Welcome to Wally Like It Is!
From the time I was 11 years old (the same year Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record), I knew I wanted to be a newspaper
man.
I used to go to the old Boys Club at 8th and Scott and drink water from the fountain instead of buying milk to wash down my sandwich. I’d use the milk money to buy the St. Louis newspapers.
My mom and dad were so impressed that I knew what I wanted to do they helped me get a job delivering newspapers when I was 12. After the first week I knew my future was not in circulation.
Several things happened in my life, though, that always brought me back to journalism.
When I was in the ninth grade I got a blood clot in my left foot after a bad slide into second base (I had long ago determined I would not make my living as an athlete, but could be part of the sports world as a writer) and missed the last six weeks of classes. I had to take English in summer school, and the teacher (Julia McGee) told me she would give me an A if I promised to take journalism in high school.
I was the sports editor/columnist for The Tiger at Central High. I attended UCA for a year, enrolled at UALR the second year and went to work for Orville Henry at the Arkansas Gazette, but then I won the lottery — the military lottery of 1969. I spent the next 3 years, 7 months, 17 days, 2 hours and 20 minutes in the Air Force as an air traffic controller. After an honorable discharge I started school at UALR. I was also a real estate agent, but the second indication that I was destined for journalism was on its way.
My broker convinced me to sell a broken down piece of junk mobile home (with no toilet) to a guy for $5,000 and the broker would carry the note. The day before closing I helped the guy move his family out, and the next morning walked into the broker’s office and quit about three seconds before he could fire me.
I had already started working Friday and Saturday nights at the old Arkansas Democrat. I asked for more hours and set out to work myself from an editing job to reporter.
As an afternoon paper we reported to work at 4 a.m., but in the evenings I’d go out and cover games on my own time to learn. My first boss was John Brummett, a taskmaster who taught me a lot. I covered a lot of preps and then was assigned sidebar duty for the Razorbacks, and in the winter of 1974 I got a job offer from United Press International in New York. I took it, but the city just wouldn’t change to fit me and I quit at 1:30 in the morning after a third mugging attempt.
I came back to the Democrat, left again, then came back again in 1979 as an investigative reporter. Three months later, the sports columnist job came open and four of us applied.
Managing Editor John Robert Starr said he wanted me to move to the Capitol bureau and that if I would he’d give me a raise. If I took the sports columnist job, I would not get a raise.
He meant it, and I didn’t get a raise for a year.
Now, here I am 31 years later, and what you are normally going to find in this space is what happened behind the scenes and between the lines.
wally, we have missed seeing you and hope that before you are completely overwhelmed with fall ball we can get together for a drink and dinner. always enjoy your writings and musings. i have a 2 year old filly entered to run for the first time thursday at delaware park. “my comrade” a dixie union colt out of a northern dancer mare has me really excited just to see how she will get around in her debut.. this is my most significant purchase to date and hence named her for my comrade and best friend, jane. take care, bill
When did Arkansas first play the Georgia Dogs and what network carried the game?
Thanks
Jack
What year did Arkansas first play the Georgia Bulldogs and what network carried the game?
Wally,
As a long-time fan of yours and a former Central classmate I wanted to ask if you might be able to help me lead the bandwagon for a “Mallett for Heisman” campaign.
I have tried contacting the Heisman Trust and Deloitte-Touche (the Ballot Administrator) but so far have recieved no response. I know the public can vote and I would like to have a sign-up tent at the next home game in Fayetteville.
Sure could use your help old friend!
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Phillip Grable – Class of ’67
phil.grable@yahoo.com
Hi Wally
Just a note to say thank you for mentioning the Razorback Marching Band recently. Our students work hard to prepare pregame and halftime performances, but are equally interested in doing everything possible to engage the students, alumni and fans with fight songs, traditions and new music. Thank you for noticing what we’ve been doing and for the positive feedback. Go Hogs!
Chris Knighten
Director of the Razorback Marching Band
University of Arkansas
Hi Wally – Been reading you since the 70’s it seems. Didn’t always like your stuff because you never wrote much about the National Pastime , and for me, spent too much time on horse racing, But you’ve always been interesting, and you always know your college hoops. Good luck, go hogs, beat bama!
