WTC Honors a Living Legend
on His 90th Birthday

 

Western Texas College is hosting "SAMMY BAUGH, A CELEBRATION OF A LIVING LEGEND" on March 20 to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Slingin' Sammy Baugh (as he is known) was a legendary collegiate and professional football player from the 1930s to the 1950s first at TCU and later with the NFL's Washington Redskins.

He is the only living member of the original 17 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees of 1963 and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.

Baugh was the first quarterback in history who ever led his college team to a national championship and his pro team to an NFL championship. The only other quarterbacks to accomplish this were Joe Namath and Joe Montana.

Baugh's 51.4 punting average with the Redskins in 1940 is still an NFL record today. In 1943, Baugh led the league in passing, punting, and also in interceptions. He was always a two-way player throughout his college and pro career. When he wasn't slinging touchdown passes or punting he was playing safety, intercepting passes, and making tackles.

The banquet honoring Baugh is scheduled for March 20th at the Scurry County Coliseum from 7pm to 9pm. Speaking during the banquet to honor Baugh will be Grant Teaff, E.J. Holub, Don Maynard, Spike Dykes, John David Crow, Ray Guy and Donny Anderson. In addition to the scheduled speakers, other notable invitees include Sonny, Koy and Ty Detmer; Walt Garrison; Bobby Joe Conrad; Dave McGinnis; Billy Kilmer and many others. A special video message from Peyton Manning to Sammy Baugh will also be presented. Former Texas head coach Darrell Royal will also be present for the celebration but will not speak. Dave Hanes, WTC Athletic Director said the list of celebrities is expected to grow as the event gets closer.

Dinner will be a West Texas barbeque and dress is casual.

Dr. Gregory Williams, WTC President, said he expects this to be a national event, given the personality of the guest of honor.

A silent auction of signed memorabilia will be held at the coliseum from 2pm to 5pm and the public is invited to attend. To date, Western Texas College has received numerous items from such notable celebrities as, Ray Guy, Jackie Slater, Tommy Nobis and Bob Uecker, as well as an autographed basketball from the Dallas Mavericks. Many additional celebrities have also indicated plans to donate items for the auction.

Tickets for the banquet go on sale Monday, February 9. To reserve a seat call the Visitor and Conference Center located on the WTC campus at 325-573-8511 ext. 220 or 240 or email them at thecenter@wtc.edu. The tickets for "SAMMY BAUGH, A CELEBRATION OF A LIVING LEGEND" are $100, $75, or $50 per seat depending on seating location. Space is limited and the deadline for making reservations is March 12. Corporate Sponsorships are available for $5,000 each. This includes a table seating 10-12 (sponsors option) at the banquet, a round of golf at the Sammy Baugh Golf Course, invitation to the VIP reception, and advertising space in all media press releases.

The proceeds from the event will go to the renovation of the WTC HPE building with matching funds coming from the Dodge Jones Foundation and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Boys and Girls Club of Snyder.

The WTC golf course will be named after Baugh in conjunction with the event.

Bob O'Day, former WTC Athletic Director and longtime WTC supporter had the initial idea of celebrating Baugh's 90th birthday. "Bob set the whole thing in motion," said Dr. Williams. When O'Day approached Baugh with the idea he said if he can do anything to help kids get an education he will. O'Day said, "Bottom line is to help the kids and helping WTC will help the town."