DOC BLANCHARD AND GLENN DAVIS NAMED 2003 PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS DOAK WALKER LEGENDS AWARD RECIPIENTS
| October 2, 2003 |
Contact: Lisa Chou (214) 768-4314 |
DALLAS, TEXAS - Felix "Doc" Blanchard and Glenn Davis, former Army star running backs, were jointly named the recipients of the 2003 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award. The award is presented by the SMU Athletic Forum, and the recipients are chosen by the Forum's Board of Directors.
Blanchard and Davis, who will receive their trophies at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet on Thursday, February 12, 2004, at The Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, join a prestigious list of recipients. Previous honorees include college and pro football Hall of Famers and Heisman Trophy winners Earl Campbell (2002) and Tony Dorsett (2001); Rhodes Scholar, war hero and Heisman Trophy winner Pete Dawkins (2000); two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin (1999); and Pro Football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers (1998).
From 1944-46, teammates Blanchard and Davis were aptly referred to as "Mr. Inside" and "Mr. Outside." Blanchard won the Heisman Trophy in 1945 while Davis was runner-up. The following year, Davis was the recipient of the coveted award.
Blanchard, "Mr. Inside," scored 38 touchdowns in his career at West Point and gained 1,908 rushing yards in three years. He was a top punter averaging 38.8 yards per kick in 1944 and 33.7 yards per kick in 1945. To this day, he holds the Army record for average kickoff return yards (44.3) in 1946. After graduation, Blanchard spent his entire career with the Army Air Force. A retired Colonel, he lives in Texas.
Davis, "Mr. Outside," dominated opposing defenses, scoring 59 touchdowns in his career and averaging almost one touchdown every nine plays. After his time at West Point, Davis served in the Army in Korea and then went on to play for the Los Angeles Rams. After playing on two championship teams, Davis retired due to injury. He went on to work in public relations for the Los Angeles Times until his retirement.
The PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award was created by the SMU Athletic Forum to honor former running backs who excelled at the collegiate level, and also distinguished themselves as leaders in their communities.
"These two gentlemen epitomize the word 'legend'. They were great football players, who served our country and their communities with distinction," said Maribess Miller, Dallas office managing partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers. "We are proud to honor one of the greatest backfields in college football history."
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is in its sixth year as the presenting sponsor of the Doak Walker Legends Award. PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwcglobal.com) is the world's largest professional services organization. Drawing on the knowledge and skills of more than 125,000 people in 142 countries, they build relationships by providing services based on quality and integrity. They help their clients solve complex business problems and measurably enhance their ability to build value, manage risk, and improve quality and performance. PwC is organized along three lines of service: Assurance, Advisory and Tax.