Writte by Scott Goode
There is snow falling outside as I write this. It’s early February, but just trust me when I tell you that Harding spring sports will begin any day now.Some have already started, and my challenge to the Harding community is to get out and see these teams compete.The attendance was outstanding at the last Harding basketball games, with nearly 3,000 fans packing the Rhodes Field House in Harding’s pair of wins over Henderson State. With as well as the teams are doing this season (both are on pace to reach the Gulf South Conference Tournament in March), the crowds should continue to be “Rowdie” for the last three home games.Go see Harding’s other spring sports this season also.The Harding baseball team will open its season against Maryville University on Feb. 12. The team is picked to finish fourth in the GSC Preseason Poll, and enthusiasm is high among the players and coaches at Jerry Moore Field. The 2011 Bisons may be the best collection of offense, defense and pitching assembled in quite some time.The Harding tennis squads play their matches at the courts adjacent to the baseball field, just off of Bison Lane. Under the direction of coach David Elliott, who has more than 1,100 wins in his collegiate coaching career, the Bisons and Lady Bisons take on the best of the NCAA Division II South Region.The men have had a winning season every year since 1975, and the women have had a winning season every year since beginning their program in 1993. Seating is available for spectators between the courts.Harding’s golf teams host two tournaments this season, one in Melbourne, Ark., and the other in Heber Springs, Ark., both of which are just short drives from Searcy. One of the best ways to keep up with the Harding linksters is through the teams’ Twitter pages. The links are available on HardingSports.com.The Bisons and Lady Bisons have won several tournaments over the last few years and are primed for outstanding springs. Both teams have already begun to benefit from their new indoor golf facility in the Ganus Athletic Center. Complete with two golf simulators and a putting green, the golf teams are able to get some practice even if temperatures are below freezing.Harding’s track and field teams are well underway with their indoor seasons. The Lady Bison sprinters are already off to a great start, as two school records have already fallen.The Bison men have a strong mix of sprinters, distance runners and field athletes. Your best chance to catch the Harding track teams is April 2, when the squads make the short trip over to Conway for a meet at the University of Central Arkansas.The spring sports athletes represent Harding in games and events throughout the country and are outstanding ambassadors for our university.Take some time this spring to see them in action.SCOTT GOODE is a guest contributor for the Bison. He may be contacted atsgoode@harding.edu
