Blog Posts

Like Father, Like Son

10/6/2015

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Keep the history alive!

Born on August 10, 1961, in Fayetteville but raised in Plano, TX where he attended Plano Senior High School before joining the Razorbacks in 1979. Being recruited out of high school, Billy Ray Smith, Jr. became a star at Arkansas where it is said that his father made him the proposition that he would buy him a new car if he went to Arkansas with the Hogs, or he could walk to Austin from Plano if he selected the Longhorns. Naturally he selected Fayetteville where Holtz was able to capitalize on his newfound defensive end.

In his senior year, number 87 Billy Ray Smith, Jr. served as a team captain and would help lead his team to a 9-2-1 season and a Bluebonnet Bowl victory (28-24) over Florida. This would propel the Hogs to end the season ranked #8.

Between the 1979 and 1982 seasons playing under the legendary coach Lou Holtz, Billy Ray Smith, Jr. would wreck havoc on the backfield of opposition teams in the SWC. During his career, he would set a school record of 63 tackles for loss behind the line of scrimmage amounting to 343 yards. Overall, he had 299 tackles during his stay in Fayetteville. This was all on his way to being selected to first team All-American in both 1981 and 1982.

Now all of this didn't just happen with Billy Ray Smith, Jr. being just another recruit.

As a sophomore his father Billy Ray Smith, Sr. had been one of the 25 Little Pigs of the 1954 team coached by Bowden Wyatt. As a sophomore Senior would play as a tackle and along with players like Preston Carpenter, Buddy Bob Benson, and Henry Moore, the 25 Little Pigs would win the SWC Conference Championship and meet Georgia Tech in the Cotton Bowl on January 1 in Dallas (loss 6-14). In '54 the team would end the season with a record of 8-3-0.

During 1956, Billy Ray Smith, Sr. was selected as a member of the first All-SWC team. Born on January 27, 1935, in Augusta, AR, Smith became a standout football player at Augusta High School where he was selected as a member of the All-American Prep Team. The selection allowed him to play in the High School All-American Game of 1953 before being offered a scholarship to play for the Hogs.

Senior along with Junior have both been inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. This is unique making them only the second father-son football group to be inducted (the only other family group is the Burnett family).

Both father and son are also members of U of A Hall of Honor, All-Decade and All-Century Teams for the University. In addition to these awards, Sports Illustrated has named Billy Ray Smith Sr. as one of the "Fifty Greatest Sports Figures from Arkansas."

If you are one of those rabid Razorback fans interested in knowing even more about the history of the Hog football program, then get your very own copy of "Hit That Line" from the Apple Store, Barnes and Nobles online, or the world's largest e-book publisher - Smashwords.com.

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

Send us your name and e-mail address to receive a FREE copy of the 1960's 45-rpm records in mp3 format to play on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. They make a great gift for any Razorback football history buff. Don't forget to let us know where you are from. WPS!

And it's Goooood ...

9/6/2015

During the seasons between 1975 and 1978, the Hogs had one of their most famous place kickers. Although he is by no means alone as a great Razorback kicker, he happened to be on campus during a period when Arkansas was a top notch program and when kicking in the SWC had taken the nation to a fever pitch.

Steve Little from Shawnee Mission High School in Overland Park, Kansas had been recruited by Broyles as a quarterback to replace a graduating Joe Ferguson (who was a great in his own right). This, however, would not be the case as Broyles soon recognized Little's exceptional kicking ability placing Little as punter and place kicker with Ron Calcagni at quarterback.

There have only been two football numbers retired during the history of the program. The initial number was #12 first worn by Clyde "Smackover" Scott, and #77 worn by Brandon Burlsworth. The #12 jersey, however, was re-activated for Steve Little and as a result these are the only players to have ever worn these numbers since their retirement.

During Little's career, you would find the nation captivated by the kicking of Tony Franklin of Texas A&M, Russell Erxleben in Austin at Texas, and the Hogs' Steve Little. Peak interest nationwide was displayed in the competition between these three throughout their careers (all at SWC schools). Game results would often be followed to see how these three were performing each week.

In 1977, Little tied the NCAA record with a 67-yard field goal in a game against rival Texas. Not to be outdone, Erxleben later that year would tie the same record in Texas’ game against Rice. That record still stands.

