Patch Of Honor
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A total of 33 Razorback student-athletes will be wearing special patches on their uniforms beginning later this month recognizing their graduation from the University of Arkansas. The program initiated last fall by Razorback Athletics and later adopted league-wide by the Southeastern Conference, now recognized all SEC student-athletes who have earned their undergraduate college degree prior to the completion of their athletic eligibility.
“The primary goal of the graduation patch is to bring recognition to those extraordinary student-athletes who have completed their degree with athletic eligibility remaining,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. “In addition, we hope it reminds our fans and supporters that competing successfully in athletics is only part of our mission at the University of Arkansas. These young men and women have earned their degree while proudly representing the Razorbacks in athletic competition across the country.”
The SEC Graduate patch was first worn by the Arkansas football team during the Razorbacks’ 2016 season opener was introduced by other SEC members throughout the fall semester. The patch is similar in design for all conference schools, but it is school-specific in color. It is worn by any SEC student-athlete upon his or her first competition following the graduation ceremony at which their degree is awarded, and throughout the remainder of their college eligibility.
“Beginning later this month, hundreds of additional SEC student-athletes, in all sports, will be competing for their institutions with an addition to their jerseys,” Long said. “The graduate patch is a reminder that the SEC is not just home to athletics success, but thousands of young men and women who have established themselves as Scholars, Champions and Leaders.“
When Arkansas takes the field at the 2016 Belk Bowl in Charlotte, 21 members of the Razorback football team will be donning the graduate patch. Four additional sports will also feature student-athletes wearing the graduate patches for future competition including women’s track and field (4), men’s track and field (3), softball (3), gymnastics (1) and men’s basketball (1).
- Gerald “Dusty” Hannahs – Men’s Basketball
- Jared Collins – Football
- Keon Hatcher – Football
- Cody Hollister – Football
- Adam McFain – Football
- Jake Raulerson – Football
- Jeremy Sprinkle – Football
- Kody Walker – Football
- JaMichael Winston – Football
- Deatrich Wise – Football
- Austin Allen – Football
- Thomas “Toby” Baker – Football
- David “Brooks” Ellis – Football
- Matthew Emrich – Football
- Taiwan Johnson – Football
- Jeremiah Ledbetter – Football
- Brandon Lewis – Football
- Connor McPherson – Football
- Damon Mitchell – Football
- Drew Morgan – Football
- Dominique Reed – Football
- Daniel Skipper – Football
- Heather Elswick – Women’s Gymnastics
- Nicole Schroeder – Softball
- Stephanie Canfield – Softball
- Betina Beringhele – Softball
- Logan Bishop – Women’s Track
- Samantha Mohler – Women’s Track
- Valerie Reina – Women’s Track
- Taliyah Brooks- Women’s Track
- Christian Heymsfield – Men’s Track
- Cale Wallace – Men’s Track
- Frankline Tonui – Men’s Track
