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

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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

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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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232 Athletics BASKETBALL Theodis Bealer once again escapes the grip of a Harding opponent. plished. They’ll work harder because they’ve won, and will want to keep on winning.” At the start of the season, UAM was lightly regarded around the AIC, but Barnes was optimistic. He had one super talent, Theodis Bealer, the league’s best guard, and surrounded him with exper- ienced players who knew their roles and got the most of their athletic ability. Joining Bealer in the backcourt were guards Jeff Johnson, who provided steady floor leadership, and Darrell Rhodes, who became one of the league’s best shooters. Joey Anders, at 6-5, the smallest center in the AIC, gave the Wee- vils rebounding strength inside, while for- wards Karl Smith and Larry Robinson provided deadly shooting from the wings. The Weevils opened poorly, with a 51- 49 loss at home to Belhaven. “‘I didn’t realize it at the time,” said Barnes, “‘but that loss probably did us more good than a win. It made us work harder.” UAM rebounded with an easy 89-73 win over Wisconsin-River Falls, then trav- eled to Springfield, Mo., where they won the Evangel College Classic Tournament, Karl Smith reaches up for a chance at a bucket.