Resident News Network

Charleston Hosts Preseason Football Camp Last Week at Alumni Field

Sports

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8:23 am

Charleston Hosts Preseason Football Camp Last Week at Alumni Field

After two weeks off during the Arkansas Activities Association’s (AAA) mandatory “dead weeks”, high school football resumed its preseason workouts and preparation for the season openers in August. Most schools will open the 2021 football season on Friday, August 27.

On the hot Alumni Field turf last Wednesday were five teams who worked virtually non-stop for a little more than two hours. Class 3A powers Booneville and Charleston, who many project to win their respective conferences, were joined by conference opponent Lavaca who has made significant strides this summer with a returning class of sophomores who many have touted as having a big future over the next three seasons. The 3A teams were joined by Class 4A Clarksville and Mena. The Mena Bearcats, coached by Craig Bentley, are projected to have another good year in a very tough 4A conference that includes the perennial powerhouse, Ozark Hillbillies.

The format of the Charleston camp was different from the camp we covered in Paris just before the dead weeks break. The Tigers camp featured their new indoor practice facility that housed linemen doing specific competitions that would benefit each player in their offensive and defensive line responsibilities. The camp format allowed the linemen to practice their drills for the entire two hour period.

Outside, the backs, receivers, and quarterbacks ran pass skeleton drills for the entire two hour period. The camp format provide a lot of repetitions for each group, and provided the additional opportunity for the players to improve their conditioning and skill work with a lot of reps in the July heat.

For most of the schools participating in the camp, it was evident early that the players were returning from an extended break, and it took the form of dropped passes, missed assignments in the defensive secondaries, etc. But, there was no question about the effort that each team invested in the camp, and as the morning progressed, the quality of play, both offensively and defensively, also improved.

Perhaps one of the more positive aspects of the players’ performances to this observer was the conditioning of the players. No player from any school appeared to be struggling with the heat in the non-stop reps that the coaching staffs were putting the players through. Also, it appeared that no team suffered any injuries, so, the coaches should be happy with the progress their teams are making.

Charleston appears to be deep and talented. Coach May and the Tigers football staff are coaching the kids hard on effort and playing to the whistle. The Tigers will be ready in August and will be, in my projection, the favorite to win the 3A-1 conference.

The Booneville Bearcats will again be favored to win the 3A-4, and the camp format of passing is not necessarily what fans can expect to see this season from Booneville. They can definitely throw the ball well when they want to, but the camp format did not play to their strong suit of running the option with great efficiency and power. That should be evident in the preseason game in August.

Additional photos from the camp may be found on Facebook at Charleston Tigers Sports. Photos are free for viewing and downloading. All fans from the participating schools are welcomed to copy the photos at no charge.

It is…the most wonderful time of the year….as football season is just a little more than one month away. Stay with Resident Press this season for the most complete coverage of River Valley high school football!

Mansfield City Council Approves Lease for New Trash Truck

Tammy Teague

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4:50 am

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Mansfield City Council Approves Lease for New Trash Truck

The Mansfield City Council met in a regularly scheduled session on Thursday evening, July 15 at 6 p.m. Members of the council present included Julie Thomas, James Steele, Jan Carlton, Beverly Lyons, Bobby Musgrove, and Sheri Hopkins. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black, and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the council voted to approve the minutes of the June 17 meeting. Next, the council heard the city services reports.

Fire Chief Michael Smith was not present, and Mayor Black read the fire report. The department has had a total of 44 calls, four fire and 40 EMS. Smith’s report noted that Jason Teague had completed his first responder course, and was awaiting final testing. Teague has been riding with Sebastian County EMS and is now able to respond. This gives the city a total of three first responders. The department assisted with the Fourth of July fireworks show and raised $304 selling hot dogs and nachos in the concession stand. Smith extended his gratitude towards Jason Baggett and the Huntington Fire Department for their assistance in that event. According to his report, Smith has worked a total of 248 plus hours this month.

Mansfield Police Chief Wayne Robb was present to give his report. Councilwoman Thomas asked about preparations for the upcoming school year with the absence of the acting School Resource Officer, Sean White.

Public Works Director Joe Manes stated his department has had a lot going on and has been short-handed. He reported on mechanical issues with both of the trash trucks. A representative from Municipal Territory was in attendance and presented the council with a proposal on a new trash truck lease agreement. That agreement includes a new 2021 PB 337 20 yard New Way Cobra for $165,500.00. The estimated payments are for 36 months at $2,688.80 with a balloon payment of $77,500. The city will have the option in three years to return the truck and get a new one or keep it and pay the balloon payment. In a unanimous vote by the council, approval was given to enter into a lease agreement with Municipal Territory.

