Back in the day Texas and Arkansas had a rivalry as fierce and competitive as any in the country. Before the Pigs jumped ship and headed to the SEC, they were members of the Southwest Conference with Texas and the hatred between the Pigs and the Horns ran deep. Very, very deep. Bordering states in constant competition for conference titles and recruits means the rivalry was bred into children at a very young age…and by ‘rivalry’ I mean hatred.
In 1990 the Pigs left the SWC and the rivalry seemed to be, if not abandoned, then at least put on a back burner. At least the rest of the country thought so. The fans of the respective schools still hate each other, throw jabs at each other, and keep tabs on the other’s success (and are quick to point out a lack there of). Gone but not forgotten.
After 18 years, some of the younger fans probably don’t harbor the immense hatred that their parents and grandparents did…but it only takes standing in Fayetteville, AR with a burnt orange hat on or walking down 6th street in Austin wearing a Razorbacks t-shirt (and jorts of course) for the four letter words and insults to start flying.
Like any good rivalry, the Texas/Arkansas battle does not end on the field or court. It bleeds over into all aspects of life. Just ask the Honorable James. R. Nowlin, United States District Judge.
In a law suit filed by a Ms. Ruth Waggoner (of Texas) against the evil empire known as Wal-Mart (based in Arkansas), the two parties could not agree on a location for the deposition of Wal-Mart’s corporate representative. The plaintiff wanted the business handled in San Antonio, while the defendant wanted it to take place in Bentonville, Arkansas.
The judge, citing the deep emotions involved, decided to have the parties meet at the state line … and threw a few jabs at the Pigs just for good measure.
Well played, your Honor. Well played.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
beautiful. simpliy beautiful.
hook’em
Get em Hogs!