Origins And Early History

The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions: A Historical Overview

Origins and Early History

The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions football program traces its roots to the early 1900s. In 1922, Branch Normal College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) established a football team, the "Lions," under the leadership of coach John E. Codwell.

The Lions initially competed in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (AIC). In 1929, they joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), becoming one of the founding members of the historically black college athletic conference.

Golden Age of Success

The 1950s and 1960s marked the Golden Age of the Golden Lions. Under the leadership of legendary coach Clem Jackson, the team achieved unprecedented success.

In 1956, the Lions captured their first SWAC championship. They repeated as champions in 1957, 1958, and 1961. During this period, the Lions also made their first appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Continued Success and Challenges

After Coach Jackson's departure in 1966, the Golden Lions continued to experience success under various coaches.

In 1975, the Lions won their fifth SWAC championship under coach Lydell Mitchell. They also returned to the NCAA Division II playoffs several times in the 1970s and 1980s.

However, the program faced challenges in the late 1980s and 1990s, including declining enrollment and financial constraints.

Recent Resurgence

In recent years, the Golden Lions have experienced a resurgence under the leadership of coach Cedric Thomas.

The team won back-to-back SWAC East Division titles in 2019 and 2020. In 2021, they reached the SWAC Championship Game but fell short of the title.

Notable Players and Coaches

The Golden Lions have produced numerous notable players and coaches throughout their history.

• Players: Fred Dean, Willie Lanier, Everson Walls, and Jim Hill
• Coaches: Clem Jackson, Lydell Mitchell, and Cedric Thomas

Legacy and Future

The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions have a rich history and tradition in college football.

Despite facing challenges over the years, the program has remained a proud and competitive force in the SWAC.

With a passionate fan base and a commitment to excellence, the Golden Lions look to build on their recent success and continue to make their mark in the world of college football.