A century ago, the Arkansas football team returned from defeating LSU and as the legend goes coach Hugo Bezdek proclaimed his team “played like a wild band of razorback hogs.” The name caught on and the scene was much the same Tuesday evening as the University of Arkansas’ “100 Years of Razorbacks” celebration began in downtown Fayetteville.
The community-wide event was highlighted by the announcement of a year-long celebration commemorating“100 Years of Razorbacks.”Several year-long initiatives were announced by Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long. University of Arkansas Chancellor Dr. G. David Gearhart, head football coach Bobby Petrino and former head football coach and athletic director Frank Broyles also participated in the celebration’s kickoff event. Student-athletes and coaches from nearly all 19 Arkansas sports were also in attendance.
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe proclaimed July 21st “The Day of the Arkansas Razorback,” and Fayetteville mayor, Lioneld Jordan, called for July 21 to be “Celebration of the Razorback Day.”
As part of the University of Arkansas’ Historical Marker Program, a special marker was unveiled recognizing the first century of Razorbacks.
The yearlong celebration will include a special “100 Years of Razorbacks” event in each of Arkansas’ 19 sports throughout the year.
All Razorback fans are encouraged to be a part of the celebration by participating in three interactive contests that will take place during the course of the year. With the help of Razorback fans, the “100 Greatest Razorback Moments” will be selected as will the “Legendary Razorback Fans” and “The Razorback Fan of the Century.”
Fans are encouraged to check ArkansasRazorbacks.com throughout the year for the most up to date information on the “100 Years of Razorbacks.”
I saw a Razorback shirt (on a man) walking through the Fort Lee Commissary today. I had to stop him. He didn't know how to call the hogs, so then he admitted his father-in-law sent him the shirt! Made for great conversation in the dairy aisle! Had I known then today was the 100th Birthday -- wow!! -- I'm sure he would have recommended to commit me!!
Posted by: Mom | Tuesday, 21 July 2009 at 07:30 PM
I use my razorback nalgene literally every day!!
Posted by: Laura | Thursday, 23 July 2009 at 08:35 AM