During the 1978 Orange Bowl, "Steve Little was nailing field goals from long distance in the warmups. He started kicking 25 yard field goals on the right hash mark. All five cleared the net and went into the crowd. He backed up and kicked all five 35 yarders over the net. He kicked 2 of the 5 - 45 yarders over the net. He made all five from 55 yards and all five from 65 yards with room to spare. He moved to the left hash mark and made 4 of 5 from 65 and then didn't miss as he moved back in. The OU players were standing around and gawking." - recalled by Bill Barger (Hog fan at the game).

Little was a two-time consensus All-American in 1976 and 1977 and is a member of the Arkansas All-Century Team. Recruited as a quarterback, he has become a true legend in Razorback football tradition not at the helm as a quarterback, but as a kicker.

"... (made) all five from 65 yards with room to spare. He moved to the left hash mark and made 4 of 5 from 65 and then didn't miss as he moved back in"

Little holds the school record for field goal attempts at 89 where he also is ranked in the top group for most FG made at 53. Of these field goals, he made seven of 13 that were 50 yards or longer. His longest two were at 67 and 61 yards. These still stand as the two longest in Razorback history.

He kicked extra points at a 91% rate where he made 121 of 133. As a punter, Little punted for an average of 44.4 yards in 1976, and 44.3 yards in 1977.

Although kickoffs are now from the 30 yard line, it was set at the 35 yard line when Little was kicking. Known for normally kicking off through the goal posts, his record for touchbacks kicked past the end zone was 80%. The extra five yards would generally have not made any difference in his kicking.

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

Then and Now ...

8/7/2015

With the new season about to begin, I'm including a copy of the 2015 schedule below as it stands now:

Click to enlarge

However going back to the beginning, in 1894, some 121 years ago, the schedule wasn't quite as filled out as it is now. The first year's schedule had only three entries as the team (known as the Cardinals at the time) was led by a part time coach and full time Latin professor - John C. Futrall. Futrall would coach for three seasons and end with a record of 5-2-0 winning only to Fort Smith High in his three years (losing to Texas and Drury College). During his first year, the Cardinals won their first two games (against Fort Smith High: 42-0, and 38-0) and were pumped to make it three and zero as they boarded the train to Austin to meet the Longhorns. Arriving in Austin, they had a November 22 meeting before 1,500 spectators where they were dominated in a loss of 54-0. The rivalry had now begun, and it would last forever in the hearts of Razorback fans.

After this, Futrall would coach just two more seasons before turning the reins over to B.N. Wilson. In the 1896 team photo (oldest team football picture in existence), Futrall can be seen on the right end of the back row, while Wilson, as assistant coach, is on the left side of the same row. Futrall would also go on to become University President in 1913 and remain there until his death in an automobile accident in 1939. During his tenure, the period would also include the dedication of the Greek Theater.

The 1894 Cardinal football schedule was a slim one, to be sure, that would have looked much like this:

Click to enlarge

The loss to Texas set up a rivalry that would become one of the greatest in college football. Fans during the '60s would see the rivalry rise to its peak when it would culminate on December 6, 1969, in Razorback Stadium (during the 100th year of college football) in the Big Shootout between #1 Texas and #2 Arkansas. This game has since been termed the Greatest Game for the First 100 Years of College Football history.

"the Greatest Game for the First 100 Years of College Football history"

Rivalries today may exist between Alabama, LSU, or others, but there was never one bigger than the one that existed between Texas and Arkansas. All test were cancelled on campus during Texas Week, parties were abundant, and the school was on holiday preparing for The Game. Banners would be suspended over Dickson street while all of a sudden signs would appear everywhere proclaiming "Beat Texas." It was truly pandemonium. The campus (and state for that manner) would be totally out of control. The rivalry was still intact and would continue.

During the '60s, the SWC was the dominate football conference in the nation much like the SEC is now days. Throughout the '60s Arkansas would either win or share the Southwest Conference championship in eight of the ten years for the decade. Until its demise, Arkansas would win the national championship once, and Texas would win it four times. To find out how close the Hogs were to winning three more national championships, you can take a look at "Hit That Line" (by the way, they were very, very close). The rivalry that began in 1894 and continues today, makes it more sweet when the Hogs are able to "Beat Texas."

