A local organization has made it their mission to ensure that the utmost dignity and respect is paid to fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged veterans.
The Patriot Guard Riders, or PGR, in West Central Arkansas, answers the call from veteran families to attend services of fallen heroes. The Patriot Guard Riders are completely volunteer-based and a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Newly appointed Ride Captains Gus and Gina Gustafson stated “we just want the community to know about our organization and that we do need to be invited by the veteran’s family to attend. We will not just show up at a service. Also, we would like to have the funeral homes know this and recommend us to the families of veterans, law enforcement, and fire.” The Gustafsons, who have been PGR members themselves since 2005, are hoping to increase membership and build up the organization in this area. “Anyone can join, it’s free,” added the PGR Captains. “Anyone can volunteer, they do not have to be veterans. They can be any age and they do not have to ride a motorcycle.”
The Patriot Guard Riders are a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation, with one thing in common, an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. The only prerequisite, respect.
“Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family,” the Gustafsons stated. “Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives. First, show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities. And secondly, shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters. We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.”
The Patriot Gaurd Riders also work in conjunction with organizations like SADA, Students Against Drunk Driving and Scouts of America. For more information on the Patriot Guard Riders in West Central Arkansas, you can visit their Facebook page, or contact Ride Captains Gus and Gina Gustafson at 928-404-3841.
More people were hitting the road during the first half of 2021, with demand driving gasoline prices to their highest levels since 2014.
The July 29 report by the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, showed U.S. retail gas prices averaging $3.247 a gallon in the third week of July. This was the highest weekly average gas price since the second week of October 2014.
“Gasoline prices have fallen slightly in the past week but remain among the highest in several years,” John Anderson said on Thursday. Anderson is an economist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.
Prices are far above last summer levels, when COVID restrictions sharply curtailed travel and, by extension, demand for gasoline. However, “prices are also up from pre-COVID levels: July retail gasoline prices have averaged about 15 percent higher than July 2019 and more than 40 percent higher than last July,” he said.
Seasonal consumption
“While gasoline consumption virtually always increases from January to July, this year, consumption increased 23 percent from January to July,” Anderson said. “This is the largest seasonal increase in gasoline consumption in EIA data going back to 1992.”
Higher consumption in spite of higher prices is an unmistakable sign of strong demand, he said. However, as consumers slacken their summer travel and COVID surges back into the picture heading into fall, prices may weaken.
“Looking ahead, fundamental support for gasoline prices should begin to soften, at least a little,” Anderson said. “Demand should already be weakening seasonally, a tendency that should accelerate as we move from summer into fall.
“Unfortunately, we may also see demand soften even more if the current increase in COVID cases leads to a return of restrictions and/or widespread risk avoidance behavior by consumers,” he said.
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: 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 and services 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.
Every high school program has that one guy who is looked back upon as one of the greats. For the Cedarville Pirates, that guy isn’t a historical figure of the past but rather a history-making figure of the present. Pirates Running Back, Darryl “The Kraken” Kattich, has been the bane of defenders existence since he first stepped foot on the gridiron and going into his senior year, aims to not only be one of the best in Pirates football history but THE best. “Darryl has the opportunity to be one of high school’s all-time greats with a chance to hit the 5,000-yard career mark,” expressed Head Coach Max Washausen. “He is everything you want in a running back. Power, vision, speed, and durability. He also had perfect attendance this summer during workouts.”
When Kattich hit the scene in 2019, everyone took notice as he gained All-State recognition by rushing for 1,511 and 18 touchdowns in his sophomore year. That’s not a typo. Yes, a tenth grader rushed for more than 1,500 yards in the 3A-1 and he wasn’t even at 100% healthy towards the end of that season. As a junior last season, everyone was gunning for him and he still ran rampant gaining All-State honors again with 2,007 yards on 216 carries (9.2yrd average) and 25 touchdowns. Basically, if you need a reason why they call him the Cedarville Kraken, just flip through his stats. Two years, 3,518 yards, 9 yards per carrying average, and 43 touchdowns.