The council voted to amend the agenda to include the hiring of a new full-time employee for the public works department. Steele made the motion to hire Bradley Himes, Thomas seconded. In a vote of 5-1, the motion passed. Voting for: Steele, Carlton, Thomas, Lyons, and Musgrove. Voting against, Hopkins.

Lastly, City Attorney Travis Plummer reported on the resolutions and ordinances he was working on. Those include a revised fireworks ordinance and a policy on sewer and water adjustments.

In the next item of business, approving a new roof on the Mansfield Senior Citizen’s building. The council reviewed two bids, one from Barnes Roofing for $19,950.00, and the other from Guy Dickinson for $29,500.00. Alderman Steele made the motion to accept the bid from Barnes Roofing, Lyons seconded. In a vote of 4-2, the bid was awarded to Barnes roofing. Voting for: Steele, Hopkins, Lyons, and Musgrove. Voting against: Carlton and Thomas.

Next, the council discussed establishing a policy to set sewer and water adjustments. That policy would include an adjustment on wastewater when filing a swimming pool or watering a garden.

In items of new business, the council voted unanimously to establish bulk water rates. The council voted unanimously to charge a $100 minimum fee for 5,000 gallons of bulk water. Next, the discussion of condemning dangerous and unsightly buildings. No action was taken on the item. Lastly, the council discussed with the city attorney revisions for a fireworks ordinance. This would allow for the selling of fireworks in the city, with a license. The seller must make visible to the customer the city’s ordinance on when the fireworks can be used. The revision also includes a fine of (first offense) $25, (second offense) $100, and (third offense) $500.

Before adjourning, the mayor announced the upcoming fishing derby, scheduled for August 7 from 8-10 a.m. at the city lake park. The derby will be for children ages 3-15 years of age.

With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

Remember the 3 R’s When Boating on a River

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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12:56 pm

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Remember the 3 R’s When Boating on a River

The heat of summer often leads anglers to large rivers and the promise of large catfish and an extended period of fish activity thanks to current keeping surface water moving and slightly cooler than in backwaters and reservoirs. But traveling on a river like the Arkansas can be a daunting task for people who don’t know what all those buoys and channel markers mean. How do you know which side of the buoys to stay on when traveling up or down a river?

Remember the 3 R’s of boating: “Red right returning.” It applies in Arkansas and all over the nation.

Whether you are paddling a canoe, chugging along in a johnboat, zipping by in a bass boat or cruising on a houseboat, this simple rule will keep you in the right place – in the channel where it’s safe.

Returning means coming upstream from the ocean or the mouth of the stream. Keep the red buoys on your right as you travel upstream. That means the green buoys will be on your left.

If you are going downstream, just reverse this. The red buoys will be on your left, green buoys on your right.

Buoys are found in many sizes and shapes. Just the red and green ones mark channels. Others are white and are for information. This may be directions to a facility, for controlled areas like no-wake zones, and to identify underwater dangers like rocks or dams. A buoy with black and white vertical stripes marks an obstruction; don’t travel between it and the shore or bank.

For more details on boating navigation rules in Arkansas and boater education courses offered by the AGFC, visit www.agfc.com/en/education/first-steps-outdoors/boatered.

Timepiece: Superstitions and Folk Tales

Networks

Tammy Teague

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12:52 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Growing up at the base of the Ouachita mountains, most of us are the product of the many superstitions and folk tales that abound throughout the region. As products of the Scotch-Irish, German, and African-American settlers, we received a veritable smorgasbord of ingrained beliefs that supposedly assist us through the unsettled span of our lifetimes.

Surpassing the traditional and pedestrian superstitions such as lucky rabbit’s feet and black cats, mountain superstitions prescribe our behavior for events ranging from our birth, marriage, and even our burial. Growing up in the area, superstitions become ingrained and accepted as facts of life.

My father, the third of ten boys, was delivered by a midwife. When he arrived, he had a caul called a veil across his face and head. These occur in one out of eight hundred thousand births and generally, the membrane is harmless and quickly removed. Famous people including Sigmund Freud, Charlemagne, and Napoleon were born with veils and my dad joined that fortunate group, according to local superstition, of being in line for a special life, the ability to predict events and to have extraordinary perception. The elderly midwife pulled my grandparents aside to inform them of this blessing and to pronounce him as a blessed child.

Although unsure of the folk tale, my father had uncanny abilities of reading people and getting along with everyone. Rising from a very humble beginning, he developed extensive business relationships with car companies and was considered very successful in life.

My oldest uncle, William was born with one ear. My grandmother always believed she had “marked” him while he was in the womb when she pulled her hair back over the right ear and smearing it with blood while skinning a squirrel.

One of the strangest superstitions of the region has to do with the mad-stone. The mad-stone is a stony concretion and comes only from the stomach of an albino deer. When used correctly, it has curative powers and the ability to cure rabies, rattlesnakes, and spider bites, among other things. Several people, including the Cox family of Cox valley fame, have possession of such stones, which are passed from father to son. When needed, the stone is placed on the wound or bite. It is left directly upon the wound where it “sucks’ the blood from the wound until it falls off on its own. It is then placed in sweet milk until the milk turns green, indicating the poison is removed. People throughout the region attest to its effectiveness and, in a period of time when rabies and snakebites more often than not lead to death, mad stones and their owners were much in demand.

As a child, I once slipped out with my uncle Jerry and was introduced to the habit of cigarette smoking. Huddled inside our hide-out, we smoked an entire package of Salem cigarettes. That night, I was sick unto death! My grandmother, not knowing what was wrong but sure she had the remedy, mixed me a spoonful of sugar and coal oil. Holding my nose, she poured a spoonful of the gritty mixture down my throat. Not only did it help my stomach, it completely cured me of any desire to ever smoke again. I am not sure it was from the remedy or the fact that I was afraid that any fire constructed near my mouth might lead to a fatal explosion from the fuel.

I am not sure what superstitions are true and what are not, but I am not going to walk across someone’s grave, break a mirror intentionally, and, if I spill the salt, I am going to throw a spoonful over my left shoulder.

Street Lights, Police Department Policies Dominate City Council Meeting

Tammy Teague

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4:48 pm

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Street Lights, Police Department Policies Dominate City Council Meeting

The Greenwood City Council met in regular session on Monday evening, July 12 at 7 p.m. Members of the council present included AC Brown, Ralph Meeker, and Tim Terry. Lance Terry, Daniel McDaniel, and Rod Powell were absent. There was a quorum with the addition of the Mayor, Doug Kinslow. Also present, City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry, and City Attorney Michael Hamby.

Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the council voted to approve the minutes of the June 7 meeting. The mayor welcomed WAPDD, Western Arkansas Planning and Development representatives, and the Sebastian County Junior Fair Board. Mason Williams, the board President, addressed the council providing an overview of the plans for this year’s fair, themed: “Blast from the Past.”

Members of the council then reviewed the committee reports. Mayor Kinslow read the report from the Boys and Girls Club. Joel Goldstein with the Parks Commission presented his report, which included praise for the Parks Director on a successful Freedom Festival. Mayor Kinslow added that he was also grateful for the other departments who contributed to the success of the event.

Next, a presentation on the long-range transportation plan (MTP) by Reese Brewer, MPO Director. Brewer discussed the planning organization’s impact on projects such as the Greenwood bypass.

With no residents signed up to speak at the citizen’s forum, Mayor Kinslow moved on to the next item on the agenda. Finance Director Tom Marsh presented his report to the council, noting positive growth and anticipated revenue. In agenda additions, Mayor Kinslow recommended item eight regarding nepotism within the police department, be included.

Planning and Development Director Sonny Bell sought the council’s approval of the second reading of an ordinance to repeal and replace #20-17, a building permit fee schedule. The council voted unanimously to approve the second reading.

Police Chief William Dawson was present to discuss the next item on the agenda, a resolution to amend the police handbook regarding professional towing. Dawson proposed the companies to be included in the department’s rotation undergo background checks, inspections on trucks and equipment, have proper lighting and fencing. “They are a reflection on the department and the city,” Dawson stated. A person who has been in an accident retains the right, however, to request the towing company of their choice.

In the next item on the agenda, Street Director Chad Grouse addressed the council regarding a resolution to authorize the sale of equipment to Sebastian County. The council unanimously approved the motion to sell the city’s roller and paver purchased in 2017 and 2018.

Marsh then addressed the council regarding the next item on the agenda, a resolution to amend the budget for professional fees, water and sewer. Marsh stated that Water and Sewer Commission approved two projects that are unbudgeted, both greater than $5,000. According to Marsh, the projects will be paid for through existing funds in the city’s sales and use tax. One is in cooperation with the park’s department with the water and sewer design and engineering fees for a splash pad, and the other, a related impact study for the new east side development. The council unanimously approved the resolution.

Parks Director Tammy Briley presented the next item on the agenda, a resolution to amend the budget for capital improvements. Briley stated that she had purchased a mower for the parks department, replacing an old existing mower. “It was one those things that had to happen or we would be behind in mowing…” stated Briley. The other item Briley discussed, 19 acres of land that needs to be cleared. Briley asked that the company Prime Acres, who does mulching, be contracted to do that job. A motion was made and seconded, and the resolution was passed unanimously.

In the next item on the agenda, an ordinance to declare a 90-day moratorium on street light erection. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the details of the verbiage for the ordinance. “I would like to see it clearly defined…the minimum standard light,” Bell stated. No action was taken on the matter.

In the added agenda item, Chief Dawson discussed the lack of applicants to fill positions within the police department. Dawson then discussed the policy of nepotism and sought the support of the council to allow relatives to apply for positions within the Greenwood Police Department.

With no other items remaining on the agenda, the meeting of the Greenwood City Council was adjourned.

Jr Pirates Low On Numbers But High On Talent

Sports

Megan Hecox

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7:12 am

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Jr Pirates Low On Numbers But High On Talent

The year 2020 wreaked havoc on nearly everything including the Cedarville Jr Pirates football team. Last season the Pirates saw extremely low numbers on their roster along with the normal challenges that the game of football brings. Although some would cancel their games for lesser reasons, Cedarville sailed on and gave every opponent all they could handle. This year isn’t 2020 though and Cedarville isn’t about to merely give their opponents all they can handle. THEY are ready to rack up the W’s.

The Jr Pirates will see four returning starters from the 2020 season on the field with Alex Heaton, Chasyn Oden, Reed Payton, and Jayden Carter. Four may sound like a low number, but these young men are four quality leaders for the Pirates to lean on. Although they’re the only returning starters, they will not be alone in the experience department by any means. Cedarville will have a lot of freshmen who had field time last season and are experienced at their positions. Older players who have experience on the field are a bonus for any program so leadership shouldn’t be a problem in 2021. If that’s not enough, the Pirates have the added benefit of size on their side. The Pirates will suit up more players who will possibly dwarf their opponents in the size department.

The Pirate’s chest of treasures only grows heavier as the summer goes on too. Cedarville coaches have found a few hidden gems lurking in the depth of practice. Brody Ewald, Staton Haley, Aiden Jones, Zander Young, and Hunter Davis have shown that they are capable of making waves on the field once the regular season games begin. With all of the pros in Cedarville’s favor, it’s hard to find any cons in the program………except one. The game of numbers will be a factor this season again for the Pirates. Although a few more bodies to strap on helmets would make a world of difference, Cedarville knows all too well how to win with what they have.

Head Coach Max Washausen isn’t going to give up on trying to gain more players though. “We faced low numbers in 2020 and the team was still able to be competitive in almost every game. I was very proud of them for pulling that off against teams who had a lot of depth on the sidelines. Coach Chandler and I have been working really hard to build an environment where everyone loves football. We’re showing them the importance of football in the community and the many important life lessons they can gain by playing. Football is a tough sport and every kid that suits up will be better apt to face a tough world by playing.”

With a heavyweight schedule ahead of them in 2021 along with rivals Mansfield and Mountainburg, the Jr Pirates will not have an easy go in 2021. That being said, they also know that the future success of the Cedarville Pirates football program lies in their hands. With that in mind, look for the Jr Pirates to fill both hands with swords and muskets as they aim to take no prisoners on the gridiron this fall.

Online Scheduling and Learning Tools Available to Driver License Written Test Applicants

News

Tammy Teague

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12:21 pm

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Online Scheduling and Learning Tools Available to Driver License Written Test Applicants

Arkansans who are about to begin the process of obtaining their driver’s license will soon be able to reserve a specific date and time to take the written test. The scheduling tool is currently limited to written test applicants who intend to use the Arkansas State Police Troop A or Troop L testing locations at Little Rock and Lowell.

While both testing sites will remain open to walk-in test applicants during the regular weekday schedule, test applicants are encouraged to access the online service and pick a day and time that accommodates their personal schedule.

