The Rick Mays Memorial Gateway Plaque

Abstract

Plaque inscription: "The Rick Mays Memorial Gateway, erected 1962 as a tribute to Richard Christian Mays '37 (1913 - 1961), coach of football 1954 - 1961, Southwestern at Memphis. Rick Mays was a 'happy warrior' who welcomed combat even with giants. A 130-pound member of the backfield, he played on teams that held their own with Southeastern Conference Rivals. In 1936, as student assistant coach, he planned the strategy which resulted in one of Southwestern's most celebrated football victories. Later as head coach, his teams played on even terms with usually stronger opponents. A successful businessman, civic leader and churchman, he chose to coach because of his deep and abiding love of young people. To youths who came under his genial influence he was a friend for life, an inspiration to right action and a champion in time of adversity. He was one who never turned his back but marched breast forward, never doubted clouds could break, never dreamed the right were worsted, wrong would triumph, held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, sleep to wake - Robert Browning."