Celebration to honor President Williams’ retirement
Jeremy Short
TNE Senior Staff Writer
President Larry Williams said his final words to the student body and faculty at the Last Lecture at Beta Field Monday evening.
"When Pam and I heard about it we said it would be the retirement party of all time," said Williams.
In his five minute speech, Williams showed his appreciation for the retirement party and to the students for the experiences he had at the university during his eleven years.
"I thought it was really good," said Robert Page, Cleveland junior. "I know President Williams loves the students and appreciated it."
Williams also acknowledged the T-shirt phenomenon that started from his nickname, "P-Willie." Several students in attendance wore shirts saying "P-Willie is my homeboy" to show their appreciation for the president.
"I've been called many things in my career, but the title I cherish the most is P-Willie," said Williams.
President Williams began his tenure in 1997 when he became the university's fifteenth president. He announced his retirement effective June 30 in December after a long leave of absence due to complications from a heart attack he suffered last March. Kim Cherry had been the interim president since that time.
Dr. Don Betz was recently named Williams replacement.
"He leaves some big shoes to fill," said Page. "A lot of people have said he is the reason they came here. It will be interesting to see how it plays out."
Email Jeremy Short at short@nsuok.edu.
Betz bids farewell to UWRF
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Spring game gives fans a glimpse of future
Annual Green and White game held Saturday
was a victory for the White team.
By Jacob Unruh
Co-editor
Athleticism was on display Saturday at Doc Wadley Stadium as the new-look RiverHawks football team displayed new attitude in the annual Green-White Game.
In a largely defensive game, White pulled away after Rashad Hopkins’, Rowlett, Texas, freshman, 25-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter en route to a 24-14 victory.
“We’re actually working two receivers, which puts us in position to make more interceptions,” first-year head coach Kenny Evans said.
Josh Lewis, Arlington, Texas, sophomore, led White with 79 yards on nine carries and passed for one TD, a 45-yard pass to quarterback Matt Silcox in the second quarter, and completed two passes for 68 yards.
“I thought offensively we had some big plays and plays closer to touchdowns than what they looked like,” Evans said. “Offensively, we got a lot accomplished [this spring] and things to build on [for next season].
The Green Team got on the board first with a 38-yard TD reception by Darren Allen from transfer-quarterback Kaelin Woods in the first quarter, but White responded with Silcox’s TD reception for a 7-7 score at the half.
White immediately opened the second half with a bang as Trey McVay, Muskogee freshman, caught a 44-yard TD pass from Silcox despite tight coverage down field.
LaTarus Sykes, Calhoun City, Miss., junior, kept Green in the game with a 38-yard interception TD return in the third quarter off a Silcox pass. However, a 31-yard field goal by James Peachy, Nottingham, England sophomore, gave White a 17-14 lead and the advantage for the rest of the game.
“I think we got a lot accomplished this spring,” Evans said. “The players will be the first to tell you…the way we approach things are totally different than before.”
Silcox led White from the air completing 8-of-16 passes for 112 yards and one TD. He also rushed five times for 12 yards.
Woods completed 8-of-24 for 118 yards and one TD. John Kelly, Garland, Texas, sophomore, and Jacob Hoops, West Fork, Ark., freshman, both carried the ball four times for 21 yards in the loss.
“I thought the running backs, as a whole, did a good job not only running, but blocking as well,” Evans said.
Jarett Beal, Dallas junior, had another big spring game with three receptions for 50 yards. Beal, who played quarterback last season, has been moved back to wide receiver for next season.
The game was played with a 20-minute first quarter and three 15-minute quarters with a continuous clock, except for the final two minutes and possession changes. The game also lacked kick offs and punts, but did feature Lone Star Conference officials in preparation for next season.
“The penalties bother me but I told them [the officials] to call everything,” Evans said. “These were conference officials and they did a great job too. I confront them [the team] on everything they do and I want the officials to confront them too.”
Attitude and a new work ethic has been Evans’ theme for the spring workouts and were prominent in the Green-White Game Saturday.
“The No. 1 thing I wanted to show with this team is we’re going to be more disciplined and organized,” Evans said.
e-mail Jacob Unruh at unruhjs@nsuok.edu.
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