Art and Football

During my days as a news photographer, I had the pleasure of crossing paths with many incredibly talented individuals. Let me take you back to January 7, 2010, the night of the national title game between Texas and Alabama. Mark Ingram, the star running back from Alabama and Heisman winner that year, made the headlines.

In the midst of covering the event, my good friend Steve Slivka and I stumbled upon a local angle to the story. Enter Ted Watts, a gifted artist based in Oswego, Kansas, known for his stunning paintings of sports figures, including those celebrated players. Ted's studio was a treasure trove of artwork, showcasing everything from Kansas history to athletic achievements.

I vividly recall the first time I met Ted. His studio was brimming with creativity, and as we entered, he playfully set aside his cigarette and cracked a joke. I was immediately drawn to Ted's sense of humor, a quality I always appreciated when working on stories. In the world of journalism, finding someone who is not only willing to talk but also a captivating character is golden, and Ted embodied just that.

Through that initial encounter, a genuine friendship blossomed between Ted and me. We shared a common connection as Pitt State Gorillas, and I couldn't help but reminisce about my childhood days collecting Pitt State football programs and posters adorned with Ted's artwork. His attention to detail brought the players to life on paper, and for me, Ted became intertwined with the glorious memories of those 90s Gorilla teams, leaving an indelible mark on Gorilla football history.

Years later, I made the journey to Oswego for one more Heisman story with Ted, not knowing it would be our final meeting. Learning about Ted's passing while working in Wichita was a painful blow. Ted was one of a kind, and his absence left a void. He remains one of my favorite people from my time in the news industry.

In my office at Pitt State, a poster of Ted's artwork proudly hangs on my wall—a constant reminder of Ted and the meaningful friendships that can blossom from the stories we tell. Here's a glimpse into one of the stories I had the privilege of sharing with Ted.