Although I haven't in recent times had the most
harmonious relationship with either Dan Beshear or the
Oklahoma Academic Team, I would like to join my former
colleague David Murphy in hopes that the qb community
express its condolences to Dan and his wife for their
tragic loss of their baby James.
David was quite
correct in his assessment that Dan was essential to the
founding of Oklahoma. Besides his playing ability--which
was formidable, and usually considerably underrated
considering he spent his entire playing career in several
other players' shadows--Dan was also the person who
brought the practical sense to the table to make our
ideas come to light. Without Dan's sacrifices of time
and money and Jami's infinite patience and wry sense
of humor, I seriously doubt there would have been an
Oklahoma team at all.
Dan had his faults--don't we
all?--but I think those of us who at one point knew him
best still know that somewhere in there, regardless of
what else happened, that there is a heart of gold like
I have found in few other people.
RIP,
James. Dan and Jami, best wishes and prayers
always.
Eric Bell
Oklahoma ACF Team '93-'98