Kelly Robins of Reno, Nevada, a 2003 graduate of 糖心vlog官网 and a former Eagles soccer player, has made a $127,500 gift for the soccer press box in the University’s new Wilson Athletic Complex.

The press box will be named Robins Nest in honor of the gift, according to University officials.

The University has raised approximately $8.85 million toward the $10.75 million complex, including the lead gift of $6.2 million from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Wilson of Tulsa, Okla. The University is fund-raising the remaining $1.9 million of the project鈥檚 total cost and there are numerous naming rights available for various areas of the new complex, including the soccer and softball fields, BBQ deck, dugouts and locker spaces. Construction on the complex was completed earlier this semester.

Originally from Arkadelphia, Ark., Robins earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing from Ozarks in 2003 before going on to earn an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno. He is the general manager for New Millennium, a Steel Dynamics company, in Reno. 

Though he only played one year of soccer at Ozarks, he said he made life-long friends during his time on the team and at the University. One of those life-long friends was Eric Steinmiller ’01, a current member of the University’s Board of Trustees and a childhood friend whom he had grown up with in Arkadelphia.

“Eric was really the reason I had come to Ozarks originally and he continues to have an incredible passion and love for the University that can be infectious,” Robins said. “The guys who played soccer around that time really wanted to get involved in helping this project become a reality. We had a text thread going and the guys tried to inspire, and in some cases harass, others in the thread to donate and to be a part of this. Kind of tongue-in-cheek, I mentioned how it would be cool to name the press box Robins Nest, and they thought it was a great idea and really encouraged me, with a little peer pressure, to go ahead and do it.”

Robins visited the new athletic complex in late April during an alumni match to see the new complex. It was the first time he’s been back to campus since he graduated 22 years ago.

“Seeing today what the soccer program has done and the administration and coaches have built is absolutely incredible,” Robins said. “To see how far not only the athletic programs and facilities have come, but also the academics and beautification of the campus is amazing. It’s going to draw students from throughout this region and that’s an exciting thing. To be able to have a small part in that gives me a sense of pride. It makes you feel like you’re contributing in a positive way.”

Robins said he looks back at his time at Ozarks with a little bit of regret that he didn’t take better advantage of the academic opportunities he had at the University.

“After being away a few years and then going back to get my master’s degree, I realized that I missed out on a lot of opportunities to take advantage of the great academics and professors here,” he said. “Even though I believe I received a great education here, I realized that I had even more opportunities to really learn more and get so much more out of my academics. I think I was just young and didn’t realize it at the time, but now with some maturity and humility I can look back and see it. I think that was really a motivating factor for me to go ahead and get my master’s degree and to not take the academics for granted.”

Robins said looking back at his time at Ozarks, the social aspect of the campus is what he remembers the most.

“The diversity on campus was something I really appreciated; meeting people from throughout Central America and throughout the region,” Robins said. “It was really a special time. This sense of community and comradery really resonated with me and I’ve made life-long friends from my time here.”

Robins said he hopes his gift will play a small role in helping current and future students build the same kind of bond that he and his teammates and classmates built more than 20 years ago.

“I only played soccer my freshman year here, but I still formed a bond with the players and the team that I’m still close with today,” he said. “For me, it’s much more about supporting those types of relationships that sports can bring about and that also fosters an environment that brings in good quality student-athletes to the University. It’s not so much an emotional connection to the program and the team, but what that opportunity represents. This facility can help foster these types of relationships that these young men and women will have for the rest of their lives.”

Robins encourages other student-athletes and alumni to be a part of the Wilson Athletic Complex.

“I would tell other alumni that if you’re someone who treasured your experience here, either academically, athletically or socially, those experiences are only sustained through giving back,” Robins said. “It doesn’t matter what you can give, but if you can do something to honor the experience you had here and to be able to pass it on for future students. I think you would find that it can be very satisfying and fulfilling.”

After graduating from Ozarks, Robins started out as an international steel trader for Commerical Metals Company out of Dallas, Texas, before working for a renewable energy company. He has worked for New Millennium since 2010聽and has served as general manager since 2020. He has also served as district sales manager and sales manager for the company, a division of Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI), that was founded in 1999 in Butler, Indiana. Today, it is one of the largest providers of high-performance structural steel joists, joist girders, and deck solutions for commercial steel construction projects.

