A New Day

This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important,
because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,
leaving something in its place I have traded for it.
I want it to be a gain, not a loss;
good, not evil;
success, not failure —
in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it.

Dr. Heartsill Wilson


Late in his life Coach Paul Bryant carried the poem “A New Day” by Heartsill Wilson in his wallet and often read it to his team. With the help of some of his, players, the Bryant Museum would like to share the poem with you.

Copies of the poem are available to museum visitors.
The Bryant Museum is located at 300 Bryant Drive on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa.

Sylvester Croom- As the first African-American head coach in the SEC, Croom’s success has extended long past his playing time under Coach Bryant. Sylvester Croom was raised in Tuscaloosa, AL and played linebacker, center, and tight end under Bryant from 1971-1975.He went on to have an illustrious and historic career coaching at both the collegiate and professional level. Croom is currently the running backs coach with the Tennessee Titans.

Joe Namath- Coach Bryant called Joe Namath, “The greatest athlete I ever coached.” Namath, originally from Beaver Falls, PA, played quarterback for the Crimson Tide from 1961-1964. He led the 1964 national championship team and finished with a record of 29-4 while at The Capstone. Namath went on to win Super Bowl III with the New York Jets and was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Darwin Holt- A player who transferred from Texas A&M to continue playing under Coach Bryant in 1959, Holt is regarded as one of the cornerstones in an Alabama defense that is regarded as legendary. During the 1961 national championship campaign, Holt was the signal caller for the defense that allowed less than 45 rushing yards per game and only allowed 25 points all season.

Bill Battle- Originally from Birmingham, AL and now the Athletic Director at The University of Alabama, Battle played under Coach Bryant from 1960-1962. He continued his football career, becoming head coach at the University of Tennessee in 1970 where he earned a record of 59-22-2 through 7 seasons. In 1981, Battle also founded The Collegiate Licensing Company, which helps protect the trademarks for most collegiate programs.

Jeremiah Castille- A member of Coach Bryant’s last team, Castille recorded 16 career interceptions and was named to the College Football’s All America Team in 1982 while at The Capstone. Born in Columbus, GA Jeremiah attended Alabama from 1978-1982 and was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Castille now runs the Jeremiah Castille Foundation in Birmingham, AL.

Jerry Duncan- Duncan, from Sparta, NC, gained All-SEC Honors at tackle during his senior season in part due to Bryant’s famous tackle eligible offensive scheme. Jerry Duncan was also a part of the undefeated 1966 team in which he recorded 92 yards receiving and a touchdown. Duncan served 24 years as sideline reporter for the Alabama Radio Network. He is a financial advisor in Birmingham.

Bob Baumhower- Before becoming an instrumental piece of the Killer B’s defense with the Miami Dolphins, Baumhower played under Coach Bryant from 1973-1976. At Alabama, Baumhower twice earned All American second team and helped lead the Crimson Tide to an 11-1 record in 1976. Bob Baumhower went on to have a great career in the NFL where under Don Shula he participated in 5 pro bowls and was a part of one of the most fearsome defenses at the time. Baumhower now runs a chain of restaurants across the state of Alabama.

Walter Lewis- As Alabama’s first African-American quarterback the Brewton, AL native put together an impressive career while playing under Coach Bryant. Lewis played from 1980-1983. While at The Capstone he brought a share of the 1981 SEC Title back to Alabama and finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy vote in 1983. Walter Lewis went on to play in the Canadian Football League and is currently an investment banker.