Comments on: Switzer tales: Port Robertson is missed

By: Loree Wilkerson

Loree Wilkerson — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 01:03:08 +0000

I’ve enjoyed every minute of Sooner history. All the articles that have be printed are always exciting. Port must have been a great man-way ahead of time. I’ve had 2 seats since 1969 in Sec. 18 -27&28.My nephew had them in his name and during the Blake years they were transferd to me. I’ve missed 5 home games during this time all because of sickness-missed the 1984 OU Tex during this time. At age 78 I am ready for another big year!! Sorry to hear about the injury to Austin Box. Boomer Sooner-go Big Red!!! Loree Wilkerson 1708 S. Bryant Del City, Ok 73115

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:25:37 +0000

A very nice article, but it only tells one story of Port when there are hundreds, maybe thousands,all of them interesting and most of them hilarious.

I was a student assistant in Sports Information under Harold Keith, learning from the get-go at OU about Port Robertson and his already legendary personality. With all that he did squiring athletes from orientation to degree, Port was also still coaching–de facto, perhaps, but still coaching.

I watched him work with wrestlers in the old, terribly hot and steamy wrestling room under the stadium seats, a 50+ man rolling college kids around on the mat like they were ragdolls, all the while teaching. I’m not sure if he got enough credit for that, having given up his major coaching responsibilities years before.

But, it was Port in his true element, and it was fascinating for me and the wide-eyed athletes with him on the mat. Really, there oughta be a book….full of great lessons.

By: Don

Don — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:53:20 +0000

Berry you are the best without question.
Was on scholarship at OU in 1958-59 and know real well how great a man Port Robertson was to everyone.
Had me running 72 rows up 11 times for skipping one class and yes I did have to vomit,he said”Pea Head” do not throw up on my time you can do that on your time,never missed another class either.Was not happy at OU socially and left for OSU and played three years there,at a wrestling match at Stillwater I saw him standing there,went over and introduced myself,he said “peahead” I know who you are.
Thanked him for my time w him and he said glad you are doing well and all the best to you,a unforgettable man,
a giant for athletes at OU.

By: Old Guy

Old Guy — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:09:47 +0000

Good thing Craig James chose to go to SMU instead of OU. I was disappointed at the time but was not aware of what candy ass’d prima donnas the James boys are. Back then the coach was in control. With Port RoObertson running the show, he would have had to pull up is panties and go home.

Same goes for those whiney boys up at KU.

By: GaryM

GaryM — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:43:12 +0000

Oops, forgot to ask earlier: did you catch Mike Leach on Friday Night Lights? I’d advise him not to quit his day job, but…it was still kind of funny!

By: warren applegate

warren applegate — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:04:29 +0000

I’ve told Stan Abel that he needs to write a book with the “Wit and Wisdom” of Port Robertson being a big part of it.
I went to work for Port in the fall of 1971 as a dorm counselor. I walked into his office early that fall when he was calling Tommy Evans a pea head. I said doesn’t anyone get respect around here (Tommy was one of Port’s all time favorites). He said no. I said okay I understand.

I spent 3 hours with Switzer and Stan Abel visiting with Port at his house 3 months before he died. He was still mentally sharp at 88. Every athlete I’ve ever talked to held Port in the highest regard. He is definitely the most unforgettable character I’ve ever known.

By: Cindy Cloutier

Cindy Cloutier — Mon, 17 May 2010 03:09:46 +0000

It was an honor to get yelled at by Port. I finally earned it one day when I opened a plastic sleeve of styrofoam cups in the athletic department office’s coffee room and left the stack of cups right-side up. He animatedly informed me that you should put them face down to prevent possibility of bugs from getting in the cups.

I was at work one day after hours when Port had a player (Ricki Byars, I think) in his office for what I presumed was a chewing out, when former Sooner and Philadelphia Eagles great Tommy McDonald came by for a visit. Port’s face lit up and he introduced Byars to the 5-7 McDonald as a tough little SOB. “Does Port still stomp on your feet if you’re wearing flip-flops?” McDonald asked. Port positively giggled when Byars replied in the affirmative.

By: barton cannon

barton cannon — Sun, 16 May 2010 23:11:36 +0000

LOL. I loved what Switzer said about players bitching and going to the A.D. and getting the coach fired. You know he is talking about Texas Tech and that little cry baby of a player and his has been daddy. Looking back at the 70′s, football practices were a lot harder on players than now days. I played high school football and i remember the *no water* thing. man that sucked lol. But that was the good old days. Good story once again berry.