Oct. 17, 2007
From TD to MD, Jerry Marcontell of Cedar Bayou, Texas changes lives. After catching a 12-yard pass helping Baylor to win the 1957 Sugar Bowl, Marcontell went on to graduate with a biology degree and enter the field of medicine.
The Baylor football scene was different in the late 1950's. Floyd Casey Stadium was newly built and the addition of stadium lights in 1955 allowed Baylor to play evening games. The campus rules for men and women were laden with curfews and dress codes. Some rules for women included being inside the dorms by 8:30 p.m. on school nights and 10:30 p.m. on weekends and being permitted to leave the dorms on Sunday only in their church attire. Marcontell recalls the women's rules as a way to take the pressure off the guys. "Since the women had to be home early, you could go back to the dorm, hang out with the guys and play cards," Marcontell admitted with a laugh.
The football games were also a dress and tie occasion and were attended by most students. "Attendance among students was excellent. There was not much else you could do," he reminisced. Marcontell played with the "idea that you always give your best. Whether you win or lose. The results can take care of themselves."
This attitude is what Marcontell has taken away from his football career. A Baylor letter winner from 1955-1957, he always remained humble in his sports ability. After being named an All Southwest Conference player in 1956, his reaction was one of "surprise."
"When we were playing we didn't think about team ranking or individual honors," said Marcontell. "We just thought about winning the game and doing it as a team. That is one of the memories I cherish most."
Marcontell was a player who truly lived for his teammates. He served the team as co-captain in his senior year along with quarterback Doyle Traylor. His duties included leading the team in stretching before each game, being the team leader in the locker room and heading to the middle of the field for the pre-game coin toss. But these were not what he remembers about his season as captain. Marcontell recalls his teammates electing him that year as one of the greatest privileges one can have. "It was really a tremendous honor to be elected by your teammates." From 1952 through 1956, the Bears won more regular season games than any other Southwest Conference team. Marcontelll played with other Baylor greats like Bill Glass and Del Shofner, both named All-Southwest Conference players in 1956.
Marcontell was not only a leader in the locker room. One of his favorite Baylor professors Dr. Virgil Tweedie, spoke to his academic career. "We believe him to be of sound character and to possess personality traits which will be an asset in his career as a chemist," Tweedie said. With Marcontell's attention to academic's he was named to the American People's Encyclopedia Scholastic All-American Team in 1956.
Though he began as chemistry major, Marcontell ended his five year Baylor career with a degree in biology. Upon graduation, he went to Baylor Medical School in Houston, Texas to complete his training and residency. There he met his wife and began a private practice of obstetrics and gynecology.
Marcontell says that he was attracted to this specialty because it generally has a happy ending. "People are happy to come see you and they are happy with the results." Marcontell and his wife had four children and now enjoy entertaining six grandchildren with one more on the way. Now retired from his practice for nine years, Marcontell stays active by managing a tree farm in Rye, Texas. He has always taken pleasure in the outdoors and enjoys his current job because it keeps him out and active and he "might even make a profit once in a while."
Marcontell is no stranger to Baylor football these days. He and his wife are season ticket holders and even make it a point to see one away game a season. Marcontell enjoys going to Baylor football games and reminiscing with former teammates. "It is just like it was yesterday when you saw everyone last."
