- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Little Rock Officially Joins Ohio Valley Conference

John Hill — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:43:07 +0000

The Little Rock Trojans and University of Arkansas at Little Rock have joined the , a transition that officially took place as the clock rolled over to midnight on July 1, 2022. The move to the Ohio Valley Conference provides a new conference affiliation for 13 of Little Rock’s 15 intercollegiate athletic programs. The new membership was officially announced last December in a press conference at the Jack Stephens Center. Little Rock officially joined the league Friday alongside Lindenwood and Southern Indiana. “In accepting the Ohio Valley Conference invitation, we begin a new and exciting chapter for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and Trojan Athletics that better aligns our sports portfolio with available conference resources and reaffirms our commitment to athletic and academic excellence,” said ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale in that December press conference. “I am very excited that the day is finally here, and we are now proud members of the Ohio Valley Conference,” said Director of Athletics George Lee. “In doing our research on the Ohio Valley Conference, the history and tradition of the league made it an enticing new conference home for our Trojan athletic programs as we look forward to adding our mark to the history of the OVC this year as the league celebrates a milestone anniversary and for years to come.”Little Rock becomes the league’s 10th institution, joining Eastern Illinois, Lindenwood, Morehead State, Southeast Missouri State, SIU Edwardsville, Southern Indiana, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and UT Martin. As the nation’s eighth-oldest NCAA Division I conference, the OVC is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The additions of Little Rock, Lindenwood and Southern Indiana mark just the 22nd, 23rd and 24th additions to the league over its 74-year history. The move to the Ohio Valley Conference will bring about more regional rivalries and a better experience for the Trojan student-athletes as all but one member of the OVC is located less than 500 miles from Little Rock’s campus. This will mean reduced travel time for student-athletes, less time missed from class, lower travel expenses for the entire athletic department and more opportunities for alumni, donors and fans to attend road conference games.

A map of the members of the Ohio Valley Conference.

Since making the jump to Division I, Little Rock’s athletic programs have combined for 51 conference championships, including a combined 21 for men’s and women’s basketball, with 42 NCAA postseason appearances by Trojan athletic programs. In the last seven seasons, Little Rock athletic teams have combined to make 12 NCAA postseason appearances, most recently being represented by men’s golf and men’s track and field in 2022. Throughout its history, Little Rock has two team national championships, 11 individual national championships and has had 12 Trojans honored as Academic All-Americans. Find out . Additionally, Little Rock’s athletic programs have excelled in the classroom with the department boasting a cumulative GPA of 3.358 through the spring 2022 semester. The Trojans have produced 12 Academic All-Americans since 2000 with seven Trojan athletic programs receiving academic recognition by their respective governing organizations since 2020-21. “The OVC is delighted to add Little Rock to its membership, given its history of competitive success and its commitment to student-athletes,”�� OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche said at the December press conference. “As we discussed the process of membership, there was an immediate acknowledgment that the values of our conference and their institution align. Our intention is to create a long-lasting partnership that will enhance the student-athlete experience and strengthen the competitive success of the entire OVC.” The move to the Ohio Valley Conference affects 13 of Little Rock’s 15 intercollegiate athletic programs, each of which will begin competing in their new league beginning in the 2022-23 academic year. Little Rock’s wrestling program will continue to compete in the Pac-12 Conference with swimming and diving remaining a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. Since 2018, the OVC has hosted its men’s and women’s basketball championships at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, with the tournament contracted there through at least the 2022-23 season. The OVC also hosts neutral site championships for baseball, men’s and women’s indoor track and field and men’s and women’s golf, with campus site championships for men’s and women’s cross country, soccer and volleyball. ABOUT THE OVC The Ohio Valley Conference, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2022-23, was founded in 1948, making it the eighth-oldest Division I athletic conference. Over the years OVC teams have garnered national championships in football along with national team or individual titles in the sports of rifle, cross country, track and golf.�� In the 1950s the OVC became a pioneer when Morehead State became one of the first non-traditionally Black mid-southern institutions to accept an African-American student. Soon after the passing of Title IX legislation, the OVC began formulating plans for women’s athletics, which began in 1977. The OVC has long been a national leader in sportsmanship and in 1995 implemented a first-of-its-kind Sportsmanship Statement, a policy that promotes principles of fair play, ethical conduct and respect for one’s opponent. The OVC has a multi-year media rights agreement with ESPN as well as a sponsorship agreement with LEARFIELD. The Ohio Valley Conference sponsors 18 championship sports. The league consists of 10 member institutions in six states, including include Eastern Illinois University, Lindenwood University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Morehead State University (charter member), Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, University of Southern Indiana, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University and the University of Tennessee at Martin. For more information, visit .

