University of Oklahoma Athletics
Retired From Work, Not Basketball
October 28, 2015 | Men's Basketball
Distributing practice plans that detail the order of the afternoon to ensure everyone in attendance is in-tune with the schedule. Greeting each of the Sooner student-athletes as they enter the gym, most times receiving a hug or pat on the back. Intensely watching and scrutinizing every drill, clapping proudly when someone makes a great play.
Speaking of the Oklahoma coaching staff, you ask?
Not exactly. This is the routine for three retired men – Paul Armstrong, Jerry Kershaw and Joe Bogan – who drive to the Lloyd Noble Center nearly every afternoon to enjoy OU men's basketball practice from their courtside seats.
At most college campuses around the county, this wouldn't be possible. Head coach Lon Kruger instilled a policy when he arrived at Oklahoma that every men's practice would be open to the public. His staff encourages families, friends, fans – and retirees – to come out and be a part of the Sooner basketball family.
As practice concludes, OU coaches and players will break the huddle and immediately greet and extend a 'thank you' to those that have spent their afternoons at the LNC.
“Practices are always open,” Kruger said. “We love having friends, families come out and the media is here every day. You'll see kids out shooting with our guys after practice. Our guys love that. Paul, Joe, Jerry – they're consistently at practice, and that's great to see. Our guys get to know them and appreciate their interest and support. It seems like that group enjoys watching practice and spending time with our players, and we love that.”
For the three retired men, open practices provide a unique – and very personal – opportunity to stay connected and feel a part of the program.
“I'm retired, so it's a great activity for me to stay involved,” Bogan, a 1966 letterwinner for the team, explained. “You feel like you know the guys and they'll come up and talk to you and you at least get a sense of who they are a little bit better. Many of them will tell you thanks for coming and supporting them. You feel like you know them better as people, not just basketball players.”
Armstrong, a season-ticket holder, proudly identifies himself as an OU fan since the mid-1950's and used to attend homes games in McCasland Field House. Part of the intrigue for him to attend practices is to observe how the young men develop from the time they are freshmen to when they graduate.
“If you're a basketball fan, you'll enjoy this because you get a behind-the-scenes look,” he said. “You'll understand the games better, but you need to be a basketball fan. Or, if you're interested in young people, you get to see them development and you see them working hard. It's very rewarding to then see them be successful.”
He also attends because of the head coach.
“I like to come and watch how Coach Kruger teaches,” Armstrong said. “He's such a gentleman, I mean to tell you. You couldn't find a better person in the whole world. He is really, really good to everyone. OU is lucky to have him and his staff leading the program.”
A special moment at practice came for Paul a few weeks ago, a day when he celebrated his 80th birthday. The coaches and team knew this was his special day, and acted accordingly.
“I was quite in shock,” Armstrong said, shaking his head. “It was my big 8-0 and I got here and they brought me a piece of birthday cake and a birthday card too. It was unbelievably nice of them to take the time to do that. I'll remember that.”
Count Kershaw as another fan of both open practices and the head ball coach. He remembers Kruger from his playing days at Silver Lake High School in Kansas and has respected him ever since.
“I love coming to practices to watch new players and see how good we are going to be,” Kershaw said. “I also come to observe Coach Kruger. He is such a great teacher and it's inspiring to me to watch him. He doesn't ever raise his voice but they all sure listen. There are a lot of great teachers around the country but he's one of the very best.”
The player interaction is also a motivating factor for Kershaw to attend practice.
“I've gotten to know Buddy (Hield) really well, and what a great young man he is,” he said. “It's interesting to me to know the players and interact with them. Coach Kruger's players are a reflection of his personality, and that's pretty darn good.”
Hield, who will begin his senior season this winter, appreciates fans who show up at practice and games to support the program – especially this regular group of retired men.
“It means a lot,” Hield said. “They're all funny in their own ways. They've been around the program so long and they're great to be around. They're always upbeat and come in here every day with a fun spirit. It helps because they're always positive and they keep us going. They're always telling me, 'Buddy we can't wait for the season!'”
Hield also recognizes the group knows their basketball, and to listen when they extend advice to the team.
“I know to believe and listen to what they say, because they know and have been around the game for a long, long time,” Hield said. “Hats off to Coach Kruger for opening practices. These guys are die-hard fans and this is their favorite time of year.
“It means a lot to see them every day at 2 o'clock. They are there smiling, ready to give me a pat on the back. Our team appreciates them a lot.”
Redshirt freshman Jamuni McNeace echoed Hield's sentiments about this particular group of fans.
“Every time I walk into practice one of them walks up and hugs me, and that brightens my day,” McNeace said. “No matter what mood I'm in, they can always boost me up. They've been around and been fans of the program for a long time. It's great to know we have supporters like them out there.”