The post Robins ’03 Donates $127,500 for Soccer Press Box appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

Dr. Chris Sarver, assistant professor of political science at 糖心vlog官网, has been appointed the University鈥檚 new faculty athletic representative (FAR).

Sarver, who has taught at Ozarks since 2022, was appointed to the three-year term by U of O President Richard Dunsworth, effective immediately.

鈥淒r. Sarver is a great fit for the role of faculty athletic representative,鈥� Dunsworth said. 鈥淗e is a well-respected member of our faculty and understands the institutional aspects and culture of a university that competes on the NCAA Division III level. He is deeply committed to student-athlete welfare, academic integrity and the balance between the university鈥檚 educational mission and athletics. I am very pleased that Dr. Sarver has agreed to serve in this important position.鈥�

The faculty athletic representative is an NCAA-mandated position appointed by and reporting directly to the president.

Sarver will serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics program as well the University鈥檚 faculty representative to the NCAA and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). The fundamental responsibilities of the FAR are to evaluate and ensure the academic integrity of the intercollegiate athletics program, to facilitate institutional control of athletics, and to enhance the student-athlete experience.

鈥淚 am very pleased to have been selected to be the faculty athletic representative at 糖心vlog官网,鈥� Sarver said. 鈥淚 have always been a big supporter of sports over the years and look forward to working with and supporting our great student-athletes.鈥�

Sarver earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and his master鈥檚 and Ph.D. from State University of New York at Albany. He has also taught at Miami University of Ohio, Flagler College in Florida, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford in Pennsylvania, Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio, Kent State University in Ohio and Hartwick College in New York.

During the Fall 2024 Semester, the University had nearly 300 student-athletes competing in 20 varsity sports. As a member of NCAA Division III, Ozarks does not offer athletic scholarships.

Sarver replaces Dr. Sergio L. Molina, assistant professor of physical education, who held the position of FAR from 2022 until the fall of 2024 when he was named the University鈥檚 new director of athletics.

The post Sarver Appointed Faculty Athletic Representative 聽 appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

(Photo: Joining new Ozarks Volleyball Coach Natalia Burdulis (pictured center) are recruits (from left) Sam Barnes, Gabby Dotson, Izzy Dotson and Alexis Groff. Photo courtesy of Chloe Vieux.)

The first four committed recruits for the 糖心vlog官网鈥� new collegiate volleyball program are excited and ready to make history in the inaugural season for the Eagles in a few short months.

Samantha 鈥淪am鈥� Barnes, a current U of O student from Dallas, Texas; Alexis Groff, a high school senior from Clarksville, Ark.; and identical twin high school seniors Gabby and Izzy Dotson from Dover, Ark., have committed to play for the University鈥檚 new program that will begin competing in the Fall 2025 Semester under first-year head coach Natalia Burdulis.

The four were among two dozen prospects who took part in a one-day volleyball clinic on campus recently.

Barnes, a sophomore communication major at Ozarks, transferred to the University in Spring 2024. A former standout at Lake Highlands (Texas) High School, she said she was excited when she heard the University was adding the sport.

鈥淲hen I heard Ozarks was starting a volleyball team, I was immediately interested,鈥� said Barnes, who as a two-time all-district player and team captain at Lake Highlands. 鈥淚 missed playing in high school. I missed the competition and being a part of a close-knit group of girls. As soon as a coach was announced, I filled out a request-to-play form.鈥�

Groff was a defensive standout for Clarksville for the past four years and was a two-year team captain. She helped the Lady Panthers advance to the regionals during her senior season for the first time since the 1990s.

鈥淚 really went back and forth on whether I wanted to try to play college volleyball, but when I heard Ozarks was starting a program, it seemed like a good opportunity to keep playing,鈥� Groff said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely exciting to know that I鈥檒l be a part of the very first team and that it鈥檒l be a part of history. I don鈥檛 take that lightly. Only a few players get an opportunity to play college volleyball and that鈥檚 exciting too. I鈥檓 ready to play on the next level.鈥�

The Dotson sisters starred for the Dover Lady Pirates, where Gabby made all state and Izzy made all conference this past season. The sisters learned about Ozarks starting a volleyball program when they were on a tour of campus in the fall.