Football is an integrated part of Darryl’s genes. Kattich has played football since the first grade, he watched his brothers play while he was growing up, and his father coached him for years in Little League. And rumor has it that the family lawnmower even has plenty of yards under its belt. Sure, Darryl Kattich is naturally blessed with his skills and it’s in his blood, but talent doesn’t work if the player doesn’t work and Kattich is a workhorse on and off the field. When asked “What drives you to get up and train every day?”, Darryl responded, “I wake up every day knowing that going to practice is going to result in more team victories and will make myself as well as my teammates better. We have a strong backfield, speed, and the ability to take over in fourth-quarter situations. And we all know we have to work hard to reach our goal of becoming Conference Champions this year.”
Kattich with Coach Washausen
Although Kattich is a huge advocate of team first, he also has some personal goals on his hit list. To achieve a personal goal or team goal by itself is something hard to do to start with, but Kattich is bound and determined to succeed in both areas this season. “We want to be Conference Camps. Period!” Part of that road will lead directly into a home field battle with the 3A-1 perineal powerhouse, the Charleston Tigers. “I’m looking forward to the Charleston game because it’s going to be a great game between two very skilled teams that have rivaled each other for years.” Kattich has the personal goals of becoming the Cedarville Pirates all-time rushing leader as well as leading the entire state in rushing in 2021. If the past two years can serve as a magic ball for this upcoming season, then rest assured that each of the Krakens goals is not only achievable but downright probable!
If you believe as I do, the preseason is an excellent opportunity to play tough competition that will make your team better in the conference and post-seasons. On Tuesday of this week, that is exactly the opportunity that the Paris Lady Eagles volleyball team had as a participant in the Greenwood Lady Bulldogs volleyball camp. The teams that participated in the camp included the defending Class 2A state champion Mansfield Lady Tigers, as well as bigger schools from Class 4A to Class 6A. On the Lady Eagles schedule for this day were the Mena Lady Bearcats, the Russellville Lady Cyclones, Greenwood Lady Bulldogs, and the Hot Springs Lakeside Lady Rams. A daunting schedule that featured two-set matches with each school, including a Greenwood Team 1 and a Greenwood Team 2.
Resident Press Photo
Noticeably absent from the Lady Eagles was front-line hitter Akira Robinson. Paris rotated many players and player combinations and line-ups throughout the day, developing players and increasing the quality of depth on the team. And there were some spots that showed Paris that they still have some preparation to perform over the final two weeks of the summer. There were stretches where the team struggled with serving and setting. But make no question: this is a very deep and talented club that, if they remain healthy and continue to progress from week to week during the season, could make a serious run through the state tournament and possibly a return engagement in the state finals, or possibly a Class 3A state championship. Their conference will include the defending Class 3A state champion Hackett Lady Hornets that will be primed for their own state championship run, as well as improved conference opponents Charleston and Booneville.
Resident Press Photo
Paris will open their season in two weeks when they host the Farmington Lady Cardinals in a preseason, non-conference match that will benefit the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) catastrophic injury fund. The season schedule will officially open on Monday, August 23, when the Lady Eagles will travel to Russellville to take on the Lady Cyclones.
Stay with Resident Press for the most complete coverage of Paris volleyball from the first spike to the final point in what hopes to be another championship year for Paris volleyball! Additionally, more photos from the Lady Eagles matches at the Greenwood volleyball camp are now available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports for viewing and / or downloading at no charge.
Thanks for reading Resident Press, and I will see you on August 19 for the Lady Eagles AAA benefit game with Farmington!
Fay Maxine Wiscour of Dutch Creek, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, August 2, 2021 in Danville, Arkansas with her loving family by her side. Maxine was born April 24, 1961 in Waldron, Arkansas. She was 60 years old.
Maxine enjoyed making everyone laugh with her sunny disposition. She loved her family and was especially proud of her girls and grandchildren. She was active in her church. She loved helping with Bible School, the Christmas program, and leading Sunday song service. She wrote many songs and enjoyed singing. She loved going on vacation with the whole Vaughn clan and making memories.
