Q & A with “The Schwab”
By Rhonda Reigstad
Women have made strides in the world of sports by leaps and bounds the last 25 years. Whether it be playing or following their favorite sport or team, we are continually showing our male counterparts that we are just as avid as they are.
I decided to ask Howard Schwab, ESPN’s sultan of sports trivia, “Buddha of Bristol”, and “The Schwab” from “Stump the Schwab”, some questions regarding women and sports. He graciously took time out of his busy schedule to answer my questions.
NASCAR is one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the country. Many predict at least 50 percent if not more of their fans are women. Football is gaining in popularity along with others. Are professional sports doing enough to gain more female fans?
I don't think so. I think they feel they are, but realistically the target demo is more male. I don't want to come across sexist, but that is just my opinion that not enough is done to gain more female fans
Who are some of the more influential women, past or present, in sports? Why?
Billie Jean King changed women's sports forever with her win over Bobby Riggs. I feel women in sports became much more accepted after the Battle of the Sexes. Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Nancy Lopez, women who were winners and put their sports into greater exposure because there was more interest.
If you had a chance to sit down with a female athlete, past or present, who would it be and why??
There are a lot of them...Right now, I would love to sit down with Serena Williams because she has so much going on in her life. I admire the fact that she is about so much more than just sports. Martina Navratilova would be high on my list to talk to at length. I read her book years ago and it was so fascinating.
How much did Title IX change women’s sports and participation?
It changed it a lot. I have mixed feelings about Title IX because it also unfairly hurt some male sports. The bottom line is Title IX was necessary because we wouldn't have progressed to the point we have for women without it.
Does your wife follow sports? Which one(s) does she follow?
She is more of a college basketball fan...not a great sports fan overall...
Thank you for your time and best of luck in the future.
[Top] [Print this Page]
