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

RE Merritt was interviewed on August 23, 2014. On that day in his home, we captured over two hours of commentary. Unfortunately, RE has since passed away. The footage we are currently sharing is a random sampling of the commentary and is not intended to cover the most critical parts of the larger story. In this case, R.E. comments on Coach Max’s regiment for training.

For the latest project update, click here to learn more.

Les Blackburn

Leslie Blackburn was interviewed on July 27, 2014. On that day during an AHS reunion event, we captured approximately 50 minutes of commentary.

The footage we are currently sharing is a random sampling of the commentary and is not intended to cover the most critical parts of the larger story.

For the latest project update, click here to learn more.

Raw Film Reference Videos Online

FilmReferenceVideosWe have just uploaded 11 separate videos captured from 11 film reels that Max Goldsmith provided us in the past. By uploading these clips here, our hope is that we can find people who can help us confirm what is in all of these film reels.

Each video is clearly labeled 1 through 11, and there is timecode burned into these reference videos so that people can offer very specific feedback.

CLICK HERE to check out these FILM REFERENCE VIDEOS.

To share with us what you know about these film reels, CLICK HERE.

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.