Spring Break
A passionate trail
Memoir of an interesting life
By: Laura Swift
Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: News
With steady work, Soyars didn't hesitate to pursue another passion - flying. "In 1951 I finished my flight training, and in 1956 was hired as an Army Air Corps flight instructor," Soyars said. "I instructed Army students, administering more than 3,000 hours."
During this time he continued to fly independently, eventually gaining more than 18,000 hours in flying time and he still flies today. "I just passed my physical and check ratings, so I am still flying," Soyars said.
Soyars' hunger for adventure did not stop with cattle ranching and flying. He was a hunting guide for 60 years, during which he participated in hunts everywhere from Baja California to Alaska.
"In 1973, I went to Africa as part of the Old Time Tent Safari Hunt, where I killed four of the five 'dangerous animals,'" Soyars said.
Soyars' world travels took him to Scotland in 1987, where he displayed another one of his many talents, this time in golf. He competed in and won the British Senior Amateur Golf Championship in Scotland, which is one of the world's premier golf championships. His name is immortalized in the Royal and Ancient Golf Records at St. Andrews, Scotland.
Soyars resides in Austin, where he is an active member of Hyde Park Baptist Church.
Soyars is a frequent visitor to Aggieland, where he reunites with his football team every year. This year is significant for the former team, because it marks the 65th anniversary of their trip to the Orange Bowl. Soyars said the team is being introduced on Kyle Field during the Colorado game on Nov. 1.
The 520-page book follows Soyars' adventures in detail, accompanied by 750 pictures.
"A Passionate Trail" was published in June 2008.
During this time he continued to fly independently, eventually gaining more than 18,000 hours in flying time and he still flies today. "I just passed my physical and check ratings, so I am still flying," Soyars said.
Soyars' hunger for adventure did not stop with cattle ranching and flying. He was a hunting guide for 60 years, during which he participated in hunts everywhere from Baja California to Alaska.
"In 1973, I went to Africa as part of the Old Time Tent Safari Hunt, where I killed four of the five 'dangerous animals,'" Soyars said.
Soyars' world travels took him to Scotland in 1987, where he displayed another one of his many talents, this time in golf. He competed in and won the British Senior Amateur Golf Championship in Scotland, which is one of the world's premier golf championships. His name is immortalized in the Royal and Ancient Golf Records at St. Andrews, Scotland.
Soyars resides in Austin, where he is an active member of Hyde Park Baptist Church.
Soyars is a frequent visitor to Aggieland, where he reunites with his football team every year. This year is significant for the former team, because it marks the 65th anniversary of their trip to the Orange Bowl. Soyars said the team is being introduced on Kyle Field during the Colorado game on Nov. 1.
The 520-page book follows Soyars' adventures in detail, accompanied by 750 pictures.
"A Passionate Trail" was published in June 2008.
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