Barry Sanders Returns to Oklahoma State University for 25th Anniversary of 1988 Heisman Season
My Senior Year at Oklahoma State University . . . .
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Barry Sanders Returns for 25th anniversary of 88' Heisman
Posted: Saturday, November 9, 2013 8:33 pm | Updated: 11:00 pm, Sun Nov 10, 2013.
Kieran Steckley
A quarter of a century never seemed so short.
The 1988 OSU football team held a reunion coinciding with Oklahoma State’s 42-6 win over the Kansas Jayhawks. The 1988 season is memorable to Cowboys fans not just because it was one of the most successful seasons in school history, but also because 1988 was Barry Sanders’ Heisman season. Sanders made his widely publicized return to the town where he went from Thurman Thomas’ backup and star kick returner to a football legend.
“Memories, excitement and almost sadness that much time has passed,” Sanders said of the reunion. “But at the same just thinking about how that year changed my life. And also just the being with the guys you were able to experience it with.”
Sanders looks back at his time at OSU and is grateful. He gave credit to his offensive line and fullback for paving the way for him to average 7.6 yards a carry, just as he did when he was first named the Heisman winner. “Winning the Heisman was unique, special and life changing,” Sanders said. “All the right things came together for me that year, honestly. The right circumstances met with the right time and the right person. It was a memorable and landmark year for me.”
Sanders said it had been about a year since he was in Stillwater. He still keeps up with the team and likes what OSU coach Mike Gundy, Sanders former teammate and quarterback, has done for the program.
“I know he cares deeply about Oklahoma State, even long before he was the coach here,” Sanders said. “It’s remarkable to see what he has been able to do. I think the future is bright with him leading the team.”
Sanders views the new athletic buildings and complexes as one of the bright spots of the state of the program. “These facilities are remarkable, second to none,” Sanders said. “Better than most facilities in the NFL. I think it’s made a big difference.”
Sanders describes himself as being immersed in football. He has several reasons to smile on Saturdays and Sundays. His alma mater is among the best teams in the Big 12, his son gets quality playing time for a top-5 team at Stanford and the Detroit Lions are 5-3, tied for the division lead in the NFC North. “It’s certainly a good time, certainly a unique time for me,” Sanders said. “Yes, a lot of the teams I’m connected with and affiliated with are having good success.”
In addition to his rushing prowess, Sanders was a prolific returner in his college days. That’s how he first made a name for himself. While backing up Thomas in 1987, Sanders averaged 31.6 yards per kickoff return, leading the nation.
This year’s OSU squad has a quality returner of its own in Justin Gilbert, whose 100-yd return moved him to a tie for second all-time in kickoff return for touchdowns with six. Gilbert is aware of Sanders’ reputation but wanted to show his skills as well. “I had that in mind,” Gilbert said. “I wanted to show him how it’s done in the new school.”
Sanders met with the team after the game and delivered a message to the players, echoing some of the same things Gundy preaches to his team every day. “It was motivating,” OSU running back Desmond Roland said. “He said some good things and it was very inspiring to our team.”
http://www.ocolly.com/sports/article_7b34dc08-49b0-11e3-a403-0019bb30f31a.html
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Barry Sanders Returns for 25th anniversary of 88' Heisman
Posted: Saturday, November 9, 2013 8:33 pm | Updated: 11:00 pm, Sun Nov 10, 2013.
Kieran Steckley
A quarter of a century never seemed so short.
The 1988 OSU football team held a reunion coinciding with Oklahoma State’s 42-6 win over the Kansas Jayhawks. The 1988 season is memorable to Cowboys fans not just because it was one of the most successful seasons in school history, but also because 1988 was Barry Sanders’ Heisman season. Sanders made his widely publicized return to the town where he went from Thurman Thomas’ backup and star kick returner to a football legend.
“Memories, excitement and almost sadness that much time has passed,” Sanders said of the reunion. “But at the same just thinking about how that year changed my life. And also just the being with the guys you were able to experience it with.”
Sanders looks back at his time at OSU and is grateful. He gave credit to his offensive line and fullback for paving the way for him to average 7.6 yards a carry, just as he did when he was first named the Heisman winner. “Winning the Heisman was unique, special and life changing,” Sanders said. “All the right things came together for me that year, honestly. The right circumstances met with the right time and the right person. It was a memorable and landmark year for me.”
Sanders said it had been about a year since he was in Stillwater. He still keeps up with the team and likes what OSU coach Mike Gundy, Sanders former teammate and quarterback, has done for the program.
“I know he cares deeply about Oklahoma State, even long before he was the coach here,” Sanders said. “It’s remarkable to see what he has been able to do. I think the future is bright with him leading the team.”
Sanders views the new athletic buildings and complexes as one of the bright spots of the state of the program. “These facilities are remarkable, second to none,” Sanders said. “Better than most facilities in the NFL. I think it’s made a big difference.”
Sanders describes himself as being immersed in football. He has several reasons to smile on Saturdays and Sundays. His alma mater is among the best teams in the Big 12, his son gets quality playing time for a top-5 team at Stanford and the Detroit Lions are 5-3, tied for the division lead in the NFC North. “It’s certainly a good time, certainly a unique time for me,” Sanders said. “Yes, a lot of the teams I’m connected with and affiliated with are having good success.”
In addition to his rushing prowess, Sanders was a prolific returner in his college days. That’s how he first made a name for himself. While backing up Thomas in 1987, Sanders averaged 31.6 yards per kickoff return, leading the nation.
This year’s OSU squad has a quality returner of its own in Justin Gilbert, whose 100-yd return moved him to a tie for second all-time in kickoff return for touchdowns with six. Gilbert is aware of Sanders’ reputation but wanted to show his skills as well. “I had that in mind,” Gilbert said. “I wanted to show him how it’s done in the new school.”
Sanders met with the team after the game and delivered a message to the players, echoing some of the same things Gundy preaches to his team every day. “It was motivating,” OSU running back Desmond Roland said. “He said some good things and it was very inspiring to our team.”
http://www.ocolly.com/sports/article_7b34dc08-49b0-11e3-a403-0019bb30f31a.html