Story leaves strong legacy
March 5th, 2008, 12:29 am · Post a Comment · posted by sschramm
As a football coach Story was always a contradiction.
His teams were grounded in fundamentals and scored hundred of victories with a trademark simple attack. However, the Bulldogs constantly kept opponents off balance with unorthodox, some may call them trick, plays.
Story’s demeanor was always that of a kindly grandfather. But if anyone crossed the veteran coach, his players or his program, they’d get a firsthand look at the fire-and-brimstone temper that fueled countless pregame and halftime speeches.
But one thing that was a constant was his love of his school.
After 25 years as head coach, as well as four years as a player and a year as an assistant coach, Story simply was Williams football, though he would never admit as much. That’s saying a lot considering coaches like Stan Huffman, C.A. Frye, Jerome Evans and Pete Stout did plenty to weave the tapestry of the football tradition at the school.
It’s no coincidence that when references to the “Williams Bulldogs” are found in letters to the editor or other reader feedback we get, they are almost always follow by “coached by Sam Story.”
Sure, the Bulldogs will win more titles. They’ll have other successful coaches. But there will
never be another Sam Story.
While his success on the field has been impressive, the close-knit environment he helped create, is what defines the program. Just go down on the field after a home game. With the turnout of fans, former players, families and other well-wishers, there’s no hiding the love that ties the Bulldogs’ football program together.
Something tells me that’s just the way he drew it up.
