A garden will be nothing without pollinators’ help. Getting them into your garden is an important part of gardening.
Pollinators are namely several bugs, birds, and beyond! Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, moths, bats, and birds may all act as pollinators. The wide variety of species that can help your garden is a good thing! Pollinators play a very important role in the reproduction of plants. When pollinators move between plants they carry the pollen with them which contain genetic materials necessary for fruits and vegetables.
There are several ways to attract these helpful creatures to your garden.
Start buy choosing native plants to place in your garden. These are going to grow best in your area as well as give the pollinators a source of food they need. Sometimes non-native species don’t provide as adequate of a food source.
Plant in large batches, the more similar plants there are in a space allows the pollen to be spread easily to the plants that need that genetic material.
It’s also a good idea to provide other food and water sources for these little helpful friends. A hummingbird feeder may be visited by a bee or butterfly on its way to or from the garden. A bird bath can provide the necessary water for the pollinators.
Gardening season is such an exciting time of year! Attracting the helpful bugs and birds who aid in the process is important.
Beekeeping is a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but it also comes with some risks. One of the main dangers of beekeeping is getting stung by bees. While most beekeepers accept that bee stings are an inevitable part of the job, there are steps that they can take to protect themselves from the discomfort and potential danger they create. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the ways beekeepers can protect themselves from bee stings.
Wear Protective Clothing
Here’s one of the most important beekeeping safety tips every keeper needs to know: wear protective gear at all times! Whenever you’re working around or handling your hive, you should wear a beekeeping suit, gloves, and a hat with a veil. A beekeeping suit has a thick mesh material that prevents bees from stinging through the fabric. Gloves and a hat with a veil provide additional protection for the hands, face, and neck.
Use Smoke
Smoke is a useful tool that beekeepers use to calm bees and reduce the likelihood of stings. Smoke disrupts the communication system between bees, making them less aggressive. When working with a hive, you can use a smoker to blow smoke around the hive entrance and into the hive to calm the bees.
Work During the Daytime
It’s best to work with bees during the day when they’re less aggressive and less likely to sting. You should also avoid working with bees during the hottest part of the day since this is when they’re most active.
Maintain a Calm Demeanor
You should remain calm and avoid sudden movements when working with bees. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle bees and cause them to become aggressive. Move slowly and deliberately when working with your hives to avoid agitating the bees.
Use Essential Oils
Some beekeepers use essential oils, such as eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon balm, to repel bees. You can apply these oils to your skin or clothing to keep bees away. However, it’s important to note that some essential oils can also attract bees, so test a small amount of the oil before using it.
Properly Handle Beehives
When handling beehives, you should take care to avoid crushing or injuring the bees. Squished or injured bees release pheromones that can attract other bees and increase the likelihood of stings. Use proper lifting techniques and avoid placing hives in areas where things can disrupt them to keep your bees safe and happy.
Don’t let persistent stingers keep you from doing your job! By following these tips for protecting yourself from bee stings, you can enjoy your hobby without fear of getting jabbed.
LEXINGTON, KY – No. 12 Arkansas’ (34-13) six-game win streak was snapped Sunday afternoon as No. 20 Kentucky (27-15-1) won the series finale, 3-1, at John Cropp Stadium. The Razorbacks swept Saturday’s doubleheader to win their 11th straight SEC road series and their first in Lexington since 2008.
Arkansas moves to 34-13 overall and 11-7 in league play.
The Razorbacks remained in striking distance throughout the ballgame but couldn’t put together a timely hit to trim Kentucky’s miniscule lead.
Arkansas did not give up a run over the last four innings. Both teams scattered six hits on the day.
Raigan Kramer and Rylin Hedgecock singled in the top of the first but were left stranded on first and second. The Wildcats then claimed a 2-0 lead in the bottom frame on a two-run home run.
Kentucky scored its final run in the bottom of the second on an RBI single for a 3-0 lead.
Cylie Halvorson and Rylin Hedgecock began the fourth with back-to-back singles but the ‘Cats retired three in a row to calm the threat.
