Season One--Episode Links
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S1 E1--the launch
Drop the mic!!
It's the inaugural episode of Down Trails of Victory podcast, with your host Dr. Jon Buck Ford and his podcast partner Judge Brad Burnett.
In The Launch, Dr. Ford and Judge Burnett discuss the origin of the Down Trails of Victory podcast, and give listeners previews of upcoming guests, including Southeast Texas legends Wade Phillips, Barbara Comeaux, Jeff Bergeron, Leon Fuller, Lew Ford, Mike Simpson, and South Park alumni Bubba Busceme and Gerry Mouton!
Get your backpacks ready, and join us as we travel Down Trails of Victory!
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S1 E2--coach wade phillips
Coach Wade Phillips joins the show to talk with Buck and Brad, and they take a deep dive into Wade's Southeast Texas roots, including his years:
...at Nederland when his dad Bum Phillips was head coach of the Bulldogs; at Port Neches-Groves HS where he met his future wife Laurie Nunez; as a linebacker at the University of Houston; as an assistant coach at Lutcher Stark HS in Orange; as an assistant coach with the Luv Ya Blue Houston Oilers; as defensive coordinator of the Super Bowl 50 Denver Broncos world champion; among others...
Coach Wade also shares his remembrances of Bear Bryant, Gene McCollum, Neal Morgan, Leon Fuller, Mike Simpson, George Caraway, Robert Hall, Larry Gatlin, Little Joe Washington, Jeff Bergeron, Matt Burnett, Lance Van Zandt, Wesley "Stinky" Nunez--and many more!!
Coach Wade Phillips has never had an interview like this one!!
Get your backpack ready, and join us on our journey down a new victory trail!
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S1 E3--Bubba Busceme and Gerry Mouton
Ladies and Gentlemen...Welcome to the MAIN EVENT!
Introducing, in the Green corner...
Bubba Busceme and Gerry Mouton, graduates of South Park High School in Beaumont, join the show to talk to Buck and Brad about:
- Greenie Pride;
- the Southeast Texas music scene in the 1970s;
- Bubba's boxing career, including his four National Golden Gloves titles, his 1972 Munich Olympic Games experiences, and his 1982 World Lightweight title fight against Alexis Arguello in the biggest sporting event in Beaumont history;
- their lifelong friendship;
- and many other topics!
The discussion brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Darrell Davis, Steve McCarty, G. G. Shinn, Jerry "Count Jackson" LaCroix, Janis Joplin, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Terry Cobb, Kenney Babb, Homer Pillsbury, Tracy Owens, Butch Hartman, Matt Burnett, Jimmy Clotiaux, Freddie Clotiaux, Gayle Sheffield, Stewart Rojo, Pat Zeringe, Greg Isaacs, Gary Weldon, Richard Cantu, Jim Wylie, Perry Payne, Dr. Jed Ramsey, Louie Broussard, Gary Dorsey, Julian LaCroix, Jerry Hentschel, Ellis Gallier, Melvin Getwood, Richard Briggs--and many more!!
Get your popcorn ready, because you have a ringside seat!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
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S1 E4--coach barbara comeaux
Are you ready to ROCK-a-noo???!!!
Every superhero has its origin...
Legendary Texas high school volleyball coach Barbara Comeaux of Port Neches-Groves High School serves up an ace, as she talks about:
- her early years at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur;
- playing volleyball at Lamar University;
- her first job as a 9th grade teacher/coach at French High School in Beaumont;
- her first head coaching job at Port Neches-Groves High School;
- the 1972 state title run in her first year at PN-G;
- and other topics!
The discussion brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Shelley Dettman, Kathy Alexander, Bertha Hebert, Nancy McClain, Jan Armitage, Robin Outhouse, Debbie Gilbert, Lydia Sterling, Theresa Collins, Debby Laurents, Cathy Mendoza, Lucy Wiggins, Therese Hollier, Patti McDonnell, Jennifer Collins, Michelle Collins, Judge Brad Burnett, Jon Deckert, Ken Watson--and more!!
