A legend passes away; The DeFoors; Football and pro wrestling

If ever more space was needed this is the time. So many things have been happening and so many people have been recognized. Events both great and small have appeared on the local and national scene. Significant events of local interest loom just ahead. It seems there will be only time and space to name the specifics and make as much commentary as possible. I begin by discussing a topic touching the lives of sports fans for the past 60 years.

“Whoa Nellie” and Keith Jackson

As long as television has occupied a place on the sports scene and brought the great athletic events into our homes native Georgian Keith Jackson has been more than a prominent actor on the stage. The sportscaster, who I loved to brag about being from North Georgia (He was born in Carroll County), died last Friday at the age of 89.

I could write much about the man. Instead, I recommend everyone who has access to the internet go to the web- classic statement on a broadcast after an event of prominent achievement. I am glad I lived during the age of Keith Jackson’s career.

Considering Russell and Jack Defoor

There are two important points to be considered about Russell and Jack Defoor. Both were outstanding athletes at Calhoun High in years gone by. Of course, Russell (the dad) performed earlier than his son Jack who graduated from CHS a couple of years ago.

The first point is when I discussed the Georgia Bulldog football team in last Saturday’s column there were several players from our area mentioned who had been a part of the Bulldog story over the years. The comment was made, “At the risk of making grave mistakes or omissions I want to name a few.” A most prominent athlete from Calhoun and Gordon County was omitted. That omission allows for a greater discussion of that athlete and his son.

The news was circulating that Jack Defoor was transferring from Ole Miss to Georgia Tech this semester. Jack had been an outstanding football player on Coach Hal Lamb’s championship teams. He went to Ole Miss but after last season Jack is making the move closer to his home town (and I might add to an attraction in Athens).

Jack Defoor’s story is still being written. I direct attention to his dad Russell and his athletic career. Russell was a big and talented kid in middle school and making it obvious he was going to be a factor in high school.

A story could be written about Russell’s career in high school. A person knowing I was going to write this section urged (begged) me to write the stories of some great incidences in Russell’s high school career. Those stories are impressive and they are entertaining. I am thankful I had the privilege of coaching Russell during his football years at CHS.

As Georgia reached out for the big fellow in his later months in high school, it was obvious he had to reach down and study hard to be eligi- ble for recruitment. An impressive fact about the big fellow is his attitude changed and he became a dedicated student earning outstanding grades leading to his going to Georgia and becoming a major factor on the team during his four years.

Possibly there is a place for those many stories of incidents in Russell’s athletic career. Maybe someday attention can be given. I had rather tell them before an audience for a greater effect. At this point I simply want to say I admire both those Defoor “boys.” I wish Jack the best in his career.

How fake is Pro Wrestling?

Professional wrestling is a source of great entertainment to millions of fans all over the world. The charge that the sport is fake is constantly being uttered. Whether or not it is isn’t of consideration on my part. What is of concern is the statement of a few days ago by a man who took exception to the game of football with the expression “Football is as fake as pro wrestling.” The statement presents more questions facts set forth.

There will be more written on this issue later. Right now, I am surveying sports fans. So far 27 have been asked about the issue of football being fake. When the man made the statement I was caught off guard. I wish the 27 people quizzed so far could have been around to hear the statement.

One fellow said, “It is obvious that fellow has never played football.” That was one of the nicest reactions. Many contained utterances I could not put on this page. After accumulating a larger sampling I am going to explore the sentiment of those I consider “much wiser” than anyone making such a charge.

Incidentally, I love the enthusiasm demonstrated for wrestling by friends from far in my past and younger ones I have taught in more recent years. Jason Hawkins and B.J. Meadows, along with others, have provided me with great pleasure as they manifested the greatest of fervor and zeal for the activity. than