ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State begins NCAA Regional play on Thursday when the No. 3 seed Reddies take on the No. 6 seed Northeastern State at 2 p.m. in Magnolia, Ark. Regardless of result, HSU will play again on Friday at either 2 p.m. with a loss or 6 p.m. with a victory.

REDDIES REPORT
– The Reddies (38-15) put together a strong showing in the 2022 GAC Tournament last week in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and finished as the league’s runner-up. With three wins in Hot Springs, HSU jumped up to the No. 3 seed in the Central Region, earning a spot in Southern Arkansas’s regional just 75 miles from campus in Arkadelphia. The tournament format is double-elimination, so each team is guaranteed at least two postseason contests.

– Henderson is the highest-seeded at-large team in the region and will be playing an NCAA Tournament contest as the higher seed for the first time in program history on Thursday. In each of their last two trips to the Central Regional Tournament in 2015 and 2021, the Reddies were the No. 6 seed and the final team to make the bracket. HSU set program records this spring with 38 wins, 23 conference victories and a 14-0 winning-streak to open the season.

– HSU was the top pitching team in the GAC this year and boasts a team ERA of 4.28 — a mark which ranks 28th nationally. Henderson had two 2022 First Team All-GAC pitchers in starter Spencer Taack and reliever Brayden Bebee, while starter Ryan Galvan is 6-0 on the year with a 3.28 ERA. Reliever Andrew Howard, who was a 2022 GAC All-Tournament honoree, has a 6-3 record, 2.81 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched. Opponents hit a conference-low .239 against HSU pitching this season.

– As a team, the Reddies are hitting .288 and slugging .464. Henderson finished second in the GAC with 111 doubles and outscored its opponents 391-262 on the season. HSU has five everyday position players hitting .290 or better and counts nine players who have 20 or more RBIs this spring.

– First baseman Greyson Stevens and second baseman Kaden Argenbright are the only two Reddies who have started all 53 games this spring for the red and gray. Stevens bats .356 with a team-high 72 hits, 19 doubles and 47 RBIs. Argenbright is hitting .304 with 65 hits, 17 doubles and 35 RBIs as the lead-off man. Left fielder David Vilches, who has set a new school record with 17 home runs this year, has played in all 53 contests, while centerfielder Bryson Haskins has played and started in 52 of the 53.

– Stevens has written his name across the Reddie record books and has a chance to do so further at the NCAA Tournament. The 2022 All-GAC selection is HSU’s all-time leader in RBIs (130), ranks second in program history in hits (183) and third in home runs (24). He needs 12 more hits and four more home runs to become Henderson’s program leader in both categories. The Pottsville, Arkansas native is currently one of just five players in school history to record 70 or more hits in a single season.

– Third baseman Dillon Thomas vaulted his way into the Reddies’ lineup in March and has been a staple ever since. Thomas leads the team with a .406 batting average and has recorded at least one hit in 28 of Henderson’s last 31 games. He earned 2022 All-GAC Tournament honors in Hot Springs after going 9-for-18 in four games at the plate.

– Henderson was impressive this season against good teams and enters the Central Regional 23-10 on the year against teams with records over .500. HSU was 2-3 against regional host-Southern Arkansas and 5-1 against No. 8 seed and regional qualifier Ouachita Baptist.

– HSU is 7-4 all-time at the NCAA DII Tournament and 5-2 all-time in the Central Regional. Six of those victories came in 2015, when Henderson won the region title and captured two wins at the College World Series in Cary, North Carolina. The Reddies lost to eventual national runners-up Central Missouri and Minnesota State last season, but eliminated Augustana in Warrensburg, Missouri.

– The Reddies are 30-3 this year when leading after six innings and are 53-4 overall in the last two seasons when holding a lead after six complete. Henderson is 21-1 this spring when it commits no errors and is 23-7 when it scores first.

SCOUTING THE MAGNOLIA REGIONAL FIELD
– No. 2 seed Southern Arkansas enters its 14th NCAA Tournament riding high after capturing the 2022 GAC regular season and tournament titles this spring. The Muleriders (41-11) won 27 games in the GAC and were 16-3 at home inside Walker Stadium and Goodheart Field. SAU hits .314 as a club and is led by a barrage of offensive weapons. Brandon Nicoll and Brett McGee have each driven in 64 runs this season, while Tucker Burton has blasted 16 home runs. Southern Arkansas also boasts 2022 GAC Pitcher of the Year, Jeremy Adorno, who has a 14-0 record in 14 starts, a 2.16 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 95.2 innings pitched. The Muleriders are hosting the regional tournament for the third time in program history.