Find yourself a seat, and stay for the whole match--it's a cross-court kill game winner!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
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S1 E5--Jeff "The jet" bergeron
Attention passengers...
Now boarding at Gate # 24...
Jeff "The Jet" Bergeron, legendary Texas high school running back, takes listeners on a round trip, first class flight, as he cruises through:
- his early years at Port Neches Junior High;
- his historic All State and All American football career at Port Neches-Groves High School;
- his experiences as the #1 football recruit in the state of Texas;
- his post high school football career at the University of Houston, Stephen F. Austin University, Lamar University, and the Seattle Seahawks;
- his teaching and coaching career at PNGISD;
- his tenure on the PNGISD school board;
- his current position as Director of Maintenance and Facilities at PNGISD;
- his family;
- and other topics!
The flight manifest brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Coach Lewis Ford, Cheryl Bergeron, Belinda Bergeron, P. J. Granger, Phillip Vergara, Olivia Vergara, Bill Worsham, Monte Hanks, Mike Loupe, Danny Hare, James Louvier, Leyton Brown, Mike Simpson, Kerry Chatagnier, Greg Bryant, Ken Watson, Jackie Hathorn, Butch Troy, Steve Osborne, Floyd Keeney, Jeff Greenway, Robert Giblin, Lonnie Beaumont, Carlos Adams, Donnie Richards, Don Trahan, Elton Woodrom, Nolan Miller, Jon Clark, Larry Mayer, Robert Perry, Coach Joe Washington, Kim Bergman, Terry Melancon, Mark Hammond, Jim Hilliard, Tighe Huber, Paul Walker, Burt Darden, Bob West, Scooter O'Neal, Leonard Coplin, Steve Collazo, Jeff Woodard, Norman Abshere, Robert Fuller, Mike Reeder, David McCoy, David Mire, David Bruno, Jerry Hebert, Little Joe Washington, Mike Burke, Smitty Hill, Gordon LeBoeuf, Duriel Harris, Kenny Harrison, Kevin Way, Mark Grissom, Doug Stanley, Randy Lovelace, Rodney Taylor, Mike Keeney, Leslie Hanna, Becky Hanna, David Boullion, Kooter Davis, Reed Miller, Hubert Miller, Craig Hebert, Chris Broussard, Joe Gernentz, Kim Folse, Nathaniel Springer, Donnie Standley, Dean Young, Paul Williams, Wade Phillips, Joe Landry, Tommy Landry, Reggie Rogers, Rodney Bernard, Kevin Bell, Matt Burnett, Bob Frederick, Christy Morace, Don Bryson, Wayne Winn, Terry Cobb, Mike Bradshaw, Lloyd Ricketson, David Halbrook, David LeJeune, Ron McGill, Jimmy Burnett, Lana Parker, Scott Bartlett, Brandon Cropper, Dustin Marsh, Jake Lefort, Eric Sullivan, Dallon James, Dr. Mike Gonzales, Kyle Segura, Sherry Drawhorn, Julie Gauthier, Judge Leonard Giblin Jr, Bonnie Jennings, Casey Warner, Chad Loupe, Jackie Havard, Angie Young, Prissy Bergeron, Tana Bergeron, Steve Perricone, Son Jeff Bergeron, Heather Bergeron, Grandson Jeffery Bergeron, Dustin Long, Bo Wortham, Lew Ford--and more!!
Fasten your seat belts, the flight plan is filed,...and we're ready for take off!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
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S1 E6--mike simpson
Runners to the starting line...
Mike Simpson, legendary multi-sport athlete at Port Neches-Groves High School, breaks the tape as he talks about his career, including:
- his early years at Groves Junior High;
- playing football at PN-G under legendary coach Bum Phillips;
- running on PN-G's 440-yard Relay team that set a National Record at the State Track Meet in 1965;
- winning the 220-yard Dash at that same State Track Meet;
- playing football at the University of Houston;
- his four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, including three playoff appearances vs. the Dallas Cowboys;
- his lifelong passion with the guitar;
- his life after football;
- his family;
- and other topics!
