Ken Stephens (2007)
University of Central Arkansas
Two-time NAIA track All-America. National runner-up in the 120-yard high hurdles in 1951 and ’52, becoming the first Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference athlete to make All-American two years in a row in any sport. Won four consecutive AIC championships in 120-yard high hurdles. Stephens never lost a high hurdle race during his college career except for those two national meets. At UCA and Conway High School, he regularly competed in six events — the high and low hurdles, broad jump, 440 relay, 880 relay and, occasionally, the 100-yard dash. At Conway High School, finished as the high point winner in the Arkansas high school state track meet in 1948 when the Wampus Cats finished third behind Little Rock and Camden. While his coaching career was mostly focused on football, he also coached track at Crossett in 1953, Bethany (Okla.) in 1954, Walnut Ridge in 1957-58, Conway in 1959-60 and North Little Little Rock from 1963-70. Coached Carl Lowe, the state’s fastest sprinter, at North Little Rock in 1967-68. Still holds UCA’s record for interceptions in a game with five. Coached UCA football teams to four AIC titles and one national runner-up finish and NLRHS teams to three state championships in football. Inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. |