Redshirt senior RHP Chenise Delce (17-5) provided a spark for Arkansas after entering the circle in the bottom of the fourth. In addition to retiring all nine batters she faced, Delce struck out seven of nine to raise her season punchout count to 152.
Launching the fifth home run of her sophomore campaign, Kacie Hoffmann cut the deficit to 3-1 in the fifth.
Hoffmann did not back down again in the seventh. With two outs, Hoffmann cracked an infield single to keep Arkansas’ comeback bid alive.
Kentucky then forced a ground out to avoid the sweep.
Rylin Hedgecock and Kacie Hoffmann paced Arkansas offensively with two hits each. Hoffmann was responsible for Arkansas’ lone run – a solo home run in the fifth. Cylie Halvorson and Raigan Kramer both finished 1-for-3.
Junior LHP Callie Turner (6-2) suffered the loss. In her 11th start, Turner spun 1.1 frames and gave up three runs on four hits while striking out one.
Freshman LHP Robyn Herron (8-4) relieved Turner and went 1.2 innings. Herron limited Kentucky to two hits and did not give up a run.
Taking over in the fourth, Chenise Delce was efficient and retired all nine batters she faced, striking out seven of nine.
Notes
Arkansas leaves Lexington with its 11th straight SEC road series win.
The Hogs have won three consecutive series vs. Kentucky.
The Razorbacks picked up their first series victory vs. Kentucky in Lexington since 2008.
After recording back-to-back hits to begin the game, Rylin Hedgecock compiled five straight ABs with a hit, dating back to game two vs. Kentucky.
Kacie Hoffmann stretched her hitting streak to three games.
Cylie Halvorson pushed her hitting streak to four games.
Raigan Kramer increased her hitting streak to six games.
Rylin Hedgecock has recorded back-to-back outings with multiple hits.
Chenise Delce struck out seven of nine batters faced to end the game.
Delce struck out seven in a row after taking over in the fourth.
Up Next The Razorbacks travel down the road to Bowling Green, Ky., for a 6 p.m. CT Monday matchup against Western Kentucky. The game can be streamed on Western Kentucky Athletics’ Facebook page – Hilltopper Sports Satellite Network (HSSN).
For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
– ArkansasRazorbacks.com || On Twitter @ArkRazorbacks || Facebook.com/ArkansasRazorbacks –
Note to Our Readers:The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.
Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department: Morgan Barker of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 16 at 11:56 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 16 at 10:52 p.m. Barker was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.
Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office: Johnny Gregory Beshears of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 19 at 11:32 a.m. and remains on hold as an Arkansas Department of Corrections commitment.
David Allen Gilmore of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 18 at 1:13 p.m. and released on signature bond April 19 at 12:50 p.m. Gilmore was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Stacy Diane Howard of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 19 at 8:06 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Howard was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia C Felony.
Honestee Nicole Ledbetter of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 17 at 5:25 p.m. and released on bond April 17 at 8:26 p.m. Ledbetter was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.
Misty Dawn Varnell of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 20 at 5:25 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Varnell was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Failure to Appear – Class C Felony, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.
Phillip Edwards Wilkins of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 19 at 6:04 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Wilkins was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.
Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H: Santana Leshea Catlett of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 20 at 11:53 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Catlett was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department: Isaiah Nathaniel Chandler of Roland, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 20 at 5:33 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Chandler was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.
Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department: Joshua Daniel Hardin of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 21 at 11:10 p.m. and released on bond April 22 at 4:49 a.m. Hardin was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Gavin Christopher Honaker of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 22 at 4:15 a.m. and released on signature bond April 22 at 11:54 a.m. Honaker was charged with Public Intoxication – Annoyance.
Ahmad Mobarak of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 16 at 1:13 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 16 at 11:32 p.m. Mobarak was charged with Theft of Property – >$1k.
Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department: Chad Ray Harrold of Van Buren was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 21 at 8:19 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Harrold was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department: Larry Wayne Mickelson of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 18 at 4:29 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Mickelson was charged with Breaking or Entering- – Building, Structure or Vehicle.
Austin James Roam of Barling was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 20 at 1:50 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Roam was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.
