In 1961 President John F. Kennedy named Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bud Wilkinson an official special consultant on youth fitness. Wilkinson was one of the greatest coaches in college football history, winning three National Championships as the head coach of the Sooners. Perhaps his greatest achievement was Oklahoma’s 47-game winning streak from 1953 to 1957, a record that still stands. No team has come close to the mark set by Wilkinson’s Sooners, as they still top the record books by a dozen victories. A College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Wilkinson took the reins of Oklahoma at the young age of 31 in 1947. He coached the team until 1964, when he retired with a career record 145 victories, a paltry 29 losses, and four ties.

     As a special consultant to President Kennedy, Wilkinson designed 11 exercises for school children to perform. These exercises were scored by the song “Chicken Fat”, an original composition by Meredith Willson. Additionally, St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Stan Musial contributed to the youth fitness cause, appearing in a 1964 commercial for the Physical Fitness Council.

     This proclamation measures 19 x 23 inches. It has been typed on tan paper, and a paper Seal of the United States of America is attached to the front. This proclamation was signed on March 23rd, 1961. President Kennedy signed the page in black fountain pen. This item is accompanied by an original wire service photograph, measuring 7 ½ x 6 inches, that shows Wilkinson and President Kennedy enjoying a light-hearted moment. This item comes with a LOA from JSA (Z07984).

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