The University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas Tech University will jointly recognize the late Steve Hornor, who served in the role of athletic trainer at both institutions, when the Sugar Bears and the Golden Suns meet for a spring volleyball scrimmage on Saturday, April 11.
 
The scrimmage is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Prince Center, 2273 Bruce Street on the UCA campus in Conway. Admission will be free and open to the public.
 
UCA and ATU will present Hornor's family with a plaque in advance of the match.
 
Hornor passed away on Nov. 2, 2025. He was 71.
 
A graduate of the University of Oregon, Hornor began his athletic training career with the Washington Diplomats of the North American Soccer League and Yuba College (Calif.).
 
Hornor arrived in the Natural State to serve as athletic trainer at Arkansas Tech in 1996. He remained in that role for nine years and was part of such teams as the Wonder Boys' 1999 Gulf South Conference championship football team and the Golden Suns' 1999 NCAA Division II women's basketball national runner-up team.
 
"Steve had a personality that was larger than life," said Abby Davis, ATU director of athletics. "He had the uncommon courage to let other people know he loved them, and the student-athletes at Arkansas Tech felt that and benefited from it. I am so glad that he was able to join us for our ATU Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony in October 2025. That was the last time many of us at Arkansas Tech saw him, and we will cherish that memory every time we think of Steve. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with UCA to remember and recognize Steve for his many contributions to both institutions."
 
Hornor served on the athletic training staff at UCA from 2005-20, working with such programs as volleyball and men's basketball. He was part of the Sugar Bears' Southland Conference championship volleyball teams in 2009 and 2010. Hornor was also integral in the athletic training education program at UCA.   
 
"I don't know if Steve ever had a bad day in his life."  Said Matt Whiting, UCA director of athletics. "He was always so positive, a joy to be around, had a great rapport with the student-athletes and programs that were under his care and the love he had for his family and others was so evident. I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend with Steve and appreciate his years of service to our athletics department. We are proud to partner with Arkansas Tech to keep Steve's memory alive, and recognize his outstanding commitment and contributions to both institutions."
 
Hornor received a lifetime achievement award from the Arkansas Athletic Trainers' Association (AATA) in 2024 and was inducted into its hall of fame in 2015. He received the AATA Doug Parker Recognition Award in 2012.
 
His accolades also included the National Athletic Training Association (NATA) Service Award, the 2006 NATA Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year Award and recognition from the Arkansas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame and the Yuba College Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
For anyone that would like to make a donation in honor of Steve Hornor, the family asks that those donations be made to the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association (click here).