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Timepiece: Adam Brown, American Hero

Tammy Teague
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Timepiece: Adam Brown, American Hero

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Approaching Blakely Dam on Lake Ouachita with a teacher group, Park interpreter Emily Stubblefield pointed to the quite, clear water rippling by our barge. “Directly beneath you lies a memorial to one of America’s heroes,” she explained. CPO Adam Brown, a Navy Seal, an Arkansas native, and an American hero has one of the most unusual monuments in the world, one placed deep beneath the waters recognizing his service to our country. I couldn’t wait to discover more of the remarkable story of his life and there was much to discover. The book Fearless by Eric Blehm, numerous YouTube videos, and a movie describe the life of a true American hero.

Adam grew up in Hot Springs, described as a sweet child with an adventurous streak. He eventually played football at Hot Springs and then attended Arkansas Tech at Russellville. Disappointed in his efforts to play college ball and with his academics, he soon dropped out and took up a much more hazardous sport; alcohol and eventually crystal meth and cocaine. His life became a downward spiral until landing in jail and facing a prison sentence. His lawyer plea bargained him into an opportunity to correct his life through the Teen Challenge organization. Soon after he completed rehab, he met his future wife Kelley, married, and three months later entered boot camp to become a Navy Seal. By 2003, he had managed a five-year mark of drug free, Navy Seal, and a member of the Underwater Demolition (BUD/S) team, a mark accomplished by only a handful of the elite Seals.

Injured in two separate accidents, he lost his right eye and use of his dominant hand but still managed to join the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group. In 2006, he was assigned duty in northern Afghanistan’s Kunar Valley, a hot spot in the war. Aggressive and a warrior in battle, he had a soft spot for children. On one of his trips home, he asked Kelley to help him find shoes for children in Afghanistan. Her church collected 500 pair and Adam went door to door distributing them to kids.

With his natural adventurous nature, Kelley was concerned about her husband. After one of his deployments, Adam told Kelley, “I am not afraid. God gave me this gift- I don’t feel fear.” Described by his officer as, “a man who leads by example, the first to volunteer for the hard jobs—he leads, mentors, and sets the example for others.” In 2008, Brown was in Iraq, destroying the improvised explosive devices and men who created them. These devices accounted for 70% of the coalition deaths during that time. Their action saved thousands of lives. Adam was awarded a Bronze Star for valor for his actions.

On March 17, 2010, the 36 year-old Adam and his teammates were again in battle- this time in Afghanistan against hard-core entrenched Taliban. Adams group were sent into a special operations mission to eliminate or apprehend a Taliban leader responsible for the deaths of numerous allied soldiers. The mission was in a highly fortified region in the Hindu Kush mountains. Trapped in what was described as a hornet’s nest of the enemy, Adam’s unit was being fired at from every direction. Penned down by enemy fire, they quickly realized someone had to reposition themselves in order for them to survive. Adam yelled, “I got it,” even though it meant exposing himself to enemy fire. Adam was shot and killed while defending his comrades!

Posthumously he was awarded the Silver Star to go with his Bronze Star, his Combat V for Valor, and a Purple Heart.

The memorial, consisting of laser-etched, black granite was placed near Blakely Dam as a tribute to Adam Brown. “In Memory Of A Hero, CPO Adam Lee Brown/”Fearless Rock” Dedicated to the memory and life of Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) & Hot Springs, Arkansas native/who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our Nation in the mountains of Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom on 3/17/2010/proud son devoted husband loving father true warrior FEARLESS/John 15:13/This memorial was dedicated by Arkansas Scuba Divers & Friends to honor Adam and other members of the Special Operation community who have paid the ultimate price for our Freedom.”

Practice sun safety to enjoy summer fun and avoid sunburn, skin cancer

Tammy Teague
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Practice sun safety to enjoy summer fun and avoid sunburn, skin cancer

By Rebekah Hall 
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

As summer temperatures heat up and Arkansans enjoy the Natural State’s many hiking trails, swimming holes and state parks, it’s important to practice sun safety by using and reapplying sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day.  

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it’s the biggest long-term risk of sun exposure. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 5 million adults are treated for skin cancer each year.  

To avoid sunburn and skin cancer, Bryan Mader, extension assistant professor and health specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said it’s important to protect skin against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Both types of ultraviolet rays damage skin and cause skin cancer, though UV-B rays have more energy and are a more dangerous type of UV light.  

Picking the right protection 

Mader said there are two main types of sunscreens. Broad spectrum sunscreen provides protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays, while higher value SPF sunscreens provide protection against sunburn caused by UV-B radiation. The SPF value, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates a sunscreen’s UV-B protection.  

“There is a popular misconception that SPF relates to time of solar exposure,” Mader said. “However, SPF is not directly related to the time of solar exposure but rather the amount of solar exposure. Since the strongest UV rays occur in the middle of the day, as compared to early morning or early evening hours, your risk of sun exposure, and therefore sunburn, is higher at midday — usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.”  

Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside, and one should use enough to cover the entire face and body, including the ears, hands, tops of the feet and along the hairline.  

Mader said sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours and more frequently if the user is swimming or sweating. Check the bottle of sunscreen for specific directions on when to reapply.  

Like other products, sunscreens have an expiration date, and it’s important to check this before applying. “Sunscreen that has expired does become less effective and may not protect you from UV rays, depending on sun exposure time,” Mader said.  

Be extra sun-cautious with infants or if near water  

Mader said that sunscreen is not recommended for infants. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that infants be kept out of the sun between 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and that they wear protective clothing — which blocks against UV-A and UV-B rays — if they have to be in the sun. Mader said parents should consult their pediatrician regarding sunscreen on infants.  

Just like adults, children should have their sunscreen reapplied at least every two hours.  

It’s important to be especially vigilant about sunscreen use and reapplication when near light-colored surfaces, such as water, concrete, snow and sand, as these can reflect UV rays and increase sun exposure.  

“Everyone should be aware that sunscreen is not ‘waterproof,’ despite the labels, and it does eventually wash off in water or through sweating,” Mader said. “If you are on or near the water, consider using a higher SPF sunscreen — at least 50+ — to provide additional protection from UV rays.”  

Mader said no sunscreen provides complete protection from the sun, so it’s critical to use additional forms of sun protection as well. This includes sunglasses with a UV protection factor; wide-brimmed hats that cover the ears, neck and top of the head – unlike a visor or baseball cap, which leaves some of these areas unprotected; and tightly-woven clothing that covers the arms and legs. 

Some clothing is also made specifically with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF. This indicates how much UV radiation can reach the skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a garment with a UPF of 30-39 offers “very good” protection, and a UPF of 50 and up rates as “excellent” protection. 

Burn care 

Mader said most sunburns can be treated at home with aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Use a topical moisturizer or aloe vera to provide additional relief, or soothe burns with cool water or cool, wet cloths. Avoid sun exposure until the sunburn is completely healed.  

“Depending on the severity of the sunburn — if the burn covers more than 15 percent of your body, you are dehydrated, have a high fever or are in extreme pain for more than 48 hours — a visit to the doctor may be required to ensure there is no serious skin damage,” Mader said.  

For more information about sun safety and summer skincare, visit the Cooperative Extension Service’s Sun Safety page, or check out the Division of Agriculture’s YouTube channel for a video on Sun Safety in Arkansas.  

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. 

About the Division of Agriculture 

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.  

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.   

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Local Ties Represent At All-Star Weekend

Tammy Teague
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Local Ties Represent At All-Star Weekend

Several local high school stars represented their respective sports as the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star weekend took place in Conway this past extended weekend. Included in the athletic package were three Mansfield Lady Tigers among other local products.

Recent Mansfield graduates Brooklyn Adams and Natalie Allison enjoyed the spotlight at the Arkansas Activities Association premiere event. Lady Tiger head volleyball coach Kaylie Pyles also joined the mix as All-Star weekend unfolded on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.

Lady Tiger Brooklyn Adams is seen warming up in the bullpen at the All-Star softball game.

Adams played in the All-Star softball games. Allison and Pyles joined for the volleyball matches.

Just in those two sports alone, the AHSCA All-Star rosters included seven other local athletes and three more coaches. 

Leigh Swint of Booneville, Kyndall Haney of Charleston, Ireland Cooper of Greenwood, and Emberlin Caldwell of Van Buren fortified the West softball roster. Brailey Frost of Paris, Brianna Ball of Van Buren, and Landis Luke of Greenwood infused the West team volleyball roster.

Coach Kaylie Pyles of Mansfield is an assistant coach for the West All-Star volleyball squad.

Chad Simpson of Booneville, Jared James of Greenland, and Whitney Bateman of Scranton served as All-Star softball coaches.

Serving on this year’s West volleyball coaching staff as an assistant was Mansfield’s Pyles. Nearly nine years ago to the day, Pyles was a player on the West All-Star team as a recent Mansfield High School graduate. Her All-Star head coach was Mena’s Brad Lyle.

Fast forward to 2023 and you’ll find Lyle once again was on the sideline. This time he served as an assistant coach for the West alongside Pyles. 

To further bridge the link, Lyle’s daughter Madilyn was also on the 2023 volleyball All-Star roster. The connection went full circle as Madilyn was among the first players Pyles taught as a college intern working for Mena Junior High several seasons ago. 

Pyles rejoined Mansfield’s Player of the Year, Natalie Allison, on the volleyball court at Friday’s All-Star event. The two have been together throughout most of their careers and have won three consecutive state volleyball championships together.

Allison will move on in the Fall to play college volleyball at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. That’s the same school Pyles attended when she advanced beyond her own high school career to play next level volleyball.

The West volleyball dominated the East squad with a five game sweep. In the second match in particular, the one that Allison started, the West team rolled.

“I knew we were going to be pretty good, I just didn’t know how good the other team was going to be,” offered Allison in a post game interview. “We never had any miscommunications. We clicked instantly, our whole team.”

Mansfield’s Brooklyn Adams started the All-Star show on that same Friday about two hours before the first serve of the volleyball game that took place across the UCA campus at the Farris Center. Adams was the starting catcher for the West softball team that saw its first pitch at 4 PM at the Farris Fields Complex.

Adams caught the first four innings for starting pitcher Emberlin Caldwell. Caldwell went on to win MVP honors as the West swept the East in a double header 1 – 0 and 6 – 2.

“She pitches wherever I wanted her to,” explained Adams as she reviewed the reunion with Caldwell, her travel softball teammate. “I was calling the signs for her. She’s very accurate and a great pitcher all-around.”

Adams will extend her softball career at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Oklahoma. This comes after leading her Mansfield High School team twice to the state finals.

“I love being in control of the game,” continued Adams. “I feel like that’s what I get to do when I’m behind the plate.”

Adams and Allison shared the field and courts as successful high school players. This past school year alone the two painted a historic landscape featuring Mansfield athletics. 

As teammates in 2022-23, the pair captured the 2A state volleyball crown. They sent the basketball team to the state tournament final four. They led the state to its longest softball winning streak this school year before it ended in a 1 – 0 loss in the class 2A state championship game. 

Both also scored in the 2A-4 District track meet. That program went on to win the ATCA indoor track title and took runner-up at the class 2A outdoor track finals this school year.

Allison concluded her All-Star appearance with positive emotions about meeting new teammates and making new friends.

“You’d think we’ve known each other for years,” said Allison as she spoke on the immediate chemistry felt among the West volleyball players. “It was like we were best friends. It was really fun.”

Adams shared her All-Star experience with similar insight.

“It’s been an awesome opportunity,” said Adams as she left Farris Field, the site of the 2023 state softball finals, a winner this time around.

Tragedy Once Again Devastates the White Hall Football Program

Resident News Network
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Tragedy Once Again Devastates the White Hall Football Program

WHITE HALL– High school sports can represent all of the best in our children and our society. And they can sometimes represent all of the worst. We say sports prepare our children for life, and unfortunately, life can bring all of us some devastating experiences.

And when we all too often get wrapped up in winning and other things that surround the world of high school athletics, something happens, and we are all jolted and suddenly reminded that the worries, complaints, and anger we may have felt about some things are just no longer that important.

And as both a fan and as a sportswriter, having the privilege of seeing young athletes in their prime playing and exceling in the sports they love so much, it is all so tough to bear when tragedy strikes them in the prime of their lives.

If you have ever attended or been connected in some way to a school that has tragically lost a player, you know it is very hard to overcome the grief and sense of loss. If we are lucky, this never happens in our lifetimes. And most certainly, if it happens, you pray that it never happens again.

For me personally, I experienced this in a South Arkansas high school at the start of my administrative career. A player passed away from a heart abnormality during the stretching and warm-up portion of his very first high school football practice. It was a terrible event that reminded us all year just how fragile life is, and how much we allow other things to distort our proper sense of perspective of what is really important.

But for the South Arkansas school of White Hall High School, the players, coaches, parents, and entire school community have had to endure tragedy with their football program twice now in less than three months. Both incidents were off-campus events, and both have left this quiet Arkansas community reeling from terrible losses.

In May of this year, White Hall football player Benjamin Redix was killed in North Little Rock by an apparent gunshot wound. Redix was a football and track athlete for White Hall and finished second in the Class 5A triple jump at the Meet of Champs in 2023. His football coach, Ryan Mallett, spoke of the loss of Redix by saying, “Ben was everybody’s big brother. He was a natural leader. It’s hard. I loved him like my own son.”

Benjamin Redix of White Hall High School (Image Credit: Pine Bluff Commercial Appeal / I. C. Murrell)

Then tragedy struck the White Hall program again yesterday with the loss of their head football coach, Ryan Mallett in a drowning accident off the shore of Florida. The loss of Mallett, combined with the loss of one of his players, Benjamin Redix, has left the White Hall community both bewildered and disoriented as they cope with the grieving and the next steps that they face as a community and an athletic program.

We pray for the White Hall community that they have the strength to cope with these tragic events. On behalf of everyone at RNN Sports, we offer our most sincere condolences and prayers for the families directly affected, as well as everyone connected to the White Hall school community.

UAFS Spring 2023 Dean’s List Announced

Tammy Teague
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UAFS Spring 2023 Dean’s List Announced

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has released the Dean’s List for the spring 2023 semester, according to Dr. Shadow Robinson, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Students with a 4.0 (straight-A) grade point average are now included in a unique list called the Chancellor’s List in addition to the Dean’s List.

Students who earned Chancellor’s List honors are marked with an asterisk.

Alexander: Noah Davis, Isabella Jackson.

Alma: Gene Alexander, Michael Arellano, *Breanna Blair, *Emily Blythe, Katelin Brown, Alexandria Carter, *Blaine Chambers, Heather Chance, Seth Cole, Dyllon Dixon, Nykollus Dyke, Christopher Fisher, *Brandy Flood, Jeffrey Fox, *Olivia Garner, Nathan Gibson, Landikay Goad, *Cory Hansen, *Ashley Hesson, Ian Holland, *Logan Holland, *Kaitlyn Huckeby, Charis Hutchinson, *Jessica Jones, Bryzen Kimes, *Gracie Larru, *Chance Lister, Jacob Machen, Maria Morales, Morgan Morrell, *Martin Nunez, Jaden Petree, *Jessica Polk, Dail Reed, MacyJo Reed, Haden Rhoads, Michael Russell, *Tabor Shores, Trevor Shores, *Norman Smith, *Avery Westfall, *Alexis Williams Love, *Abby Wilson, *Gerald Wofford, *Karyme Zamora.

Amarillo, Texas: Isabella Serrano.

Arkansas City: Tyler Johnson.

Arkoma, Oklahoma: Zoey Fuller, *Olivia Jones, *Jana Mathis, *Thaden Oosahwe, *Leah Sheffield, *Haven Spoon.

Austin: Rachel Simpson, Jenna Turney.

Barling: Shaniah Balagtas, *Bryson Chapman, David Davies, Jesse Davies, *Nathaniel Delaney, Karen Donahue, *Alex Dotulong, *Presley Flanagan, Graci Hardbarger, *Emily Hickerson, Major Jay, Mikaela Lillard, *Cody Mizell, Brayden Moore, David Nguyen, *Vanessa Nguyen, *Teresa Pellam, Madison Reedy, *Zachary Ryan, Christian Smitherman, Cody Stevens, *Bailey Vega, Ivan Welborn, *Amanda Wilkinson, Domnic Youngblood.

Batesville: *Brianna Crabtree.

Bauxite: Pamela Johnson.

Beggs, Oklahoma: Chiawna Johnson.

Bella Vista: *Sydney Houghton, *Noah Tawney, Brooks West.

Benton: Ashley Burnett.

Bentonville: Abigail Barker, Maci Hodges, *Brianna Jones, *Sarah Lee.

Berryville: Belen Garcia Montes, Marco Garcia Montes, *Eduardo Rangel-Castillo.

Bien Hoa, Vietnam: Anh Tran.

Blytheville: Laurissa Campbell.

Bokoshe, Oklahoma: *Kirsten Anderson, Holly Farrar, Kassandra Jiminez, Mari Monks, *Ashlyn Perry, Justin Treat.

Booneville: *Allie Baptiste, Johne Bowman, *Sarah Fisher, Madison Holt, *Jessica Rice, Jenna Salzer, *Hailey Schmitt, *Lillian Taylor, Jesse Witt, *Cole Wright.

Bossier City, Louisiana: Omar Husein.

Cabot: *Chloe Ezell, Jakob Petross, Lukas Petross.

Caddo Gap: *Peyton Powell.

Cameron, Oklahoma: *Megan Gillham.

Caracas, Venezuela: *Arianna De Bernardo.

Carrollton, Texas: *Evan Anderson.

Cave Springs: Riley Hayes.

Cecil: Jaci Bonds, Halli Rainwater.

Cedarville: *Logan Chanmanivong, Sara Fatherree-Duke, Hayley Garrett, *Ayden Karnes, Christopher Mendoza, *Haley Scarrow, *Elizabeth Terry.

Centerton: Ava Little, Evan White, Allison Williams.

Central City: *Douglas Haulmark, Dylan Jetton, Logan Lundquist, Reshia Sparkman, *Emily Wood.

Charleston: Aaron Burt, Hannah Cousins, Garrett Couthren, Dalton Curtis, Nicoleas Grantham, *Gunner Heft, *Emma McKinney, Gabrielle Meador, Ransom Merechka, *Christopher Neissl, *Addison Newhart, Macie Oldridge, *Raegan Oldridge, Richard Phelan, Rylee Ross, Zachary Rytting, *Sandra Torkelson, *Erica Verkamp, Gracie Young.

Chester: *Brennan McCormick.

Clarksville: *Alexis Garcia.

Columbia, Missouri: Lucy Bozoian.

Conway: Coryn Chaffin, Olivia Cypert, Madelyn Price.

Cordova, Tennessee: *Nya Stewart.

Corpus Christi, Texas: Kaitlyn Canales.

Coweta, Oklahoma: *Cambrie Keel, *Brianna Walls.

Da Nang, Vietnam: Thu Le.

Danville: *Noelia Reyes-Avila, Itzelh Vazquez-Avila.

Dardanelle: *Dominic Giusti, Carlee Partin.

De Queen: Denise Aguilar, *Yazmin Castro-Dominguez, Kimberly Frachiseur, Rosa Gallardo, Lauren Graham, *Sadie Haury, Emmanuel Martinez, Natalie Martinez, *Felipe Ortiz, Jeanette Villaverde.

Decatur: Jose Suarez, *Amy Tran.

Derby, Kansas: *Parker Fletcher.

Di An City, Vietnam: Linh Ngo.

Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam: Binh Trinh.

Dyer: Dezra Pitchford.

East Prairie, Missouri: *Andrew Irby.

Edmond, Oklahoma: Jaxon Ingram, Jenna Triplett.

Elgin, Oklahoma: *Connor Slater.

Elkins: Shaelyn Burks, *Korina Lopez.

Eudora, Kansas: *Emily McCall.

Eureka Springs: Ana Tapia-Martinez.

Everett, Washington: *Kiri Martin.

Farmington: Kaylee Jones.

Fayetteville: *Coryn Anderson, Tahlia Bergeron, *Ayren Binam, *Felicity Choate, Brynn English, Ethan Flynn, *Bronwen Henderson, Maggie Heppner, Mallory Howerton, *Kennedy Kern, *Kristy Ortiz, *Sarah Phelan, Sarah Shuler, Laken White.

Floral: *Jeannie Standridge.

Fort Gibson, Oklahoma: *Baylee Wallace.

Fort Smith: *Tania Abarca, *Abigail Abshire, Caroline Adams, *Carolina Aguiar, *Mateo Aguirre-Sandoval, *Nancy Al Tork, Amy Aldaco, Tony Aldana, Hannah Aldridge, Micaela Alston, *Cheyenne Anderson, Hayleigh Anderson, Dana Andreassen, Ethan Andrews, *Arleen Atanacio, Ivan Atanacio, Grace Atchison, Brian Ategwa, *Erica Autrand, *Mikayla Avery, *Nayda Barbry, Luke Barnes, Destinee Barnum, Amanda Barr, Jaime Barroso, Juan Barroso, Sheetal Bastola Rijal, Gregory Bearden, *John Beasley, Anna Beavers, *Ariel Beavers, *Judith Becker, Katryna Bejarano, Piper Berry, *Darlene Betancourth, Britney Bibb, Annie Bice, *Ana Binder, Althea Bishop, *Jessica Boese, Joseph Boyd, Micah Brasher, Ariana Bray, Megan Brewer, Cade Brooks, *Emerald Brown, *Anabelle Bruning, *Kim-Phung Bui, Daylon Burch, Alaina Byrd, Marisela Calderon, *Mayra Calma, Ian Cameron, Alexa Cano, *Shea Cantrell, Dalton Cantu, *Ha La Vuong Cao, Toan Cao, *Shelby Carballo, *Esdras Carcamo, Hannah Carney, Jazmine Carpenter, *Eezette Carranza, *Ty Carter, *Magdalena Castillo, Alainnah Ceballos-Wright, Joy Chek Collins, *Sarah Chiles, *Felicia Chindasack, *Natalie Chuong, Alicia Clack, Alejandra Clark, *Benjamin Cobb, *Bethany Colley, Izabel Collins, *Mitchell Collins, Letty Conner, Jennifer Copeland, Kayli Cotta, Logan Cox, Emily Crites, *America Cruz, *Henry Dang, Justin Dang, *Christi Davis, Skylar Davis, *Braylin Dawson, Daz DeCamp, *Madelyn Defoor, *Brian Delgado, Sofia Delpozo, *Cecilia Diaz Lozano, *Hana Dingman, *Joshua Dodd, *Madison Dowdy, *Kristen Driscoll, Teressa Dunlap, Christopher Dunn, Jacob Dyer, *Summer Eaton, Courtney Edmonds, *Ahmed Elashwah, *Caitlin Elliott, Serkan Erdem, *Kaytland Estes, *Abraham Estrada, *James Estrada, Parker Evans, *Mackenzie Farrar, Alexus Ferguson, *Seth Fields, *Alyssa Foley, *Jalyn Ford, Joshua Fox, *Joseph Franklin, *Shelly Freeman, Carter Freeze, *Latisha French, *Emma Friery, *Emanuel Garcia, *Casey Genzlinger, *Shoshoni Glasscock, Kobe Godwin, *Brandon Goines, *Michael Goines, *Guiselle Gonzalez, Karina Gonzalez, *Chloe Gothard, Caleb Gowen, Laynee Graham, Cooper Gray, *Bryce Green, Camryn Green, Gavin Green, James Green, William Green, Jessica Griffin, Kaitlyn Griffith, Jake Grist, Ashley Grizzle, Oscar Gutierrez, *Angelina Ha, *Paul Hackbarth, Camilla Haisten, *Anya Harris, William Heaton, Suheidy Hedman, *Elham Hejaz, *Daxton Helmert, Crisely Hernandez, Erick Hernandez, *Giovanni Hernandez, Joanna Hernandez, Hart Hickman, Shelbi Higgins, *Rebecca Hines, *Polly Hoang, *Hannah Holland, Grace Hollenbeck, *Donald Hollings, *Cordelia Hook, *Laney Houghton, Amaica Howard, *Robert Howard, *Brayden Howerton, *Salai Htet, *Sandra Huitron, *Karis Hunt, Emily Hunter, *Pierson Hurst, *Elizabeth Hutcherson, *Han Huynh, *Jazmine Jackson, *Ryan Jacobs, John Jamison, Kayla Jenkins, Brooke Johnson, Brooklyn Johnson, Caitlyn Johnson, Matthew Johnson, *William Johnson, *Elisabeth Jones, McKayla Jordan, *Robert Jordan, Christopher Kaelin, *Bradley Kidder, Daniel Kiss, Mason Klopp, Conner Kronberg, Alyssa Kroth, Ryan Lam, *Brittney Langhorn, Zachary Larue, *Jessica Le, *Maranda Leeper, Benny Lekdavanh, Phommadeth Lekdavanh, *Kandi Lloyd, *Alessandra Lopez Torres, *Johnathan Lyle, Dominic Mai, *Yazareth Manjarrez, *Drew Marr, *Jacob Martin, Andrew Martinez, Jasmine Martinez, *Jesus Martinez, Joan Martinez, Josue Martinez, Stephanie Mata, *Jessica Matamoros, Randall Mattox, *Erin McCarroll, Sarah McCarty, Evan McClellan, *William McCoy, *Chelsea McKim, Kaleb McLaughlin, *Zailey Mcgee, Joanna Melendez, Kylee Mendenhall, *Mark Mendes, Kenia Mendez, *Abril Mendoza, Yanim Mendoza, *Emily Mero, Dara Therese Miranda, Ronak Mistry, *Zelly Molina, Bethany Montague, Christopher Monterroza, Clay Montgomery, *Hanna Montgomery, *Haylee Moore, Cristian Moreno, *Eboni Morris, *Amy Morrison, Addison Mounce, Unique Mumphrey-Smith, Aravinda Murali, *Alan Murphy, Abigail Musset, Hayden Nash, Ruben Nava, Paige Nave, Joe Neal, Hali Newman, Anh Nguyen, *Braden Nguyen, Dat Nguyen, *Le Hoai Thuong Nguyen, *Rosie Nguyen, Tran Nguyen, *Trang Nguyen, Jonathan Nix, Molli Northcutt, Rachel Nuñez, Sally Olson, Flor Ortega, *Noah Ottman, Hannah Owens, *Francisco Pacheco, Kimberly Palomar, Cristina Paredes, Diana Paredes, *Cali Parks, Braiden Partin, *Mason Patrick, Yesica Perez, Kaitlin Peterson, David Pham, Nhu Pham, Jackie Phan, Parry Phanouvong, Vince Phetchareun, *Brandon Phillips, Donna Phillips, Marco Picazo, Janice Podgurski, *Sophia Praphan, *Alisha Rainwater, Sarah Ramirez, Ingrid Recinos, Christopher Reeder, *Bryana Regalado, Tavon Releford, *Michael Resendiz, Jennifer Reyes, Sofia Reyes, *Logan Riley, Rachel Riser, Mayeli Rivas, *Nayeli Rivera, Stefany Rivera, Samantha Roberts, *Megan Rodgers, Jennifer Rodriguez, Troy Rodriguez, *Perla Romero, *Kristin Ross, Cristian Salinas, *Hunter Sallee, *Estella Sananikone, *Melvin Sanchez, Ally Savage, *Emma Sayers, *Kelsey Schacherbauer, Jason Schenk, Titus Schluterman, Tyler Schmalz, Mira Schmidt, *Mason Scrivner, Jacob Shade, *Jay Shah, Mark Shaver, Jordan Shelton, Kevin Sheppard, *Miriam Shure, Josh Simmons, *Addison Skelton, *Staci Skinner, *Elizabeth Smalley, Hoyt Smith, *Madison Smith, *Rachel Smith, *Ryan Smith, Evelyn Soriano, Jocelyn Soriano, *Katelyn Sosebee, Jennifer Souvandy, *Raquel Spencer, Mckenzie Spillers, *Grace Spradlin, *Alyssa Stanton, *Anna Staples, *Ciera Still, Christina Strunks, Gabrielle Sullivan, Andrew Swaim, William Swaim, *Isaac Teague, *Alesha Thach, *Lisa Thai, *Viravanh Thavonekham, *Palamy Thepouthay, Katelyne Thongkham, *Marlene Toledo, *Jada Toney, Jayson Toney, *Myanh Tran, *Robert Tran, Tena Tran, Tina Tran, *Trista Truong, *Ashlee Turner, Brenden Ulrich, *Angelica Uribe, *Jeremiah Van Hook, *Matthew Van Hook, *Maria Vasquez, *Angel Vaughn, *Fabiola Velez, Vanessa Victoriano, Hunter Vinson, Hien Vo, Ruben Vongsasombath, Evan Walker, *Faith Walker, *Grace Walker, *Christina Walrod, *Luke Ward, Owen Warner, Brooklyn Waterbury, Courtney Wear, Sierra Weaver, Jacob Welden, Parker Wesson, *Seth Whatley, Sebastian White, *Dezaray Wiederhold, Rafe Wilhite, Chris Willhite, *Amber Williams, *Cassondra Williams, Rhett Williams, Leah Willis, Adonis Wilson, McKenzie Wilson, *William Winters, Kaitlyn Woodham, Payton Woodland, Souvanhny Xayasane, *Andrew Yarbrough, Dana Yasin, *Ruba Yasin, Crystal Yeung, *Yen-Hao Yu, Sarah Zluticky.

Franklin: *Katrina Smith.

Frisco, Texas: Morgan Brewer, Kaylin Horne, *Sydney Williams.

Garfield: *Hazen Cates, Michelle Mendoza.

Gentry: Luke Fox, Laney Fredrick, *Georgia Lashley, Allison Smith, Elias Underwood.

Gillham: Abigail Burcham, *Jacey Whisenhunt.

Glenwood: Bailey Brown.

Grand Prairie, Texas: Nyia Anderson.

Grannis: Brenci Marrufo, *Matti Youngblood.

Grapevine, Texas: *Rachel Hicks.

Gravette: Austyn Russell.

Greenbrier: *Mary Anderson, *Magen Strong.

Greenwood: Violet Adams, Bryce Barentine, Thomas Bartok, Jessica Black, *Emma Booker, *Cameron Brisson, *Merissa Buchanan, *Izabelle Bullington, *Alex Burns, Camden Carter, *Atelia Castro, *Skylar Cecil, *Jacob Childers, *Zachary Childress, Kaitlyn Cobbler, *Hayden Coble, Denver Cooper, *Bethany Crippen, Ty Davis, *Michael Dunham, Alexander Earls, *Mary Efurd, *Jason Finley, Lily Francis, *Chelsea Gonzagowski, *Steven Gonzagowski, Kenzie Gonzales, Jackson Gregory, Matthew Harrison, Taylor Hartsfield, Alexyss Hastings, Kylie Hicks, Ryan Hicks, Lily Hobbs, *Roxanne Howard, Travis Johns, Melissa Kea, Samantha Lewis, *Trey Lewis, *Taylor Magness, Hannah Marion, Gustavo Martinez, *Matthew McKnight, Rebecca Morrison, Sophia Neal, *Cade Nichols, *Ramsey Pate, Samantha Pennington, Caleb Pitts, Jacob Reed, *Seth Secrease, *Katelin Shackelford, *Anna Shirley, William Sillavan, *Payton Tedford, *Hailey Thomas, *Yvette Tolentino, Hope Vang, Veronica Vargas, Garrett Whitlock, Rachel Wiginton, Madison Williams, Logan Wilson, Makenzie Wilson, *Brandi Wolbert, Megan Wolfe, Noelia York, *Carolyn Young.

Hackett: *Dalton Colwell, Sarah Moss, Colt Owenby, Helen Stroh, *Cameron Walker, *Keora Walker, *Phillip Wheeler.

Hai Phong, Vietnam: *Ha Tran.

Hamamatsu, Japan: Aina Tokumasu.

Harrison: Reagan Cox, *Karlyn Dove.

Hartford: Azzia Denham, *Leah Ouellette, Emelyn Romero Rodriguez.

Hartman: Kristina McCain, *Jasmine Xiong.

Hatfield: Carson Nash.

Havana: *Josephine Rizzo, *Kaylee Yandell.

Heavener, Oklahoma: *Seth Anderson, *Marlyn Cruz, Susana Cruz, *Nicholas Ford, *Mayra Garcia, *Brenda Lopez, *Isaac Scott.

Hindsville: *Megan Thompson.

Hirakata, Japan: *Kaho Tsumura.

Hiwasse: Madison McDaniel.

Hot Springs National Park: Yolonza Ford, *Spencer Gaither, *Freida Houpt, Rhett Hughes, Jennifer Ibarra-Reyes, *Marie Linden-Cox, *William Perrigo, *Tikima Simpkins, *Liberty Voydetich.

Houston, Texas: Emily Matlock.

Humble, Texas: Trinity Funderburk.

Huntington: Oliviannea Boyd, *Janna Coplin, Jessi Hill, Fallon Rowe, *Kaylee Spoon, Teresa Teague, *Ethan Williams, Isobela Wilson.

Huntsville: Jubilee Dasen, Cori Wylie.

Ikorodu, Nigeria: *Halimat Aderupoko.

Irving, Texas: Salvador Torres.

Jonesboro: *Donnie Ammons.

Kansas, Oklahoma: Sherilyn Kendrick.

Katy, Texas: Angelina Hardison.

Keota, Oklahoma: *Eli Harris, *Emily Harris.

Kiefer, Oklahoma: Rebecca Resler.

Killeen, Texas: Parker Hargrove.

Kimberling City, Missouri: *Lauren Weber.

Kingston, Jamaica: *Abena Demetrius.

Kusatsu-Shi, Japan: *Riho Suga.

Lavaca: Vincent Allard, *Kevin Allen, *Elizabeth Blair, Laura Blansett, Carley Callan, Cade Carlton, *Sydney Crabtree, *Lyla Flint, Eden Goude, *Clyfton Hearn, Gabriella Hernandez Donato, *Justin Johnson, Katie Ann Johnson, Abigail King, *Richard Lane, Mark Miller, *Amy Murphy, Randy North, *Eli Thomas, *Ethan Thomas, *Anna Todaro, *Isabel Williams, Timothy Willis.

Lee’s Summit, Missouri: Kendall Schmitz, *Kaleb Shaffer.

Lexa: Tandra Thomas.

Lincoln: Shea Woolsey.

Little Rock: Gerry Colindres, *Sophia Mammarelli, *Jeremiah Smith, Embry Thornton, Raggan Wills.

Lockesburg: *Vanessa Thompson.

Lucas, Texas: Hailey Malik, Rachel Malik.

Madison, Mississippi: Kameron Burns.

Magazine: Kaylyn Dickens, *Ciera Grijalva, *Arienne McCollum, Brayden Schlinker, *Brinkley Schlinker, Kiara Vasquez.

Mansfield: *Joseph Flynt, Addison Goetz, *Christian Isom, Jason Teague, *Kiara Thomas, *Rylea Weaver, *Allison Willsey, *Hunter Willsey.

Marianna: *Dianna Evans.

Marlow, Oklahoma: Bradyn Sanders.

Maumelle: Anna Carden.

Memphis, Tennessee: Sinetra Jones.

Mena: *Jillian Chaney, *Joy Danbom, Shreetika Gyanwali, Allison Hobson, *Ciara Lance, *Kiersten Larucci, Grace McPherson, *Dalton Oxford, Avery Powell, Kyndon Schuller, *Lauren Sikes, Kaitlyn Simmons, *Joshua Tilley, Vanessa Vue.

Midland: *Kasidey Thompson, Trinity Wann.

Midlothian, Texas: Madison Sanders.

Monticello: *Kaitlyn Cavaness, Stephen Milburn.

Morrilton: *Ryan Huffman.

Mountain Home: Rowan Laidler, Helen Sampson, Asa Smith.

Mountainburg: Maggie Burrough, *Kelsea Caldwell, *Tucker Kelly, Brooklyn Peters, Destiny Smith, *Geneva Steinauer, *Amber Williams, Janelda Winters, *Natasha Wolf.

Mulberry: *Haley Basinger, Paul Gambill, *Colton Gordon, Ethan Gregory, *Hannah Hein, *Brooklyn Long, Logan Millsap, Joshua Moore, Jordan White.

Muldrow, Oklahoma: Cameron Adams, *Cassie Akins, Krislyn Andrews, Makayla Bartlett, *Hannah Boyett, Bailey Brown, Quinton Broyles, Austin Calvillo, Lana Edwards, *Lacey Elkins, *Katherine File, Ashlynn Flute, Kalen Griffin, *Jason Lewis, Wendi Martinez, *Kirsten Matlock, Tony Matlock, *Ryan Morris, *Adysen Phelps, Justin Qualls, *Destiny Riddle, *Erin Sprecher, Grace Stephenson, Alexandra Walker, *Amber Walker, Matthew Whittenburg.

Murfreesboro: Mary Balch, Loren Icenhower.

Muskogee, Oklahoma: *Kyle Vandenberg.

Nashville: *Jacquelyn Howard.

Natural Dam: Sydney Seegers.

New Blaine: Sonlly Vang.

Norman: Samuel Bell, *Jeffery Burgen.

North Richland Hills, Texas: *Chloe Alderson.

Oden: *Mesa Miller.

Ola: Pacey King.

Ozark: Kelsie Baker, *Devon Hunt, *Crystal Metzger, *Candace Millican, Gabriella-Noel Stokes.

Panama, Oklahoma: Dawson Choate.

Paris: Dillon Foster, Samantha Gates, Bethany Koch, *Amanda McCubbins, *Alexander Thoennes.

Parks: Lauren Trampp.

Pea Ridge: *Elsaysha Ewald, *Austin Miller, *Carson Rhine, *Brandon Whatley.

Pearcy: *Abigail Dickson, *Jerry Rico.

Pensacola, Florida: Makeyla Harris.

Perryville: *Abigail Carter.

Piggott: *Rebecca Gonzalez.

Pocola, Oklahoma: *Jeffrey Abernathy, *Noah Amerson, Cole Brown, Braden Cole, *Abigail Duke, Hunter Harmon, Camryn Harvey, *Rebecca Jones, *Ryan Lairamore, Madison Linker, Kylah Mitts, Alissa Owens, *Alexander Stringfellow.

Porum, Oklahoma: Jordyn Spears.

Poteau, Oklahoma: *Emily Barnes, *Madeline Brennan, *Karna Clark, Libbi Cusimano, Kylie David, Cameron Duncan, Christian Duncan, *Micah Ellis, *Caden Fox, *Ashby Gutierrez, Cassaundra Huggins, *Courtney Kitchens, Katie Redhage, *Sevin Riley, Madison Savage, Ryan Scott, *Madison Slusser, *Madison Smith, *Dylan Tucker.

Prairie Grove: Jesus Barron, *Kyle Bennett, *Sara Benton, *Brooklyn Berry, Toni Parrish, David Sanford.

Praso, Ghana: Nana Amoah.

Prescott: *Isabella Jones.

Rector: *Courtney Johnson.

Red Oak, Oklahoma: *Jacob Howell.

Redfield: *Abby Heird.

Richmond Hill, Canada: *Aleksey Barysovich.

Rogers: *Colby Creech, *Ashley Cuellar, Jessica Edwards, Matthew Glover, *Shaddy Gonzalez De Armas, Brandon Heitz, *Indigo Kroll, *Nelly Ortiz, *April Park, Benjamin Pollock, *Marylin Rivas, *Maria Salas, *Kendall Sandoval, Haelen Stanley, Stephanie Trujillo, *Avreigh Watson, *Stephanie Willhite.

Roland, Oklahoma: *Ashton Brewer, Lana Cannon, Brook Combs, *Sarah Ellis, Natalie Inness, Nikieshia Moore, Jared Richmond, *Jade Rogers.

Rudy: *Rebecca Ameis, Trenton Ball, *Julianna Gallagher, Anna Hightower, *Gage Hightower, Kelly Ivy, Sophie Morrison, Kayleigh Roller.

Saint Joe: *Cladie White.

Sallisaw, Oklahoma: *Logan Aguilera, Kaydon Chisum, Alexis Davis, *Mason Girdner, Kaitlyn Gish, Justice Goad, Caden Gray, *Abby Hightower, Jacob Howington, *Payton Karr, Taylor McCain, *Alexandria Real.

Salzburg, Austria: Lukas Reichle.

San Diego, Guatemala: *Gabriela Perez.

Sao Carlos, Brazil: *Paola Cury Fragalle.

Satuek, Thailand: *Pakpoom Satornpitak.

Scranton: *Emily Tusing.

Searcy: Daphne Mosal.

Seattle, Washington: Kayla Brundidge.

Shady Point, Oklahoma: *Joanna Dubois, *Kagan Stockton.

Siloam Springs: Michelle Blackfox, Bailey Blanchard, *Carley Carswell, Wyatt Church, Kreg Cook, *Kendal Dixon, Abigale Kelly, *Carissa Shull.

Spiro, Oklahoma: Jillian Cochran, Justin Ennis, *Juliet Flanagan, Brandon Hammontree, Kelsey Owens, Jordan Pullen, *Taryn Ridenour, *William Shackelford, *Haley Wiedel, *Andrea Zindler.

Springdale: *Lily Hinton, *Yaire Melgar, Lensa Odima-Warden, Lacy Stephens, *Deysy Vargas.

Star City: *Anna Capps.

Stigler, Oklahoma: Layla Buntin.

Stilwell, Oklahoma: Johnny Pruitt.

Stuttgart: *Karleigh Ross.

Summers: Lesly Najera, *Elijah Rich.

Summit: *Dena Wood.

Tahlequah, Oklahoma: Haylee Caviness, Josie Foster, Katherine Kavanagh, Jillian Rose.

Takarazuka, Japan: Mone Misono.

Talihina, Oklahoma: *Ashley Daney, Jessalene Knapp.

Tecumseh, Oklahoma: *Carmen Herrera.

Texarkana, Texas: Lilly Allison.

Texarkana: Demonte Jamison, Keonnie Strickland.

Tyler, Texas: *Grace Williams.

Uniontown: Shiane Bailey.

Van Buren: Makala Adair, *Jorgi Anderson, Alexander Arnold, *Cristian Avila, Kaitlyn Awbrey, *Caston Baimbridge, *Brittney Barnes, Jennifer Batres, Kirsten Boyd, Charles Brady, Summer Bright, *Kyle Brown, *Justin Buccille, Gemma Burkett, Angel Burkhart, Samara Camyn, Hannah Cervantes, Daniela Chavarria, *Tayler Colley, Jose Cordova, *Elizabeth Counts, *Casey Craft, Kimberly Cruz-Chavez, *Adrian Cuevas-Herrera, *Audrey Dahlem, Phong Dao, Destiny Davis, *Michael Deleplank, *Noah Dieter, Zoe Dilley, *Natalie Durant, Carlos Estrada, *Catelyn Fight, Austin Figueroa, Alecia Flores, Ashley Galdamez, *Madisen Gaona, Leslie Gaston, *Vincent Glendenning, *Trevor Greb, *Tiffany Gregory, *Kaylee Grider, Zachary Grounds, Tanner Harmon, *Kelsey Harris, Mary Hays, Laci Henson, Gabrielle Hinkle, Conner Hoffman, Ken Huang, *Hannah Hull, *Kadyn Irwin, Christopher Jester, *Elizabeth Johnson, *Elizabeth Jones, Emily Kelley, Sara Kessler, *Molly Kingston, Sierra Koperski, Easton Kosier, Adrianne Kuykendall, *Caleb Lawley, Emma Lee, *Sarah Lee, *Lizette Leon, *Garrett Lewis, Hailey Mannon, Alexis Marcos, *Jose Martinez, *Kya Mason, *Bailee Mattox, Brieana McAfee, Trevor McCleary, Maddux McDonald, Maile McDonald, Lauren McKinney, *Sophia McLain, Andrew Miller, Madelyn Mills, *Holly Needham, Ben Neidecker, *Cadence Nguyen, Rylee Norris, *Natalie Ophaso, *Abigail Osman, *Steffany Papp, Sarah Patton, Kesean Payne, *Dylan Pena, Sofia Pena, *Logan Perez, *Brittany Perry, *Audrey Pham, Justin Pham, *Justice Phillips, Cesia Pirir Equite, Taylor Pixley, Moya Poole, Kyler Poor, Alexis Qualls, *Melanie Quinteros, *Addison Ray, Kara Ray, *Nerissa Recinos, *Aanika Reilly, Sara Rivas, *Haden Roark, *Issair Rodriguez, *Bryan Rogers, Fernando Romero, Luis Romero, *Joshua Rothenberger, Ashli Rowe, Kara Rush, Lena Rush, Rylee Ryan, Matthew Scheurer, *Grant Shankle, *Drew Shields, *Jordan Shores, Santiago Showl, Amber Smith, Dawsyn Smith, *Porsche Stanley, Olivia Steele, Sydney Stephenson, *Michael Storment, Brittney Taylor, *Debbie Temal, Ryan Temal, Samantha Thompson, *Jessica Thorman, Moises Torres, *Kilee Treadway, Sandy Urias, *Chasity Vargo, *Natalie Verdin, Christian Wharton, *Julia White, Lauren Wilkinson, Sandra Zelaya.

Vian, Oklahoma: *Cassidy Escojido.

Victoria, Texas: Savannah Wharton.

Waldron: Melissa Bennett, Payton Brown, Tate Carnley, *Erica Davis, *Jenny Diaz, Letzy Falcon, Alejandra Flores, *Caden Fuller, *Taylor Horn, Bayleigh Lipham, *Jayden Manning, Lane Metcalf, Michael Millard, Sean Moore, Lupita Morales, Cesar Perez, Harleigh Rice, Abigail Wright, Kelsey Yother.

Walnut Ridge: *Amanda Smith.

Wesley: *Brayden Nelson.

West Fork: Brooke Cartwright, *Kendyl Hooper, Abigail Langston, Samantha Smiley, *Cassidy Vanhook.

West Helena: Adrienne Fields.

Whitesboro, Oklahoma: Zachary Maxwell.

Wichita Falls, Texas: *Reagan Macha.

Wichita, Kansas: *Jordon Helm.

Wickes: *Susan McKeever.

Willard, Missouri: *Jody Mayfield.

Winslow: Benjamin Sherer.

Wister, Oklahoma: *Whitney Frost, *Isabella Law.

Tragic Day for Razorbacks Football with Loss of Ryan Mallett

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Tragic Day for Razorbacks Football with Loss of Ryan Mallett

BULLETIN- Razorbacks fans are mourning the loss of former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett. The former quarterback drowned today off the coast of Florida, according to Deltaplex News.

According to deltaplexnews.com, the former Razorbacks quarterback and current head football coach at White Hall “was transported to a Florida hospital from a beach. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Mallett was hired by White Hall on February 23, 2022.”

RNN Sports will have more information on this tragic story as it becomes available.

Mansfield’s Jadelynn Wood Commits to UA Rich Mountain Cross Country & Track

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Mansfield’s Jadelynn Wood Commits to UA Rich Mountain Cross Country & Track

Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced directly and in its entirety from Mr. John Mackey. Coach Mackey has just retired as Mansfield’s track coach and contributed this story to RNN Sports. Thank you Coach Mackey for sharing this story with our readers!

MANSFIELD- A running path has worn down a permanent trail connecting Mansfield HIgh School to college athletic opportunities. At least in the past few years, that’s the way it seems.

Jadelynn Wood, a 2023 Mansfield High School graduate, recently found that path by signing a letter of intent to run cross country and track at the University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain.

By her own admission, Wood was confused about what her immediate future had in store. The decision to work, go to college, or attend a trade school left her overloaded and unsettled. All the while a highly successful high school track and cross country career loomed large in the background. Then something quite unexpected happened that brought a decision into focus.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do,” Wood, who recently turned 18 years of age in early June said. “I felt like God had a plan for me and it would be revealed soon enough.”

“I was at work one day and someone asked what I was going to do after graduation,” the River Valley All-Star continued. “I was thinking I just needed a sign that would tell me where to go. Right then, I received a text message from Coach (Samantha) Shores.”

Samantha Shores is the head women’s and men’s cross country coach at UA Rich Mountain. Her programs which are based out of Mena compete at the Division II junior college level. 

“That was probably the Tuesday before the state heptathlon which was on a Wednesday and Thursday,” Wood’s recollection of the dominos effecting her future continued. 

“I went down that next day on Friday to tour the campus,” she revealed further. “When I met with Coach Shores, we just got along instantly. It just felt right. I hadn’t talked to her since cross country season but she knew all about me. She kept up with me throughout the season, what I was doing, how I performed. That impressed me.”

With the suddenness of her signing a national letter of intent, Wood admitted she was a little apprehensive about moving away from home. The self-described homebody said she has been worried about leaving her family for the first time.

“I just love my family,” the recent MHS graduate confessed. “I find myself wanting to spend a lot more time with them. However, I’m looking forward to moving down there and making new friends. I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life. I feel like it’s going to be good for me.”

Wood has already met at least one new friend albeit through electronic communication. One of her new college teammates and potential roommate has reached out via text messages. 

The pair bonded over their mutual decisions to run college cross country at UA Rich Mountain. Since their communications have started they have arranged to meet in person on July 11 at the university’s freshman orientation.

A few weeks after orientation, Wood will move onto the Rich Mountain campus on August 1. At that point she will begin on campus cross country practices as a precursor to the start of Fall classes. 

Wood noted that she is more interested in track and field compared to cross country. After all, it was in the sport of track that the high school team captain accumulated most of her individual accolades. A quick scan of her stellar cross country resume proves long distance racing offered her an abundance of high achieving successes as well.

“I loved everything about track,” the 3-time All-District, 2-time All-State, and former Mansfield player of the year said. “I loved being in six events and anything related to track. I’m going to college mainly for track. I’ll compete in cross country to stay in shape.”

When asked about what motivated her to run and compete at a high level, Wood’s answer circled back to her relationships to family.

“It’s Coach (John) Mackey and my dad that motivate me to do my best all the time,” Wood emphasized. “They both yelled at me in a positive way. I didn’t always understand what they were saying, but I knew they had my back and would be there for me at the finish line.”

Laney Wood is Jadelynn’s father. Because his work schedule takes him out of town more often than not, the competitions he could attend were special to the upcoming college freshman.

“My dad really inspires me,” Wood expressed as her eyes gleamed with an obvious love for her father. “I just love it when he gets to see me run. Those are my fondest track memories so far.”

Laney is also the name of Wood’s younger sister. Named after their father, the younger sibling by two years had the joy of participating on the same teams as Mansfield’s most recently signed star runner.

The two were training partners, teammates, rivals, and best friends throughout the entire school year. Again, an obvious affection was on display as the older sister spoke about her relationship with the younger family member.

“It was great getting to run with my baby sister,” Rich Mountain’s newest player proclaimed after the siblings finished the 2023 season at the state heptathlon in mid-May. “I really enjoyed watching her challenge herself and compete. Our time together was spent making great memories, cracking jokes, and pushing each other to be better.”

Wood was upfront when she spoke about spending time with family. On the day of this interview she had recently returned from a beachfront vacation with her mother, sister, and extended family.

Amanda Williams is Jadelynn’s mom. Like the other members of her family, her mother holds an endearing place in her overflowing heart.

“Mom made all the big events that she could,” Wood smiled. “She was there when we won the state indoor meet, and picked up runner-up trophies at cross country and outdoor state. She got to see our 4x100m relay win state and went to the meet of champs. She was super supportive.”

As Wood’s circle of family and friends continued to connect, it was discovered that her mother Amanda was also a runner for retiring Mansfield track coach John Mackey.

Mackey spent 38 years in education. He spent most of those at Mansfield in various coaching roles. Most recently he was the school’s athletic director, cross country, and track coach. He was the only head coach for which Jadelynn Wood ever played. 

“We may not be blood related, but Jadelynn is family,” Mackey shared. “I’ve known her for most of her life. I coached her mom and both her sisters. She’s a special person that earned every ounce of notoriety. I’m very proud of her. This is a courageous step forward that opens the door to a future full of possibilities. Congratulations kiddo.”

Jaydon Hibbert Becomes Third Razorback Finalist for the Bowerman Award

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Jaydon Hibbert Becomes Third Razorback Finalist for the Bowerman Award

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Razorback freshman Jaydon Hibbert is one of three men finalists selected for The Bowerman, as announced by USTFCCCA on Tuesday. Hibbert becomes the third Razorback male to be a finalist for the annual award.

The Bowerman, which debuted in 2009, is presented annually by the USTFCCCA to the most outstanding male and female NCAA track & field athletes in the nation. Also named as a men’s 2023 finalist were decathletes Leo Neugebauer of Texas and Kyle Garland of Texas.

“What a great honor for Jaydon and the University,” stated Arkansas men’s head coach Chris Bucknam. “He had a great season this year and did a phenomenal job. I’m just really proud of how he came into a new system, new way of life, following our collegiate way of doing things, and accomplished a lot of goals this year.”

Previous Arkansas finalists for the men’s Bowerman included Jarrion Lawson, who won in 2016, along with Ayden Owens-Delerme in 2022, with Florida State’s Trey Cunningham winning the honor.

The Bowerman fan vote starts today at 3 p.m. (CT) at this link: https://www.ustfccca.org/the-bowerman/the-bowerman-fan-vote

“The Bowerman is the pinnacle of what we do in track and field,” noted Arkansas men’s associate head coach Travis Geopfert. “To have the season that he has had, he is obviously very deserving of the honor. We’re all extremely happy for him and excited for the rest of the summer as well.”

Hibbert is just the fourth freshman to become a men’s finalist, following Oregon’s Edward Cheserek (2014), Texas A&M’s Donavan Brazier (2016), and Mondo Duplantis of LSU (2019).

A freshman, though, has yet to win The Bowerman. In the previous years when a freshman was among the finalists, the award went to Deon Lendore of Texas A&M (2014), Jarrion Lawson (2016), and Grant Holloway of Florida (2019).

An undefeated season in the triple jump along with a pair of collegiate records which broke marks set in the 1980s highlighted Hibbert’s debut season with the Razorbacks. He became just the fourth freshman to ever win the NCAA Outdoor triple jump, and only the second freshman to sweep both NCAA titles in the same season.

Track & Field News magazine named Hibbert it’s Collegiate Outdoor Athlete of the Year. Previous Razorbacks to claim the honor include Lawson (2019), Alistair Craig (2004), Daniel Lincoln (2003), and Robert Howard (1997).

Along the way Hibbert swept SEC and NCAA titles for the indoor and outdoor seasons, earning SEC Field Athlete of the Year, SEC Freshman Field Athlete of the Year, and National Field Athlete of the Year accolades outdoors. Indoors, Hibbert was named SEC Freshman Field Athlete of the Year and South Central Field Athlete of the Year, an honor he claimed outdoors as well.

“The thing that’s been really impressive for me as a head coach is watching Travis and Jaydon navigate the whole year,” Bucknam said. “What a great job both of them have done. Jaydon is an incredibly coachable person, and he has great trust in Travis.

“They had a plan from the very beginning. I heard it, knew what was going down, and let them execute it. That’s why we call him 1Hibby, because he takes one or two jumps and gets it done. We’re playing the long game with Jaydon as far as his future, so we’re working on doing the right thing for him going forward long term, such as saving as many jumps as we can for the future.”

Entering Arkansas with a 2022 World U20 title and championship record of 56-8 (17.27), Hibbert expanded the horizon of his talents with an economy of attempts during a campaign that saw the 18-year-old grow a couple of inches in the process, now measuring 5-11 (1.80).

“One of the challenges of a young athlete is how you handle success,” Geopfert added. “He’s just done a tremendous job of that while compartmentalizing, focusing on the process, and moving on to the next goal.

“Jaydon’s not too terribly focused on the results, he’s letting the result come because of the hard work, great attitude, and the effort he’s put in. He’s a great kid with a great attitude and has all the intangibles. It’s a lot of fun to see his hard work rewarded.”

Improvements for Hibbert were achieved in feet instead of inches in the technical event he is quickly mastering.

Following a pair of short approach jumps each in New Mexico and at the Tyson facility during the SEC Indoor Championships, Hibbert completed his debut season indoors by winning the NCAA Indoor title on his first attempt, which measured 57-6.5 (17.54).

Hibbert broke the collegiate record of 57-1 (17.40) set by Razorback Mike Conley back in 1985. His indoor season was completed with five attempts in three meets while adding nearly a foot to his previous career best mark from outdoors.

Prior to starting the outdoor collegiate season, Hibbert defended his title at the CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas, taking a full allotment of six attempts, again on very short approaches.

His outdoor collegiate season began at the LSU Invitational, where one leap of 56-4 (17.17) provided the winning distance and came within four inches of his outdoor best.

Hibbert returned to Baton Rouge for the SEC Outdoor Championships and his second attempt established history as he broke the collegiate record with an astounding 58-7.5 (17.87), adding nearly a foot to the previous record of 57-7.75 (17.57) set at altitude in 1982 by SMU’s Keith Connor.

The youngest to ever jump that far, Hibbert currently equals No. 13 on the all-time world list, sharing the position with Conley’s best mark as a professional.

A first leap of 57-7.5 (17.56) among four attempts by Hibbert at the NCAA Championships in Austin fell a quarter-inch short of the meet record Connor set in 1982 when establishing the collegiate record, but he did set the low-altitude meet record.

Outside of the six attempts in the Bahamas, Hibbert’s outdoor collegiate season included eight attempts in four meets.

“I really appreciate him in trusting the game plan,” Geopfert said. “We knew we wanted to limit his competitions and limit his total number of jumps because of the long season that was potentially ahead. It’s worked out well.

“Also, the fact that he is young. The triple jump is a difficult event on your body, and I think it’s important we keep a bigger picture in mind for these young athletes. I appreciate him buying in from the very beginning and then executing the plan almost to perfection.

“He’s done a fantastic job. When you’re in the moment you probably don’t realize everything that’s going on. But then you look at the things he’s achieved at such a young age it’s just remarkable.”

The impressive marks by Hibbert had him topping an incredible list of marks previously set by Arkansas jumpers. It’s a list that can be daunting for those considering joining the Razorback program.

“Over the years we’ve probably had some recruits in here who have looked at our history of marks in the jumps and thought I’ll never break a school record here I’m going to go somewhere else,” stated Bucknam.

“That’s not how Jaydon handled it. He looked at is as a bar to shoot for and he surpassed it. Again, his competitiveness, the way he listens and executes, we’re really proud and happy for him.”

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

SEC Releases 2023-24 Men’s Basketball Conference Schedule

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SEC Releases 2023-24 Men’s Basketball Conference Schedule

FAYETTEVILLE – The Southeastern Conference released the men’s basketball conference opponents for the 2023-24 season on Monday. The Razorbacks will play five teams both home and away including Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Missouri and Texas A&M.

Arkansas will additionally host Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vanderbilt once while traveling to Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss and Mississippi State for single games.

Times, dates and television information will be announced at a later date.

NOTES:

• For the second straight year, and just the third time since the Razorbacks joined the SEC (1991-92), Arkansas and Kentucky will meet in a home-and-home series. The teams split the series last season, each winning on the road. The only other time came in 2013-14 when Arkansas swept Kentucky with a pair of overtime victories.

• Arkansas and Alabama will only be meeting once, and the game will be played in Tuscaloosa. The previous two times the teams only met once (2020 and 2022), those games were also played in Tuscaloosa.

• Arkansas and Missouri will be playing a home-and-home series for the 12th consecutive year. The streak coincides with the number of years since the Tigers joined the SEC (2012-13). Arkansas leads the all-time series with Missouri, 33-27, and leads 14-8 since Mizzou joined the SEC.

• Arkansas and LSU have met for a home-and-home series in all but two seasons since the Razorbacks joined the SEC (1991-92). The Razorbacks and Tigers only met once in 2013 (at Baton Rouge) and just once in 2015 (in Fayetteville). Arkansas leads the Tigers 38-30 since the Razorbacks joined the SEC and has won seven of the last 11 versus LSU.

• Arkansas and Texas A&M will be scheduled to play a home-and-home series for the 10th time in the now 12 years since the Aggies joined the conference. While Arkansas leads the all-time series with the Aggies, 106-60, the advantage is just 11-10 since A&M joined the SEC. The home teams have dominated the series over the last 12 seasons as Arkansas is 9-1 versus the Aggies at home and Texas A&M is 7-2 versus the Razorbacks in College Station.

• Arkansas will host Georgia in a home-and-home series for the first time since 2014 and just the third time ever. The only other time it happened was in 2006. However, the teams have played multiple times in a season nine other times as the programs have squared off nine times in the SEC Tournament. That makes the Bulldogs the second-most common opponent at the SEC Tournament behind Kentucky (10 meetings).

• For the fourth straight year, long-time rivals Arkansas and Ole Miss will only play once. The longest streak Arkansas currently has of playing an SEC opponent just once in the regular season is versus Florida. This year will mark the seventh-straight year the Razorbacks and Gators are scheduled to meet just once.

• Arkansas will host this year. The schedule has favored the Volunteers of late. Since 2014, Arkansas has played in Knoxville nine times and, including this season, Tennessee will be coming to Fayetteville for just the sixth time.

As a reminder, the deadline to renew your basketball season tickets is Friday – June 30. Season ticket holders can renew online now by logging on to their ticket account or contacting the Arkansas Razorback Ticket Center by email raztk@uark.edu or by phone at 800-982-4647 (HOGS).

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.

Protect Your Freedom This Independence Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Tammy Teague
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Protect Your Freedom This Independence Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

This Independence Day, protect your freedom and the lives of others by committing to sober driving. Arkansas law enforcement will be teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility impaired driving enforcement campaign. The primary goal of the increased law enforcement presence will be to help prevent tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday.

According to NHTSA, 13,384 motor vehicle crash-related deaths in 2021 involved alcohol-impaired drivers. This represented 31 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States for the year, and a 14.2 percent increase from 2020. That same year, 538 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday alone (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6). Thirty-nine percent (212) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. With many Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more cars are on the roads at night. Over the 2021 July 4th holiday period, of the 212 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 82% of those fatalities occurred in nighttime crashes (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.).

“During the July 4th holiday, we will pull over and arrest drunk drivers,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Arkansas Public Safety Secretary. “We have zero tolerance. Everyone knows the law: It is illegal to drink and drive. Still, people ignore the danger and drive after consuming alcohol. We know how to spot a drunk driver on the road. Drunk driving is selfish and arrogant, and it endangers the drivers, their passengers, and other people on the road.”

Remember: A few dollars spent on a ride is a lot cheaper than a DWI, which can cost up to $10,000. Something else to consider: Don’t ever be too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride. Allowing a sober driver to help you get home keeps you and others safe. Want to know what’s more embarrassing than drunkenly asking for a sober ride home? Spending the night in jail. Having your car impounded. Losing your job or your security clearance. Take your pick.

Always have a plan before you head out for the evening. If you wait until after you’ve been drinking to figure out how to get from one place to the next, you might already be too impaired to make the right choices.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
– Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
– If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
– If you know someone who is about to drive a vehicle or operate a motorcycle while impaired, help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
– Buckle up, always. Your seat belt is your best defense against a drunk driver.

For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org

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