19TH HOLE: THE READERS TAKE OVER
SHOCK WAVES
Sir:
Congratulations on your fantastic cover story (That California Earthquake, Dec. 9). The victory over the no-longer-Fighting Irish will carry the Trojans into the Rose Bowl with sky-high hopes of defeating their practically perennial opponent, Ohio State, a feat they have proved they can accomplish. For Notre Dame, Ohio State and all other Trojan opponents, Anthony Davis will remain A.D.—Always Dangerous.
JIM MCCURDIE
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Sir:
Joe Jares failed to mention that Anthony Davis netted only 48 yards rushing against the Irish. Archie Griffin has rushed for more than 100 yards in 22 consecutive games. As for a recount of Heisman Trophy votes after the Rose Bowl, well, that would only make it unanimous.
GREG RHINE
Columbus, Ohio
DIXIE RIVALRY
Sir:
Thank you for alerting the nation (and the world) to the fact that deep in the heart of Dixie there is an intense rivalry between fans of the University of Alabama and those of Auburn University (Battle for Braggin Rights, Dec. 9). If there is a doubting Thomas still around, a visit to Alabama is in order, but it does not necessarily have to be during the college football season. War Eagles and Roll Tides can be heard all year round.
Incidentally, although we voice opposition to one another throughout the season, when it comes time for the bowl games most Alabamians pull for Auburn and Alabama.
KATHLEEN BOWLBY
Anniston, Ala.
Sir:
Ray Kennedy's otherwise fine article on the Alabama-Auburn game contains one exaggeration evident to any true Alabama braggart. He asserts that the Bear would have to coach a decade or so longer to accumulate the 73 victories needed to surpass Amos Alonzo Stagg's record 314. Shucks, about 6½ years should do it.
JANE BAUM
Baltimore
BEAR FANS
Sir:
Richard W. Johnston's story Chicago: The Once and Future Bears (Dec. 9) is a nostalgic condensation of the Bear facts. As one who grew up believing that if the good Lord were to play football, He would certainly play for the Bears, I now can't help but feel that George Halas would probably force Him to play out His option. As a Chicago fan, I have learned to accept disappointment. We have had some superstars to ease the pain, but now even they are gone. The cowering Cubs, the Hull-less Hawks, the until recently Love-sick Bulls can be accepted. But when the Father of Professional Football forced Dick Butkus to leave home, he turned the Midway Monsters into a Bear rug, and every other team is walking all over it.
WAYNE TITE
Arlington Heights, Ill.
Sir:
Richard W. Johnston's excellent article might never have been written if the Bears had not committed one colossal blunder about a decade ago. They let George Allen get away from them. Allen has turned two chronic losers into overnight winners. If George Halas had had the foresight to promote Allen to head coach, it is quite possible that the Bears would be playing in the Super Bowl instead of wallowing in the cellar of the NFC's Central Division.
LANNY R. MIDDINGS
San Ramon, Calif.
TV TOUCHDOWNS
Sir:
Bill Leggett is barking up the right tree (TV/RADIO, Dec. 9). The formula for a successful football telecast includes four parts violence (provided by the players), three parts emotion (compliments of the fans), two parts pageantry (no extra charge) and one part controversy (provided by the network). The latter ingredient is conspicuously missing from ABC's collegiate broadcasts. ABC's pristine approach is simply unrealistic and seems the very antithesis of what is happening on the field. The network is inclined in the right direction. For example, the removal of the Schenkel fixture from the booth was a sound decision. All that is needed now is some Cosellian controversy that stimulates without sacrificing good taste.
Chuck Howard has the ball, and the hole is open. The ratings will block for him if he will only run.
JOHN C. BURNS
Appomattox, Va.
ARCHANGLER
Sir:
Dedicated anglers everywhere must take their hats off to Bill Schaadt (The World's Best, Dec. 2), who is a living example of patience, optimism and more patience, the foundations of fishing. After reading Russell Chatham's inspiring tale of this fisherman, I, for one, will be ashamed the next time I leave a stream because of icy line guides or fall into the head of a pool and forget to fish it out while floating through.
As I sit indoors and watch the fire for a few months, it will be good to know that Schaadt is out there, following the runs every day of the winter. I'll think of him often and of all the fun he's having.
ROBERT SCHUERHOFF
Glenwood Springs, Colo.
NO PUSHOVER
Sir:
Tennessee Tech may have been a pushover for mighty Indiana (Mashed in a Mismatch. Dec. 9), but that little school's basketball team showed me the greatest single defensive play I have ever seen. It was in 1958 during the first round of the NCAA tournament. Tennessee Tech had had a fine season, but just before the playoffs the Golden Eagles' star 6'9" center and their playmaking guard had been declared ineligible. Thus crippled, they came to Evanston, Ill. to face a strong Notre Dame team led by 6'5" standout Tom Hawkins.
As might be expected, the game was pretty much of a rout. Toward the end it broke into a series of full-court passes and turnovers. Notre Dame kept most of its starters in, despite nearly a 30-point lead, but Tech sent in its subs to gain tournament experience. Notre Dame stole a pass under the Tech basket and threw the ball downcourt to Hawkins, who had lagged in back. Hawkins turned at the top of the key and headed unopposed toward the basket. Everyone in the gym was certain a crashing dunk shot was coming. Everyone except a spindly, redheaded, 5'9" Tech scrub named Allen (Road Runner) Hereon, who came down the floor at full speed. Hawkins, unsuspecting, started up majestically for a stuff. Herron threw himself horizontally toward Hawkins, got one hand in front of the ball just as Hawkins brought it past his waist and slapped it out of bounds. Then he landed on his face and slid through the first three rows of folding chairs, scattering fans in all directions.
As he came down without the ball, a look of disbelief passed over Hawkins' face. But when he realized what had happened, he waded in through the tumbled chairs, found little Herron, dazed and bleeding, pulled him to his feet, towed him back to the court and shook his hand.
JOHN MCCLAUGHRY
Lyndonville, Vt.
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