Synopsis
"Texas A & M: Where Have You Gone? Catching Up with Bubba Bean, Antonio Armstrong, and Other Aggies of Old" by Rusty Burson is a nostalgic and heartfelt exploration of the lives and legacies of former Texas A&M University athletes, primarily football players, with a few notable non-athlete Aggies included. The book captures the enduring spirit of Aggieland by revisiting the memorable moments of 31 former football greats and 10 non-football Aggies, including one woman, detailing how their time at Texas A&M shaped their lives long after their playing days ended. Burson, a seasoned writer and associate editor of 12th Man Magazine, weaves a narrative that begins with a vivid recollection of a defining moment in Aggie football history: the 1998 Big 12 championship game, where Branndon Stewart’s 32-yard touchdown pass to Sirr Parker stunned the college football world. This iconic play serves as a touchstone, evoking the passion and pride of Texas A&M fans and setting the stage for the stories of individual Aggies who left their mark on the university and beyond.
The book delves into the personal and professional journeys of figures like Bubba Bean, a Texas A&M football legend and Athletic Hall of Famer who played in the 1970s under coach Emory Bellard. Bean, known for his role in the wishbone offense alongside teammates like Skip Walker and George Woodard, reflects on his glory days at Kyle Field and his transition to life after football, including his work as a neighborhood youth outreach coordinator for the City of Bryan and his competitive golf outings with fellow Aggies like Mark Dennard and Phil Bennett. Similarly, the narrative follows Antonio Armstrong, an All-American linebacker from the early 1990s who never lost a game at Kyle Field during his tenure. Armstrong’s story is one of resilience and faith, detailing his brief NFL career, cut short by injury, and his later life as a devoted husband, father, and owner of a workout facility in Houston. Tragically, the book also acknowledges Armstrong’s untimely death in 2016, alongside his wife, in a shooting incident, adding a poignant layer to his legacy as a beloved figure in the Aggie community.
Burson’s approach goes beyond mere athletic achievements, emphasizing how the values and experiences of Aggieland—discipline, camaraderie, and tradition—shaped these individuals’ post-college lives. The inclusion of non-football Aggies, such as a female graduate, broadens the scope, highlighting the diverse impact of Texas A&M’s culture across different fields. For instance, the book touches on figures like Warren Barhorst, whose humorous anecdote about stealing a towel at the Cotton Bowl is recounted as a cherished Aggie tale. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, Burson paints a vivid picture of how these former students carried forward the Aggie spirit, whether through community service, professional endeavors, or personal triumphs. The narrative is enriched by Burson’s deep connection to Texas A&M, drawing on his extensive experience covering Aggie athletics to provide insider perspectives and historical context, such as the influence of coaches like R.C. Slocum and Jackie Sherrill.
Ultimately, "Texas A & M: Where Have You Gone?" is both a celebration of Texas A&M’s storied athletic tradition and a tribute to the enduring human stories behind the uniforms. It captures the essence of what it means to be an Aggie, blending nostalgia for iconic games and players with a forward-looking appreciation of how their time at Texas A&M prepared them for life’s challenges. The book resonates with fans who remember watching players like Bean and Armstrong, while offering younger readers a window into the rich history and lasting impact of Aggieland’s heroes, making it a compelling read for anyone invested in the legacy of Texas A&M University.