TEXARKANA, Ark. One would be hard-pressed to compare their experiences with high school sports in Texarkana with Scott Black.
Black has been a regular, especially at Arkansas High sporting events, of local games, track meets, and local teams' celebrations for decades.
"In 1990, Coach (Johnny) Toombs had me keep (football) stats for Arkansas High," Black said. "I probably haven't missed four or five games in those 30 years. I've been with them ever since.
"They let me go everywhere with them, especially football and track seasons."
Black was a golfer and student at Texarkana College. He wanted to be a high school coach and was working on his degree, but a summer job turned into a still-going 37-year career at Cooper Tire and Rubber Co.
"They still let me hang out with them and go to all the games," said Black, who also serves as the starter for the annual Doc Walker Hog Relays at AHS. "I like being around the coaches and kids and watching them compete. I love sports.
"I would do anything for the kids; some of them don't have parents or anyone else to come watch them play and cheer them on."
Black used to play a few different sports locally, but he admitted he's more of a supporter and fan nowadays.
"I played one year of golf at TC before I got the job at Cooper," Black said. "I played (men's league) softball all over the place, back in my younger days. And I refereed high school ball for 25 years. I've seen it all."
While officiating, he worked a couple of state tournaments and several regional tournaments.
"I just appreciate the coaches for allowing me to be a part of the program in a small way," Black said. "Coach Toombs brought me in as a statistician, and every head coach since him has allowed me to continue to be a part of it. I'm thankful for them."
Scott's brother, Jerry Black, played for the Razorbacks in 1973, and Scott estimates he hasn't missed 10 Arkansas High football games since that time. That takes a special dedication from an adamant fan.