Turning point in Joe Rector's life came at Muskogee

But Rector knows he might have never made it to OU if it hadn't been for Muskogee High School coach Paul Young.

“That was the turning point in my life,” said Rector, who was an Oklahoman All-State selection in 1954. “With the circumstances I had, it was a pleasure playing for coach Young. He mapped out everything for me in my future.

“My mother died when I was 4 years old. I was semi-raised by my father. When I got to high school, I was in wonderland — wondering what I was going to do. Paul Young took me under his wing and gave me some direction for what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

In observance of the 100th edition of The Oklahoman's All-State football team, to be announced in late December, the newspaper will recognize players from the previous 99 teams.

Rector was joined on the All-State roster by teammate Olen Treadway, a passing quarterback who ended up playing at Iowa after being named The Oklahoman's Back of the Year in 1954.

Muskogee's 1954 team went 9-0-1, with a scoreless tie against Tulsa Rogers. It didn't get a shot at a state championship, because of the state association's declaration of “too much football,” when it canceled the '54 playoffs.

“We were fortunate to have a lot of talent in those years at Muskogee,” Treadway said. “Guys like Joe, the Burris twins, Kurt and Bob, who went to play at OU. And Ernie Day.