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EDITOR’S LETTER

The Salt Bowl has always held a very special place in my heart. I was a junior at Bryant High School in 2000 when the first “officially titled” Salt Bowl game was played. That year was not only a landmark beginning for the Bryant and Benton rivalry, but it was also a milestone year in my life as a teenager. It was the first year I was old enough to drive myself to school.

I remember getting my first car, like it was yesterday. It was a 1992 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition. It was black with tan leather interior, a sunroof, tinted windows and newly installed CD player. It might not have been a new car, but it was MY car. We only lived about a quarter mile from the high school, so the room for error in my driving was slim-to-none…or so I thought.

In early September, as I turned onto the main road in front of the school, I inadvertently took my eyes off the road for a split second. That glance lasted just long enough for me to cause a three-car pileup. Talk about bringing me “crashing” back down to earth! I barely had enough money scraped together to purchase the car, much less pay to have it fixed.

Returning to the subject of the first-ever Salt Bowl, Bryant was having an undefeated season that year. My group of friends didn’t miss a game. As the season progressed I started designing custom, hand-drawn t-shirts that pictured the Hornet battling our opponent for that week.

At that time, the Benton and Bryant game was always the final game each season.

In 2000, the Hornets were 9-0 going into this much-anticipated match-up. For a battle of this magnitude, I had to step up my game. I designed a shirt depicting a pile of all the previously defeated mascots, along with a Hornet holding a panther by the tail. The caption read: “9 and 0, 1 to Go”. I had this shirt printed for myself and 50 of my friends.

This game didn’t just end up being a big win for Bryant; it was also a big win for me. My shirt design gained so much attention that the school principal asked to purchase the shirt concept for the State Playoffs. He offered to pay me $500 for the design rights. That number just happened to be the exact dollar amount of my insurance deductible. Talk about a Salt Bowl miracle!

I’m sure I’m just one of many, over the years, to share a special Salt Bowl memory.

That’s the glory and the magic of this game. Your town. Your life. Your magazine.

2018 Volume 11, Issue 4

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Josh Elrod

jelrod@ignite-mediagroup.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Krystal Neuhofel krystal@salinecountylifestyles.com

CONTRIBUTORS Contributing Writers Ed Buckner Charles Crowson Brent Davis Justin S. Elrod Dr. Allan Hatch Ashley Leopoulos Marietta McClure Jillian McGehee Nate Olson Jamey South Dr. Sam Taggart

IDEAS/COMMENTS If you have a story idea or comment, please email us at: feedback@salinecountylifestyles.com

ADVERTISING If you are interested in advertising in Saline County Lifestyles please email us at: info@ignite-mediagroup.com Saline County Lifestyles is published by:

Ignite Media Group P.O. Box 861 Bryant, AR 72089 www.salinecountylifestyles.com

Articles should not be considered specific advice as circumstances vary per individual. Advertised products and/or services are not necessarily endorsed by Ignite Media Group.

JOSH ELROD Publisher & Editor

2 • Saline County Lifestyles

CONTENTS

04

Zac Wallace

12

Three J’s

16 24

Steve Sullivan

The Boys of Summer

30

Panther Preview

EVERY ISSUE Dr. Sam

Fitness Tips

Health Update

07 10 20

Saline County Lifestyles • 3

NOTABLE

Lifestyle

Z A K W A LLA CE

TAKING THE LEAD AND RUNNING WITH IT As the Benton Panthers take on the Bryant Hornets for one of the most anticipated high school football games in the state (if not the most anticipated), the team’s most seasoned players lead their younger counterparts. They come to the bright lights and cheering crowds for the last time in their player capacities, with promising futures ahead.

One of these respected leaders is Benton Panther running back Zak Wallace. While he may be quiet off the field, this 17-year-old takes the lead between those yard lines. The sport has helped Zak gain friends and attention on and off the field. He confidently enters his senior year at Benton High School with different colleges already interested in him.