Jacob Scott Walker of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 18 at 11:42 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Walker was charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree – $1,000 or less, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Timothy Ryan Wood of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 16 at 4:54 p.m. and released to an outside agency on April 21 at 9:21 a.m. Wood was charged with ADC Commitment Hold, Parole Violation, Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Arresting agency – Logan County Sherrif’s Office: Larry Carter, 45 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 19 at 11:13 a.m. Carter was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, and resisting arrest/uses force.
David King, 33 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 19 at 2:43 p.m. King was charged with violation of probation/suspended imposition of sentence.
Aaron Klein, 41 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 20 at 9:04 a.m. Klein was charged with disorderly conduct.
Kristian Wayne Bearden, 48 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 20 at 7:39 p.m. Bearden was charged with terroristic threatening in the first degree.
Roy Phelps, 57 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 21 at 12:00 p.m. Phelps was charged with violation of probation/suspended imposition of sentence, and failure to appear.
Blaine Duvall, 26 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 21 at 3:19 p.m. Duvall was charged with theft by receiving.
Christopher Tyler, 43 of Danville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 21 at 3:28 p.m. Tyler was charged with possession of firearm by a certain persons.
Heather Bradley, 46 of Hartman, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 22 at 4:56 p.m. Bradley was charged with failure to appear.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
Raymond Leon Self Sr., 81, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, April 21, 2023 in Hot Springs, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Raymond was born February 6, 1942 to Roy and Sadie (Kopf) Self in Waldron, Arkansas. He was a member of the Waldron Church of Christ for 44 years.
Raymond was married to Gwenda for 44 loving years. Together they raised seven amazing children and played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Raymond enjoyed all things outdoors – riding his beloved horses and hunting were among his favorites, but his kids would say hunting was just an excuse to be outside, leaning against a tree and eating peanuts. He loved working with his hands and often doing carpentry, tinkering around the farm or planting in his garden. Raymond was quite the jokester; always playing pranks, telling jokes or being silly just to make others smile. He loved his family more than anything and those special memories made will forever be a treasure to every life he’s touched.
Raymond leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Gwenda; seven children: Lisa McEntire of Greenwood, Arkansas; Melinda Hutchens of Waldron, Arkansas; Carrie Rose and husband Stuart of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Ninna Chapel and husband Bobby of Benton, Arkansas; Amanda Holland of Mobile, Alabama; RL Self and wife Tasha of Waldron, Arkansas and Hala Evans and husband Travis of Parks, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his 21 grandchildren: Bradley Rhyne, Chelsea Slate, Taylor McEntire, Daniel McEntire, Maggie Hutchens, Shauna White, Casey O`Mara, Allison Rose, Sydney Hudgens, Kristin BeLue, Tori Chapel, Spencer Chapel, Savannah Holland, Logan Holland, Kolton Holland, Avery Self, Adysen Self, Hunter Evans, Gage Evans, Karlie Evans and Gunner Evans and he was blessed with many great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Sadie Self; grandchildren: Emily Hutchens, Zachary McEntire and Christopher Zimmer; siblings: RD Self, Evaleta Thomas, Pauline Mitchell, Athadean Weir and Robbie Marie.
Raymond’s life celebration will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jeff Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow at Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Raymond’s visitation will be Monday, April 24, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
What began as a small quilt show at Greenwood City Hall has blossomed into a regional destination, drawing visitors from neighboring states and as far away as North Carolina and Iowa.
The Airing of the Quilts Quilt Show, May 11-13, features one hundred contemporary quilts at the Senator Ed Wilkinson Pavilion at Greenwood’s Bell Park and an equal number of vintage quilts on display at the historic Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and in the Old Jail Museum’s 1848 Vineyard Cabin, the Redwine Pioneer Schoolhouse, the Ole Barn and in the jail itself.
There will be vendors, the Arkansas Authors table, River Valley Quilts of Valor, a silent auction and a raffle. Luncheon is served in the show’s popular Miss Sue’s Tea Room from 10:30-2:00. Admission is $5 at the door. Luncheon is optional ($10).
The Airing of the Quilts was conceived by Kay Voss, owner of Mama’s Log House Quilt Shop, as a celebration of the quilter’s art and our South Sebastian County heritage. Proceeds benefit the South Sebastian County Historical Society.
