By Bobby Allen

SDN Sports Editor

Sammy Baugh was honored at a banquet Saturday night with a host of Texas football icons present to pay their respects to the rancher and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback at his 90th birthday party.

Western Texas College hosted the celebration, and produced a $10,000 check to the Scurry County Boys and Girls Club. Other proceeds from the event will go to help secure a matching grant to renovate the health and physical education building on the college campus.

WTC also named the campus golf course after Baugh.

The event brought out some of the most recognizable names in football history, with luminaries such as Grant Teaff, Don Maynard, Ray Guy, E.J. Holub, John David Crow, and Donny Anderson each saying a few words to the guest of honor.

Former University of Texas head coach Darrell Royal was in attendance, as was Texas Tech quarterback and Snyder graduate Sonny Cumbie.

“This was an opportunity to be around Sammy and all the things he represents,” Cumbie said. “Seeing all these greats -- these guys are where I’d like to be someday.”

Teaff recounted playing golf with Baugh -- whom Teaff recalls hitting the ball as he walked -- in his turn at the podium.

“Sammy always stayed the same -- humble, contrite, consistent and caring,” Teaff, the executive director of the College Football Coaches Association, said. “Giving is what I think of when I think of Sammy Baugh.”

Holub gave the honoree a solo rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” at the end of his remarks.

“He was such an incredible athlete he could do anything he wanted,” Holub said. “He set the standard for NFL players.”

Dykes praised Baugh’s down-to-earth attitude as well as his athletic gifts.

“Sam was one of the most heralded football players,” Dykes said. “He’s also the neatest guy. What you see is what you get. He had so much to do with so many lives.”

Dykes also thanked “the people of Snyder” for hosting the event.

Crow said Baugh was one of the reasons for the success of the league and the material wealth of its players.

“Thank you, Sam, for setting the pace,” he said. “You helped me and my family have what we have today.”

Maynard had the most emotional speech of the night, fighting back tears throughout his address.

Maynard, who was the first New York Titan, said he wanted to be where Baugh was.

“I knew he would throw the ball,” Maynard remarked. “I owe it all to this man. It’s great to be a part of this celebration.”

Bob O’Day was credited with bringing the event together. He also gave the invocation, and took a few jabs for his tireless work in helping coordinate the event.

“I’d hate to see (O’Day’s) phone bill,” Crow told the audience.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning gave a short message via video.

Athletic director Dave Hanes was the master of ceremonies, and WTC president Dr. Greg Williams concluded the party with words of praise for his faculty, which donned server garb and waited on tables at the coliseum.

“I’m overly impressed with our faculty, staff and administrators. They showed they are willing to do anything to help the college and the community,” Williams said. “I appreciate Sammy offering his name and presence and giving the credibility to bring in the people we did.”