DR. CHRISTINA GREEN
Saline Health System is proud to welcome Dr. Christina Green to Central Arkansas Women’s Group. Dr. Green received her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she also completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She most recently served as the Medical Director of Women’s Health Care Scott AFB. Join us in welcoming Dr. Green to Saline Health System!
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
CALL (501) 847-0834 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
3412 Market Pl Ave | Bryant, AR 72022 | (501) 847-0834
EDITOR’S LETTER
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Josh Elrod
jelrod@ignite-mediagroup.com
ART DIRECTOR Krystal Neuhofel krystal@salinecountylifestyles.com
2 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
CONTENTS LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
DR. SAM
FITNESS TIPS
BACK TO THE TOP
04 09 10 14 18 22 26 30 33
CONSISTENCY THROUGH CHANGE
HEALTH UPDATE
INSURANCE INSIGHT
MyFarmers.Bank
BENTON TEAM PREVIEW
BENTON TEAM SCHEDULE
Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 3
4 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Benton Panthers Assistant Coach Drew Harris always knew he wanted to go into the family business. “Drew and his brother grew up in a high school field house,” Benton Head Coach Brad Harris said. “He was drawing plays on marker boards by five- or six-years-old, and he had no problem telling everyone he was going to be a coach one day.” A transfer to Benton his senior season, Drew was a multi-purpose offensive threat on the football field and a standout shortstop/pitcher for the state final baseball team. He went on to earn numerous Conference and State honors in both sports, including 6A Male Athlete of the Year from AR High School Prep. For Brad, his role had changed, though. A former head coach at Lincoln High School, he joined Scott Neathery’s staff as an assistant coach in 2014, and for the first time, would not be directly coaching his son. “He has always played for me,” said Brad Harris. “I wasn’t his position coach for that season, and I got to see him mature and grow as a player and as a
young man from a different perspective. It was special to be a part of that.” Drew went on to play at Ouachita Baptist University, earning conference honors multiple seasons and being named a NCAA Division II AllAmerican. Still, he never lost sight of the path he envisioned more than a dozen years ago. “Going back to when I was a ball boy on my dad’s teams, coaching is really all I’ve ever wanted to do,” Drew said. “Dad laid that foundation for me, and I’ve seen the positive impact he’s had on so many lives and communities. It was the example for me, and it’s what I want to do.” But just being a coach like his dad wasn’t the only thing Drew Harris always dreamed of. He also wanted the chance to coach with his dad. “Out of college, he was eager that a spot might open at Benton,” Brad Harris said. “I tried to get him relax about that and said, ‘Try going somewhere else to start. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. Just let it happen naturally.’” With the encouragement of his father
and OBU coaches, Drew earned a job in 2019 as an assistant high school and junior high football coach at Little Rock Christian under 20-year veteran head coach Eric Cohu. Drew also worked as an assistant baseball coach.
BUT JUST BEING A COACH LIKE HIS DAD WASN’T THE ONLY THING DREW HARRIS ALWAYS DREAMED OF. HE ALSO WANTED THE CHANCE TO COACH WITH HIS DAD. “To me, this was exactly what he needed,” Brad said. “Coaching there gave him the chance to see how another staff operated, and with Coach Cohu, you couldn’t ask for a better leader. He does a tremendous job with his program.” “The biggest thing I learned in that first year was the importance of establishing strong relationships with the kids,” Drew said. “Going into coaching, it wasn’t always the first thing I thought
T E A M W O R K I S Better. Hometown traditions bring us together. In Benton, that means friends, family and fans coming together under Friday night lights to cheer on their favorite players. We’ll celebrate when they win. And when they don’t? We’ll support them even more – just like we do for each other. Here’s to team Arkansas. Proud to be your community bank.
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Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 5
about as being a big deal, but as I began working with the players there, I realized that if I wanted them to succeed, I had to develop those relationships to encourage them to be better.” What neither realized until Brad’s wife, Megan, reminded them was that the Panthers opened their 2019 season at home with a scrimmage game against Little Rock Christian. “It was just a few weeks before the season when she turned to me and said, ‘Oh my gosh. You two are going to coach against each other in his first game,’” Brad said with a laugh. “I answered, ‘Yep. And we’re not father and son. We’re enemies.’” A year later, Brad got the news that one his assistants, 18-year veteran football and baseball coach, Rusty Davis, was leaving the staff and joining the school’s administration. That created an opening, and Drew immediately showed interest. “All of our coaches knew him and have kept a strong relationship with him,” Brad said. “I thought it was a good hire and a perfect fit for exactly what we needed.” For Drew, the new job means he’ll be calling himself a Benton Panther for the first time in seven years. More interestingly, the players he’ll now be coaching were elementary school students watching him from the bleachers during his standout senior season. “I remember so many of those kids when they were in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades,” Drew said. “It’s going to be exciting to be able to work with them now as their coach and help develop them as players and as young men.” So what about nerves when it comes to coaching with your dad? Drew says, “No. I think he and I have developed a really good working relationship, and everyone, especially the players, can see how we work with one another.” What does Brad think? “I’m excited to have him on staff and see what he can do with our young players. Many of them remember him, so he has instant credibility, and that’s going to be a lot of fun.”