Maps and directions to show sites are available at the Pavilion.
Airing of the Quilts Quilt Show May 11 and 12 (9-5) May 13 (9-3) Bell Park, 1050 Bell Park Road, Greenwood
Mansfield’s senior girls take a photo opportunity as they await the team scores to be announced at the Mena Bearcat Relays.
The 2023 regular season for Mansfield’s senior high track and field team ended with a pair of qualifying meets last week. The Tigers took squad members to Mena on Monday followed by a handful of participants traveling to Southside on Friday.
MHS pole vaulter Austin Ruiz wins the Bearcat vertical event with a state qualifying mark of 11′ 2″.
The two meet set-up was kind to the Tigers as two more state qualifiers came out of the proceedings.
Austin Ruiz off the boys squad cleared 11’ 2” in the pole vault to make the 2A benchmark. Daisy Nelson, a newly elevated freshman for the Lady Tigers, ran 17.21 in the 100m hurdles to exceed the small school standard.
The week was also kind as two other Mansfield products claimed high point honors. In addition, the senior girls also brought home another plaque in the form of the runner-up trophy for the Bearcat Relays in Mena.
Ruiz excelled in the pole vault at Mena. The sophomore who has been a consistent scorer for the Tigers in the vertical event won the blue ribbon as well as state qualified.
Mansfield senior Jadelynn Wood won the high point award at Mena on Monday then ran the third leg of the Lady Tigers’ fastest 4x100m relay of the season at Southside on Friday.
Ruiz has cleared 11 feet on a couple of occasions this year. From there, the bar typically has been raised to 11’ 6” which has been just slightly out of Ruiz’s range. At Mena, meet officials placed the bar at the 2A standard when the Tiger flier was the only contestant left. Success followed placing the vaulter into the state finals in Quitman.
Nelson inserted herself into the class 2A state finals via a 17.26 clocking in the women’s 100m hurdles at Southside’s prestigious McDonalds Relays. The freshmen cleared the higher hurdles for the first time in competition since the indoor state championships back in February.
After the indoor season, the junior girl’s leading scorer moved back down to compete in the lower division until the junior high conference championships were over.
Addsion Stover, Kayla Bieker, Jadelynn Wood, and Daisy Nelson run a 52.86 in the 4x100m relay at the prestigious McDonalds Relays in Fort Smith on Friday.
On April 18, Nelson concluded her spectacular junior high campaign with the 2A-4 district high point award and team title. Three days later she returned to the senior high squad for a final regular season meet before advancing to the 2A-4 senior high district meet on April 25 in Mansfield.
Mena saw Mansfield senior Jadelynn Wood and sophomore Trey Powell show out. The pair each claimed high point honors via full and fulfilling event schedules.
“That’s my first high point award,” said Wood of her trip to the Bearcat Relays in Mena. “This was special. I was worried about my times in other events and didn’t recognize I was having a pretty good night overall.”
Many of the Mansfield seventh graders joined the junior high track squad to provide depth for the 2A-4 conference title.
Wood contributed 38.5 points as her senior high squad captured the runner-up plaque from the team standpoint. Victories in the 300m hurdles and 4x100m relay set the tone as the senior captain also produced three second place marks and a third.
“Jadelynn is our leader,” said Mansfield senior girls coach John Mackey. “It’s amazing she’s never taken home a high point plaque before this. She was our leading scorer last season and again this year. I’m so happy for her. She just loves track. This will mean a lot to her.”
Powell had a spectacular night as well. The sophomore totaled 44 points off four victories and a fifth place finish. The indoor All-State athlete won the 100m dash, 200m dash, long jump, and triple jump. His fifth place finish came in the high jump.
“Trey can be as good as he wants to be,” said Mansfield men’s coach Ethan Bowman. “He had a good night. This will set the tone for the conference track meet at home next week.”
Azlynn Stover, Laney Wood, and Jadelynn Wood take a break after running the 4x400m relay at the Mena track meet on Monday.
Carter Whiley and Laney Wood had solid outings at Mena. The pair of sophomores finished second and fifth in individual point production at 36.5 and 26.5 respectively.
