Kart track in the Kibler river bottoms awakens from a long sleep
It’s a drive I took several dozen times from 2014-2017 the trip to America Motor Speedway. The track was the creation of James Richesin, a longtime figure in the local motorsports community for several decades. Whether it was racing or helping racers you could always find James at Crawford County Speedway or The Mighty Tri-State Speedway. When it came time open a track of his own along the Arkansas River, he bought the grandstands and dirt from Thunder Valley Speedway just south of Fayetteville. It did not go as planned as neighbors disliked the idea of living close to a race track.
Years went on and a sudden resurgence in dirt go karting piqued the interest of Richesin, with the help of local racers like Cody Farmer and Bill Jackson an idea was hatched to bring racing to America Motor Speedway. They etched a small oval inside the bigger one that was already formed, using the black gumbo clay, once prepped it is sticky and fast. To get an idea of the surface, Arrowhead Speedway in Colcord, Ok is similar if not the same.
“My name is James Richesin, I’ll be the track owner. Ross [Fujibayashi] will be the photographer. Bill [Jackson] will be the Tech Man. Bathrooms are over there, the boys is blue the girls is pink. No cussin, no fightin, no drankin. Don’t bad mouth the officials. I’d like to thank y’all for coming out to America Motor Speedway” James in his signature white button up shirt would exclaim during the drivers meeting. Why a white shirt? Well I asked one day “It’s so they can find me. Tillman Evans (the founder of Mighty Mouse Speedway then Tri-State Speedway) always wore one and so will I.” James said with a grin. Coincidentally, America Motor Speedway and Tri-State Speedway sit exactly the same, the sun sets just off of turn 3.
After a few years of up and down races and seasons, James finally called it quits and let the Speedway go to nature. In August of 2019 James Richesin would pass away, leaving a hole in the Arklahoma racing community. Arkoma Speedway would try to fill that hole with kart and micro-sprints (600cc open wheel cars that look like Sprint Cars), but it also went dormant.
So that brings us to Sunday. After different requests and conversations via social media a page on Facebook appeared, “America Motor Speedway, LLC” 7 days shy of 4 years since the passing of Richesin. Perfect timing.
The track still owned by the Richesin family, have leased the track to local racer Jason Chapman. Chapman hopes to bring karting back to the River Valley in a very familiar setting. Sunday was the first day to have karts on track for the first time since September 16th 2017. After several setbacks of essentially a place that has sat quiet in that time the first karts hit the track around 6pm. The sun started to get closer and closer to the tops of the trees to the west but no one seemed to notice or care as karts circled the oval.
Faces from the tracks past like feature winners Austin Farnam and Matt Urbine were prepping their karts for a run. The newest generation of the locally famed Hunter racing family was making laps in his bright red kart. Others took their turns taking turns, and for a few hours on Sunday nothing mattered kart racing was back.
The schedule moving forward will be the track racing on Friday nights until it gets cold, and then will go indoors in Rudy, AR. The outdoor season usually kicks off in March or April depending on the great Spring Arkansas weather.
Hey it’s us again, another week another set of predictions!
Week 2…. Well…. went 100% on my picks for the week so that’s something. Camden Fairview vs Booneville looked to be a great game with Fairview getting the win. Paris beat West Fork which is a great bounce back for the Eagles. Hackett went 1-1 in Oklahoma which is pretty neat. Greenwood took a nearly 4 hour bus ride to Mountain Home and brought home the Win. Once fellow writers Jim Best and Adam Hecox send in their picks for the week I will add them below. So Week 3, Conference is heating up for some, maybe a non-conference game or bye week for others let’s dive right in.
