Brenda Tollett Associate Editor
The Ada News
Ada —
A legend in local sports will be laid to rest today. Paul Olen Landrith died April 21, 2012, at his home. He was 92.
Landrith began his lifelong career in basketball at Byng School. After graduating from high school, he played for Coach Mickey McBride at East Central University.
Following graduation from ECU, Landrith took a three-year hiatus from basketball to serve with the Army Air Corp during World War II.
Before landing the job as head basketball coach at Ada High School in 1949, Landrith spent several years as a teacher and coach at Glenwood Grade School and Ada Junior High School.
He remained in this position for the next 13 years, finishing his coaching career with an overall record of 232-99.
His teams won regional or conference titles 11 times; appeared in the state tournament seven times, and finished the 1962 season by winning the Oklahoma State Championship.
After leaving coaching behind him, Landrith transitioned into school admistration. Landrith also served as mayor of Ada and on the city council.
He was named Oklahoma Coach of the Year in 1962 and selected for Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Coaches All-Star Hall of Fame and ECU’s Hall of Fame.
Services for Landrith are 2 p.m. today at Asbury Methodist Church.
