Brian Pate-Managing Editor
Brian Pate is the founder and Managing Editor of The Lion Wire. Having established the blog in 2012, the site has become the prime source of a fan’s view of Texas A&M-Commerce athletics.
A Native of the Tyler, Texas area, Brian is a 2007 graduate of Texas A&M-Commerce with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and also has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from TAMUC, which he earned in 2012. He lives in the Dallas Metroplex and is an associate at a Dallas based Wealth Management firm. When not blogging, he enjoys reading, fishing, basketball, live music, and attends Stonebriar Church in Frisco, TX.
Russell McLean-Contributing Editor
Russell McLean with his wife on campus in 2016.
Russell McLean joined The Lion Wire staff in the Fall of 2017 and could not have come on at a better time. A long time supporter of the site, his in depth analysis and sports writing acumen has won him a lot of fans in a short amount of time and has become an invaluable part of the Wire. He is a major contributor during Football season and covers off-season football news and recruiting news. McLean has a tremendous knowledge of Texas High School Football and also Texas College Football on levels from Division I-FBS to Division III.
A West Texas native from the town of Quanah, Texas. He attended then East Texas State University from 1979-1981 and was a part of the Football program as a punter and a student assistant during those days. He as a member of the Kappa Alpha Order as a student. After his time in Commerce, he went back to West Texas and started a long career in Firefighting and being a first responder, trainer, and cadet coordinator with the Cypress Creek Fire Department in Houston, Texas. He currently resides in the Houston area city of Klein, Texas with Tiana, his wife of over 30 years, and has a grown son, Andrew, and a daughter, Shelby, who is a Junior at A&M-Commerce.
The Lion Wire 
Brian: I looked for a fan board for TAMU-C, but couldn’t find one. Found your blog: so I thought I would post my comments here. Hope you don’t mind.
My thoughts on your team after watching them battle my Bearkats. Your guys are big, fast, physical, fundamentally sound and very well coached. I have been to every game that the Kats have played this year except the one against Abilene Christian.
I am serious when I say that the only team that we have played, so far, that was better than the Lions is Texas Tech and I think your defense was pretty much on par with theirs in a one game, snap shot comparison. We lost to Lamar in the second game of the season, but the Lions are a MUCH better team than they are.
I just want to let all of you Lions fans know that your squads efforts at Bowers didn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. Best of luck in the D2 playoffs.
DOK Rogers
SHSU ’77 & ’78
N/A
Dudley,
Where are you these days? This from a 73 Alum who enjoyed your play and the Championship season.
Mike Reid
ETSU 73
I would really love to know who wrote the article about my brother, Wade, entitled Everybody’s All American. There have been numerous articles and news clips over the past few days, many kind words and remembrances. THIS heartfelt piece has truly touched hearts. On behalf of my father and my brother, David, we would all like to thank this author for an outstanding tribute to Wade. Thank you, Charlotte Wilson Sheets
Hi Charlotte, this article was written by Russell McLean, a teammate of his here in Commerce and a contributor to this site. If you are on social media, Russell is there too. We are praying for your family in this time and if there is anything we can, please let us know. Thanks and God Bless- Brian Pate
Charlotte, it was me. I was at ET with Wade from 79-81. Wade was always very friendly, and made a big impression in a short time. I treasured my time in Commerce, and the teammates I played with. He was my friend. I miss him, and am a better person for having known him.
Charlotte, I’m sorry, I forgot. My name is Russell McLean. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult days. I know you’ve probably heard this countless times, but please do not hesitate to contact me if there’s anything I can do. Russell
I would love to have Mr. McLean contact me.
Hi Sherri. Please message us on the Lion Wire Facebook page and we love to have a discussion with you. Thanks!
In reviewing information on the site, a quote was shown purportedly from Sam Rayburn that cited his date of graduation from East Texas Normal College as 1902. His graduation year was actually 1903. The quotation sounds slightly out of character for Mr. Rayburn and I have seen that quotation in any Rayburn publications though my research was not exhaustive.
On a different note, I have been advised that you are seeking to organize opposition to the remaining of the library and the campus lake in a misdirected effort to diminish the legacy of former University President James Gilliam Gee. I do not follow Facebook but will provide my email address since I am apparently as opposed to the unjustified renaming action as you and many others. Please advise as to contact information regarding your continuing efforts to register opposition to the renaming of both the library and the lake in view of my none participation in Facebook.
Ted R. Crim
Class of 1970
East Texas State University/Texas A&M University-Commerce
Hello Ted. You are free to contact me at either Bdanielpate@gmail.com or via my personal cell at 903-413-4147. I look forward to speaking with you.