THE FACES OF ORTHOPEDIC
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Arkansas Bone & Joint provides reconstructive and total joint surgeries. The practice also provides treatment for diseases of bones and joints, trauma and fractures, sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery, hand surgery and foot surgery. Arkansas Bone & Joint has a full service X-ray, MRI and outpatient rehab department for the convenience of our patients. Our physicians include: Jerry Lorio, M.D., Scott Walsh, M.D., BJ Bailey, M.D. and Jeffrey Johnson, M.D. Arkansas Bone & Joint has served Saline County and other surrounding counties since 1998.
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And finally, what does Megan think? “I think she’ll be most happy to not have to split time driving back and forth between his games and mine,” Drew said. Charles Crowson 6 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Financial Advisor 1107 Ferguson Dr. Benton, AR 72015 501-776-1414
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8 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Good day, I hope this note finds you well. Fifty-seven year ago this summer, August 20th, I joined my friends in the football dressing room in the basement of Laura Conner High School in Augusta, Arkansas. It was hot and humid. Most of us had worked on the farm during the summer so we were used to the heat, but few of us had worked like we would in two-a-day football practice. Coach Curtis King was a strict taskmaster and none of us wanted to disappoint him. He was a physically small man with a loud, commanding voice. Even though he was old, probably 55 or 56, he was agile and could do everything he asked us to do and more. At the end of practice each day, he made us run several laps around the football field. He ran backwards in front of us making fun of us, calling us the most pitiful group of wanna-be football players he had ever seen. He had a nickname for each of us. It was a badge of honor for Coach to give you a nickname. My nickname was Tails and I can say I have no idea what warranted that moniker. I was going into my senior year of high school. The year before had been
a good team and ended up with an 8-2 season; we weren’t expected to do that well. As ninth graders, our junior high team had had a winless season and the expectations were much the same for our senior year.
In the end, he put me in places where I could do the least harm: weak side guard on offense and nose tackle on defense. It is a fair assessment to say that I was not a great football player. I wasn’t fast, I couldn’t throw the ball and I wasn’t big. I was 5”9” inches tall and weighted in at 154 pounds but Coach King didn’t have a lot of choices; my lack of skill and size didn’t set me apart from most of my friends. In the end, he put me in places where I could do the least harm: weak side guard on offense and nose tackle on defense. Our quarterback was a sophomore who was showing good promise. One afternoon, we were practicing a new pass play. I was at offensive guard and the kid opposite me kept breezing right by me and getting to the quarterback. Coach
halted practice, came over to me and said, “Tails, I want you to play quarterback for a play or two.” He put the quarterback into my place on the line and told him to let the defensive player through. It only took two plays, each time I was decked by the oncoming lineman. Coach walked back to me lying on the ground and said, “Now, do you see what you need to do?” The kid across from me didn’t make it to the quarterback again that day. Our team went on to win six games and lose four. In the process, we beat McCrory and Cotton Plant, the two other small towns in Woodruff County. I think Coach King was proud of us. Have a good journey, Sam Dr. Sam Taggart is a retired doctor/ writer/ marathon runner in practice in Benton for the last 35 years. He recently published The Public’s Health: A narrative history of health and disease in Arkansas, published by the Arkansas Times. His two other books, With a Heavy Heart and We All Hear Voices are available at your local booksellers or online at Amazon.com.
Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 9
ACTIVE
Lifestyle
FITNESS TIPS Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
By Marietta McClure, Head Trainer, McClure Fitness
During the COVID quarantine I struggled with my own personal workouts because I missed the group fitness environment. It wasn’t just the workout part, it was that I missed my team of people working toward a common goal: to get healthier. It’s not about a calorie burn; it’s the accountability, motivation, determination, inspiration, discipline, and energy that the group atmosphere provides. In the fitness world, group fitness is like a team sport. The coach (trainer/instructor) teaches form, sets the drills and rules, motivates the group to keep going and even calls out his/ her players when they take a break. While some people prefer to work out on their own, there are a ton of folks who have discovered the magic of working out with others. I polled some of my fellow group fitness fans and asked them, “What’s the best thing about group fitness?” “Motivation, accountability and friendships. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to try group fitness, but now I’ll never do anything else.” – Lauren “Not having to come up with your own workout at the gym; the trainers do it for you!” – Hannah “For me it’s the competition. I push myself so much harder when I’m trying to beat or keep up with someone else. I’ll quit a lot quicker on an at-home workout!” – Jessica “The people... 100% hands down, the motivation, encouragement, and love that you feel from the people going through
exactly what you are going through in that point in time.” – Ashleigh “Signing up for a class so my mind doesn’t talk me out of doing my workout.” – Sommer “It’s motivating to see others bettering themselves. So when my mind comes up with excuses to quit, I see the person next to me continuing to move their body, and their determination pushes me to do the same.” – Lisa “Pushing yourself because you’re in a group and don’t want to look like a slacker.” – Olivia “The instructors: you can go to a lot of group fitness classes and have a mediocre instructor and think it’s what group fitness really is, but when you have a superior instructor it takes it to a whole new level.” – Laura
How To Take Full Advantage • The best use of your time and money is to find a workout class close to you. • Look for an appropriate class: low impact if you’re just starting out, or advanced if you’re an experienced fitness enthusiast looking for a challenge. • Pay in advance for a class at a specific time. You don’t have to spend long hours making your own workout plan, or hire an expensive personal trainer. Just show up. • Introduce yourself to others in the class. They’ll help you get the right equipment needed for that class. And as you make friends, they may even
10 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
hold your favorite spot in class. • Trust the instructor. They know what they’re doing with the exercises. • You will leave feeling totally spent, exhausted, and miserable. But you will live through it. Your body will hate you in that first week, but keep showing up. Each class will get easier. The soreness will fade. You’ll be stronger, and proud of yourself.
Tips for starting a new workout class: Show up to class five to ten minutes early. Your new instructor will appreciate it because class can get started on time and they can go over what to expect. Greet and introduce yourself to the instructor. Making that connection sends the message that you are open to encouragement and feedback. This is a good time to communicate any exercise modifications you might need. If you loved the workout, tell the trainer—trainers are people too, and they need encouragement!
Stick With It Once you find the right team, aka group fitness gym for you, keep it up! I want to stress the importance of sticking with it. Give yourself 90 days of consistent exercise. In 30 days, your clothes will fit better. In 60 days, those closest to you will notice the change in your body. Everyone else will notice in 90 days. Whatever it takes, stay consistent. Application is everything. Stay strong!
Lifestyle
RICK NATION
ACTIVE
Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 11
WITH TEAMWORK, LET’S PULL TOGETHER TO BEAT COVID-19, AS MY OFFICE PULLS TOGETHER FOR YOU!
KATHERINE WOODWORTH LPC, CRC, ICCDP-D, CCDP-D, DCC
GOOD LUCK
BENTON !
Join me on FairWay Counseling Facebook, YouTube and @Counselingway on Twitter.
We provide videos to help process, quotes to remember positive and challenges to improve your daily lives.
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507 Oak Hl Benton, Arkansas FairWayCounseling.com
12 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
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14 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Benton Panthers Head Football Coach Brad Harris describes his senior starting quarterback, Garrett Brown, as “a really laid-back guy, very easygoing.” While such a description may not seem to match with a full-contact sport such as high school football, Coach Harris considers this one of Garrett’s strengths. “He doesn’t get rattled easy and the moment doesn’t seem to get too big for him,” said Harris. “He is not the fiery vocal guy, but when he does speak to our team, they listen. One of his best traits is that he processes everything well; that means from the offensive play pre-snap (prior to the play) & post-snap (during the play). He is able to process what defenses do and help get us in the right play if necessary.” This ability has Garrett poised to etch his name in Panthers Football history as the most prolific passer in the school’s history. So what influences in Garrett’s background can explain his ability to remain calm under pressure? A quick glance at this 17 yearold’s young life shows that he is
a Benton resident, son of Allison Hogue. He has one sibling, a 21 year-old brother, Dalton. He started sports by playing baseball at age 7 and continued through his junior year in high school. “But I decided to focus on football after knee surgery (OCD of the knee) where continuing to play as a catcher would not support my knee healing. My knee has recovered, so I hope to come back to pitch for Benton baseball after football is over. I also enjoy playing pick-up basketball games,” said Garrett. Football was, at first, a sport just to keep him busy. “I started playing football in eighth grade just as something to do because baseball didn’t start until ninth grade. It turned out that I enjoyed football more.” Garrett admits his first venture into football in the eighth grade didn’t get off to a blazing start. “I played linebacker and quarterback and wasn’t very good, but my freshman year, I moved to quarterback only.” In the ninth grade, he left defense behind to concentrate on offense.
