Yesterday was one of the strangest football days ever.

Topping headlines, my alma mater fired Mike Leach — a coach that took Texas Tech University football to #2 in the nation with about one-fifth the talent that most Big 12 schools recruit to their beautiful cities. If there is no secret “smoking gun” in this investigation — a lot more than has become public so far — this has to rival trading “The Bambino” for sports shortsightedness.

Cradle This!

There was an inspirational and emotional lunch speech by a guy “who jumps out of perfectly good airplanes” even though his perfectly good legs were severed in a previous parachuting maneuver. Sgt. Dana Bowman is one of the most patriotic, gungho guys you will ever see behind a microphone or falling from the sky. Thanks for booking him, Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. He will jump into the bowl game later today.

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Press Conference

Also, I talked to the mentors of one of the most prolific passers in the country, and Coach pretty much told me that cold weather is a non-issue for his throwing Coo-Gs (Cougars) from the University of Houston. Regardless, good luck to U of H Coach Kevin Sumlin.

And in an attempt to get crazy video for YouTube, I persuaded good sport Coach Troy Calhoun of The United States Air Force Academy to coach my assistant for a spoof. She is about 8.9999 months “with child.” And, with a blush on his face, Coach Calhoun gave detailed instructions in cradling “the football” or other precious cargo to avoid fumbles in traffic. My colleague now has the skills to grip and switch hands appropriately, protecting her bundle in holiday shopping, wild football crowds and raucous New Year’s celebrations. Thanks and good luck Coach Calhoun.

In a brief conversation with Case Keenum, the gunslinging Houston QB said he remembered me from a conference call media event. “Oh yah…” I was the journalist who asked about Twitter. Keenum likes Twitter and Facebook … although his peeps handle his tweets.

So … it was a great day, overshadowed a bit from the insane news from Lubbock, Texas and Texas Tech. I ain’t gonna lie. That news was pretty upsetting. But … not to worry. The PingWi-Fi team finished the day at the fan fest over at Amon G. Carter Stadium …

R U Ready For Some Guitar Hero?

The Armed Forces Bowl folks think of everything. I mean … who would know they would provide the perfect picker upper on a melancholy day … Get this. The bowl booked the world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders with a high-tech, patriotic twist.

Geek-tar Heroes

Duet

Who could ask for more? The cheerleaders, armed with guitars, some singing skills, pseudo drums and a webcam took on active duty soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan in hand-to-hand combat … playing Guitar Hero. How cool is that, my nerdy legions?

Best GI Gig Ever

Cheerleaders Back Troops

Know what I saying?