Wally,
I went to my first Razorback game in 1958 at the age of 6. Needless to say,I’ve have been disappointed many times. I have heard so much from so many that Ryan Mallet lost this game.As someone who has played football and understand the complexities of the game,EVERY play affects the outcome of the game.Like when someone missed a block on an earlier drive,a penalty that stops a drive, a dropped pass(of which we had many), a blown coverage in the secondary, missed tackles, a dropped interception that could have been returned for a TD(Madison), and yes interceptions.I could go on and on.
We have improved on defense but we are not there yet.The interception that Crim made was a clear TD had their QB made a good throw.
I don’t want to talk negative about anyone but being a former running back and watching Michael Smith last year,I must say that Green doesn’t need to be in there.He seems to tiptoe to the hole and he doesn’t punish anyone when they try to tackle him.I watched the game again, and there were times when Davis would have made at least 4 or 5 yards when he made nothing. I am not trying to be the coach, because there must be a reason that Green is starting and Davis isn’t. He just doesn’t run very hard.I would have loved to have that kind of body when I was playing. It is a waste of physical advantage.I have never seen him break a tackle,although I’m sure he has.Too many defenders tackle him one on one in the open field.My high school football coach told me when I was a sophomore that I ran like a commode.I feel this way about Green.
We have to regroup and take one game at a time,because I know by watching them that Auburn and South Carolina are going to be very tough games,more so than last year.
Thanks,
Rocky Franks
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I have loved reading your column in the paper since I was a high school athlete growing up in White Hall, AR. Every chance I get, I still read it! I have loved your passion for the Razorbacks and other topics, but also the straight forward approach to how you covered stories. When I blog or write something now, I often think of you and your column. I write to inform, but also to entertain a little too, and I believe I learned that from you. Thanks!
Hello Wally,
What razorback’s score win and loose?
Lois Hancock
Hey Wally, I just read your article on Jermaine Taylor & had a question. You referenced a Morongo Casino being located 90 miles due west of Tinsel Town. Is “Tinsel Town” a reference to Hollywood, California? If so, I do know what is 90 miles due west of Hollywood, and it isn’t a casino. It’s called the Pacific Ocean. I hope there’s another Tinsel Town.
I think you meant to say 90 miles due east.
Wow! Your column on Michael Dyer’s transfer to Arkansas Baptist is a masterpiece. Thank you for highlighting the good decisions of Michael Dyer and Terrell Owens, recognizing the powerful influence of Dr. Fitz Hill, and giving credit to Andre Dyer for standing with his troubled nephew.
You’ve replaced my exasperation with Michael Dyer’s self destructive behavior with lots of hope for good. Imagine the positive outcomes for Michael and his fans when he takes advantage of the opportunities offered by Arkansas Baptist, Dr. Fitz Hill, and Uncle Andre Dyer.
I am a long time Sooner fan and Season Ticket holder that lives in Arkansas and one thing I have never understood about hog fans and sports writers is their hate for OU. The two very rarely play and have no history of playing each other. Your article about Stoops being a cry baby because he does not bow down to the mighty sec is just ignorant. What was he supposed to say, how big and bad the sec is and that every player out of HS should not even bother trying to play in another conference?
Why would any coach outside of the sec sing their praises? Say Stoops goes to a recruit and the recruit says, but Coach, you said the sec was the almighty everything! Why should I come to OU when you yourself said every sec team is a powerhouse and they all play in the mightiest conference in all the land. Anyway I think you should worry more about beating the Louisiana Monroe’s of the world and stop bashing someone because they do not drink your koolaid. Everyone knows the sec has won 7 straight NC’s. Those were by the top 4 programs in the sec, not by every team in the sec. They do not hand out NC Rings to every sec school when ONE team wins it. When was the last time Arkansas won one? And by the way, good luck with that Big name Coach you guys landed.
Chris :Hog fans hate everybody who beats their overrated butts. They try to claim the 1964 NC, but that’s bogus. Bama won that one.
I read your article in Sunday’s paper, “Gee No Whiz at Street Smarts.” I don’t know Mr. Gee, nor do I care very much at all about college football. I take objection, however, to your description of Mr. Gee as “a Mormon and attorney” as if these two facts alone are enough to explain everything distasteful about the man. I cannot think of any other reason for including this entirely irrelevant biographical information. Perhaps Mr. Gee isn’t the only one who needs sensitivity training.
