Northark Hall of Fame
Special Service
Among his many roles at Arkansas Tech University, Dr. Bill Baker was a star basketball player, coach, and athletic director. When he was named President of North Arkansas College in 1974, he made the decision to start an athletic program at this college, emphasizing the importance of athletes as students and athletics as part of the academic experience. A loyal fan and supporter, he also stressed recruiting as many area student-athletes as possible. He raised the money to have these chairback seats installed in Pioneer Pavilion. His unfaltering support and sensible planning enabled Northark to sustain a successful program.
For one quarter of a century, Dorm Saylors served as athletic director at North Arkansas College. A division chairman and a full-time mathematics instructor, Dorm worked his entire career as AD without any salary for the position. He started all of the college’s athletic teams, camps, and tournaments; hired the coaches; planned the schedules and budgets; organized the Pioneer Club; successfully bid for and directed many high school state tournaments; and built the athletic program at this college. A loyal fan and supporter, you will still find Dorm and his wife, Kay, attending most of the home games today.
The first vice president employed by North Arkansas College, the late Dr. Loren Aldrich was an avid supporter of Lady Pioneer and Pioneers athletics. At his own expense, Dr. Aldrich joined the Lady Pioneers on their international tours and for years he kept the clock and scoreboard at all home games. His philosophy about women’s basketball, which he repeated almost daily during lunch sessions in the Faculty/Staff lounge, was, “The first team to 66 points always wins.” Since the Lady Pioneers held their opponents to an average of under 60 points a game for many years, he was usually right.
The late Calvin “Lefty” Burks was North Arkansas College’s first baseball coach. He was also a loyal and dedicated basketball fan and served as the public address announcer for many years for Lady Pioneer and Pioneer games. A great booster for the women’s basketball program, Lefty helped convince Northark officials to allow Coach Jim Stockton and his Lady Pioneers to raise the money and accept an invitation to tour New Zealand in 1983, playing games on the North and South islands, including a final contest against the New Zealand Olympic Team. That tour, and others that followed it to Europe and Australia, provided Lady Pioneer student-athletes the experience of a lifetime. Lefty’s positive attitude and hard work also helped Northark establish off-campus operations in Mountain Home and Rogers that are now two-year colleges.
A former student, Charla, became the Assistant Registrar in 1982. She has served as the Director of Admissions for the last ten years. She is a regular at Pioneer Club functions and supports the teams at their games. She has helped countless athletes with admission, graduating, and transferring requirements.
Distinguished Service
When Shorty retired and came back home, he immediately started supporting the athletic program at North Arkansas College. He became president of the Pioneer Booster Club fifteen years ago, and has served faithfully ever since.
For ten years has been a loyal sponsor of the Scholarship Fund of the Pioneer Booster Club. Known as the First National Bank Scholarship, the fund sponsors the tuition of a North Arkansas College women’s basketball player.
For over twenty years has been a loyal sponsor for the Scholarship Fund of the Pioneer Club.
For over fifteen years has been a loyal sponsor for the Scholarship Fund of the Pioneer Club.
Van was North Ark’s bus driver from 1982-1994, and a faithful supporter of the teams for years later. During that time he was considered by the players as their best fan. His positive attitude and presence meant so much to the players and he was truly loved by all.
Started keeping the score book for home games and tournaments in 1975. Member of the Pioneer Board of Directors since the board was established.
Long time announcer of games at Pioneer Pavilion. As Richard puts it, “I’ve been butchering names for over twelve years.”
For over fifteen years has been a regular at the score table. Long time member of the Pioneer Booster Club and its Board of Directors.
For many years Tim has been a faithful member of the Pioneer Booster Club and volunteer for game management duties. During one tournament he either kept the official book or the clock for 24 of the 24 games scheduled.
Spirit Squad/Cheerleading
Before there was a Razorback Pom Squad, Northark had the premier basketball cheerleading team in Arkansas, the Pioneer Spirit Squad. For 12 years, from 1975 through 1987, Linda Brown coached this dedicated group of male and female athletes, who set a standard for basketball cheerleaders and dance teams in the state.
Women’s Basketball
Four times named Arkansas Junior College Conference “Coach of the Year,” Coach Jim Stockton led the Lady Pioneers basketball team to an 11-year record of 248 wins and 77 losses, the best winning percentage of any Arkansas college women’s basketball team during that era. His Lady Pioneer teams, which included numerous former high school valedictorians, salutatorians and honor graduates, won three state championships and reached the finals of the Arkansas JUCO Women’s Basketball State Tournament six times in the eight years it was conducted. His 1984-85 Lady Pioneers were the first women’s team from Arkansas ranked in the Top 20 in the NJCAA Division I National Poll, and three of his squads competed internationally—in New Zealand in 1983, Holland in 1985, and Australia in 1987.
The captain of the 1980-81 team that went 16-0 against other Arkansas Junior College Conference teams, won the AJCC title, and captured Northark’s first Arkansas Junior College State Tournament. Angie set a single game rebounding record with 18 against ASU-Beebe. She averaged 8.5 rebounds per game that season and was All-AJCC. After signing with Arkansas Tech, she was killed in a tragic car accident prior to her junior year in college
One of greatest shooters at Northark, Karen would have been an incredible threat in the 3-point era. She was a two-time All-AJCC selection, and when she finished her career she was the number five all-time scorer and number five all-time rebounder
A quick post on offense, Kim was a two-time All-AJCC pick and finished 10th in scoring and tied for ninth in rebounding for her career.
