Former star Hog WR Lucas to speak at Lakeside banquet
Former Arkansas Razorback receiver Anthony Lucas will be the keynote speaker for the fourth annual Lakeside Ram Round-Up this month.
The cost of general admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets include a meal catered by Bubba’s Catfish.
The event will be held on Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. inside the Lakeside Athletic Complex.
Online sales are available at http://www. lakesideramyouthfootball.com. Live ticket sale dates will be announced. Ticket information is also available by emailing lyfa411@gmail.com.
According to the Lakeside Youth Football Association, all proceeds from the event will be distributed to the Rams’ football program for grades 4-12. The event is sponsored by the Lakeside Youth Football Association.
Lucas was a third-team All-American in 1999 with 37 receptions for 822 yards and four touchdowns as a senior. He was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference after finishing his career with 137 caches, 2,879 yards and 23 touchdowns.
The former receiver is best remembered by fans for catching the 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Clint Stoerner in 1999 to help the Razorbacks beat No. 3 Tennessee, the defending national champion, 28-24 in Fayetteville. Arkansas fans rushed the field and carried the goal posts to Dickson Street.
Lucas persevered through a number of challenges throughout his career. He began in Fayetteville as only a part-time student and a partial qualifier.
His ACT score did not meet the requirements to be eligible for his first semester on campus. He improved his academics to join the team for the first time in the spring of 1995.
Lucas posted a then-Arkansas freshman record of 27 catches for 526 yards and four touchdowns in 1995 as the Razorbacks won the SEC’s West division.
A season-ending injury sidelined Lucas once again in the opening game of the 1996 season. He returned to make 27 catches for 495 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore.
Lucas received All-SEC honors after his junior season in which he caught 43 passes for 1,004 yards and 10 touchdowns in 1998.
The Green Bay Packers drafted Lucas, but several knee injuries and required surgeries prematurely ended his professional football career.
Lakeside head football coach Jared McBride will also speak at the banquet ahead of the Rams’ upcoming season. The event will also include a silent auction and a live auction.
VIP table tickets for $500 allow for a table of eight, meals, a football for the table signed that can be signed by Anthony and eight tickets for a meet-and-greet with Anthony prior to the banquet. Table sponsor tickets for $250 allow for a table of eight and meals.