Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow) – June 21, 2024 – Two names synonymous with sports in Northeast Arkansas were inducted into the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame Friday at a luncheon held at Fat City Steak and Grillhouse.
Clay served as KAIT Sports Director from 1970 to 1998. He passed away in 2014. Cromwell was Jonesboro Sun Sports Editor from 1979-1994. Together they were the driving forces for local sports coverage during their tenures, even working together for a period of time broadcasting Arkansas State University sports.
Current KAIT News Anchor Diana Davis began working with Clay when she came to KAIT in February 1989. In honoring her colleague and friend Davis referred to Clay as a “father figure” for many of the new, young anchors and reporters who came to KAIT. She said he was passionate about his job and “loved his alma mater,” referencing Arkansas State University.
Former college and high school coach Steve Clayton echoed Clay’s loyalty to A-State referencing his sportscast the night the University of Arkansas won the national basketball championship in 1994 when Clay “led his sportscast with Arkansas State University getting new turf on their practice field!”
Clay’s wife, Pat, his son, Jason, and grandson Hunter were among those in attendance at Friday’s presentation. Jason told the story he heard after Clay retired from KAIT when Dick and Pat led a group of Northeast Arkansas residents on a cruise. Baseball legend Ted Williams was among the people on the same cruise. “Dad had asked Ted if he could visit with him for a few minutes, which he graciously did,” Jason said. “People who knew Dad kept coming by and saying, “hey Dick”, “hello Dick” and after a while Ted said, “Who the heck are you?”
Current Jonesboro Sun Sports Editor Kevin Turbeyville honored Cromwell reading messages from former co-workers who referred to the time they spent working with Charlie. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t spent the time working with Charlie,” Turbeyville said. Reading a message from former sports reporter Roger Cooper, Turbeyville recalled a story from a busy Friday night of high school football. “We were near deadline, the young reporter was staring at his typewriter with a blank look on his face,” Turbeyville read. “Charlie asked him, “what are you doing?” The young reporter said, “I’m trying to think of a lead!” Charlie responded, “Don’t think, Write!”
ARKANSAS SPORTSCASTERS AND SPORTSWRITERS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Sportscasters: Chuck Barrett, Frank Broyles, Bud Campbell, Dick Clay, Dizzy Dean, Paul Eells, Jim Elder, Mike Harrison, Mike Irwin, Keith Jackson, Charlie Jones, George Kell, Mike Nail, Rex Nelson, Steve Sullivan, Pat Summerall, Terry Wallace, Dave Woodman
Sportswriters: Nate Allen, Jim Bailey, Charlie Cromwell, Grant Hall, Wally Hall, Clay Henry, Orville Henry, Bob Holt, Harry King, David McCollum, Jerry McConnell, Joe McGee, Wadie Moore, Joe Mosby, Chris Mortensen, George Schroeder, Donna Lampkin Stephens, Bob Wisener
