Phil Hicks

Geron Flowers has played football all over the state of Texas, but the John Tyler High School graduate will be experiencing the gridiron Down Under this summer.

Flowers, a wide receiver, has been selected to play on the Lone Star State's team in the 19th annual Down Under Bowl in Sydney, Australia.

It is the largest American Football Championship Tournament held outside the United States. The first Down Under Bowl was held in 1989. The Texas squad will battle teams from other states as well as New Zealand and Australia.

"I'm very honored to be selected to play in such a prestigious event," said Flowers, who has signed to play football for Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls.

Flowers will depart from Dallas Wednesday and spend three days in Los Angeles for workouts. Then it's on to Australia where there are two more days of practice before game time.

The first two games are July 1 and July 4. If the Texas team wins, then there will be a third game for the championship.

"This is the first time I've been to Australia and I'm really looking forward to the trip," Flowers said. "One day after practice Coach (Thomas) Brooks said I received a letter about taking part. I'm thankful for Coach Brooks who inspired me, not only in sports but life. As far as Coach Brooks he wasn't just about football, he would teach us about being a better man, what path to take, and that we should take responsibility."

Flowers is grateful for the opportunity and is thankful to several people, along with Coach Brooks.

"I thank God and my parents (Sharon and John Wickware)," said Flowers, who caught 16 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns his senior year at JT.

Others he thanked were the JT coaches, his grandparents, Bishop Drs. Mable and James Berry, who are pastors at New Birth Church of Living God, his Uncle Jerome Middlebrooks, Dogan Middle School coaches James Anderson and Andre Lampton and 7-on-7 coach Reggie Coleman.

Also, Flowers pointed to former JT, Texas A&M and NFL standout Mickey Jones, who now coaches at Dallas Carter.

He had always looked up to Jones and, "he has really helped me out," Flowers said.

Flowers was a three-year varsity player at JT and will report to Midwestern State in August where the 5-10 1/2, 173-pounder will major in criminal justice.

Myers Earns All-America Honor

Robert E. Lee High School graduate Ryan Myers, who plays for the Odessa College golf team, has been selected to the first team on the NJCAA Division I Ping All-American team.

Myers, of Flint, was joined on the squad by Odessa teammate Julian Valenciana. Others on the squad were Braxton Marquez of Scottsdale (Ariz.), Brian Mills of McLennan, Wynand Snyman of Midland, David Johnson of Brevard (Fla.) and Rich Saferian of Scottsdale (Ariz.).

The Wranglers finished third at the national tournament in Mesa, Ariz.

Longtime Rice, Astros PA Duckett Passes Away

J. Fred Duckett, the longtime public address announcer at Rice athletic events died on Monday at Methodist Hospital in Houston, former Rice sports information director Bill Cousins said.

Cousins said Mr. Duckett had been suffering from leukemia the last few months.

Mr. Duckett graduated from Rice in the 1950s after competing in track and football for the Owls.

He worked as the PA for Rice football games with his usual, "It's a beautiful day for outdoor football."

Mr. Duckett was also the announcer at Rice soccer, basketball and track.

For many years, he was the public address announcer for the Houston Astros while they were in the Astrodome.

He came up with the "Jose Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuz" announcement.

Email: phicks@tylerpaper.net
Phone: 903-596-6275

Phil Hicks
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