The Daily Oklahoman du lieu suivant : Oklahoma City, Oklahoma • 48

THE SUNDAY OKLAHOMAN SUNDAY PROFILE STATE COLLEGE FOOTBALL 16-B SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19. 1999 A twist of Lemons at his best The Sunday Profile Legendary coach has aged, but his humor is still solid STAFF PHOTO BV STEVE SOOCH Abe Lemons sits beside the Toyota coaches trophy, awarded to him for leading Texas to the 1978 NIT title. A "ABE" LEMONS ABE LEMONS scheduled at the $11.2 million Freede Wellness and Activities Center on the Oklahoma City University campus. The facility will include Abe Lemons "By the time it gets built, I think they'll name a pay toilet after me," Lemons said. "Toilet No.

4, best toilet paper in town." Eventually, Lemons' fatigue begins to show. His voice gets softer, his words begin to slur a bit. You thank him, and he apologizes for not saying much. "Wish you would have warned me about all these questions. I would have studied harder," Lemons said.

The world according to Abe How do you begin to describe Abe Lemons? Tougher yet, how do you stop? The book, "You Scored One More Point Than a Dead Man," a conglomeration of Abe-isms, was published in 1978. After a bit of background information, pages 13-302 were all Abe, vintage Abe, priceless Abe. Perhaps there is no better way to describe the man. Just turn on a tape recorder, ask a few questions and stay the heck out of the way. With that, we give you Abe at Braum's: On postgame news conferences: "It's a bunch of guys asking questions.

I feel like telling them, 'Didn't you see the game? Weren't you there? Did you not see what the hell happened? I saw the same thing you did. Just put that in there (5'our story). What do you want me to say? Just put it in there and I'll say I said On television and radio announcers: "These announcers all think they're Einstein analyzing things. It's just a play, not brain surgery." On Dick Vitale: "If he could lose his voice, it'd be the best thing that ever happened." On the NBA: "You're going to have a lot more kids going pro straight out of high school. It's going to be sorry.

It's a sorry enough game now. The pros have just gone to hell. They ought to make the dunk one point. That'd change things." Former Texas baseball coach Cliff Gustafson has filed a lawsuit against the University of Texas, the same school that fired Lemons: "He's got no chance. They've got lawyers who could get Hilter off.

Plus, they've got those lawyers paid for, and you've got to pay for yours." On the rash of assistant coaches: "It's amazing. You look at a bench and all you see is coats and ties. You can't even see the team. What do you do with all them coaches? For the life of me, I can't understand why you need five coaches. It'd drive you crazy just to have a (staff) meeting.

I like to watch By John Rohde Staff Writer You walk into a Braum's on North May Avenue and spot an Oklahoma treasure. Abe Lemons is sitting alone in the corner, putting the finishing touches on a half-eaten order of burger and fries. He is wearing a black pullover jacket from a recent Vince Gill celebrity golf tournament and a blue GOLF Inc. cap. No one seems to recognize him, which is good and somewhat sad at the same time.

Within minutes, your side aches from laughter. You get lockjaw from smiling. For two hours, this elderly gentleman spins yarn of folklore and acumen. You can't escape his web. Then again, who would want to? Lemons recently said: "I got fired from the University of Texas.

I didn't deserve that. Now I've got Parkinson's Disease. I don't deserve that, either." Eleven years ago, Lemons was diagnosed with Parkinson's, a chronic disorder associated with tremors of the hands and rigidity of muscles. "I'm not scared," Lemons said of dying. "It's kinda like I hated it before a ball game, the thought of getting beat." Parkinson's is slowly robbing Lemons of his voice.

His hands shake. His taste buds are shot. His lower lip droops. His gait is slow. His humor, however, is rock-solid.

Last month brought Lemons' 77th birthday. Last August, he celebrated his 53rd wedding anniversary with Betty Jo. Earlier this month, Lemons felt strong enough to play a round of golf at Cedar Valley sort of. He Finished 17 holes, and mulligans were the order of the day. "He hit about 200 shots, and I probably picked up 108 of 'em," joked Lemons' cart partner and best friend, Frank Boggs.

