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Former Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes passes away at 79

Former Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes has passed away at the age of 79, a school spokesperson confirmed Monday.

Dykes served as head coach of the Red Raiders from 1986 to 1999 and led the program to seven bowl games while going 82-67-1. He earned coach of the year honors three times in the Southwest Conference as well as in the Big 12's inaugural season in 1996.

"A lot of people in this world don't have any fun, but I've had a ball," Dykes said when he retired in 1999.

The native of West Texas coached at eight different Texas high schools over the course of his 41-year coaching career.