It might probably occur. Simply verify September 28, 1996, within the Arkansas Tech College soccer e book.
That was the day Arkansas Tech shocked the NCAA Division II nationwide champion College of North Alabama Lions, 38-35, at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Ala.
The Surprise Boys will as soon as once more look to go on the highway and upset the defending NCAA Division II Nationwide Champions after they shut out their 2024 season by visiting the Harding College Bisons at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 16th at First Safety Stadium in Searcy.
Reside protection will likely be supplied by KCJC 102.Three FM, the EAB Media Group app and www.arkansastechsports.com.
Arkansas Tech (5-5) could have momentum on its facet because it seeks its first successful season since 2017. The Surprise Boys defeated Southeastern Oklahoma State College 6-Zero final Saturday.
It was ATU's first shutout of 2017 and its first win with out the good thing about a landing since Oct. 22, 1960, when the Surprise Boys defeated these purple and grey males from Conway Three-Zero on their strategy to the Arkansas Intercollegiate Convention title .
“Coach Kendrick Van Ackeren and the defensive finish employees have completed a improbable job getting the children prepared and preparing,” ATU head soccer coach Kyle Shipp mentioned. “They got here out and battled. We've been speaking all week that we're going to need to play collectively and do that for one another. It was nice to be part of it. The earlier three weeks had been onerous. For these guys to come back collectively as a crew and play as onerous as they bodily might, it meant the world to me as a head coach and to our employees.”
There will likely be loads of motivation for Harding, ranked fourth nationally, on Saturday. The Bison (9-1) want a win over Arkansas Tech to safe at the least a share of the Nice American Convention championship and a berth within the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
On paper, the ATU problem is overwhelming. Harding leads NCAA Division II in speeding protection (417.four yards per sport), complete protection (167.Three yards allowed per sport) and scoring protection (6.eight factors allowed per sport). The Bisons recorded 85 tackles for a loss and 25 quarterback sacks.
Harding has outscored its opponents 518-68. The one blemish on the Bison's ledger is a 17-13 loss at Ouachita Baptist College on Oct. 19. Harding responded by defeating Southern Arkansas College, Southeastern Oklahoma State and East Central College by a mean margin of 33.7 factors over the previous three weeks. .
“We're not wholesome, however we're going to struggle,” Shipp mentioned. “We have now to have enjoyable. Get on the market, have enjoyable, compete and attempt to carry out on the highest stage doable. Go to the competitors. They’re identical to you. They placed on their pants identical to you. They’re good. It’s important to promote your self on this sport, match their depth and match their physicality to have an opportunity.”
Are fortunate charms a factor? Who is aware of, but when they’re, the Surprise Boys could have one with them on Saturday.
Arkansas Tech's head coach that September Saturday 28 years in the past in Florence, Ala., was Brooks Hollingsworth, who returns to the Surprise Boys this season as an assistant coach.
Perhaps a few of that 1996 magic will likely be with the Surprise Boys this Saturday in Searcy.
I'm speaking to you on the radio.
Tech Tidbits is a column written by Sam Strasner, ATU director of college relations and radio play-by-play voice for ATU soccer and basketball.