the estimated $45.5 million in Cotton Bowl design and construction work. The vote was scheduled to come the day after Dallasites were expected to approve $30 million in Cotton Bowl renovation bond funding to augment millions of dollars that the city and State Fair of Texas already have fronted. These funds will provide a bevy of new amenities for the 76-year-old facility -- seats, scoreboard, bathrooms, concession areas and locker rooms, among others -- and increase its capacity to more than 92,000 fans. It does not, however, allocate funds for doming the stadium. City leaders fear that without some way to keep out wind and cold, the Cotton Bowl will lose its namesake AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic college football game to the Dallas Cowboys' domed stadium in Arlington, which is scheduled to open in three years. (More at Dallas Morning News)
Bob Stoops among 10 finalist for Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is one of 10 finalists named today for the inaugural Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, which honors the college football coach who best exemplifies responsibility and excellence on and off the field of play. The other candidates are Mack Brown (Texas), Lloyd Carr (Michigan), Danny Hale (Bloomsburg), Bobby Petrino (Louisville), Greg Schiano (Rutgers), Jeff Tedford (California), Mel Tjeerdsma (Northwest Missouri State), Jim Tressel (Ohio State) and Tommy Tuberville (Auburn). "More than a quarter-million fan votes were cast and nearly 80,000 fan testimonials were submitted supporting hundreds of coaches from every level of NCAA competition. We think each finalist embodies what makes this award different than any other: responsibility -- not only to his own team and players, but also to his institution and in society," said Paul Condrin, Liberty Mutual president, Personal Markets. "Honoring responsible coaching is a celebration of the positive influence sports coaches – at every level – can have on young people, their families and entire communities." Selected based on professional competence and achievement in 2006, commitment to the well-being and development of student-athletes, high ethical standards, and civic and charitable stewardship, the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year will receive $100,000 to support civic and charitable activities. In addition, Liberty Mutual will grant $20,000 in scholarship to the alumni association of the winning coach's school. Each of the 10 finalists scored in the top 20 percent of the online fan vote within his division during the first phase of competition (September 8 -- November 6). The public can again log onto www.coachoftheyear.com through November 20 to review bios and fan testimonials supporting each candidate and vote for their selection for the award winner, which will be revealed on December 16, 2006. (SoonerSports PR)
Patrick expected to play: OU tailback Allen Patrick, who injured his ankle on his final carry at Texas A&M last week, returned to practice Wednesday. "He did a little bit today. We want to be careful how much," Stoops said. "He'll get more tomorrow. He said he was feeling better and better, so we anticipate him being ready to play." (Tulsa World)
Pendleton FWAA Courage Award nominee: Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton is this week's nominee for the FedEx Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award to be announced at the end of the 2006 season. Pendleton, a junior and a three-year starter, has decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility - but not to turn pro. Instead, Pendleton, who will graduate in December, will continue his education and focus on caring for his 10-year-old brother, Kierstan. He became Kierstan's legal guardian recently while their parents sort through a difficult divorce. Pendleton, who carries a 3.86 grade-point average in sociology with a minor in religious studies, will pursue a graduate degree. In October, he was awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. "With the responsibility of raising my younger brother, I realize football is not the best choice for me," Pendleton said. "Football was a way for me to get my education." Pendleton, a regular speaker at Fellowship of Christian Athletes functions, teaches Sunday school each week at a Norman church. This month, he is taking over responsibility for the church's ministry to fifth- and sixth-graders. (SoonerSports.com)
OU notebook: The Oklahoman
The list: Best OU backup tailbacks: The Oklahoman
Running Away: The Oklahoman
Sooner DBs fired up to face Tech Oklahoma at Texas Tech: The Oklahoman
Reggie Smith Video Journal No. 5: SoonerSports.com
He means business: Tulsa World
Know the Foe: Texas Tech Red Raiders: Tulsa World
The List: Tulsa World
OU Notebook: Stoops a finalist: Tulsa World
Questions with Paul Thompson: Tulsa World
Sooners secondary is better later: Dallas Morning News
Sooners have Tech's number: Dallas Morning News
Labels: Allen Patrick, Bob Stoops, Carl Pendleton, Cotton Bowl, Dallas Bond



Comments:
Now I wonder how much it would cost to dome it, if they do so?
9:48 AM