– No. 6 seed Northeastern State is making its first-ever appearance at the NCAA Tournament after finishing a terrific campaign with a record of 37-16 overall. The RiverHawks are one of the best offensive teams in the country with a batting average of .330 and a national-high 117 home runs this season. NSU is one of just 12 teams in the country with 600 or more hits as a club and is No. 3 nationally in team slugging percentage (.609). Northeastern has one of the top outfield duos in all of NCAA DII in Blake Freeman and Brock Reller. Freeman is No. 3 in the country with 89 hits this year, while Reller ranks No. 3 nationally in home runs (27) and RBIs (82). The RiverHawks’ ace is Jonathan Smithey, who has a 7-2 record in 13 starts, a 3.18 ERA and 65 strikeouts compared to just 18 walks.

– No. 7 seed Washburn is also making its inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance at the Magnolia Regional. The Ichabods finished 33-20 overall and won four games at the MIAA Tournament in Edmond, Oklahoma to seize the No. 7 seed in the final rankings. Washburn is batting .301 as a team and has a staff ERA of 5.78. The Ichabods’ top hitters are Brett Ingram, who has a .365 average, 80 hits, 20 doubles, 11 home runs and 45 RBIs this spring, and slugger Parker Dunn, who has racked up 17 home runs and 59 RBIs while slugging .626. Washburn has a deep pitching staff with 14 players who have made 10 or more appearances on the mound this season. Reliever Dalton Huggins has pitched in a whopping 28 contests and carries a 3.82 ERA with five saves in 68.1 innings pitched.

The post Henderson State opens 2022 Central Regional on Thursday appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

WEATHERFORD, Okla. — After falling behind 67-66 with 3:40 left on Saturday, Henderson State closed the game on a 14-3 run to defeat Southwestern Oklahoma State 80-70 at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center.

The win was the 100th for head coach Jimmy Elgas at Henderson State. Elgas becomes just the fourth coach in program history to win 100 or more games at the school, joining Don Dyer (316), Rand Chappell (120) and Grady Bean (101).

Five different players scored in double figures for the Reddies (8-5, 4-3) in the victory. Malik Riddle finished with a team-high 17 points — 14 of which came in the second half. Ryan Boyce had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Xavier Davenport added 12 and Quawn Marshall and Alvin Miles each had 11.

After a back-and-forth start, Henderson was in control of the game for most of the afternoon. The lead changed hands 12 times in the first 15 minutes of the opening half, but with the score knotted at 22-22, the Reddies put together a big run. HSU used 3-pointers from Riddle and Miles, as well as an alley-oop jam from Boyce, to power an 11-1 run and surge in front 33-23 at the 2:39 mark.

SWOSU looked to steal some momentum before the break, and used an 8-0 spurt to trim the deficit to 33-31, but a 3-pointer from Graham Chenault in the last minute of the half and a buzzer-beating jumper from Miles reestablished a 38-31 lead for Henderson after 20 minutes. The Reddies hit four 3-pointers in the last five minutes of the period.

The Bulldogs scored the first five points of the second half to trim the lead down to 38-36, but HSU had an answer and got five quick points from Riddle to help extend the advantage back out to 45-36 with 15:13 remaining. Henderson continued to slowly stretch the lead over the next several minutes, as back-to-back 3-pointers from Miles and Davenport gave the Reddies their largest lead of the game, 56-45, at the 11:33 mark.

Although Southwestern continued to try and climb back, HSU was able to keep them at bay as the game entered its final stretch. The Bulldogs got as close at 59-55 with 8:24 left behind a 10-3 run, but a 3-pointer from Riddle and a bucket from Boyce helped Henderson go up 64-57 with 6:54 to go.

At that moment, the game flipped in SWOSU’s favor. After leading for the entire second half, the Reddies watched as Southwestern put together a 10-2 run over the next three minutes and seized a 67-66 advantage with 3:40 remaining in the game.

