Bill Stephens (2006)
Conway HS, UCA
In 1951 Stephens was the state hurdles champion and state high-point runner-up. He was ranked nationally in the top 20 in the low hurdles. As a UCA athlete Stephens won the hurdles in the AIC track meet and was ranked in the NAIA hurdle listings, qualifying to run in the NAIA championships. He coached in the Conway Public Schools from 1963 through 1967 and later took Carlisle to six district titles, 1956 through 1961. As the UCA coach Stephens’ teams won two AIC titles and he was named three times as AIC and NAIA District 17 Coach of the Year. He coached 12 All-Americans. He coached AIC All-Stars in Mexico in 1979. He oversaw the building of a new track at UCA that was named the Bill Stephens Track. Stephens was involved in high school and college athletics for 43 years. He also served in the Arkansas state legislature for 22 years. |