Dick Vitale received a message from a former colleague on his way to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's All-Arkansas Preps banquet Saturday night at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
Jimmy Dykes, who worked as a college basketball analyst for ESPN with Vitale in 1995-2014 before leaving the network to become the University of Arkansas women's basketball coach, wanted to remind Vitale about one of his top recruits in the Class of 2015, Conway guard Jordan Danberry.
"Dickie V, she's going to be a PTP'er, a prime-time performer, baby," Dykes told Vitale in a text message.
Vitale reminded the banquet crowd that Danberry, the All-Arkansas Preps girls basketball player of the year, chose to stay in Arkansas despite being recruited by out-of-state schools. He also noted the same went for Charleston quarterback Ty Storey, the All-Arkansas Preps offensive player of the year who enrolled early at Arkansas.
"I know Ty is out here," Vitale told the crowd. "He's wanted by everybody, but when push came to shove he said, 'Man, I'm staying home. I'm staying in Arkansas."
Remembering where you come from and those who helped you along the way was part of Vitale's message to the more than 300 high school athletes from across the state who were honored during the third annual event.
"You got here because of a team," Vitale said. "You got here because of a mom, a dad, a guardian or a coach. Somebody who loved you. Somebody who believed in you."
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson also spoke briefly to the crowd after returning from a business trip to France and Germany to promote the state, and the All-Arkansas Preps awards for coach of the year and male and female athletes of the year were revealed.
The award for coach of the year went to North Little Rock's Johnny Rice, who guided the Charging Wildcats boys basketball team to the Class 7A state championship. Benton senior Drew Harris (football, baseball) was named male athlete of the year, and Cabot senior Lexi Weeks (track and field) was named female athlete of the year.
Vitale, 76, has served as a color analyst for ESPN's college basketball coverage since 1979. His high-energy approach and love for the game have made him a household name among college basketball fans, and he has called many of the network's top college basketball games over the past 35 years.
During his 35-minute speech Vitale talked about growing up in New Jersey and a coaching career that included stops at two high schools in New Jersey as well as a stint as an assistant coach at Rutgers and head coaching jobs at the University of Detroit and the NBA's Detroit Pistons.
"I haven't lost a game in 37 years," he said. "I love coaching, but I'll be honest with you. Had I stayed in coaching, I would have been dead by 50. Losing tore my insides to shreds. TV has given me a balance in life. I love what I'm doing now."
Vitale encouraged the athletes to also take advantage of their opportunities and be an example to others.
"Our future Keith Jacksons, our future Gov. Hutchinsons -- people who have made it in life," Vitale said. "People who have taken their principles and used it in life."
Vitale also stressed the importance of preparing for the future and how they will be remembered. He pointed to previous All-Arkansas Preps banquet speakers Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, two of the NFL's top quarterbacks, and how they have made a difference on and off the football field.
"There will be a day when they have to talk about the future," Vitale said. "I don't care how much money one has. Money doesn't buy happiness. Be proud of what you achieve. Be proud of what you done in your life."
Sports on 06/21/2015