The Crimson Pigskin e-Letter: Vol 11, Issue 21

THE CRIMSON PIGSKIN e-LETTER

 

THE ORANGE EXPRESSWAY

 

A recent dvd release from Universal Pictures entitled, The Express, chronicles the story of Syracuse running back Ernie Davis.  His career at SU spanning from 1959 to 1961, Davis held the distinction of being the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner after the '61 season.  In 1959, his sophomore year, the Orangemen won the national title. 

 

The role of Coach Schwartzwalder is played by Dennis Quaid.  Schwartzwalder was named national coach of the year after an 11-0 regular season, followed by a win over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.  He had floored Davis when he assigned Brown's old number, 44, to the young workhorse.  Quaid's performance as the hardnosed ball coach is believable and adds a lot to the predictable storyline.

 

The Ernie Davis story picks up where the great Jim Brown's leaves off and ends tragically in 1963, when at 23 years of age, he loses a battle against leukemia.  With the exception of winning the Heisman and a sad ending, Davis' story parallels that of late Oklahoma star running back Prentice Gautt, right down to being Cleveland Browns of the NFL.  Davis' health had declined such that he never played a down for the Browns although he suited up and stood on the sideline before his condition completely disrupted everyday life.

 

Gautt told stories about his time as a high profile African-American football player in the southern United States in the late '50's.  One of the most notable memories has been clouded by time and transmission as it's handed down from former Sooner players.  Accounts range from Gautt being sneaked into the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City through the service entrance, before home football games because of segregation to those of him being welcomed by reporters and glaring flashbulbs.  Some say the denial was at The Fort Worth Hotel instead of the Skirvin.  Davis and two teammates were relegated to sleep on cots in service quarters in Dallas, Texas before the 1959 Cotton Bowl. 

 

Not as much of a tear jerker as Brian's Song, and cut from the same cloth as Remember the Titans, the recruiting scenes alone make it a an interesting flick for college football fans.  Seeing the torch passed from Brown to Davis, then on to Floyd Little is an intriguing part of the tale.  There's no time like the wait for spring football or the summer to rent it.  Happy viewing!

 

TACKLING THE BIG JIM

 

A couple of seasons back, the Crimson Chronicles, predecessor to the CPEL, related a story about the Big Jim Omelet at Jimmy's Egg.  The following is a presentation from an 11-year old guest writer who bravely battled the aptly named breakfast and emerged victoriously.  This piece may be better than the usual writing found in CPEL but don't get any ideas.  The author doesn't plan on handing over the reins to a youngster,…at least not yet.  Here goes.

 

 Daddy and I were watching a TV show that was talking about Beth's 12 egg omelets and he mentioned the Big Jim at Jimmy's Egg and I asked what their service times were. They are open from 7 'o'clock to 2 'o' clock so we went and I ordered the humongo omelet. The person who brought out the food thought that the wimpy Popeye omelet was for me and that the big one was for Daddy. I thought uh-uh I'm not eating the tiny one, I'm not that wimpy.

 

 Being only 11 years of age I ate the Big Jim at Jimmy's Egg at 41^st and Peoria.  I couldn't believe the hospitality and the speedy people that worked at this restaurant.  It was like no other experience I ever had.  I think this place definitely was a highly recommended location in which you could get a delicious omelet. 

 

My experience with eating something bigger than my stomach [also known as the Big Jim] was slightly painful considering that 3 quarters of the way I started to become full.  Lucky for me I had a big glass of Dr.Pepper to help me get it down.  My omelet had double green olives, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, black olives, potatoes, green onion, bacon, sausage, and bell pepper.  It was yummy and I got it quickly which was awesome. 

 

Once I got it, I started to chow down and I told myself that I couldn't eat the hash browns and my homemade sourdough toast, or I would lose my appetite before I could finish my egg.  The hash browns in a way made me want to fall over because I was so stuffed.  I almost went outside before we could pay.  I wanted a nap.

 

Conversing about the legendary Vermonster, created by Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Co. made me excited about the next trip to Texas.  In Texas, I could stop at B & J's and order the enormous 20 scoop concoction covered with lots of toppings.  People would be amazed if I finished it.  In fact, my Dad was even amazed I could finish the Big Jim.

 

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

 

Carlos

 

THE CRIMSON PIGSKIN e-LETTER