As Cliff Harris Stadium stood fully erect, towering over A.U. Williams Field, Cliff Harris stood in front of a crowd of 2580, all standing to clap for the Cowboys legend.
Harris was honored tonight as the Tigers celebrated the opening of their new stadium. The stadium, which began construction earlier this spring, features various new elements including a brand new pressbox named after George Dunklin, one of the major donors of the project. The stadium, which also boasts new concession stands and bathrooms, will host 5 home games this season.
“I’m honored by this,” Harris said. “I think this is going to create a positive image for all of the colleges in division 2. It’s not about me, I don’t need the publicity.”
Harris, who played at Ouachita, before winning two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, spoke to the positive representation that the stadium would have on the Tigers.
“You have to take it in perspective,” Harris said. “I think Dr. Rex Horne is more excited than I am, just because of the positive image this will have on Ouachita. This stadium is a reflection on the quality facilities that Ouachita has. Not just in athletics.”
Dr. Rex Horne, president of Ouachita Baptist, acknowledged that this project could not have been done without the builders and construction crew that worked to make it ready in time.
“We are where we are because of the intensity of everyone working on the stadium,” said Horne.
“This stadium brings back so many memories to me,” said Harris. “I learned so many lessons here, both as a player, and as a student. It truly is an honor to be a part of Ouachita.”
