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

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2 ee ———“—s—s——C S MEAN GREEN FAIRS WELL BASKETBALL Left: Theodis Bealer struggles for two points against Arkansas College. Above: UAM’s leading rebounder, Joey Anders, grabs another one for the Weevils. place. UAM had beaten one of the league’s established powers when it counted, and gained respect as a legiti- mate contender for the AIC title, a thought unheard of around Monticello in recent years. The Weevils went on to an 18-11 re- cord, their most wins since 1963 and IN CONFERENCE pitti 17 tournament in Litle Rock be Doug Barnes’ basketball program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello came of age the night of January 14, 1980. Before a screaming, towel-waving throng that jammed UAM Field House to the rafters, the Boll Weevils whipped ninth-ranked Hendrix College 81-70 to take sole possession of first place in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference race, Never mind that the Weevils couldn’t hang on to their conference leadership and eventually finished in a tie for fourth 30 Athletics fore succumbing to UA-Pine Bluff. For Barnes, the 1979-80 season was the culmination of four years hard work. When he came to Monticello in 1976, he was confronted with a basketball pro- gram at rock-bottom. Most of the scholar- ship players were academically ineligible, and UAM was regarded as a can’t-win situation by many of the coaches around the AIC. Barnes suffered through three straight losing seasons, but gradually began to as- sembly a competitive team he could mold to his philosophies of sound defense and controlled offense. The big turnaround came this year, and looking back, Barnes said the game with Hendrix was the high-water mark of a “‘very gratifying season.” “That first win over Hendrix was the high point of the season for me,”’ said Barnes. “‘It put us 6-0 in the conference. We were playing our best and we were all healthy. It was one of the best games we've played since I’ve been here. “That game really established us a le- gitimate contender for the league title,” he continued. “It gave us a lot of confi- dence. I think anytime you’ve been part of a losing program, confidence can make a big difference in how you play. “You know, winning is a funny thing. The winning edge is hard to describe. A lot of times, tradition will win ballgames. | think we established some tradition this season. As we gained confidence, we started to win, rather than trying not to lose. “I think next year, our kids returning will have pride in what we’ve accom-

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fe Teresa Williams goes up for an easy two points. The Blossoms started the year in im- pressive fashion with four straight wins over UALR, Arkansas State, Henderson and Philander Smith before suffering a 108-36 pounding at Delta State. UAM rebounded with wins over Arkan- sas College and Ouachita to set up a rematch with Delta State in the Pit. The Lady Statesmen came into the game as one of the top women’s college basket- ball teams in the country, but had to fight for their lives to escape with a 75-65 win. It was UAM’s best performance of the year and Walker was spectacular, scoring 33 points, mostly from long range. ‘That’s the best I ever saw Gwen play,” Early commented after the game. ‘“‘She was just tremendous. Delta State’s coach told me Gwen played as well as the girls she coached at the World Univerity Games.” After their struggle with Delta State, the Blossoms suffered a letdown and dropped an important conference deci- sion to UAPB. UAM followed with a nar- row victory over UCA before losing to eventual league champion Arkansas Tech 63-58. The Blossoms came back with lopsided wins over Southern Arkansas and College of the Ozarks at home, but inexplicably lost a 78-77 overtime decision at SAU, a team they had beaten by 15 points four days earlier. After the loss to SAU, the Blossoms went on a tear, reeling off 10 straight wins to move into contention for the league title. UAPB broke the win streak with a 73-64 win. UAM closed out the regular season with a win over UCA and another loss to Tech. The Blossoms won their opening round game with UCA in the AWISA tournament at Conway, but for the third time lost to archrival UAPB to end the season. Reflecting on his first year in Monti- cello, Early noted, “I don’t think we can ever be satisfied with our season when we don’t win the conference, but the league had more competitive balance this season than it’s ever had. It was a good season and good experience. | just hope we can win 20 games every year.” Athletics 229

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Clockwise from above: Jeff Johnson shoots over a Hendrix player. Connie Cobbs displays his leaping ability with a lay-up. Weevil fans help bring home another win with their verbal support. Darrell Rhodes goes in for two in the first round of the NAIA District 17 Tournament. Center: Head Coach Doug Banres and Assistant Coach Harry Crossett, discuss a play with team members. Athletics 231