On the Intersection of Life and Sports
September 27, 2016
Rod Stewart’s “Maggie Mae” is one of my favorite songs. There’s a line in it that says, “It’s late September and I really should be back at school.” As I thought about where we sit on the calendar and on the football schedule, with game five coming, “late September” made me think of the song.
If you’ll allow another departure from the normal topic, what a roller coaster the past few days have been. First was the shocking loss of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, lost at 24, and then the amazing things happening to his team as they remember their young teammate.
On the other end of the age spectrum, we say goodbye to Arnold Palmer. I used to be in the golf tournament business on the Senior PGA tour, and I had the privilege to meet and spend time around “The King.” Let me tell you that everything they say is true: classy with an aura of strength. There won’t be another Arnold Palmer.
And last Sunday, Dodger broadcaster and legend Vin Scully called his last game at Dodger Stadium, ending a 67-year run. This year marks my 28th on the TCU Radio crew … kind of pales in comparison, huh? Vin has called 20 no-hitters and three perfect games. He’s the greatest ever. I had a chance to meet him at Dodger Stadium last July 3, and he, too, is everything you’ve ever heard. I asked him if I could borrow his voice when he retired … he has a great one. See the photo – think I was thrilled? You have one more chance to hear Vin this Sunday when he calls the Dodgers’ regular-season finale in San Francisco. Find it if you can … and press record.
The change in weather makes it feel like football season. For the Frogs, it’s time to step into the Big 12 grind. Conference games from here on out. Serious business.
Oklahoma is hurting, and let me tell you that there’s nothing wrong with the Sooners, except for the teams they’ve played. Their losses are to two Top 5 teams: Houston and Ohio State. They’re loaded. They’ll be ready to play.
More on the Sooners in detail on Friday. Until then,
Kick ‘Em High!
About Extra Points with John Denton
John Denton has been the color analyst for the TCU Sports Network from IMG since 1988. A former standout for the Horned Frog football team, Denton went from walk-on to a four-year lettermen as a kicker and punter for the Purple and White from 1981-84 and completed his career at the 1984 Bluebonnet Bowl. Shown here with his former coach, the late Jim Wacker, Denton currently serves as the Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Alumni Relations & Executive Director of the Block T Association.
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