Beginning January 24th, Milesplit Arkansas will feature one inductee in the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame every week leading up to the 2025 ceremony.
[From the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame]: "The Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame, which began honoring athletes in 1995, is dedicated to recognizing Arkansans whose performances and contributions have distinguished them in the world of track and field. Its stated mission is to 'honor and recognize persons who have made significant contributions to the sports of track and field and cross country in the state of Arkansas; and recognize and encourage Arkansas high school track athletes who have excelled in performance and /or academics."
Ballots for this year's Hall of Fame were due on February 4th. Questions concerning the ATFHOF can be directed to their website here, and tickets for the 2025 banquet can be purchased here. This year's banquet is scheduled for Friday, May 30th.
Today's Hall of Fame Friday is a little different, as it also includes an interview with today's honoree, former Athletic Director of Lakeside High School, Don Pierce! Milesplit Arkansas contributor Gavin Frick spent some time talking with Don about his time as athletic director, as a football coach, the Arkansas track and field community, among various other things on this week's Milesplit Arkansas podcast!
Milesplit Arkansas Podcast with Don Pierce
Don Pierce, Class of 2008
Crossett High School, Southern Arkansas University, Jessieville High School, Lakeside High School
[Bio from ATFHOF]
- Graduated from Crossett High School in 1979 and won the Meet of Champs in the pole vault.
- Pierce has been the leader in starting and continuing Indoor Track & Field for Arkansas high school competition including a state championship that has grown to a very large event involving many athletes. The indoor track program got started in the early 1990's and Pierce has continued to be the Meet Director in charge of the program ever since.
- State Meet Referee for AAA, host and track administrator.
- Has served as the president of the Arkansas Track Coaches Association.
- Serving as the head track & field coach at Jessieville for a number of years, Pierce coached his teams to numerous conference championships and two state championships.
- Served as president of the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame.