Creagh, Bill 1972-08-25
Bill Creagh, Breckenridge businessman and sports writer, discusses the history of high school football in Breckenridge, the men behind its development and football’s effect on the community.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Bill Creagh
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: August 25, 1972
Location: Breckenridge, Texas
Interviewer: Neil Sapper
Length: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Breckenridge-Oklahoma game, 1935,
Record number of spectators at high school football claimed at Cotton Bowl in the 1940s,
Recalls Breckenridge's early coaches,
Group of interested citizens hire Pete Shotwell,
Breckenridge-Port Arthur tie, 1929,
Cooper Robbins' career recalled,
Outstanding coaches and players discussed,
Practice of Breckenridge businessmen selecting coaches,
Responsibility of selecting coach given to Quarterback Club, 1963,
Breckenridge filming football games in the 1930s,
Describes Bellard's use of variations on split-T formation,
Explains Breckenridge tradition of not sitting down and wearing all green uniforms,
Evidence of football's influence on town of Breckenridge
Tape 1, Side 2:
Characterization of Breckenridge team,
UIL-green uniform conflict,
Explains origin of "Buckaroos" team name,
Creagh's decision to become sports writer for Breckenridge,
Games broadcasts at Creagh's drive-in theater and stadium,
Discusses role of Quarterback Club in reprimanding and dismissing coaches,
Describes disappointment of fans in the decline of Breckenridge football,
Opposition of school faculty to hiring former player as hometown coach,
Characterizes Breckenridge Quarterback Club
Tape 2, Side 1:
Function of football as a unifying factor in Breckenridge life,
Explores the role of oil in the development of Breckenridge football,
Method of assigning tickets to football fans,
Examines role of oil boom in Breckenridge athletics,
Practice of having a pep rally and parade for every home game,
Various coaches' football techniques discussed,
Explains lettering system for football players,
Relation between economics and athletics discussed,
describes pressure on coaches from Breckenridge fans,
Recalls game with Mineral Wells, 102-0
Tape 2, Side 2:
1955 district game with Graham described,
Game with Waco High School, 1929,
Discusses gambling on the Breckenridge games, past and present,
Explains Breckenridge's role as a "stepping stone" for coaches and ministers
Range Dates: 1929-1972
Bulk Dates: 1929-1963
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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