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Mansfield Athletics See Changes In Staff

Sports

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11:21 am

Mansfield Athletics See Changes In Staff

With the end of the 2018-2019 Mansfield school year, the Tigers sports programs saw an exciting game of musical chairs staff edition. In total, the Mansfield Tigers heartbreakingly said goodbye to four coaches. Dustin Payne, Ashley Wilson, Bryan McKay, and Kent Elmore.

Two new faces will be joining the Tigers staff roster. Landon Dover and Layton Robinson. Coach Dover will be taking over as assistant football coach and track coach. He has eight years of football experience including three years as a coordinator. Including his thrower career on the Harding Track and Field team, Coach Dover as many years of experience as a track coach as well. Magazine native Coach Robinson is coming on as the assistant baseball coach and golf coach. He has been a member of the Arkansas Tech baseball team for the past five years.

Six current coaches will be seeing a change in their titles come the 2019-2020 sports season. Tim Cothran will be the new Head Baseball Coach. He has coached baseball for the past 17 years, including the last six years as the assistant baseball coach at Mansfield. He will also continue to be the Offensive Coordinator for Mansfield football.

Erica McKay is stepping up as Head Softball Coach. She has served the past two seasons as the assistant softball coach and was a member of the 2012 state softball championship team. She will also continue with her volleyball duties.

Josh Bryan will take over as the new head Junior High girls’ basketball coach in addition to his role as head Senior High girls’ basketball coach. He will also continue in his Cross Country and Track duties.

Keith Stovall will be adding head Junior High boys’ basketball coach to his resume. He will continue his role as assistant Senior High boys’ basketball coach and assistant football coach.

Allie Dake will step into the role of head Senior High cheer coach in addition to her role as head Junior High cheer coach. Keith Dake is gearing up for his new softball assistant coach position in addition to his role as head Senior High boys’ basketball coach and assistant Junior High boys’ basketball coach.

Mansfield’s Co-Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Craig Bentley had this to say about the changes.“We are very excited about getting all our coaches into place to best benefit our programs and our kids. We are blessed with great coaches here at Mansfield that work hard and most importantly, put kids first. As always, thank you to our administration and school board for allowing us to have the vision to make all of this work! Go Red Tigers!”

Bulldog Bryson Bailey Jumps Into Success

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:10 am

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Bulldog Bryson Bailey Jumps Into Success

Waldron Track sophomore, Bryson Bailey, made his team and his town proud when he took part in a two day Decathlon. Competing against 71 boys from across the state, Bryson ended the event with 4,936 points putting him in a 23rd place finish.

During the Decathlon, Bryson partook in ten different track and field events. These included hurdles, high jump, shot put, pole vault, discus, and Bailey’s personal favorite, long jump.

Day one concluded with Bryson sitting in eighth place after sealing a first-place triumph in the long jump section of the competition. It was during this long jump event that Bryson landed a new personal jump record of 22’1.5.

Bryson endured a slight amount of difficulty in day two’s happenings which included pole vault, hurdles, and discus. Only having thrown a few times prior to the event, Bryson finished with a discus throw of 103-6. With plans of going back to the Decathlon next year, Bryson Bailey has plenty of time to perfect his track and field skills in preparation of his Track domination.

Lavaca Football and Cheer Sign Ups are here.

Sports

Resident News Network

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4:59 pm

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School is ending , little league baseball is in full swing, and its already time for football and cheer sign ups. While trolling through Facebook earlier today, I came across the following post from Susan Mendez, “We will have Football & Cheer (3rd – 6th grade for Cheer) sign ups Friday, May 24th, 5p-7p at the county ball fields in the room above the concession stand.” For Cheer there is a $20 sign up fee that is due at the time of sign up. However, there is an additional siblings discount of $10 for each additional child. For football the fee is $40 with a $15 sibling discount.

At the moment there is just the one date set. Future dates will be announced once they are determined. For cheer there is the availability to sign up via email for anyone that are unable to make it. For questions regarding Cheer Sign ups you can message Susan Mendez or Amber Hall. For questions regarding Football message Alanna Kaegan.

This year Lavaca will play in a new league. This is a big step in aligning our Little league program with that of the high school. They will be playing many of the same teams that they will see throughout their school years. This should be a fun year with lots of excitement! Get the players and cheerleaders out early for sign ups and prepare for a great season!

Lavaca’s Hall signs with University of the Ozarks!

Sports

Resident News Network

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2:24 pm

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Lavaca’s Hall signs with University of the Ozarks!