Wally,
Who in God’s name selected that drab grey uniform?
I felt like I was watching some other team.
8-27-14
Certainly a good, positive article today about our QB and our team. I am old enough to have been reading your articles since you started writing for the Democrat/Gazette. Please don’t hold it against me, but I’m a good friend of Nate Allen. We come to Fayetteville about twice a year to visit with Nate and Nancy.
Keep up your good work, Mr. Hall
Stacy Cogbill
Texarkana, Arkansas
Hello Mr. Hall. I know you can’t resist inserting your traditional Christian beliefs into your column and it’s your column and you can do with it what you will, but I will inform you that those remarks (the last one was today’s “His program is about faith, family and football — apparently in that order) cast you in my mind as some sort of a backwoods bubba. You insinuated that Coach Blake Anderson was impressive because of his emphasis on “faith.” I’ve learned that people’s religious beliefs are not the ultimate indicators of how good those people are. Your sports-writing is pretty good except for the inserting of your religious beliefs from time to time. I remember when you wrote that someone is a good Christian man. I doubt you would write that someone else is a good Hindu or a good Jewish man. Your writing is off-putting when you insert your personal religious beliefs by way of insinuation.
I hope the Hogs have a better kick-returner next season. I wonder why we don’t kick the ball deeper into the endzone on kickoffs. I doubt that I have persuaded you with this commentary about religion and sports. I can’t remember any other sports columnists that I’ve read inserting their particular religious beliefs into their columns by way of insinuation. Thanks. Carl
David Bazzel has been quite influential in Arkansas sports efforts. Has he been awarded any special honors by Arkansas for his work? In my opinion, he should be formally thanked by all of the state for his efforts, such as his helping to establish the Broyles Trophy, SWC Hall of Fame, etc. His efforts extend to the entire state, not just the U. of A. Thanks. Orville
12/4/12. Interesting article about Hall of Fame. How can a person get someone nominated? He would be in the group considered seniors now. Played on the teams that one three SWC championships in a row. Made the cover of AR Illustrated more times than Alworth. An exceptional receiver, I am thinking he even took at least one snap and I know he was the designated onside kicker. Played for NY Giants and Washington as a pro. Worked at LSU for about 16 years under Charlie McClendon, and retired from the Louisiana school system. Raised three kids in Baton Rouge, and his son got a scholarship to an Arkansas school. Played High school ball for the great Clair Bates in Van Buren and was recruited to the U of A under Broyles. Two sports at least one year at the U of A. His name is Jim Collier. He should be included in the nominations while he can still be appreciated for his contributions. Lets not let this one become a posthumous nominee. Thanks. John Warren
Correction on line 3. Misspelled won. sorry. John
Wally I noticed you failed to mention the big Tennessee win in your “Like it is” column in today’s Arkansas Democrat Gazette…..any reason why? I know they were a weaker team in the SEC this year but what a big win and momentum for the Vols.
Read your column this morning and think you and may others are focusing too much on the $600 check and Montez’s employment. The eligibility issue really not about the check or employment it is about contact between coaches and parents of a student enrolled at another school at the time. Rule 3.D from the AAA handbook states very clearly that contact between a coach and the student or the student’s parents is prohibited while the student is enrolled at another school. Clearly volunteering and running errands for coaches at another school other than the one the student is enrolled in would create such contact. The rule is very clear about no contact between coaches and players and parents using the words “coaches may not contact.”
Craig Volz says:
February 16, 2015 at 4:12 pm
You wrote the following article and I wondered what
the final outcome was.
” UA shouldn’t be in competition with media”
You are a treasure to those of us interested in sports.
Reply
Hi Wally,
I enjoyed your article in today’s paper- Fri., Mar.6. What are your most memorable moments in Arkansas Track & Field? Will you be covering the NCAA meet next Fri. & Sat.?
