In most states, there are two or three major schools who divide the state into seperate fan bases. However, in Arkansas, the Razorbacks represent the whole state, and two hours away from campus, the town of Atkins has a unique tribute for their beloved Hogs.

With a population of around 2,800, Atkins looks like a simple stop off Interstate 40 in west central Arkansas. However, just on the outskirts of town, a 40-foot sign stands proudly on the base of a cliff, reading "GO HOGS GO!", with a huge Razorback in the middle, and "ATKINS" on the bottom.

"We built the first one in the 60's," said J.L. Austin, who heads up People for A Better Atkins. "We got 8 sheets of plywood together in the school gymnasium, painted a huge hog in the middle of it, and we had our first sign."

Atkins decided to build the sign to pay tribute to the Razorbacks, who played football games not only on the Fayetteville campus, but also in Little Rock, where the team would pass Atkins along the way.

"We're a good football town," said Austin. "We've usually got a pretty good football team here (the Atkins High Red Devils) in town, and during Friday nights, the whole town is at the game. We've got a great football tradition too. When Frank Broyles was coaching, we had an assistant, Wilson Matthews, who was from this area."

Matthews, a popular assistant coach, has his likeness on the Broyles Award trophy, honoring the nation's best assistant coach.

"When we first put it up, the State Police called us," said Austin. "They told us that a similar sign had been stolen in south Arkansas, and they wanted to know if we had that sign. We told them though that we built our sign."

The sign gathered so much attention from fans and players alike, that the tradition of the sign continued to this very day. As signs rotted, or were torn down, a new sign appeared just as quickly.

"We're on our fifth sign now," said Austin. "Usually the signs lasted 5,6,7 years, but this sign was stronger. It's steel enforced, and the paint isn't supposed to fade. We've had this sign for about 4-5 years now, and it's in real good shape. And we're proud of it. We're proud that it boosts our Razorback team."

And Arkansas fans are just as proud that a small town like Atkins shows their support in such a big way.