Maxine leaves behind to cherish her memory, two daughters: Kristin Haggard and husband John and Racheal McKibbin and husband Dustin all of Dutch Creek, Arkansas. Maxine will forever remain in the hearts of two grandchildren, Alexis Haggard and Porter McKibbin. Maxine is also survived by her mother, Fayreen Vaughn; one sister, Melissa Lunsford and husband Steve; two brothers, Tony Vaughn and wife Diane and Jeffery Vaughn all of Union Hill, Arkansas; and one sister-in-law, Glenda Vaughn of Blue Ball, Arkansas. She is also survived by two nieces Kerry Stark and husband Scott; and Angela Vaughn; and two nephews Chris Vaughn and wife Calista; and Brandon Lunsford and wife Mary; and several great nieces Abbi and Katy Stark; Madison Miller; and great nephews Damon and Dakota Vaughn. Maxine will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends and loved ones dear to her heart.
Maxine was preceded in death by her husband James Wiscour, her father Leon Vaughn, one brother, Leslie Vaughn, and nephew, Anthony Vaughn.
Maxine’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Friday August 6, 2021 at the Union Hill Church with Rev. Zack Hale officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Maxine’s pallbearers will be Parker Cox, Mason Cox, Lincoln Hale, Tim Defoor, Rusty Defoor and Mark Defoor. Honorary pallbearer will be Tim Cox.
Maxine’s visitation will be Thursday, August 5, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fay Maxine (Vaughn) Wiscour, please visit our floral store.
There’s no such thing as a suppresser or silencer to put on a cannon. Everyone can hear the BANG and see the flash of fire as it hurls a destructive ball of steel into enemy territory. Imagine if you will though if somehow engineers found a way to develop one and there was minimum noise on the first test fire. The enemy would look at each other in shock and likely say something like “What in the Dickens”?
In 2020, the big guns in Cedarville’s offense belonged to their highly talented and ever-powerful running backs. Defenses in the 3A-1 prepared their entire game plan around stopping the enormous BANG of the Pirates run game. But if you look at the game film, you’ll notice something that wasn’t heard as loudly but can be seen very clearly. At the helm of the Pirate’s potent 2020 offense was Cody Dickens. While opponents stacked the box, Dickens quietly and meticulously destroyed them by completing 50 passes for 946 total yards with an average of 18 yards per pass and 7 touchdowns on the season. You read that right, Dickens nearly hit a thousand-yard season with just 50 completions. “Cody leads by example,” explained Head Coach, Max Washausen. “He had perfect attendance this summer during workouts. He’s very smart and extremely important to our offense and he knows the offense very well. But he’s also just as important on defense at the cornerback position. He has a strong arm and I expect him to have a huge season!”
That was last season though. Dickens earned a plethora of experience and had an entire off-season to perfect the art of his quarterback position, form a better understanding of his opponents, and become a premier player in the monstrous 3A-1 conference. “The personal goal I have set for myself is to get over 1,000 passing yards. The main goal though is to do my part to help bring the Conference Championship in football to Cedarville for the first time ever,” explained the senior. The Pirates may have one of their best teams in decades to suit up going into 2021 and their motivation for this season? Last year’s 2020 season. Cedarville lost two of their games against Charleston and Greenland by a combined total of four points and the Pirates are determined not to let that happen again.
“We’re mentally and physically ready this season,” said Dickens. “Last year’s results help drive me every day. We lost a couple of close games last year that we should’ve won. One strength this team brings to the table this year is the huge amount of Sr leadership. We’ve all had experience and are hungry to win. This team is also very dependable. Everyone shows up to practice and loves to play football. The game that I myself and the whole program have circled on the calendar for this year is definitely Charleston. I think we all still have a bitter taste in our mouths from the past and are ready to change that.”
Cody Dickens will be a staple of this season’s success, not because he’s the biggest cannon on the field but because of his love for the game of football. Dickens started off in the 1st-grade playing football and hasn’t looked back since. Cody’s influence in the game was none other than his father. “My dad definitely started my passion for football. He coached our little league team and every year we’ve been playing catch in the backyard since I could talk.” With a family backing at home and a family backing on the field, it’s no wonder that Dickens is ready to fire at will this season. So for anyone who may ask “what in the Dickens”, the answer is simple. Go buy a ticket at Pirates Bay in Cedarville and watch some Pirates football. You’ll get your answer to that question there.
