Dillard's ring finds its way back home
Off the Foul Pohl
Bart Pohlman
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Sports
During the recent "Celebration of a Championship," former Razorback Al Dillard joined the rest of his teammates at Bud Walton Arena to be honored by the UA for the first time.
Dillard had a chance to catch up with old teammates, relive the glory days and be honored for his part in winning a championship.
All in all, it was a great weekend.
It was even better for Dillard - his national championship ring was returned to him.
If Hollywood ever wanted a movie about a well-traveled ring, this story could turn into a blockbuster.
When Dillard received his ring, he gave it to his girlfriend at the time. When the couple broke up, she decided to sell the ring on eBay as a means of revenge.
Robert Elliot, a Razorback fan in Searcy, purchased the ring, intending to give it back to Dillard.
Elliot passed away before he could return the ring, but his wife, Marilyn, found it and was intent on passing the ring back to its owner.
Former Razorback Corliss Williamson put Marilyn in contact with former Arkansas assistant Wayne Stehlik, who passed the ring back to Dillard on Saturday.
Dillard was more than surprised when Stehlik presented him with the long lost ring.
"That was very emotional because it was something that I had worked for at the university, and I gave it to somebody that meant a lot to me at the time," Dillard said. "She sold it on eBay, so for [Marilyn Eilliot] to give it back to me, that was a true blessing. There were tears [on Saturday]."
Elliot met Dillard for the first time Sunday before Arkansas' game with Georgia. The two spoke for a while, and Dillard thanked Elliot for keeping his ring safe.
Elliot was happy she could return the ring to its rightful owner, completing a cycle of sorts.
"I'm very proud [Stehlik] got the ring back to [Dillard]," Elliot said. "I wanted that. It brings it full circle."
While he only played the role of facilitator, Stehlik was pleased to be able to play a role in the return of the ring.
"It's been really neat to see this thing fall into place with the team, coaches and (Elliot), and to get this ring back to Al," Stehlik said. "Words can't describe how I feel about the situation."
Bart Pohlman is the sports editor of The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every Friday.
Dillard had a chance to catch up with old teammates, relive the glory days and be honored for his part in winning a championship.
All in all, it was a great weekend.
It was even better for Dillard - his national championship ring was returned to him.
If Hollywood ever wanted a movie about a well-traveled ring, this story could turn into a blockbuster.
When Dillard received his ring, he gave it to his girlfriend at the time. When the couple broke up, she decided to sell the ring on eBay as a means of revenge.
Robert Elliot, a Razorback fan in Searcy, purchased the ring, intending to give it back to Dillard.
Elliot passed away before he could return the ring, but his wife, Marilyn, found it and was intent on passing the ring back to its owner.
Former Razorback Corliss Williamson put Marilyn in contact with former Arkansas assistant Wayne Stehlik, who passed the ring back to Dillard on Saturday.
Dillard was more than surprised when Stehlik presented him with the long lost ring.
"That was very emotional because it was something that I had worked for at the university, and I gave it to somebody that meant a lot to me at the time," Dillard said. "She sold it on eBay, so for [Marilyn Eilliot] to give it back to me, that was a true blessing. There were tears [on Saturday]."
Elliot met Dillard for the first time Sunday before Arkansas' game with Georgia. The two spoke for a while, and Dillard thanked Elliot for keeping his ring safe.
Elliot was happy she could return the ring to its rightful owner, completing a cycle of sorts.
"I'm very proud [Stehlik] got the ring back to [Dillard]," Elliot said. "I wanted that. It brings it full circle."
While he only played the role of facilitator, Stehlik was pleased to be able to play a role in the return of the ring.
"It's been really neat to see this thing fall into place with the team, coaches and (Elliot), and to get this ring back to Al," Stehlik said. "Words can't describe how I feel about the situation."
Bart Pohlman is the sports editor of The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every Friday.
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