THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Conway High School Athletics


HALL OF FAME



JOE BALDRIDGE

FOOTBALL

As a senior, Baldridge was named “Best Athlete” in the 1948 Wampus Cat yearbook. He played some quarterback as a sophomore in 1945. He was named all-state in 1946 and 1947 as a triple-threat halfback, helping Conway to a 10-0 regular season record and district championship in both years. In a November 1947 Arkansas Democrat article, David Doyle, who coached the 1945 football team, said of Baldridge: “In football he passes, punts 50 and 60 yards and can place them perfectly, calls signals, kicks extra points and makes about one-third of the tackles on defense. In basketball, he averaged 12 points per game. In track he high jumps, broad jumps, runs the 100, 220 low hurdles, shot puts, throws the discus and javelin and runs the last lap on all relays.” At the 1948 Class A District 11 track meet, Baldridge was high point man, tallying 17 1/4 points. In the homecoming game as a senior, Baldridge scored all of Conway’s points in 20-6 win over Atkins, with two rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown and two PATs. That season, Vanderbilt showed interest in Baldridge, reportedly offering to fly him to Nashville for a football game. He had a few other in-state offers but turned them all down to sign with the University of Arkansas. In the fall of 1948, playing for the Razorbacks’ freshman team, affectionally called the Shoats, Baldridge had an outstanding year as a halfback and punter. In 1949, he moved to fullback and became the first Wampus Cat to letter for the Razorbacks. Baldridge led the Hogs in kickoff returns that season. During his junior campaign, Baldridge left the Arkansas football program midway through the 1950 season.

BILL DUNAWAY

BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, TRACK

Dunaway graduated from Conway High at age 16, where he participated in basketball, baseball and track. He attended Hendrix College, competing in basketball, baseball and tennis, earning four letters in each of those sports. Playing with his older brother of two years, Ed Dunaway, Hendrix captured the state intercollegiate basketball championship in 1927 and 1928. In 1928, Dunaway won the state intercollegiate singles championship in tennis, while finishing as runner-up in doubles. In 1929, the results flipped, with Dunaway finishing as state runner-up in singles, but paired with classmate J.H. Pence, Jr. to capture the state doubles crown. After graduating in 1930, Dunaway became assistant football coach at North Little Rock High, where he also coached tennis. He later moved over to coach at Little Rock High School. Dunaway continued his playing career with independent teams in both baseball and basketball. He played for some of the leading AAU basketball teams in the state, including Colonial Baking Company and Sun Life Assurance Company. In 1937, Dunaway began coaching the Lewis & Norwood Flyers, a Little Rock-based women’s AAU basketball team. With the legendary Hazel Walker on his squad, they won national AAU women’s championships in 1937, 1940 and 1941. Dunaway was slated to coach the United States women’s team at the 1940 Olympics, but the Games were cancelled because of World War II. Dunaway left the Flyers after the 1941 season to enlist in the U.S. Navy. In 1969, he was inducted to the Helms Foundation National AAU Hall of Fame for his accomplishments coaching women’s basketball. Dunaway has also been inducted into the Hendrix Sports Hall of Honor and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

CLIFTON EALY

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL

Fast and athletic, the 6’ 1” 180-pound Ealy was a versatile and gifted athlete. On the gridiron, he played cornerback as a sophomore and receiver and tight end his final two seasons. As a senior in 1976, Ealy earned all-state honors as he helped the Cats win the AAAA-West conference title. Ealy would go on to play in the 1977 all-star football game. As a junior, he played on Conway’s undefeated 1976 overall state champion basketball team. Ealy continued his football career at the University of Central Arkansas. As a freshman, Ealy set the AIC record with 10 touchdown receptions to go along with 45 catches for 645 yards in just 10 games. He was named all-conference. The following season, Ealy caught 43 balls for 728 yards and six touchdowns. He was again named All-AIC as well as NAIA All-American honorable mention for 1978. Ealy helped the Bears win the AIC conference championship that season, but in the opening round of the NAIA playoffs, he suffered a career-ending knee injury. Ealy is tied for the UCA record with four touchdown receptions in one game. His 88 receptions, 1,373 yards and 16 TDs are still among the best in school history over a two-year span. Ealy enjoyed a long career as a football coach. In 1987, he served as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas before moving on to Delta State. In 1990, he returned to UCA as defensive coordinator and helped his alma mater win the 1991 NAIA national championship. He later coached with Houston Nutt at Boise State, Arkansas and Ole Miss. Ealy has been inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame.

JOE FORD

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK

Ford won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1955.  Son of legendary educator Arch Ford, Joe Ford carved his own unique niche in life. At Conway High School, Ford was an outstanding multisport athlete, excelling in football, basketball and track. Named the starting quarterback as a junior in 1953, Ford broke his arm in the first quarter of the first game but returned to have a great senior campaign. As a junior, he was part of the 1954 state Class A track championship team. As a senior, he won the 180-yard low hurdles as Conway finished as the 1955 state runner- up. After high school, Ford earned a basketball scholarship to Arkansas State College, now Arkansas State University. But after that first year, he gave up basketball and transferred to the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 1966, Ford was elected to the Arkansas State Senate from Pulaski County, a position he would hold for 16 years. Ford went on to be co-founder of Alltel, eventually serving as its president, CEO and chairman. He helped Alltel grow into one of the leading telecommunication companies in the world, and it was eventually bought by Verizon in 2008. In 2022, Ford and his family announced the expansion of Westrock Coffee Company into his hometown of Conway. Ford also served as the Vice-Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club for many years, where he was often front and center during the Masters Tournament each April. Ford has been inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame.

JACK FULMER

BASKETBALL, TRACK

Fulmer won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1962.  A 5’ 11” guard, he played in the 1962 all-star basketball game and was a broad jumper on the track team. Conway High School did not field a baseball team back in those days, so Fulmer played American Legion baseball. He earned a basketball scholarship to Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas. But he soon moved over to the baseball diamond where he was a was three-time All-AIC selection for the Bears, helping them win the 1967 AIC title as a senior. He is the only UCA player to hit for the cycle in a game, having done so in 1965. A switch-hitting third baseman, Fulmer was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1967 and played in the minor leagues until 1969. While playing for Amarillo, he hit a three-run homer to beat the Arkansas Travelers at Ray Winder Field in May of 1969. He came back to Conway and got a job coaching at St. Joseph High School and later Conway Middle School. Fulmer served as head baseball coach at UALR for 11 seasons, from 1975-1985. He then returned to his alma mater as head coach of the UCA Bears for 10 seasons, from 1986-1995. He also coached and managed the local American Legion baseball team for many years. Fulmer’s officiating career started in 1963 and continued for over six decades. He has officiated football, basketball and baseball on both the high school and collegiate levels. Fulmer has been inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Officials Hall of Fame.

GERALD HENDERSON

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK

Henderson participated in football, basketball and track & field at Conway High School, and weighing in at 175 pounds, was also a pretty solid Golden Gloves boxer. Coached by WCSHOF inductee Raymond Bright, he was a handful on the football field, playing the line on both sides of the ball. Henderson also threw the shot and the discus for Coach Bright. As a senior, he helped the Wampus Cats win the 1953 Class A track & field state title. This was the first state championship won by Conway High School in any sport. Henderson did his part by taking first place in the shotput with a toss of 50’ 3 1/2”. He then continued his playing career at the University of Arkansas. As a sophomore offensive lineman in 1954, Henderson was a member of the Razorbacks’ Southwest Conference championship squad, famously known as the “25 Little Pigs.” That team was ranked nationally in the Top 10 for most of the season and played in the Cotton Bowl, finishing with a record of 8-3. Now up to 195 pounds as a senior, Henderson lettered as a footballer in 1956. He also continued his track & field career at Arkansas, breaking the UofA freshman record in the shotput, recording a throw of 43’ 5”. At the 1955 SWC meet, Henderson finished 4th in the shotput at 47’ 1/2” which broke the school record. As a senior in 1957, he again set the school mark with a toss of 48’ 5 7/8”. After graduating from Arkansas, Henderson coached football at Lewisville before joining the U.S. Army and eventually embarking upon a successful career as a salesman.

