Many years ago when my oldest son Brady was at Kansas State he invited me to Dad’s Weekend at his fraternity which included a football game during Bill Snyder’s early years. I noticed 4 X 8 foot booster signs at the stadium. I ask Brady to investigate since our business Valu–Line Long Distance was new and expanding.
Long story short, being a booster was affordable and K-State sent a trio of men to close the deal: Verl Switzer, Ernie Barrett and Mitch Holthus. Verl became an acquaintance, Ernie a friend and Mitch a close friend.
Fast forward a few years and my wife and I,Paula at that time, were traveling with Tammy Holthus, Mitch’s wife, to Chief’s games where we’d meet up with Mitch who traveled with the team. We’d typically meet for dinner and then on Sunday I’d accompany Mitch on the Chief’s team bus to the stadium where I’d help with thebroadcast serving as a spotter.
This is all shared so you’ll know that at the stadium I was in the broadcast suite working withthe ”legend” Hall of Fame QB Lenny Dawson who you undoubtedly know passed away last week.
Here is the part of this story that isn’t fun toshare. Given this wonderful opportunity I did not spend much time trying to visit with Dawson, so I don’t have great stories to share, but there is thisone.
One day during a break I asked Lenny about his relationship with Ben Davidson?
You know the Oakland Raider’s Ben Davidson who on November 1, 1970 speared Dawson in the ribs after he had scrambled 19 yards for a first down to seal a Chief’s victory.
Otis Taylor took exception to the cheap shot and went after Davidson. After a bench clearingbrawl the referee called off-setting penalties and nullified Lenny’s scramble and the Chief’s game clinching first down.
The rest of story is of course the Chief’s were unable to convert, the game went to OT and Kansas City lost the game and the division title.
In response to my question Len rolled his eyes and said “he’s Raider isn’t he?” Enough said.
One last Len Dawson story. One of his teammates said “Lenny was Joe Montana cool before anyone knew who Joe Montana was.
Rest in Peace #16, you earned it.
I’m Steve Sauder
