What does a former California sports, music, ocean loving scholar do in the town of Grants? He does what he has always done.

Donn Webb spent his youth near the Pacific Ocean, but he hasn't left it behind. Instead, Webb, who has a talent for making history jump off the page, incorporates his life's experience and his passion for baseball to teach history as a professor at New Mexico State University-Grants.

Using a timeline that ties in the historic events and people of baseball to those of world history, Webb helps his students understand how people of the day may have related to the events in their time.

Webb's enthusiasm for history doesn't end with sports. For about 10 of his 30 years in radio, Webb has been filling in his extra hours as an oldies DJ at local FM station KDSK, playing classic rock n' roll from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s on his “Cruisin' 66” program.

Station owner Derek Underhill said he hired Webb seven years ago because it was hard to find air talent in a small market area.

“Donn is large market talent. He knew all the music and he already knew how to do everything. I only had to teach him the computer because he was used to records,” Underhill said.

During his show Webb often plays 30 second clips recorded by the many artists he has met and who gladly help promote his show: “Hi, I'm Frankie Ford (Sea Cruise), and you're cruising 66 with Don Webb.”

Other artists' clips in Webb's collection include Fred Cash of the Impressions, Jerry “The Ice Man” Butler of the Impressions, B.J Thomas who sang “Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head,” Billy Joel Royal of “Down in the Boondocks” fame, The Shantelles, and Carol Connor (Nanette of The Teddy Bears) who sang “To Know Him is to Love Him.”

The professor said that he took a journey back to his California roots when he recently attended the concert of Al Jardin, one of the original Beach Boys and Webb's favorite musical group, at the Route 66 Casino Legends Theatre.

Webb attended with his radio buddy Bobby Box from station Big Oldies 98.5 in Albuquerque.

“The band was as nice as could be,” said Webb, “and they signed our books.”

The music Webb plays on his show spans the many genres he has enjoyed through his life. Doo Wop, surfing, cars and teen idols are only a few of the genres that have evolved from the original rock n' roll that have accented Webb's life.

The historian recalled when the British invasion was a major influence for teen America. Webb was serving in the U.S. Air Force and stationed at Cannon AFB in Clovis.

About the Beatles he remembered, “We loved 'em. Couldn't wait to get their records.”

Webb's job in the Air Force was another passion in his life. You might say he had a dream job.

“I was in the Special Services from 1962 to 1966. I worked in the gym and played basketball in the winter and baseball in the summer. We played squadron games with the cooks and air police.”

“I was lucky, the professor admitted, “I got to see a lot of places, California, Ohio and the Carolinas.”

Webb still loves sports and not only incorporates baseball into his history lessons but is a big supporter of the University of New Mexico Lobos and gives Coach Rocky Long credit for helping a lot of youngsters get their start in football.

Theirs is a mutual admiration friendship. “Donn is the most positive person I know. He believes, and is a loyal supporter of the Lobos. No matter how bad things might be, Donn will overcome and approach the next challenge with a positive energy that is unmatched. I'm honored that Donn is a friend,” said Coach Long.

The coach apparently knows that the DJ has something else to be thankful for, his life. Two and one-half years ago he was diagnosed with cancer complicated by Wegener's Disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys, lungs and upper respiratory tract.

“I want to thank Dr. Alexander and Dr. Carl and everyone at Cibola General Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital for helping me with my illness,” Webb said.

“I got out of the hospital last year. They, Jesus and St. Jude saved my life.”

Webb also expressed gratitude to his wife, Sharon, his colleagues at KDSK, Derek Underhill and Rockin' Robin, the Skyliners, Nick, Donna, Dick and Jimmy, Richie and the Ripcords, The Marcels, Blue Moon Walt Maddox, John Kromles and Paul Evans, and Bob, Rob and Laura in New York.

The professor is also thankful for all of his students during the last 20 years, and all the listeners of his afternoon KDSK show, Cruisin' 66.

Webb donated his collection of pictures, books, compact discs, writings including interviews and his history in radio, valued at $25,000, to NMSU.

His joy for life has been renewed and he is making the most of each day that has been returned to him.