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The Arkansas Razorbacks are hosting Kent State in Little Rock, and are honoring a legend in Arkansas history in Keith Stokes.
Stokes, who passed away on Aug. 19, was the long-time breeder and handler of the live Tusk mascots that have become so popular at Arkansas.
Arkansas honoring the late Keith Stokes at halftime! #WPS pic.twitter.com/Q8uZSOgtjp
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) September 9, 2023
In a statement, athletic director Hunter Yurachek had this to say about Stokes.
“Keith Stokes represented everything that is right about our state,” Yurachek wrote. “Keith’s loving dedication and selfless service to our live mascot program paved the way for countless fans throughout Arkansas and beyond to connect with their state and their beloved Razorbacks.”
Stokes spent nearly 30 years in charge of the Razorbacks live mascot, after Arkansas decided to bring the tradition back at that time.
When he passed away on August 19, members of the U.S. Senate have even gave messages, supporting the beloved Stokes.
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton gave a floor speech and he ended it by saying this of Stokes.
“I was blessed to know Keith and I know he’s looking down from heaven right now blushing from all this attention,” Cotton said. “But he deserves it, and his family and friends down here deeply miss him.”
