"Music is a universal language. It heals, it connects, and it speaks to our souls."--Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford Award winning singer, song writer, musician, performer, and producer Rev. Alfred Gibson talks about his journey in music with Buck and Wanda Carole. Not only does he talk the talk, he also walks the walk, as he shares four original songs on this podcast--including two first releases! Down Trails of Victory!--this is the first release of Rev. Gibson's latest composition, and it'...

"You can't judge a book by its cover" That old proverb has held it truth over the centuries, reinforcing the idea that someone or something should not be judged simply on the outer appearance. In regards to the book Down Trails of Victory, however, its cover is a perfect representation of the content within. Stories sleep between the covers of a book. These stories awake when uncovered. The stories of PN-G football are more than a collection of anecdotes and records. They are a genealog...

"The Best High School Football Rivalry in the NATION!"--Sports Illustrated, October 2024 "Mid County Madness," the term coined by sportswriter Tom Halliburton to describe the football rivalry between Port Neches-Groves and Nederland, can trace its origin back to 1925, when each of these schools started their respective football programs. In commemoration of 100 years of PN-G and Nederland football, Dr. Jon Buck Ford and Judge Brad Burnett discuss this historic rivalry with three legendary spo...

"Sooner or Later, Your Cousin's DNA is Going to Solve a Murder" --New York Times headline, April 25, 2019 In 2025, that time is NOW rather than sooner or later. Detective Tina Lewallan of the Beaumont Police Department, and Shera Lapoint, a forensic genealogist known as "The Gene Hunter," discuss their role in solving the 25-year old cold case murder of Beaumont teacher Mary Catherine Edwards. In March 2024, Clayton Bernard Foreman was convicted of the murder by a Jefferson County jury. The c...

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do/ Do not wait to shed your light afar/ To the many duties ever near you now be true/ Brighten the corner where you are." --Lyrics to "Brighten the Corner Where you Are"" by Charles Gabriel, Paul Mickelson, and Ina Duley Ogden Memorial Day. In this special episode, Down Trails of Victory podcast pays tribute to the 1.3 million military men and women who gave their lives defending the United States by telling the story of one of its heroes:&n...

"Running on empty (running on)/ Running blind (running on)/ Running into the sun/ But I'm running behind." --Lyrics to "Running on Empty" by Jackson Browne Dr. William Fermo and his brother Dr. Jeremy Fermo are "all in" on delivering incredible running experiences to runners and communities in Southeast Texas. Since launching their "3 Bros Running Company" in 2022, the brothers have quickly become one of the most recognized and sought-after race organizers in the region. In this episode...

So here's to you/May your dreams come true/ May old father time/Never be unkind/ And through the years/Save your smiles and your tears/ They're just souvenirs/They'll make music in your heart.../ --Lyrics to "My Best to You," by Isham Jones and Gene Willaden The Indianettes have been an iconic figure in the tradition of Port Neches-Groves High School since their first appearance in 1951. In this episode of Down Trails of Victory podcast, Buck and Wanda Carole visit with four former Indianette...

Time to bust out the fiddle and rosin up the bow! Today's guests--Sheryl, Reggie, and Jenifer Wrinkle--are fiddle virtuosos of the highest order. Hear them share how their early experiences playing the fiddle in Southeast Texas led them each on a musical journey of a lifetime. Their conversation with Buck and Wanda Carole covers a wide range of topics, including: Their early years playing the fiddle in performances and contests throughout the Southeast United States;The role that their mom an...

The Port Neches-Groves Indians--Texas 5A D2 State Football Champions of 2023. Six seniors from that 2023 Indian squad--Shea Adams, Mario Miguel, Isaiah Nguyen, Giovanni Oceguera, Reid Richard, and Maxwell Scroggs--tell the story of that historic championship run. It's a unique and insightful perspective from the players themselves. Their remembrances cover a wide range of topics, including: Head Coach Jeff Joseph and PN-G's coaching staff;The 2022 State Final season, and how that season impac...

In February of 2022, Jeff Joseph was named the 20th head football coach at Port Neches-Groves High School. It was his first head coaching job. Two years later, Coach Joseph is the undisputed Coach of the Year recipient from practically every Texas organization that honors high school football coaching excellence! How did Coach Joseph achieve this seemingly meteoric recognition, and lead storied football power Port=Neches Groves to its first state title since 1975? Host Dr. Buck Ford and his p...