WASHINGTON, DC-Fox News is reporting that the Biden administration is blocking key federal funding earmarked under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 for schools with hunting and archery programs.
According to federal guidance circulated among hunting education groups and shared with Fox News Digital, the Department of Education determined that, under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) passed last year, school hunting and archery classes are precluded from receiving federal funding. The interpretation could impact millions of American children enrolled in such programs.
“It’s a negative for children. As a former educator of 30-plus years, I was always trying to find a way to engage students,” Tommy Floyd, the president of the National Archery in the Schools Program, told Fox News Digital in an interview. “In many communities, it’s a shooting sport, and the skills from shooting sports, that help young people grow to be responsible adults. They also benefit from relationships with role models.”
“You’ve got every fish and wildlife agency out there working so hard to utilize every scrap of funding, not only for the safety and hunter education, but for the general understanding of why stewardship is so important when it comes to natural resources,” he continued. “Any guidance where it’s even considered a ‘maybe’ or a prohibition for shooting sports is a huge negation.
President Biden, left, speaks at the White House in October as Education Secretary Miguel Cardona listens. (Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
According to Floyd, his organization boasts 1.3 million students from nearly 9,000 schools across 49 states who are enrolled in archery courses. Some of those schools have already canceled plans to include archery or hunting education courses in their curriculum due to the Education Department guidance.
In June 2022, the BSCA was passed with large majorities in the House and Senate before President Biden signed it into law. The push to pass the bill — which broadly seeks to promote “safer, more inclusive and positive” school environments, according to the Education Department — came after mass shootings at a grocery market in Buffalo, New York, and a school in Uvalde, Texas.
The legislation included an amendment to an ESEA subsection listing prohibited uses for federal school funding. That amendment prohibits ESEA funds from helping provide any person with a dangerous weapon or to provide “training in the use of a dangerous weapon.”
However, in a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona earlier this month, Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., expressed concern that the agency is misinterpreting the provision which they said was included in the BSCA last year to withhold education funds for programs training school resource officers, not for hunting and archery classes. School resource officer training was funded under a separate provision.
“We were alarmed to learn recently that the Department of Education has misinterpreted the BCSA to require the defending of certain longstanding educational and enrichment programs — specifically, archery and hunter education classes — for thousands of children, who rely on these programs to develop life skills, learn firearm safety and build self-esteem,” Cornyn and Tillis wrote to Cardona.
“The Department mistakenly believes that the BSCA precludes funding these enrichment programs,” they continued. “Such an interpretation contradicts congressional intent and the text of the BSCA.
The GOP lawmakers noted in the letter, which was shared with Fox News Digital, that they have heard complaints from schools with funding for shooting sport courses withheld. They added that hunting and archery programs fall “well within” the scope of activities to support safe and healthy students which the ESEA explicitly funds.
Overall, the ESEA is the primary source of federal aid for elementary and secondary education across the country, according to the Congressional Research Service. The BSCA earmarked an additional $1 billion for educational activities under the ESEA.
“It is ironic that the U.S. Department of Education is actively denying young Americans the chance to educate themselves on basic firearm and hunting safety so that they can go afield knowing how to keep themselves, their friends, and family safe,” Ben Cassidy, executive vice president for international government and public affairs at Safari Club International (SCI), told Fox News Digital.
“At best, the department’s policy appears to be singularly geared to ensure hunters are less safe when handling firearms or bows and, at worst, are leveling a direct attack on hunters’ ability to pass down hunting to the newest generations,” he continued. “SCI and our membership will be eagerly awaiting the Education Department’s response to the letter from Senators Cornyn and Tillis, and we won’t hesitate to take further action to protect hunters’ rights.”
In addition, the National Shooting Sports Foundation blasted the Education Department’s interpretation of the BSCA, saying it was part of the administration’s attacks on the Second Amendment.
The Biden administration has been criticized for spearheading a war on hunting with various regulations.
