Sunday, January 23, 2022
Speaker: Loran Smith, Author and Sports Historian, UGA
Topic: “The Fallout from being a Dawg with Serendipitous Travel Options”
Loran Smith, Author and Sports Historian, UGA
The Old School History Museum is honored to be hosting Loran Smith as our speaker on January 23rd! Often referred to as the “Legendary Loran Smith,” he has had a stellar career of more than fifty years at the University of Georgia. Smith is known as an author, columnist, sports historian, syndicated radio talk show host, sideline & locker room reporter, producer of the football coach’s post-game television show, and the list goes on! And who can forget those glorious years when he and his famous counterpart, Larry Munson, called the Bulldog plays!
In 1997 Smith was elected to the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and is known throughout the country as a “magnificent ambassador” of UGA. Those who know him well say that, with all his success, Smith’s joy is “celebrating the accomplishments of others.” Come join us, hear and meet this sports icon who is also a husband, father, and grandfather…you’ll be glad you did!
BOOK OVERVIEW
Most Georgians know Loran Smith from Saturday afternoons and Georgia Bulldog football. Larry Munson would oftentimes say after a play, "Whaddaya got, Loran?" His colorful responses and chemistry with Munson made listening to the game an absolute joy. But, for decades Loran Smith has also either written or spoken about the things that interest us.
Finally, in this book, Smith gathers his best columns and moments covering topics in four areas: Georgia, sports, travel, and the Greatest Generation. Smith's career began early enough to interview Ty Cobb, the Georgia Peach and one of the greatest baseball players ever to play the game (and one of the most divisive), and it has continued until this day.
Whether he is writing on the Georgia Bulldogs or walking along the sideline, or if he is talking about quail hunting in South Georgia, Smith writes with a down-home flavor but with keen intelligence and empathy. His subjects range from small town living to international travel having visited five continents, from local sports to national sporting events, from fly fishing to hunting, visiting presidential libraries, museums, and birthplaces.
The lecture begins at 2:00 and usually lasts about 45 minutes. Afterwards, guests are invited to tour the museum and visit with our speaker and docents.
Admission is free but donations are appreciated.