We Have Lost The Great Raleigh Blakely

[50's PONY]

Raleigh Blakely, a great end for the Mustangs during the Doak Walker years of 47, 48, and 49, has passed away. Raleigh was a true Mustang and he will be missed greatly. About three years ago Raleigh was interviewed for a Heritage Hall show on SMU TV. He loved talking about the Doak Walker and Kyle Rote years and the two Cotton Bowl games against Penn State and Oregon. During the interview he presented Heritage Hall with one of the two game balls from the Mustangs 14-13 win over Texas in 1947 at the Cotton Bowl. The game had been moved from Ownby to the Cotton Bowl because of the great demand for tickets. The ball is now proudly displayed in SMU Heritage Hall. One of Raleigh's favorite stories was about the Mustangs 21-6 win over Texas the next year in Austin. On the second play of the game Doak went around right end for a 67 yard touchdown run. Going into the fourth quarter the Mustangs were up by a 14-6 score but looking to add more. The Mustangs were driving and had moved inside the Texas 20. On the next play Doak took the snap and took two steps forward in what looked like a run up the middle. Suddenly Doak junped straight up and threw a pass to Raleigh who had run a ten yard button-hook. As soon as Raleigh caught the ball the Texas defensive backs started to converge but Raleigh suddenly pitched a lateral to Kyle Rote who was speeding down the sideline. Kyle raced into the end zone untouched and the Mustangs went up 21-6 and Texas was finished.
Rest in peace Raleigh and thanks for all of the thrills you provided Mustang fans.

[mustangbill67]

I do not recall if I ever met Raleigh but it is always sad when we lose a piece of SMU history. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

[MrMustang1965]

Had the opportunity to meet Raleigh several years ago at Ford. A great man and a true Mustang! I'm sure he, Doak and Kyle are now drawing up plays along with coach Rusty Russell up above. Sympathies extended to his family and friends.

[Junior]

Our thoughts are with your family, Raleigh.

[Rayburn]

He was a great guy and a great Mustang.

R.I.P.