Students attending will receive a free green UAM t-shirt, compliments of the Department of Athletics, to wear and show their support. Aramark Dining Services will also sell 50-cent hot dogs all night. As always, students are admitted free-of-charge with a valid UAM ID. T-shirts will be provided while supplies last so please arrive early to ensure yourself a shirt.

The Blossoms tip off with the Golden Suns a 5:30 followed by the Weevils and Wonder Boys at 7:30. Come out and support your basketball teams as they open the second half of the Great American Conference schedule.

Play4Kay is an event that women’s basketball teams from across the country participate in to help raise breast cancer awareness on their campus and in their communities.

As part of the Blossoms’ initiative to help raise money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, the team has designed a Play4Kay shirt to be worn on game day.

Pre-sale of the shirt begins Monday, January 23 and ends at noon on Monday, February 6. Shirts will be made available for pick-up on Friday, February 10 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm at the UAM Athletic Office in Steelman Field House. Any shirt not picked up on Friday will be made available for game-day sale.

Prices are $12.00 for a youth small through XL, and $14.00 for XXL through XXXXXL. Cash and checks made out to “UAM Women’s Basketball” will be accepted.

To order a shirt, contact Coach Tanya Ray at (870) 460-1357 or by email at rayt@uamont.edu

Join the Cotton Blossoms on Saturday, February 11, in support of finding a cure for breast cancer!

The camps are open for anyone ages 9-14. The Defensive Skills Camp for Infielders and Catchers will be held Monday nights, February 6, 13, 20, and 27. The Hitters Camp will be held Thursday nights, February 2, 9, 16, and 23.

The camps will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the UAM Indoor Practice Facility. The cost is $75 for one camp or $125 for both. Spaces are limited, only the first 50 campers will be accepted, so reserve your place soon.

Interested campers should contact Coach Harvey at 870-403-2316 or online at www.bollweevilsbaseballcamps.com.

“We are extremely happy with all these student athletes. We feel that we have added some really good football players to our team but more importantly we feel we have added some great people to our Boll Weevil Family.” “Off season and spring ball will be very exciting times. We have made great strides in our Academic Improvement plan and our image development in the last year. These young men will bring a lot to our program and will help us in our quest for a National Championship”

Keith Reynolds comes to Monticello from Coahoma Community College where he led his team with 80 tackles. He was named All-State and played in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star Game where he recorded six tackles, one sack, and one interception. Keith played high school ball at Woodale High School in Memphis. He recorded 154 tackles, including 34 for-loss, 19 sacks, and six forced fumbles. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year and made the All-State, All-Shelby County, and All-District Teams.

Courtney Sutton transferred from Northeast Community College, recording 40 tackles and one interception. He played defensive line in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star game along with Reynolds. A native of Southaven, Mississippi, Courtney led the Chargers with 107 tackles.

Denzel Expose, the third and final Mississippi Junior College transfer, played at Pearl River Community College under Defensive Backs Coach Ervin Jackson from the University of Ohio. Denzel e also earned a spot in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star game. Expose graduated from Columbia High School where he helped the Wildcats to the second round of the 4A State Playoffs and an 8-5 record. He played on both sides of the Ball for CHS as a wide receiver and defensive back.

Kennedy Jones is the last defensive signee, and the first of three Texans. He played junior college ball at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas. During his time with the Cardinals Kennedy recorded 65 tackles and six sacks as part of the top-ranked defense in the NJCAA. The Houston native played at Morton Ranch High School, earning two letters. He totaled 110 tackles, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his senior season. For his efforts, he was named one of the best defensive linemen in Houston for 2009.

Tyler Copeland transfers from Kilgore Community College after signing with Sam Houston State out of high school. At Kilgore, Tyler made the All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference Team as quarterback for the Rangers. He played high school ball for West Hardin High School in Saratoga, Texas. He was a two-time All-District selection. He was named the 2008 District MVP and was a member of the Class 1A All-State Team.

