spirit leader
Story by Susan O'Connor, Photos by Dero Sanford

Derek McPike is the perfect person to lead Paint the Town Red, Jonesboro’s annual spirit drive leading up to the first Arkansas State University home football game. The alumna’s family support of ASU runs deep.

“I’ve been a big advocate of ASU all my life,” he said with conviction.
Both of McPike’s brothers are graduates of ASU, as well as his parents. His grandmother, Gladys McPike Hudgins, taught in the physical education department for 29 years.

A 1994 Jonesboro High School graduate, McPike attended Williams Baptist College for two years on a baseball scholarship, then transferred to ASU where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in business.
Following graduation, he worked in the ASU marketing department for three years. During that time, McPike became active in the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce as part of the ASU committee. In addition to his leadership for the past three years in the chamber’s Paint the Town Red program, McPike is also a goodwill ambassador, which involves helping businesses with grand openings, as well as Power Breakfasts and Business After Hours. He graduated from Leadership Jonesboro last year.

A food services sales representative for Pepsi, McPike and his wife, Whitney, are the parents of Ella, 2, and Avery, 6 months.

Paint the Town Red
This will be the 13th year for Paint the Town Red, a tradition originated by Beth Smith, ASU director of alumni relations. The event begins with businesses decorating their windows and interiors to rev up spirit for ASU the week prior to the first home football game, and has culminated for the last five years in downtown Jonesboro with a huge tailgate party/pep rally the Friday night before the big game.

“We wanted to give the event a shot in the arm,” McPike said of the tailgate party. “It kind of brings the week’s activities together.”

Chamber executive vice president Cari White agreed. “I’m so glad we added the Big Great Wolf Pack Tailgate. It really brings everyone together and gets them excited for the big day. This year we have even more participation — the band will be great and of course, the ASU pep band, cheerleaders and Howl are always crowd pleasers!”

The event, which brings about 2,000 people to downtown Jonesboro, features live music and pep talks from ASU coaches and players. Chamber of Commerce members also have booths at the event.

“Downtown has been great to work with,” McPike said. “It’s a pretty big deal. We shut Main Street down. The city and the Downtown Jonesboro Association are both always really helpful.”

Local artist Bobby Willis paints most of the storefronts, along with students from the ASU art department. McPike said businesses usually conceive of their own concepts for the displays. Prizes are given for best interior, exterior, first time entrant, downtown business, as well as a spirit award. The winners receive prizes, as well as recognition at the football game.

“We appreciate everyone’s involvement,” he said.

The tailgate starts at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 4, with speeches and the program beginning at 7:30. The Brewers, Philip Jackson’s band, will entertain the crowd this year.

“There is no way to measure the positive impact that the week has on the football team,” White said. “We have been told that it is rewarding for the players to know that the whole town is on their side when they hit the field. I believe that this week brings the community together as a team and shows the great pride we have in being Red Wolves!”