Tag: Arkansas State University

Arkansas State-SMU Game Notes

By ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

GAME 1: Arkansas State (0-0) hosts SMU (0-0)

Aug. 31, 2019 | Allison Field at Centennial Bank Stadium Jonesboro | 6 p.m.

Radio: EAB Red Wolves Sports Network (107.9 FM, flagship)Matt Stolz (pxp), Tim Allison (analyst), Brad Bobo (sideline)

Television: ESPN+Roger Twibell (pxp), Pete Cordelli (analyst), Rich Zvosec (sideline)

Live Stats: AStateStats.com

Live Game Notes: twitter.com/AStateGameDay

ON TAP: Arkansas State will open its season at home for the fifth time over the last seven seasons, hosting SMU at Centennial Bank Stadium this Saturday, Aug. 31.  The game will appear on ESPN+, and every Red Wolves football game can be heard live on 107.9 FM in the Northeast Arkansas area.  The live radio broadcast can also be accessed on the official A-State Athletics web site (AStateRedWolves.com) and the A-State Athletics app.

THE PRINCIPALS:  The Red Wolves play both their home and season opener Saturday against American Athletic Conference member SMU.  A-State was picked in the Sun Belt Conference preseason coaches’ poll to finish second in the league’s west division.  SMU, coming off a 5-7 season, was picked to finish fourth in the AAC’s west division in the league’s preseason media poll.

HEAD COACH BLAKE ANDERSON: Blake Anderson, a 19-year coaching veteran at the NCAA FBS level who also coached in an NJCAA National Championship game, was named the Red Wolves’ 30th all-time head coach on Dec. 19, 2013.  Anderson led the Red Wolves to Sun Belt Conference championships in 2015 and 2016, as well as five consecutive winning seasons and five bowl-game appearances (2018 Arizona Bowl, 2017 Camellia Bowl, 2016 Cure Bowl, 2015 New Orleans Bowl, 2014 GoDaddy Bowl) during his first five seasons leading the program.  Under his direction, the Red Wolves have set nine new single-season records, including average yards total offense (494.8 ypg in 2017), total offense (6,174 yards in 2014) and points scored (520 in 2015).

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS: The Arkansas State Athletics Department family was saddened to learn of the passing late Monday night, Aug. 19, of Wendy Anderson, wife of sixth-year head football coach Blake Anderson.  Wendy’s courageous battle with cancer will continue to serve as an inspiration to many across the nation, and the outpouring of support far and wide for the Andersons and the A-State family has been overwhelming.  Coach Anderson has taken a leave of absence to be with his family during this difficult time.

DUGGAN NAMED INTERIM HEAD COACH: Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator David Duggan was named A-State’s interim head coach on Monday, Aug. 19, until Blake Anderson decides to resume his activities as head coach.  A-State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Terry Mohajir remains in communication with Coach Anderson both on a personal and professional level and has stated that A-State “will obviously respect and honor any amount of time he needs before he feels he can return.”

INTERIM HEAD COACH DAVID DUGGAN: Currently serving in the interim head coach role at A-State, assistant head coach and defensive coordinator David Duggan is in his first season with the Red Wolves.  While he holds a 10-9 all-time record as a head coach in NFL Europe and possesses 26 years of collegiate coaching experience, he will be the acting head coach in a college football game for the first time when A-State plays SMU Aug. 31 in its season opener.  He came to the Red Wolves after spending the previous three seasons at Western Michigan, where he helped lead the program to a pair of bowl games, a Mid-American Conference championship and a combined 26-13 record.  His initial year saw the Broncos post an undefeated 13-0 regular-season record, a final No. 12 ranking and a berth in the Cotton Bowl, where it dropped a narrow 24-16 decision to Wisconsin.

THE ARKANSAS STATE-SMU SERIES: The Red Wolves and Mustangs have met just three times before, playing a home-and-home series in 2006 and 2007 as well as the first contest of the current home-and-home arrangement in 2017.  SMU leads the series 2-1 after claiming 55-9 and 44-21 victories in Dallas in 2006 and 2017, respectively.  The Red Wolves’ picked up their lone win in the series in 2007, when it defeated the Mustangs 45-28 in Jonesboro.