Monyyong Becomes Third Trojan to Garner Sun Belt Player of the Week Honors

John Hill — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 10:09:39 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock senior forward Ruot Monyyong has been named the Sun Belt Conference’s Player of the Week, announced Jan. 11��by the league office. He becomes the third different Trojan to earn conference weekly honors this season. Monyyong was instrumental in helping the Trojans earn a weekend split at Louisiana, averaging 18��points and 14.5 rebounds in two games against the Ragin’ Cajuns. Monyyong shot 52 percent��from the floor (13-of-25) and was key at the free throw line, knocking down 10 of his 15 attempts (66.7 percent). In Friday night’s contest, Monyyong scored 17 points on 8-of-15 shooting and pulled down 13 rebounds with a pair of assists and a block. The following night, the Nashville native played 40 minutes in the overtime victory, scoring 19 points with 16 rebounds, one off his career-best. Monyyong converted 9-of-11 from the free throw line, going 5-for-6 in the second half and overtime. The Sun Belt’s Preseason Player of the Year, Monyyong has lived up to his billing this season. Through the first two weekends of conference play, he is averaging 19.3 points and 13��rebounds per league game, posting three-straight double-doubles. His seven double-doubles on the year is tied for fifth nationally as his 23 for his Trojan career ranks him tied for 13th among active players. Monyyong becomes the third Trojan to earn Sun Belt Player of the Week honors this season, joining��Markquis Nowell’s��honor on Dec.��8 and��Ben Coupet Jr.��last week. Monyyong is now the 22nd different player in program history to be recognized with a Sun Belt weekly accolade. Monyyong and the rest of the Trojans return home this weekend for a pair of key Sun Belt showdowns with Texas State at the Jack Stephens Center. Game one against the Bobcats is set for Friday at 6:30 p.m., followed by game two on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Little Rock Athletics Launches ‘Big Talk on Little Rock’ podcast

John Hill — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 20:22:56 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock fans wanting to get the most coverage of Little Rock Athletics have another avenue for keeping up-to-date with the most information as Little Rock’s Team has launched a new podcast. “” – the new podcast that gives fans a deeper look on Trojan Athletics – is available at LRTrojans.com and through wherever podcasts are listened to, including iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, and Spotify. There are currently 18 episodes to catch up on everything about Little Rock Athletics. Host Trey Schaap brings fans the inside look and features profiles of coaches, student-athletes, and those who work behind the scenes at Little Rock Athletics in the new podcast. Produced by Little Rock Trojans Sports Properties (a division of IMG Learfield) in connection with Little Rock Athletics, “Big Talk on Little Rock” is another way Little Rock Athletics is committed to providing the most coverage to Trojan fans everywhere. Stay tuned to��, the LRTrojans app, and Little Rock Trojans social media outlets for future episodes of Big Talk on Little Rock.

Emshoff signs free agent deal contract with Kansas City Royals

John Hill — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:34:14 +0000

Little Rock catcher�� has agreed to terms in a free agent contract with the Kansas City Royals.�� Emshoff becomes the 28th Trojan to sign a deal with a Major League Baseball program, marking the eighth-straight season at least one Trojan has signed a professional contract, extending the program’s all-time longest streak. “We’ll say his name around this program for years and years to come,” said head coach��. “One of the biggest disappointments for me is that Kale never got to have what should have been his farewell season, and it very well could have been the greatest season that never was. Kale means a lot to me and to this program and I’m excited for him, knowing how hard he worked and the sacrifices he made.” Emshoff was off to a blistering start in 2020, drawing attention both regionally and nationally. He ranked eighth nationally in home runs (seven), ninth in total bases (48) and 11th in slugging percentage (.800), leading the Sun Belt Conference in each statistical category while also batting a league-best .417. All this came off a lost season in 2019 spent recovering from Tommy John surgery for an injury sustained during fall practices. Dealing with the injury and the shortened 2020 season due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Emshoff played a total of just 17 games over the last two seasons, making his signing even more extraordinary. For his career, Emshoff played in 112 games with 103 starts, batting .280 with 11 home runs, 24 doubles and 49 RBI, posting a career slugging percentage of .435. Behind the plate, he posted a .986 fielding percentage, registering nearly 800 put outs in under two and a half seasons. Since taking over the program prior to the 2016 season, Curry has now seen at least one player sign each season, bringing the total to seven Trojans placed in MLB organizations under his watch. Emshoff becomes the fifth Little Rock catcher signed by a MLB club, joining Rick Guarno (Colorado – 2003), Brett Lawler (Florida – 2007), Robert Taylor (Florida – 2008) and Cameron Knight (St. Louis – 2017).