The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Bum Phillips, Randy Byrd, Kenneth Bernard, Lyman Landry, Leo Simpson (Mike's brother), Gordon LeBoeuf, John Wayne Goodwin, Coach Lewis Ford, Ken Watson, Moe O'Brien, Joyce O'Brien, Kennth Almond, Wade Phillips, Helen Phillips, Dale Bernauer, Dr. Houston Byrd, Cliff Larson, and more! Other well-known names included in the podcast are Bill Yeoman, Larry Gatlin, Paul Gipson, Elmo Wright, Dickie Post, Dr. Phil, Sid Gillman, Dick Nolan, Lance Alworth, Gary Garrison, Roger Staubach, Bob Hayes, Calvin Hill, Walt Garrison, Tom Landry, Steve Spurrier...and more!!
All quiet in the stands...Mr. Starter we are ready...the gun is up!!!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
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S1 E7--LEON FULLER
Black, Gold, and a Crimson Tide...
Leon Fuller, a Nederland 1950s legend, talks about his career, including:
- growing up in Nederland;
- playing sports for the Bulldogs, including football under legendary coach Bum Phillips;
- his All American seasons at Tyler Junior College;
- playing at Alabama--as captain and two-way starter--for Coach Bear Bryant;
- his career journey as a coach, including his stints at Wyoming, Colorado State, the University of Texas, and the Denver Broncos, among others;
- and other topics!
The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Ollie Ray Fuller, Jerry McNeill, Benny McNeill, Dorothy Fuller, Byron Rienstra, Bum Phillips, Wade Phillips, Vernon Ramke, Emmett McKenzie, Chief Wilson, Gene McCollum, Larry Minaldi, George Eisenmann, D. D. Perkins, Riley Burnett, Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford, Jimmy Wrinkle, Don Clayton, Vance Bedford, Brandon Faircloth, and more! Other well-known names included in the podcast are Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings, Billy Neighbors, Lee Roy Jordan, Walt Garrison, Earl Campbell, Pam Fuller...and more!!
It's a keeper--this Bulldog WILL HUNT!!!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
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S1 E8--Lew ford
Batter up!!!
Lew Ford, Port Neches-Groves baseball legend, talks with Brad and his father Buck about...
- growing up in Port Neches, and playing Little League ball for the Yankees;
- his years at Port Neches Middle School;
- playing football and baseball at Port Neches-Groves High School;
- his amazing five-year journey from not being recruited out of high school to being drafted and signed by the Boston Red Sox;
- his baseball stops along the way, including the Nederland Babe Ruth League, Texas A&M, Seminole Jr. College, Lee Jr. College, McNeese University, and his All American NAIA Hall of Fame career at Dallas Baptist;
- his first short season of pro ball at Lowell, Massachusetts;
- and other topics!
The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Coach Lewis Ford, Shelby Ford, Ben Jeffrey, Jon Deckert, Brandon Deckert, Mark Gassen, Chris Myers, Jerry Hanlon, Bob Straface, Phil Vergara, Stephen Jackson, Tim Owen, Jake Burnett, Doug Recio, David Bonura, Todd Judice, Jon Barnett, Collin Cobb, Brandon Resendez, Josh Davis, Drek Guidry, Eddie Byrd, Mitch Bynum, Martin Alston, Jay Musser, Eric Cammack, Matt Bryant, Jon Patterson, Ben Weber, Jim Gilligan, Jacob Walton, and more! Other well-known names included in the podcast are Texas A&M and Sam Houston coach Mark Johnson, Seminole Junior College coach Lloyd Simmons, Dallas Baptist coach Jim Harp, former McNeese and current Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco, and players Juan Pierre, Marcos Quinones, Ben Sheets, J J Trujillo, Freddy Sanchez, Cameron White,...and more!!