It’s that time of the year again! The Mansfield Lady Tigers are having their annual Red/White Game on August 13th starting at 6 pm. As with before, this gives the Tiger community the chance to see the volleyball team showcase their skills for the upcoming season. “This year it will be a little bit different,” explained Coach Kaylie Pyles. “We are incorporating an 8-12-year-old scrimmage of Mansfield girls starting at 6:00. They will scrimmage for around 30 minutes. Then our Jr High team will scrimmage each other for about 40 minutes followed by the Senior High Red/White Game. That game will be the best 3 out of 5.”
Although the Lady Tigers have always posted the Red and White Game, this time around they wanted to have more kids involved that are a part of the upcoming Mansfield volleyball program. Along with Coach Pyles, volleyball fans will also see a new coach in Brandi Heydenreich. In regards to the first match-up with the 8-12-year-olds, Heydenreich had this to say about the 8-10-year-old group. “What can I say, this group is made up of some firecrackers! Last season was our first time to play competitively and these little spikers brought their A-game! Our team is made up of girls ages 8 to 10 and the majority of the time we were playing 11 and 12-year-olds. We placed in two out of four tournaments and improved with every touch of the ball. To say I am proud of them is an understatement. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the table this year!”
“This upcoming season with the Jr and Sr High, I am looking forward to a great year with an awesome group of girls. We have a tremendous amount of talent at all levels and I think the future is bright for Mansfield volleyball! I have coached several of these girls in club ball and I’m excited to now be a part of their school volleyball career. They are going to do great things!” Coaching the 11-12-year-olds is Mrs. Tari Ward. “We are having our girls participate who played JO Volleyball last year which are the girls entering 3rd-7th grades. The girls are happy to have the chance to play on the high school court in front of their friends and family. Bailey Quick said that she wants to show people how she can spike the ball! I’m excited for us to have the chance to showcase our future Lady Tigers!”
This event is free to the community but the Lady Tigers will gladly be accepting donations for the volleyball program.
Composting is rapidly becoming an essential and highly beneficial practice to farmers around the world. The ability to recycle organic material into fresh soil saves farmers time and money, and it’s good for the land and the environment. Best of all, the different types of compost and their uses make the practice of composting accessible to farmers with different sizes and varieties of farm operations.
Aerobic Composting
One essential type of composting is referred to as aerobic composting. In most situations, organic material left in a closed space can only decompose anaerobically. This commonly occurs in landfills and trash bins, as air can’t reach the material in those places to boost bacteria health. Instead, unpleasant bacteria that can survive corrosive conditions putrefy the material and produce large quantities of dangerous greenhouse gases.
On the other hand, with turning methods, organic material is routinely flushed with oxygen, hence the term “aerobic.” The result is a natural decay of the material into useful, refreshed earth rich in beneficial bacteria. Aerobic composting is a common practice that’s easily scaled for small and large commercial operations.
Aerobic Static Composting
Another version of aerobic composting uses static piles. Air vents are dispersed evenly throughout the piles, forcing fresh oxygen into windrows and resulting in a quick and effective output of high-quality compost. Large-scale farms and businesses that focus solely on compost production use this method most often, serving a vital role in reducing waste, controlling greenhouse gases, and supporting farmers with usable soil and cleaner, more natural fertilizers. Aerobic static composting is one of the main ways large quantities of compost are produced and shipped to farms around the country.
Compost Teas
Of the different types of compost and their uses, few are as controversial as compost tea. Primarily, the concern arises from hobbyist gardeners who don’t use the same procedures as commercial farmers. The disagreement generally focuses on which methods produce safe bacteria cultures and whether teas are more effective than standard compost.
Farmers, on the other hand, absolutely know how to use compost teas correctly. With cutting-edge technology, farmers can bypass the guesswork and produce large quantities of very effective teas. The different methods include sealed brewing, aeration, and cultivation of specified strains to guarantee that the tea has only measurable and positive effects on crops. The brewing method also ensures that, once the tea is distributed across crops, the cultures will live longer and provide more benefits.
The sun beams down unrelenting on the turf, kids playing catch, some are running around until a voice calls out, “Alright! Players over here!” It’s the second part of the Pittbull preseason, new player orientation. Fifth and sixth grade new players have already been assigned their teams. Remaining on the field tonight are a group of third and fourth graders. They circle up for stretches before being divided to be evaluated once more for the draft.
