FIFTY YEARS OF CRIMSON TIDE FAITH BY WAYNE ATCHESON
I remember picking up my phone in October of 2013 and hearing the distinct greeting that immediately registered 'Mr. A'. Wayne Atcheson's voice is always full of energy, warmth, and joy.
He was writing a book and wanted me to tell about my experiences in FCA.
When I first got to Alabama (1982), Dr. Gary White was faithfully continuing the amazing ministry that Alabama's FCA has always had. When Mr. Atcheson returned to campus to become the head of athletic media relations, he and his wife, Barbara, jumped right in where they had left off.
Where would I be without Alabama's FCA? I just don't know...
I do know that getting a chance to walk away from football practice/workouts/studying and walk into the annex of Bryant Hall on Wednesday nights was an oasis for my time at Alabama.
Mr. Atcheson called me and told me he was writing a book on the 50th anniversary of the ministry that was started in 1964 and continues to this day. The University of Alabama has deep tradition and noteworthy achievements.... but to me... having the longest, continuing FCA on campus ministry is a special achievement.
When I first started going to the meetings- it had already achieved that status.
In the early days, it took some convincing to Coach Bryant to start the FCA meetings. As I have documented on my Coach Bryant blog (Bear Bryant Memories), Coach Bryant had a logical concern when it came to the mixing of faith and football.
Coach Bryant told us on more than one occasion about the 3 toughest linebackers he ever coached against were 3 guys at Baylor who went on the be Baptist preachers!
And Mr. A told us how early on Coach Bryant was worried that FCA was going to be the worst thing that happened to his program, but after just a few years.. he realized the opposite. He told Mr. A that FCA was one of the best things that ever happened to his football team.
THE BOOK:
I received my first copy of the book when I went to a book signing ceremony where Mr. A, Wesley Britt, and Bobby Humphrey all greeted eager Tide fans and signed a good number of books.
It is outstanding! Mr. Atcheson knows the right way to present the stories.
I have given away about 5 copies of the book and what has been cool is the response I have received. The way the chapters are written makes it very pleasurable to read in intervals... each story being its own testimony to God's faithfulness and grace.
IMPACT WITHOUT MEASURE
When I finished the last page, I paused and was overwhelmed with one thought that stuck with me for many days....
Lives!....... Souls! The great number of people who were connected and blessed!
God's kingdom has a ministry that multiplies.
Like the parables that Jesus told where the smallest things grow to enormous things (example of the Mustard seed), I 'saw' thousands and thousands of lives that had been touched by the men and women who had contact with the ministry of FCA.
In the early 60's.. Mr. A would type a unique 'newsletter'..it had quotes, verses, kind of a Christian version of Poor Richard's Almanac. He would then walk down the hall of green doors and put that flyer into each room.
The book chronicles all the tangible lives we do see..... I believe the impact of the ministry is even more in the realm of the unseen and unknown.
Like the guys who read the flyer and maybe never came to a meeting, but a seed was planted for a time in the future.
Or those who gave money to buy drinks, funds for retreats....
Those who prayed.... I can't wait to watch the replay of prayer impact when we get to eternity!
Or all the players who traveled to small towns throughout the state and gave testimonies to crowds of young people.
50 years had multiplied into changed lives... in staggering numbers and it continues to this day!
Thank you, Mr. A, Dr. White and so many more who dedicated their lives to helping guide young men through the maze of the odyssey of college days.
Ultimately, all of this is about the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ. The good news for sinful men. If you followed any character in the book and looked close enough... you would find sin. I say that first hand as one of those stories!
But what I heard every Wednesday night were connectors and reminders that we cannot earn God's love, we do not add up good deeds and receive God's favor.....
We came each week thankful that there was a substitute. Jesus Christ willingly gave His life that we may find justification in His cleansing blood of sacrifice and atonement.
I am not good...He is good.
I am not perfect...He is perfect.
And we walked out of the Bryant Hall Annex every Wednesday night with the renewed hope and joy of that message.
And the result? Read the book! It is a great testimony to the power of the gospel and the platform of Alabama athletics... all to the glory of God.
ESPN GAMEDAY
My last interaction with Mr. A was on campus during ESPN College Gameday before the Mississippi State game this year.
I saw a sharp dressed Mr. Atcheson going through the crowd and cheerfully/humbly giving out little flyers about the book.
