A new endowed scholarship named the “Arkansas Al” Janssen Scholarship has been established to support student-athletes at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This initiative comes after a generous donation of $25,000 from long-time supporter Bob Sadler, ensuring that the legacy of the late Janssen will continue to impact future generations.
Preserving a Legacy in Athletics
“Arkansas Al” Janssen was a beloved figure in the Little Rock athletic community, known for his enthusiastic presence at baseball games and as a central figure in the Trojan Legion Club. His passing five years ago left a void among those who cherished his contributions to local sports. Sadler’s motivation to create the scholarship stems from a desire to honor Janssen’s memory and maintain the spirit of the Trojan Legion Club.
“When Al died five years ago, we wanted to set up a scholarship in his name,” Sadler stated. “I didn’t want the legacy of our club to fade away. In some small way, I want to make sure the memory of the Trojan Legion Club continues on.” Sadler’s commitment to the club has spanned decades, during which he has held various leadership roles.
The “Arkansas Al” Endowed Scholarship aims to provide essential financial assistance to student-athletes, helping them pursue their educational goals while competing at a high level. Sadler expressed hope that this scholarship will foster the same sense of camaraderie and school spirit that Janssen instilled in fans and players alike.
A Commitment to Education and Support
The Trojan Legion Club, initially founded in the early 1980s as the Tip-In Club, has grown into the largest and longest-standing booster organization for Little Rock Athletics. It plays a crucial role in raising resources, promoting school spirit, and creating a supportive community for Trojan fans across various athletic programs.
Sadler’s connection to Trojan sports began early in his career when his employer, Entergy, sponsored him to take night classes. He recalls attending basketball games for free as a student, which solidified his passion for live sports. “My first game was in the old gym,” Sadler reminisced. “When Coach Mike Newell came on and the glory years began, we traveled to New York and Minneapolis, and I was there when we beat Notre Dame and went to our first NCAA Tournament.”
Through this scholarship, Sadler hopes to ensure that student-athletes can focus on their education while participating in competitive sports. “Hopefully this scholarship will help student-athletes get an education, which is the reason they’re really here,” he remarked.
The “Arkansas Al” Endowed Scholarship represents a significant investment in the future of student-athletes at UA Little Rock, reinforcing the values and spirit that “Arkansas Al” Janssen embodied. With this initiative, both Sadler and the Trojan Legion Club aim to inspire and support the next generation of athletes for years to come.