With the momentum suddenly on the home team’s bench and trailing for the first time since the first half, the Reddies answered the bell with the run that would define the game. A jumper from Boyce quickly gave the lead back to HSU and back-to-back driving layups from Marshall on the next two possessions stretched the advantage to 72-67 at the 1:39 mark.

A 3-pointer from the Bulldogs, which would prove to be their last points of the game, cut the deficit to 72-70 with 1:13 left, but Henderson was too much in the final minute. Marshall again came through with a slicing lay-in to make it 74-70 on the ensuing possession for HSU and the Reddies locked down SWOSU on the other end. Southwestern missed four shots and committed a turnover in the last 35 seconds, as Henderson was able to salt the game away at the free throw line and win it, 80-70.

The Reddies shot a scorching 69.6% (16-of-23) from the floor in the second half and hit a season-high 11 3-pointers in the game. Henderson also shared the ball exceptionally well and finished with 22 assists — the most in a single game for the program since 2019. The victory was the 11th-straight for HSU over Southwestern Oklahoma.

Henderson returns to the floor on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. when it hosts rival Ouachita Baptist at the Duke Wells Center.

The post Elgas wins 100th game at Henderson State with victory at SWOSU appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Following one of the best receiving performances in school history against UAM, Henderson State’s L’liott Curry was named Great American Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.

Curry was simply unstoppable against the Boll Weevils and finished the night with 10 receptions for a career-high 228 yards and four touchdowns. The senior from Guthrie, Okla. pulled in touchdown catches of 6, 48, 58, and 62 yards in the 58-18 win.

His 228 receiving yards were the fourth-most in a single game in school history and his four touchdowns marked only the second time in the last 20 years that a Reddie receiver has pulled in four or more touchdown passes.

Curry, who was a 2021 Preseason All-American by multiple publications, has lived up to that billing so far and leads the GAC with 416 receiving yards. He is second in the league with five touchdowns and is averaging a conference-best 138.7 yards per game. The GAC weekly award is the second of Curry’s career at Henderson and is the first for a Reddie this season.

The Reddies (3-0) face their toughest test of the season this Saturday night when they host rival Southern Arkansas at 6 p.m. inside Carpenter-Haygood Stadium and Ruggles Field.

The post HSU’s L’liott Curry named GAC Offensive Player of the Week appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

TULSA, Okla. – History was made on two different fronts in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the 22nd Annual NSU Women’s Classic in regards to the Henderson State women’s golf program and the NSU Classic in its 22 year entirety.

Henderson’s Gracen Blount broke the NSU Classic all-time record low with a first-place score of 7-under 137, seeing her second tournament victory of the season.

The Reddies as a team shattered the previous team record for a par 72 event of 21-over 597, shooting a two-round score of even-par 576 to win the NSU Classic at The Club at Indian Springs.

Blount made her own HSU history, shooting the lowest round in HSU history with a 5-under 67. This comes less than a week out from teammate Allie Bianchi tying the lowest round in program history with a 3-under 69.

After carding a 2-over 290 on day one, HSU flipped the script with a 2-under 286 through the final 18 holes. In addition to obliterating the previously held team record for a total event, the Reddies also claimed their best team single round in program history with the sub-par round.

Blount registered six birdies in the second round and nine birdies for the entire tournament. As a team, HSU hit 13 birdies and one eagle on the final day of competition.

The junior from Hot Springs, Arkansas, also submitted the lowest event total ever recorded at Henderson with her 36-hole score of 7-under 137, giving her the first-place nod for the second tournament in a row.

Daphney Tilton saw her highest finish as a Reddie, finishing as runner-up with a 3-under 141. Until Blount delivered her historic performance, Tilton’s 3-under event total was the lowest par 72 total in two rounds of action.

Allie Bianchi tied the field with the second-best round of the day at 1-under 71, moving up 14 spots to take a tie for sixth with a 3-over 147. The Lovejoy High School product delivered the only eagle of the tournament, holing out in two on the par 4 fifth hole of the second 18.

Hannah Choi and Kathleen Escobar rounded out the Reddie golfers, coming in a tie for 27th and tie for 30th with an 8-over 152 and a 9-over 153, respectively.