“Those two were huge in our 2022 campaign,” noted Mackey. “We’ll need them to cover several bases as we make a push towards another conference championship this season.”
Whiley missed a chance to compete at the McDonalds Relays. The plan was to combine Kayla Bieker, Whiley, Wood, and Nelson in the last chance meet to reach a state standard in the sprint relay.
Whiley had to bow out when rain forced the Southside hosted contest to be moved from Thursday, April 20 to Friday, April 21. The multi-talented Mansfield student had a musical concert that she had committed to perform at that same night.
Mansfield came close to the 51.54 standard despite the absence of one of their fastest players. Bieker, Addison Stover, Wood, and Nelson ran a 52.86 in the reconfigured relay for fourth place at the big school showcase.
“We are excited to get all the pieces together for the conference finals,” emphasized the girls coach. “I think our 4x100m combination will be worth the price of admission.”
Cisco Fildes had his best finish in the men’s discus at Mena. The sophomore finished second with a toss of 91’ 6”.
Seven Sanderson and Kayile Lowery added 27 points to the women’s score through the throws. The team gathered 175 points.
Host Mena won the women’s team competition with 191 points. The Bearcats tied with Heavener, OK in the men’s division with 128 points each.
Mansfield’s boys finished fifth in the team standings with only three players active.
Azlynn Stover and Raine Hecox joined three different second place relay teams for the Lady Tigers.
Stover made a personal record for the second consecutive meet in the high jump. Her clearance was 4’ 6”. Hecox ran a season best 3:01 for her leg of the women’s 4x800m relay.
Ashley Martin, Summer Frazier, Carissa Vaughan and Saylor Steward all scored for Mansfield.
Mansfield’s junior girls three-peat as the 2A-4 conference track champions.
Los Angeles Laker coaching icon Pat Riley first coined the phrase “three-peat” back in the late 1980’s. The trademark phrase was in anticipation of the team’s bid for a third consecutive NBA Championship.
That Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led team fell short of Pat’s prediction. They didn’t have Mansfield’s Daisy Nelson and Joey Williams on the roster.
Daisy Nelson takes home the high point plaque at the 2A-4 district finals.
Different sport but the goal was just as important to the teenage Tigers that represented Mansfield at the 2A-4 Junior District Track and Field Championships in Mansfield on April 18. Their respective three-peat bids were completed for both the girls and boys dressed in Tiger red. Mansfield brought out the brooms and swept the junior high conference titles for the third consecutive season.
“Winning three district titles in a row is a special accomplishment for that group of freshmen,” expressed Mansfield men’s track coach Ethan Bowman. “To win a title you have to get contributions from everyone and that is exactly what happened. It was a total team effort and I am very proud of these teams.”
Dominic Shores passes the baton to Dawson Robinson in the men’s 4x200m relay.
Magazine girls were a distant second with 118 points. Mountainburg (102.5), Johnson County Westside (64), Western Yell County (46), and Lavaca (5) completed the small district track meet.
Lavaca took the runner-up trophy in the boys division with 117 points. Mountainburg chased a trophy with 100 points. Magazine (90), JC Westside (79), and WYC (9) rounded out the men’s team scores.
Shining star Daisy Nelson led the Lady Tigers. Her team amassed an overwhelming 271.5 points on their way to victory.
Volunteers at the Mansfield hosted junior high track champinships witness the Tigers dominate the standings.
Nelson brought the broom with 50.5 points. That individual point total gave her a fourth high point plaque for the 2023 track season. It was not without a fight as Westside freshman Olivia Pelfrey gave it a go with six individual scoring events. The Rebel runner comprised 49 of her team’s 64 points.
Nelson took four individual wins, one relay victory, and a second place pole vault score to the bank. Her near perfect score followed a perfect 52.5 point total she amassed at the last regular season meet the week before in Mena.
“Daisy had a special night,” said longtime Mansfield coach John Mackey. “So exciting that this moment took place in front of the home crowd in front of family and friends. She and her teammates brought their best tonight. Winning never gets old.”
All-State cross country runner Joey Williams was equally impressive. He led the Tiger men’s team to a runaway win. As a group, the Mansfield boys combined for 221 points.
