PLaw
1/7/2009, 09:19 PM
08 - 8 - 80
This past summer, my dad turned 80. This fall, realizing the end of this earthly road is near, he confided that he really would like to see the Sooners win one more National Championship.
Some may know, but my dad moved to Norman in the mid-30's. Dirt poor and with his dad in the state hospital, his family scratched out a living in Norman. During elementary school and junior high, Dad hung out at the OU athletic department helping out wherever they would let him. One of his first jobs was picking up tackling dummies after practice. Jimmy (Dad can't remember the equipment manager's last name - the dementia has begin taking its toll) and the trainers on staff took a liking to my dad and kept this dirt poor kid stocked in OU sweats, t-shirts, and socks.
Later, dad went on to play at Norman High and in 1948 made 2nd Team All-State D-end / O-guard. At 6 ft and a buck-eighty, he was too small and too slow to play for Bud's boys. His NHS teams included Jim Garner, his best childhood friend, Jimmy Cobb, and Deuce Dufran among others.
Although he never earned an OU degree, dad was Sooner through and through. He sat under the North end zone goal post the day the 47 game winning streak ended. Took me to the '71 Nebraska game - got in with Sherriff's department passes. And even though we were living in West Texas, he found a way to get us tickets to big games during the late 70's and early 80's.
So, Bob, on this National Championship eve, I beg you, GO WIN THIS ONE FOR 'DOG LAWSON!!
08 - 8 - 80
BOOMER!
This past summer, my dad turned 80. This fall, realizing the end of this earthly road is near, he confided that he really would like to see the Sooners win one more National Championship.
Some may know, but my dad moved to Norman in the mid-30's. Dirt poor and with his dad in the state hospital, his family scratched out a living in Norman. During elementary school and junior high, Dad hung out at the OU athletic department helping out wherever they would let him. One of his first jobs was picking up tackling dummies after practice. Jimmy (Dad can't remember the equipment manager's last name - the dementia has begin taking its toll) and the trainers on staff took a liking to my dad and kept this dirt poor kid stocked in OU sweats, t-shirts, and socks.
Later, dad went on to play at Norman High and in 1948 made 2nd Team All-State D-end / O-guard. At 6 ft and a buck-eighty, he was too small and too slow to play for Bud's boys. His NHS teams included Jim Garner, his best childhood friend, Jimmy Cobb, and Deuce Dufran among others.
Although he never earned an OU degree, dad was Sooner through and through. He sat under the North end zone goal post the day the 47 game winning streak ended. Took me to the '71 Nebraska game - got in with Sherriff's department passes. And even though we were living in West Texas, he found a way to get us tickets to big games during the late 70's and early 80's.
So, Bob, on this National Championship eve, I beg you, GO WIN THIS ONE FOR 'DOG LAWSON!!
08 - 8 - 80
BOOMER!