Lubbock's Mt. Rushmore
Lubbock, Texas is the 11th largest city in Texas and located on the southern end of the western high plains. The city nicknamed "Hub City" has been rich in Texas sports history for nearly a century. Although high school athletics are prominetly featured in the local culture, the big player in the local sports scene is that of Texas Tech University, which began fielding varsity teams in 1925. The Red Raiders are now part of the Big 12 conference.
Sheryl Swoopes - The Brownfield, TX native was commonly referred to as the "female Michael Jordan". In 1993, Swoopes helped the Texas Tech Lady Raiders win the NCAA women's championship. After college, she joined team USA & won three gold medals in three different Olympics. When the WNBA was formed in 1997, she would go on to lead the Houston Comets to four straight titles and become one the WNBA's greatest players before retiring in 2011.
Wes Welker - Before becoming one of the most exciting players of the NFL, Welker was a versatile standout player for the Red Raiders. He had 259 receptions for over three thousand yards and 79 rushes for 456 yards in four seasons with the Red Raiders. Welker scored 31 touchdowns, eight of those were punt return td's, still a NCAA record today.
Zach Thomas - Named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000's, Thomas was a force at linebacker for 13 seasons and recorded over 1,700 tackles. The Pampa, TX native attended Texas Tech in the early 90's and was a first team All-American and the SWC Defensive Player of the Year in 1995. Thomas was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Marsha Sharp - The Tulia, TX native coached the Lady Raiders for 23 years and had a won/loss record of 572-189. She led her teams to 18 NCAA tournament births, including the NCAA championship in 1993.
Honorable Mentions
Gerald Myers - The Red Raiders mens basketball coach for 20 years, he finished with won/loss record with Texas Tech of 326-261. Myers was named SWC Coach of the Year five times.
Michael Crabtree - A 2X All-American at Texas Tech, Crabtree was a dynamic receiver and holds 8 NCAA records. He currenty plays in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders.
Graham Harrell - Harrell is second on the list for ncaa career passing yards. He is the first player in NCAA history to post multiple 5,000 yard seasons.
Donny Anderson - The College Football Hall of Famer was a 2X All-American at Texas Tech. He finished 4th in the 1965 Heisman Trophy voting. He played 9 seasons in the NFL and was part of the Green Bay Packers championship teams in Super Bow I & II.