PEYTON HILLIS

FOOTBALL

Twice an all-state footballer, Hillis gained legendary status by pulling a truck as part of his workout regimen. In 2003, he rushed for a CHS record 2,631 yards and won the Landers Award as the state’s top player. Selected as Conway’s first Parade High School All-American, he chose Arkansas over many other colleges. An immediate sensation, Hillis was a four-year letterman for the Razorbacks. As a senior in 2007, he was instrumental in the Hogs’ 50-48 upset of #1 ranked LSU in triple overtime. Hillis had 11 carries for 89 yards and two TDs, as well as five receptions for 62 yards and two more scores. For his Hog career, Hillis rushed for 960 yards, a 4.7 yard average, with 12 TDs. He also hauled in 118 receptions for 1,197 yards and 11 TDs. Coming in at 6’ 2” and 240 pounds, Hillis was selected by Denver in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL draft. After working his way into the Broncos starting lineup, in Week 13 he gained 129 yards on 22 carries with one touchdown, earning FedEx Ground Player of the Week. Traded to Cleveland, Hillis had a breakout year in 2010. In Week 9, he earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week, rushing for 184 yards and two TDs. That season, Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards with 11 TDs and caught 61 passes for 477 yards and two TDs. Hillis became a nationwide fan favorite, and in 2011 was voted to appear on the cover of the popular Madden NFL 12 video game. Retiring after seven NFL seasons, he rushed for 2,832 yards and caught 134 passes for 1,050 receiving yards. Hillis has been inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

SHANNON MONEY

FOOTBALL

Money was a big, quick, athletic lineman, causing the Wampus Cat coaches on both sides of the football to want his services. He ended up with the offense and it worked out for all involved. As a junior, he helped Conway finish 8-3, capturing the 1995 AAAA-Central conference title. Only 16 years old at the beginning of his senior year, Money earned all-state honors as a tackle in 1996. He played in the 1997 all-star football game, where he was named the game’s outstanding lineman. Money earned high praise from his head coach, fellow WCSHOF inductee Kenny Smith. Smith said of Money, “He was a quiet leader and had a tremendous skillset. His footwork was outstanding. He also had great hands and had a long reach that he used to his advantage.” A lefthanded pitcher, Money also played baseball for the Wampus Cats. However, he missed his senior year due to a partially torn rotator cuff suffered during football season. The 6’ 3” 295-pound Money earned a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas under coach Danny Ford and redshirted in 1997. Houston Nutt became the head coach the following season, and Money would letter four years for the Razorbacks, from 1998 to 2001. As a redshirt freshman, the Hogs lined him up at the guard position where he played as a backup. The following year, he was moved to tackle where he became a three-year starter for the Hogs. During his four seasons, Arkansas earned four bowl invitations, including two Cotton Bowl trips. After his final season, Money represented the Razorbacks in the Senior Bowl.

SUMMAR ROACHELL

GOLF

Roachell won the Ruth Doyle Award for outstanding senior female athlete in 2013. She had one of the greatest careers of any high school golfer in Arkansas history, male or female. Not only was Roachell a four-time all-state honoree, but she was also the 7A individual state medalist all four years at CHS. She also captured the overall state championship three times. After team runner-up finishes in 2009, 2010 and 2011, she helped the Wampus Cats win the 2012 7A state girls golf title as a senior. Roachell played on the Junior Solheim Cup team in 2011, representing the top United States amateurs against Europe. Playing in Ireland, she won her singles match to help the U.S. retain the Cup. She went back-to back in the Bubba Conlee National Junior in Bartlett, TN, winning in 2011 and 2012. She was twice named a Rolex Junior All-American. Roachell continued her golf career at the University of Arkansas. As a Razorback, she appeared in four NCAA regional tournaments and three NCAA national championship events. She was an eight-time selection to the University Honor Roll and was named to the SEC Community Service Team in 2015, 2016 and 2017. After college, Roachell played professionally on the LPGA Symetra Tour from 2017-2021. Roachell spent a year as assistant golf pro at the Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville. She also served as an assistant coach at Conway High from 2018-2019. She began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant at the University of Central Florida in 2022. In 2023, Roachell was hired as the head women’s golf coach at the University of Central Arkansas.

RAY RODGERS

FOOTBALL

An Oklahoma native, Rodgers moved to Conway as a youth. Affectionally known as “Butterball,” he played football at Conway High, but boxing is where Rodgers made his mark in Arkansas and around the world. Weighing in at 75 pounds, Rodgers started boxing at age 11. He later won the 1956 Arkansas AAU Open Lightweight Championship and the 1960 Arkansas Open Welterweight Championship. He was Mid-Ark Golden Gloves Welterweight Champion in 1961. Known for his quick and savvy wit, he often quipped, "I had deceptive speed as a boxer, I was slower than I looked," adding that he "never finished worse than second place in a match." At the age of 16, Rodgers started coaching local boxers. In 1969, he opened the Ray Rodgers Boxing Club in Conway and later moved it to Little Rock. Muhammed Ali once visited his gym. He operated the club until 2020 at the Junior Deputy fields, where he also ran an afterschool education center. Rodgers coached and mentored hundreds of kids, his most successful pupil being Jermain Taylor. Rodgers was also considered one of the best “cut men” in the boxing world. He worked more than 1,000 professional bouts all over the globe, including every one of Taylor's fights. In 2005, Rodgers was in Taylor’s corner that night in Las Vegas when he defeated Bernard Hopkins to win the undisputed Middleweight Championship of the world. Rodgers was inducted into the National Silver Gloves Hall of Fame in 2001 and the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame in 2002, becoming the first person inducted into both. Rodgers has also been inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

GARY STANDEFER

FOOTBALL, TRACK

A dominating two-way lineman, Standefer was one of the toughest and most versatile Wampus Cats to ever suit up for the blue and white. Former teammate and fellow WCSHOF inductee Ernest Ruple, who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, called Standefer the best lineman he ever played against. Standing 6’ 0” and weighing 190 pounds, Standefer was a terrific all-around athlete. A left-handed pitcher, he played American Legion baseball in Conway. In track, his specialty was the shotput, and he also threw the discus. As a junior, he helped Conway High School win the 1960 class AA track & field state championship. But on the gridiron is where Standefer truly excelled. Playing tackle on both sides of the ball, he lettered three years for the football team, in 1958, 1959 and 1960. He helped the Wampus Cats go 23-7-5 over that three-year span. Following his senior season, he was selected to play in the 1961 all-star football game. In 1961, Standefer originally signed with the University of Arkansas out of high school, but never played for the Razorbacks. In February 1962, now up to 215 pounds, Standefer gained a scholarship to play at the University of Alabama for legendary coach Bear Bryant. But tragically, Standefer never got to suit up for the Crimson Tide. Only a week after signing, he was killed in an automobile accident while on his way to Tuscaloosa. He was 18 years old at the time of his death. In March of that year, Bear Bryant flew by private plane to Conway to spend the day with Standefer’s parents.

DIBRELL "DIB" WILLIAMS

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL

Williams was the son and star pupil of legendary baseball coach Earl “Doc” Williams who ran a baseball school in Greenbrier in the early 1900’s. He played football and basketball for the Wampus Cats, graduating from Conway High School after the 1926 fall semester. Williams then enrolled at Hendrix College, where he played basketball and threw the javelin. He later attended what is now Oklahoma State University where he played football. In 1929, Williams signed with the Little Rock Travelers. A versatile infielder, he saw action at first, second and shortstop. He gained the attention of Major League scouts and was signed by the Philadelphia Athletics. In 1930, playing for legendary manager Connie Mack, Williams made his big-league debut at the age of 20. He played in 67 games, as Philadelphia won the World Series. The following year, Williams appeared in 86 games as the A’s made a return trip to the World Series. Philly lost the series, but Williams played in all seven games at shortstop committing no errors while hitting .320. In 1931, he was fifth in the American League in double plays turned by a shortstop. His best season came in 1933, as he played 115 games, achieving career highs with 118 hits, 11 homers, 73 RBIs and a .289 batting average. Early in the 1935 season, Williams was traded to the Boston Red Sox. That would be his last year in the majors. In six seasons, he amassed 421 hits, 74 doubles, 29 homers, 201 RBIs, and a .267 batting average. Williams continued to play minor league baseball, even serving a few years as a manager, until 1948.

