McWilliams, Perry 1970, 1971, 1975

Tape 1: Perry McWilliams, former University of Texas football player, describes the effect of relocation of Hispanics after the Lubbock tornado of May 11, 1970. Tape 2: McWilliams recalls his career and records his attitudes toward university athletics. Tape 3: He discusses his life, interest in sociology, and the importance of the Southwest Collection as a source for researchers.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Perry McWilliams

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: November 17, 1970; August 8, 1971; April 12, 1975

Location: Lubbock and Brownwood, Texas

Interviewer: Harry Krenck and David Murrah

Length: 1 hour 25 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Description of study on relocation, Research procedures, Survey, Interview, Pre-tornado ethnic distribution, Education, Relocation efforts, Adjustment to combined ethnic neighborhood, Growth of prejudice, Community and ethnic solidarity, Desire to return, Studies on effects of tornadoes.

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Tape 2, Side 1: Background and early life, Expresses attitude toward urban environment’s relationship to athletics, Experiences playing football in Plainview, Role of leadership in team athletics, Social development in Plainview, Dealing with university recruiters, Explains decision to attend Texas University, Freshman year at UT recalled, Influence of "pressures" on the university athlete, Attitude toward "exploitation" of the athlete, Training techniques described, "Color system" discussed, Character and inconsistencies of athletic discipline.

Tape 2, Side 2: Ironies involved in meeting friends on the opposing team, Won co-captain election—junior year, States attitude toward a football personality, Discusses senior year and subsequent loss of interest in athletics, Explores myth of security and explains, disappointments in athletics, Social stereotypes associated with the athlete, "Identity" problems in athletics discussed, Negative attitude toward disciplinary policy, Anecdotes about Texas-Arkansas and Texas-TCU games.

Tape 3, Side 1: Perry McWilliams, Born in Plainview, Texas (1941), Father, Football, Defensive linebacker, All-state, Choice of college, Recruiting pressures, University of Texas, College years, Linebacker (1961, 1962), Freshman (1959), Loss to Texas Christian University, Professional offers, Canadian Football League, Academic field of interest, Psychology, Public relations, To Lubbock, Texas, Masters degree from Texas Tech University, To Southern Illinois University, Southwest Collection, Value to History and Sociology students, Ex-athletes as a source of information, Changes in coaching methods, Connections between football and towns, Southwest Collection (again), Research potential, Sociological developments, Ethnic records, Financial records, Ranching heritage, Publications, Mexican-American victims of tornadoes.

Range Dates: 1941-1975

Bulk Dates: 1959-1975

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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