Thursday. Oct. 20, 1955. University Daily Kansan
Page 7
By JOHN McMILLION Daily Kansan Sports Editor
Saturday's game between KU and SMU could be a make or break date for Mustang head Coach Chalmer Woodard. If the Jayhawkers could upset the Ponies it could very easily result in the ouster of Woodard.
Woodard, who established an outstanding high school record of 81 wins, 10 defeats, and two ties during 10 years of coaching in the prep ranks, spent seven years as head coach at Lawrence High School.
The Shadow of Doak
At Dallas Woodard lives under a shadow. The shadow is the revered name of Doak Walker, the greatest football player in the history of SMU football. It has been six years since "The Doaker" burned up the gridiron in the Southwest Conference but his name still on the lips of every alum of SMU.
Walker is an institution at Southern Methodist. He is generally believed to be the future head coach of SMU whenever he makes up his mind he wants the job.At the present time he is a member of the Detroit Lions professional football team.
Doak was a three-year All-American for the Mustangs and the feats he performed on the football field, to hear the Texans tell it, are reminiscent of the Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill era. They are just short of unbelievable.
Woodard has never been overly-popular at SMU. Many people believed he was still a small-time coach when he came to Dallas. His only college experience was three years as head coach at McPherson College where his teams won 18, lost seven, and tied two.
It is reported that many of the players have been resentful of Woodard and actually look up to backfield coach Harold B. "Bo" Hagan as the real leader of the Mustangs. Hagan has been mentioned as a possible successor to Woodard if Walker doesn't want the job.
"Woody" Not Too Popular
Last year, in Woodard's first season as head coach, the Mustangs did a fine job. They won six, lost three, and tied one against strong opposition and was the only conference team to beat Rice, the Cotton Bowl champ.
This showing by "Woody" in his first year failed to give the SMU alumni any legitimate excuse for firing him. So in a rather hypocritical fashion they patted him on the back and told him he had done a fine job.
Alumni Have No Reason
This year they feel they have had reason to grumble and faint mumblings have been heard. The Ponies lost their first two games to Notre Dame, no disgrace, and Georgia Tech, still no disgrace.
Woodard's nights were beginning to become sleepless and then on Oct. 7 the Ponies edged out Missouri 13 to 6. This gave him a new lease on life but didn't quiet the rumbles. Most alumni felt the Mustangs should have won more easily.
Last week, however, SMU quieted the alumni, at least temporarily, by shellacking Rice 20 to 0. Their first-string fullback Hal O'Brien, who has been on the injured list all season, returned to action and showed promise of attaining his old peak in short order.
This week is the test period for Woodard and the Mustangs, SMU must look good against KU, who they beat 36-18 in the rain last year, to quiet the wolves for a few weeks.
After Kansas a tough conference schedule which includes Texas, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Baylor, and TCU awaits the Mustangs so they must win this week. It could be interesting.
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Reich, Stevenson Both May Be Out Of Action
Trouble piled up for Head Football Coach Chuck Mather yesterday when he learned three of his players will definitely be out of action for the game with Southern Methodist.
Suffering knee injuries are fullback Dick Reich and quarterback Dave Preston. Halfback John Tray-
732 N. 2nd.
STEVENSON
REICH
lor is still out of action with a rib injury sustained against Colorado.
Mather has switched 193 pound Don Slicer from end. Slicer was a back in high school and started this season as a fullback. However, he has played only two minutes all year.
RickeyStepsDown At Pittsburgh
With Reich out and Al Stevenson on the doubtful list the fullback slot is at the lowest ebb of the season. Sophomore Jerry Baker is slated to start in that position.
PITTSBURGH—(U.P.)—Branch Rickey, still insisting he'll "lick the greatest challenge of my life." said today he will fight for a National League pennant for the Pittsburgh Pirates even after resigning Nov. 1 as General Manager of the club.
Rickey, now 74, said yesterday he would step down as General Manager and Executive Vice President of the habitual tail-end Pirates. But:
Baker was the number one choice for the fullback slot prior to the season but was injured in fall practice and didn't get into a game until last Saturday against Oklahoma. He is a creditable runner and a fine defensive linebacker.
More Sports On Pages 8 & 9
If Reich and Stevenson are both out Baker may be called upon to go all the way as no experienced backlacks are listed behind these three. Only other man who could possible be used is Joe Held, junior.
To relieve the pressure somewhat
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