Zak’s football days were secured early on. Growing up in a big family, he joined his siblings when he was a fourth-grader to play in the Future Panthers program. “I looked up to my two older brothers and wanted to be 4 • Saline County Lifestyles

NOTABLE

like them, so I followed them on the football field,” Zak says. He also has two sisters, one older and one younger.

Zak says he has gravitated toward football ever since he can remember. “We are a football family. I’ve always liked it and wanted to play.” In this Razorback country, he isn’t shy to admit that he is an Alabama fan, favoring college over professional football.

Friends and fellowship are two aspects of the sport that Zak says he enjoys the most. “I like playing next to my friends. I’ve made most of my friends through football.” In addition, he notes, he enjoys hearing the sounds from the cheering crowds. “I like when everyone is watching and into the game, especially when we make big plays and the cheers are so loud.”

“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A LEADER, AND ESPECIALLY NOW BEING A SENIOR, I’M A LEADER. I TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE THE TEAM ON MY BACK IN HARD SITUATIONS.” This young athlete has accomplished several athletic feats – squatting over 400 pounds, benching over 300 pounds, running 4.55 in the 40-yard dash to name a few. With his tough build and accomplished athleticism, Zak expresses a thoughtful, calm and collected demeanor. And we’re reminded that even tough, strong young men get nervous.

“At the beginning of each game, I always get nervous,” Zak says.

He will step away from his friends, get quiet and focus inward to help ease his nerves and make it easier to go with the flow. “I pray and then get in touch with myself for about 15 minutes, to focus on myself and what I have to do.”

The most important thing to remember is to have fun, Zak says. “I try to make myself have fun, stay calm and enjoy the

game and process. It helps to get those positive vibes flowing.”

With those wise words, it’s no wonder that Zak is a leader on the field. “I’ve always been a leader, and especially now being a senior, I’m a leader. I take the responsibility to take the team on my back in hard situations.” People may be surprised to learn that Zak is quieter and more reserved off the field, he says.

It’s also probably no wonder that Zak runs track in the off-season.

When he’s not busy playing football or competing on the track, Zak enjoys regular teen hobbies, such as video games, working out and pick-up basketball with friends. In school his favorite subject his history, he says, because he likes learning about the past and learning about different cultures.

When the lights go out on his high school football days, Zak plans to attend college somewhere for athletic training. He already has offers from places like Ouachita Baptist University, Missouri Western State, Army West Point and Arkansas Tech University. He has six offers now and hopes to have more come his way, he says, noting he looks forward to visiting them and making a decision early next year.

“It would be good to get away and experience someplace different, but I won’t be too upset if I stay closer to home,” he says.

As Zak considers the forthcoming year as his last as a Benton Panther, he ranks the Salt Bowl game among his favorite matchups. He scored five touchdowns in last year’s big game between Benton and

Lifestyle

the rival Bryant Hornets, and also earned All-State status for the season.

“Bryant is good competition,” he says. A few of Zak’s cousins play for Bryant, so the competition is even more fun for this running back.

The Salt Bowl grows each year – last year more than 30,000 people attended – and Zak says he loves that aspect of the anticipated game.

“More people keep coming, and the crowds are getting bigger and the atmosphere is getting better,” Zak says. “It’s the only game in the state on that Saturday, and the hype is so much fun.”  Jillian McGehee

Saline County

6 • Saline County Lifestyles

Good day, I hope this note finds you well.

Dear Friends, I truly hope I am not boring you with all my babble about marathons.

I promise, this will be my last article about them. As I told you in an earlier letter, I had made up my mind that I wanted to finish one more marathon.

In December of 2017, I made an attempt and it just wasn’t in the cards.

When last we visited, I had changed my workout schedule and registered for the Arkansas Marathon in Little Rock this last spring. Luckily, the changes in my schedule had the desired effect. All of the aches and pains I had at Dallas disappeared.

As the March 4th date approached, I will admit that I had a good deal of anxiety. Would I finish the race, or would I have to wait for another day? Had I waited too long to run my last marathon? This wasn’t much different than the first marathon almost thirty years ago. There is always the anticipation of wondering if you really can do it. There is the concern that you may have bitten off more than you could chew.

