It was 1956. Bill was dealing with two life-changing experiences at the same time. He was about one hop away from jumping the broom to marry his sweetheart - Bobby. And he had just joined the Texas A&M Aggie football team after a stellar high school career at PHS, where he lettered in basketball, baseball and football.

Bill played five games and made his rounds with the coaching staff, all except one his freshman year -- Coach Bear Bryant. Of course that changed at the end of the season. As students prepared to leave for the Christmas break, Bill made an appointment with Coach Bryant to let him know, Bill and Bobby were getting married!

 Needless to say I was very uncomfortable for this meeting as coach Bryant had developed a reputation as being very mean and I was a little hesitant about  meeting with him.

Charlie Krueger an All-American tackle at A&M once made the statement that “the players were very shy around coach Bryant but his coaching staff was scared to death of him.”

As he walked into his office, he noticed Coach Bryant was busy at his desk, reading a paper and he just stood there waiting for him to say something. It seemed like an eternity before Bryant finally looked up and said, “Young man what can I do for you?”

He swallowed. Took a deep breath. And then Bill spoke.

“Sir, I made plans to get married over the Christmas holidays, December 22, and I would like to have your permission to be placed on a marriage scholarship when I return.”

He was ready for a long lecture and chewing out (For those of you who have played sports, you know the one). But then a sheepish smile appeared on his face and he said, “Young man that is a big decision that you’ve made and I would like to congratulate you and your bride to be!”

He continued and said “I will place you on a marriage scholarship & when you return you will live in the “Aggie Barracks!” 

His mind went blank after that as he can’t recall the rest of the conversation. He shook his hand and sent Bill on his way.

That conversation with Coach Bryant took place over 62 years ago. Bobby and Bill tied the knot as planned on December 22nd, 1956.

And as an added bonus, that same season, a young Bill Newcomb, just a college freshman in the college realm, experienced his first championship victory at the Southwest Conference.