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Bill

SR 35

TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF COACH DAVE WILBERS OF THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN SUNS AND TO CONGRATULATE COACH WILBERS ON HIS RETIREMENT.

2026 Fiscal Session Introduced by Breanne Davis

The bill recognizes Coach Dave Wilbers for leading Arkansas Tech’s Golden Suns to multiple conference titles, NCAA appearances, and a storied 19-season tenure.

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Bill Summary · SR 35

Summary of SR 35 (2026F) – Arkansas

Purpose

  • A Senate resolution recognizing the achievements of Coach Dave Wilbers during his tenure as head coach of the Arkansas Tech University (ATU) Golden Suns women's basketball program and congratulating him on his retirement.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

  • The resolution commemorates Coach Dave Wilbers' tenure beginning with his appointment as head coach on April 30, 2007.
  • It highlights a series of notable accomplishments and milestones, including:
    • 2007-08 season: 26-6 overall record; ranked No. 10 nationally; advanced to the 2008 NCAA Division II Tournament.
    • 2010 season: Gulf South Conference (GSC) Tournament championship in double overtime.
    • 2010 NCAA Division II Tournament: South Region final appearance, yielding ATU's first NCAA Elite Eight appearance in over a decade.
    • 2010-11 season: Team earned a No. 1 national ranking; won the GSC Tournament and became NCAA Division II South Region champions.
    • Subsequent seasons: Secured multiple Great American Conference (GAC) regular-season titles, GAC Tournament championships, and NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.
    • Overall program achievements under Wilbers: 382 victories, 9 NCAA Division II Tournament berths, 7 regular-season conference championships, 5 conference tournament championships, and 2 NCAA Division II region titles.
  • Ranking and tenure:
    • Wilbers is noted as the second-winningest coach in Arkansas Tech basketball history (men’s and women’s combined), behind Joe Foley.
    • He ties for the most seasons as a head basketball coach at ATU with 19 seasons, alongside Sam Hindsman.
  • The resolution includes a quotation from Abby Davis, ATU Athletic Director, praising Wilbers’ impact on the program, student-athlete academics, and the program’s reputation.

Who is Affected

  • Primary: Coach Dave Wilbers (recipient of the recognition and retirement congrats).
  • Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns basketball program (recognition reflects on the program’s legacy and history).
  • General public and ATU community, particularly those with an interest in ATU athletics history and achievements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Nature: Non-binding Senate resolution (recognition/expressing appreciation rather than creating new law or appropriations).
  • Sponsor: Senator B. Davis; co-sponsor: Senator Breanne Davis.
  • Filing date: April 23, 2026.
  • Next steps: Upon adoption, the Secretary of the Senate would present a copy of the resolution to Coach Wilbers.

Impact Overview

  • The bill serves to formally acknowledge and celebrate Coach Wilbers’ contributions to Arkansas Tech University and women’s college basketball.
  • It cements a historical record of the program’s successes under Wilbers and publicly honors his retirement.
  • No fiscal impact, policy changes, or regulatory effects are embedded in the resolution.

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

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