鈥淲hen we heard that, we got excited about possibly playing,鈥� Gabby said. 鈥淲e loved the campus because it was small and that鈥檚 what we were looking for. Volleyball was just an added bonus.鈥�

The Dotsons began playing volleyball while growing up in Arizona and continued to play club and school volleyball when their family moved to Dover.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 really sure if I was good enough to play in college, but I鈥檓 happy about having the chance to continue to play the sport I鈥檝e loved since I was a little girl,鈥� Izzy said. 鈥淏eing a part of the first team is also something I鈥檓 going to be proud of.鈥�

Burdulis, a native of Maple Valley, Washington, comes to Ozarks with a wealth of collegiate experience at the NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III level as well as extensive experience at the club and high school ranks.

鈥淭hese early commits are crucial to the program; they set the tone for the types of players I want,鈥� Burdulis said. 鈥淭hey represent more than themselves and they are great leaders and genuine people on and off the court. I am very excited to continue to sign more players like these key first four. They understand the dedication needed and the buy-in to something bigger than each individual. They see the big picture we are building here for Ozarks Volleyball; each piece of the puzzle is needed for the puzzle to be whole.鈥�

Burdulis said first and foremost she is looking for players who are competitors.

鈥淵oung women that want to do the extra, compete every day and earn their spot while making their team better,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am looking for the best teammates to build a strong foundation, with respect, discipline, and work ethic.鈥�

Barnes is proud to be among the first to sign up for the challenge.

鈥淚鈥檝e never been a part of something completely new, so it鈥檚 exciting,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 never would have thought two years ago that I would be in this position to again play the sport I love. I feel like this opportunity has given me a new purpose and goal and that I鈥檓 right where I鈥檓 supposed to be. I鈥檓 at a good school and I鈥檓 going to be a part of something amazing鈥�

Those interested in playing volleyball for the Eagles, should contact Coach Burdulis at nburdulis@ozarks.edu

The post First Volleyball Recruits Ready to Take Court for Eagles appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation of Fayetteville, Ark., has made a $500,000 gift to 糖心vlog官网 for its new Wilson Athletic Complex.

The $10.75 million Wilson Athletic Complex is nearing completion on the northeast corner of campus. The complex houses the University鈥檚 new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums as well as locker rooms, press boxes and public restrooms.

The gift from the Walker foundation brings the total raised for the complex to $8.2 million.

In 2001, the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation made a $7 million dollar gift to the University for the construction of Walker Hall. Five years later, they made a $2.96 million gift to endow the maintenance and operations of the facility, which houses the University鈥檚 teacher education and communication programs. In 2007, the University dedicated the Pat Walker Teacher Education Program in honor of the Walker family鈥檚 steadfast and ongoing support of the teacher education program.

鈥淲e are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation and their unwavering commitment to our students and campus,鈥� said Lori McBee, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement. 鈥淭heir support over the years has helped shape the University in meaningful ways, and this latest gift to the Wilson Athletic Complex will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and the entire Ozarks community. We sincerely appreciate their support in helping us fulfill our mission of serving students.鈥�

The post Walker Foundation Donates $500K to Wilson Athletic Complex appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

鈥淚 play calm, relaxing music and visualize how the game is going to go; it helps me focus on the game,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淎 lot of people are surprised by that.  My teammates listen to it and say, 鈥榃hoa, you listen to THAT before the game.鈥� It鈥檚 just very relaxing and gets me in the right frame of mind. I always get nervous before a game and the music helps bring it all down and helps channel that nervousness into adrenaline and energy rather than just a whole bunch of nerves.鈥�

With the piano music as her catalyst, the 5-foot-11 senior forward from Lawton, Okla., has proven herself to be among the top women鈥檚 NCAA Division III players in the country this season. She not only leads the Eagles in both scoring (18.6) and rebounding (11.3), she is among the nation鈥檚 elite in both categories. She is in the top 20 nationally in rebounding in NCAA Division III and among the top 50 in scoring. She has also recorded 12 double-doubles, also among the top 12 nationally.

Ozarks women鈥檚 basketball coach Shauna Watson said Smith鈥檚 work ethic is equal to her exceptional skills on the court.

