Wednesday, September 22, 2021
I was one of the many young men that Coach had a significant impact on during his career and I feel a great sense of loss upon hearing of his passing. It's often said that with profound losses that you remember where you were when they hit. That is certainly the case when I learned of Coach's passing. In the hours that followed I've had lot's of time to reflect upon this significant event and try to sort out why I feel it's impact so greatly. I think it's because Ray represented one of the last big role models that remain from my childhood. Coach Reins was certainly a larger than life figure for me. Certainly his 6'6" stature was a part of it, but there's a special bond between a player and his Coach. Since my playing time in the early 70's, I've enjoyed a half-dozen or so meaningful reunions with Ray and took the opportunity to thank him for the special bond we shared..
I remember the old tattered poster in his window and the annual speech he gave - YOU CAN'T HANG OUT WITH THE TURKEYS AND SOAR WITH THE EAGLES. How well all of us who played for him remember the somewhat crazed sideline antics that have become Chieftain folklore. Most of the stories are true with little need for exaggeration. I recall how brutal he could be to the Sapulpa wresters who thought that they could exit the wrestling facility through the basketball gym. I recall seeing video of Coach Bobby Knight of the Indiana Hoosers and thinking - He's not anything compared to Coach Reins. I recall some of my own brushes with coach. One particular game in 1973 - With the likes of players like Pat Richie, Mark Tucker, Larry Nightingale, Mike Parks, and Kenneth Dansby - I was so far down the depth chart that I never had to wonder if I would play. But to my surprise- coach told me to "get in there". I guess the look of shock on my face was more than he could take and the next thing I knew is that I landed about 4 feet onto the court. Which immediately got a technical foul called for not checking in at the scorers table- which got me put right back on the bench. Every year the big challenge we couldn't seem to get past was the game at Okmulgee. 73' was no different as we traveled to "the pit" to challenge these perennial conference and tournament foes. This was to be the year though that we broke through and coach got the big victory he longed for. Following the game I went to the bus while those who played showered up. As we waited I saw clearly that angry Bulldog fans were waiting to ambush the "star players". As I exited to bus to warn them - out of nowhere I was pummeled by a punch from the 6'7" star center for Okmulgee. The bloody mess made the injury seem more serious than it was - but to my amazement for the first time I felt Ray's concern for me beyond what contribution I made on the court. I think if coach could have gotten his hands on Kenneth Lawrence at that moment it would have turned ugly. Funny how it changed the dynamic of our relationship. Ray insisted on taking me home that night and expressing to my parents how sorry he was that it happened. But I wasn't so sorry - my assault and broken nose became part of the narrative of when the Chieftains went to Okmulgee and come home triumphant.
The last memory I'll share comes from my senior season in 1974. Once again the conference championship ran through Okmulgee and we faced them on "Loyalty Night". Thousands gathered in the old Sapulpa gym for the game for all the marbles. By my senior season I was on the starting squad but more Chieftain faithful will remember me as the kid who sang the National Anthem. This night though Ray and choral director VeDon Law had placed an additional musical tune in the runup to the tip-off. That night the choir and I sang the song "My Tribute" which became my personal declaration of faith. I'd like to close with the words I sang that night as a tribute to Coach.
How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me. Things so undeserved - yet you gave to prove your love for me. The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be - I owe it all to thee.
Randy Anderson
Sapulpa Chieftain, 1973-1974