The service is expected to help parents and guardians who are typically left to rearrange their work schedules while accompanying a son or daughter to begin the testing process. The objective is to reduce the long lines and delays while test applicants wait their turn to register for the written test.

The first phase of the online scheduling tool that includes the primary testing site in Benton and Pulaski Counties was activated today at www.asp.arkansas.gov The additional 10 testing sites at other Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division Troop Headquarters will be added in phases during the coming months.

A listing of all driver license testing sites is available at:
www.ar.gov/aspdriverexaminfo

The Arkansas State Police has also produced a video that’s available at the same website to help written test applicants better prepare themselves for the test. Parents are encouraged to watch the video with their teenagers who may be considering the opportunity to take the Arkansas Driver License Written Test. The video was produced to curb an increasing failure rate among first-time written test applicants. During calendar year 2019 more than 63,000 of the 111,123 written test applicants failed the test.

All driver license testing information and learning resources are available at:
www.ar.gov/aspdriverexaminfo

Terwilliger Hired as Assistant Senior High Basketball Coach

News

Tammy Teague

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10:13 am

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Terwilliger Hired as Assistant Senior High Basketball Coach

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office building on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Tammye Sherrill, Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Mac Davis and Konnor McKay. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Chris Lipham, Josh Atchley, Kim Solomon, Zack Taylor, Keith Brigance and Toni Dozier.

President Sherrill called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Davis began the meeting with a word of prayer. Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Woodall to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the June 21^st and June 28^th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve ASBA Invoice for Property and Vehicle Insurance; D) Approve Renaissance Learning Purchase Order for Federal Programs; E) Approve ADE Statement of Assurances for Programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Motion carried 5-0.

The principals reported on what is happening at each of their buildings to get ready for the upcoming school year. Lipham, Middle School Principal, reported that all positions are filled and that they will be continuing the extra precautions that were taken last year. Lipham also answered questions that the board members had about bus routes and drivers. Solomon reported that she still has one position to fill but applications have come in so that position should be filled soon.

Superintendent Daniel Fielding informed the board members that Waldron School District hosted substitute training, put on by ESS, and there were about 25 in attendance. This is a good sign that we will have more substitutes this school year.

A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Davis to accept the resignation of Josh Brown as Assistant Principal as of the end of 2021/21 SY. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Woodall to hire Zakary Terwilliger for the high school math position and also for the head junior high, seventh-grade basketball coach, and senior high assistant coach, providing he obtains all the necessary licensure for the math position. He will be placed on an ALP of which he will have three years to fulfill providing he meets the state progress requirements each year. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Davis to hire Jo Ellen Dettra for the family and consumer science position. She will be participating in the APPEL program. APPEL candidates have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in other areas and are seeking licensure for education. They receive a provisional license upon acceptance into the program after being hired by a district. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to transfer Tonya Cluck’s contract to High School Assistant Principal. She has completed all requirements for educational leadership and is fully certified for the position. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Woodall to approve the Resolution to the Disclosure form for Hunsucker, who stepped out of the room during voting. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Hunsucker to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Magazine’s Sr Football Machine Still Churning Going Into 2021

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:32 am

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Magazine’s Sr Football Machine Still Churning Going Into 2021

Famous American author, Mark Twain, once said: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”. But no matter how big or small, there are not many things in the animal kingdom that will take on a Rattlesnake. The Magazine School District is one of the smallest schools in the entire state and their football team doesn’t exactly have a roster loaded with players. Yet year in and year out, the Rattlers football team always ends up making the bigger schools look like fools on the field.

With a combined 10-1 conference record, a conference championship, and state playoff appearances in each of their high school football seasons, the 2021 seniors on Magazines team will walk into this season knowing nothing but success. They say confidence breeds success and success breeds confidence. If that’s the case, Magazine is more than confident they’ll be successful in 2021. “Right now the program as a whole is in a good spot. We have quality players returning in senior high with a good junior high group coming up” said head coach, Ryan Chambers. Going into his second year as the snake head of the program, Chambers has confidence that this team is every bit as good as any in the state.