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

Coach Bowden Wyatt

7/6/2015

The history of Razorback football may well be divided into two parts: the first being before the coaching career of Frank Broyles, and the second being the period after his coaching career. Bowden Wyatt falls at the latter part of this first period. Wyatt came to Arkansas for the 1953 and 1954 seasons from the University of Wyoming.

As a University of Tennessee alumnus, Wyatt was an All-American end and captained the Volunteers on a 11-0 team in 1938. During this year, he caught six passes for touchdown, blocked a punt for a TD, kicked two field goals, and made 16 extra points.

Prior to coaching at Wyoming, Wyatt spent much of his coaching time (as assistant and Head Coach) at Mississippi State where the Bulldogs acquired a record of 42-7-2. In 1947, Wyatt moved to Wyoming where in six years he had accumulated a record of 39-17-1 including an undefeated season in 1950.

After Otis Douglas was released as Head Coach, Barnhill called on Wyatt to join the Hogs in Fayetteville. It had been since the 1947 season that Arkansas had seen its last winning season. Fans had grown used to Arkansas losing and were not surprised 1953 when they maintained a record of 3-7 with a very thin squad.

Unexpectedly this would be turned around in 1954 with the emergence of Lamar McHan. Wyatt set the standard when he declared that each player would have to gain their status all over again in 1954. McHan proved himself as the star single wing tailback as he would go on to led the SWC in passing, total offense, punting, and punt returns.

As well as McHan could play tailback, Floyd Sagely could catch the pigskin. These two were joined by fullback Harry Moore (older brother to Billy Moore who was quarterback under Broyles and one of only two QB All-Americans for the Hogs), blocking backs Preston Carpenter and Bobby Proctor, and wingbacks Joe Thomason and Phil Reginelli. At the conclusion of the spring practice, Wyatt declared that the Hogs would be a passing machine for 1954 and that passing would be the great equalizer in modern football.

By October, everyone was fully aware that something special had happened in the Ozarks. It would be mid-November and a national ranking at #4 before what has become known as Arkansas' "25 Little Pigs" (although the number of players were never 25) would lose their first game. The state was now running RED.

This was never more obvious than with the 20-7 win over Texas in Austin (October 16) which placed the Razorbacks as front page news in the Arkansas Gazette instead of being placed somewhere in the sports section. The Hogs had become a phenomenon throughout the whole state and the crowds were showing it with their following.

The next Saturday after the Texas game, the Hogs (4-0) would meet up with Old Miss (5-0) at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. This was the first overflow sellout in the stadium's history. This game saw the famous "Powder River Pass Play" (see: February 2012 Hawg-tales) as the Hogs went on to win by a score of 6-0.

"25 Little Pigs" Click to enlarge

The Hogs would go on to win eight and lose only two games ending the season ranked #8 in the UPI and #10 with the AP. The team's first loose came at Homecoming in Fayetteville against SMU (14-21). This was followed by the second loose which occurred on the next Saturday to LSU (6-7).

Nevermind the two loses, the record for the season was good enough to award Arkansas the Conference championship and a berth in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. They would meet Georgia Tech and come out on the short end by a score of 6-14. However within a week after the season ended, Wyatt would receive a new Cadillac from an appreciation fund set up by the fans. Arkansas had gone crazy.

The conference championships would leave just as fast as it had arrived when in just a week following the bowl game, Wyatt would leave Fayetteville to become the Head Coach at his alma mater- the University of Tennessee. Needless to say, the Cadillac and the breaking of a five year contract did not set well with the fan base.

However, Wyatt needs to be remembered for bringing winning back to the program based around his "25 Little Pigs" that provided one of the most famous plays in all of Razorback football history.

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

In the beginning ...

6/6/2015

Back in the day, college football had its beginning on November 6, 1869, when Rutgers College and the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University) matched up at College Field in New Brunswick, New Jersey to play the first game. Twenty five years later, it found its way to Fayetteville with the formation of the Cardinals under a full time Latin professor and part time coach John Clinton Futrall.

Their first season consisted of playing Fort Smith High School in two games (winning both 42-0 and 38-0) and traveling on Monday, November 26 by train to play the Longhorns of the University of Texas in Austin. Having won their first two games by large margins, the Cardinals surely felt that they would be as lucky in this game. However, their luck had run out as they lost before a crowd of 1,500 who paid a total of $700 to watch Arkansas go down in defeat by a score of 54-0. Luckily there were few Cardinal fans present. Thus was born one of the greatest rivalries in college football.