BLISS HENDRICKSON HILDEBRAND

TRACK

Hendrickson’s running career began when she was 10 years old, in local road races like the Toad Suck Daze 10k. She ended up as one of the greatest 400-meter runners in state history. In fact, from 7th grade through the end of her senior season, she only lost three times in the that event. Her 4x400m relay team won the conference meet, AAAA state meet and Meet of Champs in each of her three years. She also ran on the 4x100 relay team. Hendrickson earned all-state honors all three years of her Conway High School career. At the state meet as a sophomore, she won 1st place in the 4x400m relay to go along with 3rd in both the 4x100m relay and the 400m dash. At the Meet of Champs, Hendrickson finished 1st in the 4x400m relay, 3rd in the 4x100m relay, and 2nd in the 400m. She found similar success her junior year, again taking 1st in the 4x400m relay at the state meet while moving up to 2nd in the 4x100m relay and 1st in the 400m. At the Meet of Champs, she captured 1st in the 4x400m relay, 3rd in the 4x100m relay, and 1st in the 400m. As a senior at the state meet, Hendrickson finished 1st in the 4x400m relay, 2nd in the 4x100m relay, and 2nd in the 400m. She concluded her stellar career at the 1993 Meet of Champs, where she finished 1st in the 4x400 relay and 3rd in the 4x100 relay. In the final individual race of her career, Hendrickson won the 400m dash in a career best 58.0 seconds. She still holds the school record in that event.

BRYCE MOLDER

GOLF

Molder was a four-time all-state golfer for the Wampus Cats. He was the state overall medalist in 1996. Molder went on to play at Georgia Tech, where he became just the fourth golfer to be named first-team NCAA All-American four times. As a Yellow Jacket, he was named ACC Player of the Year three times. He set the NCAA record for lowest single season stroke average (69.43) and lowest career stroke average (70.69). He also tied the NCAA record lowest single round score of 60. Twice he was named an academic All-American and twice he won the Jack Nicklaus Trophy for College Player of the Year. As an amateur, Molder represented the United States in the Palmer Cup three times and the Walker Cup twice. In 1999, he shot a 60 at Chenal Country Club while playing with President Bill Clinton. He finished tied for 30th at the 2001 U.S Open, garnering low amateur honors. Molder turned pro later that year and ended up 3rd in his first PGA event, the Reno-Tahoe Open. Playing on the Nationwide Tour, he won his first professional tournament in 2006 at the Miccosukee Open, shooting a 14 under par. Molder won on the PGA Tour in 2011 at the Frys.com Open, winning with a birdie on the sixth extra hole. He played in four PGA Championships, finishing tied for 12th in 2010. He also played the U.S. Open three times and the British Open once. He retired from professional golf in 2017, having achieved 44 career Top 10 finishes. Molder has been inducted into the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

TOM "ROBBIE" ROBINSON

TRACK

Robinson won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1964. He ran the 440-yard and the 880-yard events in track. As a sophomore, Robinson finished fourth at the Class AA state track meet in the 880-yard run. A 5’ 11” guard, he was named all-state basketball in 1963 and 1964 and played in the 1964 all-star basketball game. As a senior, Robinson led the Cats to a state runner-up finish in 1964. The Arkansas Gazette described Robinson as “a driver and jump-shooter deluxe” and named him the state’s Class AA player of the year that season. The Wampus Cats were Region III AA champions and one of the very best Class AA teams in Arkansas. But back then, the state tournament combined the Class AAA and Class AA into one big event at Barton Coliseum. In the opening round, Conway beat fellow Class AA foe Malvern in overtime 56-54. Then, Conway faced a murder’s row of the Class AAA Big 10 tri-champions. In the quarterfinals, Conway prevailed 46-44 over Pine Bluff, with Robinson leading the way with 22 points. In the semifinals, Robinson poured in 33 points, going 13-19 from the field, in a rout over El Dorado 71-54. In the finals, a then-record 5,715 fans watched Conway take on Class AAA North Little Rock for the title. The Wampus Cats led at halftime, but finally fell to the Chargers by a score of 65-48, despite Robinson’s 22 points. Conway finished the season 26-8, with seven losses coming to Class AAA teams. Robinson went on to play basketball at Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas.

NORMAN "STORMY" SMITH

FOOTBALL

A gifted athlete, Smith’s passion and athletic prowess is still a favorite topic of many old Wampus Cat fans to this day. As a junior, Smith helped the Cats win the 1949 District 5A football championship. Despite breaking his wrist mid-season, Smith played on and earned all-state honors. Conway moved up to Class AA the following season, and they won the 1950 District 5AA championship. Smith was again named all-state. From the 1951 Wampus Cat yearbook: “Stormy was a hustler and a fighter and one of the stalwarts on the Cat line. He was Co-Captain of the 1950 season and led the team capably by filling the center slot on offense and the linebacker position on defense.” He also participated in basketball and track and was one of the top javelin throwers in the state. Tough as nails, he was also a renowned boxer, competing in AAU sponsored bouts. Standing 6’ 1” and weighing in at 200 pounds, Smith was heavily recruited by several colleges, including Tennessee. Kentucky head coach Bear Bryant personally recruited Smith. But he ultimately chose LSU. He left Baton Rouge after one year and returned to Conway where he played briefly at Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas. In the 1960’s, Smith owned the local Dairy Queen and created the still famous “Stormy Burger.” Smith was one of the co-founders of the Conway Pee Wee Football League, using his time and his own money to coach and sponsor the program. Countless future Wampus Cats got their start on the gridiron in this league that has lasted more than half a century.

ROBERT WRIGHT

BASKETBALL

Wright won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1981. A 6' 3" forward with amazing leaping ability, he earned a starting role on the basketball team as a sophomore. As a junior, he was named all-state. As a senior, Wright led Conway to a runner-up finish at the 1981 Class AAAA state tournament. He led the Cats with 20 points in the title game. In addition to again being named all-state, Wright played in the 1981 all-star game and was voted the game’s Most Outstanding Player. Wright played on the inaugural AAU Wings team in 1980, which won the AAU state championship and was All-American Honorable Mention. All-State in track as well, Wright was a long jumper and high jumper, and usually won both events at every meet. At the 1981 state meet, he was again a double winner. Wright took the long jump with a leap of 23' 3.5" and the high jump at 6' 7," leading Conway to the Class AAAA state championship. At the 1981 Meet of Champs, Wright doubled up one final time, winning the long jump and setting the state record high jump at 7' 1." That earned Wright national high school All-American Honorable Mention honors and stood as the state record for many years. It is still the best in CHS history. Wright played basketball at Hendrix College where he led the AIC in rebounding as a junior. As a senior, Wright helped the Warriors advance to their first ever NAIA National Tournament. He returned to the track his senior season and won the 1985 AIC high jump title, clearing 6' 10". Wright has been inducted into the Hendrix Sports Hall of Honor.

1967 FOOTBALL TEAM

FOOTBALL

In April of 1967, Dennis Fulmer was promoted to head football coach and athletic director at his alma mater. Speaking that August to a local civic club, Fulmer said of the upcoming season, “We’re small overall, and inexperienced in a lot of positions. We don’t have much depth, not like that great 1964 team had. We’ll have to start and play a lot of boys both ways. This team has confidence.” He later added, “We’ll be a scrappy bunch.” The Wampus Cats played their home games that season at Hendrix College’s Young Memorial Stadium and opened with a 12-7 victory over LR McClellan. By mid-October, Conway was 7-0 and was ranked No. 1 in the Class AA football poll by the Associated Press. Fulmer was quoted at the time, “We’ve turned into an exciting football team. When I say exciting, I mean this team can be down in a hole one minute then, bang, bang, bang. All of the boys have come through and done us a good job.” Their first and only loss of the season came on the road to Class AAA power North Little Rock by a score of 27-20. Conway would win out the rest of the way and finish with a record of 10-1. The Cats outscored their opponents by a cumulative total of 254-87. They had four shutouts, with four other games allowing only seven points in each. They repeated as Region 3-AA West champs and finished ranked as the No. 6 overall team in the state in the final AP poll. There were no playoffs back in those days, and in the final Class AA poll, Conway High was ranked No. 1, capturing the school’s second state football championship.

