Barry Switzer earns
alumni recognition
Oct. 14 will be a special day for my brother, Barry Switzer, and for the extended Switzer family. The University of Arkansas will, at Fayetteville's Town Center, present him with its "Distinguished Alumni" award. In a very real sense, this is the capstone of a professional career and charitable activity that has few equals in the history of sport. Or almost any other endeavor.
I cannot say this award comes as a surprise, in part because I am well aware of his abilities and mindset. More importantly, when I scanned the names of previous recipients of this honor, it became quite clear this is a most special recognition of a man who has contributed enormously to his era.
Barry first attended the university after his Crossett High School graduation in 1955. He played football under the legendary Frank Broyles for five years and proved himself to be a leader. Then he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Well, Frank needed Barry to become an assistant coach the following year and decided to take the "political" approach. Barry was stationed at Aberdeen, Maryland, and Frank contacted Congressman Wilbur Mills from Arkansas (one of the most powerful folks in Congress at the time) and, almost as if by magic, this political connection led to his early release from the Army so that Frank and UA football would be well-served.
After a stint at Arkansas under Coach Broyles, Barry went to Oklahoma University with Jim McKenzie (another UA assistant). Tragically, Jim died after only one season as head coach at OU, and then the reins of the football program were handed off to Chuck Fairbanks. After one or two seasons, he left for the NFL.
Barry was immediately chosen as the university's head football coach. Over 16 years at OU, his win-loss record, due to the majestic talent he was able to recruit, was 157 wins, 29 losses and 4 ties. Barry left OU after a scandal developed involving several of his players and some horrible misconduct off the field.
Jerry Jones, a great Little Rock friend of Barry's from the Arkansas years, sought Barry to be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry had made it big in business and bought the Dallas Cowboys, built a marvelous stadium and the rest is history. Jerry hired Barry to replace Jimmy Johnson. And with Barry as head coach, Jerry's team compiled a record of 40 wins and 24 losses four seasons. And that includes the magnificent win over the Pittsburg Steelers in Super Bowl XXX by score of 27-17. I was there, on the sideline. Barry determined he wanted to retire after that game, but I assure everyone that he has never slowed down since. With his enormous business investments and charitable activities, he hardly, at age 84, has time to rest and reflect.
Don Switzer
Rogers
Freedom to get sick
a concern for others
In response to Gail Pianalto's letter ("Campaign on vaccines pushes 'lie' of ignorance") in the Oct. 11 edition, let me note that everyone certainly has the freedom to contract covid-19. The problem is that when they do, it becomes somebody else's problem. Hospitals and their staffs come to mind.
So, if Pianalto can guarantee when an unvaccinated person gets covid-19 that she will care for them so we other folks don't have to, then she's got my blessing.
Michael Heathcott
Fort Smith