The Arkansas-Texas rivalry had grown from the beginning season and culminated at its peak on December 6th of the 100th year of college football. When #1 Texas would again play #2 Arkansas in the "Game of the Century" (15-14 loss). No one on that first team would ever imagine a matchup like this one.

This month I received a comment from Paul Campbell who is the great nephew of LeRoy (corrected by Paul to be Lee Roy) Campbell. Campbell was a tackle and one of the original 14 Cardinals in 1894. From this email I decided that this would be a good hawg-tales and so now I'm going to pass along some of the GOLDEN information with you that he shared with me.

Campbell was born in Van Buren on December 6, 1874 (significant month and day in Hog football history) and died 92 years later on July 31, 1966, in Sikeston, MO as the last living member of the 1894 team. Had he lived for three more years he would have celebrated his birthday on the 100th year of college football, #1 playing #2 in the "Game of the Century" with Arkansas versus Texas, and the longest living member of the original 14.

One of Lee Roy’s grandchildren wrote this football-related comment for the family history:
“When I was about 8 years old, I went with my parents, Granny, and Grandad to Fayetteville for a University of Arkansas Homecoming. Grandad was the last survivor of the first football team U of A had in 1894. He was honored at half-time and given a white letter sweater with a large red "A" on the front. He said in 1894 Arkansas played Texas and they nearly killed them. Grandad got a broken nose, ribs, and a toe. He said those Texas boys were really mean (laughingly).”

Sadly, Campbell is not listed on the roster of the 1896 football team picture. However, the University has indicated that the 1896 team picture is the earliest one that they have for the football program.There are no pictures for the 1894 or 1895 teams.

"...the last living member of the 1894 team."

Click to enlarge

As best as I can determine, Campbell may have graduated in the 1895 class, which by the way, is missing from Senior Walk. However, he is listed on the 1894 team roster, but not on the 1895 team which leads me to believe that he may have graduated in the spring of 1895. Because of this, I was not able to get a picture of him since the earliest Cardinal yearbook that the University has is the 1897 issue. Although he only played for one year, Campbell was a very significant part of the team that became the foundation of what is now the present day football program. Thanks, Paul for leading me down this path!

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

Send us your name and e-mail address to receive a reminder of "hawg-tales" each month plus a FREE copy of the 1960's 45-rpm records in mp3 format to play on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. They make a great gift for any Razorback football history buff. Don't forget to let us know where you are from. WPS!

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The Hogs Reach the Century Mark

5/6/2015

Finally in 1908 the University had selected a head football coach that would last for more than three years. Having been born in Prague, Bohemia this 24 year old coach came to Fayetteville after a successful college career as a fullback for the famous Amos Alonzo Stagg at the University of Chicago. However in 1909, Hugo Francis Bezdek would become known for providing the incentive needed to change the former mascot name of Cardinals to the new name of Razorbacks. This season would also provide Arkansas' first undefeated season which would not happen again until the 1964 national championship season. Bezdek would go on to coach for a total of five seasons (1908-1912) before returning to the University of Oregon where he had started his coaching career in 1906.

In the next to his last season, the Hogs would record their largest score in Razorback football history. During the 1911 season the Hogs, as an Independent team, would post a record of 6-2-1 (loss to Texas, of course, 0-12 at Texas, and Kansas State 0-3 at Kansas, while a tie with Southwestern Texas 0-0 at Texas).

To everyone's surprise, this season would provide the historical game which would come in the initial meeting between Arkansas and the Missouri State Bears. As the season opener, the fans in Fayetteville were in for a real treat as they intently watched their Hogs put together the high scoring game that ended with a complete dismantling 100-0 shutout of Missouri State played on September 11. Arkansas' score sounds more like a present day basketball score, however this would prove to be the game that would go down as the one which would prove to be the Hogs' highest score and have no other to ever top in Razorback football history.

Since this historical meeting, the two teams have battled it out on the gridiron six other times. Arkansas has always come out on top in all of these meetings with the last one being played on September 3, 2011. Over the years the Hogs have put up a total of 345 points against 40 for Missouri State (of course, 100 of these are from the initial game in 1911).

Bezdek truly laid the cornerstone of the program when he came in as a Cardinal and left as a Razorback. Along the way, he would go on to lead the team to their first undefeated season and raise the bar for scoring all the way up to the century mark.