Today was a special day for one Lavaca graduate. Jimmy Hall was a two sport athlete and 4 year Letterman for the Golden Arrows. He was the Quarterback during football season but his passion has always been baseball. Hall has been a starter in baseball since his sophomore year, although that season was cut short with a meniscal tear in his right knee. Hall under went surgery to repair but re tore it just days before being released to play sports again. He under went a second surgery and missed his Junior year of football but was able to get back on the field for baseball season. Hall played first base for the Arrows and put up some really big numbers. Hall lead the team in Home runs with 5 and RBI’s with 30. This year Hall showed his maturity. He lead the team in batting average as well batting .412. Not only did he play first base this year but he moved around the infield showing that he is more than capable at 2nd and short stop. He also pitched. In fact, on the mound he was a beast, sporting a whopping .76 ERA. All of this has lead to today. Today Jimmy Hall sat at a table in front of his high school peers and signed to play baseball at the University of the Ozarks.

Coach Mark Headley spoke to the students. He told them that Jimmy had set a goal years ago to play college baseball. That he worked hard every day to make himself better. That he refused to quit when adversity hit…not once but multiple surgeries. That he did his job on the field and in the classroom everyday. He admonished them that someday in the not far future we could all be sitting here again to watch them sign their own letter of intent. Jimmy has worked hard to get where he is and now he will reap his due reward. He will get a great education and the game he loves to play will help him pay for it. Way to go Jim. Go Eagles!!

Tigers 5th Annual Youth BB Camp

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:37 pm

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The Mansfield Tigers basketball program recently held their 5th Annual Tigers Youth Basketball Camp. Held during a two-day time span, the camp was available for athletes going into 3rd-7th grade.

During the camp, athletes were taught fundamental skill work that would aid in growing and improving their individual game. They were also shown drills covering ball handling, shooting, and teamwork.

At the end of the day, 30 young athletes participated in the basketball camp. “Thank you to everyone that played a part in making this years Tiger Youth camp such a huge success,” expressed Coach Keith Dake. “It is always a blessing to have the opportunity to work with the future of Mansfield Athletics!”

Bulldogs Host Spring Banquet

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:01 pm

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Pictured is Coach Bailey Moore and Rheagan Sanford

The Waldron Bulldogs ended the 2018-2019 school year with their annual Spring Sports Banquet. It’s a night that players and coaches alike look forward to. A chance to put on your best evening attire and celebrate the season’s highs with your fellow teammates.

Earning the Captains Award for Cheer was Maggie Hudgens, Jillian Davis, Mackinzie Callahan, Lauren Trampp, Aubrey Butler, Rena Owens, and Madison Patrick. Achieving All-Conference for Lady Bulldog Basketball was Chenoa Burdess and Mackinzie Callahan. Samantha Slater was awarded All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Securing All-Conference for Bulldog Baseball was Tyler Owens, Seth Hunt, Braden Williams, and Caden Fuller. Tyler Owens was also crowned the All-Star Nominee and awarded the Pitching Award for a 1.32 ERA and 82 strikeouts. Seth Hunt received the Batting Award for a .400 AVG and a .525 OBP. Earning the Catching Award was Braden Williams with a 42% CS. And securing the Defensive Award was Bryson Bailey with a 1.000 fielding percentage.

The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs Track teams saw great success this season. Earning All-District for the ladies was Mackinzie Callahan, Chelsea Stidman, Chenoa Burdess, Taylor Horn, Erica Davis, Samantha Engelke, Jaden Kirkendoll, Lauren Trampp, Hannah Jeffries, Ryleigh Anschutz, Stephanie Sexton, Desiree Hunt, and Kaylie Martinez.

Stephanie Sexton made MVP. The Cinderella Story Award went to Jaden Kirkendoll. And the Heartbeat of the Team Award went to Kaitlin Keener. Securing All-State for their participation in the 4×800 relay was Ryleigh Anschutz, Madison Patrick, Stephanie Sexton, and Kentucky Spence. Receiving an award for All-State in the 4×400 relay was Ryleigh Anschutz, Desiree Hunt, Kaylie Martinez, and Stephanie Sexton.

Hannah Jeffries earned All-State for the 60m Hurdles. Jaden Kirkendoll won All-State in High Jump. Alyssa Byford received All-State in Shot Put. And Erica Davis took home All-State in the 60m Hurdles. The Lady Bulldogs were also named the 3A State Champions for Outdoor Track.

Landing an All-Conference Honorable Mention Award from their participation in Bulldog Basketball was Jacob Avila and Gada Wagner. Earning All-Conference was Drew Dozier and Peyton Brown. Brown also picked up an award for All-State and 3A State Tournament Team.

The Lady Bulldogs hosted some pretty impressive talent on their softball team this season. Capturing an award for All-State Honorable Mention was Rheagan Sanford. Making All-Conference was Ashton Young, Whitney Richmond, and Mackinzie Callahan who also received All-Star Selection. Receiving the Lady Bulldog Award was Bayleigh Lipham and Taylor Stacy.

The Freshman of the Year Award went to Sydney Hudgens. Earning the Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards were Mackinzie Callahan and Mason Cox. Male and Female Athlete of the Year went to Drew Dozier and Mackinzie Callahan.