This is an incredible and inspiring story of perseverance and never giving up on your dream.
"This podcast captures the story that I want Lew's kids, and grandkids, to know about him."--Dr. Jon Buck Ford
Grab you some peanuts and cracker jacks. It's a walk-off grand slam!!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
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S1 E9--matt burnett
All Aboard!!...
Matt Burnett, Port Neches-Groves football legend, talks with Buck and his brother Brad about...
- growing up in Port Neches;
- family influences on him;
- his years at Port Neches Middle School;
- playing football Port Neches-Groves High School;
- the transition into the Coach Doug Ethridge era in 1973;
- the 1974 State Semifinalist football run, and its coaches, games, and players;
- and other topics!
The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Jimmy Burnett, Jackie Hebert Burnett, Brad Burnett, brother Riley Burnett, Tracy Burnett, Kim Burnett, Gene McCollum, uncle Riley Burnett, Coach Lewis Ford, Patty Hebert Kasper, John DeVillier, Don Miller, Dan Miller, Bobby Trahan, Mary Ann Trahan, Tippy Durham, P J Granger, Joe Williamson, Carl Carson, Lindy Williamson Burnett, Butch Troy, Irene Ford, Rodney Taylor, Jeff Bergeron, Reed Miller, Jerry Hebert, Doug Ethridge, Ken Watson, Ken Clearman, Paul Carswell, Jackie Hathorn, Cecil Green, Bruce Bush, Phil Endicott, Phil Vergara, Wayne Winn, Tim Nunez, Terry Cobb, Pat Daigle, Steve Fry, Leslie Hannah, Donnie Standley, Dean Young, Paul Williams, Mike Havard, Coach Joe Washington, Kyle Aguillard, Neal Morgan, Ricky Vaught, Andy Gilbert, David Jones, Mark Vise, Mark Buchanan, Don Clayton, Mike Giblin, Mike Kirkpatrick, Craig Harmon, Karl Segura, Kirk Romero, Kent Goza, Wilson Weber, Ricky Simpson, Dougald McDougald, Jack Collazo, Doug Watson, Jim Holcomb, Von Robinson, Charles Cropper, Harold McDonald, Jim Bob Helduser, Paul Benton, Fred Theriot, Steve Brown, Kyle Bowser, Tim Owen, and more!
Hear Matt tell about going from winning one game in junior high, to playing in the Astrodome against Brazoswood in the State Semifinals his senior year.
Don't miss out! Get on board the Ethridge train with Matt!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
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S1 E10--lynne james
Always be Faithful...
Lynne James, long-time Port Neches-Groves ISD educator, talks with Buck and Brad about...
- growing up Groves;
- attending school at Groves Junior High;
- attending Port Neches-Groves High School, where she was drum major, valedictorian, and student body president;
- writing the words to PN-G's Cherokee Fight Song;
- serving as Indianette director for eleven years;
- honoring the Indianettes on their 70th anniversary with new, never-before-heard material;
- and other topics!
The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Frank Gioviale, Ruth Johnston, Earl Jeffrey, Morris Perkins, Zack Byrd, Albert Long, Lyndall Griggs, Jerry LaCroix, Gerry Mouton, Bubba Busceme, Emmy Lou Scott, Rex McConnell, Gene McCollum, Juanelle Jones, Rodney LeBoeuf, Irene Ford, Jean Babb, Patsy Cox, Doris Davis, Shirley Jones, Beverly Rogers, Paula Sory, Thomasine Ward, Latretta Young, Beth Guidry, Jimmie Lou Ford, Cyndy Voss, Doug Ethridge, Sammy Almany, Matt Burnett, Teresa Lee Burnett, Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford, Leslie Gardiner, Sherry Gardiner Varner, Joy Gardiner, Oliver Monk, and more! Other well-known names that are included in the podcast are Elvis Presley, Camille Long Hill, and Johnny Carson!
