Perry McWilliams has passed away

Perry McWilliams has passed away

Royal recruited players from the inside-out based on heart, attitude, and spirit. Royal understood early in his coaching career that players who believe they are bigger and faster than they actually are made great recruits. Royal also gravitated to recruits with dreams. No great activity starts without a dream . Perry McWilliams had all the traits of a DKR Texas Longhorn.

He played much larger then his 6-0 and 199 pound frame. Rodney Kelley who played with Perry said his teammates called him the man with the golden forearm from the Gold Finger Bond Movie. Rodney says “He knocked out three straight guys in the bull in the ring drill one day! I know- I prayed to not have my number called! Fortunately Coach Campbell stopped it before anyone else got hurt! More pop per pound than anyone! RIP Perry!”

In a way Perry will always be with us. Perry received his masters degree from Texas Tech and with keen insight Tech captured Perry’s oral history. The collection is available at the Southwest Collection reading Room. Unfortunately Perry McWilliams oral history is not available on line so I was unable to access.

On the oral history tapes he discuss’s the roles of leadership in team athletics, dealing with university recruiters, why he chose to attend The University of Texas , “pressures” on the college athlete, attitude toward and “exploitation” of the athlete, .  On side 2 of the tape he discusses, social stereotypes associated with the athletes, and anecdotes about Texas-Arkansas and Texas-TCU games and other Longhorn subjects.

A DEFINING MOMENT IN LONGHORN SPORTS HISTORY

Many great athletes never have a special play that will define their playing years when the glory days are over, but Perry is not one of them. Longhorns dislike for OU is not a current phenomenon, and in 1962 Perry’s recovery of OU fumble for a touchdown on a freakish second period play will be forever remembered by Longhorn fans.

I have been told there will be no obit, funeral, or memorial service for Perry , but Longhorn fans can still celebrate a great man who has brought glory to the Longhorn nation.

Blessings,

Billy Dale