Out of the box.

Let me start by saying that I didn’t get kicked out of the box.

I simply can’t make it up to the press box anymore.

In the past year, I have had COVID, broken a hip, had a quadruple by-pass and progression of white matter disease. People ask, “Why did you retire?” My answer, “Because I am old and sick.” I hope to one day get healthier, but I will still be old.

My body and mind still want to be in the press box and my heart still love those young men competing at Brownwood High and Howard Payne. So, it hurts right now.

But, thanks to BrownwoodNews.com, I still have a seat at the table. I have a column, I have never done one and have no idea how to do one, but here it goes.

I want to start by saying “thank you.” I thank you for all the prayers that have been offered up for my wife and I during these past several months. Your love and support have meant the world to us. Now, the column …

I have 58 years with the Lions and 57 with the Jackets to look back on, as well as most of the coaches and players. I still remember most of what happened in most of the games as well. I hope we can relive some great memories.

My radio career actually spans 60 years. It was in 1961 when the name Dallas Huston came to be. I was nothing more than a gopher at KBWD at the time and seldom, if ever, got on the air. But, one night the on-air crew was swamped with election results and I guess got desperate.

Jim Pruett, who later achieved national fame, was running the controls and yelled at me that they needed help. He handed me a big load of results and told me to get in the studio. As I hurried out the door he yelled, “Hey, what do I introduce you as?” I said, “You know my name.” He yelled back, “Don’t worry, I’ll think of something.” He stuck the name Dallas Huston on me that night. I hated it but others must have liked it. It stuck.

My first opportunity to do football on the air came because, at that time, they had a “Game of the Week” that was recorded from a small area town each week and then replayed on Saturday mornings. They were so impressed with me that I never got on the air one single time all season. The reason? They said I just didn’t sound good. They were right.

Then came a bad wreck. It could have ended my life at a young age, but instead it probably saved my radio life. (I’ll have to tell you about it sometime.)

Of course, I have also lived a fairly eventful life outside of the press box as well. My wife Linda and I have been married for 38 years. We have 4 kids, 11 grands, and 3 great-grands. I’m also proud that 3 of the 4 kids are teachers, as well as 3 of the grandkids.

I also pastor a church in Mills County (Center City Baptist) and lead a Men’s Bible Study on Monday nights. I can assure you that you could have found huge odds on those last two ever happening. Of course, that was before the Lord came into the my life. (Another story we will need to talk about later.)

Until next time, so long everybody.

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‘Out of the Box’ with Dallas Huston will be published Monday mornings at BrownwoodNews.com.