TEXARKANA MONTHLY
and some were ready to experience it for the final time. This crazy year has stolen a multitude of important experiences that we can normally count on. In moments like these we are given the opportunity to recognize the value we place on things like the hometown traditions, loyalty and team-spirit that are all so evident during the activity packed week of this century old game. It’s a loss to say the least, but we can all take comfort in the fact that
game is pretty small compared to the other challenges that we have faced in this world these past six or seven months.” Just as it is still such a vivid memory in the mind of Dale Works, when he experienced its absence 68 years ago, the loss of this hometown rivalry tradition will have a ripple effect in the memories of the 2020 students of Texas and Arkansas High. The seniors have looked forward to finally being a part of this spirit filled week
students have been kept safe from COVID, the football season has been a success, and that next year, and hopefully for many years to come, we will be allowed to celebrate all these festivities once again. Whether you are a proud Hog or a fighting Tiger, we can all agree there’s nothing like participating in this age-old head-to-head battle to bring the whole city together with team spirit and hometown pride.
DALE WORKS PLAYED AS A SENIOR RUNNING BACK FOR ARKANSAS HIGH IN 1952, WHEN THE “BATTLE OF THE AXE” WAS CANCELED
In 1951, Dale Works was a junior, playing football for Arkansas High, and held the record for being the highest scoring running back in the state of Arkansas. His record caught the attention of University of Arkansas Fayetteville, who had their eyes on this outstanding high school junior. With his senior year bridging the time until his arrival on “The Hill,” Works faced some unexpected difficulties. To a talented young athlete like Works, what he faced might have been more accurately categorized as a tragedy. The starting senior full back incurred a knee injury that landed him in Little Rock under the care of a surgeon. This complex knee surgery was
High cheerleader, Sue Secrest, and began a job for General Dynamics in Fort Worth. While in Fort Worth, he enrolled in TCU. After graduation, he earned his masters from North Texas State University. Dale Works’ journey alone would be considered a success, but when football is in your blood, you can feel its arrival coming as clearly as the change of seasons. There is just something about the fall and the glow of stadium lights on a football field that calls out to those that have experienced being on the field, whether as a football player, a cheerleader, part of the drill team, or the band. Once again, the field summoned Dale Works, but this time, to the other side of the tracks. This
a transplant of the muscle under Work’s knee. The surgery was successful and allowed this young athlete to head to Fayetteville as a University of Arkansas Razorback. While at Fayetteville another injury occurred, and Works found himself back in surgery for the second time. The surgeon was optimistic that he could repair the transplant and Works could return to the team, however, Works felt defeated. He was done. His fate seemed sealed to lead him back home to Texarkana. Near the time of his return, Texarkana College was exploring the formation of a football team when someone told the coach about Dale Work’s talent. He was offered a two-year scholarship to come join the team. Works had a brace that offered support to the transplant and allowed him to once again enjoy being on the field. After completing his two years at Texarkana College, Works took his bride and high school sweetheart, Arkansas
Arkansas High Razorback became a Texas Tiger, when he took the job of head football coach for the TISD middle school that was then Westlawn Junior High. Football success was once again a part of Work’s life, and his past football experiences and athletic expertise came together to create an undefeated Texas Middle School for two-and-a-half years. Football has remained a constant in the life of Works, culminating with the joy of watching his grandson, Corey Long, as the kicker for the Texas High State Championship team of 2004. Works and his towering stature and quiet, humble nature, along with his petite cheerleader bride are now into their late eighties, but the thrill and remembrances of Texas and Arkansas week are still a part of who they are and those fabulous memories are evident by the twinkle in their eyes as they share the details of those games.
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