Rodney Clark and Gregory Jones

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

 

This quote could have come from the mouth of Paul Bryant, for he is known for having said a great number of quotable things over his lifetime. This particular quote, though not his, characterized the type of commitment he had in life, always rising to the challenge and inspiring others to do the same, sometimes in the face of hardship.

Not a perfect man, Bryant had many faults, but his failures shaped and sculpted him as much, if not more, than his many successes. At the end of his life what was abundantly clear was his tremendous love for his players, their families, and the University that had given him the pulpit from which he would preach. He committed his life to ushering several generations of boys into manhood, who in turn would serve their families and communities with great pride and their own brand of commitment.

Bryant came under fire for not having Black players on his football team prior to 1971; he was accused of fixing games; he had controversial methods of training that would often be ridiculed – and still he did not fold. He stood upright, feet firmly planted, and he did what he did best…he coached.

If I as a director can shed light on one specific aspect of this man, if I can bring an element to life on stage worthy of his iconic status, it would be his desire to be a winner in life, and to make winners out of everyone with whom he came in contact.

Oh, by the way, the quote at the top was from a speech entitled “Strength to Love,” given in 1963 by Martin Luther King Jr. 

– Tim Rhoze, Director