First year head coach Colton Cowan is now 2-0 as the point man of the Henderson State women’s golf program, having won last week’s Central Region Fall Preview. Next up for the Reddies is the UCO Classic in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Oct. 4-5.

The post Blount breaks tournament record in second straight win for Reddie women appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State Athletics has announced the hiring of Colton Cowan as the new head coach of the Reddies men’s and women’s golf programs.

Cowan, who comes to HSU following a two-year stint as the women’s golf assistant coach at NCAA Division I Austin Peay State, was selected after a national search and will replace Forrest Schultz, who recently departed for Troy University.

“After a thorough search that extended across our region and nationally, it became very clear that Colton was the right fit to lead the Reddie Golf programs,” Director of Athletics Shawn Jones said. “Colton brings tremendous collegiate coaching experience at both the Division I level and inside the Great American Conference, but what struck me most about him was his passion for the game, his care for his student-athletes and his infectious positive energy that I know he will bring to work every day. He is well suited to continue the rich tradition of the Reddie Golf programs and I look forward to everyone getting to know Colton and his wife Chrystal, as they are outstanding additions to the Reddie Athletics family.”

A native of Piedmont, Oklahoma, Cowan spent five seasons as both a player and assistant coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State prior to his time at Austin Peay. Cowan was a three-year letter winner for the Bulldogs from 2014-17 and served as SWOSU’s graduate assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s teams until 2019.

“I am incredibly humbled and excited to be the head coach of Reddie Golf,” Cowan said. “To be given the opportunity to lead a program as accomplished and poised for future success as Henderson State is a true blessing. I am privileged to be the next in line to direct this phenomenal program and I cannot wait to get started.”

During his two seasons at SWOSU, Cowan helped the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs each secure two appearances in the NCAA Central Regional Tournament and led the women’s team to a berth in the 2019 NCAA National Finals. At the 2019 NCAA DII Championships, SWOSU advanced to medal match play before eventually bowing out in the national semifinals. In Cowan’s tenure, Southwestern Oklahoma State produced six Academic All-Americans and two WGCA All-Region players in Gloria Choi and Elin Wahlin.

At Austin Peay State, Cowan was part of a staff that guided the Lady Governors to seven Top-5 team finishes from 2019 to 2021. APSU took sixth at the 2021 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and was the recipient of the 2021 OVC Team Sportsmanship award.

“Colton Cowan is an excellent choice to lead the Henderson State golf programs,” Troy University head coach and former Henderson State head coach Forrest Schultz said. “I have known Colton for many years as both a player and a coach, and he is as good a person and teacher of the game of golf as they come. I know he will make a tremendous positive impact and continue the success the program has enjoyed.”

Cowan will officially begin his duties at Henderson State on July 19.

The post HSU hires Colton Cowan as head golf coach appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State Athletics has announced the hiring of Scotty Serio (’14) as the new head coach for the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs.

Serio, a Red Wave alum and former assistant whose most recent stop was as the head coach at McKinney High School in McKinney, Texas, follows Hall of Honor inductee Coak Matthews, who retired as head coach after 39 years in April.

“I am incredibly excited to welcome Scotty Serio back to Henderson State as the next head coach of our swimming and diving programs,” Director of Athletics Shawn Jones said. “Scotty is a Reddie through and through, and his passion for both this program and the University was evident throughout the search process. His wealth of experience from coaching at the highest classification of high school swimming in Texas has prepared him to lead the Red Wave into the future. Scotty checked every box for us and what we were looking for. We cannot wait to see him take this program and make it his own in the coming years.”

A McKinney, Texas native, Serio was a team captain for HSU under Matthews in both 2012 and 2013, and said he is excited to come home for what he sees as a dream job.

“Today truly is a dream come true for me,” Serio said. “I am eager to serve my alma mater and am honored to be entrusted with the Red Wave program that was an integral part of my development as an athlete, coach, and father.”

Serio is no stranger to following a coaching legend. In 2016, he took over the reins at McKinney High School from his father, Sam, who spent 33 years as head coach and led the Lions to nine district and four regional championships.

In the younger Serio’s five seasons at McKinney, he was twice named District Diving Coach of the Year and helped the Lions break several long-standing records at the school. Under his leadership, McKinney’s women’s team never failed to finish in the Top-6 of the 6-6A region and the men clinched Top-12 region results in each of the last two seasons.