The day before the marathon, Annette and I drove to Little Rock

and went to the Packet Pickup and Expo at the Little Rock Convention Center. It is important to remember that the marathon-running community in Arkansas has always been a reasonably small group. We all know each other, and even if we didn’t know each other’s names, we would acknowledge the other with a nod and a smile. There were thousands of people at the Expo, but I only recognized two people who could be called gray-hairs. A number of my friends were working the Expo, selling shoes and organizing people.

The next morning, I lined up at the start line on a cool, rainy morning; everyone around me seemed so young. They were happy, excited and I suspect somewhat worried about the challenge before them.

Most marathons have bands along the course; the desired purpose is to motivate the runners. When I started racing, most of the bands were rock-and-roll, country, folk and the occasional solo guitar player doing his best. For this run, most of the music was a homogenized form of hip-hop and all of the spectators were moving in rhythm with the music. I can say it didn’t do very much for me.

Based on the course, I could have dropped out at mile thirteen or mile eighteen; much to my surprise, I wasn’t tempted. At mile nineteen, we had a wonderful little rain shower that cooled down the radiators. From Rebsamen Park back to downtown was hard, but not impossible. For those of you who don’t know, the stretch from mile 16 to 26 is by far the hardest part of a marathon, but I knew without a doubt that this was my last marathon.

I finished and was “tickled to death.”

This was my last marathon, and it is fitting that it was in Little Rock. There were thousands of people running the streets of Little Rock and most were a lot younger than I. That is exciting, seeing others pick up the sport.

Now, Annette has not completed all the 50 states in half-marathons; I guess I should support her in that effort. We will start in the fall.

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 • 7

BRING the

BITE. First Security is all about making better happen – and it doesn’t get much better than the Salt Bowl. We’re proud to support our players, coaches, families, fans and more. Go Panthers!

What’s your better? Get there with us.

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8 • Saline County Lifestyles

Saline County Lifestyles • 9

ACTIVE

Lifestyle

FITNESS TIPS Non-Scale Victories

By Marietta McClure, Head Trainer, McClure Fitness

Most of the clients who walk through the doors of McClure fitness are trying to get fit. 75% of the time, that means attempting to lose weight, whether it be 5 pounds or 75 pounds.

I get stuck in a fitness bubble where I concentrate all my energy on helping folks lose weight and burn as many calories as possible. However, I also try to encourage my people to celebrate “non-scale victories” also. These are victories that are a direct result of habitual exercise that the scale cannot measure. Non-scale victories can be anything from getting off diabetes or blood pressure medicine, doing a real push- or pull-up for the first time, keeping up with family on an active vacation like Disney World, buying smaller clothes, sleeping better and gaining confidence.

All of these victories are visible. You can step inside the gym doors and see that real pushup, you can log onto Facebook and see the picture of Susie in her new, slim shorts, chasing her sons at Disney. These are real, concrete things that don’t take imagination.

But not everything is that concrete, that black and white.

Sometimes, the biggest nonscale victory is an emotional one.

Sometimes, the physical work our bodies can do will 10 • Saline County Lifestyles

literally not only change the outside…but also the inside.

We all know that when you exercise, your body releases endorphins and boosts serotonin and dopamine. These are chemicals that trigger a positive feeling in the body; basically, they make you happy and act as your body’s natural anti-depressants.

One in ten people in the United States struggles with depression, and exercise is a proven and effective way to help treat the condition.

Maybe you are the one who struggles with depression or maybe you have someone in your life who struggles.

If you have someone in your life who does struggle with depression or anxiety, whether it is mild or severe, you need to learn how exercise can help so that you can help them.

Maybe it will get you exercising, too!

1.Start out slowly. You can go for a walk or jog outside, or do an online workout video for 10-15 minutes.

Just do exercise two or three times a week for a month, each time trying to add a couple more minutes. Work towards a goal, like running for 30 minutes or trying a group fitness class.