RNN Sports Stone Cold Lock Of The Week:
Berryville @ Magazine
Adam’s Pick: Magazine
Just like the first edition of the RNN Sports Stone Cold Lock of the Week, It is tough to look at the schedule and see a game that is going to be a tough one. Most of the games are non-conference and look to be final tune-ups for either team before their conference run. Look at this way, my last two weeks of picks I have only gotten one wrong, so could I be wrong on this Lock of the Week? Maybe. Magazine is coming off a win against Danville, so their is definitely some pep in their step this week. Berryville is coming off a 14-7 loss to Greenland, but they did beat West Fork in Week 1 16-13. This has a possibility of being a great game for both teams
The Rest
Siloam Springs @ Greenwood
Adam’s Pick: Greenwood
During the summer, the Siloam Springs Panthers came within one win of making it to the Championship in their own 7 on 7 Tournament after beating an extremely talented Muskogee Roughers team out of Oklahoma. They would lose in the Semi-Finals to Bartlesville, which Bartlesville would lose to Siloam’s Week 3 opponent Greenwood. Unfortunately the success in 7 on 7 has not translated to success in the fall as the Panthers are sitting at 0-3. Greenwood on the other hand….. the Bulldogs have scored at least 49 points in the past 3 games and only allowed an average of 9 points the past three weeks.
Booneville @ Harding Academy
Adam’s Pick: Harding
Dax Goff and the Booneville Bearcats will make the trip to Searcy this Friday Night. With Goff committing to Harding University, this will not be the last time the folks at Harding will see him. Harding Academy’s Arkansas Commit Wyatt Simmons will be waiting on the other side of the ball. Harding has been a perennial powerhouse in the smaller classifications and just like Little Rock Christian, Pulaski Academy, and Shiloh Christian their time in the 4A may be coming to an end.
Mansfield @ Waldron
Adam’s Pick: Mansfield
Each week, I look forward to Waldron getting that first win under their new head coach. Sadly, it will have to wait another week. The 40 point buzz saw that is Mansfield this season makes the trip down Hwy 71 for Scott County bragging rights.
Hackett Bye Week
Paris Bye Week
Lavaca @ Mount Ida
Adam’s Pick: Mount Ida
Mount Ida was a 9-3 team last year that lost in the 3rd round of the playoffs, this year they have yet to score a point. Lavaca is sitting at 2-0 and their defense has only given up 13 points in two games. Unless something miraculous happens, the Lions will not dodge the Golden Arrows this Friday night and will have to wait until they play Poyen the next week to put points on the board. Lavaca handled the Lions last year 43-13.
Charleston @ Nashville
Adam’s Pick: Nashville
Those Scrappers have spent the last three weeks playing Class 5A teams, Charleston is rolling into Howard County looking to right the ship so to speak. It has been a rough season so far for the Tigers and they are in one of the toughest conferences in 3A. This is the last tune up for the Tigers before they start conference play against Greenland and Cedarville in consecutive weeks. Charleston will have their hands for this week with Nashville.
Yellville-Summit @ Mountainburg
Adam’s Pick: Yellville-Summit
This almost became the Stone Cold Lock of the Week, but looking at scores I think the Panthers keep rolling. They’ve out scored their opponents 40-10 on average and held Johnson County Westside scoreless last week. They do have a common team in that they have both faced in Baptist Prep out of Little Rock. Baptist Prep beat Mountainburg 20-6 in the AAA Benefit game, then turned around and got beat 44-20 by Yellville-Summit. I know I know AAA Benefit game shouldn’t matter, but I went to one in Booneville against Dardenelle and you would have swore they were playing for a shot to go to Little Rock for a State Championship.
The Others
Fort Smith Northside Bye Week
With the past three games Northside has had this Bye Week could not come fast enough. Turnovers plagued them against Greenwood and Fayetteville and they have not scored since the Southside game where they put up 35 points. Their first game after the break is a 7A Central Conference opener when they host Bryant. Oof, hope the Grizzlies come together and play hard the next few weeks.
Fort Smith Southside Bye Week
So just how good are the Mavericks, I typed their original name first. oops. Southside is on a bye week after squeaking past 0-3 Northside, annihilating 1-1 Van Buren, and then holding 0-2 Wynne to one touchdown. Their next game is against the Rogers Mounties who are 3-0 and averaging 45 points and holding opponents to an average of 7 points. Could it be the Stone Cold Lock of the Week next week? We will definitely see.
