3 Things about Jack Mildren
Jack Mildren, who quarterbacked the Oklahoma Sooners to great glory and then became the state’s lieutenant governor, died Thursday night after a bout with cancer. He was 58.
The Oklahoman’s Berry Tramel reports Mildren was diagnosed two years ago with cancer but had continued to serve as a vice chairman for Arvest Bank and host a daily sports radio show on WKY 930-AM.
Here are 3 Things You Should Know about Jack Mildren.
1. Mildren was considered by many the greatest quarterback in OU history. The godfather of the wishbone. He arrived in 1968 out of Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas, as one of the most ballyhooed Sooner recruits ever.
As a sophomore, Mildren set passing records. As a junior in 1970, when the Sooners got off to a struggling start, coach Chuck Fairbanks switched to the wishbone offense in mid-season, and history was made. Mildren was a natural for the option offense and made All-American in 1971, when OU set NCAA rushing records and ignited a nearly 20-year dynasty.
Be sure to read more Berry Tramel in today’s editions of The Oklahoman and online at NewsOK, about Jack Mildren. “There will be no more tomorrows for Jack Mildren. But his yesterdays will live forever on this side of the river”
2. Mildren was elected lieutenant governor in 1990. The Oklahoman’s John Greiner reports Mildren came into politics directly from a very successful career in the oil business in 1990 when he was elected lieutenant governor. Mildren ran for governor in 1994 as the Democratic Party nominee. He lost that election to Republican Frank Keating.
3. You can read quotes from many of Mildren’s friends online at NewsOK. You can also sign a virtual guest book. Here’s a few excerpts from those who already have:
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