Arkansas Tech University’s win on the scoreboard Tuesday afternoon at Tucker Coliseum was not as significant as the victory with the crowd.
Approximately 1,500 students representing the school districts in Russellville, Pottsville, Dover, Hector and Paris as well as the Russellville Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers were in attendance to watch the Wonder Boys top Ecclesia College 94-51.
“I enjoyed having all these kids here…I wish they would all come back every night,” said Mark Downey, ATU head men’s basketball coach. “It’s just nice to see the seats full. If you had a kiddo here today, come back, see us, bring them back and bring their friends. It was a great atmosphere. We’re really appreciative to the schools.
“We’re trying to grow the game here in the Arkansas River Valley,” continued Downey. “We have a lot of good people in this region who teach kids the game. We want to grow it and get these kids to fall in love with this sport like we have. There’s no better way than to get them in here and see these guys play. What a special day.”
It will be back to the business of Great American Conference play for the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys (4-4 overall, 2-0 GAC) and the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns (5-1, 1-1) on Thursday, Dec. 11, when ATU visits Henderson State University for a 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. doubleheader at the Duke Wells Center in Arkadelphia.
The Golden Suns lead GAC women’s basketball in scoring offense (84.8 points per game), 3-point field goals made (8.8 per game), assists (16.8 per game), steals (12.2 per game) and turnover margin (+10.2 per game).
HSU’s women (6-0, 2-0) opened GAC play last week with a 91-58 blitzing of Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a 73-66 triumph over East Central University. The Reddie women lead the GAC in 3-point field goal percentage (.396) and are No. 2 in the league in scoring offense (79.7 points per game).
The Wonder Boys are top five in the GAC in 3-point field goal percentage (.352) and 3-point field goals made (7.9 per game). ATU’s men have won their last two road games against Henderson State. A win on Thursday would give the Wonder Boys their longest winning streak at the Duke Wells Center since 2008-11, when they won four straight games over the Reddies in Arkadelphia.
HSU’s men (4-4, 1-1) dropped a 74-70 decision to Southeastern Oklahoma State in their GAC opener on Thursday, but the Reddies bounced back to defeat East Central 75-51 on Saturday. The Reddie men lead the GAC in scoring offense (85.1 points per game) and field goal percentage (.513).
Live coverage of the ATU-HSU doubleheader will be provided by KCJC 102.3 FM, the EAB Media Group app and www.arkansastechsports.com.
Talk to you on the radio.
Tech Tidbits is a column written by Sam Strasner, ATU director of university relations and radio play-by-play voice for ATU football and basketball.
