Last Monday, the annual Razorback Band Spectacular took center stage at Barnhill Arena. This annual event is a popular one that features the band performing music from its halftime shows from the football season. It is a great night of great music.
The Spectacular also has been a stage on which to honor a special guest conductor(s). This year the guest conductors were University of Arkansas System President B. Alan Sugg and his wife, Jeannie, a former majorette. More about them later.
What made this Band Spectacular different was the appearance of some Razorback football players. You may have already heard about it, but if not take a look. D.J. Williams, Knile Davis, Van Stumon, D’Anthony Curtis, Zhamal Thomas and Matt Marshall put on quite a show!
The performance was fun to watch. It provided an inside look into Razorback athletics. What impressed me, besides the obvious musical talent of these athletes, is that Bobby Petrino is encouraging them to take part in the entire collegiate experience. Some coaches would not allow their players to do anything except get ready for the next game. Athletes have once again become engaged with the rest of the university community. The players are allowed to show the breadth of interests. No longer are they considered just football players. It draws the fans closer to the team because it spotlights the individual players and their talents off the field of competition.
Too often, we hear about what athletes do wrong. Ignored are the hours spent in schools helping students read. Missing are the reports of hospital visits or volunteering to help in a crisis situation. Monday night brought back memories of football players being elected as president of their class at the university. Take a look at Senior Walk and notice that an Eddie Bradford or Ken Hatfield held those positions.
The honorees, Alan and Jeannie Sugg, will step down as System President and System First Lady in June. Alan has served the University of Arkansas for two decades. On his watch, the university grew to include three community colleges, a specialized high school and an additional four-year institution. His impact to the Fayetteville campus, his alma mater, was especially important. In addition to weathering crises such as the hiring and firing of athletic coaches, changing the venue of in-state football games, and state budget reductions, he also leaves a legacy of making great hires. His appointment of John White and G. David Gearhart has made this university one of the nation’s top land grant institutions and ensures its bright future. And, he will be the first to note the crucial role Jeannie has played as his confidante, advisor and number one supporter. We will miss them both!
By the next newsletter, we will know where the Hogs will be playing in a bowl game. The Arkansas Alumni Association will be planning an extensive bowl trip scenario for members to attend that game. It is up to the Hogs to grab the best bowl, so root them on the next three weekends!
