WARREN, Ark. – When Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees Chair Steve Eddington, a Warren native, spoke in support of making the Arkansas State–Arkansas football matchup an annual tradition, he did so with both personal and statewide perspective.
Eddington, who grew up in Warren before attending Henderson State University, said the first-ever meeting between the Red Wolves and the Razorbacks should not be the last.
“We’ve crossed the uncrossable chasm – the first game has been played. I agree with Gov. Sanders that we can’t let this be the last time these teams play each other. The feedback I had over the weekend from fans of both teams was that this needs to continue. The atmosphere was invigorating. In today’s environment for collegiate athletics, this just makes an awful lot of sense.”
Eddington tied his remarks back to his own Warren upbringing, noting that trips to Little Rock for games were a major event.
“From Arkansas State’s perspective, there is great benefit to playing this game in Little Rock on a regular basis. And as someone who grew up in Warren, I see great benefit to UA. It was always a big deal to come to a game in Little Rock. My first game at War Memorial was in 1975 when Arkansas beat No. 2 Texas A&M and went on to the Cotton Bowl.”
Arkansas State University Chancellor Todd Shields emphasized the broader meaning of the contest for the state:
“Whether your favorite red is scarlet or cardinal, this past weekend has proven that the Red Wolves and Razorbacks can unite communities and energize Arkansans from every corner of the state. It’s a celebration of Arkansas, and we fully support making it a recurring event.”
Chris Pezman, Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics at A-State, called the rivalry “the heartbeat of college athletics,” citing the strong fan response as proof the game should continue.
The statements came in response to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ letter urging the two universities to make the War Memorial Stadium matchup a yearly tradition.