He saw me, exchanged warm greetings, he gave me a stack of flyers and moved on.
I stopped watching the GameDay show at that moment. I watched Mr. A for a full 5 or 10 minutes... walking along.. like the Sower in the parable... faithfully throwing out the good seed and praying for good soil.
I want to be there to see all of the fruit that this faithful man has been a part of..... more stories than any book could ever hold!
By the way- Mr. Atcheson now runs the Billy Graham library. He has been honored by Samford University for his distinguished work and career... the man is still sowing ALL THE TIME.
Coach Bryant passed away 30 years ago today. I have dedicated this month to recording some of my personal memories of growing up in the State that he loved and my high honor of being a member of his last football season. The following is what some others have sent in. Please do not hesitate to leave comments in the comment box at the end of this post.
A Tribute to Coach Bryant
" I am an alumnus of the University of Alabama, the husband for almost 30 years of my high school sweetheart, the father of 6 children that have all attended the University of Alabama where five are presently attending, an ordained minister and founder of Jeremiah Castille Foundation. I name these blessings that God has given me because of the opportunities they have afforded me. Who would have thought a young man growing up in Phenix City, Alabama and living in a dysfunctional home with alcoholic parents that had a 4th grade education, could accomplish so much? The first thing I would say is with God all things are possible! God had a plan for my life and Coach Paul W. Bryant was a big part of that plan. A saying at the University of Alabama among the football players is "Built by Bama". I really like it, but for me the saying is "Built by Bryant". This is true for me and all of the players he coached. Attending the University of Alabama in 1979 and spending four years under Coach Bryant instilled in me four words which I live by today.
1) Leadership
2) Discipline
3) Relationships
4) Opportunity
What I have learned from the great man named Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, is that life is about leading, being a leader and developing leaders, disciplining ourselves on a daily basis, building relationships to enrich our lives and sharpen us, and valuing opportunities that come from the relationships we develop. I am truly a blessed man today because leadership, discipline, relationships and opportunities are principles that I learned from Coach Bryant. I was truly "Built by Bryant". "
Roll Tide and God Bless
Jeremiah Castille
Story from Darryl White
In 1982, we were playing Tn. And I was back to return a punt on their ten yard line. After catching the punt I fumbled when the second Tn player hit me. The ball was batted around and after two different piles, I ended up with the ball on the half yard line. Running off the field I had to run right by Coach Bryant. He assuredly said to me as he patted me on the side, don't worry about it. He knew I didn't need to be yelled at and the way he handled it gave me confidence as I went back out to catch other punts.
Story from David Hannah
"The single story that stands out to me is the (now famous 1972 speech- 'We have them right where we want them') halftime speech against Tennessee. I was expecting us to really get chewed out. But Coach Bryant came in and said, 'Defense, we need you to get us the football and Offense, WHEN you get the ball, you need to score.' It was the way he said it- WHEN you get the football. He believed it was going to happen that way, we believed him, and it happened! I will never forget that!"
(Even though Alabama trailed at halftime, they rallied with two late 4th quarter touchdowns to win 17-10)
Story from Ernest Carroll
"Coach Bryant loved Paul Fields and he would come over and kid with him before practice quite often. Paul and I were throwing footballs during warm-up and I could see Coach Bryant coming from 30 yards out. He was making a bee-line towards Paul and I already knew there was a problem.
Sure enough, as he stood next to Paul, I threw the ball and I hit Coach Bryant right in the head. His head snapped back and it knocked his hat sideways.
He adjusted his hat and just glared at me. Shook his head and walked away."