Dewayne Lewis also comes from Kilgore Community College. The offensive lineman was an All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference honoree. Dewayne graduated from Calhoun High School in Port Lavaca, Texas. He was a three-time All-District selection and named to the 2009 Class 4A All-State Team as a guard.

UAM’s current roster boasts three players out of Hallsville, Kayla Jackson, Brittany Eitel, and Sara Matthews; and one more on the way with Channing Tharpe’s transfer next season. The first Bobcat to don the Green and White of the Cotton Blossoms was Rebecca Sustaire. Rebecca transferred from Bossier Parish Community College and graduated from UAM in 2009 after pitching two seasons, making that five players in four years.

Arkansas-Monticello has gone 558-277-2 under Early the past 15 years while winning eight championships and making four NCAA tournament appearances, and lately, that success is due, in large part, to his Hallsville hurler, Kayla Jackson.

Through her three seasons at UAM, the senior has posted a career batting average of .391 with 23 home runs. She has an 83-25 record in the circle with 34 shutouts 10 no-hitters and 501 strikeouts. “Kayla is definitely one of the top pitchers in Division-II softball, Early stated. She’s a 3-time NCAA All-American and just may be the best.” She has beaten several ranked teams and some that went to the World Series.

In 2010 UAM won the NCAA South Sub-Region and advanced to the finals of the NCAA Super Regional behind the strong pitching performances of Jackson who won 31 games and pitched a no-hitter in the final game against top-ranked Alabama-Huntsville. In 2011 Jackson pitched UAM to the finals of the NCAA South Sub-Region. “We just haven’t gotten the breaks we needed in those championship games,” said Early.

“My time here has been very rewarding,” said Kayla. “I’ve been able to play with some great players and made so many life-long friendships. I’ve had the opportunity to pursue the degree program I wanted while competing at a high level in softball. We’ve been ranked as high as 6th in the nation and we continue to play a very difficult schedule. I look forward to the challenges ahead in my senior season.”

Catcher Brittany Eitel caught for Jackson at Hallsville and followed her to Monticello. The sophomore caught 264.1 innings as a freshman including 248.1 by Jackson. “I think Britt brings a lot to our team,” Early said. “We had lost an All-American catcher the year before and Brittany stepped in like a veteran and had a settling effect behind the plate. She was excellent working with Kayla, and just her presence cut down the number of steal attempts against us.” Eitel had a .990 fielding percentage, had only 2 passed balls, and threw out 7 of 12 runners that attempted to steal on her. “She hit into some hard luck last season but I expect to see a lot of improvement in 2012.”

“The game has intensified a lot since high school,” said Brittany, “and you’re facing a line-up that is solid 1-9, and the game is faster. Plus, I feel really comfortable with Kayla. It’s like we didn’t miss any time and I feel as if we’re on the same page.”

Freshman Sara Matthews had an impressive fall, sharing time between third base and right field, displaying a powerful swing and strong arm. “I believe Sara will be an outstanding player for us once we can settle on a permanent position. Early sees Matthews filling a number of roles going forward, “she has the ability to play several spots and I haven’t made a decision as yet as to where she’ll be. I’m anticipating her to adjust to the pitching at this level and be productive for us from the five, six, or seven hole.”

“I feel comfortable at UAM because of Kayla and Brittany being here, and the success they have experienced excites me because I hope to contribute and help us be even more successful,” Matthews said.

The most recent addition from Hallsville High will be Channing Tharpe. She signed with UAM in November and will transfer from Texarkana College with two years of eligibility remaining. “I observed Channing in the fall of 2010 when we played TC. I was highly impressed with her defensive ability, speed, and bat. I thought then she was someone I had missed on so I’m really pleased that she’ll be joining us for the 2013 season,” said Early. “She should fit right in with us and I would project her in our outfield and bat in the lead-off or 2-spot.”