The group said that, while it took a neutral stance on the BSCA, it has become “increasingly concerned” by the Biden administration’s implementation of the law.
“The Department of Education and Secretary Cardona are blatantly misconstruing the law to withhold funding from schools that choose to teach beneficial courses like hunter safety and archery,” Lawrence Keane, the NSSF’s senior vice president, told Fox News Digital.
“Congress must hold Secretary Cardona and the department accountable for violating the letter and spirit of the law to unilaterally deny America’s students access to these valuable programs as part of the Administration’s continued attacks on the Second Amendment,” Keane added.
“Stopping hunter education courses that teach safe and responsible firearm handling makes our communities less, not more, safe and diminishes our ability to pass our nation’s cherished hunting and recreational shooting sports traditions on to the next generation,” he said.
Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service unveiled new prohibitions on the type of equipment hunters are allowed to use on federal refuges. Keane said at the time that the rules were the latest example of the agency “creating rules that punish hunters,” and Cassidy added it would prevent Americans from hunting on public lands.
The Education Department did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Note to Our Readers: The previous report was sourced directly and in its entirety from Fox News.
Northwest Scott Fire Chief Donnie Adkins recalls some of the members, who started out as junior firefighters, now gone on to further their careers.
“I wanted to brag on some of my kiddo’s / folks on Northwest Scott County VFD. We have had a junior firefighter program since late 2006. Since then, we have had many kids come through the program some staying with us still today as adult firefighters.”
Adkins noted that of the junior firefighters, Hunter Pyles became an NREMT, currently working on an ambulance; Jason Moore an NREMT, currently working on an ambulance; and Mykinzi Morgan, who is just graduating from EMT school, is ready to begin her career working on an ambulance.
Adkins added that there have been several to attend the fire academy and received their firefighter certifications.
The junior firefighters attend the same meetings, trainings as the adults. They learn CPR, first aid, and all aspects of firefighting and auto extrication. “It is very important and the lifeline of a volunteer fire department to survive to keep their doors open as there are not that many volunteers now a days,” Adkins shared. “Again, I just wanted to give a huge shout out to the kiddos, now adults, that volunteered their spare time to hang out with a bunch of elderly folks and learn a career.”
A special thanks to the volunteers at NWS, who give selflessly of their time and efforts to keep our community safe and assist us in our greatest time of need!
We are pleased to announce the 110th edition of the Sebastian County Fair & Rodeo in Greenwood, Arkansas. The Fair will kick off on Wednesday, August 23, with the Jr. Livestock Show starting at 8 a.m. The show is free to the public. We will be honoring retired Sebastian County Judge, David Hudson. At 5 p.m. the gates open for the fair. It is $1 admission on opening night. All of the gate proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Smith.
There will be live music every day of the fair which runs through Sunday, August 27. On Thursday and Friday morning we will welcome kids from around the county for School Days. Last year we had 1,100 children attend. Kids get to see all of the livestock, Smokey Bear will make an appearance, tour the exhibits and much more.
New to the fair this year will be a kids free zone featuring inflatables which is being sponsored by Arvest Bank. Friday night will kick off two days of rodeo. Bulls and Broncs will battle the athletes on Friday night and Saturday night will feature Mutton Busting and a Ranch Rodeo.
Johnson Brothers Carnival will return with rides and games for all to enjoy. Vendors will be set up to sell unique items and the food trucks will have plenty of food to enjoy. Be sure to visit the exhibition hall to view the creative entries from around the county.
JONESBORO– With just under a month remaining until the start of the 2023 Arkansas State volleyball season, single-match tickets are now on sale.
Fans can join second-year head coach Brian Gerwig inside First National Bank Arena for 11 exciting home contests for just $6 per general admission ticket. Tickets can be purchased here.
Season tickets for the 2023 slate also remain on sale. Prices start at $50 for general admission and $100 for courtside seats, and can be purchased online.
