tap_tx_sinton
02-09-2006, 09:36 PM
02/06/2006
Going the distance: A-to-Z with Adrian Alaniz
Amanda Jackson, Texas Media Relations
Adrian Alaniz
Adrian Alaniz
A is for April 16, 2005
One of the greatest moments in Adrian's life (and in Longhorns baseball history) came on this day last season. Facing Big 12 rival Oklahoma, Adrian threw only the 19th no-hitter by a University of Texas pitcher since 1946. After seeing the zeroes on the scoreboard going into the sixth inning, he began to realize the unthinkable was within reach. To avoid any kind of jinx, his teammates left him alone while he sat in the same spot in the dugout and drank the same amount of water in between innings. Hey, whatever works.
B is for "Baseball in our Blood"
The Sinton, Texas native comes from a baseball-loving family. His dad, Emi Jr., was a former high school baseball coach and his older brother, Emi III, was an outfielder and designated hitter at Texas State University. His younger brother, Andres, also plays baseball at Sinton High School, and mom, Norma, is always cheering loudly in the stands. In summary, the Alanizes eat, sleep and breathe baseball.
C is for a Cracked Tooth
One of Adrian's most embarrassing moments came a few years ago in Ohio. During some down time at a baseball tournament, Adrian and his team decided to spend a few hours at a nearby theme park. What had intended to be fun turned into pain when one of Adrian's teeth fell victim to an old, broken railing he was standing by near the ticket booth. The railing hit him in the mouth, cracked his tooth and caused onlookers to stare at him and the bloody mess. Needless to say, he had the tooth repaired and played through the pain at the tournament.
D is for the Drag
In between classes, you can find Adrian cruising the area along Guadalupe known as The Drag. He enjoys the stores and restaurants and likes to order the blueberry pancakes at one of his favorite eateries, Kerbey Lane Café.
E is for "The Eyes of Texas"
Of all the great traditions at The University of Texas, singing "The Eyes of Texas" before and after each game is Adrian's favorite. Whether you win or lose, showing the Longhorn pride is something he cherishes and will always remember.
F is for Fishing
Growing up in Sinton, a small town southeast of Austin near Corpus Christi and Rockport, Adrian has spent a lot of time casting a line. When he gets a chance to return home, fishing is one of the things he looks to make time for with his family and friends.
G is for Good Eats
When he is craving a burger and fries, Adrian heads over to P. Terry's Burger Stand on the corner of South Lamar and Barton Springs. He compares the restaurant's grub to the West Coast's popular fast food chain, In-N-Out Burger. Depending on his schedule, Adrian aims to stop by the Austin original at least once on a good week. When P. Terry's goes nationwide, remember that you heard it here first.
H is for Hummer
If he had a million dollars, one of Adrian's first purchases would be a brand new Hummer --- either the original or an H2. It might be the style or its enormous size, but who knows? It might just be the new car scent, which happens to be one of Adrian's favorite smells.
I is for the Italian Nintendo Star, Mario
For Halloween this past October, Adrian dressed up as the best plumbing video game icon ever, Mario. He went all out and even rented a costume from Lucy in Disguise on South Congress. I can't help but want to cue the Mario Brothers theme music.
J is for Just About Any Kind of Music
As far as music is concerned, Adrian has an eclectic taste. His favorite song may be "One" by Metallica, but he also has a place for rap and country on his playlist via the satellite radio he got for Christmas two years ago.
K is for the Kitchen
Adrian and his three roommates (former player and current student coach Dooley Prince, former player Clayton Stewart and senior outfielder Hunter Harris) don't just eat frozen dinners and ramen noodles like most college students. Instead, they spend a lot of time in the kitchen and have mastered the art of cooking such dishes as spaghetti, steak and baked chicken. All men of the world, take note.
L is for Longhorn Leaders
One of his favorite classes on the Forty Acres was a Longhorn Leaders course taught by Professor Michael Lauderdale last semester. Members of the class, including many of his fellow UT athletes, mentored at-risk students at a local middle school and spoke on important issues facing youth today, including staying away from drugs.
