Harding Halloween History: Bisons Record First Varsity Win 99 Years Ago Today

SEARCY, Ark. — Harding University's football team observes the 99th anniversary of its first intercollegiate varsity win today, a 7-3 triumph over Subiaco College on Halloween in 1925.

The 1924 inaugural season saw Harding win two games, against Dardanelle High School and Arkansas Tech's junior varsity. However, the Halloween 1925 matchup proved pivotal.

Subiaco College scored first with a field goal, but Harding responded with an "end around" play to Lloyd "Slim" McConnell, securing a 7-3 halftime lead. Subiaco drove to Harding's 1-yard line in the third quarter but was halted by the Bisons' defense and had the ball at the Harding 10-yard line when the game ended.

Harding's lineup included Mathews (left end), McConnell (left tackle), Todd (left guard), Blackshear (center), Glaser (right guard), Barber (right tackle), Mills (right end), Patton (quarterback), Colson (left halfback), Reid (right halfback) and Scott (fullback).

This historic win marked the beginning of Harding's football legacy, now celebrating its 100th season.

Subiaco College, established in 1892, closed in 1934 but its history continues through Subiaco Academy and the Benedictine Subiaco Abbey.

Lloyd "Slim" McConnell, a Morrilton native and one of 21 students listed among the senior class in the 1925-26 Petit Jean yearbook, passed away in 1988 at 82.

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