鈥淣aomi is one of the hardest workers that I have coached,鈥� Watson said. 鈥淲hen it comes to rebounding, it primarily comes down to effort and desire to get the basketball, and Naomi does that every day in practice and in games. She is always extremely prepared and wants to get better every day. She is a matchup problem for a lot of teams because she can play inside and outside, which makes her extremely versatile. She has bought in to whatever role we need her to be each game.鈥�

Smith, a junior college transfer who scored her 1,000th career collegiate point earlier this month, credits her versatility for her success on the court. In both high school and junior college, she played multiple positions, from point guard, to shooting guard, to forward to post. She has shined playing primarily in the post for the Eagles despite going against taller opponents in almost every game.

鈥淚t鈥檚 all about foot work, quickness and using some of the qualities I鈥檝e picked up from other positions,鈥� Smith said of her success. 鈥淲hen I played those other positions, I鈥檝e picked up different skills and abilities that help me out when I鈥檓 playing against other taller post players who鈥檝e only played that position their whole life. That experience playing other positions also has given me better court vision. I鈥檓 able to see my open teammates if I get double-teamed.鈥�

Coming out of Allen Community College in Kansas, Smith said her recruitment came down to two schools 鈥� Ozarks and an NCAA Division II college in Georgia.

鈥淲hen I visited Ozarks, it was kind of a dreary, rainy day, but you could still tell it was a beautiful campus,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he team was very nice and welcoming and I also talked to other people on campus and everyone was really nice. I really enjoyed seeing people hanging around the mall and talking. That鈥檚 something I didn鈥檛 see on the other campus.鈥�

Smith said the deciding factor in choosing Ozarks was the diversity she saw on campus.

鈥淚 loved the diversity I saw here in the student body,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y hometown has a military base and we get all kinds of people from all over. Throughout school I always met kids from different races and from different places. Ozarks has that same kind of diversity and I really liked that.鈥�

After arriving at Ozarks in 2023, Smith wasted little time making an impact on the program. She was named the American Southwest Conference Newcomer of the Year and All-ASC Second Team after averaging 13.3 points and 10.0 rebounds a game.

鈥淚t has surprised me a little bit how well I鈥檝e fit in and how well I鈥檝e played,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚n junior college, I played mostly guard and I never seemed to get into a groove. Here at Ozarks, playing the post has made the difference for me. I鈥檓 proud of what I鈥檝e accomplished here. To be able to push past the standards that I set for myself when I first arrived and to be able to set new, higher ones is something I鈥檓 proud of. Looking back, I think younger me would be a little shocked at what I鈥檝e accomplished.鈥�

Her most memorable game from the 2023-24 season was an improbable 64-60 upset of third-seeded UT Dallas on the Comets鈥� home court in the first rounds of the ASC Playoffs. Smith had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the monumental victory.

鈥淭hat was also one of my funniest moments because at the end of the game I didn鈥檛 realize that we were winning and that there was only 2 minutes and 30 seconds left to play in the game,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲hen the coach called timeout, I thought we had 2 minutes and 30 seconds until halftime, but it was actually the fourth quarter. I was so into the game that I didn鈥檛 realize that we were winning and that it was the end of the game. I was just zoned in on trying to help our seniors win that game that I blocked everything else out.鈥�

As good as Smith was last year, Watson believes she has continued to improve this year.

鈥淣aomi has become an even better finisher than when she started,鈥� Watson said. 鈥淲e talked a lot about getting all the way to the rim and drawing contact to finish and she has done a great job improving that. This year in particular, she has drawn a double team almost every game, and has had to learn how to navigate that physically and mentally. She has become an even better passer and decision-maker through the year.鈥�

Smith, whose father played semi-pro basketball in Italy and who is now a high school coach in Oklahoma, said she has been playing basketball since she was 5. Her younger sister, Nadia, joined the Eagles鈥� team in the fall.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great to be able to play with her,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淓very now and then we have our sister-bickering, but for the most part we really get along well and enjoy hanging out with each other. It鈥檚 good to have her here because it鈥檚 someone you know and feel comfortable being around.鈥�

Smith, a health science major who is on schedule to graduate this summer, said she plans to pursue a career in athletic training. She has done her student work-study in the University鈥檚 athletic training office.