Thanks, Greg Peel
Wally, I’m a long time fan and sorry to finally let you know. As a kid growing up in SW LR I loved reading your articles 30 years ago when we had two papers…you were why I wanted my parents to pick the Democrat, as an adult, I still find myself gravitating to your section as the highlight of my reading experience. Arkansas is so lucky to have someone of your passion and dedication to sports, but especially Arkansas sports. I’ve lived in many states and multiple countries and you are one of the best, and I’m glad
I can get you here in Rogers, Ar.
Thanks for your work and adding your Arkansas history and background to our state paper. Keep it up and don’t let off the passion!
Best Regards,
Rance
Wally, thanks for the outstanding articles and the objective perspective. I have a question for you: what happened to the weekly color cartoon on the front page of the sports section on game day? I sure do miss the humor and subtle message in each one.
Thanks,
Jim
“it was a mild upset, not a major one.” Really? Really?
An SEC team, playing at a friendly location, ranked 18th in the country, against a team that has yet to play a game, and is a 21 point underdog on the road.
That’s a major upset.
“Like it is.” Really?
grandiose disappointment ??? Cam Newton, yes. I’ve listened for weeks as ESPN and NFL personalities have made excuses for this EXTREMELY arrogant blowhard. He is an incredible player, among the best of the best. But his arrogance caused me to root for anyone to stop him/beat him. And then he plays the race game. most people who hate him hate him for his attitude. Sunday he got a whooping period end of story.
My other grandiose disappointment is in YOU Wally. Tom Brady arrogant ? That’s just dumb (mild version). Tom Brady is hated by a great number who will hate him every opportunity they get. They hate him because they are tired of him being the best quarterback and whipping their team so many times for so many years.
What is arrogant about him ? I don’t see it. I see a guy who goes about his business in a professional manner. When other players bad mouth him they are hoping to get under his skin and make him fail. Oh, against their team of course. I have been impressed (on a grandiose scale) at how he responds to constant criticism – usually not at all. Is THAT what you call arrogant ? As to the level of people who hate him, it is minute compared to Cam. But the commentators are reluctant to say what they really think about Cam’s arrogance. Yes he was booed at the game – what do you expect from Denver fans. I venture to say that Tom is more liked and respected by overwhelming majority (I’m talking about people, not some social media, because it’s always the haters that bark the loudest.
I have never heard a commentator call Brady arrogant. They criticize him when it’s the topic of the day or week, like last year they were all debating if he was washed-up early in the season. Otherwise they all admit he is the best ever or in the top 2 best quarterbacks ever.
Oh, did I mention that he continues to be great even when most of his offense keeps changing dos to injuries, etc. Not to mention that many of his favorite targets get traded away every year. Of course Belichick has a lot to do with the Patriots’ success constantly using players not picked or cast away by other teams.
Grandiose Disappointment??? Today you are mine. I thought much better of you.
Wally it took a lot of guts to write your article today in the Democrat. Thank you:
A game with the Braves of Alcorn vs a Game with ASU is a No Brainer for all the fans of our State:
Bob E. Johnson.vcf
JM Associates has produced a special on Bret Bielema to be aired on ESPNU this Wednesday at 8 pm (“Being Bret Bielema”). Pass the word.
Dennis Schick (our son, Tim, produced it)
You paint Bret Bielema as a saint? There are no saints on earth. Also how do the Razorbacks get Ranked 16 when they have only beat one so so team TCU , and nick saban is not your mortal enemy he is a football coach!! Why does everyone think beating Alcorn State was a great victory if you look back to week before Grambling State beat them 48-13 ?!
I didn’t realize you weren’t already in the ASHOF until I read in the paper this morning that you had been inducted this year. That is a long overdue admission! Congratulations, Sir!!!
Wally, I agree with your Article this morning 10/5.
I am a Vet, I stopped watching the NFL this season
due to the players protesting the flag for which my
friends and fellow countrymen gave their lives defending.
I wrote to you last year about your lack of interest in the U of A baseball program. Again the Hogs sweep the crimson tide and there is almost nothing in the Gazzett about it.
Wally,
This is a little late since the column I’m responding to is from 4/29/18.
To refresh your memory I wrote to you 4 or 5 years ago when you indicated that you thought it was a bad idea for Creighton to move from the valley to the Big East.