1975-76 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

BASKETBALL

In 1973 and 1974, Conway High School won back-to-back class AAA basketball state titles. Going for the three-peat in 1975, the Wampus Cats came up short in the championship game to Fayetteville 48-46. But that 1975 squad was young, and virtually the entire team would be returning for the following season. And what a season it was. They won everything that came their way. They won the inaugural College of the Ozarks Invitational Tournament. They won the UCA Invitational, for the third year in a row. They won the AAA-West conference. They won the AAA state championship, defeating Blytheville 75-51. The Wampus Cats beat their opponents by an average of almost 25 points per game. Playing in front of a packed house at UCA’s Farris Center, Conway would face undefeated Holly Grove for the overall championship. The game was never in question, and with most of Conway’s starters sitting out the fourth quarter, the Cats easily prevailed 75-67 to cap a perfect season. The class AAA Wampus Cats became the first non-AAAA team to win the overall. Officials had to clear the court of jubilant Conway fans after the game for the trophy presentation. The 1976 senior class went 88-5 throughout their high school career: 28-1 in 1974 as sophomores, 24-4 in 1975 as juniors, and of course 36-0 in 1976. After the overall final, coach Joe Graham was quoted in the Arkansas Democrat, “If we are not the best team that ever played in this state, we’re among them.” Decades later, when the topic of the greatest Arkansas prep basketball teams come up, the 1976 Conway Wampus Cats are still right there at the top of that list.

NOEL BOUCHER

BASEBALL

A native of Arizona, Boucher made his way to Conway to play baseball at the University of Central Arkansas. He was a three-time All-AIC performer for the Bears from 1978 to 1980. Boucher began coaching football and basketball at Conway Junior High in 1982. He then started the Conway High School baseball program in 1985 and coached it for 36 seasons before retiring in 2020. Boucher finished with an overall record of 700-268, good for a winning percentage of 72.3%. He never had a losing season. His 1989 squad went 25-5 and won the class AAA state championship over Watson Chapel. Boucher was named the state’s coach of the year by both the Arkansas Democrat and Arkansas Gazette. In a 1989 newspaper article, fellow 2022 WCSHOF inductee Michael Wiley said of his coach, “If I were to pick between playing for Coach Boucher or Whitey Herzog, I’d pick Coach Boucher in a heartbeat. I love him that much.” Boucher’s 2011 Wampus Cats finished 25-7 and captured the 7A state title, defeating Bryant. In addition to the two state championships, his Cats finished as state runner-up seven times. They won 18 conference championships and made 30 state playoff appearances, including 29 consecutive. Boucher was one of the founders of the state All-Star baseball game, serving as one of the head coaches in the inaugural contest in 1991. He served many years on the All-Star game organizational committee and coached in the game a total of nine times. Boucher was also named Teacher of the Year at CHS in 2006. He was the 2008-09 recipient of the Buddy Harding Award, presented annually to a UCA alumnus for Arkansas high school coaching excellence.

DENNIS FULMER

COACH & AD

Fulmer won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1954. As a junior, he was high-point man when the Wampus Cats won the 1953 Class A state track championship. Fulmer won the 220-yard dash, broad jump, and was part of the 440-yard relay winner. In 1954, the Cats repeated as Class A champs, with Fulmer again high-point man, winning the 100, 220, broad jump, and anchoring the winning 440 and 880 relays. He was named Outstanding Athlete at the 1954 Mid-South Relays in Memphis, where he set meet records in the 100 and the broad jump. His best time in the 100-yard dash was 9.9 seconds. Fulmer had an offer to play football for coach Darrell Royal at Mississippi State, but came back home to Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas, where he played football and ran track. He led the Bears to the 1956 AIC track title, again as high-point man, setting a school record in the 220. Fulmer began his coaching career at Jacksonville before returning to Conway where he coached the Wampus Cats to a cross country state championship in 1965. In 1967, Fulmer was named head football coach and athletic director. During his four years on the gridiron, the Wampus Cats went 32-11-2 (73.7%) and won the Class AA state title in 1967, finishing 10-1. He served as AD until 1977, overseeing the construction of John McConnell Stadium and the development of girls’ athletics in the Conway public school system. Fulmer has been inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame.

HERMAN HAMMONS

BASKETBALL

Hammons won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1977. A 6’ 3” forward, Hammons could jump out of the gym. He was the only junior starter on the 1976 overall state championship team that went 36-0. He scored 11 points in the 75-51 victory over Blytheville in the class AAA title game. Hammons was named all-state in 1977 and played in the Arkansas high school all-star game as a senior. During his senior year in track, he high jumped 6’ 10” which was one of the best marks in Arkansas high school history at the time. Hammons went on to Hendrix College where he was a four-year letterman in both basketball and track. There, he reunited with several of his former Wampus Cat teammates to help the Warriors capture the 1980 Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference basketball title, the school’s first since 1931. Well known for his jumping and dunking ability, he was named All-AIC and All-NAIA District 17 in 1981 as a senior, when he helped Hendrix repeat as AIC champs. Hammons was also All-AIC in track for three years. As a freshman, he set the school and conference high jump record, leaping an amazing 7’ 0” in 1978. Hammons became just the second Arkansan ever to clear 7’ 0” in the high jump. He qualified for the NAIA national meet, where finished third to earn All-American honors. He was also an NAIA track All-American as a senior in 1981, when he jumped a career best of 7’ 3/4”. He later served one year as assistant basketball coach at Hendrix. Hammons has been inducted into the Hendrix Sports Hall of Honor.

MARK TURNER

FOOTBALL

Turner was a versatile athlete who earned All-American honors in one sport as a high schooler and All-American honors in a different sport in college. Turner was one of the greatest high school pole vaulters in Arkansas history. His career best vault was 15’ 4”. As a Wampus Cat, he was named all-state twice, in 1982 and 1983, when he won the event at the AAAA state meet. As a senior in 1983, he vaulted 15’ 1.5” shattering the old Class AAAA record of 14’ 4”. He also won twice at the Meet of Champs, as a junior and a senior, winning in 1983 with a Meet of Champs record 15’ 2”. Turner was an All-American as a senior in 1983, when he was ranked in the Top 10 in the country. His senior year he also played football for the Cats. Turner originally signed a track scholarship to attend Arkansas State University, but he instead decided to stay home to play football at the University of Central Arkansas. He had a stellar career at UCA where he was a four-year letterman and three times named All-AIC. A safety, he ended his career as UCA’s career interception leader with 26. As a senior in 1986, Turner had five interceptions in one game, including an amazing four in one quarter. The five picks tied the school record set in 1951 by fellow WCSHOF inductee Ken Stephens. Turner played on UCA’s 1984 and 1985 NAIA national championship teams and was named NAIA All-American in 1985 and 1986. He signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1986. Turner has been inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame.

MICHAEL WILEY

BASEBALL

Wiley was a gifted athlete who excelled at multiple sports at Conway High. He lettered in football and basketball, but it was on the diamond where he really made his mark. A lefty, he was one of the best pitchers in Arkansas high school history. He was a four-year letterman in baseball. Three times he was named all-conference, and twice was all-state. Wiley was named to the Super Sophomore team in 1987. In 1988, he was on the Arkansas Democrat’s All-Arkansas team. As a senior, Wiley had as good a year as any Wampus Cat ever had in any sport. He went 14-3, with a 0.86 ERA and 154 strikeouts in only 94.1 innings. He also hit .391 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs. He was named the 1989 Gatorade Player of the Year for Arkansas. He was also the Arkansas Democrat’s Player of the Year. The Cats finished 25-5 and won every tournament they entered that season. Wiley was named tournament MVP of the UCA Invitational and the Metro Invitational. But most importantly, he led the Wampus Cats to their first baseball state championship, as he had three wins and a save to earn MVP honors there as well. After shutting out LR Fair 4-0 in the semi-finals, pitching on one-days’ rest, Wiley shutout Watson Chapel 2-0, holding the defending state champs to three hits. Wiley also batted .587 during the state tournament. He was the first player to be drafted in the MLB Amateur Draft from Conway High School, selected in 1989 by the Baltimore Orioles. In two minor league seasons, Wiley went 10-6 with a 3.00 ERA before Tommy John surgery cut his career short.