The ideal that government was a man’s job changed dramatically when Hattie Caraway became the first elected woman to ever set foot in the Senate. She joined what has been called the “World’s Most Exclusive Club” when she was appointed to take her recently deceased husbands Arkansas Senate seat after his death in 1931. At the time, most people felt that she was given to appointment so that it would give the men time to work out who would run for the seat in 1932. Caraway surprised everyone!! She realized after a short stint in office that anyone that truly cared for their constituents, stayed awake at their desks, and worked hard could do just as well as many of the men who spent most of their time presenting bombastic speeches. Known as Silent Hattie, she believed in speaking briefly with well-chosen words and once stated she had no desire to waste taxpayer money printing up long speeches in the Congressional Record. Surprising everyone, she defeated six male opponents, thus becoming the first woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
Hattie Caraway
Caraway was seen as a proponent for the poor and needy. She once stated, “My philosophy of legislation, and really on life, is to be broad-minded enough to consider human relationships and the well-being of all the people as worthy of consideration, to realize that all human beings are entitled to earn, so far as possible, their daily bread, and to try to prevent the exploitation of the underprivileged.” Serving on the important agriculture committee, she provided invaluable assistance to rural Arkansan’s seeking work. A good friend of Franklin Roosevelt, she supported most of the New Deal legislation in order to get people, especially her constituents, back to work. During his campaigns, she accompanied Roosevelt as he whistle-stopped across Arkansas in a railcar, stopping at Little Rock, Hot Springs, Booneville, and Fort Smith to deliver short-speeches as he traveled across America.
There were rewards for her efforts. With Roosevelt’s support, Caraway was able to secure funding from Camp Robinson, Fort Chaffee, the two Japanese relocation centers, five airbases, a defense ordnance plant, and the aluminum factories for the state.
Caraway won re-election in 1938, defeating John McClellan whose campaign slogan was “We need another man in the Senate.” It is also interesting that she became the first woman senator to support the Equal Rights Amendment and was one of the sponsors of the legislation that became known as the GI Bill.
Caraway was defeated in 1945 by J. W. Fulbright but left a legacy that continues till today. From a conservative, Southern state, she was able to become the first elected woman senator, the first woman to preside over the senate, and the first woman to chair a committee.
Her legacy and life still resonate with the people of Arkansas. She once stated that no-one that could not tell you the price of a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread and didn’t remember that some people had neither should ever be an elected official. She walked the talk, showing up early to work so that she could read the entirety of the previous days Congressional Record while eating her lunch from a brown paper bag she brought from home. Caraway opened the door for women politicians such as Senator Blanche Lincoln and for current first woman governor of the state, Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Caraway first ran for office, she ran on the premise that the nation could be served by an average person who knew the price of milk and bread, and who remembered there were people who had none. She walked her talk, carrying her lunch in a brown paper bag, and starting each day by reading every word of the Congressional Record. She never missed a Senate vote or a committee meeting. Nor did she take time away from Congress to campaigns’ money on printing speeches in the Congressional Record.
CONWAY – Twelve new faces will be seen behind the badge of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as game wardens this fall after graduating from the AGFC’s training program Friday at Antioch Baptist Church.
All 12 cadets spent the last 18 weeks of their lives undergoing a transformation from cadet to game warden at the AGFC’s H.C. “Red” Morris Training Center east of Mayflower on Lake Conway. Long days and many nights of training and conditioning have prepared the new recruits for their new role in enforcing wildlife regulations, supporting other law enforcement agencies and becoming valuable members of the communities where they are stationed. By the end of the training school, each cadet received 835 hours of training in self-defense, firearms, first aid and rescue, drug enforcement, physical conditioning, criminal law and wildlife code enforcement.
Capt. Sydney Carman directs the cadet-training program, with many AGFC game wardens serving as instructors. Other experts teach specialized topics.
“We’re training our men and women to be game wardens, and it can be an entirely different world from other types of law enforcement,” Carman said. “We operate in many more remote areas where we have to be self-reliant and we have to wear many different hats on a daily basis. The variety of our workday that makes this job so great also means we have to prepare for many more situations and rise to unforeseen circumstances all the time. That’s why we try to use experienced wardens to teach as much of the courses as possible.”
Carman says the learning curve doesn’t just cover enforcement, but knowledge of conservation and wildlife and fisheries management.
“People don’t just call us to report poaching or other cases of people breaking the law,” Carman said. When someone comes across a deer that looks like its suffering from a disease or see a fish kill in a local lake, their local game warden is usually the first person they call. Our wardens need to know how to handle those situations as well. When they leave the training program, our wardens are Jacks and Jills of all trades.”
