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[deleted] Hightower, All-American in 1951, teammate of Doak dead at 77.
Great story about him and his continued relationship with his teammates. Actually died in his sleep on a hunting trip with 6 old teammates.

http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20071 ... /712070314

This is a very sad loss to the SMU community. I often visited with [deleted] on the Blvd. before games. He was always a delight to talk to. My most sincere sympathies go out to his wife and children during this time of bereavement.

Loved this part of the article"

"Hightower was a teammate of legendary running back Doak Walker at SMU, but Walker had graduated by the time the Mustangs captured their first win over Notre Dame in 1951 in South Bend, Ind.

In that historic victory - listed as the 16th greatest moment in SMU football history - it was written that "All-America [deleted] Hightower forced and recovered a fumble to give (Fred) Benners and company one more shot for the win.

"Benners did not waste any time moving the Mustangs into scoring position. From the Notre Dame 4-yard line, Benners called for a screen pass. The play was executed to perfection as Benners dumped the ball into the arms of Pat Knight, who followed a wall of blockers into the end zone for the winning score."

The final score was 27-20.

Hightower, who made All-America as a center on the offensive line, was taken in the fourth round of the 1952 National Football League draft by the Washington Redskins"

[deleted] was a legend and one heck of a nice, engaging guy. He played at a special time in our football history. The real glory days...they don't give out All American awards to just anybody..[deleted] could flat play. I would encourage everyone to do a little research on [deleted], read some of the articles about him and put his contributions in historical perspective. [deleted] Hightower was HUGE for us..he will be missed. Thanks for the commitment, the memories and the passion. Long Live [deleted] Hightower.

In the sweet bye and bye, someday we will enjoy seeing [deleted] Hightower in the company of the legendary SMU teams of Walker, Rote, Knight, Benners, et. al. Heaven is a better place today now that another good man is playing in their lineup. Dear Lord, send us more like Hightower and SMU will do just fine.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hightower on The Blvd. last year. He shared some stories with me of 'the glory years' of SMU. It hurts to lose the 'great ones' as the years pass by. Rest in peace, Mr. Hightower. This Mustang fan appreciates your contributions to the program.

..opened some big holes in his day. This thread needs to say near the top vs. huskerdo's "what about Coker /Paterno / Lombardi / Landry / Joe Bays / I saw a drain pipe flying over Love" posts.

SMUMan02 wrote:[deleted] Hightower, All-American in 1951, teammate of Doak dead at 77.
Great story about him and his continued relationship with his teammates. Actually died in his sleep on a hunting trip with 6 old teammates.

http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20071 ... /712070314

Interesting...The Tyler Morning Telegraph has this story...but not The Dallas Morning News.

MrMustang1965 wrote:

SMUMan02 wrote:[deleted] Hightower, All-American in 1951, teammate of Doak dead at 77.
Great story about him and his continued relationship with his teammates. Actually died in his sleep on a hunting trip with 6 old teammates.

http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20071 ... /712070314

Interesting...The Tyler Morning Telegraph has this story...but not The Dallas Morning News.

Tyler is where he has lived for years - my guess is that's the reason. He was a pillar of our community and he will be missed.