Dec. 18, 2008

Story courtesy of OCU Sports Information

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Oklahoma Christian University golf coach Kelsey Cline was there when his long-time friend Sam Bradford became the 74^th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy last weekend.

Cline and Bradford share a tight bond that transcends age, busy schedules and now, stardom.

“Our friendship is based on life and the similar paths we’ve taken. It’s not based on football. Sam and I like to just get together and eat, play ping pong or golf, just hang out,” Cline said.

Cline has known Bradford since the football star was a toddler. Cline’s physical education teacher from the second through fifth grades was Sam’s mother, Martha. In turn, Cline’s mother, Connie, babysat a young Sam and through their connections, the two got to be friends. They stayed in touch and when Cline played for the Oklahoma golf team years later, the Bradfords were frequent spectators at Sooner tournaments.

When Bradford arrived in Norman on a football scholarship, the long-time friends began spending more time together. It was then that Cline and Bradford started sharing meals and today they make it a weekly priority. There is only one rule at the table however – no football talk.

“Sam has to deal with football all day, whether it be from the media or coaches, or whoever. When we get together it’s not necessary for us to talk about that, he gets enough of it,” Cline said.

Cline has perspective on the pressures that go with playing quarterback at OU. During his student years, he was good friends with Nate Hybl, who went under center for the Sooners in 2001 and 2002.

“I saw the rollercoaster Nate road with fans and media and how being the quarterback at OU affects you in positive and negative ways. It’s just important to have things outside of football, and that helps me relate to Sam and all he deals with,” Cline said.

The 2008 Sooners were an offensive juggernaut with Bradford at the reins. OU set the NCAA record for most points scored in a season at 702 and Bradford set the school record with 48 touchdown passes. Bradford and OU play the University of Florida for the BCS National Championship on Jan. 8.

Cline, a devout Sooner fan who travels to many of the games, knew that success and glory were in the cards for this year’s team.

“I had told people leading up to the award that I felt Sam would win and that the team would win their last few games because I felt it was their time. Now that I’m in sports and coaching here at OC, you can just tell when it’s someone’s time. I really wasn’t nervous about him winning, I expected him to.”

Cline was invited by the Bradfords to travel to New York City for last weekend’s Heisman presentation. He admits that the nerves finally caught up with him in the final moments before the big award.

“I will tell you that those final 15 seconds when the gentleman was reading the Heisman winner, I thought my heart was going to pound out of my shirt. When Sam’s name was called I jumped out of my chair with my arms in the air. I think it’s probably the most proud I’ve ever been of someone winning an award.”

Cline – who was hired in August – leads the No. 3 Eagles into their first spring tournament on Feb. 16-17 at the Arizona Intercollegiate.