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“A lot of people in this world don’t have any fun, but I’ve had a ball.”
Those were the famous words from former Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes when he retired back in 1999. Dykes passed away today, reportedly of a heart attack.
The Red Raider legend went 82-67-1 as Tech’s head coach, leading the team to seven bowl games and six victories against rival Texas and another six against Texas A&M.
Here’s some reaction from the Twittersphere on the passing of the West Texas legend.
A legend in every sense.#TexasTech mourns the loss of head coach Spike Dykes. #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/Cflm9QpxYq
— Texas Tech Athletics (@TechAthletics) April 10, 2017
Sad to hear the news on Spike Dykes - great coach, mentor, and person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family & the Tech community
— Bob Stoops (@OU_CoachStoops) April 10, 2017
Just reading of Spike Dykes passing. He was a wonderful man, made a rookie reporter feel comfortable learning the gig. #TexasTech #RIPSpike
— Mike Solarte (@MikeSolarte) April 10, 2017
The Cotton Bowl lost a true friend, and college football lost a treasure. Thanks for all of the memories, Spike Dykes. pic.twitter.com/QVJ1eCVEzT
— Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) April 10, 2017
R.I.P. Spike Dykes, the legendary Texas football coach & as nice a gentlemen as I've had the privilege of knowing: https://t.co/s4rfHIUoRv pic.twitter.com/bu8kGtvoST
— Tom Kirkendall (@bigtkirk) April 10, 2017