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

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The Last Razorback SWC Cotton Bowl

4/6/2015

Before I get started, I was reminded, by a loyal fan of the Razorbacks - Phil Key, that there was a fifth Hog that had died while a player. In 1993 linebacker Shannon Wright also passed away. As a member of the team, he was the second leading tackler on the team. His death caused not only a stir in Fayetteville, but also throughout the nation as to the pressures faced by athletes to perform. I apologize for my oversight. I can't say that it won't ever happen again, but I will always try to represent the history accurately. Thanks again Phil.

Now onto the end of one era and the beginning of another!

The year was 1989 and it would be Coach Ken Hatfield's last year at the helm of the Razorbacks. He had led the #10 team to a 10-1-0 season going into the Cotton Bowl. The only loss for the season came, once again, at the hands of the Texas Longhorns by a score of 24-20. The Hogs had won the conference and now would be facing Johnny Majors and his #8 ranked 10-1-0 Tennessee Volunteers in Dallas' Cotton Bowl before a crowd of 74,358 fans.

The weather was ideal for football with a clear day, calm wind, and temperature in the 40s. In 1964, Majors had served as Frank Broyles secondary coach while having Ken Hatfield as one of his featured defenders. And you know how special that year was ending with the Arkansas Cotton Bowl victory over Nebraska (and, by the way if you haven't guessed, the National Championship). However this wasn't all of the team connections, in addition to Majors there was the Volunteer's Athletic Director Doug Dickey who (had served on Frank Broyles' first coaching staff at Arkansas) had Ken Hatfield as his freshman and wide receiver coach in 1969 and 1970 at Tennessee. Now all of these guys would be facing each other across the field in the 54th Cotton Bowl. The tie extends as it also includes the once Tennessee head coach (1941-1945) and former Hog head football coach and Athletic Director John Barnhill who would take the Hogs to their first Cotton Bowl appearance in 1947.

The two teams combined for 1,038 yards of offense (250 yards by Volunteer freshman tailback Chuck Webb nearing the bowl record). The scoring would begin on the opening kickoff to Tennessee when they would drive 61 yards in 12 plays culminating in a 23 yard Greg Burke field goal putting Tennessee ahead 3-0. Not to be outdone, on the next possession Barry Foster would run the final yard completing a 56 yard 11 play possession to give the Hogs a 6-3 lead. However , the PAT snap was bobbled and the ensuing run by Gary Adams failed keeping the score at 6-3.

On the next two Hog possessions, they would suffer devastating turnovers. The first would come when fullback Kerwin Price would fumble at the Volunteer nine yard line. The worst turnover however, came in the second quarter after quarterback Quinn Grovey had moved the Hogs down to Tennessee's two yard line. On second and goal, Grovey takes the snap, rolls right and looks into the endzone for tight end Billy Winston. When the ball is released, Grovey knew he couldn't reach out and get it back. A streaking freshman safety Carl Pickens steps in front of Winston and snags the ball. Pickens then sees daylight and returns the pigskin to the Tennessee 13. On first down, Tennessee goes for three yards. At this point, Volunteer quarterback Andy Kelly opens up and goes long for receiver Anthony Morgan and an 84 yard touchdown. This was the second longest in Cotton Bowl history. After the PAT, the Hogs found themselves down by 10-6. Following a Hog punt, Tennessee would mount a 70 yard, eight play drive ending with a Webb one yard run into the endzone with 3:13 left in the half. Halftime would find the Hogs down 17-6 after a Hog interception inside the five by Patrick Williams with four seconds showing on the clock. Things were not looking good.

The bad luck continued into the third quarter where on the Razorback's first possession Foster would fumble at the Tennessee 32 where it was recovered by Volunteer Martin Williams . Tennessee was now rolling as Webb would break free for 42 yards on first down (could nobody STOP this guy?) The 68 yard, eight play drive would end when Kelly would complete a one yard toss to fullback Greg Amsler. At this point the scoreboard showed Tennessee 24, Arkansas 6.

Grovey would take charge on the next possession as he moved the Hogs 72 yards in nine plays (primarily with the backup running backs, Tim Horton, and Derek Russell) to close the gap to 24-13 following a James Rouse one yard run with 6:58 left in the quarter. On the next possession, the Volunteers would score their final time for the game. Following a two yard gain on first down, Webb would again do his damage as on second down he would go for 78 yards for the score. The third quarter had Tennessee ahead 31-13.

