It's Football Season!

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Bacone Indian College Football Team

My Daddy, Johnie Walker, attended Bacone from the time he entered school through Junior College. Along with all of his sisters and his one brother, he was packed off to Indian Boading School at a very young age.

Each fall when the football season kicks off, I reminded of how much my Daddy loved that sport! 

This is the Bacone Football Team in or around 1930.  If you look at the photo from left to right, Daddy is the second from the last person on the seated row.  I put an "X" under him. 

Having completed his Junior College years at Bacone, he went on to Texas Tech to finish his college education and to play football.

He was offered a position with the New York Giants after his college career was over.  But at the time, the pay was not so great and he determined he would rather coach high school football.  That was a good  decision for me as he met my Mother during his early coaching career. 

When I was a youngster, pre-television, football games would be on the radio every Saturday afternoon.   Daddy made a game board from a piece of plywood.  He painted the football field, made a score board with movable pieces and even painted people in the stands around the parimeter.   I wish I still had it as it was truly a work of art.

I was allowed to select the team I wanted to be and the coin I wanted to use.  As the game was broadcast, we moved our teams (the coins) up and down the field and put the score pieces on the score board.

When my team won, it was always such a thrill.  I was sure I was a better player than Daddy!  

I learned the game very well (better than most boys) and still enjoy it though I spend less time watching than I used to. 

Daddy left coaching in 1938 and began his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. But even still, he continued to referee high school football for many years to come.  

Those Saturday afternoons in the fall of the year were very special to me.  They are wonderful memories that I will always cherish....but I sure do wish I had that wonderful game board!