With all freshmen ineligible to play varsity ball, Jay Wilkinson headed into his sophomore season at Duke University ready to prove himself equal to his reputation and namesake.

As his father's Oklahoma team prepared for a new season, Bud Wilkinson found himself enthusiastically involved in a secondary pursuit, serving as the director of President Kennedy's Council on Youth Fitness. This foray into the political arena helped to plant the seed which led to Wilkinson retiring from coaching at the end of the following season to make a run for one of Oklahoma's United States Senate seats.

On a Sunday afternoon of Labor Day weekend, following a late-night call from his son in North Carolina, Bud took time to share these thoughts with his youngest son:.

9-2-1962 - Sunday AM

Dear Jay,

It was good to hear your voice last night. I know the drive was long and tedious, but I hope you enjoyed seeing the country. Much of living can be pleasant - if one is able to look at the process in the correct perspective. You have always done this admirably - and I'm sure you'll continue to.

The start of football season - and the first 10 days of practice are always tough no matter how well prepared you are mentally and physically. The self-control and ability to push yourself - to do your best when you don't feel much like it - is probably the greatest value you receive from playing the game. It will stand you in good stead all your life.

I know you have high ambitions. This is a totally necessary state of mind for excellence of performance. But you must not press or be impatient. Mickey Mantle is never sure just which time at bat he'll hit the home run - but he goes to the plate each time - set to do his best. This is the attitude you must strive to perfect. Do your total, all out best, on every single play. Never be discouraged if you don't do too well - or over elated when you make a good play. Simply do the best you have in you again on the next down.

It was wonderful having you home - and being here myself a bit more than usual these past few weeks. I hope next summer I can be available all of the time. My job in Washington is interesting - and I hope helpful to many young people, but I do hate being away from home as much as is necessary to be able to keep abreast of the situation.

Our squad looked in good shape at our meeting yesterday. We'll soon know. I hope we can play well - and see you in the Orange Bowl.

I'm truly proud of you, Jay in all respects. Character, kindness and thoughtfulness toward other people, and an unselfish attitude of service to others are the qualities which make a man.

Love always,
Dad