Fourteen seconds into the final period, Foster completes the Hog score with a one yard run following a 74 yard, 12 play drive. He then follows with a two point conversion. Arkansas is now down by ten points at 31-21. On the Hogs next possession, they move down to the Tennessee nine yard line before turning the ball over on downs. Shortly after, the Hogs would miss a 44 yard field goal that would have cut the lead to seven.

The Volunteers would again give the ball to the Razorbacks at the Hog 33 following a punt with 1:25 left in the game. On first down, Grovey, once again, goes to Winston on a 67 yard touchdown pass making the score 31-27. A failed onside kick would end the game making it one of the most offensive memorable games of the Cotton Bowl.

The Hogs had 31 first downs compared to 16 for Tennessee (rushing we had 21, they had 11 - passing we had 10 they had 4, they also had 1 by penalty). Net yards we had 361 rushing, they had 320 (in passing we had 207, they had 150). Arkansas' final ranking would be at #13, Tennessee would end at #5. This would not be the last Cotton Bowl the Razorbacks would play in, but it was the last as a member of the Southwest Conference. It also was Ken Hatfield's last game as a Razorback. During Hatfield's tenure as coach, the Hogs played in a post season bowl game in each of his seasons. He has truly been a special part of Arkansas football history both as a player and as a coach.

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

* Some spam filters send our reminders to the spam folder, so please check your spam folder periodically to see if we ended up there!

Death comes to Arkansas

3/6/2015

Claud Smithey

I have to admit that last month's hawg-tales was an excerpt from my e-book "Hit That Line" which is available through smashwords.com, the Apple store, and Barnes and Noble online (or, you can click on the bar at the top of the page and go directly to it). Along with this is a history of the coaches, traditions, "Voices of the Razorbacks", many of the major players, and, of course, the greatest games of the program (not covered in hawg-tales).

On a sadder note (this was a very hard subject for me to cover, but it is also part of the program history and can't be left out), this hawg-tales covers the deaths of football players while students at the University. Luckily, this is a short list (as far as I know there have only been four). Can you name them?

Chris Toulson, as a walk-on offensive tackle, also passed away from an apparent accidental gunshot wound to the leg, but was no longer a member of the team at the time. He was a member of the 1998 and 1999 teams.

We start out at the program's beginning, with the Cardinal fullback on the 1894, '95, '96,' and '97 teams. His name was Herbert Y. Fishback and the son of a former Arkansas governor. Fishback was the first campus football team hero and was selected as team captain for his last three years. He was born approximately in 1875 somewhere in Sebastian County, Arkansas. Here the history indicates that Fishback died after a football train trip to play Drury College in Springfield, Missouri on November 20, 1897. The game was played in inclement weather and ended in a 6-6 tie. It was while playing in this game that he contracted pneumonia and passed away soon after on January 3, 1988. You can see Fishback pictured above as the second player from the right on the middle row in the 1896 team picture above. He was also a second lieutenant in Company E of the Military Club, member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, captain of the 1897 baseball team, and on the editorial staff of the Cardinal yearbook.

I'm only aware of three other players that have passed away while members of the team and students at the University. There were no more Cardinals, as these remaining players were all Razorbacks. Second on the list was defensive tackle Claud Lamar Smithey who collapsed in the locker room following the Hog win (34-0) against Texas A&M in College Station on October 29, 1966. He was rushed to Methodist Hospital in Houston where he passed away from lung abcesses and bronchopneumonia brought on by pulmonary embolism, brain swelling, and acute subdural hematoma on November 15, 1966. Possibly, by a brain concussion brought on due to an injury during the game. Smithey was born on June 27, 1943 in Higginson, Arkansas, with funeral services attended by the team and held in Searcy. He is buried at Harmony Cemetery in White County. Smithey was a letterman for the Hogs during 1964, '65, and '66 seasons.

Perhaps, one of the most famous on my list was Brandon Burlsworth at third. The June 6, 2013, hawg-tales covers him extensively and tells how a walk-on offensive guard went on to become an All-American. Not only was he an All-American, but his #77 became only the second football jersey number to be retired. It joins with the #12 shared by Clyde Scott, and Steve Little. No one will ever wear the #77, again.

