Carroll College Athletics

Al Gaskill started covering local high school and college sports for both the Helena Daily Independent and the Record Herold in 1920. In 1925 he became the Daily Independent’s first fulltime sports editor, a position he held until 1940. He was then promoted to managing editor of the Independent Record – although continuing to pontificate sports with his “Man in the Brown Derby” columns – retiring in 1963. At his HOF induction, Gaskill was compared to storied sports journalist and national columnist Jim Murray. 

“Al was noted for his frank expressions, and his ability to really chew one out – the Jim Murray type.” He did it with finesse, yet one felt the sting. Apparently Gaskill would not tolerate anything less than 100% from the athletes and coaches he reported on. “Al Gaskill dedicated his life to Carroll,” it was stated, “not only as a sports writer, but as a promoter of goodwill and fellowship.”