So here's to you/May your dreams come true/
May old father time/Never be unkind/
And through the years/Save your smiles and your tears/
They're just souvenirs/They'll make music in your heart.../
--Lyrics to "My Best to You," by Isham Jones and Gene Willaden

The Indianettes have been an iconic figure in the tradition of Port Neches-Groves High School since their first appearance in 1951.

In this episode of Down Trails of Victory podcast, Buck and Wanda Carole visit with four former Indianettes whose high school terms span the years 1951 - 1973:

• Latretta Young Walker--one of the original eight Indianettes of 1951, and the only surviving one;
• Jimmie Lou Ford--Class of 1963;
• Tam McCollum Mire--Class of 1970;
• Victoria Beryl Allen--Class of 1973.

Their conversation covers a wide range of topics about those early years, including:

• Stories surrounding the origin of the Indianettes, and that inaugural year of 1951;
• The growth and evolution of the Indianettes over their first 22 years (1951-1973);
• Commentary on the several Indianette directors 1951 - 1973;
• Commentary on the Indianettes' relationship with the Indian Band;
• Discussion on the Indianettes' relationship with PN-G Football;
• Indianette involvement with other events and activities;
• Information about the Indianette Alumni Facebook page;
• and much, much, more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Indianette and PN-G history, including Lynne James, Beth Guidry Terrell, Jamie Rohe, Frank Gioviale, Irene Ford, Jennifer Terrell, Jean Babb Cowles, Patsy Cox Jones, Doris Davis Bailey, Shirley Jones Havard, Beverly Rogers Hawk, Paula Sory Lee, Thomasine Ward Jones, Micky and Phil Spenser, Dalton Fox, Dottie Meents, Peggy Dockery, Janyce Martin Braswell, Phyllis Larrabee, Ann Monzingo, Judy Massey Childress, Rebecca Swofford Walker, Carol Jones, Albert Long, Mark Williams, Sammy Almany, Lila Long, Harry Charles, Mary Lee Worsham, Gene McCollum, Lewis Ford, Wilford Moore, Bum Phillips, Ken Watson, Cecil Yarbrough, Daphine McCollum, Carol Anne Watson, Jennifer Guidry, Shally Laurents Hollier, Sabrina Dalby, Cortnie Moerbe Schexnaider, Celina Flores Ellis, ...and more!

Other historic personages referred to in the podcast include Slu Hull, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Bear Bryant, Mickey Mantle, and William Shakespeare!

Remember this/Each new day is a kiss/
Sent from above/With an angel's love/
So here's to you/May your skies be blue/
And your love blessed/That's my best to you.

Here's Our Best to You PN-G Indianettes!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

Time to bust out the fiddle and rosin up the bow!

Today's guests--Sheryl, Reggie, and Jenifer Wrinkle--are fiddle virtuosos of the highest order. Hear them share how their early experiences playing the fiddle in Southeast Texas led them each on a musical journey of a lifetime.

Their conversation with Buck and Wanda Carole covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Their early years playing the fiddle in performances and contests throughout the Southeast United States;
• The role that their mom and dad played in their development as artists;
• Sheryl's current endeavors as a band leader and a playwright;
• Reggie's current undertaking as a West Texas country music entrepreneur--the construction and opening of the new Lime Rock Amphitheater;
• Jenifer's thoughts on playing with country music's biggest stars, and also the on the release of her upcoming album;
• An update on the musical trajectory of Cameron Wrinkle, Reggie's son who is on the precipice of country music stardom;
• An added bonus of hearing Jenifer's latest hit song Living My Dreams (Momma's Song), and Cameron's latest hit single In My Heaven;
• and much, much, more!

The podcast brings up a wide names from Southeast Texas and country music, including Jimmy Wrinkle, Carol Ann Wrinkle, Juanita Wrinkle, Tracy Byrd, Cameron Wrinkle, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Pam Tillis, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Trisha Yearwood, Blake Shelton, Scotty McCreery, Charlie Daniels, Grandpa James Wrinkle, Grace Wrinkle, Wallace Wrinkle, Neal Wrinkle, Hardy Wrinkle, Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, MacDavis, Jimmy Dean, Tanya Tucker, Roy Orbison, the Gatlin Brothers, Bob Wills, Gary P Nunn, Natalie Maines, Benny Brocato, Frazier Moss, Dakota Wrinkle, Lainey Wilson, David Lee, Mark Mesler, Bud Lee, Dale Ernheart,...and more!

So don't fiddle around! Spend a little over an hour with the Wrinkle Family Fiddlers--it's worth the price of admission!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

The Port Neches-Groves Indians--Texas 5A D2 State Football Champions of 2023.

