Roy Williams' Sooner Legacy Grows

Jan. 23, 2003

Norman, Okla. - The story of Roy Williams and the University of Oklahoma has been built on achievements of lasting impact. A national championship, the Big 12 crown, the Jim Thorpe Award, the Bronko Nagurski Award and, of course, "the play" in the Sooners' 2001 victory in the Red River Shootout are OU accomplishments authored in part or in whole by the former Sooner great.

His legacy grew again Thursday when OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione announced that Williams, now a member of the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys, has contributed $100,000 towards a new strength training facility, currently being built as part of the school's new indoor workout complex. The new area, which will carry Williams' name, will complement the main Robin Siegfried and Family Strength and Conditioning Center, located at the Switzer Center.

"Roy Williams exhibits many great qualities, but none greater than his desire to help make those around him better," Castiglione said. "He was a gifted student-athlete when he wore the Sooner uniform, but rather than seek the spotlight for himself, he always prioritized the program and his teammates above himself. You could tell that from the comments he made and from the way he conducted himself during his time on our campus. This is truly one of the best feel-good stories I've ever had the opportunity to experience in college athletics.

"Here is an All-America student-athlete who helped his team to a national championship. He now reflects on his time at Oklahoma, recognizes the positive impact OU had on his life, and decides to give back. This gift will make it possible for others to enjoy an experience similar to that which Roy enjoyed. This is the ultimate win-win situation. Obviously, we're grateful to Roy for his gift and for the message his generosity conveys to so many."

The 4,500-square-foot Roy Williams Strength Training Facility will open in April. All OU teams will have access to its use, but Castiglione said the most regular inhabitants would likely come from the sports of football, softball, baseball and track and field, those sports that most often utilize the indoor training facilities.

"I am in a position to help and I just wanted to give something back to a place that has been very special to me," said Williams. "I don't know if I would be where I am today without OU. It had a great impact on me. I was fortunate enough to be there at a time when we won a national championship. I'd like to help other OU athletes be in a position to have the same experience."

"The weight room project was interesting to me because sports is a year-long commitment now. You've got to be in top physical condition at all times."

"This gift speaks to Roy's character," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "He's a great athlete, too, but he gets the most from his ability because of the kind of quality person he is. It's impressive that he is giving back so early in his professional career, and not just giving back, but doing so in a major way.

"To have him recognize a university and a program that helped him develop means a lot to all of us. People of great character want to help others follow in their path. Roy is doing that because he is giving OU athletes the opportunity to continue to prepare and play at a championship level just like he did."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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