A-STATE vs AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE: Arkansas State holds an all-time 29-37-5 record against current members of the American Athletic Conference. While the Red Wolves are set to face a team competing as a member of the league at the time of the game for just the fifth time in school history, this will be third consecutive season they have played an AAC foe.  Their four previous games against the AAC came in 2013 when they fell 31-7 at Memphis, 2016 when they defeated UCF 31-13 in the Cure Bowl, 2017 when they dropped a 44-21 decision at SMU and last season when they topped Tulsa 29-20 on the road.  A-State has also played the following current AAC teams, although they weren’t members of the league at the time of the games:  Cincinnati (1-1), East Carolina (0-2) and Navy (0-1).  The Red Wolves hold an all-time 3-2 record versus Tulsa and 23-29-5 record against Memphis.

FOR STARTERS: A-State snapped a three-year skid in season openers last year when they defeated Southeast Missouri State 48-21.    Since moving to FBS status in 1992, the Red Wolves have posted just a 6-21 record in season openers.  In addition to its 2018 season-opening win, A-State began the 2014 (37-10 vs Montana State), 2013 (62-11 vs. UAPB), 2008 (18-14 at Texas A&M), 2006 (14-6 vs. Army) and 1995 (21-17 vs. Utah State) campaigns with wins.

HOME OPENERS: Arkansas State claimed a 48-21 win over Southeast Missouri State last season in its home opener and has won its first game at Centennial Bank Stadium in 12 of the last 14 seasons dating back to 2005.  The Red Wolves stand 32-13 all-time in home openers at the stadium and are also 18-8 in such games since moving to FBS status in 1992.

HOME SWEET HOME: Arkansas State has strung together 14 consecutive years (2005-18) with a winning record at Centennial Bank Stadium dating back to 2005.  The Red Wolves are now 64-15 (.810 winning percentage) since the 2005 season and have won 39 of their last 47 home outings.  The Red Wolves actual on-field record all-time at Centennial Bank Stadium is 156-78-1 since it opened in 1974.  A-State’s six home wins in 2011 were its most since 1985.  The 2011 season also marked the last time the Red Wolves went undefeated at Centennial Bank Stadium.

AN A-STATE VICTORY WOULD . . . :  even its all-time record vs. SMU to 2-2 . . . mark the 13th time over the last 15 seasons it has won its home opener . . . give the Red Wolves a win in their season opener in back-to-back years for the first time since 2013 and 2014 . . . move its all-time record vs the American Athletic Conference to 3-2 . . . give David Duggan his first collegiate victory as a head coach.

PRESEASON ALL-SUN BELT: Including five first-team and six second-team selections, the Arkansas State placed a league-high 11 different players on the 2019 Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Team.  Representing Arkansas State on the first team were senior wide receiver Kirk Merritt, junior tight end Javonis Isaac, junior defensive end William Bradley-King, junior defensive lineman Forrest Merrill and junior cornerback Jerry Jacobs.  Earning a spot on the second team for the Red Wolves were senior wideout Omar Bayless, junior center Jacob Still, senior defensive lineman Kevin Thurmon, senior safeties Darreon Jackson and B.J. Edmonds and senior punter Cody Grace.  A-State’s 11 selections tied Appalachian State, which had 10 players comprise its 11 picks, for the most in the conference.  The Red Wolves’ 11 players on the preseason all-conference team are their most since 2016, when they also had 11.  They have now earned at least 11 selections four of the last six seasons as well.

WATCH ME, WATCH ME: A-State has 10 players on at least one major watch list for the 2019 season, including six who play on the offensive side of the ball (Logan Bonner, Dahu Green, Javonis Isaac, Kirk Merritt, Marcel Murray, Jacob Still), three on the defensive (Tajhea Chambers, Darreon Jackson, Jerry Jacobs) and one on special teams (Cody Grace).  The Red Wolves have at least one player on 11 different watch lists.

EIGHT STRAIGHT: Arkansas State has secured a winning record in a school-record eight consecutive seasons (2011-18).  The next longest streak was six straight seasons from 1912-17.  The Red Wolves have piled up 67 victories from 2011-18 for its most over an eight-year span in the program’s 105-year history.