"My golf game has just gone to hell," Lemons admitted. Lemons watches a lot of basketball on television. "It's hard to watch three games at once," he said. "You only have one recall button." Lemons' friends stay in touch, probably as much for their well-being as his. "1 hear from people all the time, especially players.

Even the ones who didn't play," Lemons said. "The main thing I've had to explain to people my whole life is there's only five guys who can start, and you're not one of 'em." Each year, Lemons visits Indiana coach Bob Knight and plans to again this season. "I worry about my friends like Knight," Lemons said. "You can only stay around so long. Can't stay forever.

But you need people like Knight to brag about when you beat 'em. Beat somebody named Charlie Jones and it's nothin' to brag about." On Jan. 27, opening ceremonies are Favorite Oklahoman: Former Oklahoman columnist Frank Boggs. Favorite Oklahoma hangout: Duffy Martin's golf courses in Cedar Valley. Person I'd Blrthdate and place: Nov.

21 1922, in Ryan. Family: wife, the former Betty Jo Bills; daughters Dana Lee (52) and Jan Denise (42); four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. High school: Walters (1941). Colleges: Southwestern Tech in Weatherford; Hardin College in Wichita Falls, Texas; Oklahoma City (bachelor of arts degree in history and physical education, 1950). Claim to fame: Basketball coach at Oklahoma City University (1955-73; 1983-90); Texas-Pan American (1973-76); and the University of Texas (1976-82); humorist and public speaker.

Career coaching record: 599-343 (.636) in 34 seasons. Favorite movie: "Gone With The Wind." Pet peeve: Radio and television announcers. If I were 19 again, I would: "I have no idea. Everything just fell into place kinda. I don't know what else I'd like to do." the bench.

Those guys are up and hol-lerin', but not until they get ahead." On the rash of upsets in college basketball: "Basketball's a funny game. Lots of ups and downs. Look at Duke (last year). They get beat in the finals (by UConn), then had four guys drafted in the pros. They're supposed to have the best coach in the world (Mike Krzyzewski).

If that's the case, nobody's got a chance, but they did. Now you've got teams living off their reputation, like Valpo. Everybody thinks they're Notre Dame, and Notre Dame doesn't even know who they are." On Parkinson's affecting his voice: "It's getting to where I go to a drive-through and have to (cup both hands around my mouth and scream) 'Get me a The more I talk, the quieter it gets. It's got no volume to it. That's the reason I never got a lot of technicals.

My voice never did carry. They (officials) could see my gyrations, but they couldn't tell what I was sayin." On being a successful coach: "I knew how to go against a certain person; knew what to do; knew what the weakness was and tried to prey upon it. I knew the game, but the game is predicated on people." Recalling a news conference en route to winning the NIT in 1978: "I didn't want to say anything about the game. say, 'I understand you only zone (on I say, 'That's 'How come you don't play 'Don't want 'What happens if you get 'We get beat. We got no way of catchin' up, so we plan on most like to meet: "A bunch of them are already dead, so I don't want to meet them now." Hero: "It'd have to be a cowboy, so I'll say John Wayne.

Nobody ever whooped him." Favorite month: November. "It's my birthday. That's a good month." Favorite band: Glenn Miller. My last meal would be: Red beans and cornbread. paid for it.

There's some good ones (officials) and some bad ones, just like players and coaches." On his awards and notoriety: "I don't understand how I got in all these things (halls of fame). I haven't really done anything. There's (East Central coach Wayne) Cobb. He's won 600 games and barely got his name in the paper." getting Didn't work, though. They just kept asking all these dumb questions." On referees: "They can turn the game right around on you, if they so desire.

I see it all the time. A lot of times you (complain to them) so your players don't think something was their fault. You pass the blame along (to the officials). Hell, they're getting NWOSU's finest hour NAIA Championship Northwestern State 34 Georgetown, Ky. 26 Northwestern: A game of 2 halves 7 13 0 J6 0 0 II 1334 Georgetown, Ky.

