Wann Smith, a freelance journalist and writer, began sports writing in 2001. He wrote for online publications The Pigskin Post and College Football News (a Fox Sports contributor) from 2001 through 2003 when he founded the College Football Gazette. He has served as a contributing writer to Sooners Illustrated magazine since 2005; over 50 of his monthly columns have been published in their periodical. Additionally, Smith is a member in good standing of the Football Writers Association of America.
Jay Wilkinson, son of University of Oklahoma coaching legend Bud Wilkinson, was a standout football player at Duke University. During his senior season in 1963, he earned All-American honors, was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, and finished eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy. After graduation from Duke University in 1964, he chose to forego professional football, instead pursuing a divinity degree which he received from the Episcopal Theological School in 1967. After spending several years in public service, he worked in executive management in the financial services industry for 37 years. Recipient of the NCAA's prestigious Silver Anniversary Award, Jay today is a noted motivational speaker. With four children and seven grandchildren, he and his wife Rita reside in Oklahoma City. He is the author of Bud Wilkinson: An Intimate Portrait of an American Legend.
