“Before the West Coast” created by Saluki Hall of Famer Oyd Craddock
By Jeff Wilson
Some stories demand to be told, and sometimes they just need the right storyteller. Such was the case for Oyd Craddock and his film, “Before the West Cost: A Sports Civil Rights Story.”
A free screening of the film will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Morris Library’s Guyon Auditorium. The event will last from 4 to 6 p.m., during which the 1-hour, 6-minute film will be shown followed by a Q&A session with Craddock and reception, including refreshments. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the film and hear the story behind the documentary.
The event is sponsored by the SIU Foundation in collaboration with the College of Arts and Media, Department of Athletics, and Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Craddock, a 1980 alumnus of SIU’s College of Business and Analytics, Saluki Hall of Fame football player, and member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, attended New Orleans’ St. Augustine High School in the 1970s. The school’s football team famously integrated the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) in 1967.
“This film is really a part of my life story,” Craddock said. “It tells the story of the trials and triumphs of the all-Black, boys’ Catholic high school that integrated the all-white athletic league in Louisiana. It was a breakthrough event to have integrated competition in sports in high schools back then.”
The film also highlights the leadership of the school’s iconic coach, Otis Washington, and follows the team’s journey throughout the 1970s. Craddock enrolled in St. Augustine in 1972 and was co-captain of the school’s 1975 undefeated state championship team.
“Otis Washington was an innovator, transformative leader, and incredible head coach,” Craddock said. “He was ahead of his time. He went on to be the first Black coach hired by LSU (Louisiana State University).”
Making a movie was not originally on Craddock’s mind when he attended the 2012 LHSAA Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Coach Washington.
“I got to the point where I felt like I was called to tell this story,” Craddock said. “It could not die with us. I felt it would inspire the current generation. It evolved from a photo library with some video clips to doing interviews with players from that era to actually telling the full story.”
More than a football story, “Before the West Coast” showcases the leadership, integrity, and perseverance that was required during such a historic time.
“You can excel in the face of adversity,” Craddock said. “At that time, racism was very prevalent in the Deep South, but leadership matters, integrity matters. The students’ journey help transform the city of New Orleans from the era of segregation. The deck was not stacked equally, but we had to find a way to overcome, and we did.”
After a 31-year career with IBM, the now-retired Craddock credits much of his success to his experience at SIU.
“It wasn’t as much about the athletic accomplishments at SIU as much as the total experience,” he said. “The rigor of business school and demands of football helped prepare me for the real world. SIU propelled me to my career. I forever love SIU, the experience, and the help and guidance I received.”
For more information about “Before the West Coast: A Sports Civil Rights Story” and to watch the trailer, visit beforethewestcoast.com. To register for the free screening and reception, visit siuf.org/craddock. Registration is preferred but not required.
