Coach Kliff Kingsbury known for his days in Lubbock, not just as head coach of the Texas Tech football program, but also as a quarterback, leading the Red Raiders to multiple successful seasons.
His former teammate, Anton Paige, now head football coach at Wayland Baptist University, said Kingsbury left a lasting legacy on him, the moment he geared up in the red and black.
“Every player has that ‘it’ factor, whatever it is, and he really took me under his wing,” said Paige. “We worked out, we threw. Any opportunity we had to be together, we got that chance to be together.”
Paige’s favorite memories with Kliff were on the field, in high pressure games, against strong defensive teams.
“From the moment we start rolling, he knows if he is getting in trouble, just throw it at the highest point he can throw it at, and let me go up and get it. That was the fun part,” he said.
Despite the outcome of a game, Paige said Kingsbury protected his team, both as a player and a coach.
“He will take the blame and let all his other players, once they do well and they are winning, get the credit,” he said.
That same drive continued during Kingsbury’s time as head coach for the Red Raiders, according to Paige.
While Paige believed Athletic Director, Kirby Hocutt, made the best decision for the future of Red Raider football, he also believed Kingsbury left the program at a better place then when he started.
“KK, you did a great job. Way to come in, show them your dedication, integrity, commitment to the program, and most of all, leaving it better than you found it,” said Paige.