ERIKA SETZLER

CC & TRACK

Setzler won the Ruth Doyle Award for outstanding senior female athlete in 2010. Before that, she was one of the 2005-06 honorees for the annual 8th grade Marvin Delph Student-Athlete Award, for achievement in the classroom and on the field. As a freshman in 2006, Setzler won the state 7A individual cross country title. She finished runner-up in 2007, then won again as a senior in 2009. In 2009, she was 3200-meter champion at the state track meet. Four-times she was named all-state in both cross country and in track, and she qualified for the Arkansas cross country all-star meet all four years of high school. As a senior, she was named the 2009-10 Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year for the state of Arkansas. On the links, Setzler earned all-state honors in twice, helping the Wampus Cat golf team to a state runner-up finish in 2009. She also was a member of the 2008 state champion basketball team. Setlzer continued her career at the University of Central Arkansas. She captured the Southland Conference steeplechase championship in 2013 with a time of 10:31.9 and again in 2014 clocking in at 10:20. Those victories qualified her for a spot in the NCAA D1 West Regionals. She was named All-SLC steeplechase in 2013 and 2014 and holds the UCA facility record in that event. In 2013, Setzler earned All-SLC honors in cross country, advancing to the NCAA cross country regionals that year. In 2014, she was named to the SLC All-Academic track team. Setzler is a Certified Personal Trainer and competes in road races and triathlons. In 2018, she represented the USA in the world triathlon championships in Australia.

JANET TAYLOR

BASKETBALL COACH

Taylor worked in the Conway district for 35 years, putting together one of the most outstanding coaching resumes in Arkansas history. From 1990 to 1996, she led the Conway Junior High girls’ basketball program to a remarkable state record 140-game winning streak. She was also named Conway Junior High Teacher of the Year in 1995. In 1996, she took over as volleyball coach at Conway High and her Wampus Cats captured the school’s first volleyball state championship in 1998. Taylor took over the high school girls’ basketball program in 2000 and the success continued. She was named Arkansas Democrat girls’ basketball Coach of the Year in 2008 as her squad won the 7A state championship, again the program’s first. Overall, Taylor’s amassed career records of 234-36 in volleyball and 428-94 in basketball. Along the way she also coached the Conway golf teams, winning state titles with the girls in 2012 and 2016 and with the boys in 2002, 2008, 2011 and 2012. She was named Arkansas Preps Golf Coach of the Year in 2012. All told, she captured eight state championships to go along with 12 state runner-up finishes. Taylor’s teams also claimed 39 conference titles. She served as assistant athletic director for a decade until her retirement in 2020. In 2015, Taylor became the first female to be honored with the Elijah Pitts Award, presented annually to a Conway sportsperson for career achievement. A native of Cabot, Taylor lettered four years in tennis at Henderson State University, mostly playing No. 1 singles with the Reddies from 1981 to 1984. She was inducted into the Henderson State Hall of Honor in 2016.

HAL CRAFTON

BASKETBALL

Crafton played halfback on the Conway High School football team, but it was on the hardwood where he earned his place in Wampus Cat history. After playing junior high ball at St. Joseph, Crafton moved across town to play for Conway High School. A great passer and playmaker, he paid immediate dividends for the Cats. As a sophomore, Crafton was named all-region 5AA and hit the game winning shot in the state AA quarterfinals. Conway fell in the semifinal game, but the best was yet to come, for Crafton and for the Cats. In 1973, Conway High was bumped up from Class AA to Class AAA, but the Wampus Cats won their first basketball state championship in school history, defeating Forrest City 50-42. Crafton was named all-state that season as a junior. In 1974, Conway High repeated at Class AAA state champs, going undefeated in the regular season. In the championship game, Crafton led the Wampus Cats with 30 points, as Conway defeated Hot Springs 74-72. During his senior season, the Arkansas Gazette called Crafton. “the Wampus Cats’ take-charge floor leader.” Crafton and the Cats wrapped up that season playing in the most famous high school basketball game in state history, the 1974 Overall finals, in front of a record crowd of 8,000 in Barton Coliseum, falling to Fort Smith Northside to finish the year at 28-1. Crafton was again named all-state, as well as to the Arkansas Gazette Super Team. Crafton originally signed with Arkansas Tech, but continued his basketball career at the University of Central Arkansas, lettering in 1976 and 1977.

REUEL SHEPHERD

FOOTBALL

Shepherd won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1993. Playing power forward, he led the AAAA Central in rebounding as a senior, earning all-conference honors in basketball. He also participated in track, competing in the high jump and sprint relays. As a sophomore in 1990, Shepherd took over at quarterback midway through the season and finished with more than 700 yards of total offense and eight touchdowns. The Arkansas Democrat named him quarterback on their Super Sophomore team. In 1991, Shepherd was the perfect fit to run new head coach Kenny Smith’s wing-t offense. At 6’ 0” and 170-pounds, Shepherd possessed the arm and the legs to pull off the new offense, as well as the mental and physical toughness. The 1991 team finished 8-3, breaking the decades-old school record for points scored in a season, amassing 323. As a senior, Shepherd led the 1992 squad to a 9-3 record, capturing the AAAA Central championship. He earned all-state football honors in 1992 and played in the 1993 all-star game. Houston Nutt recruited Shepherd to Murray State. He moved to free safety and started the very first game his freshman season. He switched to outside linebacker as a junior and was a 2nd-Team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection. As a senior in 1996, he was named a team captain. In both 1995 and 1996, Shepherd received the Arthur Ashe, Jr. Award, sponsored by Black Issues in Higher Education, based on academic excellence and campus and community service. Shepherd was named the 1997 Outstanding Senior Man at Murray State University, becoming the first African American and first football player to receive this distinction.

KEN STEPHENS

FOOTBALL COACH

Stephens usually competed in up to six events for the Wampus Cat track team, and he was usually high point man, including at the 1948 Class A state meet. He played football on some of the earliest successful teams in Conway history, with both the 1946 and 1947 squads each winning 10 games. Stephens attended Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas. On the gridiron, he set a Bear record with five interceptions in one game. On the track, he won six of the possible eight hurdle races in the AIC state meet, taking the 120-yard highs each year and the 220-yard lows twice. In 1951 and 1952, Stephens earned NAIA All-American honors in the 120s, finishing runner-up both years at the national meet, the only two times he ever lost in the high hurdles. In 1952, Stephens got his first coaching job in Crossett, as assistant football coach and head track coach. He returned home to serve as head football coach at Conway High for two years, going 7-3-1 in 1958, and 7-3-2 in 1959. In 1963, Stephens was hired as head football coach at North Little Rock High School, and his Wildcats captured state championships in 1965, 1966, and 1970. Stephens returned home again to coach his other alma mater, UCA, from 1972-1981, where his Bears won four AIC titles and finished as the NAIA national runner-up in 1976. He was twice named AIC coach of the year. Stephens has been inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

WILBUR OWENS

TRACK

Owen won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1960. Coached by fellow Class of 2021 inductee Ken Stephens, Owen garnered all-state football honors as a guard in 1959 and played in the 1960 all-star game. But it was on the oval where Owen was the most outstanding. Coached by Bill Nutter, Owen led the Wampus Cats to the the 1960 AA state track championship, winning the 100-yard dash, 220-yard dash, and 180-yard low hurdles, while anchoring three winning relay teams: the 440-yard, the 880-yard, and the mile. Five of those six wins set AA state records. To make it even harder, Owen had to complete 12 races that day, as the prelims and finals were all run on the same day. At the 1960 Meet of Champs, Owen was a double winner, in the low hurdles and 880 relay, while finishing second in the 100 and third in the 220. Owen continued his career at Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas, and never missed a beat. While a Bear, Owen helped the squad win four AIC track titles. He holds the UCA record in the 220-yard low hurdles, set in 1964. He also set the school mark as part of the mile medley relay in 1962. During his career at UCA, Owen was named All-AIC at least once each in the 100, 220, 440, 220 low hurdles, 440 relay, 880 relay, and mile relay. He was also an NAIA All-American in 1961. Owen has been inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame.

TOM MABRY

FOOTBALL

Mabry’s first love as a youngster was golf, but when he grew to 6’5” and more than 240 pounds, he found great success on the gridiron. A massive offensive tackle, Mabry helped the Wampus Cats to a 10-1 record in 1967 and the 3AA-West Region title. That year, Conway finished as the No. 1 ranked team in Class AA. The following spring, Mabry won the discus at the AA state track meet. Mabry earned all-state football honors as a senior in 1967 and was named to the Arkansas Gazette Super Team. He also played in the 1968 all-star game. He was also named to the prestigious “All Southern” team following his senior year. Mabry continued his football career at the University of Arkansas. Freshmen were ineligible to play varsity in those days, but he was ready to go in 1969, lettering three years from 1969-1971 at tackle. Following Mabry’s senior year, Frank Broyles said, “In the last two years, Tom’s man never once tackled our passer. That’s a credit to his determination. Our only regret is that he was too good as a sophomore. He made our team. I’ve heard our coaches say it a hundred times, ‘Tom should have been redshirted: look how good he’d be next year.’” Mabry was a 1971 second-team All-SWC selection. During his Razorback career, he played in the Sugar Bowl and the Liberty Bowl. After his senior season, Mabry was selected to play in the North-South Shrine Game, the Coaches All-American Game, and the Hula Bowl. The New York Giants selected Mabry in the 8th round of NFL draft in 1972.

