Southern Arkansas University Athletics

Dr. Larry McNeal has been associated with SAU and a faithful Mulerider supporter in multiple facets since the late 1950s when he enrolled at what was then Southern State College to play football.
 
Playing for the Muleriders under SAU Sports Hall of Famer Auburn Smith from 1958-1961, McNeal earned All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC) First-Team honors at defensive end in consecutive seasons of 1960 and 1961. During his four-year career, McNeal helped lead the Muleriders to three-straight winning seasons from 1959-61.
 
After his time on the gridiron was through, McNeal graduated from SSC in 1962 and pursued a coaching career that briefly took him to Camden Junior High School. Shortly thereafter, McNeal went to Auburn University as a graduate assistant where he taught swimming, soccer, and weight training. McNeal later went on to earn his Ed. D. degree from North Texas State University in 1971.
 
Prior to earning his doctorate, McNeal had returned to Southern State in 1965 where he served as a professor in the health, physical education and recreation department until his retirement from full-time teaching in 2000. During that time, McNeal served as the Intramural Sports Director and had a stint as the school’s club gymnastics coach from 1973-1976. Under McNeal’s guide, the intramural program at SAU flourished going from 11 activities to 50.
 
In addition to his longstanding academic, athletic and work relationships with SAU, McNeal has faithfully given back to the University expressing the need to continue to help current and future SAU students be able to have an affordable college experience. Recently, McNeal and his wife, Judy (Sessoms) were recognized for 40 years of consecutive giving.