Ernest Carroll (26) and Scott Connell (52)
Story from Scott Connell
"It was the Fall of 1982 and the weather was turning cooler. The rain was steady all day and we had practice. Sometimes it was nice when it rained in the summer and you stayed cool in your bulky pads. Sometimes it simply sucked and you would rather be anywhere but football practice. It was a dreary day and we were practicing kickoff coverage. If memory serves, Coach Rutledge was running the drill and we kept doing it over and over. It was just like running gassers. We were on the "old" grass field right next to Coach Bryant's tower and the Turf field. The water had pooled into a long puddle in between the grass and turf fields. Back then I was somewhat fearless, immature and always starting something. Anyway, I was exhausted and slogging back from Kicking Team coverage. Running alongside the puddle, I decided to dive and slide to cool off and to lift my spirits. This wasn't your ordinary slip 'n' slide. It was a slide on steroids. The water was about 6 to 8 inches deep and the bottom was soft, cushioned Bermuda grass. When you hit it at full speed, you would easily slide about 30 yards. I immediately looked at Coach Rutledge and he was smiling. So I decided to hit the slide even faster next time. As I hit the water and commenced hydroplaning, I heard about 5 other splashes and realized some teammates were joining in. Time and concussions have erased some memory, but the others were very likely Jay Mathews, Lee Clements, Ernest Carroll, Billy Getchell, Curtis Wofford and the Lombardo brothers. Before the drill was over, the entire kicking team was diving. The rest of the team was scrimmaging on the turf and held Coach Bryant's focus. Well, near the end of our escapade, I looked at Coach Rutledge again and he was pointing to THE TOWER. I didn't turn my head but I quickly cut my eyes up at the tower, and to my complete surprise Coach Bryant was grinning! I still see that grinning, weathered face in my dreams!
Another story involves the first time I saw Coach Bryant as a player. The team was gathering in the large meeting room in the Coliseum for the first team meeting of 1982. The room was large and had theater-style seating. As I walked into the room, I was astonished at a sea of men with thick necks and intense eyes. I was a little unnerved. All the scholarship guys and upperclassmen were sitting in the seats. The freshmen and walk-ons had to sit up front or in the floor. The room was rowdy as players were jawing each other. I sat in the floor and extended my legs straight out, crossed at the ankles. Someone had gotten my attention and so I leaned backwards and propped on my hands with my head turned away from the entrance. In a nanosecond, the room went silent. As I was turning my head to see what was happening, I felt something kick my feet. At that same moment I heard a gruff voice exclaim "dammit" and my eyes followed these huge feet up these long legs to see this huge man named Paul "Bear" Bryant. Man, he was huge and intimidating! Needless to say, I pulled my legs in and sat as motionless as possible, mesmerized by every word that came out of Coach Bryant's mouth.
As a walk-on Strong Safety, I played on the Scout teams. It was infrequent that we were able to go full speed against the starting Running Backs and rarely in drills. Many times we had to don some protective gear that we called 'Zoot Suits'. Picture the old rolled and tufted baseball catcher chest protector, except it also covered the front of your arms and legs. The idea was that we would not get hurt as we took on the lead blocker in an Option play. I have to say it did not help all that much when you had to absorb the block of one freight train named Ricky Moore! Coach Bruce Arians was usually in charge of this drill. One day the running backs were simply not making Coach Arians happy, so he told the defensive guys to take off the Zoot Suits and go full speed.
As a Scout guy, you live for these moments to possibly shine. My time came to take on the lead blocker and I decided I was going to try to level the guy. My memory is not clear but the lead blocker was either Linnie Patrick, Mickey Guinyard or Don Horstead. I was able to get a good hit on the blocker and knock him back on his heels which put him in the way of the running back who took the pitch (either Jeff Fagan or Joe Carter). As luck would have it, the running back was going to cut inside but had to cut outside to avoid the lead blocker and he ran into me chest first. Needless to say it was quite a collision and the running back did not get up immediately. The next thing I remember was Coach Arians screaming in my face about hitting his running backs. He kicked me out of the drill and, as I walked to the side, I heard Coach Bryant saying something from the tower via his megaphone. The voice was growling and hard to decipher but sounded something like "Watch whutchoo doin...." Then I distinctly heard him say "Turd". Some would think this just awful, but for Coach Bryant to notice you and comment on you was an extreme source of pride. After practice Coach Murray Legg told me it was a good hit and not to worry about Arians. He said he was pissed because I embarrassed his backs."
Memory From John Ferry- Sportscaster- Radio Announcer- Sports Journalist
John did a lot of Alabama basketball/baseball as well
"January 26, 1983 began slowly for a news and sports broadcaster based in Tuscaloosa.
In a time when I traveled often, I would not be away on this day.
I knew that coach Paul Bryant had been hospitalized earlier in the week, but it was hardly the first time that had happened. I knew he had quite a few visitors, so I wasn't much concerned.
