Times wires
Saturday, March 26, 2011
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Mike Anderson couldn't contain his emotions as he was introduced as Arkansas' coach before about 5,000 fans in Bud Walton Arena on Saturday.
With "Welcome Home" signs all around, a smiling Anderson did what came naturally: He started calling the Hogs, much to the delight of the crowd.
Anderson appeared in public for the first time since leaving Missouri on Wednesday to become the Razorbacks' coach. The hiring ended an 11-day search after the firing of John Pelphrey and marked a homecoming for Anderson, an assistant coach for 17 seasons at Arkansas under Nolan Richardson.
"I'm happy to be back," he said. "This is home, this is home for Mike Anderson."
As recently as last week, Anderson said he planned "on being at Missouri." However, several former Arkansas players contacted him about the opening.
D-II FINAL: Chris Dowe and Jeremy Kendle had 16 points apiece and Bellarmine (33-3) held on to defeat BYU-Hawaii (22-9) 71-68 to win the NCAA Division II championship in Springfield, Mass.