David Lattin (Starting Center for TWC) Interview

"What was your reaction after the title?"

“Well, I was excited. I expected us to win and I was excited to be on the winning end of the national title. I couldn’t wait to get back to my friends and family in El Paso.”

"Were you pressured at all?"

“No, I didn’t feel pressured. We had a great team and had been winning all year. So, I didn’t feel pressured at all if that answers your question.”

"Do you think think this event changed the face of recruiting?"

“Oh absolutely, it definitely changed the face of recruiting, especially here in the South where we were African-Americans live. After we won that game, the youngsters were recruited to more major universities. It wasn’t just football, basketball, and baseball, it was all sports. We opened the door for all the youngsters who play in a sport.”

​​​​​​​"Did you guys feel supported by your coach?"

“Absolutely, in fact the coach knew that Kentucky had all white players, so he called all the African-Americans into his room right after the pre-game meal and said he was just going to play the African-American players in the game, so he definitely supported us. He knew exactly what he was doing."

"If the game wouldn't have happened what would recruiting be like for African Americans now?"

“Well, now kids don't have to think about because we won the game. Now we recruit on skill."