Before succeeding his father, Serio was an assistant coach for Prosper High School in Prosper, Texas, from 2015 to 2016, where he was named both Boys and Girls District Diving Coach of the Year. In 2014, he served as head coach for beginners and high school age students at the Metroplex Aquatics Swim Club in Allen, Texas — the second-largest club team in the state.

Serio was introduced to collegiate coaching in the 2013-14 season when he served as a student assistant for the Red Wave men’s and women’s programs. In his time as an assistant for Henderson, Serio worked with sprint, individual medley and distance groups, helped develop multiple NCAA national qualifiers, and co-designed the Red Wave weight program.

Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Serio was a stand-out in the pool for the Red Wave from 2010 to 2013. He took third-place and scored 16 points for Henderson at the 2012 NSISC Championship meet in the 1-meter dive, placed sixth in the same event at the 2013 conference championships, and had Top-10 NSISC finishes as a leg of both the 400-yard freestyle relay and 200-yard medley relay. In Serio’s senior season in 2013, the Red Wave finished No. 20 in the country at the NCAA DII National Championships.

“During the interview process, I was deeply impressed with Coach Serio’s passion for Henderson State University and the Red Wave swimming and diving program,” said Henderson State Chancellor Dr. Jim Borsig. “I believe his love for our school and this community will shine through in the way he coaches and mentors our Red Wave student-athletes every day. We are excited for Coach Serio and his family, and are thrilled to welcome them back home.”

Serio will officially begin his duties at Henderson State on July 1, 2021.

The post Henderson State names Scotty Serio as Swimming and Diving Coach appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

WARRENSBURG, Mo. — A magical 2021 season came to a close for Henderson State on Sunday afternoon as the Reddies fell to No. 3 seed Minnesota State 7-4 in the semifinal round of the NCAA Central Regional.

The loss ends the year for GAC Champion HSU, who finishes with a 27-19 record and as one of the last four teams standing in a stacked Central Region. The Reddies faced the top three seeds at the regional tournament, all of whom were ranked inside the Top-15 nationally, and battled three starting pitchers who were a combined 26-1 on the year.

Henderson, the No. 6 seed, led for the majority of the game against the No. 13 team in the country, Minnesota State. The Reddies took a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI double from Kaden Argenbright, then extended their advantage to 3-0 in the second inning on a two-run single from Alec Lewis.

The Mavericks got two runs back in the bottom half of the third to cut their deficit to 3-2, but at that point, both pitchers settled in. MSU’s Brendan Knoll, who gave up five straight hits in the third, proceeded to sit the next 14 Reddie batters down in order, while HSU freshman Ethan Perry, who entered in the fourth, kept Minnesota State off the board for the next four innings.

The contest turned for HSU in the eighth. Clinging to a 3-2 lead, Henderson got back-to-back hits from Argenbright and Lewis to put runners on the corners with no one out. The Mavericks escaped, however, as their All-American reliever Hunter Even left two stranded to keep the score intact.

Minnesota State capitalized on the momentum in the bottom half and used four hits, including a three-run home run, to plate five runs and seize a 7-3 lead.

Down to their final three outs, Henderson refused to go away quietly in the top of the ninth. HSU got a solo home run from Danny Mitchell Jr. to make it 7-4, then got back-to-back singles and a walk to load the bases with two outs. With a chance to pull off another furious comeback, the Reddies saw a full-count strike call go against them, which ended the game for MSU.

Argenbright had three hits and two doubles to lead HSU at the plate, while Lewis finished with two hits and two RBIs. Joe Myers recorded two hits in his final game for the Reddies, which was the 195th of his career.

Perry took the loss despite a terrific performance where he threw four innings, struck out four, and allowed just two runs on four hits. Brayden Bebee entered briefly for Henderson in the eighth, which marked his third appearance in three games at the Central Regional.

Originally picked seventh in the 2021 GAC Preseason Poll, the Reddies won the program’s first conference title in 39 years this spring and earned the school’s second-ever berth to the NCAA Tournament.