Six seniors from that 2023 Indian squad--Shea Adams, Mario Miguel, Isaiah Nguyen, Giovanni Oceguera, Reid Richard, and Maxwell Scroggs--tell the story of that historic championship run. It's a unique and insightful perspective from the players themselves.

Their remembrances cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Head Coach Jeff Joseph and PN-G's coaching staff;
• The 2022 State Final season, and how that season impacted 2023;
• PN-G's undefeated district campaign;
• The 2023 playoff run, which culminated in a re-match with South Oak Cliff in the State 5A D2 championship game played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington;
• The memorable post-season parade and pep rally held at Indian Stadium;
• Their thoughts on various team mates and opponents;
• and much, much, more!

The podcast brings up several names from Southeast Texas, including Keith Waguespack, Gordon LeBoeuf, Ricardo Serna, Michael Baker, Jeff Joseph, Blake, Austin, Tony Bradley, Aaron Easley, Charlie Feller, Collin Gizzi, Dean Guidry, Chad Luttrull, Cade McCrary, Regan Mayfield, Matt McDaniel, Jayce Nelson, Cory Parsons, Jeff Smith, Logan Wilson, Genny Pigg, Kameron Droddy, Sean Gardiner, Noah Washington, Jackson Christian, Parker Farris, Connor Bailey, Kale Cropper, Kade Schexnaider, William Poole, Blair Chatagnier, Jacob Cabrera, London Nunley, Luis Blanco, Riley Burnett, Coach Lewis Ford, Byron Franklin, Gino Ramirez, Mason Wuenschel, Dane Stewart, Chase Johnson, Seth Brisboe, Travis Cobb, Jayce Neeb, Landon English, Jaxon Doyle, Chris Baxter, Caden Naquin, Dylan Talbert, Aibel Jomon, Isaac Sinette, Davis Freeman, Fischer Einkauf, Jonathan Ceja, Chris Diaz, Julian Guidry, Jayden Matute, Dallas Frederick, Isaac Uriostegui, Layden Williams, Kooper Benoit, Mervin Henry, Jagger Sonnier, Andres Fuentes, Aaron Wolford, Kaden Pellegrin, Keegan Flores, Michael Wood, Sean Yarbrough, Miguel Olivera, Conner Cuccia, Rafa Black, Dillan Romero, Freddy Torres, Ethan Lopez, Trent Ketchum, Dylan Hicks, Kole Kidwell, Jonathan Hernandez, Chase Metts, Hunter Ballard, Braison Lofton, Kash Barnwell, ...and more!

Other names mentioned in the podcast include Shone Evans, Caleb Bell, Tyvonn Byars, Noah Long, Ben Carter, Danny Green Jr, Isaac Newton, Kanye West, ...and more!

You've seen and read about PN-G's 2023 championship season; now hear the story from the players themselves.

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

In February of 2022, Jeff Joseph was named the 20th head football coach at Port Neches-Groves High School. It was his first head coaching job.

Two years later, Coach Joseph is the undisputed Coach of the Year recipient from practically every Texas organization that honors high school football coaching excellence!

How did Coach Joseph achieve this seemingly meteoric recognition, and lead storied football power Port=Neches Groves to its first state title since 1975?

Host Dr. Buck Ford and his podcast partner Judge Brad Burnett attempt to answer that question, as they talk with Coach Joseph about a variety of topics, including:

• His thoughts about the Indians' 2023 state championship;
• The job application process he went through that landed him at PN-G;
• His family and his family's connection to football success;
• His educational and coaching background;
• His thoughts on the 2022 and 2023 playoff runs, and the amazing community support that accompanied them;
• His thoughts on the 2023 State Final matchup vs South Oak Cliff, including the coaching decisions that brought home that remarkable 20-17 victory...and more!

The podcast brings up several names from Southeast Texas, including Dr. Mike Gonzales, Kevin Schexnaider, Todd Dodge, Coach Joe Washington, Jonathan Hernandez, Jacob Cabrera, Cory Parsons, Reid Richard, Kameron Droddy, Max Scroggs, Matt McDaniel, Jon Deckert, Scott Ryan, Coach Lewis Ford, Bum Phillips, Barbara Comeaux...and more!

Other well-known and lesser known names discussed in the podcast include Ric Renner, Riley Dodge, Gary Joseph, Eddie Joseph, Johnny Manziel, Mark Snyder, John Chavis, Kevin Sumlin, Blake Joseph, Jeff Banks, Judy Garland...and more!

In January of 2022, legendary coach Todd Dodge was hired as a consultant on PN-G's head coaching search. In a Season Three interview on Down Trails of Victory podcast, Todd Dodge said, at the culmination of that head coaching search, "I recommended Jeff Joseph."

What qualities did Jeff Joseph possess that led to that recommendation? Find out here...as Down Trails of Victory podcast presents:

Jeff Joseph, Texas 5A Coach of the Year, and head coach of the 2023 State Champion Port Neches-Groves Indians!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

St. Francis of Assissi said, "He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”

Phil Brannan is a wood carving artist who has spent a lifetime pursuing a passion. It is a passion that has burned within him always, through his life's highs and lows. His passionate pursuit has taken him on a spiritual journey of revelation, wherein he has felt a closeness with the divine.

The journey has also taken him to the highest stage of his artistry: the world fish carving championships, at which he has been a three-time world champion.

Hear Phil Brannan talk with Buck and Wanda Carole about his art, including:

• His recent exhibition at the Beaumont Art Museum;
• His success on the world stage;
• The spiritual insights he has gained on his journey;...and more!

The podcast brings up several names from Southeast Texas, including Andy Coughlin, Richard "Dick" Spinney, Sunni Gonzales, Savannah Gonzales, Gerry Mouton, Bubba Busceme, Jerry LaCroix, G G Shinn...and more!

Other well-known and lesser known names discussed in the podcast include Moses and Bezaleel...check that out!

World champion artist Phil Brannan takes us into the mind, heart, and soul of his artistry--an artistry adjudged the best in the world! Accompany Buck and Wanda Carole as they enter Phil's inspiring world of imagination, dreams, and spiritual faith...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words....

If this is true, then the photo production of Bart Bragg and Wayne Rogers would be prolific enough to fill a library!

Bart and Wayne talk with Buck about their 60-plus years of photographing the people and events of Southeast Texas, including:

• Their early interest in photography;
• Working alongside Museum of the Gulf Coach Hall of Fame photographer Frank Cricchio;
• Stories surrounding some of their most memorable experiences photographing celebrities, politicians, athletes, and other personalities of Southeast Texas;
• In-depth commentary about some of their most remarkable photos,...and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including James Badgett, Frank Cricchio, Roger Russell, Leonard Duckett, Ethel Redman, Bum Phillips, Wade Phillips, Claude Brown, Dana Rogers (Mrs. Wayne Rogers), Jack Brooks, Judge Brad Burnett, Jimmy Everett, Nick Lampson, Mike Simpson, George Caraway, Leo and Mary Weeks, Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford, Christy Morace, Lew Ford, Todd Dodge, Dr. Jesse DeLee, William Seale...and more!

Other well-known names discussed in the podcast include Dottie Rambo, Barry Goldwater, John Tower, Linda Laughlin, Nancy Ann Fleming, Bob Hope, Leon Jaworski, Richard Nixon, Joe Jaworski, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Cecil Stoughton, Lyndon Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, Lee Harvey Oswald, Jim Leavelle, Jack Ruby, Don Rickles, Bob West, George Herbert Walker Bush, George W. Bush, Walter Humphrey, Harry Goins, Don Knotts, Jonathan Winters, Johnny Carson, Eddie Albert, Buddy Ebsen, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, Ann Richards...and more!

Minor White said, "Photography is a language more universal than words."

Listen to these two masters talk about capturing over sixty years of Southeast Texas life...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

On the Wings of Eagles....

1979 was a Cinderella football season for the Stephen F Austin Eagles of Port Acres, Texas. Projected to finish 7th in tough District 18-2A, the Eagles overcame an 0-3 pre-district record to capture SFA's first District title since 1965.

Seniors Chuck Anderson, Ty Coburn, David Lutcher, Richard Smith, and Ricky Sonnier were senior players on that historic campaign--a campaign that influenced the future of SFA football for years to come.

Hear these seniors of that 1979 team talk with Buck about:

• Overcoming pre-season projections of a 7th place finish in District 18-2A;
• SFA's disappointing 0-3 pre-district record;
• The incredible events leading up to their district opener vs undefeated Orangefield;
• SFA's weekly march through District 18-2A;
• The Eagle's dramatic 9-7 win over Hardin-Jefferson in a winner-take-all battle for the District crown;
• SFA's 1979 Regional Finals playoff run;
• Remembrances of coaches, players, opponents, games, rivalries, and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Bevil Deckert, Joe Landry, George Rose, Dr. Chester Levy, Richard Marler, John Blocker, Dale Westmoreland, Greg Green, Steve Coulter, Boyd Edwards, Larry Southard, Bob Gough, Jimmy Wyble, Joe Smith, Herschel Taylor, Bryan Comeaux, Curtis Price, Matt Harrington, John Tomplait, Tommy Gaspard, James Tomplait, Delmonte Hebert, Bernard Fleener, Craig Broussard, Todd Dodge, Brent Duhon, Preston Williams, Kenneth Durham, John Mire, Ed Peveto, Sidney Arceneaux, Matt Harrington, Mitchell Michalke, Harold Joseph, Todd Mouton, Jay Jackson, James Harris, Billy Thomas, Dizzy Dean Arceneaux, Phil Danaher, Dozier Lee, Billy Farrow, Tracy Rayburn, Kenneth Green, Pat Hollomon, Kenny Guy, Tommy Nequent, Darrell Victor Hadnot, Walter Allen, Blaine Melancon, Willie Cockrell, Jody Hartmann, Gerard Dies, Percy Villemez, Kevin Wolf, Tony Cockrell, Carlton Anderson, Monte Jeanis, Mark Crowder, Walter Jackson, Wesley Monk, James McCarter, Sidney Boullion, Phillip Hallmark, Damon Martin, Dalyn Martin,...and more!

