Donald Albert Watson (January 6, 1934 – January 7, 2020[1]) was an American football player and coach. He played college football at Texas A&M University (1954–1957), where he was one of the "Junction Boys", and later served as the assistant coach at his alma mater from 1965 to 1970. Watson was also the assistant coach at Virginia Tech (1957–1958), University of Houston (1960–1961), Tulane University (1962–1963), and the University South Carolina (1963–1964).
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 6, 1934 McAllen, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | January 7, 2020 (aged 86) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Texas A&M University |
| Playing career | |
| 1952–1956 | Texas A&M |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1957–1958 | Virginia Tech (assistant) |
| 1960–1961 | Houston (assistant) |
| 1962–1963 | Tulane (assistant) |
| 1963–1964 | South Carolina (assistant) |
| 1965–1970 | Texas A&M (assistant) |
Early years and playing career
editWatson played his high school sports in Franklin, Texas, where he won all-state honors. Don was a 1952 graduate of Franklin High School, graduating salutatorian of his class. During his high school athletic career, he earned 18 letters in sports. Because of Watson's memorable performance, Franklin's Head Coach, Joe Hedrick retired Don Watson’s jersey #17 in 1960.[2] He was recruited to Texas A&M University to play college football by then-head coach Raymond George. At Texas A&M, Watson was a member of the famed Junction Boys under head coach Bear Bryant.[3][4] In 1956, he helped the team finish 9–0–1 and capture its first Southwest Conference championship since 1939.[5] Watson received his Bachelor of Physical Education degree from Texas A&M in 1957.
Coaching career
editVirginia Tech (1957–1958),[6] University of Houston (1960–1961)[7] Tulane University (1962–1963)[8] University South Carolina (1963–1964)[9] Texas A&M (1965 to 1970) In 1965 Watson was named assistant coach with his alma mater, Texas A&M.[10] During his tenure, the Aggies won the Southwest Conference in 1967. At the end of that season Texas A&M went on to a victory over Alabama and mentor Bear Bryant in the Cotton Bowl. Watson retired from coaching at the end of the 1970 season.
References
edit- ^ "Silver Taps Notification". The Association of Former Students. January 10, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
- ^ "26 Aug 1960, Page 4 - The Hearne Democrat at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
- ^ "Junction Boys". www.espn.com. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
- ^ "Junction Boys: Don Watson". www.espn.com. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
- ^ "1956 Southwest Conference Year Summary". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
- ^ "24 Mar 1957, Page 30 - Daily Press at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
- ^ "24 Jun 1960, 7 - Victoria Advocate at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
- ^ "11 Jan 1962, Page 14 - The Laredo Times at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
- ^ "25 Apr 1963, Page 26 - The Greenville News at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
- ^ "3 Jan 1965, Page 8 - The Eagle at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved December 4, 2021.