Coach Harris remembers seeing Garrett play. “Garrett was a part time starter in junior high. He was a smaller guy during those days. He hit a growth spurt after his ninthgrade football season that really helped him going into his sophomore year. Garrett always had good arm strength in Jr. High, but was a little small and slow footed so he struggled at times. I think his growth spurts helped his confidence too.” It was this progress that gave Coach Harris the confidence to move Garrett into the starting quarterback position halfway through the 2019 season
Saline County Lifestyles • 12th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 15
when then-starting quarterback, Colin Morrow, was sidelined with an injury. “He really did a good job as a sophomore. We tried not to put too much on him and let guys make plays around him until he got more comfortable. Even as a sophomore, Garrett understood our passing game really well. He knew his abilities and didn’t try to do too much. He was not a running quarterback, so he knew he needed to get the ball out to the wide receivers on time and whom to get it to. I think that goes back to how coachable he is. He does a good job of studying our opponents and knowing how we can attack them. Garrett threw for 2,021 yards—seventeen touchdowns with only five interceptions— during his sophomore season.” For Garrett, jumping into the starting lineup and the confidence he had taking it was due to the help of a teammate. “At age fifteen, it was an unforgettable experience for sure, but the senior quarterback at the time (Colin Morrow) really helped me stay calm so I wasn’t too nervous. He was recovering from an injury that year and I had no idea how much his strength would help me make it through the next year.” During the 2020 season, Garrett took up where he left off the previous year. Coach Harris sums it up this way. “I thought Garret had a really productive junior year. He passed for 3,093 yards: twenty-seven touchdowns with interceptions. We would like for him to take care of the football a little better this season by not throwing as many interceptions, but overall he had another really good year.” Which brings us to the chance to break the all-time passing record for Panthers football. Coach Harris knows the record is in the vicinity of 5,300 yards but isn’t exactly sure. When asked about the record, Garrett said, “I have no clue what the passing yard record is, if that answers your question, but I do think it would be cool.” Laidback indeed. But don’t let that fool you. Garrett’s vision for the season is clear. “I think it’s time for Benton to be back at the top. Second place just isn’t it.” Brent Davis 16 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 17
18 • Saline County Lifestyles • 12th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
This coming football season is unlike any other before it. It is a first for all, as we navigate our jobs, school, and sports during a pandemic. The Salt Bowl—the most anticipated game in Saline County—has been on many minds. At the time of this writing, the game is still set to go, with safety precautions in place. There have been many players behind the scenes to give the Benton Panthers a somewhat normal preseason going into the football frenzy. One of them is former Coach Rusty Davis, who has 18 years of coaching and teaching experience. Now, he’s Assistant Principal at Benton High School, but he comes at the new school year and upcoming football season with a player’s heart. He notes that coaches thrive on consistency, and this season is anything but consistent. “I think the biggest challenge this year going into football season is trying to deal with the unknowns. These are unprecedented times we are living in and we are all trying to make the most of the situation. New information is coming out every day, and coaches and administrators are having to adapt.” While consistency and routines have been thrown out of the window, he says, “We just have to attack each day with a positive attitude and try to make the most of the time we are given.” The problems are the same experiencing this uncertain time from the administrative side, Davis says. “They just present themselves in a different manner. We are all trying to do the best we can for the kids with what resources and information we have at the time.” As a first-year administrator, he says, “I don’t know any differently. It is a crazier time, but I don’t have any routines or preconceived notions be it in these times or more normal times. I feel fortunate to see things from this side.” He has a new appreciation for administrators, too. “All the planning and the meetings and uncertainties and the burdens they carry for being responsible for students.” Especially
during this pandemic, he says, “We’re learning something new every day. It’s a good challenge, though.” Davis knows what it’s like to be involved with school and sports under “normal” circumstances. A 1997 Benton High School graduate, he continued playing baseball into college at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He played football in high school as well, but not his senior year because of back-to-back seasons ending in knee injuries during his sophomore and junior years.
“I ALWAYS LOVED SPORTS AND I QUICKLY FOUND OUT THAT I LOVED TEACHING, SO IT WAS A PRETTY EASY DECISION TO GO INTO EDUCATION.”