ELITE COMPANY: Arkansas State is one of just four teams in the nation to win five conference titles and appear in eight bowl games since 2011, joining Alabama, Clemson and Oklahoma.  The Red Wolves won the Sun Belt title in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016 and hold the 15th longest active streak in the nation for bowl game appearances with eight.

105TH SEASON: Arkansas State will kick off its 105th season of football Aug. 31 at home against SMU.  A-State holds a 473-487-37 record since the inaugural season and has played in 16 bowl games.  A-State did not field a team from 1942-44 due to World War II.  Arkansas State also didn’t have a team in 1918 as World War I was ending.

A-STATE vs THE SUN BELT: Arkansas State has won 51 of its last 63 Sun Belt Conference games (.810 winning percentage) to run its all-time record in the league to 83-48.  The Red Wolves hold their most all-time victories against ULM with 26.  A-State has defeated every team in the conference since the football league was formed in 2001.  Along with ULM and Louisiana, A-State is one of three teams that have been a part of the conference since its inaugural football season.

SUN BELT CHAMPS (5 of 8): While Arkansas State last won the Sun Belt in 2016, it is still the only Group of 5 program and one of just four FBS programs in the nation to win five conference championships over the last eight years (2011-18).  The only other teams to do so are Alabama (SEC), Clemson (ACC) and Oklahoma (Big 12).  The Red Wolves most recently won back-to-back Sun Belt titles in 2015 and 2016, compiling a 15-1 league record over that span.  A-State also won the league title 2011-13, making it one of just two programs in league history with at least five SBC titles.

BOWL ELIGIBLE: Arkansas State has obtained bowl eligibility status each of the last eight years (2011-18) and 11 times over the last 14 seasons.  Arkansas State has become bowl eligible in 10 games or less each of those seasons.  Since moving to FBS status in 1992, the earliest A-State ever became bowl eligible was in 2011 when it was 6-2 through eight games.

BOWL STREAK: Arkansas State has made a school-record eight consecutive bowl-game appearances (2011-18), which is the third longest streak in the Group of 5 and ranks 15th in the nation among all FBS programs.

A LOOK BACK: With a 3-1 record, Arkansas State secured a winning record last season against non-conference opponents for the first time since 1995, when it went 3-2.  Additional, with wins against Tulsa and UNLV, the Red Wolves won back-to-back non-conference games against FBS opponents for the first time ever since moving to FBS status in 1992.300-PLUS:  Dating back to the 2010 season, Arkansas State has posted at least 300 yards total offense in 104 of its last 115 games (.904 percentage).  A-State has produced 300 yards in 59 of 64 games during the Blake Anderson era, including the last 25 in a row.400-PLUS:  Arkansas State has hit the 400-yard total offense mark 43 times over its last 64 games (67 percent) since 2014, which was Blake Anderson’s first season as head coach.  The Red Wolves have posted 400 or more yards total offense in each of their last seven games.

LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD: Including 20 of their last 39 contests, the Red Wolves have posted at least 30 points in 61 of their last 94 regular-season games (65 percent) dating back to the 2011 season.  The Red Wolves have won 48 of their last 54 games when scoring at least 30 points.

A LOSS ON THE PLAY: Dating back to the 2015 season, the Red Wolves have posted at least five stops behind the line of scrimmage in 39 of their last 42 games.  A-State has ranked among the top 20 teams in the nation each of the last three seasons in tackles for loss.

GETTING TO THE QUARTERBACK: A-State has ranked among the top 27 teams in the nation in sacks four of the last five years, posting a combined 177 sacks over that span.  The Red Wolves have recorded at least one sack in 36 of their last 37 games dating back to the 2016 season.

Pollock promoted to A-State Women’s Golf Assistant

August 26, 2019

By ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

JONESBORO – A graduate assistant the last two seasons, Rachel Pollock has been promoted to assistant coach for the Arkansas State women’s golf program, head coach M.J. Desbiens Shaw announced Monday.

“It is an amazing time to have Rachel Pollock back for a third year,” Desbiens Shaw said. “As a coach, you always try to find your best assistant and that’s what we have with Rachel. She has brought a tremendous amount of golf knowledge to our team, she has so much enthusiasm to share and has made such an impact on our course management so far. I could not be happier with such a great assistant and I look forward to a very successful season.”

