TCU Athletics
Well, we had to deal with some good news and bad news at TCU this weekend.
First, the good.
The great exodus from California continues.
Apparently, life is so untenable out there that beach volleyball — Cali’s state sport, I guess — can’t even stand it.
Say what, you ask? TCU’s women’s beach volleyball program became the first program other than Southern Cal or UCLA to win the national championship on Sunday. The No. 2-seed Horned Frogs (32-5) topped No. 4 Loyola Marymount 3-2 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I believe Gulf Shores is considered part of the Redneck Riviera.
Daniela Alvarez, the American Volleyball Coaches Association player of the year, and Tania Moreno came from behind to win the final match.
Alvarez and Moreno, who took a year off to play for Spain in the Paris Olympics, returned to TCU to finish undefeated in four years as a duo. Alvarez and Moreno dropped the first game 18-21 to LMU's Michelle Shaffer and Anna Pelloia before rallying to win the final two 21-15 and 15-6.
TCU's winningest pair, this season, Sofia Izuzquiza and Allanis Navas, won at No. 3, 21-16, 21-13 to remain perfect for the championship at 4-0. The freshman and senior duo end their first year at TCU 26-2.
Anhelina Khmil and Ana Vergara won at No. 4, 21-14, 21-19, to finish the season undefeated at 21-0. The duo has tallied 41 wins together all-time.
TCU finished the season winning 12 consecutive matches.
Somewhere, the desert-worn Californian Karch Kiraly, a Santa Barbarian, or something, sits, doing little other than cursing Sam Houston’s Texas miracle.
“Son-of-a-beach!”
There were a bunch of people around here on Sunday saying as much because some bad news that trickled into the socials.
The acclaimed, beer-stained University Pub, with a history of almost 45 years, is shutting its doors this month.
Its lease has been terminated, according to an Instagram post.
“Sometimes you eat the bear; and sometimes the bear terminates your lease extension so they can turn a legacy business into your neighbor’s dining room. We’ll be around, having as much fun as ever, until 2am May 18th.”
I have never actually had bear, I don’t think, but I bet Jon Bonnell could cook it.
Bonnell’s Buffalo Bros. is expanding into the space to enlarge its dining room. Unsurprisingly, the move has drawn ire from loyal patrons — past and present — of The Pub, who are threatening to protest what they see as a grave injustice. Imagine Norm without Cheers.
Bonnell got on Instagram to reply to The Pub’s announcement: “Bbros is not the reason for The Pub closing.” He also called them great neighbors.
Since 1981, TCU students have forgotten more at The Pub than they ever learned in Elective 101 or even I’ve-Got-To-Have-This-Class-For-My-Degree 4300.
Reaction on Instagram to the news ranged from something along the lines of “Shame!” to “My ex stole my shithouse shirt and now I’m extra doubly pissed with her.”
A petition on Change.org, which takes on the most pressing cultural issues of our day, is making the rounds.
For the love of God, leaders and signers beseech, not The Pub! There can be no progress for humanity without The Pub!
Our man Mark Mourer, "his ownself,” an occasional contributor to our archives, has paid his share of light bills at The Pub over the years. In fact, we once asked him to whip up an ode to drinking in Fort Worth. He poured out his soul for us, The Pub front of his mind as inspiration for the words that came pouring forth.
He, too, walks the earth today shattered, half the man he was on Saturday.
“The University Pub in Fort Worth, TX is more than a bar,” says petition leader J.P. Johnson. “Nestled right next to the TCU campus, it has been an institution and a cherished part of the community for 44 incredible years. For generations of TCU fans, students, and alumni, the Pub has been a place of celebration, camaraderie, and lasting memories. It's where we gathered to cheer on TCU’s greatest moments, share our joys and challenges, and create bonds that last a lifetime.
“Now, the very essence of this beloved establishment is under threat as the University Pub faces permanent closure. We are reaching out to all Fort Worth residents, TCU students and alumni, and supporters to help save this iconic venue.”
When I last looked about midday, 1,500 had gotten out their Bics to loan their John Hancock.
Congratulations, TCU’s beach volleyball national champions. We’ll toast you.
Somewhere.
