McCollum's Column: College, high school football receive focus on these ‘Citations’
As football season winds down, we’ll focus a little on Little Rock Episcopal and provide a fresh batch of David Citations for the interesting, zany and just plain weird in sports.
Best watered-down, politically correct term: On Senior Night, the PA announcer at Little Rock Episcopal introduced the senior water girls and water boys as “hydration specialists.”
Most aesthetic stadium: LR Episcopal’s Wildcat Stadium, which has a view of the state capitol straight up the hill behind a goal post. And as you watch the game, you can also see several trains pass or pull into the station just above the stadium.
Best politically correct version of popular concession fare: At Little Rock Episcopal, you can get either beef or vegetarian hot dogs.
Best indication of a difference in culture: When Mayflower cheerleaders walked into Episcopal’s sports complex to dress out, a few took pictures of the complex with their cell phones.
Best indication of time passage: During a discussion of Friday’s basketball game between the University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix, a co-worker asked, “They’re in difference conferences. Did they ever play?”
Weirdest explanation of a recruiting advantage: Upon the firing of football coach Tommy West, University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson explained that, despite some old and facilities in need of remodeling, Memphis had an advantage because it had a “good airport.”
Best politically correct explanation to avoid a $30,000 fine: LSU coach Les Miles said SEC officials had a “hard job.”
Weird in November: UCA played a football game against Sam Houston State on Saturday in 80-plus degree temperatures in Huntsville, Texas.
Best admission of a psychological ploy: When Troy coach Larry Blakeny denied he had ever said in a summer interview that the Trojans would defeat the University of Arkansas, Razorback coach Bobby Petrino smiled as said, “Aw, we’ll use it anyway.”
(Sports columnist David McCollum can be reached at 505-1235 or david.mccollum@thecabin.net)
