My dad, Charles Sollock. A graduate from the University of Houston in chemical engineering in 1967 after transferring here following a year at Baylor. Being a fan of this school and program was a huge part of his life. I remember the very beginnings of the board in the late 1990s before I spent much time on the internet or knowing much about it. He was still teaching and I was working overnights and would be sleeping in the early afternoons when he got back home. At the time there was just the Cougar Den still in the scrolling format. He would rush upstairs to our computer and spend about 30 minutes reading what had transpired that day. It was such a novelty at that time to get an outlet to read about UH sports. He would never post, just read and sometimes he would print out some recruiting information I could read. I could go on an on about games from the past he had seen and told me about but what resonates most were stories like him watching the first ever UH football game in the SWC and my toddler self having fun turning the tv on/off. I recall the pride going to games with him and the conversations as I grew we would have about the games and recruiting. We could talk for hours. As disagreeable as I can be discussing sports I don’t recall ever having a contrasting view with my dad when it came to UH sports. Even though we spent so many evenings and days watching/attending games together the most memorable memories I have at the games with dad are walking out of the Dome or Hofheinz as a child while holding his hand, looking up to him and saying thank you for taking me. My dad always lived life through God. He didnt curse and was a very timid person. This social shyness made our discussions about sports hold even more value for the two of us. The very few times he would get visibly or verbally upset would be watching our games. I think my thank yous after games helped to calm him down and put things in perspective. That on top of seeing I would emulate behaviors that didn’t want me to display. I guess if I had a do over it may be that I would take a calmer demeanor at times over the years. We shared this passion as father and sons including my brother Taylor. He loved having his boys with him at the games. The final memory I recall from the last football game we attended together was him looking up and saying “It doesn’t get any better than this. I am here on a beautiful day with my two boys…” This passion has led to many more shared memories with family, friends and most specifically Taylor and wife Tracey. I still carry on these conversations in self-talk, in-game commentary and through the message boards. Dad may you rest in peace.
I will be putting this on both boards.
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Duce630
(DustinK - Still 97 hostages held by Hamas for a YEAR)
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Coach, that was a very touching and personal message. You and your immediate family were truly blessed to be with a great man. All of us were blessed to read this message. Thinking of you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
Coach Russell this is one of the most touching post, writting I have ever read. YOUR Dad is smilling in heaven and more importantly so proud of you for sharing these timeless memories with us. No one knows until you experience the loss of your Dad, Mother, Wife, Children or closed ones. It changes you forever. As if the only sound that you hear are the wind going through the trees. I am praying for you Coach, your family and loved ones.
It is a privileged to have read your memories.
When a man focuses on God and family, he has his priorities in order. Congrats on having a great father and praying for peace, strength, and love for your familly in this time of need.
Russell so sorry for your loss, such a nice tribute you wrote sounds like a great dad! I know what you’re feeling and going thru as I lost my dad in June. Not one day goes by that I don’t think about him, look at photos or videos etc. the thing I miss most is not being able to pick the phone up and talk to him anymore. it’s been 6 months but I still feel the sting of his loss, hopefully it lessens as time passes
May God lift you up hand carry you in this time of grief and loss, you will always have the memories
Heartfelt condolences 