Garrett Uekman

Last on my list for Arkansas football players to have passed away, is redshirt freshman tight end #88 Garrett Uekman. His death was attributed to an undetected cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart) and occurred at Washington Regional Medical Center just after noon on November 20, 2011. His last game was the night before when the Hogs beat Mississippi State 44-17 in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium where Uekman had played his high school games. As a redshirt freshman, he had played in nine games during his short career.

These are four players that all had tremendous potential and talent. As far as can be determined, each were honorable, and fantastic human beings. They were all gone too soon, however, (in the words of the Fight Song) "Arkansas will Never Yield! "

Join us next month (on a higher note), as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

* Some spam filters send our reminders to the spam folder, so please check your spam folder periodically to see if we ended up there!

Razorbacks become interacial

2/6/2015

With February being the month for celebrating Black History Month and African-American contributions, it also represents the 50th anniversary of the first African-American to wear the Razorback uniform. Although it is Jon Richardson from Little Rock's Horace Mann High school that is widely recognized as the first African-American to play for the Hogs, he was, however, the first scholarship player, but not the first player.

It was the fall of 1965 with the Hogs just coming off of a national championship, when a young freshman hailing from Horatio in Sevier County had just arrived to become one of the faceless freshmen on campus in Fayetteville. He had intended to major in pre-med, but later changed to sociology and psychology. Although he had never played high school football, it was one of his main loves. His former high school was destined to become integrated the year after his graduation which would have allowed him to take part in athletics, but he missed it by just one year. He had tried to convince his mother to let him repeat his senior year, so he could finally participate in football. She was an educator and would have no part in that scheme, so it was off to Fayetteville and his studies instead.

Not long after arriving on campus, he made his way down the “Hill,” to the old corrugated steel, dirt floored, poorly lit Barnhill Fieldhouse. Accordingly, he entered and promptly announced that he was Darrell Brown and that he wanted to play football. He had only one thing on his mind, and that was to play Razorback football as one of the members of the Hog football squad.

In 1965 this must have caught the equipment managers by surprise. For not only had the Hogs been undefeated in 1964, they were also the reigning national champions, and they were all white. Add to this, the fact that Darrell Brown was not white.

"He also ran back kickoffs which opened him up to the opportunity for “special hits” against this freshman."

There had never been an African-American football player on the Razorback squad before, or for that matter, to play in the SWC but yet here he was. What do you do now? For some unknown reason, the managers agreed and issued him the necessary equipment to play. This was a time of change for African-Americans and it certainly was a change for Hog football. Brown loved the game, but he also wanted to be instrumental in that change. He would find that joining the team would be the easy part of being the first African-American to be a Razorback football player.

Back then, freshmen couldn’t play on the varsity. They had their own team the “Shoats” and would play a reduced schedule. They also were designated to be blocking and tackling dummies for the upper classmen as they would mimic the opposing teams during varsity practice.

As a Razorback, Brown played his football at tailback and cornerback. He also ran back kickoffs which opened him up to the opportunity for “special hits” against this freshman. Although he never played a down for the varsity, he did practice with them through the fall of 1965 and the spring of 1966 until a thumb and knee injury ended his playing career.

During his Razorback career, Brown was assigned to live in Humphreys Hall, which was a men’s freshmen dorm instead of the athletic dorm known as Wilson-Sharp.

Food for Humphreys Hall was provided by Brough Commons instead of the usual all-you-can-eat steaks, potatoes, eggs, etc. normally reserved for varsity players at Wilson-Sharp. Oftentimes he would not be able to get from the practice field, up the “Hill,” to Brough in time for supper before they closed. This led to quite a few missed meals only adding to his frustration. Eventually he was able to make friends with the cooking and serving staff, who made it a point to save him plates of food after they had closed for the night. During the fall and spring, he was able to get by following this regimen. However, when the injuries came, he knew it was time to move on.

Years later in 1969 during the week before the “Big Shootout,” Brown would again be injured. This time it wasn’t on the football field, but by a shooter’s bullet to the leg while jogging on campus the night before the "Big Shootout" with Texas on December 6.

