w o M E N , 5 B A 5 K E T B A L L Lady Bisons Learn Valuable Lesson Traditionally domi nated by male interco ll egiate sports, 1983-84 proved to be a different year. The first ever Lady Bison Basketball team was formed. With their first season came their first win which occurred on January 12, 1984 . Although the 1 and 19 record shows only one win, sta tistics cannot speak of the teams cooperation and performance that took place. The team was formed through tryouts in the fall. There was no recruiting in the team's first year of existance. Most of the 13 girls were llPper-c1assmen and had played basketball for their clubs. Many of the gi rl s had played on their high school teams and it took them awhile to get used to playing with real officials. Talent was expli cit in these girls and by the time the season was complete there had been a 100 percent improvement in their game. Coach Phil Watkins carried out his promise of shaving his moustache after the Arkansas Baptist College game as Harding won 68-42 in front of the home crowd. Although the team never won another game they played their best even to the very end. The girls pract iced two hours everyday to get in shape for the coming game and stay mentally prepared for the next team. Then, each Wednesday night the team held a devotional before the practice. Strong friendships were formed during the long season. February 11 was Parents' Night for all the parents of the Lady Bisons to come and be presented to the fans. A reception was held before the start of the game for the parents and each one of the girls' parents were presented a rose. After the game, the girls and - John /. RQdclif/£ 72 Women 's Basketball
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