Early admits that it is somewhat unusual to have as many as five players from the same high school in one college program, but is quick to point out that he’s thankful for the connection with Coach Pat Eitel’s AAAA squad. “Pat’s record has been very good the past four seasons, Early said. They have gone 109-38-6 during that time and advanced to the Region Two semi-finals three times.”

When asked about his players, and daughter, all playing for Arkansas-Monticello Coach Eitel responded, “I’m very pleased that our young ladies have gone to a quality program, play at such a competitive level and contribute the way they have. They’ve got a good thing going there and it’s satisfying to know that some of our players are a big part of it.”

Arkansas-Monticello senior guard LA Farmer has been named the GAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week after leading the Boll Weevils in scoring and assists throughout a 3-0 week to improve the team’s overall record to 9-2. The Carrollton, Ga. native racked up a weekly total of 76 points for an average of 25.3 per game and field goal percentage of 56.9 (29-of-51).

In addition to his offensive numbers, Farmer also totaled 18 assists, 17 rebounds and four steals throughout the week. The conference’s second highest scorer started the week with 25 points, six rebounds and five assists in an 83-62 win over Delta State. He followed that later in the week with 28 points, five rebounds and five assists in an 87-72 win over Philander Smith. Finally, Farmer eclipsed the 20-point mark for the eighth time this season with 23 points, six rebounds and eight assists in a 116-45 blowout win over Champion Baptist.

The former Weevil wide receiver was the starting slot back for the Blue Bombers in their 34-23 loss to the British Columbia Lions in the CFL Championship, but the loss didn’t dampen the experience for Denmark. “The atmosphere of the game was great. This is the Canadian Super Bowl.”

Clarence signed with the Bombers this May after two seasons on the preseason and practice rosters of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. An injury in the receiving corps in Winnipeg’s season opener at Montreal opened a spot for Denmark on the active roster, and he made the most of his opportunity.

Denmark was his team’s second leading receiver this season with 818 yards on 65 catches, including five touchdowns. Denmark also posted 81 rushing yards on seven attempts. He also filled in some on special teams with 137 return yards 85 on punt returns and 52 on kickoffs. For his efforts this year, Clarence was named the Bombers Most Outstanding Rookie. “I will do whatever it takes to help us win games on offense or special teams. It is just fun to be involved in so many different kinds of plays.”

Denmark made a big splash back in September against Toronto with a spectacular one-handed, falling-down touchdown reception in the back of the end zone. That play was voted the TSN CFL Play of the Year. “Being voted Play of the Year by our fans has been great. They told me about it Saturday before the game as part of the Championship Weekend events. Everyone here is so supportive. Even after the loss we had a huge crowd at the airport welcoming us home. The awesome fan support has made the transition easy for me. ”

The Jacksonville, Florida native spoke about the differences between his life at home versus his new home of Winnipeg. “I’m obviously not used to all this snow! You go from 90-degree heat your whole life into blizzards and it’s a bit of a shock. But, all of that goes away once the game starts and it’s clearly been working.”

Denmark transferred to UAM in 2007 after two seasons at Mississippi Delta Community College and a brief stint at Troy University. In two seasons with the Weevils Denmark put up 1,586 receiving yards on 91 catches. He led the team his senior season with 987 yards on 54 catches with 11 touchdowns.

Coach Matt Middleton was on the coaching staff for Clarence’s time at UAM and had only the best to say, “Clarence is one of the most talented players I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. He is naturally a gifted player, but he takes those gifts and works constantly to improve and it makes for electric results on the field. We are all thrilled with his success and proud of what he has accomplished, and will accomplish in the future.”

After graduating in 2008 Clarence spent two seasons with his hometown Jaguars, he saw action in three preseason games, but could never crack the regular season roster. He caught four passes for 31 yards for the Jags in those preseason games and spent five weeks on the practice squad between 2009 and 2010 before leaving for the CFL as a free agent.

