CHAUTAUQUA TALK #3

KEN HALL,"THE SUGAR LAND EXPRESS", talks about his life on and off the football field 

Review by Cliff and Susan Wagner 

It should not be assumed that Ken's life was always a bed of roses.  There was a major disagreement with his coach, Bear Bryant, at Texas A&M that led to Ken's leaving the team, cutting his college career short.  Then in 1958 while playing for the soon to be NFL Champion Baltimore Colts, he suffered 5 fractures in his neck during an exhibition game.   He never regained his former abilities after this injury although he continued to play pro football with the Baltimore Colts, Chicago Cardinals, St. Louis Cardinals and even the Houston Oilers.   When asked about the challenges in his life he said, "I think everything happens for a reason and if something good comes of it then that's the best thing of all."

As Ken recalled his young life, his was no different than any other kid - hunting, fishing and simply being a kid.  His family shared a modest "company house" with another family as was necessary at that time due to a shortage of housing.  Sugar Land was a company town with family values.  Then about his freshman year in high school his hormones kicked-in and his athletic abilities took off.  Ken recounts his freshman year in which he did not join the football team, opting to play trumpet in the band.  But after the Gators lost their first 3 games Ken was reluctantly recruited by the school's principal.  The rest is history.

For the remainder of Ken's high school career, the Gators would lose only one game.  Ken gives much of the credit to Mr. White who was Superintendent of Schools and who assumed the role of football coach.  When speaking of his high school football team Ken is quick to state, "It was a very good team" which triumphed because "we loved each other."   To this day the Sugar Land Gators hold the all-time rushing record for a single season, 8800 yards, accomplished during the Hall years.  He would later run the hundred yard dash in 9.4 seconds, two-tenths of a second short of the world record.  It's ironic that Ken preferred track and basketball to football.  He even liked playing his trumpet in the band better than football.  But it was his accomplishments on the gridiron that would ultimately define his legacy.    

As the talk continued Ken shifted his discussion to topics he appeared to prefer: the first date with Gloria, his wife of almost 58 years; his sons and their families, and the various jobs he has had.   Ken and Gloria settled in Fredericksburg where they owned and operated a barbecue restaurant. It was during these 18 years that the restaurant employed 66 high school students.  It was obvious that Ken takes great pride in steering those young minds and celebrates the accomplishments of those who "have made it in business".

And then there is his role as a Sunday School teacher in his Presbyterian Church in Fredericksburg.   Ken recounted a time when a group of teenagers approached him about having a place where they could simply hang out.  Ken arranged for the "upper room" in the Sunday School building.   He questioned them as to why they wanted to meet like this.  "We want to have discussions amongst ourselves without adults knowing", they replied.  Oh you want to be CONFIDENTIAL, so Ken marked a "C" on the board.   We want a place where we can be OPEN, Ken then marked an "O" on the board.  We want our  discussions to be REAL, so an "R" was added.  And in response to Ken's questioning they said, yes we want to talk about God and Jesus and stuff like that.  So you want to ENHANCE yourself, Ken said. Let's add an "E".  There you have it Ken concluded, you can call yourselves C.O.R.E.  It will remind you of who you are and what you are about.

All football players know their stance is important.  With feet set at shoulder width and with your weight shifted slightly forward, it is hard for your opponent to knock you off balance.  And so it was with Ken.  His feet were planted firmly in the roots of his youth and his head was in the right place.  As life knocked him around he stood his ground, and yes that is the stuff that real legends are made of.  It was the message Ken Hall brought to the Sugar Land Auditorium that night.   Growing up in Sugar Land with its simple family values, Ken's heart and mind were well prepared for the hard knocks life would hand out.

As the lecture came to its conclusion, Ken pointed to a spot in front of the small stage.  "There is where I received my diploma", he said, "and over there is where I sat when our band played a concert."  It was the same stage and he was the same person.  Oh and that discussion about the Hall Trophy, it came up in the Question and Answer period following Ken's lecture.  He had forgotten to mention it.  When asked to explain the Hall Trophy he responded, "Oh yeah, I meant to say something about that."   Humble, articulate and humorous; listening to "The Sugar Land Express" will not soon be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to attend this Chautauqua talk.  The legend lives on and those in attendance can now say we know a little more about the man behind the legend.

Come on down to Fernando's Steakhouse, 14135 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land on Wednesday, December 4th, any time from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm and help the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation.    

The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and Fernando's spotlight a different local non-profit organization every other Wednesday.   A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit our organization directly and you will enjoy a wonderful dinner.  

Bring your friends and make a night of it!