FULL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

In May of 1979, Coach J. D. Martin of the University of Oklahoma came to my high school to visit my teammate, John Lee Smith. You see, John had the best time in the US in the 100 yard dash (9.6) and the 220 yard dash (21.3). There were tons of schools interested in John as a result. My high school coach, Carl Shields, told Coach Martin about another member of the track team stating, if this guy focused on track and not do football, baseball and basketball, he probably would be pretty good. Coach Shields was talking about me. Coach Martin started thinking.....mmmmm. He invited both of us to visit OU and guess what? He offered both of us full scholarships on the spot. I had nothing to think about or consider. This was a true blessing for me. My parents had zero money. Of course I said yes...........duh. John continued to visit other schools. Finally, he told Coach Martin he would join me at Oklahoma. We entered OU in the fall of 1969. Four years later, I was getting my degree in Finance. Oh, by the way John was injured a great part of the time during our four years at OU. I left OU holding the school records in the 440 (46.0) and mile relay (3.08.00)and two Big 8 championships. My attitude and mindset entering OU in the fall of 1969- I was very thankful and very blessed and I was determined not to let the people down that placed a lot of trust and confidence me. Thank you John Lee Smith, Coach Carl Shields, Coach J. D. Martin and most of all thank God.