Doyt recognized at The Doyt....

The Falcons are doing a really cool thing this season at (as we now call it) "The Doyt." They are honoring Doyt Perry, the coach who started it all.

I like this because it occurs to me that most of the people who come to games (or, at least, many) probably think that Doyt Perry was a big donor or something (ala Sebo Center). In fact, as we all know, he was a coach and a great one.

From bgsusports.com, here is some information on his incredible career.

His final coaching record stands at 77-11-5 over his 10 years at Bowling Green, and his .855 winning percentage goes down as one of the top five in college football history. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988.

And he won a small college national championship in 1959 (more on that in future days).

I wrote something on this back in the UM days, when he was winning. I noted that even if he continued to win as he had in his first two years, and did it for eight more years without stopping, his winning % would have been less than Doyt Perry. Astounding.

Also, there is the old story (apparently true) that the last time Bo Schembecler and Woody Hayes ever met was at Doyt's house in Bowling Green.

WBGU made a great documentary about Doyt. (There is a link on this page to actually watch the show online, and I highly recommend it). He was beloved by his players, and his colleagues. Bo actually cries when he thinks about Doyt. In fact, he said this....

"I don't believe I can name a coach, anywhere, anytime, anyhow, who did it better than Doyt Perry."-1955 BG Assistant Bo Schembechler

I had the honor to meet Doyt a number of times, and he was a nice man who was respectful and patient. He had the opportunity to throw his weight around, but he was always content to blend into the crowd. He was humble above all.

And from that we could all learn something.