Thursday was a special day on the campus at SAU Tech with the honoring of Pryce Robertson in the Pryce Robertson Park Dedication Day.
Shortly before the SAU Tech Rockets baseball team hosted the National Park College NightHawks, Robertson was honored by SAU Tech chancellor Dr. Jason Morrison before giving a speech and finally, throwing the first pitch at the game.
"Today, we dedicate this park for Southern Arkansas University Tech in the honor of Pryce Robertson," Dr. Morrison said. "Due to the Pryce Robertson family's generosity and other donors, the Rockets baseball team has a place to call their home. Always remember (when) you come here to see a great game that Pryce and his courage are why this park is here today to enjoy it."
Pryce Robertson has been a long-time figure in Camden, who takes battles head-on. Robertson, who has been diagnosed with autism, has never held back in his intentions to succeed in whatever he pursue. In 2015, Robertson earned an associate of arts degree at SAU Tech and went on to do radio broadcast at Y95, K97, Magic104.5 and NewsTalk 92.7. He also helps runs the Pryce Robertson Autism Awareness Foundation, which is dedicated to autism awareness and empowerment.
Robertson has been a long-time supporter of the athletics at SAU Tech, including the baseball team, who are in their first season as a collegiate program. It was not a difficult decision for Dr. Morrison and the university to name the Rockets' new baseball field Pryce Robertson Park back in October, 2021.
"It's a real honor," Robertson said Thursday. "I'm proud to call Camden my hometown, especially thankful to have not just my family with me, but dear friends and my work family and those who are here. I want to thank everybody for their time and effort to see the dedication to this field. Go Rockets!"
"This is a very special occasion for our family," Pryce's father, Richard Robertson said. "This is something Vickie and I wanted to be a part of for some time, it felt right. Pryce, we are very proud of you and what you represent."
After Dr. Morrison and the Robertsons spoke, Pryce was given the opportunity to throw the first pitch for the game. Pryce, his parents and Dr. Morrison were able to get a group picture with the SAU Tech Rockets baseball team.
"It's really a symbolic nature of what Pryce represents and stands for," Dr. Morrison said about Pryce having the field dedicated to him and throwing the first pitch. "What he has accomplished in life is really what we do here at SAU Tech. We just work hard, we keep having a vision out and we keep pushing. Pryce pushed to complete his degree and the success he is having, I can't think of a better name for our park because at a junior college, kids are taking a chance on themselves to get better and get stronger... I just think it's just a sweet connection between Pryce Robertson and this institution."
Photo By: Michael Hanich
Pryce Robertson celebrates after throwing the first pitch at the Pryce Robertson Park Dedication.