SPRINGDALE — Scott Powers never had a problem showing his breakaway speed.
When Springdale High relied on two running backs in the late 1970s, Powers was known as the faster one out of the backfield.
While the Bulldogs had a bruising tailback to gain yards up the middle, Powers brought a change of pace to the offense by outrunning defenders.
“I had more speed around the outside and in the open field,” Powers said.
His speed, which made him a star hurdler for the Bulldogs, was evident in a game at Russellville during his senior season in 1978.
Powers raced for a 72-yard touchdown run and finished with 190 yards, which set a Springdale record for most rushing yards in a game.
His school record has since fallen, but reminders of his performance remain in a scrapbook he has 34 years later. His achievements will also be enshrined at the Springdale Hall of Fame.
Powers, who was born in Springdale in 1960, is among a handful of former athletes who’ll be inducted into the hall of fame during a ceremony on August 10.
“I absolutely think it’s an honor,” said Powers, who graduated from Springdale in 1979. “I had a lot of influences.
“I went on to get my Master’s degree in exercise physiology because of the influences that sports and athletics had and the coaching staff really instilled a good work ethic.”
Along with playing running back and safety, Powers was a standout track runner who set seven school records while attending Springdale Central Junior High.
During his senior year with the Bulldogs, he broke a state record in what was then known as the 180-yard low hurdles with a time of 19.0 seconds. The previous record was 19.2 seconds, set in 1963.
“In the 180-yard hurdles I was undefeated, and I only lost one race in the 120-yard high hurdles,” Powers said. “But I broke the state record in both of those at the state meets.”
Powers also competed in several other individual events and relays, including the 100-yard dash, the 220-yard dash and the 440-yard dash.
After graduating from Springdale, Powers attended Abilene Christian on a full track scholarship. His athletic background helped him invent several patented products, including a product known as the StretchRite.
So what kind of football player was Powers?
“I was known more for my speed, obviously,” Powers said.
2013 Springdale Hall of Fame Banquet
WHEN: Aug. 10
WHERE: Springdale High
HONOREES:
Laurie Jones Alfrey
Brad Bohannan
Gary Bohannan
Kelly Whiting Geise
Stacy Kever McGaugh
Kirk Miller
Scott Powers
Jim Ed Reed
Krista Sanchez
Allen Smith
Lee Spencer