On May 20-21, the Mansfield Lady Tigers coaches and basketball players held a cubs basketball camp for girls grades 3-6. With a total of 24 girls in attendance, the camp was a huge success. Along with having fun and making memories, the Lady Cubs were taught skills such as passing, dribbling, and shooting form.
“I was very pleased with the turnout and hard work of our little Lady Tigers,” expressed Head Coach Joshua Bryan. “There is some talent in the younger classes that will improve our young basketball program in the years to come. I’m excited to see each one of our players grow throughout their careers.”
“The camp’s success came from the output of our campers. Everyone worked hard with each and every task we put before them. One example was the fact that all of the girls remembered what was taught from day one when asked on day two. We also had a dribbling competition where our campers competed against our senior and junior high staffers. There was a lot of cheering and encouragement between everyone at the camp. Spirit was high and the girls just seemed to enjoy what they were doing throughout the duration of the camp.”
“The Lady Tiger basketball team would like to thank everyone who came out to participate in our annual camp. Your support and dedication to Tiger athletics are greatly appreciated! Lastly, it was the help of the 9-11 grade basketball players that made this camp possible. Without them, the camp would not have been as successful as it was. Thank you Lady Tigers!”
As we get older we realize how fragile life truly is. Recently, we experienced the loss of a dear friend and brother in Christ.
For so long he fought cancer, and suffered more than I can imagine. But, through his suffering he never lost his faith. He and his precious wife, who never left his side, nicknamed me “Smiley.” When I heard of his passing, I couldn’t help smiling, although it was through tears.
Anthony Vanriper left a legacy for those of us who are left here fighting the fight, running our race.
Many times we get so involved with the things of this life that we neglect what truly is important.
One day we will all meet an end, just as sure as we were born we will die. What will matter in the end? A decision of where you spend eternity is the most important. What will you leave behind here? What will be your legacy?
I can recall someone at some point sharing advice with me on work, and priorities. They posed the question: “When you are on your death bed, what will you have wished you would’ve done differently?” That you’d spent more time working? Probably not!
Priorities, the life you live, the legacy you leave behind. It’s all what will matter in the end!
Recently the Waldron Bulldogs Senior High football team held a small scale scrimmage giving fans a sample of what’s to come for the future season. Kicking off spring practice, the Bulldogs have 36 players putting in the work and fine-tuning their skills.
Sitting in the coaches box is Jonathan Bates as Head Coach, Mark Brigance as Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers, Nick Stovall as Offensive Coordinator/Offensive and Defensive Line, Jayden Southard as Special Teams Coordinator/Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs, Garett Lazenby as Head Jr High Coach/Linebackers and Running Backs, Cory Chambers as Head 7th Grade Coach/Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs, and Chance Tanner as Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs.
Coach Bates and his Bulldogs
Head Football Coach, Jonathan Bates, gave his thoughts on how he feels spring practice is going. “I like our work ethic and determination. We have a solid group up front on the O-line and D-line and our skill guys have some explosive capability. With that being said we still can’t get anyone hurt. We have to continue just getting better at basic blocking and tackling. We are going to continue to develop depth at all positions during the summer.”
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!”
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.
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!
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!!
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!”
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.
Tyler Owens
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.
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.
