The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame had a nice and well-attended reception Friday night at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock for former UA assistant and UCA head coach Harold Horton to celebrate his retirement as head of the Razorback Foundation.

Horton is widely popular in all circles and is still one of the most revered individuals to ever coach at UCA. The reception was attended by former coaches, many Conway friends and lots of friends from all over the state, representing many institutions, including Arkansas, UCA and Arkansas State.

It was cold outside. There was warmth in the room.

There was one downer. Paul Sharp, brother of Ouachita Baptist Athletic Director David Sharp, died suddenly Friday morning. Sharp served one year on Horton's staff at UCA then went on to coach at Southwestern Oklahoma before retiring.

Sharp was also well-liked and well-respected.

The news marred an otherwise delightful evening.