Powell, W L (Putt) 1971, 1972, 1976
W. L. "Putt" Powell, longtime sports writer for the Amarillo Globe-News, discusses West Texas athletics, particularly high school football, baseball and basketball in Amarillo from the 1920s to the present (1970s).
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: W.L. (Putt) Powell
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: June 22, 1971; August 4, 1972; July 12, 1976
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Interviewer: David Nail, Neil Sapper, and Steven Gamble
Length: 2 hours
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Depression of the 1930s discussed,
Payne murder case mentioned,
Recalls newspaperman Gene Howe,
Comments on Amarillo High School’s winning,
football teams,
Coaches characterized,
Outstanding players named,
Speculation of public attitude toward world events of the late 1940s.
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
Tape 2, Side 1: Attitude toward influence of football on community image,
Describes community reaction to 1934 Amarillo state championship,
Amarillo high schools’ ten-year record recalled,
Coach Blair Cherry’s record at Amarillo recalled (1930-1937),
Football game held as a social occasion in Amarillo,
Pampa and Borger football spirit examined,
One-year transfer rule initiated (1932),
Speculations on social changes’ influence of football,
Breckenridge : site of High School Hall of Fame,
Athens: Basketball Hall of Fame,
Carlton Stowers’ edition of West Texas Football, 1972 mentioned.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Tape 3, Side 1: Born: Texas ranch (1913),
West Texas League,
Amarillo, Texas,
Professional baseball,
Sports facilities,
Rivalry between Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas,
Lubbock Hubbers (1925),
Amarillo Gold Sox,
League memberships,
Variety of names,
Black players,
Profits,
West Texas-New Mexico League,
Death,
Colorful managers and players,
Baseball fans,
Financial aspect of baseball,
News coverage,
Effect on baseball,
Air conditioning,
Lack of rivalry,
Amarillo football,
Burl Buskin,
James Garner,
Recent players.
Tape 3, Side 2: Amarillo football team (1934),
State championships,
Divided interests in schools,
Dumas Demons,
Discipline,
O. A. "Bum" Phillips,
Amarillo football (1940),
Amarillo Palo Duro,
Amarillo rivals,
Records,
Anecdotes,
Memorable plays,
Lubbock,
State championship,
Best high school game,
Amarillo vs. Pampa, Texas (1954),
West Texas basketball,
Girls,
Amarillo.
Range Dates: 1913-1976
Bulk Dates: 1925-1954
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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