Nov. 1, 2007
By Austin Staton
As a Baylor letterwinner from 1947-1951 at the end position, Harold Riley has had both success on and off the field to qualify himself as a Baylor Football Legend. During his time with the program, Baylor football enjoyed some of its greatest success; finishing three seasons nationally ranked and earning a spot in the 1952 Orange Bowl.
During Riley's last season at Baylor, the 1951 Bears (8-1-1) finished the regular season with an invite to the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla., to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. While the final tally on the scoreboard reflected a 17-14 Georgia Tech victory, many are not aware that the Bears had their lead-taking touchdown brought back. In explaining the contested game, Riley pointed to a phantom penalty flag that was thrown for an ineligible downfield receiver, which resulted in calling back what would have been the go-ahead touchdown reception by Riley.
"After the game we looked at the film and it showed that there was not an offensive lineman downfield. Not many people know that we won the game, which is the story I pass along to others."
Although the '52 Orange Bowl appearance stood out for Riley, one of his most memorable moments came during that same season. Under head coach George Sauer, Riley found a young fan by the name of Jimmy that had contracted Polio. During the '51 season, the Bears travelled down to College Station to take on the rival Texas A&M Aggies.
"Jimmy's father was an Aggie great; the boy was my fan." Riley explained. "We tied A&M 21-21 that year. Following the game, we delivered a signed team ball to Jimmy at the hospital. For me, that was a memorable moment."
In 1978, along with Ray Stone Cotton, Riley was inducted into the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame, which recognizes and honors those whose participation and contributions enriched and strengthened the athletic program at Baylor.
"It is an honor to be considered by my peers. I appreciate it," he stated.
Ever since his freshmen year of high school, Riley knew that he wanted to attend Baylor University, though at the time, he had no interest in playing college football. After beginning his football career during his senior year of high school, Riley received interests to play football at the next level from such traditional football powers as LSU, Texas, TCU, Texas A&M, and Rice. Because of a recent coaching change at Baylor, Riley did not receive interest from the Baylor coaching staff.
"I wanted to go to Baylor," Riley recalled. "I had other offers from other schools."
Determined to play football for his beloved Baylor University, Riley was persistent on achieving his goal. Hard-headed and stubborn, Riley had the attitude that Baylor "wanted me and didn't know it yet." Leaving his home prior to the start of school, he drove to Waco without telling anyone.
"I went to the coach and told him that I wanted to play football for Baylor," said Riley.
When asked by the coaches what made him believe that he could play for Baylor, Riley replied, "Because I want to."
He was invited to training camp that day, impressed the coaches, and was offered a scholarship that day. The rest is history.
It has been perceived that athletes use scholarships as a means to continue their athletic career. For Riley, however, this was not the case. Success has come both on and off the field for him.
"I am not a normal athlete," Riley declared. "Football was a way for me to get an education and pursue my career goals. My ambition was to get out in the world and make money--football had a purpose."
Following several football honors such as All-Southwest Conference Player in 1950 and NFL draftee in 1951 by the Rams, which he ultimately declined, Riley was asked to enter the coaching field. Knowing that his heart was in the business world, his coaching career would be short termed.
"When football was over, it was over," Riley said.
Riley found success in the business world and in 1969 started Citizens, Inc., a life and home service insurance company currently based in Austin, Texas. When looking at his past accomplishments and his desire to succeed in life, it was no surprise that Riley was able to find success in the business world.
Riley currently resides in Austin, Texas, spending time with family and serving as Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens, Inc. He makes a constant effort to support his alma mater at many of the Bears home games.
