Former Arkansas football coach in Bella Vista
Ken Hatfield, the former University of Arkansas head football coach, will be the distinguished speaker at the Bella Vista Community Church, 75 Lancashire Blvd., at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. His talk is entitled, “Faith, Football and Foundation.”
This interdenominational event is sponsored by the Bella Vista Men For Christ and is open to all men and women in the area. There is no admission fee. There will be door prizes, coffee and doughnuts available.
Hatfield was the head coach at Arkansas from 1984 to 1989. In addition, he held the head coaching position at U.S. Air Force Academy, 1979 to 1983; Clemson, 1990 to 1993; and Rice University, 1994 to 2005. He received the National Coach of the Year Award in 1983 while at Air Force and has been successful at every coaching position.
Hatfield’s college playing career was a fitting prelude to his coaching prosperity. An Academic All American selection for Arkansas’ 1964 National Champions, he led the nation in punt returns in both 1963 and 1964. He remains the only college player to finish in the top two in punt returns for three straight seasons, and his 16.2 yard average on 70 career returns still ranks number 12 in NCAA history. One of his most memorable plays took place against Texas in 1964 when he raced 81 yards on a punt return for a touchdown in the Hog’s 14-13 victory. It was a key win in that Arkansas’ championship season.
Coach Hatfield has produced champions both on and off the field.
To ensure a seat at the Community Church event, call the church at 479-855-1126.