The post Henderson State’s historic season ends at Central Regional appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Trailing 7-5 in the bottom of the 11th inning, Henderson State scored three runs without putting the ball in play to walk off No. 2 seed Augustana 8-7 and stay alive at the 2021 NCAA DII Central Regional.

With the win, the Reddies (27-18) advance to face the loser of the Minnesota State and Southern Arkansas contest tomorrow at 11 a.m. The victory is the first for HSU at the NCAA Tournament since 2015.

Henderson led for almost the entire game on Saturday and held a 4-1 lead in the eighth inning, but Augustana plated three runs on four hits to swing momentum and tie it 4-4. HSU rallied and got a bases-loaded walk from Greyson Stevens in the bottom half of the inning to retake a 5-4 advantage.

Down to their final strike in the ninth, the Vikings answered on a bases-loaded walk of their own which knotted the score once again. However, Cade Tucker, who entered with runners on the corners and no outs, avoided the big inning for the Reddies, who went down in order in the bottom half to send the game into extras.

Both teams had opportunities to score in the 10th. Augustana loaded the bases with two outs against Henderson reliever Blake Patterson in the top half, but Patterson got an infield pop-up to escape with no damage done. The Reddies put two runners on with one out in their turn to hit, but could not score after a fielder’s choice and a flyout ended the threat.

The Vikings finally broke through and took their first lead of the game in the 11th frame. Augustana used three hits, including a two-run single, to seize a 7-5 advantage and push HSU to the brink of elimination.

The Reddies caught some luck in the bottom of the 11th when the Vikings removed ace reliever Caleb Kranz, who had struck out six in four innings of relief to that point. HSU immediately took advantage, as the first three batters reached base on back-to-back walks and a hit by pitch.

With the bases loaded and no one out, Augustana made its second pitching change of the inning. Logan Cowart, who entered as a defensive replacement for Henderson in the seventh, came to the plate and worked an eight-pitch walk — the third of the 11th for the Vikings — to bring a runner home and cut the lead to 7-6.

Down by a single run, HSU caught another break on the next at-bat when the Augustana hurler sent a pitch flying over the head of his catcher and into the backstop. First Team All-GAC pitcher Spencer Taack, who had been inserted to pinch run, took advantage and slid home to tie the game at 7-7.

Suddenly in a tie game with still no outs accounted for, the Vikings intentionally walked Bryson Haskins and went to their third pitcher of the inning, who entered cold out of the bullpen to face Henderson freshman Corbin Tsistinas.

On the first pitch of the at-bat with the bases loaded, Tsistinas was plunked squarely on the shoulder to set off the celebration for HSU and win the game for the Reddies on a walk-off hit by pitch. In the final half-inning, Henderson had six-straight batters reach safely without recording a hit. Augustana’s last three pitchers each failed to record a single out.

Patterson, a sixth-year senior, got the win for the Reddies in relief. He pitched the final two innings and gave up two runs on five hits. Henderson starter Matthew Baker was phenomenal and surrendered one run on four hits in five-plus innings while striking out five. Both Tucker and Brayden Bebee pitched on back-to-back days out of the bullpen for HSU and did not allow a hit in two combined frames.

Haskins led Henderson at the plate and finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and two walks. Josh Aguilar also recorded three hits for the Reddies, while Danny Mitchell Jr. had two hits and scored two runs.

The post Reddies walk off wild win to advance in Central Regional appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

ARKADELPHIA — After nearly four decades at the helm of Henderson State’s swimming and diving programs, head coach Coak Matthews has announced his retirement. Matthews will stay on staff at Henderson State in a part-time role as the Director of Aquatics and Operations.

One of the most decorated coaches in Henderson State history, Matthews’ first season with the Red Wave came in 1982-83 and his coaching tenure has spanned 39 years. During his illustrious run as the front man for the men’s and women’s programs, Matthews led HSU to a remarkable 24 AIC and NSISC conference championships and was named conference coach of the year 15 times.