A-State fans can get an early glimpse at the 2023 A-State volleyball squad at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, in the Scarlet-Black scrimmage inside First National Bank Arena. The next day, the Red Wolves travel for an exhibition bout at Ole Miss (1 p.m.) in Oxford, Miss.
The Red Wolves then open the 2023 season at home Friday and Saturday, Aug. 25-26, hosting Little Rock (Fri., Noon), Louisiana Tech (Fri., 6 p.m.) and North Alabama (Sat., 4 p.m.) in the A-State Invitational.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can follow the team on Twitter (@AStateVB) and Instagram (astatevb) along with liking the Arkansas State Red Wolves Volleyball page on Facebook for the latest news and updates regarding the team.
Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from Arkansas State University Media Relations, Caleb Garner.
PARIS- The 2022 football season was a tough year for the Paris Eagles. And no one knows that more than the Eagles players who put themselves on the line each and every week in what turned out to be a brutal season. But emerging from that very tough year is this year’s unquestioned leader of the 2023 edition of the Paris Eagles. Senior quarterback Maddox Watts will lead his troops into battle starting August 25 at home versus the Waldron Bulldogs.
No one knew it at the time, but last year’s game at Waldron was an unfortunate sign of things to come for the entire season. Leading 7-0 at the end of the first quarter, Paris seemingly was in control of the game and was playing toward winning their 2022 season opener.
But then, disaster struck. Paris committed consecutive turnovers that all lead to touchdowns for the Bulldogs. And when the first half ended, it was a shell-shocked Eagles team that went into the locker room, down by the score of 35-7. Consecutive fumbles allowed Waldron to take possession inside Eagles territory, and the Bulldogs capitalized on every Paris turnover.
The big halftime deficit took the Paris offense out of their game plan and seemed to set the tone for the rest of the season. This year’s return game in Paris will again be very important to both Waldron and Paris.
Maddox Watts looks for an open receiver at Waldron in 2022 (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)
So, when I had the opportunity to visit with Maddox on the phone last week, we immediately began to talk about the importance of the Waldron game to the potential success of the Eagles in 2023. We talked about his anticipation of his senior year and the importance of the Eagles’ first game at home versus Waldron. Maddox began by saying, “I am pretty excited. I really am. Right now, I am just doing football and basketball practice. Both sports are doing conditioning work, so, outside, I am also doing my own workouts, going on runs, just to stay in shape.” And in shape he is. Maddox looks like he could step onto the field, the court, or wherever and be physically ready to play right now.
Maddox started for the Eagles last year as a junior. On offense, as the Paris quarterback, Maddox was on the run on virtually every down. Either as a designed quarterback run, or scrambling to avoid the rush, Watts was constantly looking for an open receiver while running and often times tucking the ball to get as much yardage on his own as possible. As a result of all of his scrambling, he seemingly took one big hit after another. In the course of a season, those hits can take their toll. In 2023, he is looking for better protection and more open receivers to throw the ball to downfield. Asking if he felt that things would improve this season with better protection and receivers who can get open, Maddox said, “Yeah, I feel like it is (going to get better this season). I know the line has improved so I should be fine.” Maddox feels that there will be bigger size on the line this year and more talent on the Eagles’ offensive line this season. A lot of the guys have gotten stronger and bigger and have improved overall.”
This season, after having played in the Eagles new conference last year, I asked Maddox if he thought Paris’ offensive line matched-up well with the conference’s defensive lines he saw last year. He responded by saying, “I really don’t know. Some of the teams, I remember Mansfield, they had a huge defensive line, and pretty sure that Waldron did too. But I just don’t know.”
No doubt, the 3A-4 conference will again be a very tough and physical conference. Glen Rose will be the overwhelming favorite to again win the conference championship, and Paris will travel there to play the Beavers in the first conference game for both schools. Bismarck will challenge Glen Rose, meaning that the rest of the conference will likely be playing for playoff spots 3-5, realistically.
