Berry Honored during Annual Sporty Day Events It was a gloomy day outside for Henderson State’s annual Sporty Bowl, but the festivities indoors will be remembered for years to come as the fourth annual Henderson State Sporty Day honoring Dr. Clyde Berry (’53) took place on April 24. There were plenty of tears and laughter as several former players, coaches, and teammates traded stories of their days with the legendary Berry. Berry, an outstanding football and baseball player at Henderson in the early 50’s, was the head football coach at Henderson State from 1967 to 1970. He also served as the Reddie baseball coach from 1963 to 1967 and again throughout the 80’s. As a coach, his football teams were 26-14 and his baseball teams were 187-125-2 and a 9959 record in the AIC, never having a losing season. Speakers included Charley Donaldson (’61), Fred Dawson (’66), Tommy Hart (’70), Bobby Jones (’71), Reggie Ritter (’82), Athletic Director Sam Goodwin (‘66), and Berry’s son, Trey Berry. One of the most touching moments of the event occurred when Berry spoke of his son, Jay. Berry and his wife Sue lost Jay exactly 26 years ago to the day of the honor. Jay Berry lost his battle with muscular dystrophy at the age of 15. “I can’t describe what this means to me,” Berry said. “April 24 has always been one of the lowest days for me. Today you have made it a
Athletic Director Sam Goodwin presents Clyde Berry with a gift during Sporty Day activities. high. I thank everyone in this room for that. You are all very special to me.” Berry was presented with several gifts. One of the greatest gifts was inspired by Athletic Director Sam Goodwin. Donations by several past players, coaches and friends were accumulated over the past months. The monies raised will be donated to Arkansas Muscular Dystrophy in the name of Jay Berry. After the ceremony, friends and family remembered the past and were reunited. The fourth annual “Sporty” Award was also
presented recognizing the Henderson Alumnus who did an outstanding job as a head coach of a high school athletic team during the 20032004 year. The 2004 recipient was Sporty Carpenter’s son David (’82), who led Junction City High School to an undefeated season and the Class AA State Football Championship. The day began with Henderson State’s spring game in rainy conditions. A total of three possessions, 21 plays, was all the two teams could manage before thunderstorms rolled into Arkadelphia.
A number of students were presented with scholarships, awards, and honors at Henderson State University’s annual Heart and Key banquet. The Henderson State University Alumni Association provides money for scholarships, and those scholarships are awarded during Heart and Key. The scholarship recipients and board members are pictured (from left) Holly Fite, alumni board secretary Sunnie Smedley, Jan Monroe, alumni board president Velda Holmes, Melissa Spears, Brandon Kuhn, Kimberly Covey, Angela Holyfield and Tiffany Lewis.
Reddie Report Fall 2004 • Page 14