OBU stadium demolition set today
ARKADELPHIA — Demolition of the home football stands at A. U. Williams Field on the Ouachita Baptist University campus is set for 1 p. m. today, making way for the new Cliff Harris Stadium to be constructed in time for the 2014 football season.
Cliff Harris, an All- America and all- conference safety for Ouachita in the 1960s before an All- Pro career with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, will be present to witness the historic moment and for media interviews.
A major donor has provided a lead gift as a matching challenge for the project, additional funds being solicited through the university’s 100- Yard Campaign. Upgrades in seating, the press box and parking are included.
Campus community and guests are invited to watch the demolition. Spectators may park in the lot across 8th Street from the stadium and gather in the southeast corner of the main stadium lot.
Dating to 1912, A. U. Williams Field was originally constructed on land donated by a Hot Springs physician of the same name. The current stadium was built in the early 1960s, seating added in the 1970s. The current playing field will continue to honor Williams’ gift while the stadium facility will be dedicated in honor of Harris, a former Hot Springs resident.
Boxing scheduled Saturday at youth club
Boys & Girls Club of Hot Springs boxers will host 10 teams from Arkansas and two other states Saturday night.
Competition begins at 6: 30 p. m. with admission $ 8 for adults, $ 5 for students and free for ages 6 and under with an adult.
The local club currently is accepting baseball entries from youths 4- 15 through Feb. 28, with league age determined as of May 1.
Coaches’ meetings are March 4 for T- ball leagues ( 5: 30 p. m.), ages 7 and 8 ( 6 p. m.), ages 9 and 10 ( 6: 30 p. m.) and ages 11 and 12 ( 7 p. m.) and March 18 for ages 13- 15 ( 6 p. m.). Skills evaluations follow March 8 for ages 7 and 8 ( 9 a. m.), 9 and 10 ( 11 a. m.) and 11 and 12 ( 1 p. m.).
Anyone interested in coaching, sponsoring or umpiring should contact the Boys & Girls Club at 501623- 2711 or stop by 109 W. Belding St.
Junior- high basketball: Malvern- Lakeside
Lakeside tuned up for the 5A- South junior girls’ tournament with a 48- 18 home win Thursday over Malvern.
The Lady Rams outscored their guests 19- 2 in the third quarter, padding a 24- 11 advantage.
Tatum Rice scored 17 points, Lexi Tejceck 12 and Keke Hunter 10 for Lakeside.