[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO BILL ``BULL'' DAVIDSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I was saddened to learn of the passing of 
Bill Davidson, affectionally known as ``Bull'' in Stuttgart, Arkansas 
on Saturday, May 2. Everyone who follows Arkansas State University 
football is familiar with this personable and talented man but I'd like 
to take this opportunity to enlighten my colleagues about this 
gentleman who will always be regarded as one of the greatest coaches 
ASU has ever had.
  Bill was originally from Manila, AR but had lived for many years in 
Jonesboro, AR, home of Arkansas State University. His involvement with 
ASU began in 1953 when he was a center-linebacker on the football team 
and continued when named the offensive coordinator in 1963 for then 
head coach Bennie Ellender. In addition to being the offensive 
coordinator, Bill also served as the offensive line coach. He was one 
of the primary reasons ASU when undefeated in 1970 and were named 
National Champs for their division. When Coach Ellender left for Tulane 
University in 1971, Coach Davidson was placed at the helm. The first 
few years of Bill's tenure were somewhat lean, but the 1973 team 
finished 8-3 and portended future success. This success was realized in 
1975 with an undefeated season and 16 players from that team signing 
pro contracts. It is considered by many ASU fans as the greatest ASU 
football team in the school's history. Unfortunately for ASU, in 1979 
Bill gave up the head coaching reins primarily due to a severe problem 
back which had plagued him for some time. He then became an associate 
athletic director until his retirement in 1990. Bill was twice named 
Southland Conference Coach of the Year and was inducted into the 
Arkansas State University Hall of Honor in 1984.
  I know there are college head coaches that have had more on field 
success than Coach Davidson, though his 51-31-1 record during his 
tenure is very respectable, however, I doubt any would surpass his 
ability to motivate and inspire his players. This was achieved in a 
number of ways and that is the mark of a great football coach, not just 
being proficient with X's and O's but discerning the team's personality 
and adapting their style of coaching to it.
  It would also be difficult to find a coach who was more beloved by 
his players. Often ending a tough practice with all the players 
gathered around him, Bill would tell a joke or two and send everyone to 
the showers with a smile on their faces. His stories about other 
players he played with or coached were also in great demand and 
guaranteed to break-up any listener. It was this wit and humor that 
enabled Coach Davidson to be a very effective recruiter of top high 
school football players throughout the country.
  The people of Northeast Arkansas and ASU in particular will miss 
``Bull'' Davidson but his legacy will be the young men in whom he 
instilled many of life's valuable lessons: physical and mental 
toughness, perseverance, dedication, and perhaps the most important of 
all, not making excuses for any failure that might befall them.
  Bill is survived by his wife Donna and his daughter Sharon to whom I 
send my most sincere condolences.

                          ____________________