Minnesota State Moorhead couldn't have found a more qualified person to do color commentary for its football games this fall.
Larry Scott - the school's sports information director for 40 years before retiring two summers ago - is an authority figure for Dragons football history, a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the program.
"I thought it would be kind of a neat adventure and still keep me close to the football program, which I thought was really nice," said Scott, who is 65 years old. "I still care deeply about the football team and the Dragons."
The Dragons host Bemidji State at 1 p.m. Saturday at Alex Nemzek Stadium, the school's homecoming. Scott has been involved with the university since 1963, which was his first year as a college student.
Scott has attended the past 444 football games for the Dragons.
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"He wants to be with the Dragons and the Dragons want him," said MSUM athletic director Doug Peters. "There is no one more knowledgeable about Dragon football or Dragons athletics than 'Scotty.' "
Scott said he is no "Jon Gruden" when it comes to the game's Xs and Os, but he can spin a yarn and add an historical perspective to a broadcast. Scott has a seemingly boundless knowledge when it comes to former Dragons athletes and games.
"I hopefully conjure up some old memories and add a little bit to the broadcast that way," Scott said. "It might be a little lighter approach to it."
Some of his top memories are from homecoming football games, especially when he was just starting his career as an SID.
In fall 1968, Scott was a graduate student and hadn't officially become the school's full-time SID. That would come a year later.
Mike Quirk made the 1968 homecoming game one Scott would never forget. The junior running back rushed for 269 yards on 45 attempts in a 48-19 victory against Michigan Tech.
"To think everybody knew who was carrying the football it was amazing," said Scott, who was 23 years old at the time. "I was so impressed with him and for a young SID it was like, 'Whoa. This is really something good.' "
Quirk's big game was part of a stretch that saw him rush for more than 250 yards in three straight games. Quirk went on to lead the nation in rushing that season with 1,392 yards.
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"He was a tremendous football player. I think the best we ever had," Scott said. "I remember literally charting every yard. I remember watching every yard, making sure that he got credit for everything he could.
"I just remember doing the stats being so nervous and being so hopeful."
Being on the radio has sparked memories like that for Scott, who said last year was kind of surreal for him, the first time he wasn't in charge of the school's sports information department since the 1960s.
"Last year it was kind of awkward being in the press box at home after more than 40 years and you are no longer the person of authority," Scott said. "If I tried to intrude where I wasn't wanted or needed, then eventually you become something of a pest and they don't want you around anymore."
Being on the radio has helped Scott feel again like he's a valuable part of the program for both home and road games.
"Now I feel like I've kind of earned my way on the road trip and I'm not freeloading. I feel a little better now when I get to travel with them," Scott said with a laugh. "Now, I come to the home games, I got a job to do so I can concentrate on that. I don't have to stand in the background and get in people's way."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Eric Peterson at (701) 241-5513.
Peterson's blogs can be found at www.areavoices.com