Each graduating warden will be assigned to a duty station based on the current needs of the Commission, but accommodations can be made to ensure officers that are familiar with certain areas are assigned near them if possible.
“Game wardens are part of their community; in some rural parts of the state, most folks know their local wardens’ names, families and know they can trust them to always be able to help,” AGFC Lt. Col. Jake Dunn said. “We always take that into consideration and want to place them where they will be able to thrive. If they’re already a part of a community and we have the opportunity to place them there, then we definitely try to make that happen.”
The 2022 graduates and their county assignments are:
Denise Lynn Himes, 61, of Boles, Arkansas gained her angel wings, Tuesday, August 12, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Denise was born January 25, 1961 to Herman and Grace (Burns) Singleton in Tulare, California.
Denise was one of eight children and her family meant everything to her. She loved to do puzzle books and play games with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Denise had the purest of hearts so pure you could see it in her eyes. Her laugh was contagious. To know Denise was to love her and her spitfire self. She had a hard life but now she is free and her family will love her forever and always.
Proverbs 3:3 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Denise lived this scripture everyday, rain or shine. She lived from her heart and she always had a pure, childlike spirit about her. Her family will always remember her positive outlook on life and the joyfulness she brought to others. She was beautiful inside and out.
Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the day to come.”
Denise leaves behind to cherish her memory, her six siblings: Virginia Jones of Boles, Arkansas; Herman Singleton of Boles, Arkansas; Patricia Hegwood and husband Randy of White Hall, Arkansas; Melody Chorley and husband Glen of Tulare, California; Stacey Singleton of Boles, Arkansas; and Kenny Singleton and wife Stacy of Greenwood, Arkansas. Denise is also survived by one sister-in-law Julie Hargis of Waldron, Arkansas. Aunt Nessie will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.
Denise was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Himes; her parents, Herman and Grace Singleton; her brother, Harvey Hargis; and two nephews, Daniel Pena and Wesley Singleton.
Denise’s family will have a private memorial life celebration at a later date. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
It’s rarely a good idea to put off maintenance until the problem worsens, especially in your home. You shouldn’t ignore subtle problems around the home; they require immediate action. And knowing what these issues may look like is a good start. Read on to learn what problems around the house need your attention and how you may fix them promptly and efficiently.
Pest Problems
Insects and rodents may make their way into your home throughout the year. Although these small pests may not seem potent, they will become uncontrolled problems over time. Cockroaches reproduce around 16 eggs per month throughout the year and easily lead to infestations.
Mice may have litters of five and mate after reproduction, meaning they could give birth to a second litter within the same month. Stomp out pest problems as soon as they arise. If you notice more than one bug in one room, kill them swiftly.
You need to call for extermination or capture-and-release services that take rodents far away from the home to prevent them from making a nest in it. Use traps and bait as passive extermination methods, or call an exterminator to take care of them professionally.
Leaks
A leak is a bad sign in any building, but it could damage your home significantly. Leaks deteriorate the home’s interior. And depending on their location, you could have poor structural integrity that could cause the ceiling or wall to collapse. Look for signs of a leak, such as staining or strong odors.
Staining typically leaves a brown mark visible from your side of the wall or ceiling and becomes larger as time passes. The odor follows the appearance of the stain and has a strong, earthy smell. Fix the leak at the first sign and protect your home. Leaks can be subtle issues around the home that you shouldn’t ignore and need immediate attention to avoid worsening damage.
Ponding Water
On your roof, your shingles should redirect water and prevent pooling. When water does pool, it damages the roof, which could cause many issues. Water pooling on your roof causes dirt and debris to build up, leading the shingles and their flashing to deteriorate.
The water may cause bubbling and peeling if left for more than 48 hours. In particular, ponding water is a concern for metal roofs because it may exacerbate the standing water issue. Standing water is similar to ponding water but may occur on various roof levels. Check your roof occasionally to ensure there aren’t any pools of water. If you notice the ceiling sagging or a small stain, check the roof to ensure water isn’t ponding.
