Harding College - Petit Jean Yearbook (Searcy, AR)

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FIRE ONE OFF. Bryan Ellsworth, sophomore, concentrates on the pitch to lead the team to a victory. Players like Ellsworth helped make the teamk season record good after a difficult start. Photo by Jim Davis. SCORECARD Arkansas Tech University 18-6 Southern Arkansas University 18-6 Harding University 12-12 Henderson State University 12-12 Ouachita Baptist University 9-15 STRIKE THREE. Derek Harrell, senior, hurls the ball across the plate. Harrell went on to pitch a win- ning game against Ouachita Baptist University. -Photo by Ken Bissell BASEBALL. Front row: Gary Barnes, Bryan Ellsworth, Brandon Harrell. George Ed- wards, Tom Hull. Derek Harrell, Man Byrd, Scott Organ, Andy Kinser; Second row: Scou Rose, David Depew, Robert Cooper, Tim Hicks. Mike Martin. Mike Passmore, John Kodan, Daron London, Larry Cheshier; Back row: Grad. Asst. Barry Jones, Grad Asst. James Mayer, Pat McGnha, Perry Parr, John Bossong, Ernie Parsons, Marty Spears, John Labas. Dennis Mitchell. Coach Dick Johnson --Photo by Leslie Downs. Baseball 1 3

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lMimfhg 40 Me 5667503 '3 'It was a hard year. and having to say good-bye to coach made it even harder,'said Martin hN; ith the players we have re- turning and the newcomers we have helping out we should be competitive, said Coach Dick Johnson at the opening of the sea- son. However, the year seemed frustrating said many of the play- ers as Johnson planned to retire and a number of close losses filled the season. At the start the team managed to win only three of 11 games. Throughout the season Marty Spears, the only senior and co- captain, compiled a 5-3 record with an earned run average of 4.09. Also in the co-captainls posi- tion were Dennis Mitchell and Perry Parr, both juniors. Mitchell, the fastest runner of the team, uis a solid all-round playerll said Johnson. Johnson also comment- ed on catcher Tom Hull, he is a sound, knowledgeable handler of pitchers. Dropping five conference places due to one run losses, the team posted a third place finish that sent them to the district 17 play- offs. In this the fourth consecutive year at the playoffs the team drew second-ranked Southern Arkansas f-Po. 12 Playing for keeps University. The game was 8-7 SAU down, yet in the bottom of the ninth inning SAU scored two runs defeating the team. The next game brought their season to an end as Arkansas Tech managed a 5-3 win. In February of his 20th season coach Johnson decided this would be his last season with the team. Johnson retired at the end of the season and was honored with the retirement of his uniform and number, 20. His decision was a major factor on the teams morale as uhis wis- dom and familiarity would be greatly missed said freshman Mike Martin. uHeis an told proi Martin said of his coach. Johnson was also honored with the privilege of coaching the north team in the AIC all-star game held at Little Rock. Steve Smith was selected to replace Johnson as the schools head Baseball coach. tII am delighted that Steve agreed to take over the program. I wanted to leave the team in good hands, and I know it will be under him? said Johnson. wPat McGaha YOUiRE OUT! Catcher Tom Hull, ju- nior. prevents another run. Hull also received an honorable mention on the All-AIC baseball team. -Photo by Leslie Downs. .' t Q 9 i ,i 9?- ft .ii uh-

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FOLLOW THE LEADER. Ken Ed- wards, freshman, races behind John Partlow, senior, in the 500 meter race. The race was held at the Har- ding Invitational outdoor meet and won by John Partlow. -Photo by Ken Bissell .3 MEFPS TRACK-Frum mw: Bobby Crews, Barry Ford, Fernando Kidd, John Partluw, .- Shawn Prine. Ken Edwards. Tim Seay, An- drew Guthrie. Mark LaValley. Russel Lin- coln, Gene Thomas; Back row: Stan King-train- er. Dezi PredmoredrainerJon Murray, Keith Kelly. Denis Leverson, Bill Baker. James SCORECARD golwardzflillesjgr Bengalrd. Baal: HalIl; Kelly Ouachita Baptist Esisevzaiggrazie 32a, 3;, siscusrazzz: umversity ------------ 146 coach. Ted Lloyd. -Photo by Leslie Downs Unlversnty Of Central Arkansas ............. 119 Harding University ...... 84 University of Arkansas at Monticello .......... 76 Henderson State University ............. 65 Fg 14 Playing for keeps