The Arkansas-Little Rock men's basketball team's scheduled home game Saturday against Eastern Illinois was postponed after the death of student manager Josh Claxton, who was killed in an automobile accident Saturday morning.
Claxton, 27, a graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, had been a manager for the Trojans' men's basketball team since June. He was pursuing his master's degree in sports management.
"Josh was a dedicated and integral member of the Trojan Basketball program and his energy, positive spirit, and unwavering commitment to the team made a lasting impact on everyone he met," UALR Athletic Director Frank Cuervo said in a statement. "He was not just a colleague, but a true friend to many and his presence will be deeply missed. On behalf of the entire Little Rock Department of Athletics, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Josh's parents, family and friends. Josh embodied the values of what it means to be a Trojan."
No makeup date has been announced, but the decision to postpone the game was supported by both universities, as well as the Ohio Valley Conference.
"Unfortunately, we lost a member of our Trojan family today," UALR Coach Darrell Walker said. "Josh was an unbelievable kid. The players loved him, the coaching staff loved him and he would do anything to help the team or the coaches."
"Being a manager in whatever sport it is -- football, basketball or baseball -- is a thankless job. Josh loved it from sun-up 'til sundown. He will be truly missed. This is a bad loss for the Trojan family. My prayers go out to his family."
-- Mike Harley