But Paris has a good opportunity to be 2-1 or even 3-0 in the early non-conference portion of their schedule. The Eagles will have a bye week after the third game of the season before they begin conference play at Glen Rose the following week. Early momentum generated by early success is going to be critical for this team after the nightmare season of a year ago.
Waldron is predicted to again finish at the bottom of a very tough 4A-7 conference according to Hooten’s Arkansas Football publication. The 4A-7 consists of Malvern who won the state 4A title a year ago, along with Arkadelphia, Nashville, and Mena. In 2022, Waldron allowed an average of 35.7 points per game while scoring just 16.3 points per game. So, there will be opportunities for the Paris offense to score against a Bulldogs defense that will return six starters on defense. Under new head coach Cain White who moved from the Northeast Arkansas community of Manilla, the Bulldogs will feature the flexbone rushing attack. They will undoubtedly look to shorten games and keep their defense off the field. The explosive passing attack of the Eagles with Maddox Watts and head coach Jeff Weaver may have the opportunity to score quickly and force the Bulldogs out of their game plan early.
But all of that remains to be seen. And to do it, Paris must avoid the turnovers that killed them a year ago in Waldron. When I asked Maddox about the importance of their first game to the team’s possible success in 2023, he shared, “It is important to everybody, but to me, it is very important. It’s more about the mistakes we made in 2022. If we had not made the mistakes we made last year, we may not have won the game, but we would have done better in the game.” The first half fumbles took Paris out of their game plan for the second half, and that turned out to be a microcosm of the entire season.
Maddox Watts scrambles for yardage last season at home versus Magnet Cove (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)
We talked about the importance of getting off to a good start and generating momentum early. Two to three non-conference wins and another two to three conference victories could not only give the Eagles a winning season but could put them into position in the conference standings to be a four or five seed in the state playoffs. Of course, a four seed would be better than traveling across the state to play a one seed in mid-November. But a playoff berth would be the third playoff appearance for the program in the past four years and would be a good springboard for a young team going into the off-season and into the 2024 season. Maddox added, “Last year, we just needed to win to show ourselves that we could..that we could be something, we just have to work for it. If we win our first game this year, we could get something going.”
A zero week win on August 25 would set up a showdown at Mansfield where the Tigers are very tough at home. It would be the first big road test of the season for the young Eagles, and after last year’s devastating loss at home to the Tigers, it will be very important for this team to play well and to compete at Mansfield.
Last year’s season was a nightmare year for Paris with emotions boiling over seemingly each week. The Eagles continued to play hard, but as the injuries continued to stack up and the team having very little success on the field, it was just a very tough year. But some of those players who endured the pain of 2022 will be returning this year as leaders for a young and talented roster. I asked Maddox if having faced the adversity of last year was going to help him and the other returning players in their leadership role this year. Maddox said, “We are all in this together.” Short and to the point, Maddox is exactly right. There will undoubtedly be times when it gets rough on the field, but those returning players should be able to look the younger ones in the eyes and tell them that they have been through worse times than this, and together, we are going to get through this.
A few times this summer I have had the chance to talk with the Eagles head coach, Jeff Weaver, and I will share with our readers that Coach Weaver really likes this team. To paraphrase, this is a team that he does not have to motivate to work. They like to work, practice, and are self-motivated to not go through again this season what they endured last year. And their leader on the field, both on offense and defense, Maddox Watts will be there every week and will leave it on the field every Friday night. He always has, and he always will. That is just Maddox; he is athletic, competitive, and has great drive and determination. “All of us that played last year want revenge.”