After lunch I made a routine check at Alabama's athletic department. It was then that I encountered a secretary who was close to tears.
I asked her what was wrong and she said "He's much worse."I wasn't far from DCH Hospital, so I quickly made it over there.
When I walked in I saw a person with something typed on a page. I could see enough of it to make out the words "At 12:24 p.m......"
I believed I knew what that meant, and I was right.
I called my radio station (WACT) and told them what I had, making arrangements to get on the air soon.
There was a media gathering at DCH, and the announcement was made that coach Bryant had passed away.
What followed were several days of filling requests from media outlets around the country, seeking audio material on what was to be a national sports story.
Many college sports notables came to Tuscaloosa that week, for the funeral at First United Methodist Church, then to travel to the burial at Elmwood cemetery in Birmingham. Many thousands turned out in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, and along the highway between the cities.
One night when I visited the funeral home in Tuscaloosa, I was surprised to find I was about the only person there.
Coach Bryant was good to me. He called me by my first name. Even rode me around practice on his golf cart one day during the 1982 season.
I got to cover him in three heartbreaking losses to Notre Dame, but I also had the 1979 Sugar Bowl against Penn State, which brought a national championship to Alabama.
For several seasons I spotted players for the Alabama radio network crew, did the post-game report, which included interviews with both teams plus a statistical rundown (and this aired within an hour of the end of games), and I did play-by-play for Bama's junior varsity games."
Some posters wanted to remain anonymous:
" Not many people know this. But Coach Bryant insisted that Vanderbilt and Alabama split their home and home game receipts evenly, even though it meant a revenue loss for Alabama. He wanted Vanderbilt to share in the revenue and profit as an SEC school."
" Coach Bryant gave in so many ways without notice. He supported the Alabama FCA program, he donated to John Croyle's Big Oak Ranch, he took care of faculty, he set up a scholarship fund for all of his former players to send their children to Alabama tuition free. He gave more than he received."
"My favorite Bear story was told by his driver, Billy Varner. Billy would caddy for Coach Bryant on occasion in charity golf tournaments. The rounds almost always went the same. Coach Bryant would slice, hook, chili-dip almost every shot. He lost golf balls in the woods almost the whole round. Until he got to the 18th green where the patrons were waiting on him. He would stand on the 18 tee box- hit it right down the middle, hit the green in regulation, and make the birdie to the roar of the gallery. When it was always needed- that man was a winner."
" Coach Bryant was digging around in his desk drawers about 2 weeks after the famous 315 win versus Auburn. He kind of knocked up against the desk and out rolled a 4 inch stack of tickets from that game bound by a rubber band. He called in secretary Linda Knowles and when she saw them went into shock. There is no telling how much those tickets were worth. He mumbled a curse under his breath and broke into a laugh." "In 1970, Coach Bryant brought in Wilber Jackson as Alabama's first African American scholarship player. The following season, John Mitchell, a Ju-Co transfer became the first black player to play for the Tide. By 1973- a third of Alabama's roster were black."
"My whole family cried when he died. And we still cry about it from time to time."
Stories from Dennis Holt
"As an elder in a large church in the Chicago area, I was recently asked why I have a painting of Coach Bryant hanging in my living room instead of one of Christ. My simple response made them stare and then laugh out loud: 'I believe Jesus walked on water, but I saw Coach Bryant do it.' "
"The last man to visit coach in the hospital before he died was Dr. Allan Watson, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa (now deceased). My story is about Dr. Watson. He was the most devoted Tide fan - football, basketball, all sports. He never missed a football game - even if it meant he had to fly back Saturday night late to preach the next morning...and oftentimes, he could barely speak from his yelling the previous night. One Sunday morning, the church's leader of the Women's Missionary Society reminded him that Calvary was hosting the area district annual meeting of the WMS on Tuesday night. There would be hundreds of women from all churches there. He said he could not be there; he would be attending the Crimson Tide men's basketball game and Coach Bryant for the only time in memory was going to be the half time guest. After much insistence about how that would be perceived, he finally agreed to be there. On Tuesday night, the crowd gathered at the old church and he was there, sitting beside the only other male in the sanctuary. The district leader stood and welcomed the hundreds of women to the meeting, then called on the "host pastor" to give the opening prayer. All stood and bowed heads....and waited in silence.......a long silence. Hearing nothing, the lady spoke again, "now we will have the host pastor lead us in prayer." Nothing. Finally the guy standing next to Dr. Watson saw that he had ear plugs in his ears and was listening to the Bryant interview. He punched him in the side and said, "pray dummy." Dr. Watson remembered it as the most sincere and humble prayer of his life....oh my, the effect that Coach Bryant had on us all....."
