This digital story recording was created in conjunction with the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street program and its Stories from Main Street student documentary initiative, called "Stories: Yes." The project encourages students and their mentors to research and record stories about small-towns and rural neighborhoods, waterways, personal memories, cultural traditions, work histories, as well as thoughts about American democracy. These documentaries are then shared on Smithsonian websites and social media.
Students at Arkadelphia High School collaborated with Mattison Griffin, a student in the Public History program at Ouachita Baptist University, to explore the history of the high school’s athletic teams and supporting organizations. They located many photographs and conducted oral history interviews with Ken Duke, an AHS graduate playing on the PGA Tour.
Interviewer 1 (00:02): How long have you been playing golf?
Ken Duke (00:06): I'm 48 and I started when I was 10, so 38 years. But I played all sports until I was 15, then I just went straight golf.
Interviewer 1 (00:23): What all sports did you play?
Ken Duke (00:26): I played basketball, football and baseball and golf.
Interviewer 2 (00:33): And then how has golf affected your life so far in general?
Ken Duke (00:40): Well, it's obviously is a lot of hard work. I mean, I grew up in a small town in Arkadelphia and a lot of things wasn't handed to me like they have been to other people. My parents had to work and scrap as much as they can get and to help us out. But nothing comes easy. You always have to work hard and put the time in. But you need a few breaks along the way to help you along and keep going, and grow confidence as you play, and just believe that you can do something. And that's where we are, and that's where I'm at right now.
Interviewer 2 (01:21): That's great.
Interviewer 1 (01:24): How did you become the professional golfer you are today?
Ken Duke (01:29): Just believing in myself, believing in my ability. I had scoliosis when I was a kid, so I overcome that and had some other injuries. But more you just believe in yourself, and you got to put the time in, you got put the practice in, and keep working hard.
Interviewer 2 (01:45): Okay. And then how would you say that Coach Atkins affected your golfing career?
Ken Duke (01:59): Well, he just believed in us and he was just a guy that pushed everyone, and we would do what we were told. And that's kind of the way what coaches will do. If you listen to the coaches, they know what's best is. You just keep fighting and going on.
Interviewer 2 (02:20): And then if there's anything that you could look back and tell him about what you've accomplished, is there anything that you'd say to him today?
Ken Duke (02:34): Just thank you for being the person you are and believing in all our abilities, and being a friend, and just thanks for being so positive.
Interviewer 1 (02:52): How has your time at Arkadelphia High School affected you?
Ken Duke (02:59): Well, I think growing up in a small town and knowing every single person... When you go to every place you go, everybody knows you... it's fun and not in a big city. Anything you do, if you're in a big city or if you're handed things or if you're not handed things and you're in a small town, you just got to scrap and you got to work hard. You got to believe in yourself and be positive. Do a lot of positive things, no negative things. And just having fun. Have fun more than any.
Find a full transcript on the Museum on Main Street website.
Asset ID: 2021.09.02.a
