As the Sandite football team closed out the 2019 season at Sand Springs Memorial Stadium, Leroy Paddock closed out a 54-year career as the Sandites’ scoreboard manager. Paddock was presented with a commemorative plaque from Superintendent Sherry Durkee, Athletic Director Rod Sitton, and Head Coach Dustin Kinard between quarters in the Sandites’ season finale 34-7 loss to Booker T. Washington.

Paddock’s 54-year tenure began in 1965, when the scoreboard was managed from a small elevated box on the sideline, and he had the privilege of running the clock throughout the team’s historic 1966 State Championship campaign.

Sand Springs celebrated its 100th year of Sandite Football this season, and Paddock has been part of the team for more than half of it. He worked under fourteen head coaches and saw the Sandites through both 12-win seasons and 0-10 seasons when the stands were half empty. The team picked up 134 wins with Paddock running the clock.

“Leroy’s attention to the referees is unbelievable,” stated Bob Walker, the 20+ year Voice of Sandite Athletics. “Friday nights can get hectic in the press box, with spotters, 25-second clock operator, members of the press, plus messengers delivering PA notes. Leroy’s focus on the referee’s signals to stop and re-start the clock is completely professional.”

Paddock’s service hasn’t been limited to Friday night football. He has also operated the scoreboard for junior varsity and youth football, soccer, baseball, and softball throughout the year. He will continue to serve the community at Sandite baseball and softball events for the foreseeable future, but is no longer able to climb the steep bleachers at Memorial Stadium, which does not have an elevator to the press box.