It's a special edition, as part of our salute to the Indianettes in their 70th anniversary year (1951 - 2021).
So put on your Purple and White, and fire up Cherokee!
Here Come the Indians...Down the Trails of Victory!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!!!!
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S1 E11--damon west
Introducing our Keynote Speaker...
Damon West, world-wide best selling author and motivational speaker, talks with Buck and Brad about...
- growing up in Port Arthur;
- attending school at Woodrow Wilson and Edison Middle Schools;
- attending Thomas Jefferson High School, where he was a three-year starting quarterback;
- his journey from college quarterback to convicted felon to redemption;
- the people along his life's path that believed in him;
- his mission to give back and effect positive change--a mission that has made him one of the top motivational speakers in the nation;
- and other topics!
The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Bob West, Genie Montie West, Brandon West, Grayson West, Chief Jimmy Singletary, Joe Washington Jr, Coach Joe Washington, Bill Maddox, John Bass, Jacob Bass, Jason Bass, Todd Dodge, Brent Duhon, Charles Getwood, DeCedric Shawn Giron, Chad Johnson, Mike Owens, Charlie Jehlen, Pearce Pegross, Joey Mouton, Lyndon Henry, Joey Foster, James Brown, Jay Musser, Thad Stein, Toby Guidry, Heath Hebert, Jake Burnett, Claire Barras, Thomas Jefferson HS teacher Mrs. Cummings, Dow Wynn, Coach James Knowles, Leland MccElroy, Frank Middleton, Patrick Palmer, Jimmy Johnson, Janis Joplin, Kenny Harrison, Walter Umphrey, Ed Roddy, Teresa Lee Burnett, Chief Paul LeMoine, Michael Orta, Kendell Romero West and Clara, and more! Other well-known names that are included in the podcast are Norv Turner, Rep. Dick Gephardt, Dabo Swinney, Nick Saban, Lincoln Riley, Chip Kelly, Lane Kiffin, John Gordon, and more!
Damon West has a message of both hope and victory!
Your front-row seat to a keynote motivational podcast is just a download away!
Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!!!!
The Podcast Team
Dr. Jon Buck Ford--Host
Buck is a 1973 graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School. He has written two books pertaining to SE Texas history: On the Wings of Eagles: The Story of Stephen F. Austin Football 1979 - 1988, and Down Trails of Victory: The Story of Port Neches-Groves High School Football. Buck retired after 40 years in Texas Public Schools, as an English teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. He enjoys spending time with his wife Wanda Carole (Wrinkle), playing the piano, traveling, and researching genealogy.
Judge Brad Burnett--Podcast Partner
Judge Brad Burnett is a 1973 graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School, His career includes previous positions as a real estate broker, and as a plant manager at US Intec. Judge Burnett has devoted his life to serving Southeast Texas. He served three terms on the PN-G ISD school board, before his election as Justice of the Peace of Jefferson County Pct. 7, a position he has held since 2002. Judge Burnett is active in many community organizations, and is in constant demand as a speaker for civic, school, and church groups. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Teresa (Lee), and has three "awesome" grandkids. From the book Down Trails of Victory, "(Brad) was a constant encourager throughout the years as I worked on the book. He believed in me and my dream, and his support gave me confidence in myself. He attended many of the panel interviews with former players, and we had a continual dialogue over the years about the status of the book. ...Thank you, Brad," page ix. --Dr. Jon Buck Ford
Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford Producer
Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford was born in Mamou, Louisiana, and lived in Southeast Texas for 40 years. She graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont as a Registered Nurse in 1990. She is multi-talented with a diverse background and range of experiences. In addition to being a song writer and award-winning photographer, she also served as publisher and editor of the best selling book Down Trails of Victory, without whose help the book never would have been written. Wanda Carole specializes in wildlife photography, enjoys traveling, gardening, helping her friends and family, genealogy, playing the piano, and undertaking new challenges.