University of Arkansas Monticello - Boll Weevil Yearbook (Monticello, AR)

Page 150 text:

Hui, Alfred Physical Science ( Jeter, Marvin D. be Archaeology Johnson, Gerald D. Fine Performing Arts Johnston, James O. Education Psychology Karpoff, George W. Math Kohtz, Daniel W. Math Ku, Timothy Forestry Ku, Victoria F. Physical Science Langley, Robert Business Administration Lobitz, Beverly Fine Performing Arts LESLIE BEARD: A CHAMP The mid-1950's will be remembered for years to come by Weevil football fans because of a three-year AIC championship reign. Led by Coach Convoy Leslie, The Weevils reached a peak which has yet to be repeated. One of Coach Leslie's assistants was Spencer Holt, a Tennessee native and Arkansas A M graduate. In 1947, Holt, who was then a student at UAM, convinced a friend of his to leave Tennessee and come to A M. The friend had spent two years in the Navy, and long waiting lists at Tennessee colleges to which he'd applied made the prospects of attending school in his own state rather grim. Spencer Holt’s persuasion paid off, as Leslie D. Beard enrolled at Arkansas A M at mid-term, 1947. No one suspected that Holt had recruited the future Athletic Director uf UAM. Of small stature, Coach Beard inherited the nickname ‘Shorty’. Evidently his - size was of small consequence, for he lettered in football, baseball and basket- ball while at A M. While the changes on campus since 1947 have been obvi- ous, he pointed out that the sports programs have changed as well. ‘‘When | came, there were only eleven football players getting any kind of aid. All of the other athletes involved in campus sports played because they loved the game.” The transportation situation was alleviated by hourly bus runs from the campus to Monticello. The bus also ran on Sundays and Wednesday evening, in order to allow students to attend church. Coach Beard, in reminescing on the campus’ appearance three decades ago, made mention of Weevil Pond, which then extended well into the area now occupied by the Fieldhouse. ‘Back then, it had three small islands in it | and it was a big deal for seniors to throw the freshmen in. The freshmen would return the favor, though. We once took some gasoline out to an island and waited on the freshman to come out and force us off. They did - so we poured a ring of gasoline around the edge of the island and set it on fire. We stayed out there for two days, sneaking ae out for provisions every now and then.” Athletic accomodations were somewhat different. The football team used as a dressing room, the Harris Hall basement rooms now occupied by Phi Lamb- da Chi Fraternity. The opposing teams dressed on the Armory stage. After graduating in 1950, Coach Beard returned to Tennessee to do masters 146 Academics Coach Beard strolls through the Fieldhouse. work. He then returned to Monticello to coach at Drew Central, he became basketball coach at A M in 1959. That year, he took his team to the National tournament in Kansas City as District 17 champions. “‘It was the highlight of my career,’’ he said. They won one game before being eliminated. Their season's competition in those days included Ole’ Miss, the University of Geor- gia, and Mississippi State, among other major schools. He coached for 13 years, before becoming Athletic Director in 1971. “| still have strong feelings for this school, even though | don't see it as | did when | was a student,”’ he reflected. ‘This school gave me a start in life. | feel a devotion to it that | don’t have to any other place”’

Page 149 text:

SICKLE fees i @ Culpepper, James G. Biology Daniels, Frances C. Social Science Davis, Boyce Physical Education Denson, Harry Physical Education Dougherty, Janice L. Fine Performing Arts Dougherty, John W. Fine Performing Arts Dunlap, James G. Jr. Fine Performing Arts Dunlap, Louis Carl Math Edson, James E. Physical Science Etheridge, Albert L. Biology Frank, Ted Fine Performing Arts Franklin, Francis S. Communication Arts Gartman, James C. Physical Education Godwin, Walter E. Chemistry Physics Greene, John L. Forestry Grimes, Sherry R. Nursing Grissom, Percy E. Agriculture Groce, W.P. Physical Education Guenter, Joe M. Physical Science Hall, Annette Fine Performing Arts Haywood, Cecil Education Psychology Haywood, Francess Ann Education Psychology Hooks, Johnny Football Coach Huey, Jim Biology telalelalale Academics 145

Page 151 text:

Long, Gale H. Communication Arts Lynde, Lowell F. Jr. Math Pearson, Robert S. Physical Science Pritchett, Merrill R. Social Science Puckett, Irene Education Psychology Puckett, Wayne Education Psychology Ray, David Communication Arts Riddle, Marilyn Nursing Rogers, Paul Football Coach Rollins, John Baseball Coach Sanderlin, Carroll Math Smith, Bruce D. Education Psychology Steelman, H.C. Biology Steinriede, Susan D. Business Administration Stone, Edward E. Communication Arts Strother, Frances Nursing Tilley, Harold Head Football Coach Webb, Jerry Physical Science Whaley, Martha Sue Nursing Wiley, Robert W. Biology Academics 147