Fiss transitioning to Historian role for Cotton Bowl

Charlie Fiss, an Arkansas graduate, has worked at the Cotton Bowl since 1985.

Charlie Fiss, a Springdale native and University of Arkansas graduate, is transitioning from vice president of communications for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic to a new position of Historian for the game, it was announced on Wednesday.

Fiss has worked at the Cotton Bowl since 1985 and his media relations operation is considered the gold standard within the college football industry for its thoroughness and attention to detail.

“Charlie has created a legacy that will positively affect our organization for generations to come,” Rick Baker, president and CEO of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, said in a news release. “He is beloved by so many, and we’ve been lucky to have him leading our media operations ever since (1985 Heisman Trophy winner) Doug Flutie played in our game.

“Charlie has put us in a great position for the future, and we’re thrilled he’s staying on in his new role of Historian. No one knows more about our history than Charlie.”

Fiss attended his first Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, 1966 when he was 13. LSU beat Arkansas 14-7 to end the Razorbacks’ 22-game winning streak.

“Little did I know that my life would become so entwined with one of the greatest events in all of sports,” Fiss said in a news release. “In my time at the Cotton Bowl, I have met and worked with so many of my childhood heroes.

“It’s been a dream and a privilege to work for this bowl game for so many years. How the number grew to 36 is hard to fathom. I have so many wonderful people to thank.

“Now, I have been given an opportunity to move into another phase of my Cotton Bowl career as Historian. This game has a compelling story to tell, and I’m so lucky to get a chance to help tell that story.”

While attending Arkansas, Fiss worked in the men’s sports information office from 1976-80. He then became sports information director for the UA’s women’s sports teams from 1980-84 before taking a job at the Southwest Conference office in Dallas.

In 1985 Fiss began working for the Cotton Bowl as a member of the SWC staff, then he took a full-time job with the Classic in 1993.

Fiss was honored with the Bert McGrane Award from the Football Writers Association of America for his distinguished service to the organization in 2017. That same year he also was inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame.

Later this year Fiss will be inducted into the Springdale Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of service as an announcer and broadcaster for his junior high and high school alma maters.

An avid horse-racing fan, Fiss has volunteered in the Churchill Downs’ communications office for the Kentucky Derby since 1988. He also has worked on the media operations staff for the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament since it began in 1997, serving as a moderator during the coaches’ press conferences.