Although he had wanted to be the first black football player at the University of Arkansas, he had now broken through the color barrier and in a few moments opened the Razorback football team to African-American players. (NOTE: It wasn’t until the fall of 1966 when John Hill Westbrook became the first black varsity player to play for a SWC team in an afternoon game on September 10, 1966, in which Baylor defeated Syracuse. Jerry Levias of SMU is often credited with this, but their game was played that night. He was, however, the first black scholarship player in the SWC.)

The “Big Shootout” was not only the last game of the ’69 season, or the final game of the initial 100 years for NCAA football, but it had now brought an end to the all-white Arkansas Razorback and Texas Longhorn teams. The next season would see the emergence of African-American running back Jon Richardson of Arkansas and offensive tackle Julius Whittier for the Longhorns as varsity players. The all-white barrier for scholarship players had now crumbled. It was a new day. It was the beginning of a new century for football. In the years since contributions have been many, but they all started with that freshman from Horatio.

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

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Predictions vs. History

1/6/2015

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Keep the history alive!

Well, I guess I blew it last month when I said where the Hogs would be playing. But in my defense, the predictions were favoring the Independence Bowl when the blog was written. I will say, however, that I was glad to see us playing Texas (and dominating them). This is why history is way more predictable than what all of the "experts" are guessing.

Sharp Williams and Rex Crane posted the following link on Facebook that is really cool showing the newspaper write-ups for each of the Texas vs. Arkansas games. This is really neat (and must have been a lot of work) to see for all of the games starting with the first one in 1894.

http://www.hogdb.com/2014/12/29/arkansas-razorbacks-vs-texas-longhorns-newspaper-accounts-of-all-77-games/

It's a rivalry that goes back to 1894 (120 years) when Texas defeated the Arkansas Cardinals ( now Razorbacks) by a score of 54-0. Arkansas had only played two games before this one. Both of the games had been played against a team made up primarily of Fort Smith High School players. Coached by a Latin professor serving as a part time coach (John C. Futrall), the team would begin what would develop into the Razorbacks of today.

The inaugural game ended with a victory score of 42-0 followed by the second game victory with a score of 38-0.The Cardinals won both games so they were now confident, although naive, to make the train ride to Austin and take part in a Thanksgiving Day contest against their first real college team.

On Monday, November 26, the team boarded a train for the journey to Austin. It was a game that would be played before a crowd estimated at 1,500 who had paid approximately $700 for admission. There was no "Callin' the Hogs", "Big Red", "Running Through the 'A'" and luckily few observers for Arkansas. Sad to say, but they had a long train ride back to Fayetteville. Texas would now develop into Arkansas' largest rivalry in the state's sports history. After this game, the first season would come to an end for the U of A football team. Futrall would serve as coach until 1897 when he would yield the position to fellow professor Burton N. Wilson.

That first team was made up of quarterback Wright Lindsey, halfbacks Arthur J. McDaniel and W. W. Haydon, fullback Herbert Y. Fishback, center Frank D. James, guards Tommy H. Rogers and J. C. Braswell, tackles LeRoy Campbell and Releigh Kobel, and ends Edward Mook and Dade Moore. Substitutes were Jim Brown, W. S. Norman, and E. Carney. Cardinal fullback Herbert Fishback became the first campus football hero and served as team captain for three years until his untimely death in 1898 after traveling to Missouri on a football trip to play Drury College.

It would be almost 10 years (October 30, 1903) before the two teams would meet again. The result would be the same with a Texas win, although not by as much (0-15). Texas would win each meeting until the Hogs finally won on November 24, 1933, by a score of 20-6. This would be a game on Coach "Tommy" Thomsen's (see the July 6, 2013 hawg-tales) watch and it Is no wonder that this has become our largest rivalry. There seemed to be no real solution for what we could do to remedy the situation and finally get a win. After this initial win, the Hogs would go on winning four of the next five years before losing what seemed like an eternity until 1951. Even though the Longhorns have won most of the meetings, they are not now the team that they once were.

Now that it's history, I can safely say that the Hogs were once again able to dominate over the University of Texas Longhorns. It's always sweet to be able to say this. WPS!

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

* Some spam filters send our reminders to the spam folder, so please check your spam folder periodically to see if we ended up there!

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Like Father, Like Son

And it's Goooood ...

Then and Now ...

Coach Bowden Wyatt

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The Hogs Reach the Century Mark

The Last Razorback SWC Cotton Bowl

Death comes to Arkansas

Razorbacks become interacial

Predictions vs. History

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