鈥淥ver the years, a lot of athletic trainers have helped me overcome injuries to play the sport I love and I want to repay that by becoming an athletic trainer and helping other young athletes,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚 just love spending my time with our athletic trainers and watching how they work with the athletes. A lot of people thought the athletic training area was my second home because that鈥檚 where they could always find me.鈥�

But before she begins thinking about her future career, she wants to help the Eagles finish strong this year and secure a spot in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) postseason playoffs in the program鈥檚 first year in its new conference.

鈥淲e definitely want to finish on a high note and get back into the playoffs,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚鈥檓 sure these last few games are going to be emotional because I鈥檝e grown close with my team here and I鈥檓 truly going to miss playing with them.鈥�

The post Piano Music Helps Propel Smith to New Heights on Basketball Court appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

糖心vlog官网 will add women鈥檚 volleyball to its NCAA Division III athletic department beginning the fall 2025 semester, university officials announced Monday.

Women鈥檚 volleyball will represent the 20th varsity sport sponsored by the University and the 10th women鈥檚 sport.  

鈥淎dding women鈥檚 volleyball will not only balance out our men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 sports and expand our tremendous athletic program, it will offer more opportunities for student-athletes to compete and excel,鈥� said Dr. Sergio Molina, director of athletics. 鈥淰olleyball is an appropriate addition because it has been growing in popularity across the region and state. We are excited to offer this dynamic sport to the University community as well as the Arkansas River Valley.鈥�

Collegiate volleyball is a fall sport, typically running from late August through November. The Eagles will play their home matches in Mabee Gymnasium.

Amy Lloyd, vice president for marketing and enrollment, cited the popularity of girls鈥� volleyball in the River Valley and throughout Arkansas as a reason the University pursued adding the sport. One hundred and seventy-two high schools in the state currently compete in girls鈥� volleyball.

鈥淭he popularity of girls鈥� and women鈥檚 volleyball makes this an exciting addition to the athletic program,鈥� Lloyd said. 鈥淲e are thrilled to be able to provide more opportunities for girls in Arkansas and throughout the region to continue their volleyball careers in college.鈥�

Ozarks is the only school in the 12-team Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) that does not sponsor women鈥檚 volleyball. Approximately 420 NCAA Division III colleges and universities throughout the country have women鈥檚 volleyball, including fellow Arkansas Division III schools Hendrix College and Lyon College.

“We are thrilled that 糖心vlog官网 has committed to adding women’s volleyball to its roster of athletic programs,” said SCAC Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. “This exciting addition not only enhances our conference but also exemplifies our commitment to promoting diverse opportunities for student-athletes. We look forward to supporting them on this new journey and witnessing the positive impact it will have on our conference community.”

Lloyd said a nation-wide search for the sport鈥檚 first head coach will begin immediately. The job description for the position can be found HERE.

Women鈥檚 volleyball will be the fifth sport added to the Ozarks athletic department over the past decade, joining men鈥檚 wrestling (2014), men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 clay target shooting (2014), indoor and outdoor track (2015) and swimming and diving (2016).

The post U of O to Add Women鈥檚 Volleyball for 2025 Season appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

Dr. Sergio L. Molina has been named director of athletics at 糖心vlog官网 after holding the interim role the past four months, the University announced Tuesday.

Molina was named interim athletics director in June after Jimmy Clark transitioned to a new position at the University as major gifts officer for athletics after 17 years as director of athletics.

Molina has been an assistant professor of physical education at U of O since 2021 and also served as the University鈥檚 faculty athletics representative (FAR).

鈥淎s the semester progressed it became convincingly clear that Dr. Molina was the choice to continue to lead our athletic department,鈥� said Amy Lloyd, vice president for marketing and enrollment. 鈥淗is leadership and his commitment to our student-athletes during his time as interim athletic director has set a strong foundation for our athletic programs. He has worked to create a thriving environment for our student-athletes and I am confident his vision and passion will continue to inspire our student-athletes and coaching staffs and elevate Eagle athletics to new heights.鈥�

Molina said he was 鈥渄eeply honored鈥� to continue leading the athletics program at Ozarks.

鈥淔or the past four months I’ve enjoyed getting to know the athletic staff and student-athletes in a different light,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur student-athletes continue to amaze me with their accomplishments not only in their sport, but in the classroom and in the community as well. I am looking forward to the future of Ozarks athletics.鈥�

Molina also has nearly a decade of high school and college coaching experience in football and track and field, including a stint as a defensive coordinator at Southwestern College in Kansas where he also served as an adjunct instructor. He has also been an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Missouri Western State University.