Maddox Watts passes downfield at home in 2022 vs Glen Rose (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)
The Eagles have been busy this summer, working out on their own, as well as in organized practices, camps, and even a day trip to the University of Arkansas to participate in the Razorbacks Football Camp. Asking Maddox what he thought about his experience at the Razorbacks camp, he said, “I didn’t realize how good they (college coaches) work you out. Their knowledge and stuff like that, I’ve never experienced that. But it was a really good experience. I had a lot of fun.” Watts had the opportunity as a quarterback to receive coaching from the Hogs’ offensive coordinator, Dan Enos. When I asked him about that, he said, “It was interesting. He showed us a couple of things that I had not seen before…drills and stuff like that. It was really interesting. Some of the foot work, might be something I can use this season.” Watts, like the other campers, had a short time with the U of A staff, but nonetheless, it was a great experience for him and all of the Paris players who made the trip to Fayetteville.
Maddox Watts had the opportunity to receive coaching this summer from Razorbacks offensive coordinator, Dan Enos (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)
Having followed the Eagles all summer at both the Charleston and Pottsville football camps, it was evident to this observer that Paris seemed to make progress with each opportunity to play against other schools. It is always hard to gauge a team’s progress in just shorts and shoulder pads, but compared to this point a year ago, the Eagles seemed to be further along in their development going into next month’s regular season opener. When I asked Maddox about what he thought, he said, “Oh yeah. I look at the team when we started this summer and then where we finished up at Pottsville (Pottsville summer camp held in July), I feel like we really improved. You know, you really need that experience to see what it would be like, and we definitely improved. Most of it (the improvement from last year to this year) is because of the young guys who came up along with some of the returners.”
When Maddox takes the field on offense this season, there will be just three familiar faces looking back at him that played last season. Those four players went through the war of a season last year in 2022. They will definitely be the spiritual leaders of the team having endured the losses and the pain of the 1-8 season a year ago. Maddox added, “I feel like if we are having some issues in a game this season, we can tell the others that, “OK guys, we have been through worse, and we’ve got this.” We just have to show the others that we trust them, and they can trust us.”
As a tribute to the Paris fans, they too endured a tough year in 2022. But in true Eagles tradition, they kept coming to Eagles Stadium and rooting on their beloved Eagles. In a lot of communities, the attendance would have waned, but the Paris fans kept coming. It inspires the team, and this young group of Eagles will once again rely on the Big Blue Nation to show up in large numbers for important home games on the Eagles’ schedule.
All games are important in conference play, but games with Two Rivers, Jessieville, and Danville are extremely important to the Eagles’ playoff chances. In fact, the Eagles are forecasted by some publications to finish sixth in the conference, above the Two Rivers Gators. Danville, who was unable to finish their season a year ago, has been predicted to finish fifth. I am thinking that may be posted in the locker room all season as motivation for Paris to make the playoffs.
So, for the Eagles to attain their goal of returning to the playoffs, Paris must win the games that they have the chance to win. That may sound a little jaded, but eight teams in the conference are more than likely playing for third place. A fourth-place finish by Paris would be a big leap from last year’s season. Maddox added, “That’s something that gives me confidence, seeing people doubt us. When in our minds, we know we can achieve something, like do a lot better than last year. That (being predicted to finish sixth in the conference) is something that can help all of us. I know there are people who are doubting us, and we want to show them how good we can really be.”
After the completion of this year’s junior high season, the Eagles will add freshmen to their roster for Week Ten. The talented junior high group that people have been talking about will begin to appear for Paris just before the playoffs and could give the Eagles a little more depth on their roster late in the season.
Individually, Maddox has the goal of joining the Army and eventually becoming an Army Ranger. He is comfortable in this year being his last year to play organized sports. College sports are not on his radar, and Maddox plans to follow in the service in his father’s footsteps. But until then, Maddox says that his main goal for his senior year is something he focuses on every day. “My main goal that I focus on every day is to just always be better today than you were yesterday. And to keep working and push yourself.”
