Steve Worster’s story
Professor Larry Carlson shares his personal memories of Steve Worster at the redlink below
#30 WAS #1 STEVE WORSTER BY LARRY CARLSON (squarespace.com)
Prayers for all who had a personal relationship with Steve, and prayers for all of us who are a part of the Longhorn nation.
We have truly lost a legend. Bobby Bruce
Duffy Daugherty, the Michigan State coach, called DKR and asked for information on the new offense, and Royal said to Duffy, “You don’t want my offense. You want my fullback.”
Worster, who had produced 28 consecutive 100-yard rushing games in high school for Bridge City — still third all-time in Texas history — was among the highest-profile recruits Royal had ever snagged.
Steve did not have the blazing speed but could be full speed in a few steps.
“The big question was: What were they going to do with Worster?” said Bill Little, who was in his first of 50 years in Texas’ sports communications department that season. “And whether or not Koy or Worster was going to play.”
Having three talented backs was a good problem for Royal to have. And out of this problem came Bellard’s solution, which would soon alter Texas’ fate.
It is a sad day when any teammate passes away, but a collective void occurs in the hearts of many when the symbolic namesake of a whole recruiting class called the “Worster Bunch” passes away. I have nothing but fond memories of being Steve’s pre-game roommate (home and away including three Cotton Bowls.)
Every Saturday morning before breakfast, we started our day preparing for the game by watching the cartoon “George of the Jungle.” It is what boys turning to men still liked to do.
Two photos of Worster Bunch reunions. This group of men still holds the record for the highest percentage won/loss ratio during a 4 year period ever recorded in the history of Longhorn football. The first photo was 2004. The second was in 2009. Billy Dale
2004 Worster Bunch Reunion – Steve is first row for right kneeling with a black shirt on.
A Worster bunch reunion – Steve is hands to knees back row next to Buddy Hudgins wearing the “T” Longhorn cap. Greg Ploetz who passed away with CTE is bottom row second from left.
What a sad day to read about Steve Worster. I am shocked at the number of young men passing away at such an early age. It seems totally impossible. Since one of the write-ups below indicated Steve had been in bad health for many years, I just wondered if his years of heavy-hitting had anything to do with his young age of passing. Again, I am so shocked and sorry for all his family and all of you fine men that played with Steve. I know that my husband (Emory Bellard) would be heartbroken if he was still here. However, Steve is with his coaches now, as well as some of his other teammates. Just so sad, Billy. Just so sad. Most sincerely, Susan Bellard
Legendary Bridge City and University of Texas Longhorn football player Steve Worster, who was an All-State and All-American fullback and was the foundation of the wishbone offense at U.T., has died. He turned 73 in July.
Watching Steve Worster was exciting football. The defense could “pick their poison” Koy. Worster. Bertelson, and Gilbert in 68. Hearing the stands go “WOOOOO” has never really been repeated with the same enthusiasm. He was Earl before Earl was Earl. I’m afraid those days are gone for my lifetime. There wasn’t a single game I went to in my four years of college that I didn’t KNOW we were going to win !! Richard Seifert
Bill Andrews
When we catered dinners at Mack and Sallie’s Home, Mack would have Steve come in to talk on the Seniors night about Honor, Texas Pride and what it meant to be a Longhorn! He was very impressive and gave the Seniors an inspiration to work towards!
My Dad took me to meet Woo Woo Worster and his buddy James Street at a store appearance in 1969. They were my heroes of heroes. The next time I shook Worster’s hand was at the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame. He was kind enough to sign this ball. Same big Orange, Texas smile. So long Steve. We will still remember your thundering cleats for many years to come.
Phil McMahon
I was born in Orange and raised in Vinton just across the Sabine River in SW Louisiana. The drinking age in Louisiana was 18, but it was rarely enforced. I met Steve at one of those clubs, and we quickly became friends. He would often drive over to Vinton if he wanted to seek refuge from the many recruiters. RIP #30. You were a true All-American.
Larry O’Connor Jr.
wow – my dad played High School ball against Woo and remembered him when talking of his high school days – when I became a Longhorn, Steve became family – and when my dad passed 12 years ago – it made it even more real. Hate to see the loss of another one of “The Good Guys” – but sadly it’s the only thing we can all count on…
KDFM
He was inducted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame, the Texas Longhorn Hall of Honor, the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame, and the Museum of the Gulf Coast Sports Gallery.
Worster was one of the greatest beneficiaries of the wishbone offense that Royal developed in the late-1960s. As the Longhorns’ starting fullback from 1968 to 1970, he rushed for 2,353 yards and 36 touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
Worster’s 36 rushing touchdowns remain tied for fifth-most in Texas history. He was a two-time national champion and a two-time Cotton Bowl MVP.
Nicknamed “Big Woo,” Steve Worster became the cornerstone of the wishbone offense when it was introduced at Texas for the first time in 1968. He ran for 806 yards and 13 touchdowns that year en route to winning the Southwest Conference title and the Cotton Bowl.
The 1970 season was Worster’s masterpiece though. He rushed for 898 yards and 14 touchdowns that year, finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. His 14 touchdowns that season remain tied for 10th in a single Longhorns season.
Worster’s college stardom didn’t translate well to the pro level though. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1971 NFL Draft but took his talents to the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats instead. After one year, Worster left and pursued a career in sales.
Our hearts go out to Steve Worster’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace.
JOHN SCOTT
SAW THIS AND CRIED. STEVE AND I PLEDGED SIG EP TOGETHER AND WERE FRIENDS ON AND OFF THE FIELD.
NEVER FORGET RUNNING INTO HIM IN PRACTICE AS LONG AS I LIVE. HE CAME THROUGH THE LINE CARRYING THE BALL AND STRAIGHT UP. I RAN INTO HIM FROM MY NOSE TACKLE POSITION AND HIT HIM AS HARD AS I EVER HIT ANYONE IN MY LIFE . IT WAS LIKE RUNNING INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. AND THEN HE PROCEDED TO FALL ON ME. HE NEVER WENT BACKWARD.
I WAS ALWAYS GLAD THAT WE PLAYED FOR THE SAME TEAM. I WILL MISS HIM.
From: Herkie Walls
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2022 1:54 PM
To: Billy Dale
Subject: Re: Steve Worster has passed away
Thank you.
I remember him when I was in middle school. Sending my condolences to the family.
Top Longhorn running backs at link below
Mark McDonald Sr.
Mon 8/15/2022 1:34 PM
Friends and neighbors,The recent passing of former Longhorn fullback Steve Worster came as a sharp reminder of what we once did, we can never do again. For me, the grim news brought deep appreciation to you people — Razorbacks, Longhorns, former players of all stripes. Each of you, in your own way, contributed to the 2019 release of “Beyond The Big Shootout — 50 Years of Football’s Life Lessons.” Mark McDonald
2003 Induction into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame
No friend of Woo knows Steve better than his 4-year roommate Jay “Elmo” Cormier. No one knows more about Steves’s pre-game ritual than his pre-game roommate for three years- Billy Dale.
Below are some photos of Steve, family, friends, and inductees into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame in 2003. Enjoy!
Larry Bob Moore
Sun 8/14/2022 3:26 PM
What a truly sad day for Longhorn fans who lived in that era!
Bridge City’s Steve Worster is simply the best wishbone fullback there ever was. Anywhere. Worster was the bellcow of the burnt orange squads that won two national titles, three SWC crowns and rolled to 30 straight victories. The rugged Worster was never tackled head on. Defenders held on for dear life until more help arrived to help bring him down after chunk after chunk of five bruising yards. Had Worster not essentially sat out many third and fourth quarters during UT routs in the ’68-’70 era, he might own records that would still stand.
Great pics. The passing of an era. I was at UT as a sophomore in 1969 and in the same fraternity as Steve. I used to serve beer in the Flagon and Trencher on San Antonio street and got to know many of the players on that great team. Pat Brandenburg
James Geary- A huge part of the Glory Days at Texas. 30 straight wins and 2 National Championships. And the 1968 team, the year before, might have been the best team ever from the 3rd game to the Cotton Bowl pouncing of Tennessee. . Til Gabriel Blows His Horn
James Mudd
Thank you Billy, for sharing this. Another Longhorn legend has gone too soon. James Street and Coach Royal are no doubt giving Steve hugs right now.
For my 10th birthday, my father gave me the number 30 Texas Jersey. I had a poster on the wall in my room from the San Antonio express news of Wooster and said WOOOOOOOOO across the top. He was my Hero for 50 years. Robert Sollers
Click on link below celebrating Worster and the Wishbone. Longhorn legend Steve Worster passes away – University of Texas Athletics (texassports.com)