New topic: In your 4/29/18 column, in the 4th paragraph you indicated that Pitino should be concerned about the FBI (he should) but you indicated that the concern was because the FBI brought down Capone. Capone was brought down by Eliot Ness who worked for the Treasury Dept from 1927 to 1935. So, while the FBI is to be respected, they did not bring down Capone.
jbc
Is the Razorback game in Fayetteville today on 6-1-18 being televised?? If so, what channel? If not, Is it on the radio and what channel? If anyone would know, I new it would be you!! Thanks 😊
Reference July 10, 2018 column on Soccer. I agree with you wholeheartedly that the US should be playing World Cup Competition level Futbol. But unless and until this nation abandons its love affair with that mayhem filled game called American Football it will never occur.
Why is Chrisitan Pulisic playing Germany? He plays in Germany because it is World Cup Level Competition which is not available in the US. I enjoy watching Pulisic and the other Americans playing in the German Bundeliga and applaud them for leaving their home country and learn a new language so they can play in world cup level competition.
When I lived in Maryland while in military service I had the opportunity to see some very fine soccer played at youth clubs, high school and college level. On Thursday Nights in the Fall, the local High School had a filled stadium for the Varsity Soccer matches. The same stadium on Friday nights had much smaller crowds. This was true every year regardless of team records.
Northwest Arkansas was turning into a soccer, much like Tulsa, before the arrival of large numbers of immigrants from soccer playing countries. Today Northwest Arkansas has some fine youth and high school soccer.
Until America makes an investment in Youth Soccer development like is done in Europe and other nations, it will never consistently compete in World Cup level play and some of America’s best players will found playing in Europe and South America.
Today’s Sports Section, Page 3 has the answer to why American Soccer is not competitive in the World stage, the European Academy system for teams playing the top leagues.
Also, in reference to the CBS 60 Minutes feature on Christian Pulisic. While I did not see the program, I infer from your comments that the segment focused only on Pulisic and may only in passing mentioned that other Americans are playing in the Bundesliga. If so, it is another example of racial bias in news reporting because the other American players in the Bundesliga are mixed race, Negro American Fathers and German Mothers.
Would love to know what publication thought Baz was the worst Little Rocket. Baz has done more to promote the Hogs and Little Rock than anybody I know.He is always positive and eager to help. Surely they said that in jest.
I think we can all agree that the Razorback football team did not have a great year. Must we continue to obsess over it? Before continuing to berate the team could you give Coach Morris and his new recruits a chance. Move on to another sport and try a bit of positive attitude. Basketball is looking up!
How can you say that the ACC has replaced the SEC as the best football conference (today’s newspaper) when the ACC has two teams in the AP’s final top 25 and the SEC has six? Sure, Clemson is clearly the nation’s best but the pickings are mighty slim after that.
Good afternoon Mr. Hall, really love your column today. Sitting here in my office. I work here on the campus of Univ. of Arkansas.. I have been going to the Basketball games for 40 years, I have five seats on the first row next
to the Arkansas Bench. I can reach out and touch Dave England. Now I donate what I have to to be able to sit there but those tickets were purchased first when Lanny van Eman was coach. I agree it was Barehell.
Arena, it was so fun. Now the crowd in Bud Walton is not like it used to be.
I stress about that but my wife says, Well we are here… I am 75 now and
have seen a lot of great games in Barnhell and Bud Walton.. We will keep
going as long as we can, Our grand kids live in Florida so some times we are not there, because we are in Florida. We always give our tickets to someone
who will go…
Loved you column and I always read them.. Congrartulations on your
40 years… Eddy Smith Rm 101 Student Union…
don’t always agree with what you say but thats true for anyone.i certainly appreciate the fact coach andersons teamps were at least 12 games over .500 in his career record as ua head coach.you have long beat the drum for chris beard and after watching his team defeat gonzaga and clinch a final 4 spot i tip my hat to him.very proud of the grades and off court behavior of coach anderson’s teams.if he coaches again i will go watch.as it is life keeps moving on.congrats on your 40 plus years in the business. dan farmer
glad i proofread my material because i meant to say coach anderson’s teams were at least 12 games over .500 in sec play which is way more meaningful to me.also a good role model and/or leader of young people.he left the program way better than he found it.