If you have ever watched Maddox play, regardless of the sport, he is the type of athlete and competitor who will “leave it all out there” in every game. When the game is over, there is “not much left in the gas tank”, for Maddox will always play hard and give it everything that he has. It is this effort, work ethic, and spirit of competition that will make him a success after high school. And if Maddox has his way, he will use those traits for the benefit of all of us as he serves our nation in the United States Army.
I want to thank Maddox for his time and contributions this story. He is a class act and is a lot of fun to watch play. All of us at RNN Sports can’t wait to watch him and the Eagles play to turnaround the 2022 season, and yes, return to the state playoffs.
Good luck to Maddox Watts and the Paris Eagles in the upcoming high school football season!
BENTON- The Paris Lady Eagles made the two-hour trip to Saline County last week to play in the Benton summer preseason camp. Games were held at Benton’s River Center Complex and featured teams from across the state in all classifications. Paris played both junior varsity and varsity matches.
Paris faced a couple of their opponents that will be on the 2023 schedule. Little Rock Pulaski Academy, whom the Lady Eagles will play in Little Rock on August 24, and the Episcopal Collegiate Lady Wildcats who will continue their tradition of exciting games of the past with Paris in both seasonal and post-season matches were both opponents last week in Benton.
Paris has a very tough and important part of their regular season schedule in the first nine days of the season that will include three games on the road at Russellville, Pulaski Academy, and Hackett. The lone home match of the first four game stretch will be a conference match at Paris Gymnasium with the Charleston Lady Tigers.
First year Lady Eagles coach Josh Hart is happy with his team’s progress this summer. He believes they “turned a corner” a few weeks ago at the 501 Tournament, and last week, he was again happy with his team’s performance in Benton. Consistency is an issue at this point, as it is with a lot of teams in the summer. But Paris has approximately three weeks to continue their work to prepare for their opening trip to play the Lady Cyclones.
Photos from the Lady Eagles play in Benton are available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. And watch for our preseason special on August 11 on RNN Sports! Volleyball fans will not want to miss it!
And if you have not yet subscribed to Logan and Franklin County’s only weekly print newspaper, just go to residentnewsnetwork.com/subscribe to order your subscription today.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND- After a first-round victory over Vietnam, the United States Women’s National Team is currently in a battle with the Netherlands in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
For a complete schedule of World Cup action, please click on this link to be redirected to a schedule of every game in pool play (ESPN): Soccer Schedule – 2023 Season – ESPN
Peggie Sue (Ruble) Shores of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, July 26, 2023 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Peggie was born August 23, 1934 to Leonard and Bessie (Moss) Ruble in Gads Hill, Missouri.
Peggie spent her youth in Potosi, Missouri. Then on October 29, 1955 she married the love of her life, Bobby Don Shores. Together they raised one son Larry Don Shores and loved her grandchildren. Peggie was a lover of country music, she always had a tune on her lips and a rhythm in her heart. She could play any musical instrument that was put in her hands, and her favorite was the bass guitar. Peggie and Bobby Don loved making beautiful music together and were together for 67 years. Peggie’s musical tastes reflected her soul, classic, sincere, and full of sentiment. She was always at her happiest being at church and playing music.
Peggie leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband Bobby Don Shores; son Larry Don Shores and wife Cindy. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her two grandchildren: Trent Shores and Jacob Shores; seven great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter to arrive in January 2024. Peggie is also survived by one sister Bonnie and two step brothers Jimmy and Steve. She will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted.
Peggie was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Bessie Ruble, three sisters: Melba, Sharon and Cokey; three step brothers: William, Dell and David.
Peggie’s life celebration will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Doyle Reynolds officiating. Interment will follow in the Pilot Prairie Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Peggie’s pallbearers will be Trent Shores, Jacob Shores, Larry Shores and Logan Shores.
Peggie’s visitation will be on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced directly and in its entirety from Mr. Glenn Parrish, Director of Communications, Booneville School District. Mr. Parrish is a RNN Sports contributor, and we thank him for bringing this story to our readers.
