I'm going to tell all of you a college World Series story, one that I hope will motivate you young bros.
I grew up in Laurel. I moved to Little Rock, AR in 1980. Built my Insurance business for 29 years in Arkansas.
Most of you know, I love Southern Miss.
Reasons: #1- My grandfather, Grover Cleveland Clark attended the first class at Mississippi Normal around 1910.
Was named Mr. Millsaps, got his law degree and became a state Representative in the early 30's. Governor Bilbo asked him to be his running mate for LT Gov, and, my granddaddy refused.
#2-My father, David Flautt Clark, had full rides to Mississippi Southern, Tulane and Mississippi in University Mississippi. In 1949, the High school stars could not go to a 4 year school and play the first year.
They chose the JuCo route, ie-- the late great Sim Cooley (Dads team mate and room mate) .. They could play their Freshman year at the local JUCO.
That's what my Dad did. He played at Jones. He was an All-State JUCO selection on both sides of the football. In the 1948 state JUCO South State championship, my dad broke his back. He fractured his back and his college football career was over. He did everything. He was a relentless, high integrity person. #3--Ask anyone in Jones County. Dad designed Dixie Golf Club, designed Fort Walton Municipal back 9.
Laid out Bear Creek in Jones County.
The greatest thing about Flautt was, HE never talked about any of his accomplishments. He was a Man of Faith.
He died in 2006, and I miss him very much.
Clark Engineers celebrates their 70th anniversary in July. Everybody remembers Uncle Nemo and Flautt.... Clark Engineers was established in 1946.
My wife, Robyn, and I moved to Hattiesburg in April of 2009, to be close my mom. Bonita is 82, loves USM, and is rocking along. She is my hero.
Shortly after we moved to Hattiesburg, Southern Miss won the GT regional in Atlanta, and then beat Florida in Gainsville.
OMAHA:
We had to go to Omaha. WE DID!
Sat behind home plate, and watched #1 Texas beat us in the 9th with 3 walks. One of the most
excruciating moments of my life.
Robyn and I sat on the 10th row behind home plate that Sunday evening with all the Mutual of Omaha exec's screaming our heads off. They started screaming with us, along with all of the LSU, Omaha season ticket holders, Arkansas, Virginia fans, etc.
I swear we had out of the 27,000 fans at Rosenblatt, we had 25,000 people screaming their heads off.
Our relief pitcher, a side-winder was brilliant, but the Home plate ump did not adjust to the strike zone.
Had Game 1 Won against #1 Texas. Will never forget. The tying and winning runs walked in to beat us in the bottom of the 9th.
Unreal!
#1 Texas-6
#8 Southern Miss-5.
We will return to Omaha. I know we will. We are going to go back to Omaha.
Southern Miss Baseball will Rise AGAIN. I Can feel it!
I want to go back to Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium! Oh, Gone. But, I love the New Ameritrade Park downtown.
We will be back I can't wait!
All of you would have loved Rosenblatt. But, I'm sure you will love Ameritrade even more.
GO Eagles!
TTTop!
IE
I grew up in Laurel. I moved to Little Rock, AR in 1980. Built my Insurance business for 29 years in Arkansas.
Most of you know, I love Southern Miss.
Reasons: #1- My grandfather, Grover Cleveland Clark attended the first class at Mississippi Normal around 1910.
Was named Mr. Millsaps, got his law degree and became a state Representative in the early 30's. Governor Bilbo asked him to be his running mate for LT Gov, and, my granddaddy refused.
#2-My father, David Flautt Clark, had full rides to Mississippi Southern, Tulane and Mississippi in University Mississippi. In 1949, the High school stars could not go to a 4 year school and play the first year.
They chose the JuCo route, ie-- the late great Sim Cooley (Dads team mate and room mate) .. They could play their Freshman year at the local JUCO.
That's what my Dad did. He played at Jones. He was an All-State JUCO selection on both sides of the football. In the 1948 state JUCO South State championship, my dad broke his back. He fractured his back and his college football career was over. He did everything. He was a relentless, high integrity person. #3--Ask anyone in Jones County. Dad designed Dixie Golf Club, designed Fort Walton Municipal back 9.
Laid out Bear Creek in Jones County.
The greatest thing about Flautt was, HE never talked about any of his accomplishments. He was a Man of Faith.
He died in 2006, and I miss him very much.
Clark Engineers celebrates their 70th anniversary in July. Everybody remembers Uncle Nemo and Flautt.... Clark Engineers was established in 1946.
My wife, Robyn, and I moved to Hattiesburg in April of 2009, to be close my mom. Bonita is 82, loves USM, and is rocking along. She is my hero.
Shortly after we moved to Hattiesburg, Southern Miss won the GT regional in Atlanta, and then beat Florida in Gainsville.
OMAHA:
We had to go to Omaha. WE DID!
Sat behind home plate, and watched #1 Texas beat us in the 9th with 3 walks. One of the most
excruciating moments of my life.
Robyn and I sat on the 10th row behind home plate that Sunday evening with all the Mutual of Omaha exec's screaming our heads off. They started screaming with us, along with all of the LSU, Omaha season ticket holders, Arkansas, Virginia fans, etc.
I swear we had out of the 27,000 fans at Rosenblatt, we had 25,000 people screaming their heads off.
Our relief pitcher, a side-winder was brilliant, but the Home plate ump did not adjust to the strike zone.
Had Game 1 Won against #1 Texas. Will never forget. The tying and winning runs walked in to beat us in the bottom of the 9th.
Unreal!
#1 Texas-6
#8 Southern Miss-5.
We will return to Omaha. I know we will. We are going to go back to Omaha.
Southern Miss Baseball will Rise AGAIN. I Can feel it!
I want to go back to Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium! Oh, Gone. But, I love the New Ameritrade Park downtown.
We will be back I can't wait!
All of you would have loved Rosenblatt. But, I'm sure you will love Ameritrade even more.
GO Eagles!
TTTop!
IE
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