Little Rock Trojans recognized for academic progress

John Hill — Wed, 27 May 2020 21:33:21 +0000

The NCAA has released its annual Academic Progress Rate (APR), and Little Rock Athletics continues to show its continued commitment to success both in competition and in the classroom. All 14 Trojan athletic programs that reported APR statistics were well above the established 930 threshold to remain in good standing for academic progress. Seven programs finished with a score of 970 or higher, led by a department-best 992 registered by both men’s cross country and men’s golf. Women’s golf was the third highest program at 991, followed by baseball at 985, which ranked third in the Sun Belt Conference. Swimming and diving checked in with a 983 with women’s basketball posting a 981, ranking fourth in the Sun Belt. Soccer added a 970, followed by women’s cross country (958), women’s track and field (955), volleyball (954), men’s track and field (950) and men’s basketball (930). Wrestling does not have any APR data to calculate at this time as the program is only in its second year of existence. Implemented in 2003 as part of an ambitious academic reform effort in Division I, the Academic Progress Rate (APR) holds institutions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term. Teams must earn a four-year average APR of 930 to be eligible to compete in championships.

Trojan freshmen beat school records at Arkansas track and field invitational

John Hill — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 15:18:56 +0000

It was a memorable day for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s track and field program. Not only did the Trojans compete at a Razorback-hosted meet in Fayetteville on Jan. 17 for the first time, but two freshmen broke school records. For freshman Tricia Pierce, it was her own standard the freshman vaulter would surpass. She registered a height of 11-5.75 (3.5m) in the pole vault to break her own school record to finish ninth overall. It was also a memorable day for freshman Mia Dunning. Not only did she record two top-five finishes at the meet, but her throw of 52-0.5 (15.86m) in the weight throw broke a 23-year old school record and placed her third in the event. Dunning, a Wisconsin native, also placed fourth in the shot put with a personal best throw of 41-4.25 (12.6m). That mark ranks as the sixth-best shot put throw in school history.

Little Rock Trojans cross country coach Webb balances celebrity status, coaching duties

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 17:51:28 +0000

Before every race this season, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s cross country runners stretch, jog and focus on the upcoming course in front of them. But looking up from their warm up area, they often see a steady stream of their opposing runners … waiting around to meet Trojan distance coach Alan Webb. Webb is a household name in the running world and is the American record holder in the mile while also having competed in the Olympics.�� “It is like having Tom Brady as your coach,” explained freshman runner Jose Vivanco.�� Well’s admiration from people who attend the meets where Little Rock competes has brought an extra level of attention to the Trojans in the midst of the program’s resurgence under second-year Director of Track and Field and Cross Country J.P. Behnke.�� The attention on the Little Rock coach has become commonplace at meets where scores of runners try to find the right time for an introduction, autograph, or picture with the Olympian. Webb, humble despite this rock star status, deftly manages being able to focus on guiding his team while still acquiescing to request upon request. The impact is immeasurable.�� “I remember at the Chile Pepper Invitational,” sophomore Ricardo Banks II recalled of Little Rock’s meet in Fayetteville, “there were a bunch of high school kids there and they all crowded near us. We knew who they wanted to see, so we just moved out of the way, and they went up to meet him and talk to him. Their faces lit up and you could see how happy and excited they were. I used to get upset but now I just feel happy. You see how happy he makes people by taking just a little time and how he can change them.”�� There is plenty of cheering during races, especially as runners approach the finish line. The addition of a celebrity to Little Rock’s appearances adds an extra level of audible reactions as Webb is seen.�� “It is definitely surreal,” junior Jarred O’Connor said as he attempted to describe the experience.�� But more so than just the collective fan appeal, having Webb guiding the Trojans has led to vast improvements across the board.�� “There has been a complete 180 with the team,” explained O’Connor. “The team chemistry has been better and the training has been 10 times better. Everyone has run faster this year, everyone has set a PR (personal record). Pretty much everybody ran faster in the first race this year than they did at any point last year by a significant amount. The fifth guy this year ran faster than our first guy last year. We have been improving like no other.”�� As the season progresses, Webb is continuing to unveil his vast knowledge of running to the team.�� “He is like a supercomputer on how running can change your life and how you can get better at it,” said Banks.�� Trojan student-athletes should get used to the attention coming to the program and its coaches, because Webb is not the only star to join the staff this year. Pole vault Olympian Lexi Jacobus is the team’s new pole vault coach. Jacobus in continuing her professional career following her time at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), where she became the first woman to ever win four NCAA Championships in the pole vault.�� She joins her husband, Derek Jacobus, who joined the staff last spring following a standout career in Fayetteville where he garnered multiple All-America and All-Southeastern Conference honors.�� “I think it sets a standard and, in a good sense, puts a little pressure on you as well as a little pride,” Banks explained. “You know that what you are being told is something they applied and it got them somewhere. You know if you follow their guidance, there is a chance you can go somewhere great. I love it.”�� “It just feels so elite,” O’Connor summarized.�� For the latest information on Little Rock Cross Country, make sure to check out . You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockTFXC on and .

