Softball ... Softball scholar. To conseroe time, sophomore Rhonda Lanier, from Houston, Texas, watches a softball game while trying to identify pressed leaves for her Science in the Elementary class. Students often rationalized and used that time for study. - photo by Santos Castro. Sluggers bring friends together for fun oftball fever was quickly caught by the Harding student body. No longer than it took to unpack the beloved leather mitt were softball lovers out practicing. Softball games began the first week of the semester and offered a vast amount of opportunities for all concerned. True, for the sports fanatic, it was perfect for showing off their expertise in throwing, catching, and hitting a softball. Those who were truly serious about the sport donned their batting gloves, bandana, and the ever-loved baseball pants. Hours were spent trying to perfect the "slide" into home. They figured that a little dirt would prove to all that they were good at what they did. The fanatic anxiously awaited the opening of the softball season all summer. Not only was the sport fanatic excited about the season, but also the avid fans. Girls constantly surrounded the intramural board to find out when their favorite team played. They then scheduled their evenings around that game. More than once the whole evening was reserved for softball spectating. Who needs to study anyway? For many girls, it wasn't just the absolute love for softball that drew them to these dirt diamonds, but the love for those figures which occupied the many positions on the field. After all, hayrides were only a month and a half away! Can you say "social scene?" The bleachers became a Harding hot spot. They were often the place to visit with old and new friends. It offered the perfect opportunity to inconspicuously "scope" for that weekend date. The bleachers were also a place to bring some light studying to rationalize staying at the ballpark all evening. The games sometimes needFans in the stands. A semi-excited group of students obseroe a softball game between innings . Softball games seroed as entertainment, but they were mostly known for the social contact that students enjoyed. - photo by Santos Castro. ed a little pepping up, which was the job of Mr. Beck's intramural assistants. Remarks and play-by-plays were often heard; could it be a revised version of the David Letterman Show? Although softball was not the only highlighted club sport, it did start the semester off right. Softball games gave students the opportunity to build club spirit by supporting each other. They brought about new friends and added another realm to entertainment offered in Searcy. Where else could you laugh with friends, scope, watch people make spectacles of themselves and enjoy a good game of softball? When the next softball season creeps up be sure and catch the fever; you'll be glad you did. . . ~ Demse Johnston Elation. While rounding the bases, Roger ' Imoto, a sophomore from Roselle, Illinois, exuberantly shows his enthusiasm for the home run that was just hit. Imoto played for his social club, Alpha Gamma Omega. - photo by Heman Rivero[. Baseplayer. John Hatvany, a junior from Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, plays in the infield for Alpha Gamma Omega. Competition was fierce among small and large clubs alike. - photo by Heman Rivero[. Softball 27
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