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Show Sporfstacular Aip73H grsitfliysitiSm, itowtitssUB Fsumfc by Keith Dancan Four years ago as a freshman at Brigham Young University, Clay Blackwell admitted it was difficult being a Black at BYU. But the former Bonneville High star thought it more important that he succeed there. Four years ago he was quoted as saying, I think I can do it, and when I do, it will be great Many whites can't hack it, and it makes me feel good to know that I can. Even Blackwell himself, who has been a member of a WAC championship football team ever since be put on a uniform there, may not realize the prodigiousness of the feat he's accomplished. Emotions have run at e highs with Clay, who lives in Provo and has done so for the past four years. The emotions within the Blackwell family, who reside in South Ogden, have been as deep or deeper than Clays the past four seasons. But the magnitude of feeling of any event Blackwell has yet to be involved with, will not compare to the setting this April when be graduates from BYU. That without question," said Willard Lorenzo Blackwell, Clays father. Will be one of the greatest days of my life. all-tim- mo-tim- e Football, despite its grueling demands both physically and mentally, has for twelve years been this athletes love. Star-stu-dded performances from little league to Bonneville to BYU have left lights on that will never be turned out But four years at the nations largest church owned school has rouned Clays outlook on life and knocked off rough corners that no other place or time could have. I was glancing at some pictures of Clay the other day couldnt help but notice the change in his eyes between his high school graduation picture and a picture taken a few months back. The difference was confidence and unmistakeable, said Mr. Blackwell. No one is going to say the past three years on the BYU campus and the year thats steadily moving along, has or is going to be throned on the highest bliss. Ive had my ups and downs, good times and bad, said Blackwell from his Provo apartment, Certainly I can say these years will be highly unforgettable. Relentless Support Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell have more or less made their fall home in Cougar Stadium for the past four years. Clay knows as well' as his coaches and teammates that the Blackwell clan is behind them. Mr. Blackwell has become familiar with many coaches and players in the years that Clay has performed. Even this season with the Cougars fighting for their fourth straight league crown and Clay not seeing much action due to a muscle pull, the Blackwells never fail to miss a game. It was in those early years, about the time Clay was eight, that Mr. Blackwell mentioned the option for Clay to try football out. It looked fun and I did," said Clay. Memorable championships in little league prompted was Brigham Youngs first black athlete to ever score a touchdown for that school. CLAY BLACKWELL AS A FRESHMAN, Clay had over 500 yards rushing in two games of un |
