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

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Terri Grmes looks for a way out of a difficult situa- tion. 224 Athletics BASKETBALL Blossom’s 6-1 center, Gwen Walker, dribbles around an opponent. BLOSSOMS FINISH SEASON WITH 14-6 CONFERENCE RECORD Gwen Walker was clearly out of place. With the finals of the Arkansas Women’s Intercollegiate Sports Association basket- ball tournament about to begin, the great- est player in the league’s history was standing at the edge of the court in street clothes. Walker’s UAM Cotton Blossoms had been eliminated from the tournament in the semifinal round, and all that remained for her was to be introduced as part of the 1979-80 All-AWISA team before an appreciative crowd in Jeff Farris Center at the University of entral Arkansas. As the 6-1 senior from Humnoke walked to center court for the introduc- tions, an era ended. For four years, Gwen Walker had dominated women’s basket- ball in Arkansas. Although AWISA re- cords are incomplete, Walker is recog- nized as the greatest scorer, shooter and rebounder in league history. Her career totals read 2,378 points; 1,423 rebounds, and an amazing 62 per- cent shooting touch from the field. Her 45-point performance against Henderson State in 1979 is an Arkansas women’s collegiate record. Walker closed out her career at UAM by averaging 22.8 points per game as a senior. She scored over 30 points six times (41 against UA-Pine Bluff in the AWISA tournament) and earned her fourth straight selection to the All- AWISA team. She was also named to the AIAW All-America second team. Walker was the catalyst for the Cotton Blossoms in 1979-80, a team in transition

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controlling the ball offensively for a school record 82 rushing attempts. Bingham ran for 159 yards and three touchdowns and Timmons added 72 yards as the Weevils exploded for 28 first half points. ““Our game plan was to keep the ball away from (Randy) Huffstickler and (Vaughn) Edwards,” said Tilley. “When you control the ball like we did, it’s hard for them to do much.” The next week, Timmons threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns in a lop- sided 41-7 win over Southeast Oklahoma in Durant. UAM overcame a case of fumbleitis to whip Arkansas Tech 22-14, and followed by ripping Harding for 37 points in the first two quarters on the way to a 50-7 rout. The next week, UAM faced archrival Henderson State at Cotton Boll Stadium and came away with a 30-12 victory that clinched a tie for the league champion- ship. To win the title outright, VAM had to defeat Southern Arkansas at Magnolia in the final game of the season. The Weevils left little doubt that they wanted the championship for themselves, as they blitzed the Muleriders for 28 points in the first half, 21 in the decisive second quar- ter. Bingham galloped for 135 yards on 19 carries and the Weevils rolled up 358 yards total offense to complete the 35-18 win and write a happy ending to their most successful season since 1963. Tilley pronounced the last win the most satisfying. “‘That last one gave us the AIC title outright,” he said. ‘We didn’t have to share it with anybody. That was what we were shooting for. It’s like a dream come true.” Benjie Timmons sets the offense at home, Timmons rolled up more yards on land and in the air than the Marines. A group of tired, but happy Weevils. Athletics 223

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Clockwise from above: The winning energy is apparent in Cotton Blossoms fans. Walker exhibits her winning style. Energy levels were high this year, even on the bench. Linda McDougald stretches out to block an opponent. Center: Coach Alvy Early issues instructions from the sideline. Athletics 225 ecesacrnsegeeeenunlaae nein coors premrersnecronepnrnase eerste