“Coak Matthews has dedicated his professional life to the Henderson State swimming and diving programs, and has mentored thousands of student-athletes during his decorated career,” Director of Athletics Shawn Jones said. “His list of accolades and accomplishments is staggering, but as impressive as his results in the pool are, equally as important to his legacy is what an incredible mentor, role model and teacher he has been for his teams. His service to not just Henderson State, but to this community, is remarkable. I’m so thrilled that Coak is going to continue to assist the program and the new head coach in his part-time role as Director of Aquatics and Operations. I’m also happy for his family, which has played such a big part in his career, to get to enjoy some well-earned time together away from the rigors of competition. We look forward to celebrating coach Matthews and his hall of fame career in the fall during alumni weekend, when we are hopeful that many of the countless alumni he has coached can celebrate with us.”

A certified master level coach by the College Swimming Coaches Association, Matthews has coached over 200 All-Americans, four individuals who won national championships and has led both the men’s and women’s programs at Henderson State to numerous Top-10 national finishes at the NAIA and NCAA II levels of competition. Matthews, who was named the CSCAA National Diving Coach of the Year in 1990 and the NAIA National Men’s Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year in 1994, was inducted into the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Henderson State Athletic Hall of Honor in 2003.

“Who could have imagined in 1982 when I was put in contact with Mickey O’Quinn, the athletic director at Henderson State — a school I had never heard of — that almost 39 remarkable years later I would now be looking back with fond memories as I retire. It has been a wild and glorious ride. During my tenure, I’ve been blessed to work with so many wonderful people; from coaches, to seven different presidents and athletic directors, to our marvelous student-athletes. I’m very appreciative of Shawn Jones for his incredible leadership and support over the last seven years. I would also like to thank Shawn, along with Dr. Jim Borsig and Rita Fleming, for providing me the opportunity to continue serving in a part-time capacity as the Director of Aquatics and Operations.

Prior to coming to Henderson, I had several different coaching opportunities in front of me, but after 39 years of being able to work for this university and in this community, I believe with all my heart that I made the right choice. I always recruited and coached as if the results depended on me and how hard I worked, but through prayer and His wisdom, Jesus blessed me with an amazing, successful career coaching our student-athletes in the pool. It was important to me that I taught them life lessons and helped prepare them to make a difference in the world once they left our campus. I pray these goals have been achieved for all the amazing young people who crossed paths with me. The biggest blessing of coming to Arkadelphia was meeting my wonderful, supportive wife, Mary, and raising our three beautiful children, who are all now Reddies, in this great place to call home. I am very grateful to The Lord Jesus for allowing me this incredible opportunity at ‘The School with a Heart.'”

A 1973 graduate of Memorial High School in Houston, Texas and a 1977 graduate of the University of Arkansas, Matthews got his start as the head coach of the Houston Swim Club in 1978. After serving as the head coach of the Quail Valley Athletic Club from 1979-1982, Matthews came to Henderson State and has been a fixture in the athletic department ever since.

Matthews’ positive impact on the program was felt almost instantly upon his arrival, as the Red Wave men won five AIC championships between 1983 and 1988. In 1989, Matthews restarted the women’s program at Henderson and from 1989 to 1997, the men’s team won nine-consecutive league titles, while the women won conference championships in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998. The most recent titles for Matthews and HSU came as a member of the NSISC, which the men won in 2005 and the women clinched in 2012.

Individually, Matthews coached Henderson State’s first ever diving All-American, Don Mixon, and the first swimming All-American, David Haynes. Under Matthews’ tutelage, Mixon earned All-American honors in the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the 1983 NAIA national championships and was an Honorable Mention All-American again in 1984. Haynes was named a First Team All-American in the pool in 1986, becoming the first individual in program history to earn First Team honors in both the 200-yard individual medley and 200-yard breaststroke.

Matthews also coached the two most decorated swimmers in program history, Bobby Cullen and Scott Hanshaw, who were both four-time NAIA All-Americans. Cullen and Hanshaw combined to win eight individual national championships from 1989-1992 and helped lead the Red Wave to the program’s highest-ever national ranking of No. 3 in 1991. Mixon, Cullen and Hanshaw are all in HSU’s Athletic Hall of Honor alongside Matthews.

In the NCAA era, which began in 1993, Matthews was responsible for the program’s first two national champions when Emre Celik won the 200-yard backstroke in both 2005 and 2006, and Zach Interrante won the 100-yard butterfly title in 2010.

The excellence in the pool for Henderson State during Matthews’ tenure is perhaps only overshadowed by its success in the classroom. Under his steady hand, the Red Wave men and women combined to earn nearly 100 CSCAA All-Academic Team awards and produce hundreds of Academic All-Americans.