Pollock helped guide the Red Wolves to their best three-round score (889) ever at the Sun Belt Conference Championship, which was also their best in any tournament since at least the 2000-01 season. The total included the second lowest single-round score of the season, a 294 for in the second round of the league championship.

“First, I would like to thank M.J., (Athletics Director) Terry Mohajir and (Senior Women’s Administrator) Amy Holt for all of their support and opportunity to return to this program as assistant coach,” Pollock said. “I look forward to continuing to help build a successful program on the golf course and in the classroom.”

Her first season at A-State saw the Red Wolves place fifth at the Sun Belt Conference Championships to match their best finish at the tournament since 2003-04. A-State posted a 305.4 team stroke average that was its top mark since at least before the 2002-03 season.

Pollock came to the program after spending four seasons competing for East Tennessee State University. Playing in all but five events in her college career with the Buccaneers, Pollock recorded a career‐best‐three‐round total of 5‐over 221 (74‐73‐74) at the Fall Invitational hosted by Kennesaw State in the fall of 2015.

Pollock helped the Buccaneers to two wins and 18 top‐five finishes in her four seasons. She graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors while earning her B.S. in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science and a minor in Coaching from East Tennessee State University in 2017.

The Canadian native finished 12th on Golf Canada’s 2016‐17 Order of Merit and eighth on the 2011‐12 Junior Order of Merit. She is bilingual in French and English.

A-State opens the 2019-20 season on Sept. 9 at the Payne Stewart Memorial in Springfield, Mo. A-State will host the Lady Red Wolves Classic Oct. 14-15 at Sage Meadows Golf Club.

Red Wolves earn First Win of Restrep Era

August 30, 2019

By ARKANSAS SPORTS INFORMATION

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On the opening day of the 2019 volleyball campaign, the Arkansas State volleyball team went 1-1 to open the Santiago Restrepo era, dropping a tight 3-2 season-opener to Milwaukee before sweeping North Alabama to mark Restrepo’s first win as head coach on Friday at the Bruiser Showcase.

Peyton Uhlenhake led the way for the Red Wolves (1-1), recording double-double performances in both matches. A-State also flexed its muscles defensively against UNA, holding the Lions to an attack percentage of .056. That effort marked the first time the Red Wolves held an opponent to a sub-.100 mark in that category since Oct. 13, 2018 vs. ULM.

MATCH 1 – Milwaukee 3, Arkansas State 2

In the season opener for both squads, Milwaukee claimed a tight 3-2 victory against the Red Wolves behind three players with double-digit kills and 10 aces. After dropping the first set, A-State battled back to take a 2-1 lead before the Panthers responded by forcing the decisive fifth set.

A-State was led by Peyton Uhlenhake, who posted the first double-double of her career (12 kills, 12 digs) and led the team in kills. Macey Putt also notched double-digit kills (11) and recorded a match-high 14.0 points. Julianna Cramer joined Uhlenhake with a double-double, collecting 10 digs to go along with a team-high 20 assists. Kendahl Davenport, in her collegiate debut, tallied a match-high 7.0 total blocks. Also on the defensive end, Ryley Gill collected a team-leading 13 digs.

Set 1 – Milwaukee 25-15
Milwaukee opened on a 4-0 run, and would not look back despite a late run by the Red Wolves pulling to within 3 early at 8-5 after a kill by Macey Putt, who tallied 5 of her 11 kills in the first set.

The Panthers would increase their lead by as much as 13 at 20-7 and would endure a late 6-0 A-State run that cut the deficit to 23-14. Milwaukee would take two of the next three points to take an early 1-0 lead in the match.

Set 2 – A-State 25-17
The Red Wolves bounced back in the second set, as Peyton Uhlenhake led the charge, recording 4 of her 12 kills (.625 attack %). Uhlenhake and Timber Terrell got the team started with two kills apiece in A-State’s 6-0 run to take a 7-2 lead, which was capped off by a Uhlenhake service ace.

A-State would continue to increase its lead, as Hannah Cox served back-to-back aces to move the Red Wolves ahead 15-8. The Panthers would surge late to cut the deficit to 18-15, but that would not be enough as A-State held on to take the second set 25-17.