As they stretch a couple, carrying an arm pad and paperwork, they meet the group of coaches then take their position on the sideline to observe the orientation, just as they have done for the past 13 seasons.
Scott and Crystal Strozier have been involved with the Pittbulls since 2008 when Scott began coaching. In 2012 they joined the board and continue to be a huge part of the Pittbulls. On any given Saturday, you’ll see Scott slinging burgers on the grill and Crystal keeping things moving.
Johnny McKusker, the President of the Board, arrives after a parent meeting for those in school ball.
Through these three individuals, the Greenwood Pittbulls have become one of the premier youth programs in the River Valley. How did this happen? How after 28 seasons have they become an integral part of the Greenwood Community?
The Beginning
It is June of 1992, a local business owner by the name of Danny Burton approaches the board of the South Sebastian County Youth Organization (now known as Greenwood Boys and Girls Club), regarding a tackle football program. At the time, more than a couple dozen families were traveling to neighboring Fort Smith and towns like Hackett, Van Buren, and Mansfield to participate in football. The outlook for the 1992 season had even more families making the trip to Greenwood’s neighbors. The SSCYO declined, citing difficulties in raising, adding that as a part of United Way, they would have to make the program available to everyone. As anyone familiar with the type of person Danny Burton was, knows what happened next. Burton went to work exploring other avenues.
Burton approached Mike Stem and Rick Smith about starting a program outside of the SSCYO. After contacting and receiving support from families in Greenwood, they contacted the President of the Arkansas River Valley Football League, Buddy Swift, about joining. At the same time, Paris was wanting to join the league and Swift thought it would be a good idea to expand from a six to eight league team. Greenwood and Paris would join; Booneville, Ozark, Hackett, Mansfield, Barling, and Lavaca on August 3rd, 1992.
While league talks were occurring, the Pittbulls set up their board of directors, naming Danny Burton President, Rick Smith as Vice-President, and Mary McCain as Secretary/Treasurer. Mike Pettigrew, Bill Copher, and Jim Butler would become board members.
Starting a football program is never easy, there is insurance and equipment to buy, in 1992 things of that nature totaled $4000. The founding parents donated enough to equip one or more players, alongside some area businesses assisting with donations. Longtime supporter of Greenwood Athletics, Farmers Bank, carried a $1500 note for the Pittbulls, to which the Pittbulls were able to pay back in an astonishing six weeks. By end of the 1992 season, their was enough funding to head into the next season.
Alongside the Football team it was also decided to have a cheer team. It consisted of 10 girls per team and was led by Amy Hurt.
On September 15, 1992 the Pittbulls took the field for the first time against new ARVFL member, Paris. The ARYFL had rules in place that one team was to be made up of 6th graders and a younger team made up of 4th and 5th graders. The 6th grade team, coached by Steven Leonard, Frank Nolan, Mike Stem, and Greg Pair, beat Paris 36-12. The 4th/5th grade team led by Rick Smith, Jerry Efurd, Donnie Sandifer, Gary Ezell, and James Butler would go onto beat Paris by a score of 30-8.
By seasons end, the 6th grade team had finished with a record of 11-1-1, tying against Booneville for the league championship. The 4th/5th grade team ended their season 7-3. The highlight of the season was both teams being invited to play in Little Rock against some great rivals. This is a present-day tradition that continues for the Pittbulls.
The Present
Throughout the years many familiar athletes have donned the white helmets, with the signature blue “G”. Tyler Wilson, Jacob Burton, Hunter Wilkinson, Luke Hales, Morgan and Jordan Hanna and Jayden Jasna, just to name a few. You see the Pittbulls uniforms on Friday nights, as so many kids do, playing catch with a football next to the stands watching and waiting for their turn to make their mark on the Football Town.
It is the foundation to Greenwood Bulldog Football, it’s where legends are unearthed and discussed years later. For example, Luke Hales’ team going undefeated all four years. A 76-70 game against Bentonville, where two rising stars Kane Archer and Braxton Lindsey (Bentonville) tried to out-duel each other. Hunter Wilkinson and Jordan Hanna going to Little Rock and winning the State Championship and then repeating the same feat in high School.
No matter what is done outside of Greenwood, everything starts with the Pittbulls. Crystal Strozier pointed out “of the nine that signed to play college ball in February, seven of those came through the Pittbull program.” The other two started in Union Christian and Lavaca.
The days of Greenwood being the Arkansas River Valley Football League are far behind them. Now it is the very competitive Bi-State League. A league rule change in 2018 called for teams to consist of athletes that attended their respective schools. In turn, it created parity within the league. Last year, albeit the “Covid” season, it saw every organization represented in the playoffs and Championship games. Teams from Sallisaw, Van Buren, Poteau, Greenwood, Bentonville, and Fort Smith all got a chance to take home the coveted Golden Football at season’s end.
For season 29, the cast remains the same with the possible addition of a Fort Smith Southside team to go alongside the talented Fort Smith Northside. Van Buren, who has fielded two teams 3rd-6th is reportedly down to one team. Bentonville always seems to find talent in that area and will look to make a strong run in every division. Poteau always has a deep talent pool in every age group. The Black Diamond out of Sallisaw are always in contention. Another team has reached out to the Bi-State League to join, a travel team out of Alma, who is exploring the idea, just as the Pittbulls did in 1992 with the ARVFL.
The biggest change for Greenwood this upcoming season is the new jerseys. Since 2015, the Pittbulls fielded two teams under the names “Blue” and “Gray”. This season with the new look, they have brought back what was the third team name pre-2015. They are now Pittbull Blue and Pittbull White.
The Future
What does the future hold for the Pittbulls? From Danny Burton to Chris Climer and Clint Watson to Johnny McKusker, the organization has been in good hands. The main goal for the Pittbulls is to do everything to keep this program alive for years to come.
McKusker became the President with a limit of five years in 2016, they joked that they would change his start time to 2018. They are also looking to add board members to fill the spots, as the Stroziers will be leaving at seasons end. If anyone is interested in stepping up to the task, please reach out to them.
While teams all over the country complain and are hampered by a lack of community support, the Pittbulls have put on a master class as to how to become intertwined with the school and the community. From cheerleading and cheer clinic, to games and coaching assistance from the high school, there is something special about the Pittbulls. They are the foundation of preparing the youth of today for the adults of tomorrow through sport.
The Waldron golf season is officially underway and it was as if the Bulldogs never left. In the first match of the 2021 season, Waldron shot a 114 at Cherokee Creek Country Club in Booneville. That score was good enough to lead them to a tie for first place with the Bearcats. “We return a ton of experience on the boys’ side this year,” stated Coach Josh Atchley. “These guys have been working all summer in hopes of three-peating as conference champions and improving upon their third-place finish at the state tournament from a season ago.”
The Bulldogs graduated all-conference golfer Jaden Hutchens, but return all-conference players in Drew Owens and Lane Metcalf, as well as all-stater Lane Tallmadge. In addition to those returnees, Noah Patrick, Will Solomon, and Josiah Plummer round out the squad. Following a year without any female golfers, freshman Macey Owens breaks that trend and is ALL-IN on Bulldog golf. Coach Atchley has big expectations for this year’s team. “These guys set themselves apart because of their commitment to the game without me having to ask or push them to find ways to add value. They are the ones who push each other and hopefully, that gets us over the hump at the state level this year.”
Lane Tallmadge finished tied as the match medalist with a 35(-1), Drew Owens added a 39(+3), and Noah Patrick finished with a 40(+4). A 114 team total is the lowest score Atchley’s squads have ever recorded in his five years as head coach. “We turned in a really good score as a team and we have a great level of competition in conference with Booneville also shooting well. It’s just the first match so we hope to improve on that score as the season progresses.”
Lane Metcalf shot a 41(+5), Will Solomon scored 45 (+9), and Josiah Plummer added a 62 (+26), while Macey Owens finished with a 70 (+34). “Outside of a few tough holes we all played better than normal for the opening match of the year. A couple of our freshmen had some nerves to work through which is pretty standard, but they will get over that.” The Bulldogs will be back in action on August 4th as they host a ‘Mega-Match’ at the Waldron Country Club at 4 pm. Booneville, Charleston, Dardanelle, Elkins, Lincoln, Mansfield, Mena, and Waldron will bring their talents to Scott County as they all showcase some top-notch high school golf!