An icon of the sport in the state of Arkansas, Matthews’ impact exceeded far beyond the walls of the Wells Natatorium. In addition to his work at HSU, Matthews served as the swim coach at Arkadelphia High School from 1983 to 2005, where he led the Lady Badgers to state titles in 1986 and 1987.

While at Arkadelphia High, Matthews helped develop Lady Badger-great Nancy Duncan, who went on to be named a three-time NCAA All-American at the University of Arkansas and competed in the 1988 Olympic Trials in the 50-yard freestyle.
Outside of competition, Matthews has dedicated much of his time to advancing the sport of swimming in Arkadelphia and the surrounding community. Throughout his career, Matthews has taught and organized swimming lessons, summer All-Star clinics, and camps in Southwest Arkansas.

Plans to celebrate Matthews have been set for alumni weekend on Oct. 22-23 in the Garrison Center grand ballroom. Details on the event will be released at a later date.

Those who would like to make a donation to the swimming and diving programs in honor of Matthews are encouraged to go to hsusports.com/donate and select “Coak Matthews Swim Scoreboard Fund.” All proceeds will go towards a new scoreboard in the Wells Natatorium that will be named in Matthews’ honor.

“The scoreboard project is very near and dear to my heart,” Matthews said. “This is something that will really benefit the program. I am so honored and appreciative of the recognition it will include and I hope the alumni and friends of Red Wave swimming and diving will feel led to support this need as a way of celebrating the past, present and future of the Red Wave.”

A national search for the next head coach of the Henderson State swimming and diving programs will begin immediately.

Statement from Dr. Charles Welch, Arkansas State University System President and Former President of Henderson State University:
“It’s hard to imagine Henderson athletics without the legendary Coak Matthews. His commitment to the Reddies through the years has been extraordinary, and he has positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes over the past four decades. We appreciate his leadership in Henderson athletics, and his part-time role will be invaluable during the aquatics program transition.”

Statement from Dr. Jim Borsig, Chancellor of Henderson State University:
“Coak Matthews is an icon of Henderson State and a true Reddie legend. Coak’s well-earned legacy of excellence both in and out of the pool is a testament to his character and enduring commitment to the Red Wave and the university. We are so grateful for his nearly four decades of exemplary service and look forward to seeing him continue with us in his part-time role as the Director of Aquatics and Operations.”

The post Coak Matthews announces retirement from HSU after 39 years appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.

RUSSELLVILLE – The No. 19/18 ranked Arkansas Tech women’s basketball team dominated both sides of the court from the opening tip to the final horn as they routed visiting Henderson State by a score of 98-62 on Thursday night inside Tucker Coliseum.

The win improves the Golden Suns to an unblemished 7-0 record overall and a 6-0 mark in the Great American Conference.

The dominance in the game started early for the Golden Suns as they scored the game’s first points on their very first possession to stake claim to their one and only lead. From there on, the Golden Suns took control of the game thanks to a remarkable shooting effort.

In the first quarter alone, the Golden Suns attempted 16 field goals and made 12 of them as they were an unconscious 75% overall. Naturally, the Golden Suns would not continue to shoot at such a high clip as the game wore on, but they still managed to shoot at least 50% from the field in each of the final three quarters of play. All told, the Golden Suns shot 57% overall for the game, going 38-of-67.

The 57% shooting for the Golden Suns matched a season-high that they first achieved in their 115-94 win over Southern Arkansas back on January 14.

As they have done all season long, the Golden Suns got offensive production from multiple sources. Against the Reddies, all 13 players that saw action scored at least two points. Five of those players scored in double figures with Jalei Oglesby scoring a game-high 18 points off the bench. Nikki Metcalfe was next in scoring with 14 points. She also added 10 rebounds to notch her second double-double of the season.

Ashlei Lopez was next in scoring with 13 points. Jayana Sanders and Trelyn Tyler rounded out double-figure scoring with 12 points each.

The Golden Suns will now prepare for a Monday night clash with rival Harding. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside Tucker Coliseum.

The post No. 18/19 Arkansas Tech dominant in win over Henderson State appeared first on ArkansasSports.Net.