The Mansfield press box is full of activity with the running of the district track finals.
Williams left little dirt on the ground as he too brushed the district dust into a neat pile. The ninth grade distance runner’s workload was way different compared to his sprinting counterpart from the MHS women’s team.
Williams relished in the longer races as Nelson picked apart the competition through the hurdles and short sprints.
“Joey is so motivated,” said Mackey who also serves as Williams’ cross country coach and assistant boy’s track coach. “He already has colleges looking over his resume after an impressive All-State performance at the 2022 cross country finals. Track season is yet another opportunity for him to showcase his developing talent.”
Williams was impressive winning two individual distance races. Only little brother Gunner was anywhere near as the two front ran the 1600m and 800m races to finish one-two in both.
The older of the two brothers also anchored the winning 4x800m relay and what initially looked liked the winning 4x400m relay. A mistake by a teammate in the later co-op canceled those winning points. The team was disqualified for moving out of their lane too early.
Minus the hiccup, Williams brought 28.50 points to the table. That was third in the overall individual standings on the men’s side. Again, it was Johnson County Westside sticking out a thorn. Westside’s Zane Smith took the top individual prize with 54 points.
The Tiger men had five players reach the top ten in individual scoring. Dominic Shores (28), Braxton Bartlett (25), Gunner Williams (18.5), and Dawson Robinson (18) all reached the plateau just below their leading scorer.
The Mansfield junior boys finish the regualr season and district finals as track champions.
The Lady Tiger roster was even more formidable as they had eight players reach the top ten in individual scoring.
Nelson was top shelf. She won the long jump (15-3), 100m hurdles (17.43), 100m dash (13.38), and 200m dash (27.78). She anchored the winning 4x100m relay (56.80) and was second in pole vault (7-0) to lead the Tiger pride.
The other top ten Lady Tigers combined for an additional 160 points for the home team.
Rylan Jones (36.5), Abby Smith (30.5), and Madison Hearron (19) all offered high end production. The next four Mansfield players all tied in the individual pecking order with 18.50 points apiece. Adeline Bray, Kayla Bieker, Miley Clopton, and Payton Meyers populated that list.
“You know the winning tradition runs deep when the kids of kids you’ve coached in the past are still winning conference championships,” Mansfield’s elder mentor reflected.
“I brought out an autographed baton from a state record relay team the other day,” continued the coach. “ Danielle Clem’s (Godwin) name was prominently displayed. That’s Adeline Bray’s state championship mom. The apple doesn’t fall far. I’m honored to be a link between generations of winners. I’m so proud of these junior high players for reaching their goal.”
Mansfield had a long list of All-District performances. In order to be considered All-District in junior high track, an individual or relay team must finish in the top two places in their event.
For the Mansfield boys, the 2A-4 All-District junior high team included the following Tigers. Cooper Edwards (1st – triple jump), Ethan Martin (2nd – shot put), Cadien Ore (2nd – discus), Dominic Shores (2nd – 110m hurdles, 300m – hurdles), Joey Williams (1st, – 1600m, 1st – 800m), Gunner Williams (2nd – 1600m, 2nd – 800m), and Braxton Bartlett (1st – 100m, 1st – 200m) made it through individual events.
The All-District relay rosters for the Tiger men included: 1st place 4x800m relay – Hunter Whittaker, Gunner Williams, Joseph Carter, and Joey Williams. 1st place 4x100m relay and 1st place 4x200m relay – Zander Walters, Dominic Shores, Dawson Robinson, and Braxton Bartlett.
For the Mansfield girls, the 2A-4 All-District junior high team included the following individuals. Daisy Nelson (1st – 100m hurdles, 1st – 100m dash, 1st – 200m dash, 1st – long jump, 2nd – pole vault), Abby Smith (2nd – long jump), Madison Hearron (1st – triple jump), Rylan Jones (2nd – shot put, 2nd – discus, 2nd – 800m), and Adeline Bray (2nd – 400m).
