Turning of the Tide
How One Game Changed the South
John McKay’s USC vs. Bear Bryant’s Alabama 1970
Corporate Competitor Podcast Episode 7
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We know how sports shapes executives, but in this special edition, we discuss how sports shaped society. September 12th is the 50th anniversary of a game that, many would argue, completely changed college football.
Bear Bryant, who was still coaching an all-white football team at Alabama in 1970, slyly pulled off a game against a fully integrated Southern Cal team in a game many credited with opening the door to the full-scale integration of Southern college football.
In this bonus episode, Don Yaeger will start by telling you the story as it was chronicled in his book, Turning of the Tide. Then, three of the players who were in the stadium that night, join the show to reflect on the game – and its enormous implications.
AND get excited – Don’s colleagues at ESPN will continue celebrating with a College Gameday Feature on September 12th.
Featuring:
- USC fullback Sam “Bam” Cunningham.
- Alabama’s first black player recruited out of high school – Wilbur Jackson.
- USC Linebacker John Papadakis.
You will learn:
- 6:00 How easy it is to cut corners in practice and why you’ll suffer as a result.
- 8:00 How to emphasize the power or “we” on your team.
- 11:00 How living and working in Japan in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster taught Lane that caring was the universal language of respected leaders.
- 15:00 The level of employee interaction required to achieve success.
- 18:30 The difference between being accountable and responsible.
- 27:00 How to identify a meaningful friend or mentor.
Resources:
-
- Read the full story Don Yaeger wrote with the players of the team.
- Forbes.com blog celebrating the 50th anniversary.
- Feature on College Gameday.
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Greg Brenneman
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
John C. Maxwell
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Simon Sinek
“Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
Beth Brooke
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
Rick Hendrick
“We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
Bill George
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
Savannah Gallagher
Jon Rousseau
Francisco Nunez
Brett Rutherford
Special thanks to Dave Moore, Lauren Hafner, Samantha Clark, and the Florida State University Internship Program for consistently supporting our research team.
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