1964 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

FOOTBALL

The 1963 Conway High football team was young, and finished with a 5-7 record against tough competition, dropping several close games. So, expectations were pretty high for the following season. Going into the fall of 1964, the school had pre-sold more season tickets for the upcoming campaign than ever before. Prior to the season, head coach Rex Lovell commented, “We thought our boys did real well last year considering our schedule, but we should do even better than we did last year. We have experience and our biggest team since I’ve been here, and they are a real fine group of hard-working athletes.” But no one could have known just how great this team would be. Solid on both sides of the ball, the Cats outscored their opponents by a cumulative total of 259-33. Of the 33 points given up by Conway, only one touchdown was scored against the first team defense. They easily won the Region 3-AA West championship, and were ranked among the top ten teams in the state all season. The key game came on October 30, when Conway was ranked No. 3. They traveled to Quigley Stadium to take on AAA powerhouse and No. 1 ranked Little Rock Central. Conway came home with a hard-fought 7-0 victory over the Tigers and took over the No. 1 spot. The Wampus Cats compiled a perfect 11-0 record and became the first AA school to finish with the No. 1 overall ranking. As a reward for the undefeated state championship season, Wampus Cat supporters raised money to send the team to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas to watch the Arkansas Razorbacks beat Nebraska to secure the 1964 national title.

RAYMOND BRIGHT

COACH

A native of Hope, Bright served in the Navy during World War II. He then graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas, in 1949. Bright began his career at Conway Junior High School in 1949, coaching football, basketball and track. He was the first true junior high coach hired in the Conway school district, as back in those days, the high school coaches also had to cover the junior high teams. But Bright soon moved up to Conway High School, starting in 1951, to serve as the head coach for both football and track. On the gridiron, he coached for seven years, with a record of 46-28-1 (62.0%), with five winning seasons. His final team in 1957 went 10-1, capturing the class 3AA conference title. On the oval, his Wampus Cats won three track & field state championships, in 1953, 1954 and 1957. Bright took his coaching talents across town to UCA to lead the Bear track program from 1959 to 1965, and then the football team from 1965 to 1971. His teams won multiple AIC titles in both sports. Bright was known as a tough but fair coach and was beloved by his players. Those who played for him are honored to be called one of “Raymond’s boys.” He has been inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. After retirement, he was later elected to the Conway School District Board of Education. Bright passed away in 2008 at the age of 85.

JOE GRAHAM

COACH

Graham was an all-state guard at Greenbrier High School before playing basketball at Central Baptist College and at State College of Arkansas, now the University of Central Arkansas. He began his coaching career at Conway Junior High School in 1972, leading the Wampus Kittens for two seasons, going 41-7 with a pair of regional titles. His first season, they finished as 1973 state runner-up, the last year a junior high school state tournament was held. Then, at the tender age of 24 years old, Graham took over as the head basketball coach at Conway High School. His initial squad finished as the 1975 Class AAA state runner-up. The Arkansas Democrat named Graham as the state’s Coach of the Year for all classifications. His 1976 Wampus Cats would become one of the most celebrated basketball teams in state history, going 36-0 and capturing the AAA state championship. They then became the first non-AAAA school to win the state overall title. This time, the Arkansas Gazette named him as the state Coach of the Year. He retired following the 2000 season with a record of 447-263 (63.0%). His teams were conference champs nine times and made 19 trips to the state playoffs. In addition to 1975, his Cats finished as state runners-up in 1981 and 1995. Graham also had success as the coach of the CHS boys golf team, winning state titles in 1978 and 1982. Graham has been inducted into the Central Baptist College Sports Hall of Fame, the Faulkner County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

JUSTIN HARGIS

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL

Hargis won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1994. By the 1990’s, high school three-sport stars were few and far between, but Hargis excelled in football, basketball and baseball for the Wampus Cats. As a 9th grader, the Arkansas Democrat named him to its 1991 junior high All-Metro track & field team, having had success in the 400-meters and the high jump. In high school, he moved from the oval to the diamond, helping the Wampus Cat baseball team to state runner-up finishes in 1993 and 1994. A shortstop, center fielder and designated hitter, Hargis was named all-state and to the all-state tournament team in 1994. Baseball America listed him as the 54th best high school player in the country. On the gridiron, he shined on both sides of the ball. During his senior season of 1993, he intercepted 10 passes playing safety. Hargis won the Kelly Dunlap Award, presented to the outstanding defensive player in the homecoming game. Also playing quarterback, he led Conway to the AAAA-Central championship and a runner-up finish in the state title game. Hargis was named all-state, to the AP Super Team, and Friday Night Lights Arkansas Player of the Year. A shoulder injury in the football title game caused him to miss his senior season of basketball, but he did play in both the Arkansas high school football and baseball all-star games. Hargis continued his athletic career at the University of Central Arkansas. He lettered two years as a defensive back, leading the Bears in interceptions as a true freshman in 1994. He then went on to letter four-years on the baseball team.

RICKY KERSEY

FOOTBALL

In track, Kersey threw the shot put, but on the football field, he threw around opposing players. One high school coach was quoted as saying “that Kersey just doesn’t stay blocked. If you get him down, you better sit on top of him.” As a junior, Kersey was a key member of the Wampus Cats’ 1964 undefeated state championship football team. Following his senior season, he was named all-state and received honorable mention All-American accolades from Coach and Athlete magazine. Legendary Arkansas assistant coach Wilson Matthews spotted Kersey and recruited him to be a Razorback. Freshman were ineligible to play back in those days, but as a sophomore in 1968 he started at defensive tackle as the Hogs shared the Southwest Conference title, going 10-1 and winning the Sugar Bowl. Kersey was a three-year letterman at University of Arkansas from 1968-70. The Razorbacks went 28-5 during that time, one of the most prosperous stretches in program history. A 6’0”, 200-pounder, Kersey was described as “a real dynamo on defense - one of the quickest players in the league and an aggressive tackler.” His athleticism and versatility allowed him to play both tackle and end on the defensive front. As a junior in 1969, he played in the famous “Big Shootout” game of the century against the Texas Longhorns. He was named All-SWC that year at defensive end. Kersey was named to the University of Arkansas’ all-decade team of the 1960’s, a feat made even more impressive considering that decade was among the most successful period in Razorback history.

MARY MICHAEL MAGGIO WITHERELL

GOLF

Maggio won the Ruth Doyle Award for outstanding senior female athlete in 2009. She was an all-state golfer at Conway High for four years, helping the Lady Cats win four conference championships. Maggio was the 7A state medalist in 2007 and won the state overall in 2006 and 2007. In 42 high school matches, she finished in first place 37 times and was runner-up in the other five events. Her coach Janet Taylor said, “She’s mentally the toughest kid I’ve ever been around, and I’ve coached basketball, volleyball and golf.” Maggio earned 2004, 2005 and 2006 Arkansas State Golf Association Junior Girls Player of the Year honors. She was the state junior stroke champion in 2004 and 2005, and the state junior match play champion in 2005 and 2006. Four-times she qualified for the U.S. Girls Junior Open, tying for ninth in both 2007 and 2008. She garnered All-American status from the American Junior Golf Association and was ranked No. 9 nationally by the AJGA in 2009. After beginning her collegiate career playing at LSU for two years, she transferred to Texas A&M, earning All-Big 12 honors as a junior when she won the 2012 Big 12 Championship. As an Aggie, Maggio posted a career 74.86 career stroke average. She was an SEC Academic Honor Roll selection in 2012-13. After graduation, she served as an assistant golf coach at Houston, Baylor and Florida State before returning to her college alma mater in 2018 as Director of Operations for the Texas A&M men’s and women’s golf programs.

