Arkansas Tech University - Agricola Yearbook (Russellville, AR)

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The lights on the Christmas tree blinked on and off as the men of Lambda Chi Alpha and the women of Massie Dorm buzzed around prepar- ing for the arrival of the children. Cookies were made and presents were wrapped. Christmas carols were played in the background as the children of the Friendship School arrived for this annual event held in Massie Dorm. The party was the Lambda Chi Alpha Frater- nities community service project with the Friend- ship School. Lambda Chi Alpha member, John Baker said, ‘We don’t consider it a project,’’ and added, “‘It is something really special to us which represents the true meaning of Christmas.’’ Holiday spirit filled the air as the kids roamed the lobby. The older ones were making friends and the younger children headed straight for the Christmas tree to see the blinking lights, shiny balls and, most of all, the brightly wrapped gifts under the tree. The noise lifted and the children began to cheer as the man donned in his red outfit, shiny boots and long glowing white beard made his ap- pearance. They each had their turn at telling San- ta Claus their Christmas wishes, while his helpers handed out gifts to each and every child. The gifts ranged from toy trucks to headphone radios. After they had finished their cookies an punch it was time to go, and few were read leave. The goodbyes were said and man and thanks were given. The sparkl children’s eyes and their happy exprest enough thanks for any of these Agk students. ‘““Lambda Chi Alpha and . sidered it a great pleasure 4 are already looking fo Baker.

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UCA coach heads Tech staff Stephens [center] is joined by President Kersh [left] and Athletic Director Don Sevier at the press conference. Ken Stephens, former coach of the highly suc- cessful UCA Bears, was named head football coach at Arkansas Tech in December. The an- nouncement was made at a press conference at Tucker Coliseum Stephens, who was head football coach at Lamar University of the Southland Conference, resigned in November after posting a 3-8 season record. His overall record at Lamar was 11-33. “It’s good to be back in Arkansas. I’m glad to be back home. I’m looking forward to renew- ing old acquaintances with old coaching buddies in the AIC,”’ said Stephens, who had a 67-35-6 record in nine years at UCA [1972-81]. He led the Bears to three outright and one co- championship of the AIC title. Stephens didn’t feel he had failed at Lamar. “T feel like I just ran out of time.’’ ‘My reason for being here is that I’m taking this as a personal challenge to make Arkansas Tech as good as the best in the AIC. Tech has a rich athletic tradition, one of the best through the years.”’ Stephens said recruiting will be the key to tur- ning the Tech program around. ‘“‘It’s the most important thing. We will try to develop a good locl basis. We will recruit as close to home as possible.’ “T’m definitely an offensive coach. I won’t spend a lot of time with the defense. I'll be call- ing the offensive plays [during the games]. I’ve always done that. I won’t change now. Stephens commented about the rigorous Tech schedule. ‘‘The first thing in a season is schedul- ing. You have to get teams you can beat. We have three teams [besides conference play] that we have contracts with. I’m not saying that they are too tough, but that we will have to upgrade our own program.”’ Athletic Director Don Sevier said he had known Stephens for a long time and that he met all the requirements for the coaching Tech was looking for. ‘“We wanted someone who was well known in Arkansas and who knew the high school coaches and a man who had ideals. We had a number of quality applicants. We feel like Stephens is the best coach we would have hired and we’re extremely happy to have him at Arkansas Tech.’’ said Sevier. The Wonder Boys haven’t won or shared an AIC title since 1971 and have had only three win- ning seasons since then. Under Stephens, UCA made four trips to the NAIA playoffs, reaching the championship game against national powerhouse Texas A I in 1976. : Prior to his going to UCA, Stephens was a highly successful high school coach at North Lit- tle Rock Ole Main. His Wildcats won three state titles and produced a 66-25-3 record. Stephens also worked as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas for a year before returning to UCA where he was a two-sport star in football and track in the early 1950’s. Stephens spoke of the competitiveness of the AIC. ‘‘Overall I think the AIC is much better than it was three of four years ago. The athletes are bigger and stronger. The prestige of the league has improved so much. More and more kids are staying in the state and playing in the AIC. It’s a much more worthwhile situation for them.”’

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Counter-clockwise from left: Sherry Johnson and Shelly McElhanon help students from the Friendship School off their bus. Students work on their organization’s entry in the window pain- ting contest. Charlie Hoyt helps some of the Friendship children open their Christmas presents. Duane Noren, Brett Hensen and Bob ms pal around at Roush Hall. Kim Saylors Paula Malik personalize their own Christmas Christmas is a time for caring