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October 8, 2007

Former ULM professor Bill Arrington inducted into Sports Hall of Fame Oct. 12

Bill Arrington, who retired from the University of Louisiana at Monroe as a full professor after a 35-year teaching career, will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at his alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University, located in Arkadelphia, Ark., Friday, Oct. 12.

While at ULM, he served on the faculty athletic council for 32 years—18 of those as its chairperson.

“Along with his own achievements, Dr. Arrington has been a tireless supporter of athletics through the leadership and guidance he has provided to young student-athletes while a member of our faculty athletic council,” said Director of Athletics Bobby Staub. “It has been our honor to have his involvement with our program, and we join Ouachita Baptist in saluting Dr. Arrington.”

Arrington lettered in five sports nine times while he was a student at OBU from 1951 – 55. He participated in football, baseball, basketball, track and field, and tennis. He received his bachelor’s degree from that university, his master’s degree in education from Midwestern University, and his Ed.D. from the University of Arkansas.

Arrington had opportunities to further his athletic career in the pro ranks in either baseball or football, but had a prior commitment to the U.S. Army. While serving, he played and coached basketball and baseball Army teams at Fort Sill, Okla. Arrington would serve 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a full Colonel after spending his last 15 years stationed at the Pentagon.

During his professional career, Arrington coached football and baseball at Lawton High School in Oklahoma. While he was head baseball coach, his team won the Oklahoma State Championship in 1958. He officiated high school and college football and basketball games, as well as state and national championships.

Arrington also found the time to participate in open tennis tournaments, winning two singles titles.

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