There are various issues that come with a house, and some need your full attention. Keep an eye out for any of these issues and resolve them quickly before they worsen and overtake your home.
The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, September 11, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay, Stan Cottrell and Angela Hunsucker. School Board member Mac Davis was not present. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Zack Taylor, Darla Jeffery, Ryan Walker, Toni Dozier, Kristi Sigman, Tonya Cluck and Cheyenne Smith.
President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m.
Mr. Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.
Mrs. Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the August 14th and August 22nd Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Order for MHC Kenworth; D) Approve Purchase Orders for White River Services. Motion carried 4 -0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the Contract Disclosure Form and Resolution for Powell Graphics Plus. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Contract Disclosure Form and Resolution for R & J Air Systems. Motion carried 4-0.
Ryan Walker, ABC/Adventure Online Academy Principal, reported to the Board that there are now 32 students enrolled in the virtual online school and that there are 20 openings for students at the ABC. Mrs. Darla Jeffery informed the board that the Book Fair will be this week, as well as Grandparents Breakfast. Mrs. Jeffery also stated that the Fall Festival will be October 28th on Main Street. Zack Taylor, Middle School Principal, reported that club meetings, such as Gardening, Hair Styling, Football, etc., have started this week. Middle school is also hosting the Book Fair this week. Mr. Taylor also added that students will be attending the fair this Wednesday thru Friday. There will also be a pep rally at the Middle School this Thursday, September 14th. On September 18th, there will be a motivational speaker, Professional Angler Hunter Baughman, that will speak on overcoming obstacles. Kim Solomon, High School Principal, stated that a Career Fair on Thursday, October 5th will be followed by Homecoming on October 6th. There will also be a pep rally this Friday with a Hawaiian theme. Be Pro Be Proud will be here on October 16th as well.
Superintendent Fielding reported to the board that Parent Teacher Conferences will be Tuesday, September 19th. He also reported that although there were a few facility issues at the beginning of the school year, those issues have been resolved and the district can move past them.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to accept the resignation from Tamara Broomfield, Food Service, effective September 7, 2023. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to hire Alyssa Jones as ABC/First Step Paraprofessional, retroactive back to September 1, 2023, with 1 years’ experience. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the modified stipend schedule. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Stan Cottrell to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.
FAYETTEVILLE– Following Arkansas’ 28-6 win against Kent State, redshirt senior Trajan Jeffcoat has been named the Southeastern Conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Week Monday. It’s the second SEC weekly honor of his career.
Jeffcoat’s impact on the game was undeniable as he helped the Razorbacks control the line of scrimmage vs. the Golden Flashes, allowing just 26 total rushing yards – the fewest by an Arkansas opponent since against New Mexico State (11) in 2017.
The Columbia, S.C., native recorded three tackles with 2.0 tackles for loss (-11), including a career high 1.5 sacks for a loss of nine yards.
Jeffcoat and defensive end Landon Jackson were instrumental in a goal line stand in the fourth quarter by combining for a tackle for a loss of four yards on fourth-and-goal. In the first quarter, Jeffcoat and linebacker Jaheim Thomas combined for a sack for a loss of seven yards on third down to force a Kent State field goal. Again in the first quarter, Jeffcoat tallied a sack for a loss of five yards to force a punt.
Jeffcoat and the Razorbacks return to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, against BYU. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the Razorback Ticket Center at (479) 575-5151.
Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.
FAYETTEVILLE – The Southeastern Conference released the 2024 men’s basketball league schedule last Wednesday. Arkansas opens league play on Jan. 6 at home versus Auburn.
After the home opener, Arkansas travels to Georgia (Jan. 10) and Florida (Jan. 13). Following the two road games, the Razorbacks will host Texas A&M (Jan. 16) and South Carolina (Jan. 20).
Arkansas will then play three of its next four games on the road including games at Ole Miss (Jan. 24), at Missouri (Jan. 31) and at LSU (Feb. 3). The only home game in the stretch is a Saturday matchup in Bud Walton Arena versus Kentucky (Jan. 27).
The Razorbacks host Georgia (Feb. 10) and Tennessee (Feb. 14) before hitting the road for games at Mississippi State (Feb. 17) and at Texas AM (Feb. 20).