“I spent a lot of time that fall working out and preparing myself for my senior year in baseball,” he says, “which paid off because I had the opportunity to pursue my baseball career at UA Little Rock.” Davis began coaching American Legion Baseball in Benton during the summer while still in college and playing baseball himself. After graduation, his first coaching and teaching job was at Benton High School, teaching math and coaching boys’ basketball and boys’ soccer. “I always loved sports and I quickly found out that I loved teaching, so it was a pretty easy decision to go into education,” he says. Since 2002 when he joined the BHS staff, Davis has taught Algebra I and II, Geometry and 12th-grade math. “I was an assistant boys’ basketball coach for one year, then
an assistant football coach from 2003-2019. In the spring, I was head boys’ soccer coach from 20032010 and head girls’ soccer coach in 2009-2010. From 2011-2020, I was an assistant baseball coach.” The only thing Davis says we can expect this fall is “to expect the uncertainty.” And while he won’t be cheering and mentoring students from the sidelines this year, Davis says he will always admire what sports instill in kids. “I love the competitiveness that sports bring out in kids,” he says, and “those tough situations that present themselves that allow good coaches to teach lifelong lessons. I love the opportunity that I have every day to be a positive influence on our players. Lastly, I relish the relationships that I have built with the coaches that I have worked with over the years. I’ve tried to learn something from every coach that I’ve ever coached with, and I’ve had the privilege of being around some really good ones.” Staying true to his life’s priorities helps Davis be the best leader he can be. “I have always tried to coach with perspective and keep my priorities in line: God, family, school, sports. That can be a tall task at times, but I always thought, ‘If I can’t prioritize my life, how can I expect my players to?’” The Salt Bowl may look and feel differently this year, but the same spirit will be there. The competition between the Benton Panthers and Bryant Hornets is more than a football game, Davis says. During his high school football tenure, Davis actually never got to play against Bryant because of those injuries during his sophomore and junior years. “It is a representation of what is so great about high school sports: the sense of community, togetherness, and pride in your school. I consider myself very fortunate to have been associated with it for such a long time. There are very few things that compare to walking down the tunnel at War Memorial Stadium before kickoff in front of 25,000 fans.” Jillian Jacuzzi
Saline County Lifestyles • 12th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 19
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HEALTHY
Lifestyle
HEALTH UPDATE
ATHLETES & HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES By Dr. Josiah Onyenekwe, MD
As students head back to school and athletes get back in the game this fall, there are many health-related issues student athletes need to be on the lookout for. In Arkansas specifically, heat-related illnesses can be a major cause for concern among students spending a lot of time outside. There are actually several different disease states and syndromes directly related to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The symptoms can range from heat exhaustion, exercise-induced muscle cramps or collapse, heat edema, and life-threatening heatstroke. Those
at the highest risk for these are athletes, outdoor laborers and military personnel. Several factors can lead to an individual’s having an increased risk. Those can range from medications, environmental exposure, unknown or known medical conditions, and the inability to adapt to the current climate. This is usually due to an impaired ability of the body to cool itself based on the exposure, the body’s nourishment, and any restriction that can lead to an impaired cooling mechanism. Some major risk factors are strenuous exercise in high temperatures or
THERE ARE ACTUALLY SEVERAL DIFFERENT DISEASE STATES AND SYNDROMES DIRECTLY RELATED TO PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. humidity; poor physical fitness; or excessive gear, clothing, or equipment. These heat-related illnesses are often found in high school students, with nearly 9,000 cases reported each year, and heat-related illnesses are among the top causes of death in athletes. It is crucial to the safety of student athletes to understand the different conditions and their symptoms.
MILD CONDITIONS Heat Edema Heat edema typically presents with facial flushing or redness, and extremity swelling (usually in the lower extremity). Treatment consists of moving from the heat and elevating the extremity. Heat Cramps Symptoms of heat cramps include muscle spasms that occur mostly in the stomach, calves or thighs, normal body temperature, moist and cool skin (usually occurs after extended or intense physical activity). Treatment normally consists of moving from the heat, resting, leg elevation, stretching, massage, and oral electrolyte or fluid repletion. Heat Rash Symptoms of a heat rash include red papules/pustules or lesions on the 22 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
HEALTHY
neck, arms or legs, truck and groin (usually on skin covered by clothing). Treatment includes removing clothes and evaporative cooling (by drying the skin).
core temperature reaches 101 to 104 degrees F, but the patient’s mentation is usually still intact; any alteration in mentation leads to a severe heat illness.
