Fans Show Love for Sugar Bears
Administrators, coaches and fans gathered to show their love for the Sugar Bears basketball team at the Centennial Valley Country Club last night.
That love added up to $16,820 in donations for the program in addition to the other awards and accolades the players received at the Fan Appreciation Supper. The event was organized by Rush Harding and Bruce Newcomber.
The Sugar Bears finished the season with a record of 21-8 and a second-place finish in the Southland Conference. The team's improvement over last season's dismal 6-23 record set a new conference record.
“What a joy the resurgence of our women’s basketball team has been,” Brad Teague, athletic director, told the audience.
Sugar Bears coach Matt Daniel praised the athletic departments "family environment." Coaches and athletes from all sports support one another and treat each other like family. As an example of that environment, he explained how the department is trying to help new men's basketball coach Corliss Williamson to the university.
Sugar Bears basketball team
“Until coach Williamson gets moved to Conway, Corliss has a key and garage door opener to my house,” Daniel said. “That is how much of a family environment it is here.”
Daniel listed all the achievements, awards and records the Sugar Bears accomplished during the season and then introduced the crowd to the team. After that, the audience watched a highlight reel of the season.
UCA President Allen Meadors also took the podium to congratulate the Sugar Bears on their outstanding performance off the court. He complimented the team for its average GPA of 3.21.
At the end of the event, Teague presented Daniel with a trophy filled with the money from the night's ticket sales, about $1,570. Donations added another $15,5250. Newcomer and Harding were presented with basketballs autographed by the team.
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