We asked visitors to NewsOK.com to give their thoughts about Barry Switzer on his 70th birthday. Here are some of their words:
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"National championships are what makes Barry Switzer an icon. Barry brought on ‘Sooner Magic.' Despite the troubles in the 80's, he'll always be known for the big wins and national titles.” — Ken Cooper, Midwest City
"What made Switzer the most well known was his personality. He was one of the most likable, fun-loving people you would ever meet. He is still just as personable as he has always been and fed the Sooner monster that Bud Wilkinson created back in the late 40s. Barry Switzer will go down as the most flamboyant, confident coach to ever coach the game of college football.” — Jason Taylor, Edmond
"For Oklahoma, Switzer continued the option run game of Bud Wilkinson, but added speed. He also accelerated the integration of black athletes in the Big 8.” — Lynn Green, Oklahoma City
"Growing up in the 70's and 80's, Barry Switzer was Oklahoma football. The passion for winning and the arrogance he had for the program was in part because of his love for his players and that program. I really believe we will never see that again at OU. Happy birthday to an icon ... The King, Barry Switzer.” — Bob Winnett, Kansas City.
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No before or since has coached teams that ran the ball as effectively as Barry Switzer's sooner teams.
Happy Birthday, Barry Switzer! I just live right down the road from him. I always tell people that is where "The King" lives. Barry Switzer with his wishbone attack and personality gave Oklahoma a certain swagger. I was very proud to wear the crimson and cream back in the 70's and 80's. Oh yeah, the awesome 5-2 Defense. "Hail King Switzer!"
Happy Birthday Barry Switzer. You were a great coach, and obviously a nice person to be around. HOWEVER,
when the article mentioned above started soliciting comments a couple of days ago, there were a lot of negative comments about Switzer. Today those have all been removed and we only see the positives. The question is would NewsOK.com also censor all the negative comments about Gene Stipe, leaving only the positive? I would hope not as I am among those glad to see Gene Stipe indicted today. We also know that if you ask folks in SE Oklahoma about Gene Stipe you will hear mostly praise for all the wonderful things he has done for the people there. They feel that should get Stipe a fee pass. It was recently revealed Barry Switzer is currently connected with illicit use of state funds to the tune of $150 million. Far more than Gene Stipe has been accused. Ref: "Tax credit letter causes public outcry" Daily Oklahoman, September 22, 2007. Is this censorship? Or, a different standard for those we like and know? Or, do news reporters allow personal friendship trump their objectivity.
Happy Birthday Barry!! I am the person from Kansas who pulled up in your driveway two years ago just to say Hello. You were very nice and tollerated me. I am a huge Sooner Fan and have appreciated all you have brouhgt to the University and I believe you to be a very honest Gentleman as well. Thank you for being you and May God Bless you with many more years. Thank You Coach!!!!
If you are a Longhorn as I Barry was the person you really wanted to dislike. But you just can't do that because he's such an entertaining and interesting person. I think Barry Switzer is probably the most realist coach in my lifetime. By the way, I'll be 70 on Oct.10 so some Sooners and Horns do have something in common..
I was a senior at OU when Switzer took over the reins from Fairbanks. A friend and were discussing the situation, and came up with Bury Berry. There was no way he could be as good Fairbanks. Boy, were we wrong. I am now 55 and he is 70. Long live "The King!!"
I was lucky enough to play for Coach Switzer, but not smart enough to appreciate him at the time. This is a man who genuinely cares about all people. He makes everyone feel like they are part of his family. Thanks Coach and Happy Birthday.
I took my son, Adam (he was 6 or 7), to a Red/White game and afterwords we went onto the field to get him some players' autographs. The lines were long so he only got a few signatures. As the team finished up and headed to the lockerroom, Barry walked by and Adam barely squeeks out, "Barry Switzer?". Barry was 15 feet away already, but he spun around and came back and said "Yes, son, what can I do for you?", and gave his autograph. Had he not come back to see my son, we would have understood that he couldn't hear for the crowd noise or was too busy with his team, but this small child with a small voice was not too small nor unimportant for the King of Oklahoma Football. Happy Birthday Barry! Long Live the King!
'The King' @ 70 Former OU coach is having the time... 10/05/2007 NORMAN — Barry Switzer turns 70 today, which means we've got two things to say to the old rascal. Happy birthday, and did you ever think you'd live this...
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Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
when the article mentioned above started soliciting comments a couple of days ago, there were a lot of negative comments about Switzer. Today those have all been removed and we only see the positives. The question is would NewsOK.com also censor all the negative comments about Gene Stipe, leaving only the positive? I would hope not as I am among those glad to see Gene Stipe indicted today. We also know that if you ask folks in SE Oklahoma about Gene Stipe you will hear mostly praise for all the wonderful things he has done for the people there. They feel that should get Stipe a fee pass. It was recently revealed Barry Switzer is currently connected with illicit use of state funds to the tune of $150 million. Far more than Gene Stipe has been accused. Ref: "Tax credit letter causes public outcry" Daily Oklahoman, September 22, 2007. Is this censorship? Or, a different standard for those we like and know? Or, do news reporters allow personal friendship trump their objectivity.
God Bless You Barry