MODERATE CONDITIONS (Treated in the Emergency Department) Heat Syncope Heat Syncope typically presents with lightheadedness, a syncopal episode or brief loss of consciousness (syncopal episodes usually occur immediately after strenuous activity). Treatment includes rest in the supine position, drinking fluids or IV rehydration, and elevation of the legs. Patients may seek treatment in an urgent care, Emergency Department or with their primary care physician for further evaluation. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness, and can progress to heatstroke if not recognized early and treated. Symptoms include thirst, headache, fatigue, palpitations or tachycardia, weakness, syncope, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cold and clammy skin, slurred speech, stumbling, falling and incoordination. Body or
SEVERE CONDITIONS (Treated in the Emergency Department) Heat Stroke Heat strokes are considered a medical emergency and require an extensive work-up. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, seizures, loss of consciousness, and delirium. Sometimes, individuals can have a lucid interval where they seem rational and okay before having a significant deterioration. Other symptoms include hypotension, tachycardia, heavy or fast breathing, and hot skin that may or may not be sweating. The patient’s temperature usually reaches above 105 degrees F. Treatment for heat strokes should include seeking treatment for heat exhaustion but also includes cold water or ice water immersion and possible hospital admission. PREVENTION The best way to treat these heatrelated illnesses is to prevent them.
Lifestyles
Here are some important tips for preventing heat-related illnesses: 1. Hydrate adequately: drink fluids before practices as well as during 2. Wear loose-fitting and lightcolored clothing; any heavy, saturated shirts should be changed often 3. Make sure players have adapted to the climate’s weather before spending extended time in the heat 4. Avoid activities during extreme temperatures or humidity 5. If avoiding activity outside is impossible, take these precautions: a. Frequent water breaks b. Scheduled rest and recovery rotations c. Close monitoring, and using items such as wet bulb globe temperature meters with hand-held trainers to take into account temperature, humidity, and direct sunlight to make sure that environmental heat stress does not lead to heat-related illnesses. A wet bulb globe temperature meter reading of 160 should delay practice; anything over 180 means practice should be canceled.
Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 23
24 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
MISSED THE GAME BECAUSE THE POWER WAS OUT? ...IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE.
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FAMILY
Lifestyle
INSURANCE INSIGHT Hey Coach…What’s the Play??
By Dennia Beard, State Farm Insurance
Right now, I just love to play, period! This isn’t business as usual for us, but it’s also a moment in time when the work we’re doing is most critical. I am so grateful for my essential team and the big work they are doing. My list of worries right now—like yours, I am sure—is long: from my own children, parents, family, and friends, to you and your safety. I hope you are staying secure, sheltered in place, stocked with toilet paper, and healthy during these absolutely unprecedented, wild, chaotic, terrifying times. Now, back to the story. Imagine for a moment that you are the head football coach of a very successful football team. You achieve a high level of performance on and off the field. You compete with yourself only, not other teams. Your strategy is to find a team that takes an honest interest in the wellbeing of your objectives and stay focused on the mission: to win. An insurance company can be your winning team. You should expect nothing less than an insurance agency’s best performance on and off the field. Consider this: the agent is your quarterback. She’s the face of the organization and ultimately will determine how good or bad your team will be during any particular season of your life.
She knows the responsibilities of every player out on the field with her. The offensive line (customer relationship managers) make sure you have annual reviews to ensure your policies are up-todate, and get you everything you need from an insurance agency in a prompt and friendly manner. Your offensive line can also be your defensive line. When choosing an insurance agency (team), understand that you are choosing risk advisors. They should be able to utilize their expertise to assess the stakes of financial decisions for their customers and together develop a strategy to minimize risks. Here is a quick example of a risk that commonly goes unidentified. There is a customer, a college professor. While he is driving home one day it starts to rain. He pulls up to the red light because he wants to make a right turn on red. He looks left, like we all do and as he pulls out, he fails to see the guy running, trying to get out of the rain. The professor runs right into him. $900,000 later, the last medical bill is finally paid. Fortunately for the professor, one year earlier his insurance agency had recommended he have a liability umbrella policy. His insurance
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company paid the entire claim. There isn’t a day that goes by that he sees us and doesn’t thank us. Had he not had that policy in place, his life would have surely suffered. I would like to identify seven other major risks you need to TACKLE before it is too late: Medical Insurance Major medical procedures can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars. Consider your potentially high deductibles as well. Is there an affordable policy that will fit your budget while also helping you manage these costs? Disability Insurance You must protect your paycheck. If you became sick or hurt and couldn’t work, would your job continue to pay your income? This is one fewer worry with a shortor long-term disability policy. Life insurance What if something happened to you with permanent consequences? Do you have group life insurance at work? What about life insurance that you own? How much do you have? We all presume we are going to remain healthy as we get older. I would encourage you to consider taking action sooner rather than later.
