UCA hosts Hall of Fame Weekend, honors McCree and beats Utah Tech

CONWAY, Ark. — On Saturday, Oct. 4, Central Arkansas turned Estes Stadium into a gathering of past and present, celebrating the 2025 UCA Sports Hall of Fame class — including former gridiron standout Daryl McCree — before a 23-17 victory over Utah Tech.

That win also snapped a three-game slide for the Bears.

The 1976 UCA Bears reunion served as the backdrop for this year’s celebration.

Festivities began with a Thursday evening dinner at the home of former teammate Allen Buckler. Among the notable attendees was Monte Coleman, McCree’s 1976 teammate, NFL veteran, and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins.

Friday’s events included a gathering at Mike’s Place with about 40 former teammates, guests, and family members, among them relatives of recent UCA losses Sam Brown and Donnie Hameric.

Speakers for the evening included UCA football coach Nathan Brown, Bears men’s basketball coach John Shulman, and athletics director Matt Whiting.

“Special thanks to the UCA administration, Mike’s Place, teammates and friends who continue to help make our reunions great,” organizers said.

Former UCA Bear All-American and 16-year veteran with the Washington Redskins back in Conway with teammate David Foyil and teammate Ken Gilkey’s wife Angela Gilkey for teammate Darryl McCree going into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame.

Induction and tailgating precede Saturday showdown

On Saturday morning, the induction ceremony formally honored seven new members of the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, among them Dr. Bill Bandy, track star Troy Brown, football standouts Gary Huggins, Shane McConnell and McCree, and athletes from soccer and softball, Hollie Fowler Rogers and Joanna Velasquez.

Tailgating followed the ceremony, and by midafternoon much of the attention turned to the gridiron matchup between Central Arkansas and Utah Tech.

The Bears entered at 1–4, while Utah Tech was 1–5 overall.

Myers throws for 223, Chambers gains 108, Bears charge late

Central Arkansas escaped with a 23-17 win over Utah Tech, powered by key performances from Austin Myers and Landen Chambers. Myers passed for 223 yards and one touchdown, while Chambers rushed for 108 yards.

Tyrell Pollard hauled in a 21-yard touchdown pass from Myers in the third quarter, and Chapman McKown punched in a 7-yard run in the second. Meanwhile, kicker Caleb Jones was perfect, converting all three field goal attempts.

After Utah Tech jumped ahead 17–10 early in the second half, Central Arkansas mounted a comeback. The Bears outscored the Trailblazers 13–0 in the final stretches, claiming the lead and preserving it.

Defensively, Jacoby McQuiller’s interception and a sack by Bradley Clark helped stall Utah Tech drives. Ashtyn Williams led the Bears with 10 tackles on the day.

Weekend connects past and present

For UCA, the weekend’s events were more than nostalgia — they reaffirmed the continuity between eras. In his remarks, Coach Nathan Brown spoke of gratitude to those who built the program’s foundation. Former players mingled with current ones, bridging generations.

“It meant a lot to honor Daryl McCree and see so many familiar faces,” said one alumnus during the dinner. “The support from the UCA administration, from Mike’s Place, from teammates and friends helps make these reunions meaningful every year.”

Monte Coleman, who played alongside McCree in 1976, posed alongside current Bears in photos and addressed the gathering with reflections on teamwork, leadership, and legacy.

Looking ahead for the Bears

With this win, Central Arkansas improves to 2–4 overall and 1–1 in United Athletic Conference play. The Bears will look to build momentum as they head into upcoming UAC matchups.

The Hall of Fame Weekend also marks a milestone in UCA’s commitment to honoring its heritage. The inductee class adds to a growing roster of alumni whose achievements are now formally preserved.

Key Takeaways:

• UCA’s Hall of Fame Weekend honored Daryl McCree and six other inductees, blending nostalgia with current team energy.
• Austin Myers (223 yards passing) and Landen Chambers (108 rushing yards) led the Bears in a comeback 23–17 win over Utah Tech.
• Central Arkansas snapped a three-game losing streak and now sits at 2–4 overall, 1–1 in UAC play.