Hope native Buzz Andrews to be inducted into The Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame will induct its 30th class during a 6:30 pm banquet May 30 in the Silver City Ballroom of the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock.

“We have an outstanding group representing the class of 2025,” said John Steward, president of the ATFHF. “Seven of the inductees are connected to Arkansas as track and field athletes, coaches and officials. The experience of the inductees ranges from junior high to the professional ranks. Two have origins in the Little Rock area, one is still pursuing competition at the professional level, three are active coaches and two currently work with youth.”

The class includes Buzz Andrews, a Hope High School and Ouachita Baptist University record-holder whose track and field coaching career has spanned 53 years.

Andrews was a two-time Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference 400 hurdle champion for OBU. His 50+ years in coaching started as a graduate assistant at OBU and Henderson State University. After leaving his mark on Cabot with a state championship in cross country, he continued his success by coaching in Texas’ largest division with 12 state champions and two future Olympians. He currently coaches vaulters with Texas Express Track Club with continued success, including many USA Track and Field All Americans.

Andrews is part of Texas Express Track Club. The club’s website states:

“Texas Express Track Club offers pole vault training for all ages. Pole vault is a challenging, technical event that takes time and strength to master. Our coaching philosophy centers around safety first, while providing a family-centered atmosphere for training. We believe in knowing each athlete to help them fly as high as possible. Head coach and owner Chad Andrews along with dad/coach Buzz Andrews have extensive coaching experience in many track and field events…We are excited for the next generation of Texas Express athletes!”

Tickets for the banquet are $50 per person ($52 if purchased by credit card) or $400 for a table of eight. Tickets may be purchased at www.atfhof.org or by mail to Leon White, 34 Margeaux Dr., Little Rock, 72223 and must be received by May 26 to be guaranteed. Checks should be made payable to ATFHF. For ticket questions, email leonandbethwhite@gmail.com. Tickets may be picked up at the ATFHF registration desk after 5 p.m. May 30.

For more information about the banquet, contact Steward at (501) 351-4114.

Photos by Texas Express Track Club