Northark’s first Academic All-American, Ginger was selected as the most valuable player in the AJCC in 1984-85. Her sophomore season she helped lead the team to a 29-4 record and the AJCC and Arkansas Junior College State Tournament titles which included a 19-game winning streak. She had 15 assists in one game against ASU-Beebe, a team record at the time.
Wendy led the Lady Pioneers in scoring in 1984-85 and 1985-86, averaging 17.8 and 18.6 points per game, respectively. The team won 57 games and lost 9 over that two-year span In 1985-86 they were 28-5 and were AJCC co-champs. At the time of her graduation, Wendy was the all-time Lady Pioneers leading scorer with 1,148 points and held the single game scoring record with 40 points against Butler County Community College. She was the AJCC most valuable player in 1985-86, as selected by the league’s coaches, and was All-Region II and an AWSF All-American. She was a two-time All-AJCC selection.
The only other Lady Pioneer to start on both the 1984-85 and 1985-86 teams that went a combined 57-9, Pam was selected All-Region II both years. At the time she finished her career she was the all-time leading rebounder for the Lady Pioneers with 453, second leading scorer with 1,054 points, was the leading career free throw percentage shooter at 81.5%, with a record 238 free throws. She was named honorable mention All-American by AWSF in 1985-86. She was a two-time All-AJCC selection.
Northark’s only Kodak All-American, Karissa finished her career as the all-time leading Lady Pioneer rebounder with 473, despite playing as a backup during her freshman year. At that time she was the third all-time leading scorer with 897 points and was All-AJCC, All-Region II, and All-American. She was co-captain of the 1986-87 team that finished 28-5 and won the state tourney. She averaged 19.2 points and 9.3 rebounds her sophomore year.
Co-Captain and an All-Region II pick in 1986-87, Robin was a clutch shooter. As a freshman, she had a buzzer-beating shot to beat Paducah, Kentucky in the Illinois Central Classic. She played on teams that went a combined 56-10 during their careers.
Shannon was selected All-Region and All-American while at Northark. She was the third leading scorer in the nation averaging 27.5 ppg. Shannon had a career high of 47 points in a game against Independence, KS.
Shawna was selected All-Region and All-American during her sophomore year at North Arkansas. As a 5’9” guard she had unlimited range. A deadly three point shooter and slasher to the basket, that averaged 17 ppg, Shawna contributed greatly to the Lady Pioneer program.
Angie was selected All-Region and All-American her sophomore year while at Northark. Her great basketball instincts, smart play, knowledge of the game, and scoring ability allowed her to score over 21 ppg while at North Arkansas College.
Men’s Basketball
James was a member of the first Pioneer Basketball team. As a leading scorer and rebounder during his playing days he was selected to the All-Conference Team.
Tremendous competitor and relentless scorer, Chad led the team in scoring during the 1991-92 season scoring 20.1 per game. During one game with Central Baptist he poured in 46 points and in a game on the road at Independence he pumped in 40. Chad received All-Conference and All-Region awards as a sophomore.
Marcus was one of the great play-makers and set up man for the Pioneers. During his sophomore year at North Arkansas he was among the tops in the nation in assists, averaging 8.7 a game. He led the nation in free throw percentage that year at 96.2% when he made 73 of 76 attempts.
During his freshman season, Keith established himself as a force on the court when he scored at a clip of 17.0 points per game, handing our 4.1 assists per game, and shooting 85% from the free throw line. As a sophomore he poured in 24.4 points per game, shot 86.7 % from the line, dished out 5.0 assists per game, and shot 46.1% from three point distance. He made All-Conference both seasons and was 1st Team All-Region as a sophomore.
Travis had the ability to play any position on the floor. He could score from any position on the court. He could post up or play the perimeter. As a freshman he shot 62% from the field. He had great court awareness and scored 20.1 points per game as a sophomore. He received All-Conference and All-Region honors as a sophomore.
Baseball
Tim Sherrill pitched for the Pioneers from 1983-1985. He went on to play at the U of A. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and pitched in the Major Leagues for the Cardinals.
Clayton Dowell played for the Pioneers from 1992-1994. He was a 1st team All-Region player for the Pioneers. Clayton had outstanding years with the Pioneers and was the first North Arkansas College baseball player to become an All American in the 1994 season.
Ryan Vincent played for the Pioneers from 1997-1999. He had two great seasons for the Pioneers both as a pitcher and position player. He was a 1st team All Region player and became the first North Arkansas College baseball player to become a first team All American
Preston Harriman played for the Pioneers from 1998-2001. He not only became an All American at North Arkansas College but is the only player in Junior College history to win the national title in batting and earned run average in the same year
Tim Bowser played for the Pioneers from 2001-2003. He set a season record for homeruns at North Arkansas College in 2003 with 18 homeruns which was also good enough to win the national homerun title that year. Tim was outstanding both on the mound and in the outfield for the Pioneers. Tim was also an All American in 2003.