Tribute from Russ Wood
"I was very blessed to play the last 4 yrs for coach Bryant. So yes it is a very sad day for a lot of former players also. I got to take my son to Memphis on a recruting trip this year and stand on the field of the Liberty Bowl and walk in the dressing room where Coach Bryant hugged all of us with tears in his eyes. It was the first time I had been back since 1982. It was a very emotional that week in Memphis(30 years ago) and the game came down to last minute, but thankfully, we were able to win and I helped carry him off the field. I was a honorary pall bearer for him as well. So, yes- it is still a very important day to a lot of people and I was blessed to be a part of it like my team mates. We always went to squad Sunday at Calvary Baptist- no excuses you had to go- and Coach Bryant would always sit with the team. It was great for a lot of us that were lost back then."
Dennis Responded to Russ Wood:
"Thanks so much Russ. I worked at Calvary in those early years and helped start FCA at Bama and start Squad Sunday. Your story reminded me of a fun story. I went to Coach's office many times while on campus. One of those times was to get his input for who he believed to be the athlete who best exemplified a strong faith in his daily and sports life. One of those times I entered his office and stood in front of his desk. He was holding up in front of his face the latest issue of Playboy. I said nothing. From behind the mag, he said, "is that you Dennis?" I responded yes. He lowered the mag and gave that incredible smile and said, "Oh don't worry; I don't have a subscription to Playboy; I don't even read the articles; and by the time I get this edition, the ass't coaches have already removed all the photos..not sure what they do with them." It was the fall edition with the list of pre-season All-Americans. We both laughed....one of the few times I ever saw him laugh out loud....... And as you may know, Russ, he was a leader in his Methodist church in Tuscaloosa I believe." Dr. James Bridges; SPHR, • Does not seem like Coach Bryant has been gone 30 years. I attended his graveside service in Birmingham (Elmwood). I remember the crowd and dignitaries that were there, something I will always remember and glad I went. Coach Bryant bought something positive to Alabama that we needed during those years Ed Clark "I also skipped a class to watch the procession on University Blvd. It was eerie and, of course, sad. But it was also wonderful at the same time. So many people putting their lives on hold to celebrate someone who brought tremendous success and joy to an entire country."
Anonymous
"I still remember him pulling out the poem out of his wallet and reading it to us. It was the clearest I ever heard his voice and you could tell it meant a lot to him"
This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or I can use it for good.
What I do today is very important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes this day will be gone, forever,
Leaving something in its place I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain, not loss, good, not evil,
Success, not failure, in order that I shall not
forget the price I paid for it.
I want to personally thank all who participated. I heard from a number of folks who didn't say anything but 'enjoyed the blog'.
We ended up having close to 3,000 page views for the month, making it the single best month ever on this website!
By the way- the following is my biggest hit on my jayopsis you tube channel
The following is a combination of a few vintage clips.
Look for my final post on this series Sat. Jan 26 and I really appreciate all of the input and communication.
In many ways, I am the least to try to shine a light of memory on the great man- but my admiration of him has NEVER dimmed, even all of these years later.
Three-time National Coach of the Year in 1961, 1971 and 1973. The national coach of the year award was subsequently named the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award in his honor.
Bryant was honored with a U.S. postage stamp in 1996.
Country singer Roger Hallmark recorded a tribute song in his honor.
Charles Ghigna wrote a poem that appeared in the Birmingham-Post Herald in 1983 as a tribute to Bryant.
Super Bowl XVII was dedicated to Bryant. A moment of silence was held in his memory during the pregame ceremonies. Some of his former Alabama players were on the rosters of both teams, including Miami Dolphins nose tackle Bob Baumhower and running back Tony Nathan.
Head coaching record
In his 38 seasons as a head coach, Bryant had 37 winning seasons and participated in a total of 29 postseason bowl games, including 24 consecutively at Alabama. He won 15 bowl games, including eight Sugar Bowls.