The All-District relay rosters for the Lady Tigers included: 2nd place 4x800m relay – Lilly Young, Harley Kunkel, Ashlynn Whittaker, and Adeline Bray. 1st place 4x200m relay – Payton Meyers, Madison Hearron, Summer Lyon, and Molly Beck. 1st place 4x100m relay – Kayla Bieker, Miley Clopton, Madison Hearron, and Daisy Nelson. 1st place 4x400m relay – Adeline Bray, Miley Clopton, Abby Smith, and Rylan Jones.
Collectively, Mansfield saturated the scores with point getters all across the board.
Meyers, Smith and Clopton all placed in the women’s high jump as Meyers set her new personal record with a 4’ 5” leap for third place. Meyers and Smith also placed in the pole vault.
Jones, Hearron, Beck, and Bray all cashed in at the horizontal jumps. Jones, Bailey Quick, Aubree Helms, and Addison Robles placed second through fifth in the discus. Jones, Bieker, and Quick did nearly the same thing in the shot put.
Smith, Annabelle Martin, and Hearron gave Mansfield a leg up in the hurdles with positions five through seven. Smith and Martin doubled down in the 300m hurdles for 11 more collective points.
Kerrington Quick, Emilee Parsons, Addison Howard and Chloe Beran completed the Lady Tiger championship team.
Carter, Shores, and Alex Hecox all made gains in the men’s high jump. Walters and Whittaker each scored through the horizontal hops. Bryson Elmore, Logan Ore and Clayton Garrison all placed in the throws.
Joey Williams, Robinson, Carter, and Shores registered a block of pole vault points. Shores and Hecox added 28 points through the hurdles. Robinson, Bartlett, and Dalton Knowles were consistent scorers in the sprints.
Seventh graders Treven Hattabaugh and Drake Brunson were on the active Mansfield men’s roster.
LEXINGTON, KY – No. 12 Arkansas (34-12) tamed the No. 20 Kentucky Wildcats (26-15-1) with a doubleheader sweep to capture its 11th consecutive SEC road series win Saturday at John Cropp Stadium.
Arkansas defeated Kentucky, 8-1, in the series opener before slamming by Kentucky, 14-6 (5 inn.), in game two for the series win. The Razorbacks combined for 22 runs on 28 hits Saturday.
Game 1
Arkansas set the tone in Saturday’s series opener, which was rescheduled from Friday night due to inclement weather.
Redshirt senior RHP Chenise Delce (17-5) earned her 10th ranked win of the season after silencing a hot Kentucky offense. Spinning her 14th complete game, Delce surrendered just one run on six hits and struck out six batters. The Oklahoma City product gave up one extra-base hit – a solo home run in the third. Delce kept Kentucky scoreless across the last four frames. Delce has thrown a complete game in her last eight starts.
The Razorbacks outhit Kentucky at a 14-6 clip. Arkansas scored at least one run in each of the last four frames.
Freshman Reagan Johnson shined offensively for the Hogs. Johnson tied her career high in hits after finishing 4-for-5 with two RBI and one run scored. Hannah Gammill, Lauren Camenzind and Kacie Hoffmann joined Johnson with multi-hit performances. Gammill went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Camenzind finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Hoffmann went 2-for-3 and scored a run.
Game 2
Redshirt junior designated player Rylin Hedgecock exploded against the Wildcats, mashing a career high three home runs and matching her career high in RBI with seven. Hedgecock reached base in all four plate appearances after getting hit by a pitch in the fifth.
Freshman LHP Robyn Herron (8-4) picked up the nightcap victory after spinning 3.2 innings, surrendering zero runs on one hit and working around a walk. The Tampa native struck out four in 51 total pitches.
Every Razorback starter compiled at least one base hit.
Reagan Johnson registered back-to-back three-plus hit games after finishing 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Raigan Kramer wrapped up a 2-for-4 outing two runs scored. Atalyia Rijo catapulted her third home run of the season – a three-run shot.
Up Next
Arkansas looks for a top-20 series sweep in Sunday’s series finale at 12 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.
For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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Note to Our Readers:The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.
Every sports season, there are stories to be told. Some are stories of great feats on the playing field or court. Some are controversial on a variety of issues or events. And now days, it seems that some are becoming more political than ever before.
