The Sober Reality

This posting is offered as 2019 ends. In reality, what we originally envisioned for this project has not materialized. Yet. The original vision may not ever. However, we want to acknowledge and thank those who have supported and participated in this effort so far.

Serena, Matt, and Jack at an AHS reunion.

We are pleased to have captured interviews. We appreciate those who have supported this financially. Unfortunately, the content and funding are not to the level needed to produce what we had hoped. During 2020, we will be revisiting what can be done and see if there is an approach that could satisfy (at least partially) the interest and desire we had that led to this initiative.

In short, we needed to say something. That is, we’re not done. We’ve not given up on this. At the same time, it’s nowhere where we had hoped.

We are publishing tid-bits from the interviews. Each clip is intended to stand alone. This doesn’t represent the best parts, and in many cases are things that may or may not find there way in the final project, but can stand on their own today. Many of the comments are reflections on Max’s character or coaching methods… which were universally shared across the interviewees.

Check out the interviews.

Also, part of the sober reality of this project is that we have continued loosing people central to this story. That will only accelerate over time.

R.E. Merritt Interview Complete

August 23, 2014 Interview

R.E. Merritt & Roger Goldsmith on Aug 23, 2014

Key Interview Completed

On Saturday August 23, 2014, project producer Matt Wallace was accompanied by Mark Wallace, Joe Ray Halsey and Roger Goldsmith on a trip to R.E. Merritt’s home south-west of College Station.

Matt commented, “Our time with R.E. was incredible. He is central to many, if not most, of the stories we’ve been hearing throughout this journey, so it was critical that we get his input. He was a wonderful gentleman and host.”

Approximately 90 minutes of material was recorded during the course of the visit.

Mark Wallace had been trying to schedule this meeting for over a year. Luckily, long-time friend, Joe Ray Halsey, was able to make the trip and meet R.E.  for the first time.

It was also Roger’s first visit to the Wallace farm in central Texas. The group of four left for R.E.’s place on Saturday morning early. Roger and Joe Ray returned to the DFW area late that evening after the trip.

Goldsmith Funeral in Lewisville

Today, at Lewisville’s First Baptist Church, a few hundred people joined the Goldsmith family to celebrate Max Goldsmith’s life. Everyone enjoyed story after story.

A powerful part of the service was the presentation of the US Flag to the family. Max was very proud of his US Navy.

Forest Scott passes away July 27

Interviewed during July 2013 for the Max Goldsmith project.

Forest during our July 2013 interview.

We are sad to share with everyone that we have lost yet another wonderful man. Forest Scott passed away on Sunday July 27th, 2014.

Visitation will be at McNett Funeral Home Tuesday, July 29th from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm.

Service will be 10:00 Wednesday, July 30th at Andrews First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Andrews County Cemetery.

  • McNett Funeral Home: 705 North Main Street, Andrews, TX 79714, (432) 524-5809
  • FBC Andrews: 301 E Broadway St, Andrews, TX 79714, (432) 523-9390
  • Andrews County Cemetery: 1401 W. Broadway, Andrews, TX 79714

Forest Clayton Scott was born on September 21, 1924. He was 89 years of age when he passed away. Coach Scott will be missed.

Link to Obituary

2014 AHS Reunion Interviews

Mark Wallace chatting with Jack Nelson at the 2014 Reunion at AHS.

Mark Wallace chatting with Jack Nelson at the 2014 Reunion at AHS.

On Saturday, July 26, 2014, a small Mustang International production team with Mark Wallace conducted a number of interviews in the AISD Athletic Department meeting room overlooking Mustang Bowl. The gentlemen interviewed were:

  • Jerry Carruth
  • Carl Hollowell
  • Moody Conner
  • Doyle Parker
  • Ron Brice
  • Larry Schumaker
  • Johnny Landrum
  • Jack Nelson
  • Les Blackburn

It was an emotional day as everyone was dealing with the recent loss of Coach Goldsmith just two days earlier.

Show Your Support!

Jerry Carruth with Mark Wallace after the first interview of the day on July 26, 2014.

Jerry Carruth with Mark Wallace after the first interview of the day on July 26, 2014.

We have added a new way to help us out. We need to know who you are if you are interested in helping complete this project.

In many ways, we’ve already succeeded in capturing many of the stories surrounding key moments that were special to Coach Max Goldsmith and those who ran under him as athletes. However, weaving together these various threads of the overall story is far from finished. We have more to document. We have more research to do. We will ultimately produce a program that will hopefully honor all of those involved.

If you are interested in seeing this happen, PLEASE COMPLETE THE SUPPORT FORM found on this web site. It is under the menu option of CONTRIBUTE or you can CLICK HERE to get to the form.

Thank you.

The passing of Coach Max Goldsmith

Max GoldsmithIt saddens us to report that on Thursday, July 24, 2014, Coach Max Goldsmith passed away.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, July 28, from 6pm to 9pm at First Baptist Church Lewisville in Lewisville, Texas.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church Lewisville on Tuesday, July 29 at 2:00pm.

Please join us in paying tribute to a great athlete, a great coach, and a great man.

  • First Baptist Church Lewisville
  • 1251 Valley Ridge Blvd, Lewisville, TX 75077
  • (972) 436-5502

An online obituary can be found http://tinyurl.com/coach-max-obit

Shooting Interviews in Andrews July 26th

During the annual reunion weekend, Mark Wallace and Mustang International will be shooting interviews of people directly tied to the focus of this documentary.

Anyone in Andrews, Texas, on July 26th, 2014 who was present in ANY capacity (including as a fan in the stands) is encouraged to contact Matt Wallace at 214-995-6695.

Hope to see ya there!