Molina leads an athletic program that this semester debuted the Thomas and Frances Wilson Athletic Complex and began play in a new NCAA Division III conference 鈥� the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

A native of Wichita, Kan., Molina earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in exercise science from Wichita State University in Kansas before earning a master鈥檚 degree in physical education from Pittsburg State University in Kansas. In 2015, he earned his Ph.D. in physical education pedagogy from University of South Carolina.

The University will begin a search later this semester for an assistant professor of physical education to fill Molina鈥檚 teaching role, according to Dr. Janie Diels, vice president for academic affairs.

The post Molina Named Director of Athletics as Interim Tag Removed appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

The memorandum of understanding outlines the construction and operation of the facility and was signed earlier this month in Little Rock by Austin Booth (pictured left), director of the AGFC, and Richard Dunsworth, president of U of O.

Under the agreement, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will donate $2 million in matching funds to the project and the University will fund-raise the remaining cost of the project. The facility will be open to the public and will be located on a 140-acre parcel owned by the University just south of Interstate 40.

According to Dunsworth, with AGFC鈥檚 pledge a total of $4.5 million has been committed to the project, including $1.5 million from the University and $1 million from the city of Clarksville.

鈥淲e are one step closer to having a world-class shooting facility right here in Clarksville,鈥� Dunsworth said. 鈥淲e have the full support of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the city of Clarksville and Johnson County, and now we鈥檙e ready to fully launch the fund-raising initiative.鈥�

The AGFC recently devoted an entire division鈥檚 focus to recreational shooting, which includes archery, competitive shotgun shooting and shooting range development.

Booth says the matching pledge is a continuation of the AGFC鈥檚 commitment to recreational shooting and its role in conservation.

鈥淎side from many being hunters and anglers and playing active roles in conservation, all recreational shooters contribute to conservation through the purchase of firearms and ammunition, which supports excise taxes earmarked for conservation work throughout the nation,鈥� Booth said. 鈥淏y increasing ranges in Arkansas, we鈥檙e not only helping remove barriers to hunting, but we鈥檙e also ensuring all who contribute to conservation are represented in our efforts.鈥�

University officials said construction on the first phase of the project could begin once the University raises an additional $10 million. Dunsworth said the fundraising initiative would include naming-right opportunities for donors.

The first phase of the complex (see image below) would include a clubhouse, competition-level sporting clay courses and fields for skeet, trap and bunker as well as a pistol and rifle range. There will also be an archery field. The facility, which would be open to the public, would also include spectator areas, picnic areas and pavilions.

The $5 million second stage would include an RV park and additional support spaces.

According to Dunsworth, the new facility would fill a void of competition-caliber shooting sports complexes in the region. The nearest Olympic-level complex is more than 600 miles away in San Antonio, Texas.

鈥淐lay target shooting and archery are among the fastest-growing sports in the country, from youth on up to the collegiate level,鈥� Dunsworth said. 鈥淥ur research has shown that there are more than 100 junior and senior high and other youth shooting sports programs currently within a 100-mile radius of Clarksville, and we鈥檙e excited about providing a premier facility for these young men and women.鈥�

The shooting complex will be adjacent to and easily visible from Interstate-40, the third-longest freeway in the United States. According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the Clarksville area of I-40 has an average daily traffic volume of approximately 30,000 vehicles.

Under the 15-year agreement, the AGFC staff would operate and manage the pistol and rifle range, and U of O will operate other parts of the facility.

The complex would be the home course of the University鈥檚 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 sports shooting teams as well as local youth and high school shooting programs. Dunsworth said the University plans to create a collegiate archery program once the facility is completed.

The University established the state鈥檚 first board-sanctioned, competitive collegiate shooting program in 2010. Since then the teams have won seven individual and team national championships in sporting clay.

The post U of O, AGFC Join Forces to Build Shooting Sports Facility appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

A group of former 糖心vlog官网 student-athletes are ensuring their legacy as an Eagle remains on campus through their support of the University鈥檚 new Thomas and Frances Wilson Athletic Complex.