M is for Making the Grade
With a mother who is a teacher and a father who is an assistant superintendent, academics were sure to be emphasized in the Alaniz household. The current kinesiology major graduated in the top ten percent of his class at Sinton HS and was a member of the National Honor Society. To stay on top of his studies at Texas, Adrian frequents Bible Academic Center in Bellmont Hall.
N is for Number Three
Adrian wore the number eight in high school, but once he arrived at Disch-Falk Field, that number was already taken by Curtis Thigpen. It all worked out, though. Jersey number three was given to Adrian, which happened to be the number that his brother Emi wore for the Bobcats just down IH-35 in San Marcos.
O is for an Opposition to Mopping
Keeping the apartment clean is one thing that Adrian insists on. He does dishes, vacuums and takes out the trash, and he does not seem to mind. When it comes to mopping, however, he is often the last to volunteer. Having to wait for floor to dry is a burden for Adrian, especially since it will get dirty again shortly.
P is for Plumbing Supplies
Though he didn't actually work on toilets, he did work for a family friend in the plumbing business. Many of his summer days were spent in a warehouse where he would wait until an order came in and then tie PVC pipes to the back of an old Toyota truck and drive them to job sites in Corpus Christi. Now we know why he chose a Mario costume.
Q is for Quite the Quarterback
Not many people are recruited to be Division I athletes. Fewer people are recruited to become Division I athletes in two different sports. Adrian was one of the few. In addition to his chosen sport of baseball, he had scholarship offers to play quarterback on the Nebraska and Baylor football teams. Thanks for staying on the diamond, Adrian...the Burnt Orange faithful appreciate it.
R is for a Resolution
After pitching the no-hitter, Adrian was recognized by the Texas Senate before the 79th Legislature. District 14 Senator Gonzalo Barrientos drafted the resolution, and Adrian still feels incredibly honored to have stood alongside his parents and Coach Augie Garrido on the floor at the Texas State Capitol.
S is for "Scarface"
Adrian would fit right in on an episode of MTV's "Cribs" since he lists "Scarface" as his favorite movie. Like the throng of males featured on the show, Adrian loves the Al Pacino film, but I can't help but wonder if those other guys like "Finding Nemo". The right-hander admits he does.
T is for TexasSports.com
In a shameless plug of this Web site, it must be noted that the first Web site Adrian visits when he turns on his computer is none other than the one that you, too, are currently viewing. Who said that elite athletes weren't like the rest of us?
U is for Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his (rare) spare time, Adrian enjoys watching one of his favorite television shows, Ultimate Fighting Championship. This Spike TV show combines boxing, kickboxing and other things that only guys can appreciate. In any case, fight on.
V is for a Valuable Baseball Card Collection
Adrian has collected sports cards for as long as he can remember, and over the years, he has acquired an impressive line-up. His best cards include Nolan Ryan's strikeout record card (autographed and all!), Michael Jordan's rookie card and Alex Rodriguez' rookie card. Now that all of Longhorn Nation has read this, it might be time to invest in a safety deposit box to store these valuables.
W is for Words of Wisdom from Coach Garrido
To say that the winningest coach in college baseball history has a few of these words is the understatement of the century. That said, one of Adrian's favorite things about Coach Garrido is his ability to speak to and motivate the players, and this pitcher listens at every opportunity.
X is for Xbox
When lounging at his apartment, Adrian and his roommates love to take up a video game or two on their Xbox. NCAA College Football is a top choice, as is the newly released MVP '06 College Baseball. The latter features the Texas baseball program throughout much of the game and also on the front and back covers of the product's packaging. No wonder it's one of Adrian's favorites.
Y is for a Young Team
On a 37-man roster that carries only 14 returning letterwinners, Adrian is embracing his veteran role on the 2006 squad. The 2005 Freshman All-American has advised his new teammates to work on the little things, practice hard every day and to take advantage of your time at Texas. Sounds like something Coach Garrido would say.
Z is for the Zoo in Omaha
Since he redshirted his freshman year, 2005 was the first time Adrian traveled to Omaha for the College World Series. During the trip last June, the team had its fair share of Omaha steaks at many local restaurants and also visited the Henry Doorly Zoo, which was one of Adrian's favorite attractions. Oh yeah...they also won a National Championship, and with the 2006 season underway, Adrian and the rest of the squad are eager to return to Omaha this June. The zoo has some new exhibits, after all.
