Chris Snead l Cheers for the hometeam

It's been said that Chris Snead will do just about anything for anyone. "Well within reason," jokes the associate vice president for Texas Tech's Alumni Association. "I really find it difficult to say no because a lot of who I am and what I've become is based on what the community has given me."

Lubbock became home when Snead moved here from El Paso to attend Texas Tech. Yet there was a time, he says, that like many other young professionals he planned to leave as quickly as possible after graduation for bigger opportunities afforded in places like the Metroplex.

But the spirit of giving demonstrated by the community caught him by surprise and kept him here.

Well, that and perhaps his 15 minutes of fame as the official heckler at Dan Law Field.

Snead was religated to the stands after being cut from the 1988 Red Raider baseball team, and it took almost a decade before he found another way to stay in the game. In the mid-1990s, he had organized the Tech Hecklers, and at one time could single-handedly wear down TTU's opponent on the diamond simply by sitting above their dugout and heckling. It was good, clean fun, and it didn't take long before Snead had a following.

"You gotta a love a place where you gain noterity by being a a loud mouth in the stands," he said.

Snead has long since left the heckling to others and instead taken a place behind the scenes of something that brings well-deserved noteriety not to him, but to the game. Snead was among those instrumental in establishing the College Baseball Foundation and the Brooks Wallace Award it presents annually recognizing an outstanding college shortstop. Snead's dedication and leadership helped establish the foundation and garner land from the city of Lubbock for its headquarters and museum to honor college baseball. "Like Omaha has become known for the College World Series, Lubbock will become known for the College Hall of Fame," Snead said.

But that's just one organization and one cause that has benefited from Snead's involvement. He also coaches his daughter's softball team, serves as a mentor for middle school kids through the Lubbock Independent School District's Commmunities in Schools program and has served on numerous city and hospital boards.

"I didn't get where I am by accident," he said. "So many people did the same for me. My wife says I've yet to learn one of the most important words. 'No.' That's because I want to be a person others can count on."

So if means making a phone call. Snead's the man. Speaking at a banquet. He'll do it. Or even wearing a skirt. Yep, he's in

The best thing about wearing a skirt, says Chris Snead:

"Getting an idea of what women do all the time. This certainly gives you a different perspective on fashion."