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AGFC, AEDC Offer $713,000 from Poaching Fines to Arkansas Schools

Tammy Teague
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AGFC, AEDC Offer $713,000 from Poaching Fines to Arkansas Schools

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

Nearly three-quarters of a million dollars is available for Arkansas schools this year, thanks to a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services to turn poaching violations into education opportunities.  

All wildlife and fishing fine money collected in each Arkansas county last year has been set aside by the AGFC specifically for education grants teachers may use to increase conservation education efforts in their school. The money is available through grants administered by AEDC.  

Teachers and administrators have until Oct. 25 to apply for a conservation education grant at www.arkansasedc.com/rural-services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant. The amount of money available in each county is based upon the fines collected in that county and any unused funds from previous years. Any school or conservation district in Arkansas may apply for these grants regardless of size or population. 

“Last year these grants paid for everything from field trips to nature centers and educator workshops to building butterfly habitats and other outdoor experiences right on school grounds,” AGFC Chief of Education Tabbi Kinion said. “Grants averaged about $3,000, and ranged from $300 to $16,500. The grant amount really boils down to fine money available in each county and number of applicants.” 

All fine money collected in each county never really crosses county lines. In some rural school districts, these extra dollars have played pivotal roles in offering conservation education programs that would otherwise have been cut due to lack of funding. 

“AGFC programs like Archery in the Schools, Fishing in The Natural State and schoolyard habitat are often funded with these grants, but any needs for conservation education a school has, even class supplies to teach the Outdoor Adventures program, are eligible for grant funding,” Kinion said.

Visit www.agfc.com/conservationgrants for more information on the program, a link to the application site and a county-by-county list of grant money available.

Arrest Reports 8/20

Tammy Teague
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Arrest Reports 8/20

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Amanda Jean  Adams of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 26 at 9:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Adams was charged with Parole Violation, Refusal To Submit To Arrest Misdemeanor, Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., and Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree.

Morgan Barker of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 25 at 1:31 p.m. and and remains at the SCADC as a ADC commitment hold.

Kyler Allen Boyd of Boles was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 21 at 7:05 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Boyd was charged with ADC Commitment Hold, Return To Testify, and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony

Morgan Louis McKey of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 24 at 6:23 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 25 at 8:19 p.m. McKey was charged with two counts of Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Recklessly, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Second Degree, and Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree.

Trinity Adonica McKusker of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 23 at 8:11 p.m. and released on signature bond August 23 at 9:43 p.m. McKusker was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Alex George Rayner of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 25 at 8:45 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Rayner was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II 28-200g Felony, and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
James Christopher Bell of Cameron, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 26 at 9:33 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 27 at 3:42 a.m. Bell was charged with speeding – more than 15 mph over limit, reckless driving 1st offense, fleeing – vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest meth/cocaine, and possession of controlled substance – schedule I/II felony <2g.

Michael Glen Cowan of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 26 at 11:44 p.m. and released August 27 at 4:34 p.m. Cowan was charged with Petition to Show Cause, and Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree.

Angelene Ellen Woodward of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 23 at 2:11 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 23 at 9 p.m. Woodward was charged with Maintaining a Premises for Drug Activity-within 1000 feet of drug free zone. Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >2g.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Cory Justin Bennett of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 25 at 4:45 a.m. and released on cash bond August 25 at 10:22 a.m. Bennett was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Charles David Miner of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 25 at 12:47 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Miner was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others, Disorderly Conduct – Excessive Noise, and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Armando Guzman of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 26 at 8:04 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 28 at 4:31 p.m. Guzman was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree, and Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Sierra Ann Johnson of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 21 at 6:57 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 21 at 11:32 p.m. Johnson was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Pack, Repack and others, and Possession of [Schedule VI Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >14g.

Charles Richard King of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 25 at 11:03 p.m. and released on signature bond August 26 at 3:09 a.m. King was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Jason Lee Lovett of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 26 at 2:17 a.m. and transferred to an outside agency on August 26 at 9:23 a.m. Lovett was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and two counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Michelle Dawn Martin of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 21 at 7:04 p.m. and released on August 24 at 3:44 p.m. Martin was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Timmy Don Scrivner, JR of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 26 at 5:02 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Scrivner was charged with parole violation and absconding.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
James Edwards Trotter of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 23 at 2:10 p.m. and released on signature bond August 23 at 3:51 p.m. Trotter was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Samuel Swiney, 22 of Bristol, TN, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 21 at 1:09 a.m. Swiney was charged with failure to appear, and warrant served.

Misty Holcomb, 42 of Bristol, TN, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 21 at 2:37 a.m. Holcomb was charged with four counts of failure to appear, one count of failure to pay, and warrant served.

Charlie Robberson, 36 of Stigler, OK, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 26 at 9:18 p.m. Robberson was charged with nonsupport.

Jessica Curtis, 39 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 26 at 3:52 p.m. Curtis was charged with bond surrender, and failure to appear.

Daniel Kemp, 50 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 25 at 6:09 p.m. Kemp was charged with ten counts of pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, and warrant served.

Timothy Black, 64 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 25 at 5:45 p.m. Black was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Haskal Swanson, 33 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 25 at 3:02 a.m. Swanson was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, fleeing, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest.

Leroy Daniels, 78 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 25 at 12:24 a.m. Daniels was charged with two counts of failure to appear.

Bobby Shavers, 44 of Dover, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 24 at 6:12 p.m. Shavers was charged with theft by receiving.

Klarissa Ring, 23 of Fayetteville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 21 at 11:41 p.m. Ring was charged with failure to appear.

Cebran Hamilton, 49 of Subiaco, was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 21 at 10:06 a.m. Hamilton was charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member, terroristic threatening in the first degree, and possession of firearm by certain persons.

Arresting agency: Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Kirby Bien, 49 of Clarksville, was booked into the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on August 25 at 9:06 a.m. and released on August 28 at 6:25 p.m. Bien was charged with contempt – failure to comply, failure to appear on violation (FTA).

Mylissa Archer, 42 of Alma, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 23 at 4:21 p.m. Archer was charged with burglary, residential theft of property/all other.

Timothy John Pascale, 41 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 24 at 8:13 p.m. Pascale was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass, resisting arrest, and public intoxication.

Everett W Smith, 48 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 24 at 2:13 p.m. Smith was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass, resisting arrest, and public intoxication.

**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

ASPSF Accepting Applications for Spring 2024 Financial Aid

Tammy Teague
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ASPSF Accepting Applications for Spring 2024 Financial Aid

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is accepting scholarship applications for the Spring 2024 semester through Oct. 15 at aspsf.org/applynow.

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund alumna Carrie Terry receives her scholarship from volunteer Dave Stevens. Carrie received a single parent scholarship each semester from 2018-2021 and graduated in 2021 with her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. (Photo Courtesy ASPSF).

Single parents enrolled at trade schools, community colleges, and universities can receive up to $1,600 next spring to help pay for expenses that get in the way of their education. This can include car repairs, shoes for growing children, internet, or groceries. 

“The scholarship helped me purchase a laptop,” ASPSF Alumna Carrie Terry said. “I took that laptop with me to dance competitions, to ball games. I did a lot of homework at intermissions, at halftimes, at practices, and my lunch hours at work so I didn’t have to sacrifice all the hours with my kids.”

Charlotte with Daughter Journey (Photo Courtesy ASPSF)

ASPSF recipients also receive wraparound services from staff and volunteers. The ASPSF team provides mentoring, resources, and encouragement to help single parents stay in school through graduation and find the profitable career of their dreams. 

To apply for a Spring 2024 scholarship, single parents must have a GED or high school diploma, a 2.0 GPA in past courses, and a household income typically not more than 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. A full list of ASPSF’s eligibility guidelines is here: aspsf.org/eligibility.

For more information about the nonprofit — which has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships across the state to single parents since 1990 — contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or 479.318.2885.

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund alumna Carrie Terry (right) shared her educational journey on Aug. 12 at an ASPSF fundraiser. Following her mother’s footsteps, Carrie’sdaughter (left) is now enrolled in college. (Photo Courtesy ASPSF)

About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: For more than a30 years, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org.

New Diner Opens, Gives Back in Midst of Loss

Tammy Teague
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New Diner Opens, Gives Back in Midst of Loss

A new diner in Huntington opened on September 1. Owners, Beverly Stockdale and Richard Deeds have been working overtime to ensure a successful opening.

ADee Diner, located at 112 E. Broadway in Huntington, will serve southern traditional foods, including hamburgers, catfish, homestyle breakfast, and daily specials. Specials will include Monday night wings and football, Taco Tuesday, hamburger specials on Wednesday, spaghetti on Thursday, all you can eat catfish on Friday, steaks on Saturday, and chef’s choice on Sunday.

Stockdale indicated that hamburgers will be fresh, not frozen, and the catfish will be freshly battered. “Richard will be doing the cooking, and he has many years of experience managing restaurants…Prices will be moderate, and the food high quality.”

The diner has a unique name, and a back story that will tug at your heart strings. Stockdale lost her daughter, Lindsay, in June, leaving a young daughter, Addison behind.

Addison Deeds

“We have poured our energy into this, but we want to do it in honor of Lindsay and leave a legacy for Addy (Addison),” shared Stockdale. “We plan to open our doors on Thanksgiving to those who don’t have a place to go and feed them like Joyce (Joyce’s Diner) used to. In honor of Lindsay, we want to give back.”

Additionally, the diner will feature a unique juke box, and live music on Saturday nights, featuring Adam Short of Jughill Annie.”

Stockdale shared they will be featuring the ample history of Huntington area. “I have taken over tours of the Huntington jail, so we will be offering that as well,” continued Stockdale.

The community responded with a positive, supportive turnout for the diner’s opening. “We want to hear from our patrons, concluded Stockdale.” If there isn’t something that isn’t right, we want to know about it.”

For carryout orders, you can call 479-597-6940. You can also visit their Facebook page for more information about menu items.

Childhood Memories: My First Razorback Football Game at War Memorial Stadium, 1968

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Childhood Memories: My First Razorback Football Game at War Memorial Stadium, 1968

LITTLE ROCK- This Saturday, the Razorbacks will return to historic War Memorial Stadium to play a non-conference football game with Western Carolina to open the 2023 season.

And I have to be open with our readers…as a person who grew up in North Little Rock as a child and counted the days until the Razorbacks played in Little Rock each year, it hurts me to hear the negative comments about playing at War Memorial Stadium.

War Memorial is certainly no comparison to other stadiums across the country. It is almost 75 years old and lacks the amenities of today’s modern stadiums. It does not have the seating capacity of most stadiums today, seating approximately 54,120. But it is an indelible piece of Razorbacks football history, and not so much unlike the colorful histories of Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, on a state, collegiate football scale, it is an important piece of Arkansas history and should be treated with respect.

Back in the day, Arkansas played 3-4 games a year at War Memorial. Usually, two non-conference games and two conference games were played each year. During the Hogs’ history of playing in the Southwest Conference, some of the most memorable games in Razorbacks history were played at War Memorial. And during this run, those games were not just limited to great conference games, but great non-conference games as well against the likes of Stanford, USC, California, Air Force, Oklahoma State, and others. The NFL and the former AFL have played exhibition, preseason games at the stadium, as well.

For me, my first Razorbacks game I ever attended was with my father on November 16, 1968. I was nine years old, and for me, it was so exciting to get to go to my first Razorbacks game. I had listened to their games on the radio, broadcasted then by the legendary Bud Campbell, and on rare occasion, had watched them on television. So, for me, that day could have been the Super Bowl, and it wouldn’t have been any more exciting to me than going to my very first Arkansas football game. The Razorbacks were BIG back then, and kids waited all year for Razorbacks football season to start. It was a great time to be a kid.

On that bright and sunny fall afternoon, we, along with 53,000 fans saw an exciting and later to be known as a historic game between Number 10 Arkansas and Number 14 SMU. The Hogs featured a sophomore class that would go on to Razorback stardom the next year as juniors when they would become Number 2 in the nation and face Number 1 Texas in 1969 for the national championship. But on this day, it was the vaunted offensive attack of SMU coach Hayden Fry and his quarterback Chuck Hixson. Hixson and the offense featured the legendary running back, Jerry Levias, who became the first African American football player in the Southwest Conference and was also the first African American player who played against the Arkansas football program.

Arkansas jumped out to a commanding 35-0 lead just before the half. But SMU stormed back in the second half, closing the deficit to 35-29. The Arkansas defense held on, and SMU ran out of time, and the Hogs would win, 35-29. I remember my dad and others around me going crazy, scared that Arkansas was going to give up the lead and lose the game.

The Hogs would go on to win ten games that season, including a big 16-2 win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. SMU would win eight games that season, including a big 28-27 win over Oklahoma in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl.

Arkansas’s football history was in-part built at War Memorial Stadium. Time has passed the great Central Arkansas stadium, but it and its history should be respected. Some of the greatest teams, coaches, and players have played on the War Memorial turf. And just as Alabama used to play a portion of their games, including their annual rivalry game with Auburn at Legion Field in Birmingham back in the day, it may be time also for Arkansas to move past playing at War Memorial.

But in all due respect, referring to it as a dump, or as trash, or bashing it in other ways, well, it just seems to be disrespectful and unnecessary. Perhaps there is a new purpose for the grand old lady of a stadium. But no matter what happens in the future, the colorful and important history of the stadium should never be forgotten, and the stadium should be preserved. It is a landmark in Arkansas history.

