Austin Peay State University - Yearbook (Clarksville, TN)

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The 197647 Governors attracted an abundance of support throughout the season and created an excitement that is best reflected in the faces of those offering vocal encouragment in the stands. Among those many fol- lowing Austin Peay was local sports writer Gene Washer wpposite Page, Bottorm who spent many hours waiting in airports around the country while traveling with the team.

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Scholarshipless Lady Governors struggle to 3-18 It would be easy to reflect back on the Lady Govs' 1976-77 basketball season and highlight the many frustrating moments coach Betsy Child and her struggling squad experienced as they won only three times in 21 outings and lost their final 14 contests. The Lady Govsl lack of success, however, fails to accurately provide a true picture of the progress the program made last season. Needless to say, there is more to the story than an unimpressive record. Operating without the benefit of scholarships to dangle in front of talented prospects, Child assembled an enthusiastic but inexperienced squad that fought through a difficult schedule. Facing taller and more talented op- ponents quite often, Child's team offered an impressive challenge as they faced some of the top teams in Tennessee and throughout the region. Linda Highfill, a 6-0 senior center, led the Lady Govs in scoring and rebounding as she averaged 18 points and 12.5 rebounds. Teena Brown, a 5-9 junior, played a significant role as she averaged at 12.0 points. Brown offered support on the boards as she pulled down 9.0 rebounds a contest. Other top regulars for the Lady Govs were Brenday McFarlin, Beth Hicks, Karen Bayham, Cil Nunley and Stephanie Steadman. The Lady Govs concluded their season with a 61-53 loss to Carson-Newman but the season propelled that coaching staff into an aggressive recruiting effort to attract area talent into the program. 'tl think you will see a much more competetive team in future years, predicted Child. tlThe 1976-77 team fought hard and their efforts will be remembered. ON THE MOVE - Lady Govs' coach Betsy Child tTopt offers instructions to Linda Highfill during a break in the action in a game at the Winfield Dunn Center. Teena Brown tBelowt looks on for an opening in the Murray State defense.