UAFS Lions Coach Louis Whorton Hall of Fame
Wanda Srygley had an enthusiasm for life that was fueled by her vast intelligence, sharp wit and incredible generosity. She knew how to tell a great story, hosted dinner parties and family gatherings and had an amazing sense of style.
And, she had a tremendous love of UAFS athletics, which she shared through her unwavering support of the program for more than 40 years.
Srygley began attending Westark Community College basketball games with her husband, Bill, and continued to attend even after his death in 1989. Over the years, her support grew to include all of the Westark/UAFS sports.
“Miss Wanda,” as the student-athletes called her, attended nearly every home game over the years, endowed scholarships and was famous for the elegant hats she wore atop her head. Over the years, she also cooked countless meals for the teams and coaches and was famous for her green beans, which she smothered in brown sugar and bacon.
Srygley also had a passion for horse racing and owned several race horses, including three she named after the UAFS athletics program. The first, UAFSLions, injured her leg and became a brood mare who gave birth to LionOnTheLoose. The third horse, LouisTheLion, was named after former UAFS women’s basketball coach Louis Whorton.
In 2015, the athletics program named the Stubblefield Center’s hospitality/booster room the Bill and “Miss” Wanda Srygley Room in honor of their longtime support of the athletics program.
