Technical Tidbits 5/5: Some Tech History

This is a great article that looks back at one of Georgia Tech’s influential coaches, John “Whack” Hyder. It’s interesting to read about the history of Tech athletics. One of the things that stands out is how many former student athletes at Tech eventually return to coach in some capacity at the Institute — Hyder was such an example. Another thing is the emphasis that Tech coaches place on academics and pushing their athletes to graduate and have success off the field or court as well as on it. An interesting historical tidbit I picked up from this article was the fact that Tech played its home basketball games at Heisman Gym which was located near what is now the North endzone of Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Georgia Tech has had some wonderful athletes in its past. Mark Teixeira — the subject of this article — is a great example of one. His success extended well into his professional career beyond Tech as the article discusses. Teixeira is still involved with Tech baseball and athletics which is nice to see.

Here is an article that goes back to the heydays of Tech basketball in the early ‘90s. Brian Oliver was a name that I hadn’t heard in a long time but I certainly recall the influence he had when he was a Yellow Jacket. Along with Dennis Scott and Kenny Anderson, he formed the trio that was better known as “Lethal Weapon 3”. Oliver played for four seasons in the NBA and several seasons overseas in Italy before retiring in 2007.

Well, it’s not Tech history related, but in other Tech news, it looks like the Yellow Jackets will be losing one of their running backs to the transfer portal. Former Parkview High athlete Christian Malloy announced his intention to enter his name into the transfer portal. It’s always sad to see a Tech athlete leave this way, but understandably that is the nature of college sports these days. Given the Yellow Jackets’ depth at the running back position, it probably is a wise move by Malloy. Hoping he will have continued success wherever he ends up.

Oh, and a happy Cinco de Mayo to all you Yellow Jackets. While I’m torn between cooking up some chili con carne or Oaxacan style mole, I know whichever it is, it will be accompanied by some cold Modelo. How do you plan on spending your Cinco de Mayo?