ADA – Former East Central University football assistant coach Leland Newton passes away, Wednesday, April 4 after celebrating his 100^th birthday earlier in the year.

"Coach Newton was a beloved member of the Tiger Family," said Director of Athletics Dr. Jeff Williams.  "The impact he has had upon thousands of young lives over the years is immeasurable.  One of the most valuable, yet often under-appreciated people in sports is a solid assistant coach.  Someone that the head coach and players know they can always depend on to keep the team in balance.  That was coach Newton and his legacy is firmly planted within our football alumni."

Newton started his time in Ada as a student-athlete, graduating in 1941 with a bachelor's degree for ECU and then moved on to get a master's degree in education from the University of Oklahoma in 1950.

After graduating, Newton joined the US. Navy and returned to Ada to become an assistant football and basketball coach at Ada High School.  He also added the role of baseball coach from 1948-51.  He taught shop and industrial arts until 1959.

He then returned to the Tigers with legendary head coach Elvan George for the 1959 season and remained on staff until his retirement in 1971.  Newton then stayed on one more season as an assistant for another legend on the gridiron, Pat O'Neal.

During his time at ECU, the football team produced 80 all-conference selections, five Oklahoma Collegiate Conference championships, four bowl appearances and an 88-46-5 record. 

The Tigers made the first appearance in a bowl game in his first season (1959) at the Christmas Bowl and followed that with a Rice Bowl appearance in 1960 and two trips to the All-Sports Bowl in 1962 and 1964.

After his time as a coach, Newton became the Director of Intramural Athletics at ECU from 1972 until his retirement in 1979.

For his efforts on and off the field at ECU, Newton was honored as the winner of the 1983 Milam Award, presented to a former member player who distinguished himself in his chosen profession.  Newton was also inducted to the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997.

Services will be held at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel in Ada, Okla., Monday, April 9 at 11 a.m.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  The family asks that memorials be sent to the Ada First Baptist Church-Falls Creek Building Fund, 521 S. Broadway, Ada, OK 74820.