Bob McBride to be recognized with ‘A’ Walk of Honor

The late Bob McBride, a longtime supporter of Razorback Athletics, will be recognized during “A” Walk of Honor ceremonies on Saturday prior to Arkansas’ football game against Texas A&M at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Participating in the “A” Walk in his memory will be Bob McBride’s wife Linda, daughters Angela Ryan and Cheryl Morrison and seven of his eight grandchildren who affectionately called him “Duke.” McBride, a Fayetteville native and the long-time owner of McBride Distributing, passed away in April. (Link here to his colorful obit.)

The McBrides are Broyles-Matthews Platinum members of the Razorback Foundation. Bob and the McBride family have been active in their support for more than five decades, dating back to the Razorback Scholarship Fund that pre-dated the current Razorback Foundation.

Bob was a passionate football and men’s basketball season ticket holder and traveled to many Razorback postseason events including numerous Southeastern Conference Basketball Tournaments and bowl games. The McBrides have also been annual supporters of women’s sports programs at the University of Arkansas.

“It is certainly fitting that we honor Bob McBride in front of a sellout crowd this weekend at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said in a statement. “No one loved a big game more than Bob McBride. Through the years, he was always there to support the Razorback program and his generosity made a difference in the lives of Razorback student-athletes. I look forward to joining Bob’s wife Linda, their daughters Angela and Cheryl and their grandchildren as they take part in the ‘A’ Walk in honor of his memory.”

“Running through the A” is one of the Razorbacks’ most storied football traditions. While “Running through the A” is a tradition reserved only for members of the Razorback football team, Razorback Athletics created a program in 2010 to honor those individuals or groups who have played a significant role in the support of Razorback Athletics.

Honorees are invited to participate in this unique pre-game experience and are recognized on the video board and over the public address system as they walk through the “A” formed by the Razorback Marching Band. After completing the walk, honorees help complete the “A” before welcoming the Arkansas Razorback football team on the field just prior to kickoff. Honorees will also be inducted into the “A” Walk of Honor Hall of Fame.

Previous honorees have included members of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, former Arkansas coach and athletic director Frank Broyles, the Willard and Pat Walker family, Jim Lindsey, Bob and Marilyn Bogle, Boyce Billingsley and Stacy Lewis.