FAMILY
Lifestyles
YOUR OFFENSIVE LINE CAN ALSO BE YOUR DEFENSIVE LINE. WHEN CHOOSING AN INSURANCE AGENCY (TEAM), UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE CHOOSING RISK ADVISORS. Retirement Money What if you get to age 65 and determine that you don’t have enough money to retire? Would you rather find that out today or 27 years from now? It is wise to put a plan together now. Aging Parents Are you willing to pay out-ofpocket for your aging parent’s care long-term? Would you rather own an insurance policy that pays it for you? Home Insurance Like auto, homeowners insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. This is not just because it protects your home and possessions against damage or theft. Virtually all mortgage companies require the fair value of the property to be insured. You need to understand the basic levels of coverage that exist and how they impact your risk and your rate. Auto Insurance To make the best decisions about purchasing auto insurance coverage, you’ll want to understand what’s covered, what’s not covered and what’s optional. In addition to understanding types of coverage, you’ll also want to consider coverage amounts. Whew. That is a lot of information, right? This is why you hire the right team to stand beside you throughout the winning/losing seasons of your life. Your insurance company should be a little different from the others. They should be a little better than the rest. They should always put your needs first and attend every practice. They should be willing to do the dirty work. Hire the right team and they will win for you. They will prepare you for anything so you don’t have to worry about big financial losses. They will make plays, call shots, and carry the ball all the way down the field in all kinds of conditions, because your success is their success. Go team!
Dennia Beard, Agent 1408 Military Road Benton, AR 72015 501-778-6066 www.insurebenton.com SERVICES: Auto Insurance Home and Property Insurance Life InsuranceHealth Insurance Banking Products Annuities Mutual Funds
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Don’t let not being able to physically browse the library shelves hold you back from reading your favorite genres! Let our experienced and devoted librarians create a customized list just for you!
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We can even place them on hold for you. We can also make lists for audiobooks. Check out “Pocket Librarian” on our website under the “Resources” tab.
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BENTON When Brad Harris came to Benton in 2014 as the defensive coordinator, the program was making its ascent under former Coach, and current athletic director, Scott Neathery. With Harris at the helm since 2016, the Panthers have firmly staked their claim as one of the top programs in Class 6A. Benton begins the 2020 campaign looking for its third straight state title berth and back-to-back conference crowns. “We have had two really good years back-to-back,” Harris said. “A lot of people would be really frustrated not winning, and I wish we had won, but we have set a standard at Benton. Our kids expect to go to the playoffs, and they expect to play for state championships. We had two really good senior classes that graduated. We are really excited for this year and to see what this group can do.” Harris saw the momentum of last year’s run continue into the offseason, but some of that was halted with the 11-week hiatus created by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I felt really good going into March,” said Harris, whose team lost 28-27 to Searcy in the 6A State Championship game last fall. “That’s when we are really able to get faster and stronger. We’ve come back well [in June and July], and that’s been good. I am excited how we have responded after the 11 weeks.” All of Benton’s talented starting receiving corps from 2019 graduated, but Harris is optimistic about the passing game, since senior veteran quarterback Garrett Brown (6-1, 195) returns. Brown was inserted into the lineup midway through his sophomore year due to the starter’s injury and has already passed for over 5,000 yards for his career. “He’s racked up a number of wins and experience, and I am pretty pumped to
watch him grow as a senior,” Harris said. Junior Gianni Vannucci (6-1, 180) is a hard-hitting free safety but is also a dual-threat quarterback dating back to when he started there in junior high. He will serve as the backup. Sophomore Jack Woolbright (5-9, 155) reminds Harris of Brown when he was that age. Seeing how his brother Jaden, a former Benton player and Arkansas State baseball commit, developed physically through this career has Harris encouraged that the younger Woolbright will grow as well. Junior running back Casey Johnson (6-0, 185) was thrust into the starting role last season the final week of the season into the playoffs because of injury. He managed to rack up 900 yards and should total many more this year as the featured back. “He has a chance to be really good,” Harris said. “He reminds us a lot of Zak Wallace [former Benton star running back]. He may even be a step faster. We like how Casey runs, and he has gotten even better during the pandemic. He has worked hard and loves football.” Senior Michael Jefferson (5-8, 175) returns to the squad after being ineligible last season. Harris said the team missed Jefferson and that his speed and elusiveness is a good change of pace to Johnson’s hard-running style. Junior basketball player Cameron Harris (6-3, 190) should add some bigplay capability to a depleted receiving corps. Harris didn’t play football until last year because of two meniscus tears in his knees during basketball. He started to show progress recovering from the injury last year around midseason, the coach said. He made a pivotal touchdown catch in the semifinal playoff win against West Memphis. “He is going to be really good. He’s got a lot of upside,” the coach said. Speedy Andre Lane (5-10, 190) “looks like a running back playing
TEAM PREVIEW receiver,” Harris said. Lane looks to take over the slot role diminutive former star Gavin Wells thrived in. Senior Jordan Parham (6-1, 210) fills the tight end/H-back position. Harris said his soft hands and ability to catch the ball over the middle make him a quality possession receiver. Senior Tristan Hawkins (6-2, 190) is a star pitcher on the baseball team and committed to UALR over the summer. He hasn’t played football but decided to play his senior year and should see snaps behind Parham. Senior Donovan McGee (5-9, 170) comes to Benton after playing the past two years at Bossier City (La.) Airline High School. “We are learning about him, but he is explosive with 4.6 speed and physical. He will push for snaps.” Harris said the offensive line “will be a mixture of seven or eight guys.” Seniors Colby Reeves (5-11, 275), Kyrie Watkins (5-11, 290) and Garrett Davis (6-1, 250) have cemented starting spots, but they may not play where they did a season ago. Reeves started at center and Watkins and Davis at the tackles. Senior David Hassman (6-4, 270) was a junior varsity player a year ago, but a growth spurt last year with a productive offseason caught Harris’ attention. Hassman could start at one of the tackles, with Watkins or Davis moving to guard, Harris said. Walker Davis (6-3, 275), Garrett Davis’ younger brother, dominated junior high competition in 2019. Harris said he is agile enough to play guard but tall enough he may play tackle. Junior Christian Evans (6-2, 220) saw snaps as an undersized guard in JV games in 2019. Harris said what he lacks in size he makes up for with intelligence and leverage. Senior soccer player Bryan Araujo (510, 210) made a habit of drilling kickoffs into the end zone last fall and nailed a 41-yard field goal earning all-conference
honors. Araujo may also handle the punting duties this fall as well. “We are excited to have him back. He is big with a strong leg,” Harris said. The defensive line will rely on inexperienced returners at the end spots. Senior Terrence Hall (6-2, 230) is a leading contender at end after playing JV the past two seasons. Classmate Hayden Purdy (6-3, 250) saw some varsity snaps last fall. Senior Mason Simmons (5-11, 235) moves from running back to end, seeking more snaps. Watkins, the returning offensive line starter, will see double duty at end. “He would be our best defensive linemen, but we need him on the offensive line,” Harris said. “We try not to play our players both ways until they are seniors and comfortable.” Senior Justin Walker (6-1, 285) impressed last season as a run stopper and returns at nose guard. Harris calls junior wrestler Conner Jewell (5-8, 225) “a little fire hydrant” who will see snaps behind Walker. Senior Gavin Davis (5-9, 220) saw significant playing time in the middle in 2019 and is a prime candidate to start there this year. Junior Beau Wright (6-0, 190) put himself into a position for increased snaps with an intense workout regimen in the offseason that included cross fit. Harris said he power cleaned 325 pounds in March before the pandemic. Sophomore Jake Jones (5-10, 185), a promising baseball prospect, was “the emotional leader” on the junior high squad last fall Harris said. Harris said if he can carry over that effort to the varsity level, he will see snaps in 2020. Senior cornerback John Dirst (5-8, 165) should fill a starting spot for the first time in his varsity career this season after rotating as a junior. Harris said opponents who think they can pick on the undersized Dirst are mistaken because of his instincts and toughness.
Senior Omari Coats (6-0, 155) wasn’t eligible last fall but the fastest Panther should help at cornerback in 2020. Coats clocked an 11-second 100-meter time in track last spring and is in the 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash. Classmate Anthony Neloms (5-10, 160) is looking for significant varsity snaps for the first time in his career. Sophomore Brody Blanton (5-9, 155) has impressed Harris with his speed and ball skills after playing receiver and defensive back in junior high. Senior strong safety Cade Smith (6-0, 165) recorded snaps at two safety spots last season in Benton’s scheme, which features five DBs. He played a great deal in the state championship loss to Searcy. Like his classmate Smith, Jackson Drewery (5-9, 155) saw snaps at free and strong safety in 2019. The smaller Drewery is tough, and boxes in his spare time. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up competing in UFC or something after high school. He plays much bigger than he is.” Junior weak safety Cain Simmons (5-9, 175) is the star of the secondary. Simmons, an all-conference performer in 2019, racked up 113 tackles. His 4.6 speed and knack for contact make him a dangerous defender.
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