Rounding out the award ceremony was the Bulldog Track team who ended their season the 3A State Champions. Making All-Conference was Isaac Villareal, Trevor Root, Matthew Tegtmeyer, Caden Fuller, Ruben Valdez, Gabino Grano, Levi Haden, and Bryson Bailey. Placing All-State in Indoor Track was Grano, Hayden, Bailey, and Mason Ford. Track Athlete of the Year Award went to Bryson Bailey. And Levi Hayden made Field Athlete of the Year.

Waldron Mayor Has “Big Dreams” for Sawyer-Wright Field

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Tammy Teague

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12:43 pm

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Waldron Mayor Has “Big Dreams” for Sawyer-Wright Field

At Tuesday morning’s Community Coffee event, Waldron Mayor David Millard introduced Superintendent Daniel Fielding as the guest speaker.

Fielding shared with those in attendance at Dalton’s Place, the importance of Sawyer-Wright Field to the school’s football program. Currently, the field is the site of pee-wee football practices.

The city has expressed interest in taking over the property as it borders the Forrester-Davis Memorial Park.

Fielding stated, “We want the primary function of the football stadium to be for our pee-wee program…it’s really advantageous to the school, because if they are starting when they are young, and they are getting that love for the game built up, then those kids are going to go to junior high together and they are going to know things about our football program in high school…I think that’s how you get a real program started, it’s with these guys, they set the foundation.”

Both Fielding and Mayor Millard agreed that this could be good for both the school and the city. Millard responded, “I’m a dreamer, I can’t help it… I’ve got big dreams for that property. When I became mayor our city park had already been started…I got to thinking about the football field and the property around it…The pee-wee program will be the primary thing, and always will be, as long as they want it. We want to make the field something they can be proud of…our dream is to make it something beautiful.”

Fielding said the school and the city will work through the legal process to achieve this goal, a win-win for both.

Caring for Citizens of Greenwood

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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12:15 pm

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These days, you would assume that everyone has all that they need to take care of their property. Their home, their yard and any outbuildings should instill a sense of pride in everyone to keep it maintained and looking presentable, right?

When you drive by a home that is less than presentable, do you assume that the homeowner is lazy or doesn’t care? You can drive around Greenwood for about 15 minutes and find at least 10 properties that are unkempt.

Have you ever thought that maybe the homeowner is doing the best they can?

What I am talking about is a small Community Charitable Project that started the other day because of something that was posted elsewhere. Already, there have been volunteers from Greenwood going and helping others who can’t themselves for free.

There are many elderly and disabled folks in our community of Greenwood. Some of them do not have access to, or the physical ability to mow their yards.

We assume that some people don’t care, but I assure you that they do.

There are individuals and businesses that provide mowing services or just mow for the enjoyment. And there are some people that love to paint, they are good at it and they also enjoy it.

It’s not a surprise, a fresh-cut lawn looks great and we feel good. Just the same, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders to a person’s outlook.

With these recent storms, there is a lot of debris that needs cleaned up. Look around your neighborhood and see where you can help any time of the year.

For the future, keep it up. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I say it takes a caring community to grow a community. Volunteer.

Mansfield Superintendent Resigns

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Tammy Teague

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9:31 pm

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The Mansfield School Board met on Monday evening, May 20 at 6 p.m. Resignations and new hires dominated most of the night. Among those, the resignation of Superintendent Robert Ross.

“I feel honored to be a part of such a great district,” commended Ross. “I will be more than happy to help with the transition…For family reasons, it’s time for me to do something different. It’s been a pretty good ride.”

Ross has been with the Mansfield School District for the past 8 years. Ross’ last day will be June 30, 2019.

Additional resignations included:

Chasity Spicer
Shaina Stubblefield
Ashley Wilson
Bryan McKay
Dustin Payne

The board approved the motion to hire an additional dishwasher at the middle school. Also, they approved the following new hires:

Assistant Football Coach/Teacher – Landon Dover
Teacher/Baseball Coach – Layton Robinson
Elementary Paraprofessional – Jordan Martin
Middle School Paraprofessional – Amanda Wilson
Elementary/High School Choir – Kimberly Boyd
Teacher – Nerinda Elliott
Teacher – Sarah Key
Teacher – Laurie Lamb

The board is set to begin their search for Ross’ replacement.

Board Members Question Omission of Prayer at Graduation

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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8:53 pm

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Board Members Question Omission of Prayer at Graduation

When members of the Mansfield School Board met on Monday night, May 20, they commented on the omission of prayer from the graduation ceremony held the Friday night before.

“Why was there no prayer,” questioned Board President Rick Nicodemus. “Our lawyer told us that we cannot include prayer in the program,” responded Superintendent Robert Ross.

Following last year’s graduation, the group Freedom From Religion threated a lawsuit against the school if they did not drop the practice.

Board members and administrators discussed student lead prayer and resuming baccalaureate services.

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