To borrow a line from the old television program “The Real World,” what happens when Arkansas Tech University football players stop Snapchatting and texting and start being real?
Turns out, they forge friendships that could make all the difference in the Wonder Boys’ 2024 season.
Members of the ATU football team had the opportunity to get very real when they spent two-and-a-half days at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock during the preseason. They stayed in military housing, ate military meals and participated in military training and exercises.
“I think we came together as a team during that time,” said Kyle Shipp, ATU head football coach. “The guys had to live in barracks, sleep in bunk beds and talk to each other instead of having their phones out. We have a kid named Cole Young and another guy named Jordan Scott. They are from two different sides of the world. One’s black. One’s white. One is from Washington. One is from Arkansas.
“By the last day, they were best friends,” continued Shipp. “They have their own handshake now and take pictures. They’re best buddies. You wouldn’t have guessed those two people would become that close. Building those friendships is great, and hopefully we can continue to do that as the season goes along. It’s a really good thing for our team.”
Arkansas Tech will begin its 109th football season by hosting Oklahoma Baptist University at Simmons Bank Field at Thone Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Party at the Plaza tailgating will begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at www.arkansastechsports.com/tickets.
“Our practices have been the most physical of my time as head coach,” said Shipp, who is entering his fifth season as ATU head football coach. “We don’t have to ask these guys to practice. They are ready to go. They are getting after it, and the older guys on our team are really pushing that. It’s been fun. You see more competitiveness because the talent level is better.”
Shipp pointed to wide receiver, the defensive secondary, linebacker and running back as position groups that have experienced a talent upgrade since 2023.
There will also be a new starter at quarterback after Taye Gatewood completed his eligibility during the 2023 season. As of the Green and Gold luncheon at The Old Bank on Aug. 23, Shipp reported that the starter will either be Northwestern Oklahoma State University transfer Ethan Everson or Fort Hays State University transfer Ethan Forrester.
“I can tell you today that Ethan will start,” said Shipp. “I don’t know which Ethan it is, but Ethan will start.”
Live coverage of the ATU-Oklahoma Baptist game will be available on KWKK 100.9 FM, the EAB Media Group app and www.arkansastechsports.com. All subsequent games during the 2024 ATU football season are scheduled to be broadcast on KCJC 102.3 FM.
Talk to you on the radio.
Tech Tidbits is a column written by Sam Strasner, ATU director of university relations and radio play-by-play voice for ATU football and basketball.