Alumni (pictured, from left) Dustin Cole 鈥�06, Rebecca Groff-Preston 鈥�12, Kris Breton 鈥�01, Dr. Jessalyn Halsted 鈥�08 are a few of the dozens of former Ozarks student-athletes who have recently committed donations to help the University complete the funding for the new $10.75 million facility. The complex, which will include new softball, baseball and soccer fields as well as locker rooms and press box, will be completed during the Fall 2024 Semester.

The University has raised approximately $7.4 million toward the $10.75 million complex, including the lead gift of $6.2 million from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Wilson of Tulsa, Okla. The University is fund-raising the remaining $3.35 million of the project鈥檚 total cost and there are numerous naming rights available for various areas of the new complex, including the soccer and softball fields, BBQ deck, dugouts and locker spaces.

Groff-Preston, a former softball and soccer standout at Ozarks, has committed to donate $6,000 over three years to be a part of the Softball Dugout Club.

鈥淎s soon as the opportunity to contribute came across, I was eager to contribute,鈥� said Groff-Preston, who lives in New Jersey where she works as a program manager for the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. 鈥淚n fact, my first call was to my parents to ask if they would also contribute on my behalf. I am incredibly grateful for my parents鈥� contributions to my education, both my undergraduate and master鈥檚 degrees. They worked tirelessly to enable my brother and I to go to college, and without their help, I would not have been at Ozarks, and I would not have had the opportunity to continue to play softball and soccer.鈥�

Groff-Preston said that when she heard that her alma mater was building a new athletic complex, her first thoughts were, 鈥渇inally!鈥�

鈥淚 am grateful to the board, families, friends, and alumni who have donated over the years to adapt with changing equipment, new sports, wear and tear, and so on,鈥� she said. 鈥淎n overhaul to this extent has been in the works for so long, and I was very excited to see the formal announcement come through. Ozarks鈥� athletes will finally be able to practice and play on state-of-the-art fields in mere minutes, compared to hopping on a bus to an away game to do so.鈥�

As one of the first players to help bring back the men鈥檚 soccer program at Ozarks in the late 1990s, Breton said he is proud to have played a role in helping start one of the University鈥檚 most successful programs. The men鈥檚 soccer program has made 21 conference postseason tournaments and won three conference titles since the late 1990s.

鈥淚 chose to go to Ozarks because of the academic scholarship I was awarded and because I could continue playing soccer, but not necessarily in that order,鈥� said Breton, who is director of outreach for Columbia University Engineering in New York City. 鈥淚 had no idea what I wanted to study, but I knew I loved soccer so that influenced me tremendously. That incoming class of soccer recruits in the fall of 1997 was the first to be really recruited. We went through some tough times that first year, but it brought us together. A few of us from that team still talk or text almost daily and 10 or so of us get together every few years, so that’s unique.鈥�

Breton is proud to have committed $3,000 to have his name on one of the men鈥檚 locker room spaces.

鈥淥ne of my old teammates, Eric Steinmiller, has been donating to Ozarks regularly almost since the day he graduated so I really respect that,鈥� Breton said. 鈥淲hen he said he could use a little help in formulating a plan for how our friends could be involved I offered to make a few calls. Everyone is busy and wants to support Ozarks, but isn’t sure how. So a few of us got together to see what we could do together. It was great to talk with a few buddies from that core group and each of them offered to commit to contributing $3k over the next three years.鈥�

Halsted, an optometrist in Northwest Arkansas, has supported the Ozarks Annual Fund for over a decade. A former standout for the women鈥檚 soccer team, Halsted has pledged $2,400 over two years to the Wilson Athletic Complex as part of the women’s soccer Locker Room Club.

鈥淚 first heard about the new complex while serving on the University鈥檚 Alumni Board,鈥� Halsted said. 鈥淢y time at Ozarks was paid for by scholarships and the generosity of others and I hope that I can give that same opportunity to future generations of student-athletes.  I鈥檓 excited to see the future of athletics at Ozarks.鈥�

Halsted and her husband, 2008 Ozarks graduate Alex Gossett, have two young sons.

鈥淚 can’t wait to show my kids the new athletic complex and my name in the locker room,鈥� Halsted said. 鈥淧laying soccer at Ozarks was a highlight of my collegiate experience and I made life-long friendships and memories that I鈥檓 able to share with my children.鈥�  

Cole, a standout pitcher for the Eagles from 2003-06, is a senior vice president at Arkansas Federal Credit Union in Little Rock. He has pledged $6,000 to the new complex as part of the Baseball Dugout Club and $2,400 for a baseball locker.