AUSTIN SULLIVAN

BASKETBALL

As a sophomore, Sullivan was a starter on Conway’s 1974 AAA state championship squad. As a senior, he was a part of one of the greatest teams in state history. The 1976 Wampus Cats again captured the AAA state championship, and then won the school’s only Overall title, finishing the season a perfect 36-0. The Arkansas Democrat named Sullivan the state’s player of the year in 1976. Sullivan teamed with his childhood friend and fellow Wampus Cat Sports Hall of Fame inductee Lawson Pilgrim to post a record of 141-11 from the 7th through 12th grades. Sullivan was named all-state in 1975 and 1976 and played in the Arkansas high school all-star game as a senior. The 5’ 9” point guard never missed a game during his time at Conway High, scoring 1,192 points, good for an average of 12.8 per game. Hendrix College offered him a scholarship, where he was a four-year starter. Sullivan finished his Warrior career with 1,812 points, good for a 16.0 average. Sullivan could score when needed, but was also a gifted passer, leading the Warriors in assists all four years. He tallied 622 career assists, averaging 5.5 per game. He led the AIC in 1979. As a senior in 1980, he was named All-AIC, helping the Warriors win their first conference title since 1931. Also in 1980, Sullivan was honored as the recipient of the prestigious Neil Martin Arkansas Amateur Athlete of the Year award. Sullivan went on to play internationally for Athletes in Action. He has been inducted into the Hendrix Sports Hall of Honor.

MARVIN DELPH

BASKETBALL

Delph helped the Wampus Cats win state AAA basketball championships in 1973 and 1974. He was voted state tournament MVP both years. Delph attended the University of Arkansas, where he joined Sidney Moncrief and Ron Brewer as they became known as the famed “Triplets,” leading the Hogs to back-to-back Southwest Conference championships and the 1978 NCAA Final Four. While at Arkansas, Delph was known for his leaping ability, coolness under pressure and outstanding shooting skill from long range. He led the Razorbacks in scoring in 1976 and 1977. Sports Illustrated featured Delph in 1977, along with Larry Bird and Phil Ford, in an article titled “Hottest of the Hot Shots.” Delph finished his career at Arkansas as the school’s all-time leading scorer. His 1,742 points still rank seventh in that category, even though he played before the three-point line was adopted. Named second-team All-SWC in 1976, Delph earned first-team All-SWC honors in 1977 and 1978. He was also a Converse and Sporting News All-American in 1978. Delph was drafted into the NBA in 1978 by the Buffalo Braves and in 1979 by the Boston Celtics. However, he did not play in the NBA, opting to play internationally with Athletes in Action, a Christian-based team out of California. He has been inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor, the SWC Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. In 1999, Delph was selected by Sports Illustrated as one of Arkansas’ 50 Greatest Sports Figures of the 20th Century.

HENRY HAWK

FOOTBALL, TRACK

Hawk won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1956. He was named all-state in football and basketball, as well as excelling at track for the Wampus Cats. Hawk was also an outstanding Golden Gloves amateur boxer. He continued his athletic career at the University of Central Arkansas, earning all All-AlC honors in both football and track. Hawk received the inaugural L.B. Jackman Award for outstanding player in UCA’s homecoming game. In 1959, he was named a football 1st team AP Little All-American. That year, he was nationally ranked in total offense and scoring. He was selected to play in the All-American Bowl in Tucson, Arizona. Hawk signed a contract with the Canadian Football League, but returned to Arkansas to start a coaching career that lasted two decades. As head coach at North Little Rock High School, he led them to a football state championship in 1972. Hawk has been a world-class distance runner for decades, in multiple events from 800 meters to 50 miles. He participated in ten straight Boston Marathons. He has won dozens of national titles over the years. In 1998, Hawk set a world record in the 60-64 age division when he ran a 5:13.38 in the 1,600 meters. His training and exercise programs have been nationally recognized, and he has served on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. Hawk has been inducted into seven halls of fame, including the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

TIM HORTON

FOOTBALL, TRACK

When Harold Horton took the UCA football job in 1982, Conway got one of the great coaches in Bear history. Conway also got his son Tim, then in junior high, who became one of the great athletes in Wampus Cat history. The younger Horton was a football and track star at CHS. He was named all-state tailback in 1984 and 1985. He was also a standout sprinter, setting the school record in the 100-meter dash in 1986. Horton is the only athlete in school history to win the Frank E. Robins Award, Kelly Dunlap Award, and Jim Case Award. When he graduated in 1986, he was offered a scholarship to the University of Arkansas. Horton was a four-year letterman from 1986-1989. He helped the Hogs to back-to-back Southwest Conference championships in 1988 and 1989. As a senior, he led the team in receptions and receiving yards, earning second-team All-SWC honors. In 1989, he was voted a team captain and was named the recipient of the Gordon Campbell Senior Spirit Award. Sure handed, Horton is fourth in Hog history with 78 career punt returns and fifth with 657 career punt return yards. He was also a two-time academic all-conference selection. Like his dad, Horton got into coaching, starting out with Appalachian State in 1990 before moving on to Air Force then Kansas State. In 2007, he returned to Arkansas where he served as running backs coach for the Razorbacks until 2012. Horton then went to Auburn and is now the running backs coach at Vanderbilt. Inducted into Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

JULIE JISKRA SEYMOUR

TRACK, CROSS COUNTRY

Jiskra became only the second female in school history to win the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1987. She was a three-time state cross country champion, and a two-time state champion in the 800-meters, 1,600 meters, and 3,200 meters. At the Meet of Champs, Jiskra won the 1,600 three consecutive years, setting the state record of 5:01.1 as a junior in 1986. She helped the Wampus Cats win the 1986 state cross country championship and state track and field titles in 1986 and 1987. She also played basketball and golf. As a high schooler, she traveled with Athletes in Action to China to compete in a 3-mile race, finishing 3rd among females. Jiskra received an athletic scholarship to Rice University. In 1991, she earned NCAA Division I All-American honors in the 10,000 meters, finishing 4th at the outdoor championships. She was also named an Academic All-American. Jiskra ran the 10,000 meters in the TAC Outdoor Championships in New York, qualifying for the 1991 Olympic Sports Festival. She placed 6th in the Olympic Sports Festival 10,000 meters in Los Angeles. Her senior year, Jiskra was the recipient of Joyce Pounds Hardy Award for most outstanding female athlete at Rice. She was also the recipient of the Fred J. and Florence Stancliff Award for academic achievement and outstanding track and field performance at Rice. She competed in the 1992 Olympic Trials in New Orleans in the 10,000 meters. Still competing, Jiskra was the Cat 2 Women’s South Carolina State Mountain Bike Champion in 2017 and age group Marathon Mountain Bike National Champion in 2018.

GREG LASKER

FOOTBALL, TRACK

Lasker won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1982. As a junior, he led the Wampus Cats to the 1981 AAAA state track championship, taking first in the 100 and 220-yard dashes and as part of the mile relay. He later won the 100 at the Meet of Champs. As a senior, Lasker won four events at the state meet - the 100, 200 and 400 meters and as part of the 1,600-meter relay. He then won the 100 and 200 at the Meet of Champs. Lasker still holds Conway High School records in the 200 and 400 meters. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas where he was a four-year starter at safety for the Razorbacks from 1982-1985. As a freshman, he also did little fill-in work for John McDonnell’s track team, running a few 1600-meter relays. Back on the gridiron, Lasker was named a team captain as a senior and won the school’s Bruce Mitchell Award for toughness. He earned AlI-Southwest Conference honors and played in the East-West Shrine Game following his final season. He ranks seventh on the UA’s career interception return yards list with 155 and is tied for 12th in career interceptions with nine. The New York Giants selected him in the second round of the 1986 draft. He played three seasons in the NFL. In his rookie year, they won Super Bowl XXI under head coach Bill Parcells. Lasker was named to the Razorback's all-decade team of the 1980's and has been inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor.

