Football Memories
compiled by Forrest Preece
In Jim’s words: Jim Tolbert was Head Football Coach at Austin High for many years. He was a three-year starter at tackle for the University of Texas and was a bear of a man. He had a heart of gold but hid it well with a tough, gruff exterior and demeanor. His teams tried to avoid his displeasure by paying him well-earned respect. As for me, I lived with the hope he would think good things about me, and the proverbial root canal would have seemed better to me than my ever displeasing him.
In 1962 in an early District game, the Maroons were playing a team we should have beaten easily, but we were behind at the half and playing miserably. Coach Tolbert obviously was furious when he entered the locker room, and team members did not make a sound waiting for the inevitable chewing out we deserved.
Coach Tolbert's message to us was both angry and simple: "They will kick off. If you first teamers do not score the first time you have the ball, you will not play another down tonight." He and his assistants left immediately, slammed the door, and we looked at each other in stunned amazement.
Unfortunately, the Maroons did not return the second half kickoff beyond the 10-yard line. I was the starting quarterback, and as we huddled for our first play, I reminded the team about our need to score. We drove 90+ yards, making first downs to keep the drive alive, and we finally scored on that drive. A reprieve!
The Maroons won that game. When Coach Tolbert spoke, Austin High School Maroons listened.
