SPRINGDALE, Ark — Springdale High School hosted its last pep rally in its current gym Friday. Bulldog Alumni were invited to attend the special ceremony.
Springdale is replacing older facilities with a new sports complex currently under construction. That means the Bulldog basketball teams only have a few more games on the historic hardwood, as administrators say they should be in their new building by next month.
"It's gonna be a bit of a big transition," senior player Brylan Sims said.
Charles and Karen Smith were one of a dozen alumni in attendance. The two graduated from Springdale High in 1965, yet still represent their alma mater.
"We were in the gym this last week watching the basketball game," Charles said. "There's no other team that we would root for unless we've got family playing on it," Karen added.
Karen spent her teaching career working as a Springdale Elementary School teacher while Charles spent his in Athletics.
"They need to build a monument to that guy," former player Jim Moore said.
Charles coached thousands of Springdale athletes in his 40 years as a coach. Jim Moore played for Smith at Central Jr. High school before playing for Springdale High.
"Ballgames we played here, great crowds, great victories, a few heartbreaks, and just driving here today coming down the street and looking at it to see it's going to be torn down. You know, it's called progress. But yet at the same time, a lot of memories will still kind of be buried right here," Moore said.
While students celebrated their last games in the gym, the alumni say the memories made here will live on as the Bulldog spirit remains.
"Having a good relationship with Fayetteville High School," Charles joked. "They're moving up to bigger and better things and they'll make the adjustments pretty good. Better than the old folk would. So, they're in good shape."
"Don't waste time. You know, take advantage of everything you've been given," Moore said.
While the Smiths attend many games, they're also involved with students' education. They say the class of 1965 remains active and helped provide scholarships for Bulldogs going to the U of A.
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