Cleveland stadium re-named for local gridiron star.

Fans of one of OU's greatest players crowded into Cleveland High Friday night.<br><br>They weren't there for Steve Owens, who was on hand for the event, they were there to honor Oklahoma's

Saturday, September 21st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Fans of one of OU's greatest players crowded into Cleveland High Friday night.

They weren't there for Steve Owens, who was on hand for the event, they were there to honor Oklahoma's first Heisman winner - Billy Vessels.

Owens the 1969 Heisman Winner at OU said, "When I was growing up Billy was my hero, he was the kind of player I wanted to be like."

Billy Vessels was a standout half back for OU. He's best remembered for scoring three touchdowns against Notre Dame, a performance that helped him win football's greatest trophy.

Lester Hagar, 1949 Team Co-Captain says, "There have been some good football players to come out of Cleveland, but Billy Vessels was the greatest player to ever put a suit on."

Today's Cleveland Tigers play with the knowledge that a player from here can go anywhere.

Billy Vessels national fame started when he played at OU when he won the Heisman, but long before that everyone in Cleveland knew him. He was one of the best players ever at Cleveland High and many here say the town raised him.

Susanne Vessels is Billy's Widow, "This was his family, this town raised him and he belonged and he never forgot it."

News On Six Reporter Emory Bryan was on hand Friday night when the people of Cleveland dedicated their refurbished stadium in Billy Vessels name. His widow was there, with former team mates, coaches, and admirers.

Folks here say Billy Vessels never forgot Cleveland, and now Cleveland will never forget him.

Vessels played pro-ball for a year after college until a leg injury ended his career. He went on to a business career in Florida, where he died two years ago.