The final five games feature three home games with two big road games. Home games include Missouri (Feb. 24), Vanderbilt (Feb. 27) and LSU (Mar. 6) with road games at Kentucky (Mar. 2) and at Alabama (Mar. 9).
The SEC Tournament returns to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will take place Mar. 13-17.
Tipoff times and television information will be released at a later date.
A charity exhibition game with Purdue was previously announced and will be played on Oct. 28. For tickets, CLICK HERE.
Also, travel packages are still available for the 2023 Battle 4 Atlantis. Please email gohogs@razorbackfoundation.com for additional details.
Arkansas 2023-24 Men’s Basketball Schedule (as of Sept. 7, 2023)
Oct. 28 Purdue (Charity Exhibition)
Nov. 6 Alcorn State
Nov. 10 Gardner-Webb
Nov. 13 Old Dominion
Nov. 17 UNC Greensboro
Nov. 22 vs. Stanford (Battle 4 Atlantis, The Bahamas)
Nov. 23 vs. Memphis or Michigan (Battle 4 Atlantis, The Bahamas)
Nov. 24 vs. TBD (Battle 4 Atlantis, The Bahamas)
Nov. 29 Duke (SEC-ACC Challenge)
Dec. 4 Furman
Dec. 9 vs Oklahoma (Tulsa, Okla.)
Dec. 16 vs. Lipscomb (North Little Rock)
Dec. 21 Abilene Christian
Dec. 30 UNC Wilmington
Jan. 6 Auburn *
Jan. 10 at Georgia *
Jan. 13 at Florida *
Jan. 16 Texas A&M *
Jan. 20 South Carolina *
Jan. 24 at Ole Miss *
Jan. 27 Kentucky *
Jan. 31 at Missouri *
Feb. 3 at LSU *
Feb. 10 Georgia *
Feb. 14 Tennessee *
Feb. 17 at Mississippi State *
Feb. 20 at Texas A&M *
Feb. 24 Missouri *
Feb. 27 Vanderbilt *
Mar. 2 at Kentucky *
Mar. 6 LSU *
Mar. 9 at Alabama *
Mar. 13-17 SEC Tournament (Nashville, Tenn. – Bridgestone Arena)
Mar. 21-24 NCAA Tournament 1st & 2nd Rounds
Mar. 28-31 NCAA Tournament Regionals
April 6 & 8 NCAA Final Four (Phoenix, Ariz. – State Farm Stadium)
For more information on Arkansas Men’s Basketball, follow @RazorbackMBB on Twitter.
Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Mike Cawood.
It had been nearly 7 months since Mansfield won the 2023 ATCA Indoor Track and Field State Championship. The long wait for the delivery of the team’s state championship rings was finally completed on Saturday, September 9. In an intimate gathering of family and friends at the high school, the MHS Lady Tiger track team finally slipped on the spoils of their award winning season.
On February 18, the Lady Tiger track program brought home their 14th state track championship. This most recent title came at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville at the ATCA Indoor State Track and Field Championships. If you include all Mansfield athletic programs, this was the 27th overall state championship won by the school.
A rebuilt track roster, much different from the distance oriented state championship team from last season, took first place at the indoor finals with 137.5 points. Strong individual places and outstanding relay efforts put Mansfield easily ahead of second place Carlisle.
Mansfield carried an indoor track team of 19 players, scored 11, and produced 10 indoor All-State performers.
During the outdoor season, Mansfield sent 25 players to the conference championships hosted by the Tigers on May 2. In that 2A-4 district meet, Mansfield easily won the district title for the 17th time in the last 20 years of competition. The Lady Tigers scored 328 points, earned 13 All-District spots, and used a full roster for only the second time of the season.
From there, Mansfield advanced to outdoor state finals in Quitman in 14 of 18 events. Qualification standards reduced the roster once more. Only the 13 All-District qualifiers competed at the outdoor finals. Those competing used victories in the 4x100m relay and discus along with strong finishes in the sprints, hurdles, throws, and jumps to take the class 2A state runner-up trophy.
