Where Are They Now?: Greg Murray

Greg Murray is still reeling after his college alma mater "gave one away" on Saturday.

Murray saw Oklahoma's slim chances of playing for a national title evaporate with a 45-38 loss to Baylor.

"We let that one get away, had it and they marched down the field on us," Murray said. "We got two (games) left and we got to win those.

"Hard to believe that three SEC schools are the top three BCS schools."

The Sooners, who have two losses, face Iowa State this Saturday and then in-state rival Oklahoma State.

Murray, a Marian Catholic grad, is still involved in football and sports. He is the program supervisor for sports for the University Park Park District and coaches running backs at Crete-Monee.

"I love the park district, the kids and being involved in sports," Murray said. "Coaching at Crete, under Jerry (Verde), he has built a great program and a lot of those kids like LaQuon Treadwell and Dante Kidd, I coached when I was with the University Park Lions."

He said park district director Keely Lewis-Childress has been a big reason the programs he runs are a success.

"She is a big supporter of the kids that have come through our programs and at Crete High School," Murray said. "She is all about the community and getting kids involved in activities."

Verde, who led the Warriors to an undefeated regular season and a No. 1 ranking in Illinois Class 6A, said Murray relates well to the kids.

"He has played a big role in the changing of culture and expectations in the football program," Verde said. "The players respect his message and respect his experience."

That includes pushing the kids to do a little more.

"With Dante, I had to challenge him to play angry and he came out and had a big game in the playoffs," Murray said. "I just love coaching and trying to make kids better football players and people."

Murray played one year at the College of DuPage and was recruited to play slotback.

"Troy Aikman was the Sooners quarterback and Coach (Barry) Switzer was going to throw," Murray said. "When they went back to the wishbone, I was more of a blocker, but it was a great experience."

Part of that "experience" included being a teammate of Brian Bosworth.

"Boz graduated in three years and I bet nobody knows that," Murray said. "He was really intelligent and he knew when the TV cameras were on. He was a great football player and he knew when to put on his show for the cameras."

Murray said playing for two top coaches in Marian Catholic's Dave Mattio and Oklahoma's Switzer also helped him.

"I was fortunate to learn from great football coaches and great people, period," Murray said. "They taught you the right way to do things. At Oklahoma, you really got the big-time experience with Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, Florida State. I don't think people in the Midwest realize with the fans, football is their way of life. It was really something else and I am glad I experienced it.

"Barry had a saying and it is what I go by: 'My way or the trailway.' It worked."