Set 3 – A-State 25-18
The Red Wolves continued to improve on the offensive end, tallying 13 kills for the second straight set. A-State also benefited from a 7-2 run to open the stanza and led by as much as 8 in the set at 17-9.

At the net, Kendahl Davenport recorded 4 of her 7 total blocks on the day in the third set. Uhlenhake would go on to give the Red Wolves a 2-1 lead in the match with her fifth kill of the set.

Set 4 – Milwaukee 25-14
Milwaukee capitalized on another early 7-0 run, which the Red Wolves would not be able to overcome, despite a late 3-0 run to cut the deficit to 20-14. The Panthers would close with five more points to take a 25-14 decision to force a fifth set.

Josie Stanford led A-State offensively, recording 4 kills in the set.

Set 5 – Milwaukee 15-10
Both teams showcased intensity in the winner-take-all fifth set, with neither team taking more than a two-point advantage until Milwaukee broke a 10-all stalemate with a 5-0 run to take the set and match.

Macey Putt led all players with 3 kills in the set, while Madison Brown and Uhlenhake also contributed to the cause.

MATCH 2 – Arkansas State 3, North Alabama 0

In the second half of the twin bill, the Red Wolves stepped up offensively, hitting .241 with 42 kills on 37 assists. UNA, on the other hand, recorded only 21 kills on the day after besting Belmont in the previous match. After taking the first two sets by double-figures, the Red Wolves had to claw back from an early deficit if it wanted to take the third set. After knotting it up at 15-all, A-State sealed the deal with a 25-18 decision in the third to move to earn Restrepo’s first win as head coach at Arkansas State.

A-State was led by Uhlenhake again, who posted her second-straight double-double (14 kills, 10 digs). Malgorzata Andersohn also added a double-double performance with 18 assists and 10 digs. Timber Terrellenjoyed a strong outing, hitting .357 on 7 kills with a pair of block assists, while Macey Putt added 10 kills and a block assist.

Set 1 – A-State 25-14
After knotting it up at 2-all, Arkansas State went on a 4-0 run to take a 6-2 lead. From there, the Red Wolves would cruise to as much as a 22-8 lead. UNA powered back to cut the deficit to 23-14, but it would be too little too late, as a kill by Madison Brown and service ace by Josie Stanford closed out the set.

Timber Terrell recorded a 1.000 attack percentage in the set, going 3-for-3 to pave the way. Peyton Uhlenhake led all players with 4 kills.

Set 2 – A-State 25-10
The Red Wolves picked up right where they left off, going on an 11-1 run right out of the gate. After the Lions cut the A-State lead to 13-8, the Red Wolves scored 12 of the next 14 points to close out the set.

Much like the first set, the Red Wolves ended on an ace, this time by Hannah Cox – her second of the match and third of the day.

Set 3 – A-State 25-18
UNA turned the tables to start the third, going on an early 7-2 run, but the Red Wolves fought back to tie it up and eventually take the lead for good on a kill by Macey Putt that moved A-State ahead 16-15. After Anna Katherine Griggs tallied a kill for the Lions to cut the deficit to 17-16, the Scarlet and Black claimed eight of the last 10 points to earn the sweep.

Fittingly, the third set ended just as the previous two – on a service ace. This time, Cramer had the honors of clinching the match for the Red Wolves.

Quick Hitters

   – With the win against North Alabama, the Red Wolves are now a perfect 28-0 when taking the first two sets, dating back to 2017.

   – Arkansas State’s sweep against North Alabama marked the first 3-set triumph since Nov. 9, 2018 at ULM.

   – Dating back to 2018, Arkansas State is 9-3 when holding opponents to an attack percentage of under .200.

   – Four Red Wolves – Malgorzata Andersohn, Hannah Cox, Kendahl Davenport and Paulina Sobolewska – made their collegiate debuts between the two matches.

   – Peyton Uhlenhake tallied career highs in kills (14) against North Alabama and digs (12) against Milwaukee.

Next Up

The Red Wolves will close out opening weekend in their first true road test of the season, taking on host Belmont at the Bruiser Showcase. First serve is slated for 2 p.m., and the match will be streamed live on ESPN+ (subscription only) with Christian Kaposy on the call.