Carter WhileyCarissa Vaughan Trinity TriskaAzlynn StoverAddie StoverAshley MartinSummer Frazier
Out of 29 scoring schools, it came down to Mansfield and two-time defending Champion Yellville-Summit for the title. Yellville’s experience and depth won out. Still, Mansfield scored 82.5 points and registered 6 All-State performers. Five of which moved on to the prestigious Meet of Champs while 2 others continued to the state heptathlon.
At Saturday evening’s festivities, attendees were treated with a buffet style dinner before a 20 minute highlight video of the season was presented. Immediately following the video presentation a group of six junior high volunteers marched the trophies and rings onto the stage.
“The ring march may have been the coolest part of the evening,” said recently retired Mansfield head track coach John Mackey. “Travis (Pettus) our sound expert arranged for some awesome, upbeat music to escort those six kids into the room. It really built up the anticipation and added to the show.”
Seventh grader CJ Nelson, the younger brother of All-State sprinter Daisy Nelson, brought in the boxes of state championship rings. He was wearing a black t-shirt sporting the words “Ring Security”.
Daisy Nelson Seven SandersonRaine HecoxLaney Wood
The younger Nelson was preceded by five junior high track girls. Each carried a state trophy associated with the career winnings of this particular 2023 senior high track team. Each of the girls, adorned in either a red or black semi-formal dress, paraded the trophies along the perimeter of the room for all to view before placing the accolades upon the awards table atop the stage.
Adeline Bray, Miley Clopton, Addison Howard, Annabelle Martin, and Abby Smith were the future track stars that helped make the special delivery along with CJ Nelson.
“It was good to get some of the younger people involved,” expressed Mackey. “These kids look up to these champions. They are hungry for their own future success. These are the type of student-athletes that will keep Mansfield in a good place.”
John MackeySusan MartinEthan BowmanJadelynn Wood
Announcer Jordan Martin then brought up special guests that acted as ring presenters. Dave Otto of the track booster club, Danielle Overton of the Championship class of 2010, Travis Pettus the “Voice of the Tigers”, Danielle Godwin of the Championship Class of 2008, and Julie Basham of Farmers Bank were all in attendance.
Representatives from Today’s Bank, Chambers Bank, and Roger Thompson of Farm Bureau were sponsors, unable to attend.
“We definitely appreciate the sponsors and all the help that went into this entire season,” continued the former coach.
Newly appointed Mansfield High School Principal Justin Bond helped direct the ring distribution to the guests who in turn presented the awards to the players and coaching staff.
All members of the collective ninth through twelfth grade team were recognized whether they participated on the indoor or outdoor team. Some members were unable to attend because they had already moved on to college or had other conflicts.
Seven Sanderson, the River-Valley’s Thrower of the Year, was the penultimate player announced to receive her championship ring. Sanderson was a two time All-State shot put and discus individual champion and Mansfield’s Track Player of the Year. She set a personal best throw in the discus at 115’ 9” to win the class 2A state title for the second consecutive year. The homeschool senior was also the two time defending indoor shot put champion.
Jadelynn Wood, Mansfield’s Team Captain and Golden Baton Player, was fittingly announced as the final player to receive her ring. Wood enjoyed a reputation of being the last to leave her lengthy practices and workouts. She was the team’s most decorated winner as a two time All-State runner, and four time All-Star cross country runner.
The recent MHS graduate was among the last players to compete on the 2023 Lady Tiger team as a Meet of Champs qualifier and state heptathlete. She now competes as a member of the UA Rich Mountain track and cross country program.
“I’m so proud of these two seniors that were the heart and soul of our program,” reflected Mackey. “They are among my favorite players of all time, as is this entire team. We kind of graduated together with this being my last season. The ring celebration was a wonderful way to close out a career.”
Players recognized for the team’s outdoor success but not individually recognized as members of the indoor roster were Brooklyn Adams, Natalie Allison, Jaelynn Garcia, Kaylie Lowery, Kayla Bieker, and Addison Robles.
State championship team members and ring recipients included the following.
Class of 2026:
Thrower, team assistant – Chloe Beran
All-District triple jumper, sprint relays – Madison Hearron
All-State sprinter, hurdler, sprint relays, pole vaulter and Outdoor MVP – Daisy Nelson
All-District shot put, discus, high jumper – Kaylee Ward
Middle Distance runner, team assistant – Chloe Whiley (unable to attend)
