Back on Track
A pair of programs enjoyed successful turn-around seasons this past fall.
Mulerider Volleyball, under the direction of second-year head coach Alli O’Banion, who was honored as the Great American Conference’s Coach of the Year, produced the program’s first winning season since 2015, its first conference tournament berth in eight seasons, its overall wins in eight years, and its most home victories since 2012. That success came in large part as a result of several statistical improvements. SAU produced over 650 more attacks, over 250 more kills, and 32.0 more blocks than in 2022 and saw improvements in aces per set, digs per set, total digs, and opponent hitting percentage. Senior setter Morgan Schuster (HM), junior outside hitter Kayte Delong (Second Team), and junior middle hitter Lauryn Moultrie (HM) were named All-GAC, while Schuster and Delong were joined on the league’s distinguished scholar-athlete list by juniors Landry Rogers, Ava Tanner, and Carlin Whaley.
Mulerider Football produced a historic campaign behind the leadership of second-year head coach Brad Smiley. For the first time since 1952, Southern Arkansas reached ten wins in a season with a 43-27 win over (RV) Missouri Western in the tenth playing of the Farmers Bank & Trust Live United Bowl. The victory gave the Muleriders the program’s first postseason win in its NCAA Era (1995-96), its first postseason win since 1990 (Aztec Bowl), and its first postseason win on U.S. soil since 1948 (Papoose Bowl). Southern Arkansas finished the season ranked inside the top 15 nationally in first downs, defensive touchdowns, tackles for loss allowed, turnovers lost, turnover margin, rushing offense, and total offense. Nine players were named All-GAC. Juniors Colton Grier (OL), Jariq Scales (RB), and Melvin Smith Jr. (CB) were honored as first-team recipients, while junior Matthew Whitten (TE) earned second-team honors. Freshman Connor Hagerty (OL) was one of four freshmen named all-conference as he earned honorable mention. Juniors Cole Williams (UTL), Dawson Scott (DE), Elvin Calhoun (DT), and Hosea Singleton (SAF) were also named honorable mentions.
Muleriders in Magnolia
In what has become a staple of the department, “Muleriders in Magnolia” enjoyed one of its most successful semesters to date. Mulerider student-athletes saw over ninety percent of the department participate in community service initiatives on campus and around the community of Magnolia. The 400+ Muleriders that participated logged over 5,200 hours across 68 different opportunities which supported 16 organizations with a total economic impact of $166,377. The fall statistics in hours, opportunities, organizations and impact are all semester highs for the department since partnering with Helper Helper.
“I have been extremely proud of the willingness of our student-athletes to serve Magnolia and to give back to our community,” noted head men’s basketball coach and “Muleriders in Magnolia” director Logan Quinn. “As a result of their hard work we have seen an incredible amount of growth in our community service goals. When you have student athletes, as well as coaches, that understand the importance of serving, then it makes giving back very easy. It has been a joy to be able to help coordinate different events throughout the summer and the fall, and we will continue to reach new heights as we head into the spring semester!”