Arkansas State owns a 6-2 lead in the series against the Bruins, although Belmont has claimed the last two meetings.

Schedule: 
Saturday, Aug. 31:
11 a.m. – Milwaukee vs. North Alabama
2 p.m. – Arkansas State at Belmont (LIVE STATS | WATCH LIVE ON ESPN+ [$])

Fans can follow the team on Twitter (@AStateVB) and Instagram (astatevb) along with liking the Arkansas State University Volleyball page on Facebook for the latest news and updates regarding the team.

Arkansas State downs Kansas State

August 29, 2019

By ASU Sports Information

Manhattan, Kan. – Despite only taking five shots on the night, the Arkansas State women’s soccer team defeated Big 12 opponent Kansas State 2-1, Thursday evening at Buser Family Park.

Following the win, the Red Wolves improved to 1-1 on the year, while Kansas State fell to 0-2-1.

Naperville, Ill., native, Haley Furio found the back of the net in the 28thminute, her first of the season, giving the Red Wolves a 1-0 lead over the Wildcats. The goal was setup by Junior Sarah Sodoma, who threaded through various Kansas State defenders, then sent the ball off the cross bar which found Furio just inches away from net. 

The Wildcats countered about 10 minutes later, in the 38thminute, off the foot of Hannah Davis as Brooklynn Entz was credited with the assists.

Megan McClure made five saves for the Red Wolves as Kansas State out shot A-State 27-5 on the night. The Scarlet and Black took four shots on goal compared to K-State’s 6 while only committed seven fouls compared to the Wildcats’ nine.

Cape Coral, Fl., native Sophia Restrepo was able to give the Red Wolves a 2-1 advantage in the 60thminute, when she found the back of the net in a wide opened fashion. The unassisted goal marked the first goal of Restrepo’s career.

Arkansas State will return to action Sunday, Sept. 1, in its home opener against Central Arkansas. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the A-State Soccer Park.

“Ole Miss” to Play “Bulldogs”

Gridiron Battle November 8

Henderson-Brown and Hendrix Clash for Honors November 15

October 20, 1913

Conway Log Cabin Democrat

CONWAY – “Ole Miss,” the gridiron team which is dreaded by all southern colleges, will arrive in Conway, Saturday, November 8, for a battle with the Hendrix College football aggregation. The record on the scalping path made by “Ole Miss” this season, as well as past seasons, is a source of much pleasure to their fellow students, while on the other hand, they invariably leave many mourners behind them.

The University of Mississippi, whence “Ole Miss” hails, is one of the leading educational institutes of the south. With thousands of students from whom the coaches select the varsity’s squad, it is certain that the team will be chosen which can ably defend the uprights of their alma mater.

Hendrix continues to go through practice antics every afternoon, but there is a noticeable lack of pep and ginger among the squad, said to be caused from a dearth of scheduled games. One one game has been played by the “Bulldogs,” while other teams in the state have played several. The authorities are endeavoring to arrange a contest between the “Bulldogs” and the University of Arkansas Reserves, to be played on Hendrix field tomorrow afternoon.

Friday, the Hendrix warriors leave for Jonesboro, where they will battle with the “Aggies.” The latter team is playing excellent ball this season, and is a strong contender for the state championship honors. While Hendrix entertains no fears of being licked, the team admits it will have to look sharply to keep the “plow jockies” from “slipping one over on them.”

On the following Monday, October 27, the “Bulldogs” take on Arkansas College at Batesville. The Batesvillians have lost several games this season, but Hendrix will not go into the affair overconfident. They expect to win the battle, but at the same time, expect to have to fight for every inch.

On November 15, the most important games of the season will be played on Hendrix field, when the long time rivals, Henderson-Brown of Arkadelphia and Hendrix of the his city will entertain probably 1,500 spectators with a battle royal. This is the decisive game of the season, so far as the state championship is concerned. It is with this game in view that both the “Reddies” and the “Bulldogs” are training. The keenest possible rivalry exists between these two institutions, making the game all the more interesting from the spectators’ viewpoint. Henderson will charter a special train, bringing the entire student body, as well as a large number of townspeople with them, to cheer their pets on to victory.