BOONEVILLE- Last week the Booneville Bearcat volleyball team went to a team camp in Branson, Mo., continuing a tradition started when Robert Dean was the head coach.
Dean, who launched the program and was the head coach for a decade, passed away in last November.
Tributes, condolences, and lamentations by the scores of former players flooded Facebook announcements of Dean’s passing.
Earlier this month current volleyball head coach Bailey Stringer announced the creation of the Robert Dean Memorial Alumni Game,
The game, which is set for 5:30 p.m., August 10 in BHS Gym will pit program alumni against the 2023 Bearcats in a best-of-three match.
“I wanted to do it to get some alumni back in the building and resonate with the girls still playing,” said Stringer. “And, I want to do right by Coach Dean. He had a big impression on a lot of those kids before I got here.
“I thought it made sense naming it after him, with this being the first one. I want volleyball to get bigger here and if I can get alumni more involved and build more tradition it will be better.”
Reaction to that alumni game news was just as immediate as was the passing of Dean.
Two weeks ago there were more than enough players to field a full roster despite the number of players who expressed interest but are no longer in the area, or who are don’t believe themselves physically able to play.
“There’s a bunch of girls on (the roster) I know, or know of. Some of the names that came up I remember. Some of those I had played against when I was at Mena,” said Stringer, who graduated from Mena in 2015.
Stringer figures the alumni squad will end up with 20 or more former players who will not necessarily be held to the rules under which they played.
“I’m going to let them do their own thing,” said Stringer. “I’m going to have my lineup set. I’m going to be the up ref, because we’re getting ready for games. I’m going to be hard on my side but a little lenient on their side – let them have some fun.”
It’s not exactly a fundraiser. The entry fee is $1.
“It’s not really about making money it’s more about getting some recognition for these girls and getting some of the past girls to come back,” said Stringer. “We’re hoping it will be a good turnout.”
Stringer also said she hopes to make the event an annual tradition. The Bearcats, who were third in the conference last year and made the state tournament for the second straight year under Stringer, do not play the first week of school (August 14-19), but will play a Purple-White game and open the season on August 21 against Mena.
ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Cardinals, in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s league-wide release, today announced their 2024 Spring Training schedule. The team’s 32-game spring training slate is set to begin on Saturday, February 24 when the Cardinals host their stadium co-tenants the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
The Cardinals 2024 Spring schedule features 15 home games and 17 road games, including three games as the visiting team against Miami (Feb. 26, March 10 & 22), giving them 18 total games at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. The Cardinals and Marlins will play a total of seven games next spring.
The Cardinals will host six different Grapefruit League opponents in 2024, including home games against the Boston Red Sox (February 27) and Minnesota Twins (March 5). The club will also host four games with the Marlins, and three with the Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, and New York Mets.
The Redbirds will travel to Fort Myers to face the Red Sox and Twins on back-to-back days March 12 & 13.
The Cardinals will play at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on nine weekend dates (Feb. 24, March 1, 3, 9, 10, 15, 17, 22 & 23). Additionally, the team’s spring schedule features a pair of split-squad dates featuring home and away games on both Saturday, Feb. 24 and Tuesday, March 19 when the team will host the Marlins and also play at the New York Mets.
The Cardinals will break camp on Sunday, March 24, following their game against Houston, and will then play the Chicago Cubs in a pair of Spring Training games (Monday, March 25 & Tuesday, March 26) at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ari., before opening their 2024 regular season schedule on Thursday, March 28 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The spring slate will mark the 27th year that the Cardinals will train at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. The stadium and team’s complex are currently undergoing a number of upgrades and fan-friendly improvements that are planned to be fully completed in 2025. The Cardinals will make future announcements regarding 2024 Spring Training game times, ticket availability, broadcast schedule and player report dates at a later time. The complete 2024 Cardinals Spring Training scheduled can be viewed at cardinals.com.
Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Organization.