“My time at UAM was a great preparation for my career. I always knew that playing professionally was what I wanted and I want to thank the great coaching staff in Monticello for working with me and making me into the best player I could be. We had a lot of talented receivers my senior year and it says a lot for Coach Middleton and the rest of the staff that they were able to put in schemes that would spread the ball to all of us and allow everyone to shine.”

Denmark is not the first Weevil to find success north of the border. Derick Armstrong played eight seasons in the CFL for four different teams, including Winnipeg. He is a two-time CFL All-Star and played three seasons for the NFL Houston Texans from 2003-2005.

This year’s class includes additions all over the field with a pitcher, two outfielders, and two infielders, all with solid fielding and hitting abilities.

Haylie Campbell is a 5-6 shortstop out of Mesquite, Texas. She comes to Monticello as a true freshman out of North Mesquite High School where Haylie played for Coach Johnny Smith. Coach Early, “Haylie has outstanding range in the field and, like all of our signees this year, is solid in the batter’s box as well.” Haylie also played summer ball for Coach Troy Tidwell and the Dallas Mustangs.

Brooklyn Colvin is a 5-0 outfielder from Stillwell, Oklahoma. She played high school ball for Tahlequah High School as a catcher on the 2011 State Runners-up. She is a lefty with good speed. “Brooklyn comes from a successful high school program and knows what it takes to win. She has a very high on-base percentage and is one that can ignite rallies with her consistency.”

Taylor Norris is a 5-6 second baseman and outfielder out of Celina, Texas. She comes from a championship program at Celina High School under Coach Billy Coleman. Taylor also played summer ball for Coach Alyson Trout on the American Freedom Gold team. She played second base for CHS, but will most likely see time in the outfield for the Cotton Blossoms. “Taylor is a versatile player and will be an excellent addition to our team.”

Channing Tharpe is a 5-6 transfer outfielder from Texarkana (Junior) College. The Hallsville, Texas native played for Coach Leslie Mussina and the Lady Bulldogs after her high school career at Hallsville High School. “Channing is a solid defender and has a solid bat as well. I noticed Channing in fall competition; she has great range and is an exciting player to have.”

Courtney Wilson is a 6-0 right-handed pitcher out of Inverness, Mississippi. The hurler is transferring to UAM from Shelton State Community College where she played for Coach Buddy Boyle. She also played outfield for the Bucs. “Courtney is another addition from a quality program that will fit nicely into our team, said Coach Early. She brings the whole package to the table, not only as a top-notch pitcher but also a powerful hitter.”

Coach Early is looking forward to coaching all five of his new Blossoms, “All of these players are talented enough to step right in and contribute to our program. We are excited about getting all of these ladies on campus.”

The Weevils (5-1) are coming off two wins last week over Delta State and Shepherd Tech. The 5-1 start is the best for UAM since the 2008-09 season. The Weevils finished 20-9 that season after getting off to a 9-0 start.

This year’s sole loss came at the hands of the then number four-ranked Missouri Southern Lions. MSSU has since climbed to number two in the poll behind pre-season favorite Bellarmine University.

UAM received six votes in the poll and will continue to climb if their winning continues. The NABC Coaches’ Poll is voted on by representatives of each of the NCAA’s eight Division II regions. The poll is released each week on Tuesday throughout the season.

The national rankings have no bearing on post-season play. Only the NCAA Regional Rankings will factor into that process. The first region rankings will be released in mid-January.

Season ticket holders will have a reserved seat for all UAM home games. The Weevils have 13 home games this season while the Blossoms have 14.

The women open up the home schedule tonight as they host Ecclesia College at 5:30 p.m. . The men will follow on Saturday with Philander Smith College at 4:00 p.m.

Three sections of chair-back seats are available for $100.00 per seat for the entire season. That includes all 19 home dates, both men’s and women’s. Single game tickets are also available on game days, $8.00 for available reserved seating and $5.00 for general admission (bleacher seats).

Contact the Athletic Office at (870) 460-1058 or via email to stephenson@uamont.edu.