And for me, it is the place of one of my fondest childhood memories.

Game Notes: Western Carolina at Arkansas

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Game Notes: Western Carolina at Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK- Razorbacks football season is here! The Hogs will host the Western Carolina Catamounts Saturday at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Kickoff has been moved up to 12 Noon.

Here are game notes as provided by the University of Arkansas:

WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS (0-0, 0-0 SoCon)
STATS Perform FCS/FCS Coaches Poll: NR/NR
Head Coach: Kerwin Bell (Florida, ‘98)
Career Record: 103-54 (15th season)
Record at Western Carolina: 10-12 (3rd season)

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (0-0, 0-0 SEC)
AP/Coaches: RV/RV
Head Coach: Sam Pittman (Pittsburg State, ‘86)
Career Record: 19-17 (4th season)
Record at Arkansas: Same


• Arkansas opens the 2023 campaign under fourth-year head coach Sam Pittman against Western Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 2, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Ark. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on SEC Network+/ESPN+.


• The Razorbacks are 152-62-4 all-time, including a 1-0 mark in the Pittman era, at War Memorial Stadium, the program’s home venue in Central Arkansas since 1948.


• Entering 2023, Arkansas comes off its second consecutive bowl victory and its second consecutive winning season, a feat not accomplished by the program since 2015-16 when
the Hogs won 15 games with victories in the Texas Bowl and Liberty Bowl. From 2021-22, Arkansas has won 16 games with victories in the Outback Bowl and Liberty Bowl.


• Under Pittman, the Hogs have been invited to a bowl game in three consecutive seasons. Pittman is one of only four Arkansas coaches in program history to begin their tenures with three consecutive bowl berths, joining Lou Holtz (1977-79), Ken Hatfield (1984-86) and Houston Nutt (1998-2000).

• RB Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders is coming off one of the greatest seasons by an Arkansas running back in recent memory after rushing for 10 touchdowns and 1,443 yards –fourth-most in a single season in school history – in 2022. Sanders, the first Arkansas running back to earn preseason
first-team All-SEC recognition since 2012, is just the second Razorback to ever run for 1,400+ yards and return to school the following year, joining the legendary Darren McFadden,
who ran for a then school record 1,647 yards in 2006 before breaking his own record in 2007 with 1,830 yards.


• DB Hudson Clark and LB Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul Jr. are the Hogs’ leading returning tacklers, combining for 129 total stops and 12.0 tackles for loss in 2022. Paul also racked up four sacks, helping the Arkansas defense total 42 sacks on the year and break the program’s single-season sack record.

Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson.

Kickoff for Saturday’s Razorbacks Game with Western Carolina in LR Moved to 12 Noon

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Kickoff for Saturday’s Razorbacks Game with Western Carolina in LR Moved to 12 Noon

FAYETTEVILLE– Football season will start a little earlier for the Arkansas Razorbacks with kickoff for the season opener vs. Western Carolina moving up to noon for Saturday in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium.

The Razorbacks and Catamounts were originally scheduled to kick off the 2023 season at 3 p.m. inside War Memorial but with the weather forecast calling for temperatures in the mid 90s and high humidity on Saturday afternoon, shifting the game time up will allow for safer conditions for the student-athletes on the field and fans in attendance.

The flexibility to move game time came with the game being broadcast on SEC Network+/ESPN+. As part of the Southeastern Conference’s new deal with ESPN, schools are allowed to dictate kick time for games streamed on SECN+/ESPN+.

Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson.

RNN Sports Special: Coverage of Razorbacks Volleyball vs Michigan

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RNN Sports Special: Coverage of Razorbacks Volleyball vs Michigan

FAYETTEVILLE- In yet another special feature for our readers, RNN Sports is proud to announce the coverage of this Sunday’s (September 3) Razorbacks volleyball match when they host the Lady Wolverines from Michigan. First set begins at 11 a.m. from Barnhill Arena on the campus of the University of Arkansas.

Watch for a post-game story on this non-conference matchup on Monday at residentnewsnetwork.com. Photos from this match will be posted on RNN Sports’ “Team Press Pass” page on Facebook by Monday evening.

The Razorbacks defeated Michigan State last Friday by the set score of 3-0, and Tulsa on Sunday also by the score of 3-0. Michigan is 1-1 on the season with a win over Sacred Heart and a loss to Boston College.

Thanks to all of our readers out there who support the Resident News Network!

