At the beginning of the 2019 school year, the Arkansas High School Coaches Association voted for and delivered the results of the players and coaches chosen to play in the upcoming All-Star games. Among that list were three Hackett Hornets who were picked to represent the 4-2A West conference. Brady Hester for football, Audrie Chaney for volleyball, and Coach Bridget Freeman as an assistant volleyball coach. The 2019 All-Star games were held on June 21 and 22 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.Â
Audrie Chaney was one of 15 girls picked to play on the West volleyball roster. Chaney is the first Hornet from volleyball to secure a spot in the All-Star games. Also slated to be by her side was her own beloved coach, Bridget Freeman, who would be assisting in the volleyball match along with two other coaches from Paris and Rogers. Heading the West team was coach Jennifer Golden out of Greenwood. The game was played on Friday, June 21 at the Farris Center and after a ferocious battle of the best, it was the East that walked away victorious 4-1.
On Saturday, June 22, it was Brady Hesters turn to highlight the Hackett Hornets in the All-Star football game. Held at Estes Stadium, Brady was prepared to show the state why exactly the 4-2A district shouldn’t be messed with. Hester is only the 12th Hornet picked to play in the All-Star football game. Holding a roster of 46 players, the West team was led by Coach Brad Harris out of Benton. After the final buzzer sounded and the dust had settled, it was the East that sealed the win 34-28.
I think it’s safe to say that anyone who had the opportunity to watch any of the games that took place over the two-day weekend, can see that there is more out there than just big town players. That these small town schools are just oozing with talent. But fear not. The time is fast approaching that these underdogs will rise up and get their day!
