Another Sad Event For December 7

[50's PONY]

I'm sure many of you have seen the story today that Masonic Home in Ft. Worth will be shutting its doors this coming May after 105 years of operation. Masonic Home produced some unbelievable football teams during this span, especially during the 30's and 40's. Known as the "Mighty Mites" the name alone would strike fear in the hearts of opponents because of their ferocious play along with their innovative offense. One of the great coaches in Masonic Home history was H.N. "Rusty" Russell. After producing some great teams at Masonic Home Rusty was offered the job at Highland Park. He agreed to take the job at Highland Park IF he could continue ALSO coaching the Mighty Mites until they found a new coach. At Highland Park his offense was virtually unstoppable and produced a backfield that included the great Bobby Layne (of Texas fame) and one Ewell Doak Walker, Jr. Shortly after the war Matty Bell asked Rusty to come to SMU and run the same offense that he had run at Highland Park. The addition of Rusty, along with his offense, was what finally convinced Doak, along with his father's advice, to become a Mustang. Obviously, the offense, Rusty, and Doak, meshed very well as Doak won the Heisman as a junior and also gathered Heisman votes all three years he played for the Mustangs. Many SWC coaches commented during those years that Rusty's offense was way ahead of the curve.
Thank you Masonic Home!