Geographist

Buddy Dial Born: January 17, 1937 Sport: Football (All-American, 2-time Pro Bowl, College Football Hall of Fame) College football wrapped up this week with an impressive slate of rivalry games.  As is typically the case, the emotions for players and fans frequently ran high, and both the wins and losses seemed to matter just a little bit more.  One of the Houston schools that we don't associate with recent football prowess despite its historical successes is Rice University.  Although the Owls lost their final game of this season and missed out on their chance to be eligible for a postseason bowl game, I wanted to highlight one of their own players that was notable during his time on campus, continued to have a successful pro career, and also laid the foundation for a group that impacts athletics to this day.  Perhaps the spotlight shining on Buddy Dial will help ease the sting, so let's sit back and learn more about this local product who took his talent all the way...

Case Keenum Born: February 17, 1988 Sport: Football (All-American, All-time NCAA FBS Records - completions, passing yards, passing TDs) The college football season is nearing its conclusion while teams in the NFL begin to realize whether they have a shot at making the playoffs.  The sports talk shows often focus on individual accomplishments at this time of year - who has a chance at winning an award or who might reach a particular milestone.  One player in Houston set records that still remain unequaled in the college game, but has been considered an overachiever by making a mark on the professional game.  Case Keenum has continued to prove his doubters wrong as he's forged an impressive 13-year career in the NFL with eight different franchises, including three separate stints with the Houston Texans.  Whether he'll continue his career once this season is done or begin a new chapter in life, he's certainly earned a spot in our list.  So let's learn a bit about ...

Mike Munchak Born: March 5, 1960 Sport: Football (All American, 9-time Pro Bowl, 8-time All Pro, Hall of Fame)  The current Houston professional football team played the former Houston professional football team today, and for the second time this season the Texans ended up on top, beating the Titans.  Plenty of figures have been involved on both sides of the rivalry, or have at least called both locations "home" during their careers.  It has been a sore point for many years that an organization in Nashville can claim the legacies of Houston's best players, but that just adds to a hard-fought rivalry that has a historical head-to-head record of exactly 24 wins apiece.  This week we'll get to learn about a great player who spent his entire playing career in Space City but landed in rival territory when it came time to have a coaching career.  It should be noted, however, that only the Houston portion of the resume of Mike Munchak was worthy of being enshrined in ...

Jim McIngvale Born: February 11, 1951 Sports: Football (2-time national champion), Gambling (world record gambling payout) With so many sports seasons currently going on, I thought it would be fun to look at the life of a Houston legend that has had his hand in many of them, if not all.  Having made a name for himself with a local furniture store and its memorable commercials, Mattress Mack is one of the biggest superfans of our local teams.  What many within the city may not know, however, is that one of our favorite sons was also involved in a bit of sports history along the way, and it has influenced his life every step of the way.  So let's get to know the story of our very own Jim McIngvale. The home of Gallery Furniture has remained at its original location since the early 1980s Jim McIngvale was born in Starkville, Mississippi, in 1951 as the second of six children born to George and Angela McIngvale.  George had been a soldier during World War II and worked i...

Brian Cushing Born: January 24, 1987 Sport: Football (All American, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl, All Pro) As the pro football season marches on, I thought we should look at yet another member of the Houston Texans that left a memorable mark on the city's sports scene.  As the team took the field today, one of the early success stories of the franchise was present in an especially visible manner, as Brian Cushing gave a speech to help induct former owner Janice McNair into the team's Ring of Honor.  It was a special moment, and an interesting one for a player that many believe is one of the most deserving to receive that honor that still remains on the outside.  Whether or not he'll get the call someday remains to be seen, but the longtime defensive anchor for the Texans certainly had a career that merits the conversation.  Let's dive into the story of Texans linebacker Brian Cushing.  Reliant Stadium in 2009, Cushing's first season in Houston A produc...