Teams announced for 2018 Live United Bowl
The Southern Arkansas Muleriders will play against the Missouri Western State Griffons in this year’s Agent Barry Live United Bowl.
Live United Bowl Committee Chairman Allen Brown announced the teams during a launch event and news conference Wednesday at the Arkansas Convention Center in Texarkana.
Coming into the game with an 8-3 regular-season record, SAU will represent the Great American Conference. MWSU notched a 6-5 record in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association this season.
The teams will face off Dec. 1 at Arkansas High School’s Razorback Stadium in Texarkana. The game will be the sixth annual Live United Bowl, one of only four NCAA Division II football bowl games played in the United States. Proceeds of the game benefit United Way of Greater Texarkana. Local insurance agent Dean Barry bought naming rights to the game that expire after this year’s contest.
The game pits the highest-placing GAC team that does not qualify for the Division II playoffs against an at-large team from either the MIAA or the Lone Star Conference. Organizers begin looking for the at-large
team early in the season.
“We want to look at a team that’s got a regional interest to our area,” Brown said. “We require at least six wins.”
Representatives of the teams said the game has earned a good reputation and they are excited to extend their seasons playing in it.
“I’ve spoken with several ADs and head football coaches who have been part of this game previously, and they all say the same thing. They say this has established itself as a first-class event filled with people who do it for the right reasons, and that’s the love of this community, the love of Division II football and prioritizing the student-athlete experience and putting that first,” MWSU Athletic Director Josh Looney said.
MWSU Offensive Coordinator Dave Brown said he was especially pleased for the seniors on his team.
“Anytime you get the opportunity to participate in the post-season, it’s a great opportunity for your seniors, as well as your young players. We’ve got 16 seniors who thought their season was over a week ago, and now they have another opportunity to come back out and compete,” Brown said.
SAU Head Coach Bill Keopple, a former head football coach at Arkansas High School, said he is excited to be the first team to return to the Live United Bowl. The Muleriders lost to the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas, 24-17, in 2016.
“We’re honored. We’re proud. We can’t wait to get here on the first,” Keopple said.
Activities around the game include a tailgate party Nov. 28, the teams participating in community service work Nov. 29, and a banquet and community pep rally Nov. 30. Game day will begin with a charity 5K run sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross/ Blue Shield.
Before the game, AHS alumnus Skye Stover will play the national anthem on electric guitar. Former NFL quarterback Mike Cherry Jr., another AHS alumnus, will be guest speaker at the banquet and an honorary captain at the game.
Banquet tickets are available for $25 each, and registration for the 5K costs $25 per person. Game tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for students, available at any Mil-Way Federal Credit Union location, the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce and the offices of the United Way of Greater Texarkana.
For more information, visit liveunitedbowl.com.