"1979 was a big year in the annals of SFA football," said podcast host and SFA defensive line coach Buck Ford. "If the players on that team hadn't stepped up and accomplished what they did, I'm not sure what the future of SFA athletics would have looked like--including my own future!"

Hear about that colorful and historic season from the players themselves...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Ooh...let's go...
boom...boom...boom...
Another one bites the dust!"--by Queen bassist John Deacon

Coach Ronnie Thompson and quarterback Todd Dodge were football legends at Port Arthur Thomas Jefferson High School. Under Thompson's coaching genius, and Dodge's quarterbacking excellence, the #1-ranked Yellow Jackets rode the "Another One Bites the Dust" steamroller to a showdown with Odessa Permian in the 1980 State Finals.

Thompson, known for his innovative offensive philosophy, is a 1962 graduate of Thomas Jefferson, and played on their 1960 district championship team along with college and NFL coaching great Jimmy Johnson. In addition to coaching at Thomas Jefferson, he had Southeast Texas coaching stints at Vidor, Lamar University, and Port Arthur Memorial. He also coached at the University of Texas and Texas A&M as offensive coordinator, as well as many years coaching high school in the Garland area.

Dodge, along with receiver Brent Duhon, went on the secure All American honors for the Yellow Jackets, while setting numerous state and national records. In 1980, he was named The Most Outstanding Football Player in Texas. He went on to quarterback the Texas Longhorns. Afterwards, Dodge became one of Texas' most decorated high school head football coaches, winning seven state titles--all in Texas' highest classification. He won four titles at Southlake Carroll, where the Dragons went 79-1 over a five-year span. He subsequently won three state titles at Austin Westlake, before retiring at the close of 2021.

Hear these respected football greats talk with Buck and Brad about:

• Coach Thompson's years as a student athlete at Port Arthur Jefferson;
• Coach Thompson's return to Southeast Texas in 1975 to lead Vidor out of its 43-game losing streak, and turn the Pirates into winners;
• Coach Thompson's return to TJ in 1978, and his relationship with then-sophomore quarterback phenom Todd Dodge;
• The Yellow Jackets' evolution from their 1-9 team of 1978, to the "Another One Bites the Dust" State Finalist powerhouse of 1980;
• Todd Dodge's consulting work with Port Neches-Groves ISD's head coaching search, that culminated in the hiring of Jeff Joseph;
• Todd Dodge's induction into the Museum of the Gulf Coast Hall of Honor;
• Remembrances of players, opponents, games, rivalries, and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Brent Duhon, Jimmy Johnson, Clarence "Buckshot" Underwood, Don Holloway, Robert Smothers, Ken Watson, Lonnie Linscomb, Randy Brevell, (Todd's mom and dad), Richard Rice, Colleen Rice, Bobby Rice, Bruce Miller, Donnie Schexnider, Rick Wyble, Steve Durso, Mike Owens, Hank Clark, Steve DeRouen, Norman Gaspard, George Hawkins, Emerick Jagneaux, Bill Mehan, Ron Stump, Willie Williams, Charles Wilson, Frank Eidom, Larry Mayer, Gary Hammond, Kenny Harrison, Roman Leviege, Gary Jefferson, Anthony Dupuy, James Wallace, Shea Walker, Tug Lewis, Troy Terrell, Arnold Landry, Greg Brugman, Hayward Laurent, Clay Southerland, Jeff Joseph, Dr. Mike Gonzales, Lew Ford, Dr. Jesse Delee, William Seale...and more!

Other names included in the podcast are O. J. Simpson, Otis Wylie, Kenny Stabler, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Mark Rypien, Riley Dodge, Gary Joseph, Tony Salazar,...and more!!

Are you ready? Hey are your ready for this?
Are you standing on the edge of your seat?
Out on the gridiron, the Jackets fly,
Swarmin' to the sound of the beat, yeah!
boom...boom...boom...
Another one bites the dust!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!