Little Rock’s Team will face Little Rock firefighters to help battle hunger in Arkansas

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:37:03 +0000

A battle royal between Little Rock’s Team and Little Rock’s bravest will help fight hunger in Arkansas.�� The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock baseball team will take on firefighters from the city of Little Rock during a charity softball match that will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Gary Hogan Field in Curran Conway Park. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock head baseball coach Chris Curry said his team is looking forward to the challenge of playing the firefighters for a good cause. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner for the first time with the Little Rock Fire Department Local #34 Station,” Curry said. “Matthew Stallings (a firefighter) and I have been working to try to put this charity softball game together for a couple years. We were finally able to make it work and to partner with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and the Trojan Food Pantry at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”�� Tickets are $5 per person or a donation of canned food items. All proceeds will go to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trojan Food Pantry and the.�� “I hope it will be a fun night with a lot of laughs. It will be a good fun competition game between the baseball team and the Little Rock firefighters,” Curry said. “I hope that folks will come out. You can bring $5 or canned food to get in free. We’re expecting great weather. I hope the community will support us.”

Lee to Lead ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Athletic Department

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 15:10:09 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Chancellor Christy Drale has named George Lee, current senior associate athletic director and CFO, as the new athletic director for the . Lee, who joined the Athletics Department 23 years ago as business manager, assumes the position Nov. 1. He replaces Chasse Conque, who left the university in August to become vice chancellor and AD at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “George Lee’s experience with our Trojan Athletics program, along with his thorough understanding of every aspect of NCAA Division I collegiate athletics, make him highly qualified for the position,” said Drale. “He is well respected by his colleagues and is dedicated to the success of our student athletes. This two-year appointment will give us the opportunity to review and strengthen our program under the leadership of someone who knows the program well, understands our mission, and has critical institutional insight.” Lee thanked Dr. Drale for the opportunity. “We have an outstanding program of coaches and staff who will help me continue to move ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Athletics forward,” he said. “Our student-athletes are talented not only in their respective sports but also in the classroom. Last year our athletes’ GPA average was one of the highest percentages in program history.” The new athletic director pointed out that this is the university’s inaugural year of men’s wrestling, and many fans are enthusiastic about starting the state’s only Division I wrestling program. Lee commended the members of the Trojan Athletic Foundation for their support and assistance in raising funds for the program and helping raise the profile of the Trojans. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without them and all of our fans and supporters over the years,” he said. “We will continue to lean on them and the community to back Little Rock’s Team and generate enthusiasm for the program.” Lee urged central Arkansans to come out to beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the Jack Stephens Center. Men’s and women’s basketball coaches, players, and the Trojans Dance Team will be introduced during an evening of activities and refreshments. Season ticket holders can pick up their tickets and schedules for the 2019-20 season. A 1987 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, he is married to Joni Lee, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock vice chancellor of University Affairs. They have two children.

Meet the Trojans Day set for Oct. 15

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 13:05:10 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host its annual Meet the Trojans event on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Jack Stephens Center. The event will once again serve as an opportunity for those who ordered basketball season tickets prior to the Sept. 9 deadline to pick up their ticket packages. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with food and activities around the Jack Stephens Center concourse, followed by the official program getting underway at 6:30 p.m. All of the Little Rock athletic programs in town will have a presence at the event, organizing various activities to engage with fans. The Trojan men’s and women’s basketball teams will be introduced at 6:30 p.m., followed by a full slate of events, including performances from the Trojan Dance Team, a three-point shooting contest, and a dunk contest. There will also be giveaways and contests for fans in attendance. The 2019-20 Little Rock home basketball season begins Wednesday, Nov. 13 when Coach Joe Foley’s reigning Sun Belt championship team host LSU at 6:30 p.m. The Trojan men begin the following night when Coach Darrell Walker begins his second season against Southwest Baptist on Thursday, Nov. 14. New season tickets and renewals are still being accepted and can be ordered by calling the Trojan ticket office at 565-8257.

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock