Knight told the Rev. Mike Henson, pastor of the First Baptist Church, that the brevity of the invocation was unusual for Baptist ministers.
“I’d like to commend Rev. Mike for that invocation,” said Knight. “It was a of an invocation for a Baptist minister.”
Coach Knight also had praise for Shelly Bradberry’s a cappella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
“Francis Scott Key would be very proud,” said Knight, referring to the author of the national anthem.
The Red Raider coach also recognized World War II veterans and all in attendance who served in the military.
Knight made reference to news conferences and his aversion to them.
“They’re kind of like a salad bar, they can lead to problems,” said Knight, drawing a laugh from the crowd in reference to an earlier confrontation Knight and Texas Tech Chancellor David Smith had at a United Supermarket salad bar in Lubbock.
In recognizing the Snyder High School Lady Tigers, Knight praised their accomplishments this past season and the community’s support of the team.
“You girls have accomplished a lot,” said Knight. “Don’t ever forget the heritage you have coming from this community. It may be the best gift you’ve ever been given.”
Knight also related several other stories, including one about Red Raider football great E. J. Holub showing him around the Tech campus.
Cloyce Talbott, a friend of Knight and the chief executive officer of Patterson-UTI, introduced the Tech coach.