Loran Smith

Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker, nicknamed “the goal line stalker” by Dan Magill, may have been the greatest Bulldog ever when it came to that particular talent. He also may have been the best when it comes to accentuating the positive.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Wimbledon memories

As the action intensifies at Wimbledon, the world’s oldest tennis championship charms and inspires, and leaves you smitten and overwhelmed. That is how this great venue and its revered tournament affect this partisan.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Bill Griffin

The U. S. Open is not supposed to be something easy to win; inherent in its challenge are adversity and stress. If you want an easy track, stay away from Oakmont and ply your time at some muni course in some obscure, no-name town.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Manuel Diaz

The upcoming induction of three Bulldog icons into the “Circle of Honor” in late August will be especial in that in the prime years of their Georgia careers, they were the best of their time: Herschel Walker was the best running back in the country; Jeff Wallace was the best women’s coach; and...
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Brock Bowers

Brock Bowers graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in real estate from the Terry College of Business, and everybody yawned.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Rose, Shoeless Joe

The news about Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson will result in bringing about much verbiage for years to come. Some will always regret Commissioner Robert Manfred’s decision, while others will proclaim that it was long overdue.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: A most exciting day

There has always been something electrifying about the Kentucky Derby, which trumpets its mile-and-a-quarter race as “The most exciting two minutes in sports.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Vince Dooley

Late in his life, as lawsuits were making the NCAA’s life more miserable than ever and paying the players was bringing about consternation for the game, the late Vince Dooley said in a casual conversation, “I am glad I coached when I did.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: UGA Hall of Fame

Following World War II, Americans were anxious to return to normalcy. A big part of that came in embracing college football on Saturday afternoons. The nation and college campuses were filled with returning veterans looking to obtain a degree and get on with their lives.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Smith: Verne Lundquist

As the Masters officially got underway, I began my day (mid-morning was not a deterrent) with a pimento cheese sandwich and a Diet Coke.Then I beat it over to the manor clubhouse for a respite with a smattering of friends and acquaintances beneath the Big Oak by the first tee.