By ERIC BAILEY Sports Writer on Aug 31, 2012, at 9:10 PM Updated on 8/31 at 9:10 PM
OU SPORTS
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The Bulldog Bowl, home of Artesia High School football.
ARTESIA, N.M. – After spending a day in Artesia, New Mexico, I’ve been able to see the foundation for Landry Jones’ success.
The Oklahoma quarterback grew up in a community of less than 20,000. But that hasn’t kept this southwestern New Mexico town from thinking big.
It begins with how much Artesia embraces its youth. The next generation is a priority for this town and it isn’t limited to athletics. The Mack and Marilyn Chase Foundation offers amazing scholarship opportunities for all Artesia high school graduates that maintain 3.0 grade point averages. (Mack Chase is a leader that’s taken care of his community).
The high school football stadium would Oklahoma’s best stadiums. The press box is three stories with four impressive skyboxes. There is a hall of fame in the end zone, as well as coaches offices. A new video board was added this year.
Nearly everyone I spoke with either: A) Knows Landry personally; B) Has a son/daughter/grandson/granddaughter that knows Landry; C) Attended church with Landry.
Everyone I talked agreed on one thing. On the rare occasion that Jones makes it back to Artesia, they said “He’s just Landry.” There is not one ounce of an ego.
I asked coach Cooper Henderson if Jones is easily the best player to come out of Artesia. Henderson, who is also an Artesia graduate, didn’t come out and say that, but it’s easy to read between the lines.
“I’m never one to says he’s the best, but I let the records speak for itself,” said Henderson, who has led the Bulldogs to a dozen state championships. “He’s set records at Oklahoma. We haven’t had anyone do that.”
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