Tommy Barnes Bust to Be Unveiled Sept. 27

MONTICELLO - The Department of Athletics at the University of Arkansas at Monticello will unveil a bronze bust of the late Head Football Coach Tommy Barnes on Saturday, September 27 at 2 p.m. in the lobby of the IndoorPractice Facility. The event is open to the public.

Lance Gasaway, an All-American wide receiver who played for the Boll Weevils from 1982-85, provided a gift to the UAM Foundation Fund for the bust, created by nationally-renowned sculptor David Deming. Barnes played for the Boll Weevils from 1969 to 1972 and joined the UAM coaching staff in 1980. He became the school's 20th head football coach in 1985 and coached the Weevils to a 69-53-1 record in 12 seasons before retiring in November 1996. Barnes coached more seasons and won more games than any head football coach in UAM history. His 1988 squad posted the only 10-win record in school history and reached the second round of the NAIA Division I playoffs while his 1993 team captured the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championship.

"We want to invite all of Coach Barnes' former players and friends of the university to attend the unveiling ceremony," said Matt Whiting, assistant athletic director for external relations.

The ceremony will take place prior to UAM's home football game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University, which kicks off at 6 p.m.