Athletics

James Allen

1962
Bro. James Allen, a basketball prodigy, left an indelible mark on the sport during his college years at AM&N. Renowned for his exceptional shooting skill, Allen scored an impressive 2,837 career points, becoming UAPB's all-time leading scorer. His debut as a Golden Lion showcased his remarkable talent, scoring an astonishing 70 points in a game against the College of Ozark in December 1960.
Throughout his illustrious college basketball career, Allen led the team and conference in scoring for four consecutive seasons (1960-1964), outshining future NBA stars like Willis Reed, Bob "Butterbean" Love, Zelmo Beatty, and Luscious Jackson. His extraordinary achievements earned him All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selections and NAIA Division-I All-America honors.
Bro. James Allen's legendary status extended beyond the college level. He ranks No. 6 on the small college scoring lists, with a career scoring average of 28.6 points, making him the third highest scorer in NAIA history. Allen's excellence was recognized with inductions into the Palm Beach Sports Hall of Fame, UAPB Hall of Fame, SWAC Hall of Fame, and Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame.
The impact of Bro. James Allen's legacy continues to be felt, as his collegiate jersey was retired in a ceremony on February 25, 2017. Former teammates and opponents alike expressed their admiration, wishing to see Allen play in the NBA. His exceptional talent and remarkable achievements have solidified his place among basketball's all-time greats.

L.C. Greenwood

1966
Bro. L.C. Greenwood, a defensive line star and 1968 Ebony All-American at Arkansas AM&N (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), left an indelible mark on both college and professional football. Selected as the 238th player in the 1969 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Greenwood quickly rose to prominence as a key player on the renowned "Steel Curtain" defensive unit.
Throughout his impressive 13-year career with the Steelers, Greenwood's remarkable defensive skills and formidable partnership with Joe Greene at left tackle led to four Super Bowl victories and seven division titles. His dominance on the field earned him numerous accolades, including First Team All-Pro selections in 1974 and 1975, six Pro Bowl appearances, and a spot on the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.
Bro. L.C. Greenwood's contributions to football were recognized through several hall of fame inductions, including the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor and the Black College Football Hall of Fame. He was also celebrated in the Mississippi Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Hall of Fame, and the SWAC Hall of Fame, among others.
In honor of his exceptional collegiate achievements, Bro. L.C. Greenwood's collegiate jersey was retired in a special ceremony on February 25, 2017. His impact on the sport, both on and off the field, remains an enduring legacy within football history.

Willie Eugene Goldsmith

1961
Bro. Willie Goldsmith, a standout athlete, made an indelible impact on the world of sports during his high school and college career. With state championship victories, academic All-American honors, and exceptional performances as a quarterback, defensive back, and kicker, his athletic prowess shone brightly.
However, it was in coaching that Bro. Goldsmith found his true calling. Leading the Sigma Intramural Basketball Team to a championship in 1963 alongside Bro. James Allen was the beginning of a remarkable coaching journey. He became a driving force in football and track in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the 1960s and 1970s, despite facing obstacles in obtaining his first head coaching job at the high school level.
Through perseverance and dedication, Bro. Goldsmith became the first Black head coach in Albuquerque in 1977. His skills and leadership were soon evident when, after just three years, he led the Valley High School Vikings to their first winning record in 15 years.
Bro. Goldsmith's coaching legacy extended to the Miami Northwestern High School "Bulls," where he became the first Black head coach to win a 6-A Florida high school state football championship.
Over his illustrious forty-four-year coaching career at elementary, junior high, and high school levels, Bro. Goldsmith achieved remarkable success in football, basketball, and track. Many of the players he coached went on to excel in the NFL, including notable names such as Devin Hester, Antonio Brown, and Santonio Holmes.
Bro. Willie Goldsmith's dedication to sports and mentoring young athletes has left a lasting impact on the field and in the lives of those he inspired to achieve greatness. His coaching achievements and the success of his former players serve as a testament to his profound influence on the world of sports.


Lee Hardman

Gamma Psi Sigma
Bro. Lee Hardman is a celebrated figure in the world of coaching, leaving an extraordinary impact on high school and collegiate football. As a member of the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame (Class of 2014), his coaching career at Dollarway High School remains one of the state's most successful.
From 1982 to 1992, Dollarway High School achieved unparalleled success under Bro. Hardman's guidance, amassing an impressive record of 116-20-1. The team enjoyed three undefeated seasons (1989, 1990, and 1992), secured four state championships, and created a remarkable 51-game winning streak. The Cardinals' dominance continued, going 63-1 in Bro. Hardman's final five seasons before his transition to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) in 1993.
During his tenure at UAPB, Bro. Hardman continued to make his mark, leading the Golden Lions to significant achievements. With a record of 64-57, he guided the team to an NAIA national runner-up finish in 1994. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to UAPB Athletics, Bro. Hardman was honored with induction into the UAPB Athletics Hall of Fame in the Class of 2013.
Bro. Lee Hardman's coaching legacy, characterized by remarkable records, championships, and a commitment to excellence, continues to inspire athletes and football enthusiasts alike. His profound influence on the sport and his athletes is a testament to his unwavering dedication to football coaching.