Going the distance: A-to-Z with Adrian Alaniz
Amanda Jackson, Texas Media Relations
Adrian Alaniz
Adrian Alaniz
A is for April 16, 2005
One of the greatest moments in Adrian's life (and in Longhorns baseball history) came on this day last season. Facing Big 12 rival Oklahoma, Adrian threw only the 19th no-hitter by a University of Texas pitcher since 1946. After seeing the zeroes on the scoreboard going into the sixth inning, he began to realize the unthinkable was within reach. To avoid any kind of jinx, his teammates left him alone while he sat in the same spot in the dugout and drank the same amount of water in between innings. Hey, whatever works.
B is for "Baseball in our Blood"
The Sinton, Texas native comes from a baseball-loving family. His dad, Emi Jr., was a former high school baseball coach and his older brother, Emi III, was an outfielder and designated hitter at Texas State University. His younger brother, Andres, also plays baseball at Sinton High School, and mom, Norma, is always cheering loudly in the stands. In summary, the Alanizes eat, sleep and breathe baseball.
C is for a Cracked Tooth
One of Adrian's most embarrassing moments came a few years ago in Ohio. During some down time at a baseball tournament, Adrian and his team decided to spend a few hours at a nearby theme park. What had intended to be fun turned into pain when one of Adrian's teeth fell victim to an old, broken railing he was standing by near the ticket booth. The railing hit him in the mouth, cracked his tooth and caused onlookers to stare at him and the bloody mess. Needless to say, he had the tooth repaired and played through the pain at the tournament.
D is for the Drag
In between classes, you can find Adrian cruising the area along Guadalupe known as The Drag. He enjoys the stores and restaurants and likes to order the blueberry pancakes at one of his favorite eateries, Kerbey Lane Café.
E is for "The Eyes of Texas"
Of all the great traditions at The University of Texas, singing "The Eyes of Texas" before and after each game is Adrian's favorite. Whether you win or lose, showing the Longhorn pride is something he cherishes and will always remember.
F is for Fishing
Growing up in Sinton, a small town southeast of Austin near Corpus Christi and Rockport, Adrian has spent a lot of time casting a line. When he gets a chance to return home, fishing is one of the things he looks to make time for with his family and friends.
G is for Good Eats
When he is craving a burger and fries, Adrian heads over to P. Terry's Burger Stand on the corner of South Lamar and Barton Springs. He compares the restaurant's grub to the West Coast's popular fast food chain, In-N-Out Burger. Depending on his schedule, Adrian aims to stop by the Austin original at least once on a good week. When P. Terry's goes nationwide, remember that you heard it here first.
H is for Hummer
If he had a million dollars, one of Adrian's first purchases would be a brand new Hummer --- either the original or an H2. It might be the style or its enormous size, but who knows? It might just be the new car scent, which happens to be one of Adrian's favorite smells.
I is for the Italian Nintendo Star, Mario
For Halloween this past October, Adrian dressed up as the best plumbing video game icon ever, Mario. He went all out and even rented a costume from Lucy in Disguise on South Congress. I can't help but want to cue the Mario Brothers theme music.
J is for Just About Any Kind of Music
As far as music is concerned, Adrian has an eclectic taste. His favorite song may be "One" by Metallica, but he also has a place for rap and country on his playlist via the satellite radio he got for Christmas two years ago.
K is for the Kitchen
Adrian and his three roommates (former player and current student coach Dooley Prince, former player Clayton Stewart and senior outfielder Hunter Harris) don't just eat frozen dinners and ramen noodles like most college students. Instead, they spend a lot of time in the kitchen and have mastered the art of cooking such dishes as spaghetti, steak and baked chicken. All men of the world, take note.
L is for Longhorn Leaders
One of his favorite classes on the Forty Acres was a Longhorn Leaders course taught by Professor Michael Lauderdale last semester. Members of the class, including many of his fellow UT athletes, mentored at-risk students at a local middle school and spoke on important issues facing youth today, including staying away from drugs.
M is for Making the Grade
With a mother who is a teacher and a father who is an assistant superintendent, academics were sure to be emphasized in the Alaniz household. The current kinesiology major graduated in the top ten percent of his class at Sinton HS and was a member of the National Honor Society. To stay on top of his studies at Texas, Adrian frequents Bible Academic Center in Bellmont Hall.