RNN Sports Coverage of 2023 Razorbacks Football Starts This Week!

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RNN Sports Coverage of 2023 Razorbacks Football Starts This Week!

LITTLE ROCK- It’s game week for the Arkansas Razorbacks and their fans as the first week of the season begins this Saturday, September 2, in Little Rock. Arkansas will play a non-conference game at Little Rock’s historic War Memorial Stadium when they host Western Carolina. Kickoff time is 12 p.m.

RNN Sports will be there this Saturday and every Saturday to bring you all of the action in pictures and in both weekly game previews and post-game stories on our website. Hogs fans can go to residentnewsnetwork.com to follow all of the action. And watch for action photos from the game each week from our staff of sports photographers. Photos from each game can be found on RNN Sports’ “Team Press Pass” page on Facebook.

So, get ready Arkansas fans…football season is here! And RNN Sports is here to bring you all of the action!

See you at the stadium!

2023 Mansfield Graduate Medals at College Event

Tammy Teague
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2023 Mansfield Graduate Medals at College Event

By John Mackey
Twenty-five days before her first collegiate cross country race, former Mansfield athlete Jadelynn Wood was bitten hard by the “homesick bug”. A good old fashioned dose of “team encouragement” did the trick. Now, the 2023 MHS graduate has her first top five college medal and the patient’s prognosis is looking good.

MJadelynn Wood reacts to being her college team’s top finisher as she poses with her little sister Laney.

“It was really tough at first,” said Wood on her first day at college away from the comfort of family and friends. “I was ready to go back home on day one. I just missed home. My new teammates encouraged me to keep on going. So, I did.”

The former high school All-State track athlete and captain of Mansfield’s most recent state championship confessed her true feelings about arriving at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain.

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain freshman Jadelynn Wood is ready for a rest after completing the 5K distance in 24:55.5.

“I remember thinking that first night in the dorm that I wanted to go home,” Wood explained as she continued her warmups in preparation for UARM’s home opening cross country meet on September 26. “I thought, I’d give it a week. If I didn’t like it, I was coming home. My new teammates really encouraged me. After that, I fell in love with the place. I’m happy.”

Samantha Shores, Wood’s college coach, is happy that things worked out as well. 

“I’m now her biggest fan,” Shores said of her newest runner at the Buck’s season opener. “Today, she ran the fastest she has ever run on our course with 24:55. The girl is a true athlete with a pure heart for God.”

UARM runners Adriana Monteil (DeQueen) and Karen Campos (Pittsburg, TX) flank Mansfield’s Jadelynn Wood.

Shores indicated Wood did not have a favorable time trial 24 days ago. However, Saturday’s home meet results revealed the athlete’s value was on the rise. Wood was the top Lady Buck runner on the women’s home team with a fourth place overall finish at the tri-meet.

“She is willing to put her faith out in God not knowing what is next for her,” the Rich Mountain mentor offered. “She will be one to watch as the season continues on.”

Carl Albert State College and National Park College formed the competition against UARM at the Mena Lions Club 5K course. Connors State College, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Redlands Community College all NJCAA Region 2 schools were to attend but pulled out when the date was changed. 

Originally, the Buck opener was scheduled for the day before at 5 PM. Extreme outdoor temperatures prompted the change to 8:30 AM the next morning for the safety of the runners.

Wood poses before the start of the UARM home race.

Wood shared that the morning race was much cooler than the hot practices her team had been enduring so far this August preseason. 

“It actually felt amazing compared to those 4 o’clockafternoon practices,” Wood explained. “We get up at 4 AM for breakfast. We’ll do a medium or long run by 5 AM. By 6 o’clock we are in the weight room. Then at 4 PM we get hills or 1K repeats. That’s the hot time.”

When asked about her first college cross country race, the freshman runner let her heart do the talking once again.

“It was very scary!” Wood described. “I was just terrified. When that air horn went off, I just took off. Adrenaline was going and I just took off. I was ready to get to the finish line. I was happy I did decent for my first time out. I got my first college medal!”

Wood takes the final incline towards the 5K finish at Mena’s Lion Club Course.

Coach Shores admitted that she was thrilled to have Wood for the fall season. Both readily admit the college freshman is more excited for track season in the spring.

“We are both excited for track season because that is where she will excel the most,” Shores declared. “I am grateful to have her here.”

For now, it looks like the former Mansfield Lady Tiger has increased her racing stamina and has gained confidence in a short period of time. Navigating the growing pains of college athletics is rarely easy. A little encouragement goes a long way. So does a top tier medal at your first race.

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