The first Razorback football game is not until Saturday, but fans are already gearing up for the season. About 250 of them gathered Aug. 18 for the sold-out Pigskin Preview at the Governor's Mansion.
A spacious cardinal red holding pen housing Tusk IV, the official mascot of the Razorbacks, was parked just outside the west entrance of the mansion. The happy hog was fed grapes by his handlers between having photos taken with fans. Guests were served dinner from a buffet under a large tent outside.
First lady Susan and Gov. Asa Hutchinson mingled with guests inside the mansion. The walls of the Great Hall were bathed in Razorback red up-lighting. Dinner tables were covered in black with red table runners and decorated with a variety of football and Razorback-theme centerpieces.
After dinner, guests were welcomed by David Bazzel and Justin Acri. The program included the Razorback broadcast team of Chuck Barrett and Keith Jackson, whose nonprofit P.A.R.K. (Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids) benefited from the evening's proceeds.
Other speakers included KATV's Steve Sullivan and Chris Kane, who reviewed the Razorbacks' Top 10 Plays; former Razorbacks Clint Stoerner and D.J. Williams; and Razorback trivia from Tommy Smith, Roger Scott and RJ Hawk with radio station KABZ-FM, "The Buzz" 103.7.
The goal of P.A.R.K. is to help high-risk students finish high school so they can go on to college. The program provides homework support, tutoring, leadership development, recreation and involvement in community service beginning with their junior year.
The annual preview was organized by KABZ-FM, ''The Buzz'' 103.7.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 08/28/2016