50 Years

When the Bisons Came Back…
Bison football celebrates 50 years on August 29
by Lathan Garnett (’61)

In 1959, Jim Citty (#82) and Billy Joe Thrasher (#60) run through the banner and start the legacy of Bison football. The 2009 football team under the leadership of Head Coach Ronnie Huckeba (’77) will be incorporating the best practices of tradition, work ethic and character of Bison football.

When the Harding University Bison football team takes the field at First Security Stadium against Missouri Southern on Saturday, August 29 at 6 p.m., fifty years of Bison football will be celebrated and remembered. Following the aftermath of the Great Depression, in 1931, Bison football took a break that lasted for 28 years. In 1959, the announcement was made that Harding would return to playing football and more than 50 young men turned out to begin Harding's first intercollegiate football team. They were led by Head Coach Carl Allison, an Oklahoma University "great". Allison started at defensive end for four years under the legendary Bud Wilkinson. Allison was inducted into the Oklahoma University Hall of Fame in 1996.

During the weekend of August 28-29, coaches, trainers, players, and cheerleaders from the 1959 team will be gathering in Searcy to celebrate this 50th anniversary milestone. Early indications are that a great turnout is expected with 30+ already committed with players coming from as far away as Florida for this event. Coach Allison will be here to again "lead his team" for this special occasion. Several activities are planned throughout the weekend including special introductions at half-time of the game. For more information about the reunion, contact Garnett at lmg0528@aol.com .