MIKE NEUHOFEL

SWIMMING

Like many kids growing up in Conway, Neuhofel played a multitude of sports, but it was in the pool where he achieved a level of success that few can match. He began swimming with Bob Courtway and the Hendrix Aquakids at the relatively late age of 14. He also swam for the Little Rock Racquet Club Dolphins, travelling throughout the United States to compete. Standing 6’6”, Neuhofel became a high school All-American swimmer at Conway High and a four-time junior national champion. The Arkansas Gazette named him as the state’s 1985 high school swimmer of the year. That year he broke the state record in the 50-meter freestyle. After weighing several scholarship offers, Neuhofel signed to swim for the University of Arkansas. He became a ten-time All-American and was named the Razorback’s most valuable swimmer from 1986-1988. He also set the school record in the 50-meter freestyle. Nine times he was named All-Southwest Conference and was a two-time SWC champion. While specializing in the freestyle sprints, Neuhofel also excelled in the longer distances, medleys, and in relays. He was a member of the United States National Team from 1986-1988 and was internationally ranked in 1987 and 1988. He was a finalist at the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials. Neuhofel won a gold medal at the National Sports Festival and a silver medal at 1987 PanAm Games in the 50-meter freestyle. After graduating from college, he later returned to Conway to coach the Aquakids for a time. Neuhofel has been inducted into the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame.

MIKE NEW

FOOTBALL

New won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1969. He quarterbacked the Wampus Cats to 20 wins over two seasons, going 10-1 in 1967 and 10-2 in 1968. The 1967 squad won the Region 3AA West conference championship. There were no playoffs back then, but the Arkansas Gazette ranked Conway High as the #1 team in Class AA. New was twice an all-state selection in football and played in the 1969 all-star game. He also earned All-American honors as a senior. New was an all-state basketball player and also ran track. As a senior, his teammates selected him as co-captain in both football and basketball. New was recruited by colleges from all over the country, but chose the University of Arkansas. Frank Broyles personally flew to Conway to sign him to a scholarship. As a freshman, New was moved to defensive back. Wanting to play quarterback, he transferred to the University of Central Arkansas where he lettered in 1971. New served as an assistant coach at Conway High from 1975-1979. He had a long and distinguished career as a football referee. From 1980-1992, he officiated high school games, including two state championships. In the college ranks, New worked the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference from 1983-1986 and the Southland Conference from 1987-1991. From 1992-2009, he worked as a back judge in the Southeastern Conference. He was selected to officiate the 2000 SEC Championship Game, as well as six bowl games. He still works as an SEC replay official. New has been inducted into the Arkansas Officials Association Hall of Fame.

J.B. PENDERGRAFT

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK

Pendergraft won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1966. He was one of the best all-around athletes to ever come out of Conway High School. An all-state basketball player, he was also an outstanding sprinter on the track team. In football, he was a key member of the most celebrated team in Wampus Cat history. As a junior in 1964, Pendergraft was a two-way starter for the undefeated state champions. When Conway beat class AAA powerhouse and No. 1 ranked Little Rock Central 7-0 late in the season, Pendergraft scored the game’s only touchdown, going in on fourth and goal from the one-yard line. That victory propelled the Cats to their first state championship. Conway went a perfect 11-0 and won the 3AA conference title. There were no playoffs back then, but Conway became the first AA school to be ranked No. 1 overall at season’s end. Pendergraft was named all-state in 1964 and 1965 and played in the 1966 all-star football game as a senior. He originally signed with the University of Arkansas and played for their freshman team, the Shoats, in 1966. Pendegraft transferred to the University of Central Arkansas, where he lettered from 1968-1970. His versatility was further showcased at UCA. As a sophomore in 1968, he registered offensive statistics in rushing, passing and receiving. On defense, he intercepted a pass. On special teams, he logged punt return yards and kickoff return yards. He even punted once, for 48 yards. Pendergraft later served as a coach in the Conway School District.

LAWSON PILGRIM

BASKETBALL

Pilgrim was simply a winner on the basketball court. From the 7th through 12th grades, his teams went a combined 141-11. As a sophomore, he was a starter on Conway’s 1974 AAA state championship squad. As a senior, he was a part of one of the greatest teams in state history. The 1976 Wampus Cats captured the AAA state championship, with Pilgrim earning tournament MVP honors. The Cats then won the school’s only Overall title, finishing the season a perfect 36-0. Pilgrim was named all-state in 1975 and 1976 and played in the state high school all-star game as a senior. He signed a scholarship with the University of Arkansas, where he lettered as a freshman. Pilgrim then transferred back home to Hendrix College. After a redshirt year, he was ready to play for the Warriors. But the following season, he had tendonitis in both knees and was told that he would not be able to play. Though well under 100%, Pilgrim did play and was the hardest worker on the court, helping the Warriors to a runner-up finish in the AIC. Hendrix coach Cliff Garrison said Pilgrim was one of the greatest competitors he ever saw in his 41 years of coaching. The next two seasons with healthy legs, Pilgrim led Hendrix to back-to-back AIC crowns. Twice named All-AlC, he became only Hendrix player ever named first-team NAIA All-American in 1981. Pilgrim went on play internationally for Athletes in Action. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Hendrix Sports Hall of Honor. Inducted into Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

ERNEST RUPLE

FOOTBALL

Ruple was an all-state football player in 1962. He was also a standout on the track team where he set a school record in the discus while helping the Wampus Cats win the 1963 state championship. He accepted a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas. Freshmen were ineligible to play with the varsity in those days, but Ruple was a member of the team when the Razorbacks won the 1964 national championship. Ruple became a three-year letterman on the offensive line for the Hogs from 1965-1967. He helped the Razorbacks win the Southwest Conference title in 1965 and played in the 1966 Cotton Bowl. The 1967 Sports Illustrated college football preview issue stated, “The backs will all run behind Ernest Ruple, who is 6'5" and 252 pounds of tackle - the only big man in Broyles' camp. Ruple is a relic of the glorious era, just ended, when Arkansas was both big and fast.” That senior season, Ruple was a team captain and earned All-SWC honors. His outstanding play earned him invitations to the East-West Shrine Game and to the Senior Bowl. Pittsburgh drafted Ruple in the 2nd round of the 1968 NFL draft with the 36th overall selection. He played two seasons with the Steelers. Ruple later got into coaching. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant, and was named head football coach of the Wampus Cats in 1975. His 1976 squad finished 9-3, winning the AAAA West Conference title. His two-year record at Conway High was 15-8.

KENNY SMITH

FOOTBALL

As a football player, Smith was a member of Conway High School’s 1964 state championship team and was a co-captain as a senior in 1966. He also played basketball for the Cats. He later played football at the University of Central Arkansas, where he lettered for the Bears as a lineman in 1970. Smith then began a coaching career that took him to stops in North Little Rock, Cabot and Magnolia. He retuned to his alma mater as an assistant football coach in 1984. Smith also served as head track & field coach for four years during this time, winning the AAAA-North conference title each season. His team captured the AAAA state championship in 1989 and finished as state runner-up twice. But Smith got his dream job in 1991 when he was named head football coach of the Conway High School Wampus Cats. He is the longest tenured coach in school history, serving 18 years from 1991-2008. His career record is 129-75, good for a winning percentage of 63.2. His 129 wins are the most in school history. That total represented almost one-quarter of all Wampus Cat football victories at the time. Smith had 12 winning seasons, six conference championships, and 13 playoff appearances. His 1993 squad finished as AAAAA state runner-up. He also coached in two All-Star football games. All told, Smith coached for 25 years at Conway High School. Few have ever been prouder to wear the blue and white. The annual Kenny Smith Wampus Cat Open golf tournament is named in his honor.

DANDRA THOMAS

BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL

Thomas was a basketball, volleyball and track star at Conway High and was honored in 1994 with the inaugural Ruth Doyle Award for outstanding female senior athlete. Her 9th grade basketball team at Conway Junior High began the program’s remarkable 140-game winning streak. As a sophomore, she led the Lady Cats to their first state final appearance. As a junior, she set the single season scoring mark with 470 points and by the time she graduated, she had become the program’s career scorer leader with 1,279 points. Thomas was twice named all-state in basketball. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette named her the state’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1993. She also earned all-state honors in volleyball. Her versatility was further showcased in track & field, where she ran the 400, high jumped and threw the discus. After high school, Thomas signed to play basketball at Oral Roberts University. She spent a short time there before transferring back home to the University of Central Arkansas where she would play both basketball and volleyball for the Sugar Bears. On the hardwood, she was a first team All-Gulf South Conference West Division selection for the 1996-97 season. She was also named to the GSC All-Tournament team in 1997. She was selected as Conway High School's Beauty Review Queen in 1993 and participated in other pageants where she showcased her many talents. It was not unusual for her to sing the National Anthem at a game before she would play. She passed away in 2003 at age 27.

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