Sports Writer

Acknowledgement

Bossier Parish is guilty of an abundance of riches when it comes to outstanding athletic and outdoor figures who were born and raised or succeeded within its boundaries.  I found that out early on in   developing a tribute to some of those individuals for the celebration of Bossier City’s 100th anniversary.

My collection should not be taken as a hall of fame, an entity that usually provokes heated arguments.  It is simply a potpourri of   figures who have ties to the parish. They either brought attention to it on international, national and statewide stages or added to the fabric of sports. I became familiar with many of them while a sports writer with The Shreveport Times from 1960 on.

I am indebted to some old friends in the sports media, Jim McLain, Jerry Byrd, Darrell Rebouche, Bob Griffin and Andrew Harris, who made suggestions or provided information and helped me    develop this collection in answer to the request of former Parish      Library Director Louis Covington to produce a gallery of sports and outdoors movers, shakers and doers. Also I tip my cap to two journalist friends, Allen Lazarus and Sally Croom, who helped repair the damage I did to syntax and spelling along the way.

I also wish to thank the following for photographs used in these presentations: the Sports Information Offices of University of Alabama, Centenary College, University of Iowa,  Louisiana State University, Northwestern State University, Southern University, Tulane University, and Marshall University (Rick Haye), the Media Relations Departments of the New England Patriots, San Diego Padres, San Diego Chargers, Toronto Blue Jays and  Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.  Also Lawrence Lea Photography, the Josey Ranch, Bob Knighton/Golf Connection, the John Franks Family, Haydel Game Calls, and Gerico    Productions.

In the end, the project was fun and soon became easy as A-B-C. A Bossier Celebration.

--Gerry Robichaux