NW Oklahoma Prom Page 1-R Nothing Rangers have done compares to national title Oklahoma NAIA football champions 1958: Northeastern 19, Northern Arizona 13 (St. Petersburg, Fla.) 1962: Central State 28, Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C., 13 (Sacramento, Calif.) 1982: Central State 14, Mesa, Colo. 1 1 (Edmond) 1987: Cameron 30, Carson-Newman, Tenn. 2 (Lawton) 1993: East Central 49, Glenville State, W.Va. 35 (Ada) 1994: Northeastern 1 3, Bluff 12 (Pine Bluff, Ark,) 1996: Southwestern 33, Montana Tech 31 (Weatherford) 1999: Northwestern 34, Georgetown, Ky.

26 (Savannah, Tenn.) First Quarter Georgetown Creed Gann 25 pass trom Eddie Evlston (Kovin Davis Wckl. 10.03. Second Quarter Georoctown Cudv Brown 51 pass trom Evlston (Davis klrkl, 7:30. Georootown Davis 29 field goal, 1:17. Ceoroofown Davis 23 FG, 0:00.

Third Quarter NWOSU Brandon Chrlstonson 7 pass Irom Al Hunt tDannv polmounlor kick), 10:40. NWOSU Oiiry Manuel a run (Polmounlur kick), 8:411. NWOSU Charles McBrldo I run Fourth Quarter NWOSU i lunl run (Polmounter kick), 7.U. NWOSU Willie Siwars 73 pass from Hunt (kick failed), 3:17. Gooroetown Kenan McWharler 26 pass from Evlston (kick tailed), 2:09.

SAVANNAH, Tenn. When great athletic accomplishments of tho century are talked about at Northwestern Oklahoma State, Saturday's NAIA football championship will be way ahead. The Rangers' 34-26 victory over Georgetown (Ky.) in a battlo of unbeatens is clearly the greatest thing to happen to the small school from Alva, Geo NWO 17 21 33--BI 57-321 140 391 First downs Rushes-yards Pflsslnu Como-AII-lnl Return Yards Punts-Avu. Fumblos-Lost Penalties-Yards 20-39-0 40 5-33 5-3 8-40 B-13-1 7 2-53 3-2 B-60 32:20 27:40 Tlmo of Possession INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS and caught a pass, then stretched the ball over the goal line for the Rangers' first touchdown with 10:40 showing in the third. Daryl Richardson picked up a Georgetown fumble at the Tigers' 19 to set up Gary Manuel's 8-yard TD run.

Charles McBride finished off a 75-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run. Then Richardson, the defensive player of the game with four sacks, grabbed his second fumble recovery to set up Hunt's 4-yard TD run. Willie Spears finished off the explosion with a 73-yard TD catch, taking advantage of a play fake by Hunt with 3:17 left. Hunt gave up two fumbles and an interception before the Rangers' rally. Albin said offensive coordinator Garin Higgins had to pick up Hunt's sagging confidence at half-time.

Hunt ended as offensive MVP of the game with 129 yards on 28 carrios and 140 passing yards. "They just told me to hold onto Bob Colon RUSHING NWOSU, Al Hunt 28-I29, Gary Manuel II -73, Oiarios fAcBridn 17-71, Chris Choice MB. Goorootovin, Corey Taylor 7-30, Cody drown 1-30, Josh Oilrns 3-19, Creed GtinnJ-5, Ashley Mosor 1-0, Eddie Evlston IM-W, PASSINGNWOSU, Hum B-13-1-140, Gooroetown, Evlslon 20-39-0-391. RECEIVING-NWOSU, Brandon Chrlstonson 4-50, Wllllu Sponrs 3-B3, Choice 1-11, McBrldo 1-1-4). Ooorootown, Ko-nan McWhortor 11-110, Gann 3-75, Cairns 3-S5, Cody Brown 2-110, Corny Taylor 2-1-2), Jason Crouch 1-S4, rvn Allison 1-19.

touchdown passes, and Kevin Davis added a pair of field goals for the Tigers lead, Georgetown, though, ended with minus-7 rushing yards, The Rangers found their offense, gaining 323 of their 461 yards in the second half. Georgetown mustered 106 of its 384 yards in the second half, getting Kenan McWhorter's 26-yard TD catch with 2:09 left. "They got turnovers on us. They capitalized," Albin said. "We got turnovers on them, and we capitalized.

