Thornton, Charles G 1997-08-20

Former Texas Christian University track coach Bubba Thornton talks about his college football career and the history and breakup of the Southwest Conference. He is currently a track coach at the University of Texas.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Charles G. Thornton

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: August 20, 1997

Location: Austin, Texas

Interviewer: Abel Ramirez

Length: 35 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Background, Born in Fort Worth, Texas (March 9, 1947), Has two older sisters, Given the nickname Bubba, Grew up in Keller, Texas, Interest in the Southwest Conference, Scholarship with Texas Christian University football (1965), Abe Martin, head football coach (1965), Had to go to a junior college because of bad SAT scores, Navarro Junior College, Corsicana (2 years), Football, Junior College Honorable Mention All-American, Texas Christian University (again), 1967, Attended two years, Football (again), University of Texas athletic program, Beat UT’s football team on one of the two years he attended, National Football League, Buffalo Bills (1969), Starting wide receiver, Oakland Raiders (1970), Sustained injury to hand, Public schools coaching, Fort Worth Carter Riverside High School, World Football League, Jacksonville Sharks, Keller, Texas (again), Head high school football coach/Athletic Director, Texas Christian University (again), Head track coach (1981), Integration of athletes in college sports, Texas Christian University (again), First minority athletes, Lindsey Cole, first black athlete at TCU, Reaction of public, Keller, Texas (again), Public schools, Women athletics, College (1960s, 1970s and early 1980s), Women’s athletics, Women’s league, Effect on Southwest Conference, University of Texas, Texas Christian University (again), Role in Southwest Conference, Track and field, University of Texas, Texas A & M, Growth, Bubba Thornton (again), Coaching record, Athletes, Education, Southwest Conference (again), Breakup, Feelings, Reasons, Growth of public universities and colleges (1960s), Big 12 Conference, Media coverage.

Tape 1, Side 2: Southwest Conference (again), Demise, Political factors.

Range Dates: 1947-1997

Bulk Dates: 1965-1981

Access Information

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