December 6

"An atheist is a man who watches a Notre Dame-Southern Methodist University game and doesn't care who wins."

Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President, 1953-1961- There seems to be some dispute as to whether Eisenhower actually made this statement. Eisenhower was born in Texas, grew up in Kansas, and was stationed in Texas for a time as he began his Army career. He was supporter of Southern Methodist University, near Dallas. The statement is also sometimes attributed to comedian, Bob Hope, who was also a contributor to Southern Methodist University. In 1954 both schools had outstanding football teams and on December 4, 1954, Southern Methodist did play Notre Dame at The Cotton Bowl in front of 75,000 fans, losing 26-14. In any case, Eisenhower was a football fan and did play football while a student at West Point, which he attended from 1911-1915. He reportedly was injured at one point while tackling the legendary Jim Thorpe. As President, Eisenhower instructed new superintendent of West Point, William Westmoreland, to "Do something about that damned football team."