OCR Text |
Show coaches have their "Pappy" Jack Curtice is the only Texan who has ever gained fame without an oil well; he had, instead, a gold mine in his talented Texas Western Miners. Much of their talent, however, came from deep within the alert mind and body of this smiling and drawling Irish-Kentucky-Texan. He has now been head gridiron boss and athletic director at the U for a touch shy of one year, and you don't hear anyone complaining in Zion. His ambition after 12 months? To shellac Wyoming. Possessed of a remarkable microphone technique, "El Jacko" developed his voice counting cadence for push-up artists in Uncle Sam's Navy during Big Fuss II. Admitting modestly that he and several crates of pingpong balls helped keep the swabbies afloat, Mr. Athletics has trained his boys well aground and aloft. He and his be-mcdalled chest departed Transylvania U in 1928 when he set the TD pass record for the nation. Since then, both the record and the chest have fallen ever so slightly. When his "boss," Vadal Peterson, was sidelined, "Pete" Couch assumed the task of guiding Utah's hoopsters through the toughest and longest part of their schedule. The likeable, calm strategist pulled "The Kids" through in great shape and won the respect of the whole conference. On his own steam, he coaches- and well-the cinder burners. Utah's best "Hoop-er" rating goes to Vadal Peterson-one of those Garden gamblers who wagers only on fighting hearts and integrity- and wins. Immediate past prexy of the National Basketball Coaches Assn., The Swede is capable of knocking off the best teams in the land. For confirmation, consult Brigham Young's thrice-beaten Cougars. 284 |