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Broyles' economic role praised at luncheon Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 By Doug Thompson Arkansas News Bureau FAYETTEVILLE - Men's athletics at the University of Arkansas had an economic impact of about $3 billion on the Fayetteville area during Frank Broyles' tenure as head football coach and athletic director, according to a study released Tuesday. The study, prepared by the university's Center for Business and Economics Research, was presented at a luncheon meeting of the Fayetteville Economic Development Council honoring Broyles, who retired last month after 50 years with the university. Research center director Katherine A. Deck told development council members that conducting the study "was the most fun" students had enjoyed on an assignment in a while, but that the results were valid. "The longest lasting legacy, though, is in the touching of lives," Gov. Mike Beebe said during the meeting held at the Broyles Athletic Complex, part of the $3 billion in construction and related benefits included in the study. Broyles trained generations of Arkansas leaders through his coaching efforts and showed leadership in his philanthropy, Beebe said. Broyles credited others for much of his success. "I have had the most abundant life of anyone who ever went into coaching and athletic administration in college athletics," Broyles said. "This was the only job I ever wanted." Sportswriter Orville Henry was responsible for much of the statewide devotion to the Razorback teams because of his "monumental" statewide coverage, Broyles said. John Barnhill, the athletic director who hired Broyles, was also vital, especially for deciding to allow broadcast of Razorback games for free for Arkansas radio stations, he said. "That kept southern Arkansas stations from going to LSU games, eastern Arkansas ones from going to Mississippi and Oklahoma games being broadcast in the west," Broyles said. UA Chancellor John White, who will retire in June, was a key supporter of the program, according to Broyles, who worked with nine chancellors during his tenure. |
