By Mike Murphy
Marion (Ill.) Daily Republican
"Well, over 35 years, you have a lot of free time when you're riding on buses with a lot of coaches," said Fred Huff.
Come to think of it, he's right. So why not make countless notes and reminders and then years later spend four years rereading and researching names and events and then write, edit, fund-raise and then distribute the epic "Saluki Sports History ...100 Years of Facts & Highlights."
Du Quoin's Fred Huff was "Mr. Information" concerning SIU men's athletics, serving the university for 35 years as Sports Information Director and even a stint as Assistant Athletic Director under Gale Sayers.
Huff was a guest on my radio talk show "Sportsvoice" (WJPF AM-1340/AM-1020) this past Saturday. As soon as I introduced Huff, calls started coming in from all over the area thanking Huff for his exhausting four-year effort and giving the book high marks.
Why did he do it?
"It was just something I thought needed to be done," Huff said. "This may sound corny, but it was my way of paying back SIU for 35 years."
It could turn out to be some kind of payback.
All the money from the sales of the book will go to SIU athletics. The book sells for just under $30. Huff says if the books sell out, SIU would receive about $75,000.
The book can be found at 710 Bookstore in Carbondale and a deal is also being worked out with the SIU Bookstore on campus.
One might think Huff would try and get the book in some major outlets and make a regional push for sales.
"Please don't think this is a slam against some of the bigger outlets," Huff explained. "We are trying to give all the proceeds to SIU athletics, so I am trying to do this mostly in smaller local outlets."
As a matter of fact, Huff is even taking orders through the mail or by phone. You can call (618) 542-2111, ext. 150, or write out a check for $37 (the extra is shipping and handling) made out to Saluki Publications. Mail it to P.O. Box 504, Du Quoin, IL 62832 and please include your name, address, city and state.
From Walt Frazier and the 1967 NIT Champions to Rich Herrin and the resurrection of SIU basketball to Bruce Weber and the amazing start of the current SIU basketball run of success, it's all there with pictures. Imagine the other sports that are covered and the names like Itchy Jones, Greg Starrick, Rey Dempsey, Mike Glenn, Dave Stieb, Steve Finley and Carl Mauck.
There were also many people Huff thanked for efforts and donations to the project. Some even contributed and wanted to remain anonymous. Huff will remain busy with some book signings that are planned or being planned. He also will keep delivering and mailing out books.
It's a win-win situation for SIU athletics.
"It's a way that former athletes can look back and prove how many points they scored against an Evansville in basketball," Huff said. "You can find a lot of hidden things and facts that some might think useless, but it's all in there."
If SIU athletics has been part of your history, this is the must-have book on the subject.
Thanks Fred, from all Saluki fans everywhere.