Magazine graduated some serious weapons from the 2020 season which probably caused a sigh of relief for their 2021 opponents. That sigh will be short-lived though as the Rattlers will return six starters on both offense and defense. One of those returners is Ashton “The Drone” Droemer who will be the Rattler’s most experienced and lethal player in Magazines offense backfield. Droemer is no stranger to the grind and has the capability to be placed on the list of Magazine greats. Also returning to the Rattler’s infamous power offense is three-year starter, Terrence Thurman. Thurman will be the master lock in the offensive line chain this season. Returning multiple starters is great, but Magazine has always been a program that pulls talent from the shadows. Coach Chambers also has a pair of lethal fangs in Issac Klein and Cameron Mattson. “Klein will be a threat on the outside while Mattson will have some significant carries from the backfield. They don’t have a ton of experience, but they do have the tenacity and desire to win that we’re looking for,” said Chambers.

The Rattlers very well may have the best set of skill players in the entire 2A, but their arch-nemesis is still low numbers. Magazine will again suit up one of the smallest rosters in their conference and state. That being the case, they’ve proven each and every year that even the smallest snake pit can be extremely deadly. Against all odds, the Rattlers have been able to create magic each year through pure effort and players who take pride in suiting up in Red and Black. Then you add in Coach Chambers along with his assistant coaches Dakota Suttles and Chance Shelby, who create a great team environment and structure for the team, and you can see why success seems to be imminent for Magazine. All of that is great, but possibly the best returning starters for the 2021 season though will be the packed stands in the Snake Pit itself. Magazine has one of the best fan bases in the state to feed their Rattlers all of the energy they can handle. With talented athletes, a venomous fan base, and an unmatched effort, low numbers will always wind up being mere markings on a piece of paper.

Oxford Swings In As New Hackett Softball Coach

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:35 am

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Oxford Swings In As New Hackett Softball Coach

At the end of the 2020-2021 softball season, beloved Hackett coach, Jeff Richardson, rendered his position as head softball coach. Along with Richardson, long-time History teacher, Mr. Steve Clark, retired at the end of the semester leaving two vacancies in the district. After interviewing for both positions, Jeff Oxford has been hired as the new History/Social Studies teacher as well as the head coach for the softball program. “After completing my internship at Hackett High School this past spring, I really had a great experience and knew Hackett was where I wanted to be,” expressed Oxford.

Jeff Oxford is a 1990 graduate of Mansfield High School. He has been married to his wife Carmen (Cotner) Oxford for 25 years. Carmen is a lass of 1991 Mansfield graduate as well and has been working as a provider at Mansfield Mercy Medical Clinic for 15 years. Together Jeff and Carmen have three daughters, Lacey 18, Sydney 16, and Lilly 14. Oxford had previously spent over 20 years in the logistics industry, most of that time with Eagle One Logistics as a Branch Operations Manager. After losing his job in the spring of 2018, Jeff determined it was time for a change!

Always wanting to be an educator, Jeff chose to return to college and pursue a career in teaching. “With the support of my wife and family, I was able to return to school full time and complete my teaching degree in three years, graduating from UAFS this past May. Truthfully when I returned to school to become a teacher, coaching was not my goal. I just felt a calling to help our youth and felt I could best accomplish that as an educator. But when the Hackett administration contacted me asking if I would be interested in taking over the softball program, I could not pass up the opportunity. I love working with kids and the relationships you build through athletics.”

Although this will be Coach Oxford’s first year as a teacher, he is no stranger to coaching. “I have coached travel baseball, volleyball, and softball for most of my adult life. Baseball back in my 20’s for my younger brother, Jason, where we had a very successful run, winning a Babe Ruth Arkansas State Championship, and Coaching Junior Olympic Volleyball for Mona Jones’ successful Club Velocity organization. But my coaching passion is softball, due to my experiences coaching travel softball for the past 8 years.”

“My goal is to just continue to build on the softball program. Coach Richardson has established a winning tradition at Hackett that I hope to build on. The kids in the Hackett community are used to winning (back-to-back State Titles in Volleyball) and that is what I plan to do, win!” For Oxford, getting the support of the community and backing the girls is at the top of his importance list. Recently, the girls held their first annual Lady Hornets Softball Camp which saw over 40 participants. “This camp helps the program in several ways. It shows the community we are interested in their kids, and we get to work with the young ones and help increase their interest in the sport so they are ready to play by the time they get to me.”

With summer practices already in full swing, Coach Oxford also has plans for a winter workout program. “My hope is to jump our program to the next level. Not only making it to Regionals and State but to compete for a title. And that is my goal for the program, to win a State Title. I would also like to add that I am extremely grateful to Mr. Ray and Mr. Freeman for giving me the opportunities I have been given at Hackett High School!”

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