N is for Number Three
Adrian wore the number eight in high school, but once he arrived at Disch-Falk Field, that number was already taken by Curtis Thigpen. It all worked out, though. Jersey number three was given to Adrian, which happened to be the number that his brother Emi wore for the Bobcats just down IH-35 in San Marcos.
O is for an Opposition to Mopping
Keeping the apartment clean is one thing that Adrian insists on. He does dishes, vacuums and takes out the trash, and he does not seem to mind. When it comes to mopping, however, he is often the last to volunteer. Having to wait for floor to dry is a burden for Adrian, especially since it will get dirty again shortly.
P is for Plumbing Supplies
Though he didn't actually work on toilets, he did work for a family friend in the plumbing business. Many of his summer days were spent in a warehouse where he would wait until an order came in and then tie PVC pipes to the back of an old Toyota truck and drive them to job sites in Corpus Christi. Now we know why he chose a Mario costume.
Q is for Quite the Quarterback
Not many people are recruited to be Division I athletes. Fewer people are recruited to become Division I athletes in two different sports. Adrian was one of the few. In addition to his chosen sport of baseball, he had scholarship offers to play quarterback on the Nebraska and Baylor football teams. Thanks for staying on the diamond, Adrian...the Burnt Orange faithful appreciate it.
R is for a Resolution
After pitching the no-hitter, Adrian was recognized by the Texas Senate before the 79th Legislature. District 14 Senator Gonzalo Barrientos drafted the resolution, and Adrian still feels incredibly honored to have stood alongside his parents and Coach Augie Garrido on the floor at the Texas State Capitol.
S is for "Scarface"
Adrian would fit right in on an episode of MTV's "Cribs" since he lists "Scarface" as his favorite movie. Like the throng of males featured on the show, Adrian loves the Al Pacino film, but I can't help but wonder if those other guys like "Finding Nemo". The right-hander admits he does.
T is for TexasSports.com
In a shameless plug of this Web site, it must be noted that the first Web site Adrian visits when he turns on his computer is none other than the one that you, too, are currently viewing. Who said that elite athletes weren't like the rest of us?
U is for Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his (rare) spare time, Adrian enjoys watching one of his favorite television shows, Ultimate Fighting Championship. This Spike TV show combines boxing, kickboxing and other things that only guys can appreciate. In any case, fight on.
V is for a Valuable Baseball Card Collection
Adrian has collected sports cards for as long as he can remember, and over the years, he has acquired an impressive line-up. His best cards include Nolan Ryan's strikeout record card (autographed and all!), Michael Jordan's rookie card and Alex Rodriguez' rookie card. Now that all of Longhorn Nation has read this, it might be time to invest in a safety deposit box to store these valuables.
W is for Words of Wisdom from Coach Garrido
To say that the winningest coach in college baseball history has a few of these words is the understatement of the century. That said, one of Adrian's favorite things about Coach Garrido is his ability to speak to and motivate the players, and this pitcher listens at every opportunity.
X is for Xbox
When lounging at his apartment, Adrian and his roommates love to take up a video game or two on their Xbox. NCAA College Football is a top choice, as is the newly released MVP '06 College Baseball. The latter features the Texas baseball program throughout much of the game and also on the front and back covers of the product's packaging. No wonder it's one of Adrian's favorites.
Y is for a Young Team
On a 37-man roster that carries only 14 returning letterwinners, Adrian is embracing his veteran role on the 2006 squad. The 2005 Freshman All-American has advised his new teammates to work on the little things, practice hard every day and to take advantage of your time at Texas. Sounds like something Coach Garrido would say.
Z is for the Zoo in Omaha
Since he redshirted his freshman year, 2005 was the first time Adrian traveled to Omaha for the College World Series. During the trip last June, the team had its fair share of Omaha steaks at many local restaurants and also visited the Henry Doorly Zoo, which was one of Adrian's favorite attractions. Oh yeah...they also won a National Championship, and with the 2006 season underway, Adrian and the rest of the squad are eager to return to Omaha this June. The zoo has some new exhibits, after all.