Russell, Harvey N 1972-03-03

Harvey Russell begins with his early life and education, his World War I experiences, and his early coaching jobs, including his philosophy and techniques. He then relates the highlights of his career at the Masonic Home and discusses its characteristics and policies. He concludes by discussing his coaching career at SMU, various coaching awards and his attitude toward athletics.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Harvey N. Russell

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 03, 1972

Location: Brownwood, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 2 hours 55 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Early life, family background, San Angelo-Dallas freight line employment, Education at Howard Payne (1913), Student employment, Basketball team members, Football and track activities, World War I experiences, Attempts to volunteer, Military experience, Return to school (1920), National Guard duty, Principal and coach at Granger (1922), Anecdote about teaching physics, Coaching in Temple, Coaching at Masonic Home, Fort Worth (1927), Interest in financial solvency of football, Masonic Home described, Organization and policies discussed.

Tape 1, Side 2: Masonic program (continued), Summer activities, Individual students recalled, Public attitude toward Masonic team, Marriage to Juanita Cravens (1925), Wife’s background, Children listed, Masonic Home benefits, Athletic philosophy applied to football, Innovations at high school level, Coaching techniques and philosophy, Students’ self-instruction, Problem solving in peer groups.

Tape 2, Side 1: Masonic Home football program Basic football plays Passing patterns and strategy Football season of 1927 described Sherman game Masonic Home voted into Interscholastic League (1932) Summary of seasons (1928-30) Public interference and enthusiasm Summary of seasons (1930-38) Highland Park game recalled Public support results in new uniforms Lubbock game played in a sandstorm Summary of 1939-41 seasons Violations led to forfeiture Outstanding players recalled.

Tape 2, Side 2: Outstanding players (continued), Anecdote about state inspector, Son and daughters’ high school careers, Masonic school district, Vocational emphasis, Coaching in Far East, Outstanding Masonic-exes named, Sunday routine at Masonic Home, Disciplinary philosophy and policy, Highland Park job offer recalled, Highland Park team, Bobby Layne and Doak Walker.

Tape 3, Side 1: Offer from SMU (1945), Coaching at SMU, Outstanding players, Ohio State game (1950), Notre Dame game (1951), Public criticism, Coaching awards received, Excessive injuries on 1952 team, Retirement from coaching, Seasonal work at Howard Payne, Comments on Rusty Russell, Jr.

Tape 3, Side 2: SMU rated "Number 1" in the nation (1950), SMU-Texas game (1950), High School Coaches Association, Coaching awards received, National Football hall of Fame organized, Comparison of college-high school football, Attitude toward competition, Disciplinary philosophy, Induction into Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Ceremony described, Sportswriters’ Hall of Fame proposed, Attitude toward retirement.

Range Dates: 1913-1972

Bulk Dates: 1913-1972

Access Information

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