Dallas Tigers

Heath Autrey is a class act who really has the best interests of ALL of his athletes in mind. He doesn't sit people in the interest of showcasing only a few. If you look back to the posts made after the Tigers returned from the WWB in late October, you will understand that the Tigers made it to the finals of that championship because those kids have been trained by Tommy, Heath, and Justin Dowd (UTA asst.) to understand that every player will be given his time to contribute. By teaching the kids to play the game as a "team", Tiger players learn now what many "stars" find out the hard way when they get to the next level. My kid doesn't start every game and no player plays in every game....but those who stay with Heath think he walks on water!

Thank You, I spoke with Heath this evening regarding my son playing with the team this summer. My impression was just as you described.

bbsdad,
My son played for Heath for two years at age 13 & 14. We consider Heath part of the family. I believe Heath will be a big time coach some day. He loves the game and loves his players. Next time you talk with him, tell him Don & Scott say hello.

There is probably a huge loop hole in the rule you are missing here. Coach Autrey is a man who is definately by the book and I highly doubt he would do anything to get his university in trouble. Furthermore I'm pretty sure TCU wouldnt let Autrey do this if it was in any violation. It sounds like you are trying to get the man in trouble. So if you actually have a problem with it, just go ahead and call the NCAA yourself, I'm sure they will have no problem straightening your rules out for you.

According to the TCU website Autrey is no longer listed as a volunteer assistant. The new coach is Mike Settle, a player from last years team. Did not see an annoucement of the change, when did this happen?

Bydabook, please reread my post. The coach never contacted me. I called him to inquire about the summer team. Nothing more, nothing less.

Heath left the TCU staff shortly before Spring workouts. He is a personal friend of mine, and I know from talking to him that it was a tough decision because of the close relationships he had with those players on ther TCU roster. He would not have made that move without thinking it out, and if he didn't think it was the best move for him. Also, there are no rules about coaches taking calls during NCAA dead periods, just as there are no rules about how many times a coach can answer phone calls from a player in one week during active recruiting periods.

Why did he leave and what is he doing now?

Heath's reasons for leaving were personal in nature, and no offense, I don't feel comfortable going any further than that. He is working with Jim Schwanke, formerly of Oklahoma St. and LSU, and now with Proformance, an Sports Management COmpany. They are going aroung to Little League Organizations and giving coaching clinics, showing coaches effective ways to teach the game to young players. He also said something about rejoining Skip Johnson who he used to coach with at Navarro JC. Not sure what ever ended up happening there.