It's a game of two halves." intermission, the Rangers could have easily packed it in. But there was no quit to these guys who handed Georgetown a physical whipping in the third quarter. The top-ranked Tigers managed one first down by penalty and minus-5 total yards in the third period. Northwestern reeled off 34 unanswered points to overcome the 20-0 deficit. "We didn't have any finger pointing at halftime," said Ranger linebacker Daryl Richardson, voted the game's top defender with four quarterback sacks and two fumble recoveries.

The defense played well all day, and the offense came alive the second half. "We had a tough time handling them all day," said Georgetown coach Bill Cronin. "They stepped it up second half and took it to us." Northwestern wore down every team it played this year, and Georgetown was the final victim. It was their big guys against the other team's smaller players. Coach Tim Albin passed credit around lavishly after tho game.

School president Joe Struckle received a share. "This was made possible by Dr. StruckJe's decision for Northwestern to stay in tho NAIA," Albin said. "A school our size with less than 1,500 enrollment couldn't accomplish this in NCAA Division II. "We don't have tho resources to compete against the larger schools in recruiting, I don't think we'vo scored against Central State in 20 yoars." It's been 16 yoars, but you get tho idea.

You have to compote against programs your own sizo. A pregamo release pointed out that when No. I mot No. 2 in the NAIA finals, the top-ranked team owned a 27-0-1 edge. Sounds impressive, but it didn't hold up Saturday.

Bob Colon can be reached by e-mail at Northwestern has done some things, sure. Tho mon's and women's basketball teams have mado it to the NAIA national tournament a few times. The football team has been in the playoffs before, and some fine athletes havo passed through the Woods County school, Mike Hargrove played throo sports at Northwestern before going on to major loague stardom as a plnyor and manager. Chip Myors and Brian Sochia launched standout NFL ca- the ball and run like I can," Hunt said. "I came out doing a lot bettor.

The scoreboard just showod the difference. Georgetown's Eddie Evlston, the NAIA player of the year, fired two EXECUTIVE SPORTS EDITOR Father of NWOSU player dies after game reora at Northwestern. But nothing like this. Nothing. "This is tho biggest accomplishment in athletics for us," said Northwestern athletic director Milburn Barton, just minutes after the game.

"I am only the athletic director, and it is hard for me to talk." More than 1,000 Rangers fans made tho trip here from Oklahoma. "We've always told Wds this is a groat place to come nnd play and got an education," Barton added. Northwestorn's victory featured a massive second-half comeback. Trailing 20-0 at Jamos Cash apparently collapsed on Jim Carroll Stadium's field aftor a postgame trophy presentation. Dr.

Donald Black of Ann Arbor, nttondod to Cash. Black was watching tho game among the crowd before ho treated Jamos Cash. Joromy Cash is a redshirt freshman out of Garland Texas, who did not suit up for tho game Saturday. Georgetown (Ky,) redshirt freshman Henry Matthew White died early Friday morning as the result of a car accident. "Let me express my deepest con-corn to both tragedies that have occurred in the last 48 hours," Northwestern coach Tim Albin said.

BY RICHARD SAVANNAH, Tenn. A North-wostern State football player's father died of a heart attack at a local hospital after North western's NAIA championship game victory Saturday, Jamos Glenard Cash, father of Jeremy Cash, was brought to Hardin County General Hospital In cardiac arrest and pronounced doad at 4:07 p.m..