Hayden Fry/Jerry Levias

[mustangxc]

I have a personal question for anyone that is willing to share their opinion. I have a retro SMU mini helmet from 1968-1972. Hayden Fry is going to be in town for the Bear Bryant Lifetime achievement award and memorabilia is allowed. I will likely see Jerry Levias at the SMU recruiting roundup in Houston. Would you get them to sign both sides of the helmet, just Levias, or would you do separate helmets? I know Fry recruited Levias and was planning to do a dual helmet featuring Levias, but am unsure. We all know that Levias is definitely a true Mustang, but do you view Fry as a true Mustang? To that matter does Hayden Fry merit an SMU mini helmet? I wouldn't do an Iowa mini for him as I plainly do not like Iowa! Thanks for your time and your opinions!

[mrydel]

Hayden will always be a Mustang. He did not walk out on us, he was let go. I know for a fact that he kept up with and corresponded with his former Mustangs.

[PoconoPony]

I do not think Hayden would have any problem signing anything for you including a dual with LeVias. Maybe Jerry was more peronally sensitive a few years back; however, I get the sense that Jerry has started to come to grips and fully understand his situation and would not now have any problem as he had considerable respect and did like Hayden.

[Treadway21]

Didn't Hayden Fry come do an event at SMU recently either with the team of with Jerry Levias? Seem to remember him being at a game.

[soccermom]

As someone who grew up watching SMU football, I think of Hayden Fry as a Mustang. I think it's cool you will be able to get this done.

[Topper]

It would be a great coup to get the dual signatures. I think that Hayden was a little bit bitter about the firing when it happened, but he went on to a great career and a better situation. His courage to integrate the SWC is something we should all remember, and SMU showed more than a little bit of courage to let him do it.

[Dutch]

i don't like mini helmets.

[LHS81]

What Jerry had to deal with, he had every right to be angry.

I like moe helmets

[bubba pony]

I just like to repost this every once in a while. Our logo when both were at SMU.

[Bergermeister]

I have a personal question for anyone that is willing to share their opinion. I have a retro SMU mini helmet from 1968-1972. Hayden Fry is going to be in town for the Bear Bryant Lifetime achievement award and memorabilia is allowed. I will likely see Jerry Levias at the SMU recruiting roundup in Houston. Would you get them to sign both sides of the helmet, just Levias, or would you do separate helmets? I know Fry recruited Levias and was planning to do a dual helmet featuring Levias, but am unsure. We all know that Levias is definitely a true Mustang, but do you view Fry as a true Mustang? To that matter does Hayden Fry merit an SMU mini helmet? I wouldn't do an Iowa mini for him as I plainly do not like Iowa! Thanks for your time and your opinions!

This is a dilemma. I don't see how you can sleep at night. Better write "Dear Abby" and just go with that response.

[Mexmustang]

Friends of mine often speculate that there should be a second statue (on the west side) at Ford, showing Hayden with his arm around Jerry giving him instructions before going in for a play. There is an old photo of the two of them that would be perfect. What the two of them did was just that important.

[Stallion]

I've often thought so too.

[Bergermeister]

Friends of mine often speculate that there should be a second statue (on the west side) at Ford, showing Hayden with his arm around Jerry giving him instructions before going in for a play. There is an old photo of the two of them that would be perfect. What the two of them did was just that important.

That is a terrific photo and you have a great idea. I think an additional statue(s) would enhance the look and feel of Ford. Been to a game at the University of Alabama?... lots of statues and well-presented. Of course, 14 National Championships gives you lots of possibilities. Was not until the Birmingham bowl game that I ever visited the Bear Bryant Museum. Didn't realize that John David Crow was his only Heisman winner (and a replica trophy is on display in the museum... along with photos of Bear Bryant's A&M teams).

[PoconoPony]

What Jerry had to deal with, he had every right to be angry.

I like moe helmets

Jerry had a clear understanding right from the beginning that he was being placed in a very difficult situation breaking the color barrier in the SWC. I do not think that anyone can fully appreciate how difficult things were and what Jerry ultimately faced. I recall many stories about threats and incidents via telephone, mail and on the football field. My recollection was that Frye was fully aware of the problems and was a solid rock with Jerry and went through much himself with criticism re recruiting Jerry and yet he still opened the door for black athletes with his subsequent recruiting classes. Jerry might have had many emotions, but angry should not have been one. He faced the challenge and made it through. Coach Tommy Protho at UCLA made every effort Jerry's frosh year to get him to transfer. Jerry had cousins Bubba and Toby Smith at Michigan State and UCS and could have easily gone to these schools. Bottom line is that Jerry had many options to walk out at any time to better situations and yet he remained at SMU. This shows Jerry's strength of character and yet it is disappointing that he left SMU disappointed in the overall support he recieved. At the same time, Jerry somewhat isolated himself his last 2 years and stayed somewhat alouf from the school and team and in my opinion this is where systems failed him and at the same time Jerry did not appear to readily seek or accept support. Many fingers can be pointed, but it was a difficult time immediately after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, concerned people did not know what to expect and everyone involved had huge learning curves as to the realities of the ever changing situations. I only hope that Jerry can self reflect, come to grips with the realities of the day and come to appreciate what he accomplished and the doors he opened. In addition, kudos to Coach Frye for the for the many things and pressures he endured. In fact, a great story would be Coach Frye's thoughts,recollections and motivations.

[MrMustang1965]

Hayden Fry is the first SMU football coach I ever remember seeing on the sidelines, as a child. He will ALWAYS be a Mustang in my book. Just wish I could be in Houston for the well-deserved recognition he'll receive tonight.