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September 8, 2005

Billy Vessels statue to be unveiled today

Transcript Staff

Long before Jason White, Billy Sims and Steve Owens arrived at the University of Oklahoma, Billy Vessels established the school's lofty tradition of winning Heisman trophies.

Today, the Oklahoma Centennial Commission and the University of Oklahoma will honor the tailback from Cleveland, Okla., when their representatives unveil a large statue of him on Jenkins Avenue, just east of the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m.

Gov. Brad Henry will welcome Vessels' wife, Susie, and the Vessels children for the dedication ceremony. The public is invited to attend the unveiling and ceremony.

"Billy Vessels was a loyal supporter of OU all of his lifetime," said OU President David Boren. "We are honored to celebrate Sooners, like Billy, who during their time at OU carved a place in the school's proud tradition."

Vessels ran for 2,085 yards and scored 35 touchdowns during his career. He won the Heisman in 1952 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974.

The statue, sculpted by Edmond artist Shan Gray, will become part of the newly developed Heisman Park. The park is a joint feature of OU and the Centennial Commission that will include statues of Owens next year and of Sims and White in 2007 ? Oklahoma's centennial year of statehood.

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