鈥淧laying baseball at Ozarks and traveling to other NCAA Division III schools, I realized that Ozarks didn鈥檛 have facilities that were comparable to those other schools,鈥� Cole said. 鈥淎 lot of student-athletes make their decisions on where to play college sports based on the fields, locker rooms and overall facilities. If you鈥檙e going to get good players and good students, you need to have nice facilities and the Wilson Athletic Complex certainly fits that definition.鈥�

Cole said attending Ozarks and playing for the Eagles 鈥渉ad a tremendous impact on my life.鈥�

鈥淚t was literally an awesome experience that has been much, much more than just four years playing baseball and getting an education,鈥� Cole said. 鈥淣ot only has it helped in my career, but I鈥檝e made life-long friends from my time there, including my two very best friends. I think it鈥檚 going to be amazing to know that I was a part of helping make this athletic complex a reality. When I show up to alumni games or just visiting campus, it will be really special to see my name and the names of my teammates and friends at the field and know we helped contribute to making it possible.鈥�

Jimmy Clark, the former director of athletics at Ozarks who is now serving as the major gifts officer for athletics, said there are numerous opportunities for other alumni student-athletes to contribute to the project.

鈥淚 am very proud to know Dustin, Becca, Kris and Jessalyn,鈥� Clark said. 鈥� They were leaders when they were here as students and they continue to be leaders now that they are alumni. The example they have set by monetarily supporting the athletic campaign is something we need all of our former athletes to do.  We need everybody reading this to talk with your former teammates and figure out a way to participate.鈥�

Groff-Preston encourages other former Eagles to play a role in completing the Wilson Athletic Complex.

鈥淚 encourage other alumni and friends to contribute to this project however they are able,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to go back and see my name on that complex and I hope to see a lot of my former teammates鈥� names as well. I think it will be very similar to seeing my brick in alumni plaza back in May 2012. What a celebrated day that was, and even more so, seeing my friends, teammates, and alumni names right along with me.鈥�

For more information on how to support the Wilson Athletic Complex, please contact Jimmy Clark at jclark@ozarks.edu or call 479-979-1363.

The post Former Eagles Stepping Up to Support Completion of Wilson Athletic Complex appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.

Dr. Sergio L. Molina has been named interim director of athletics at 糖心vlog官网, effective immediately.

Molina has been an assistant professor of physical education at U of O since 2021 and has served as the University鈥檚 faculty athletics representative (FAR) since February of 2022. He replaces Jimmy Clark, who transitioned to a new position earlier this month as a major gifts officer for athletics after 17 years as athletics director at the University.

鈥淚 am grateful to have the opportunity to move over to athletics in a leadership role,鈥� Molina said. 鈥淥ver the past two and a half years I have been able to get to know the coaches and many of the student-athletes in my role as faculty athletics representative. I am looking forward to continue working with them in a different capacity.鈥�

Molina also has nearly a decade of high school and college coaching experience in football and track and field, including a stint as a defensive coordinator at Southwestern College in Kansas where he also served as an adjunct instructor. He has also been an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Missouri Western State University.

鈥淪ergio brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to both athletic excellence and the academic success of our student-athletes,鈥� said Amy Lloyd, vice president for marketing and enrollment. 鈥淚 am confident his leadership will provide the stability and guidance needed during this period.鈥�

Molina will lead an athletic program that will debut the Thomas and Frances Wilson Athletic Complex this upcoming academic year as well as transition to a new NCAA Division III conference on July 1 鈥� the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting time for Eagle athletics with the new outdoors facilities and moving to a new conference,鈥� Molina said. 鈥淚 am looking forward to working collaboratively with the University community and the accomplished coaches, sports medicine and communications teams, and administrative staff as we prepare our student-athletes for an exciting 2024-25 year in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.鈥�

A native of Wichita, Kan., Molina earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in exercise science from Wichita State University in Kansas before earning a master鈥檚 degree in physical education from Pittsburg State University in Kansas. In 2015, he earned his Ph.D. in physical education pedagogy from University of South Carolina.

Nearly 300 students compete in the 19 varsity sports offered at Ozarks.

The post Molina Named Interim Director of Athletics appeared first on 糖心vlog官网.