The Arkansas Razorbacks are the “tie that binds us together.”
Those were the words of Chuck Barrett, “voice of the Razorbacks, as he addressed those who gathered for the Gurdon Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Barrett told the more than 100 guests that the small towns are the “backbone” of the country and that the leaders in these small towns are to be commended as “heroes.”
Barrett said that he hadn’t really been a visitor to Gurdon prior to Monday’s event, though he’s driven through town on his way to White Oak Lake.
Barrett, a native of Clarksville, said that he was already familiar with the Gurdon Go-Devils because Clarksville and Gurdon had met on the basketball court many years ago.
“You guys beat us with a last-second shot,” Barrett said. “I know it was a fluke.”
Barrett entertained the crowd with stories of co-host Keith Jackson and others in the industry, including the late Paul Eels. Barrett then offered up his take on the Razorbacks, trends in coaching and his predictions for the remainder of the baseball season as well as a look ahead to next season.
Barrett said the upcoming football season will be a “building year.”
“I believe the program is getting better,” he said.
Barrett said that he was among those who watched the news coverage on the night Bobby Patrino took over as head coach and admitted that he, like many others, wasn’t certain of the situation.
Barrett said that Patrino, unlike most coaches, works in all aspects of coaching rather than focusing on a specialty and hiring someone else for other aspects. Barrett said that Patrino calls this “leading from the front” and attributes his belief in this system to his days working in a dairy plant where the owner worked in all aspects of the operation.
Barrett said Patrino’s attitude in this respect is an example of true leadership.
“Leadership is not something that’s announced,” Barrett said.
He said leadership is evidenced by action.
Another aspect of Patrino’s character, according to Barrett, is that he doesn’t need constant ego boosts. While Patrino may have garnered a reputation as being standoffish with media, Barrett said he hasn’t found that to be true. Barrett said that he has discovered that Patrino, when asked an intelligent question, can provide an intelligent answer.
“But I’m okay with that,” Barrett said. “I think the football program is in good hands.”
Barrett next turned his comments to the Razorback basketball program and then to baseball.
On the subject of basketball, Barrett said that coach John Pelfry is a “small town guy.”
“He would be as comfortable in this room right now as anybody sitting here,” Barrett said.
Barrett said that Pelfry had worked hard as a player and that the “ball bounced his way.”
Barrett also talked about some of the other sports casters, including the late Paul Eels.
“Paul understood the value of good teamwork,” Barrett said.
He said that Paul would remain on the set following a telecast until the last of the equipment was put away, helping where he could.
“He was a gentleman’s gentleman,” Barrett said.
The important thing about the Razorbacks, according to Barrett, is that it’s become an important part of Arkansas’ heritage. He said that no matter where a person lives and regardless of other team affiliations, all of Arkansas stands behind the Razorbacks.
“They are the tie that binds us together,” Barrett said. “It’s not that way in Alabama.”
