Billy Morgan, the radio voice of Harding sports, won the Sully Award on Feb. 4 for his play-by-play call when senior Donatella Luckett scored the game-winning touchdown against Henderson State University.
Morgan had worked for eight years at DI school Arkansas State University, before he began work at Harding University. Morgan had taken time off from broadcasting between universities before taking the job at Harding.
“I had actually taken a couple of years away from college broadcasts because my two sons were very young at the time, and I was spending way too much time away from them and my wife,” Morgan said.
In July 2007 Morgan was named the athletics play-by-play broadcaster. Scott Goode, who is the assistant athletic director for sports, said,
“Billy had just sent me a copy of some work he had done,” Goode said. “He used to work for Arkansas State and did their football, basketball and even some baseball. I listened to it and it was really good, so I thought ‘this is perfect.’ Our other guy is moving out and Billy said if you ever need anybody to fill-in just let me know, and I said, I think we have a little bit more than a fill-in job.”
Morgan began working football and basketball games and decided to continue broadcasting for the university beyond his first season.
“Billy has taken us to the next level with his professionalism and ability to communicate the excitement of Bison football,” Head football coach, Ronnie Huckeba said. “He is outstanding.”
There are two Sully Awards given out each year by the state; one for a play-by-play call done at a high school level and one play-by-play call done at a college level. The Sully Award is named after Steve Sullivan, KATV’s sports director and a member of the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.
“Steve Sullivan is someone I have known for many years, and respect his enthusiasm for radio broadcasts as well as his television work,” Morgan said. “So, to receive an award with his name on it means a great deal to me.”
Morgan said not much has changed since he has received the reward, but he has been amazed by the amount of messages from colleagues and friends after the announcement.
“I’m very happy to share it with Harding,” Morgan said. “I am extremely proud to be associated with the Bisons, and truly love being a part of the university. I hope to be at Harding for a long time. Its a special place.”