But one thing that has not changed are the sports themselves and the true values that they bring to the men and women who play them. Coaches often find themselves in the positions of being more than coaches; some are mentors, and some, are even surrogate parents.
This year’s edition of the Paris Eagles baseball program has been one of youth and talent. After graduating several key players from a year ago, the Eagles have several young players that have received substantial playing time and may have the best years of their playing careers ahead of them.
The young Eagles currently sit in third place in their conference and look like they could be destined for a possible return to the regional tournament, or, maybe even to the state tournament. But it has not been easy for the young diamond Eagles.
On March 28, Eagles pitcher and infielder, Konnor Edwards, was taken off the field in an ambulance in a game versus Charleston. Edwards, playing second base at the time, was moving in to field a ground ball when he collided with a Charleston base runner. A clean play by both players, but Edwards had to be taken from the field in a very scary moment for all who witnessed the play.
Then, during the Eagles’ very next game at Hackett on March 31, senior pitcher Mason Bradley seemed to have the game in control and perhaps cruising to the win in the mid innings against the Hornets. And then, in the fifth inning, just as the previous week with Edwards’s injury, Bradley pulled up from the follow through of a pitch, holding his pitching arm. He had extreme pain and had to leave the game. For the Eagles, suddenly they had found themselves in the moment of looking to content for one of the top two spots in conference to losing two of their best pitchers, infielders, and hitters.
Eagles coach Josh Hart hits fly balls to the Paris outfield prior to a game at Clarksville (RNN Sports Photo / Jim Best)
But while photographing the Hackett game, it hit me. The team was facing adversity, but not to the level of their own coach. Coach Josh Hart, head coach for the Eagles, had been quietly battling his own adversity during the season, and with courage and class. Coach Hart kept his battle to himself, not allowing it to be a distraction to the team.
So, backing up in our story, Eagles head baseball coach Josh Hart was diagnosed with stage four cancer just after the start of the current school year. He had made it public knowledge, but it was not something that he or anyone else had talked about much. Josh serves also as an assistant coach for the Lady Eagles volleyball program, and during volleyball season and into the winter, he continued to receive cancer treatments.
He quietly took the treatments, came to work every day, and continued to coach his players. His work ethic, stamina, and passion for coaching never waivered. And as a reporter who has covered his teams this year, I can attest that his interest and passion for coaching his players has never suffered due to the distraction or the physical discomfort or loss of stamina from his illnes or treatments.
I had the opportunity to visit with Coach Hart yesterday before the Eagles took the field in Clarksville. He shared with me that he is doing well and has a very good prognosis. He is taking immunotherapy and is seeing great results. He also shared that he will have to take the therapy for the rest of his life. His biggest complaint? The port that has been implanted in his chest for therapy treatments. Josh is an avid hunter, and the placement of the port interferes with his hunting! He is a remarkable man.
Coach Josh Hart (L) and senior Mason Bradley (4). RNN Sports Photo / Jim Best
So when the Eagles were faced with injuries that appeared to be serious or threaten the future playing careers of the players involved, coach Josh Hart could talk to his team and share his own battles with each of his players. He could honestly look at each of them and tell them that life is going to throw challenges and adversity at you, and it is up to each one of us to face those challenges head on. It is going to happen…it is just a matter of what it will be and when it will happen.
So, his players listen to him. When he tells them that whatever they face during the season… look at me…. compared to what I have faced, this is nothing…we can get through this.
Josh Hart has played and has always loved baseball. A year ago, he guided his team to within one game of playing in the Class 3A state championship game. And this year, he will again be playing in the postseason and will be building the foundation of what could be a very good team next year. Josh is a winner, not only on the field, but in life.
Coach Josh Hart confers with assistant coach Joe Devine (RNN Sports Photo / Jim Best)
And his story of courage may be the most valuable aspect of his life and his coaching that he is now passing on to his players. His story is one of faith and courage.
RNN Sports thanks Coach Hart for giving us permission to share his story. It is one of inspiration, and we thought it might inspire anyone who reads it. So, to Coach Hart, we thank you, and we wish you continued success with your treatments.
And we will be there in the postseason to cover your Eagles in the district and regional tournaments!
