Geophysicist Bill Tift (now deceased), along with geologist Jerry Sides and geologist Charlie Tierce, discovered major reserves of gas and oil in the Delaware and Val Verde basins of the greater Permian Basin for Superior Oil Company of Midland, Texas. During the thirty year period encompassing the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the Superior team discovered the Chapman Deep, Grey Ranch, Worsham Bayer, Coyanosa, Crittendon, Quito, Mi Vida, Barstow, and Rojo Caballos fields, and drilled in parts of the giant Gomez Field. Utilizing aggressive operating and leasing styles, Superior outmaneuvered many larger competitors, building a highly successful business.