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HR 1046

TO RECOGNIZE THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN SUNS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FOR WINNING THE GREAT AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP.

2026 Fiscal Session Introduced by Matt Duffield and 4 co-sponsors

Arkansas Tech University’s Golden Suns cross country team is recognized for winning the 2025 Great American Conference Championship and earning multiple All-GAC and academic honors

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HR 1046

Summary of HR 1046 (2026 Fiscal Session, Arkansas)

Title

House Resolution recognizing the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns women's cross country team for winning the Great American Conference Championship.

Purpose and Intent

  • Acknowledge and commend the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns women's cross country team for winning the Great American Conference (GAC) Championship held in Monticello, Arkansas on October 25, 2025.
  • Highlight the team’s historic achievement as their first conference championship in the program’s history and its consistent high performance in prior years (top-three finishes and runner-up placements over the previous four years).

Key Provisions

  • Formal recognition by the Arkansas House of Representatives of the Golden Suns’ GAC Championship victory.
  • Specific enumerations of notable team accomplishments:
    • The team finished first in a 12-team field.
    • All five scoring runners placed in the top 25.
    • Individual honors include:
    • Audrey Hill, Amaya Grant, and Avery Stanley: First Team All-GAC (top 10 finish).
    • Peyton Carson: Second Team All-GAC.
    • Mackenzie Epperson and Alyson Greathouse: Great American Conference Elite Scholar-Athletes (GPA 4.0 and at least 70 hours of college credit).
    • Ellie Akins, Rachel Caldwell, Peyton Carson, Aidan Fisher, Annsley Rawlins, and Avery Stanley: Academic Honor Roll Recognition from the GAC.
  • Coaching and staff recognition:
    • Head Coach: Gabe Sams (also named GAC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year).
    • Assistant Coach: Jackson Schwartz.
    • Volunteer Assistant Coach for Strength and Conditioning: Mike Waller.

Persons and Entities Affected

  • Primary: Arkansas Tech University (ATU) Golden Suns women’s cross country team and its members.
  • ATU faculty/staff involved in the program (coaching staff and support personnel).
  • The recognition positively reflecting on ATU’s athletic department and cross country program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Type of measure: Non-binding House Resolution.
  • Sponsor/support: Prime sponsors include Representatives Duffield, Richardson, Eaton, Pilkington, and Mayberry, with co-sponsors Julie Mayberry, Scott Richardson, James Eaton, Matt Duffield, and Aaron Pilkington.
  • Action history: Filed on April 23, 2026.
  • Upon adoption: An appropriate copy of the resolution will be presented to Head Coach Gabe Sams by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives.

Potential Impact

  • Symbolic and ceremonial recognition of athletic achievement at the state level.
  • Public acknowledgment may boost school pride, alumni engagement, and potential media attention for ATU’s cross country program.
  • No fiscal implications or changes in law are attached; the measure is a formal commendation.

Overall Assessment

HR 1046 serves to officially recognize and celebrate the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns’ 2025 GAC Championship victory, highlight individual and academic achievements of its team members, and honor the coaching staff, contributing to the broader recognition of collegiate athletics within Arkansas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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