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MONTICELLO, Ark. - This Homecoming, the University of Arkansas at Monticello will flashback 25 and 30 years to recognize members of the 1993 and 1988 NAIA football playoff teams during the Oct. 20 football game against Oklahoma Baptist at Convoy Leslie Cotton Boll Stadium. Kickoff for the Homecoming game is 3 p.m.

A reunion tailgate will begin at 11 a.m. at the athletics tents on tailgate row. During the game, the 1988 team, which will gather for its 30-year reunion, will be recognized on the field at the end of the first quarter, and the 1993 will celebrate its 25-year reunion following the third quarter.

Following the game, members of the teams will gather for dinner and drinks at La Terrazza at 7 p.m.

UAM Hall of Famer Tommy Barnes coached both teams to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) football playoffs in 1988 and 1993.

Thirty years ago, under the direction of head coach Tommy Barnes, the 1988 team set the UAM record for most wins in a single season, finishing 10-and-2 and earning the program's first NAIA playoff appearance. The team's 4,047 yards of offense became a school record until the 1993 season.

Six players received all-conference honors, led by senior quarterback Sean Rochelle as the AIC Offensive Player of the Year. Rochelle, who was also named an Academic All-American led the Weevils with 2,024 yards of total offense and a single-season record 16 rushing touchdowns to close his career with 4,615 total yards and the UAM season scoring record (98 points), which stood until 2017. Defenders Jerry Johnson, who matched the then program single-season record for interceptions (8) and Morehead Jordan, who led the team with 130 tackles, received Second Team All-America honors. Mac Newcomb and offensive linemen Brad Breland and Mark Eubanks received All-America honorable mention. Breland, who was also the Weevils' kicker, set the UAM record for most consecutive field goals made (9), which stands today. During the season, Breland made a 51-yard field goal against Arkansas Tech - the longest in program history at the time, which has only been passed twice.  

In 1993, the Weevils football team flipped a 1-3 start into a seven-game win streak to claim the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC) title and earn the program's second trip to the NAIA football playoffs. Among the team's 8-4 record that season was the program's 300th win, a 14-10 win over Northwest Oklahoma on Oct. 2.

The 1993 team collected 4,132 yards of total offense, breaking the 1988 team's record - a mark which stood until the 2000 season. Among the highlights of the season was a 90-yard touchdown pass from Bryan Trucks to Chris Glasper against Langston in the playoffs - the longest touchdown in program history at that time. Only three plays have gone for more yards since. It was one of two passes longer than 70 yards in the game and one of five during the season by Trucks.

Punter J.J. Depriest was named a First Team NAIA All-American, while tailback Roy Watkins and strong safety David Johnson were honored as Second Team All-America selections. Paul Russell, center, and defensive back Tilford Hines were honorable mention. Seven players received All-AIC honors.

Homecoming week will also include the induction of four individuals and one team into the University of Arkansas at Monticello Sports Hall of Fame at the induction banquet, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Click here for Hall of Fame Banquet details. An athletics alumni golf tournament will also take place Friday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.


Members of the 1988 UAM Football Team
Johnny Baker, Rod Birmingham, Robbie Bray, Brad Breland, John Carmouche, Donald Clark, Boo Cox, Mike Cox, Shane Crawford, Butch Dickerson, Howard Dilworth, Michael Drummond, Robert Edwards, Brad Eubanks, Mark Eubanks, Danny Funderburg, Mike Hartley, Kevin Jackson, Clarence Johnson, Jerry Johnson, Vincent Johnson, Craig Jones, Morehead Jordan, Brad Lambden, Mark Laster, Jeff Looney, John Looney, Terry McClinton, Leon Miller Jr., Roy Murry, Ronald Neal, Mac Newcomb, Roddy Patrick, Greg Pearson, Jason Perot, Eric Richardson, Ed Robinson, Steve Robinson, Sean Rochelle, Robert Seay, T.R. Seets, Lamar Thomas, Gvona Turner, Marcus Wallace, Mark Weber, Tim Wells, Sid Wheatley, Jeff White.

Members of the 1993 UAM Football Team
Michael Allen, Jay Austin, Keith Babin, David Baker, Eric Ball, Rodney Begneaud, Martin Bevill, Ashward Breaux, Daryl Collins, Rodney Cross, John Crow, Tyrone Davis, Tony DeLeon, Wayne Denman, J.J. DePriest, Bill Ferrell, Scott Floyd, Keith Freeman, Paul Gautreaux, Chris Glasper, Tommy Graf, Trey Hall, Tilford Hines, Andy Holmes, Chris Houston, Scott Howell, Jeffrey Jackson, David Johnson, Michael Johnson, Tremayne Johnson, Tommy Jones, Chris Kersey, Eric Knutson, Steve Matejka, Willie McCray, Nakia McKay, Jimmy Menifee, Jeff Miller, Chuck Moore, Josh Muckelberg, Steve Pinell, Owen Powell, Louis Purifoy, Harold Rose, Paul Russell, Reginald Sabb, Andy Shaw, Casey Shope, Rick Still, Chris Taylor, Michael Taylor, Bryan Trucks, Chris Vereen, J.C. Walker, Herbie Walters, Roy Watkins.