More from The Q&A: Charlie Heatly
Everyone knows Charlie Heatly as the guy who plays the music at The Big House during the state basketball tournaments.
The former basketball coach at Lindsay High School has been around the state tournaments for five decades, so he has plenty of great memories and lots of fantastic stories.
Jenni Carlson: You got to see some great things as a coach here, but you’ve got to see some pretty special stuff from this seat, too.
Charlie Heatly: Gosh, last year, some of those games … last year watching (Keiton) Page and (Rotnei) Clarke, oh, what a treat that was. I don’t know whether we’ll ever reach that again or not.
JC: Then, there was Pocola-Walters and that crazy finish.
CH: It was probably the most miraculous. I’ve never seen anything quite like that. But as far as enjoyment, I think I enjoyed watching Page and Clarke more than anybody else.
JC: What were your early days as The Big House deejay like?
CH: I’m not sure if it was the eight-tracks … but I’d have to rewind back in those days. I’d play a song then have to rewind it. I had them all scattered out.
JC: Wish I’d been here in one of those early years to see you in action.
CH: I was busy — “Don’t call timeout; I haven’t got the music ready.” … I enjoy it. It’s the most exciting two weeks of my year. I went to Tulsa the last two years and played the music for the Tournament of Champions. That’s fun to do.
JC: You keep picking up gigs, and you’re going to be a full-time deejay. You’ll be playing weddings, proms.
CH: I can’t imagine that. (Laughs.) That’s not my cup of tea.
JC: If times get any tougher in the economy …
CH: Now you’re talking. I might need to think about that.
JC: If things don’t improve, I might be trying to take your job.
CH: I know, I know. (Laughs.)
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