2. Ask some folks in your life to be accountability partners for you; tell them your exercise goals and check in with them at least

once a week. Maybe they even live nearby and can meet you to exercise.

Specifically ask an accountability partner to kindly force you to exercise on the days when you are feeling especially down or overwhelmed.

Going for a walk with this person and talking about your day could be exactly what you need. If you are the accountability partner, do your job to encourage and motivate your friend toward goals; don’t allow excuses.

3.Set non-physical goals, like working out three times a week, hitting your daily water intake or talking to your accountability partner.

If you need to clean up your diet, consider removing one bad food every couple of weeks: soda, processed sugar, white bread, etc. You can also use a food journal to learn what foods are healthy. My Fitness Pal is a free app that is easy to use and will provide calorie and nutrition information.

4.If you are trying to lose (or gain) weight, resist weighing yourself except once a month. The scale is not a motivator. It does not define you. A better way to track your progress is to measure or take monthly pictures. While you might cringe at the first picture, you will slowly become proud of your progress as you continue to work towards your goals.

5. Exercise even when you

don’t feel like it. Those are the times you need it the most!

6. Try yoga. The meditative element and breathing techniques that you will learn can prove incredibly effective at helping calm the mind.

7. Celebrate all victories! Remind yourself constantly that you are striving for progress, not perfection.

Back to our non-scale victories - for those who struggle with depression and anxiety, exercise can give you your life back. It can return you

to you. You will gain confidence and self-esteem. Those are victories well worth striving towards.

Disclaimer: I am not a physician.

My intention in writing this article is to encourage those struggling with depression to experiment treating their condition with exercise. I am not suggesting that anyone quit taking anti-depressants. You might always need a combination of medications, and I simply suggest that life might be brighter if you get out and move your body! 

Saline County Lifestyles • 11

NOTABLE

Lifestyle

TH REE J ’ S

BIG EXPECTATIONS, BROAD SHOULDERS

12 • Saline County Lifestyles

NOTABLE

Expectations for the Benton Panthers are high entering this 2018 season.

With more than 100 players expected on the team, coupled with more experience than the program has seen in years, Head Coach Brad Harris appears to have this team primed and ready for a shot at a 6A State Championship.

“Football is important again, and we think we have a pretty talented team this year,” he said. “I know that it’s only on paper right now, but we like what we have a lot.”

The Panthers look to be charged offensively by returning running back Zak Wallace, slot receiver Gavin Wells and wide receiver Michael Allison. “There’s a lot of talent there, a lot of options with what those guys can do,” Coach Harris said.

But, to use a classic football phrase, “it all starts at the point of attack,” and for that, Coach Harris will rely heavily on his three returning senior lineman – center Josh George (6’3”, 305 lbs), left tackle Jenson White (6’4”, 295 lbs) and right tackle James Durling (6’6”, 325 lbs)… The Three J’s.

“It’s great for these three young men,” Harris said. “They’ve played their entire high school career together and will be finishing it together this year. It’s not something you see all the time, three players of this caliber coming through Benton together.”

Many consider Josh George one of the key leaders for the program.

Coach Harris describes him as the most well-rounded of his returning starters, who has made significant strides in the weight room, adding needed strength headed into his senior season.

For Josh, though, pursing football is a bit of a family tradition, and being a Benton Panther was something he always dreamed of.

“My father is a football coach, and I’ve been playing since first grade,” he said. “When other kids were getting bedtime stories, my dad and I were breaking down film. This is something I’ve always known as one of the great loves of my life.

“My whole life, I always said, ‘I can’t wait to be a Panther.’ Now

this is my last season in Benton and it’s crazy to think about. I try not to think about it. I just focus on getting stronger and better.”

Flanked to Josh’s left is senior tackle Jenson White, a player Coach Harris praises for coming a long way in a short period of time.

“He’s a kid who has a lot of upside.

He was tall and lanky when he was younger but has really developed over the years,” he said. “Of the three, he’s probably the most athletic.

He has great flexibility and ability to move from side to side, which is impressive for someone his size.”

“THEY’VE PLAYED THEIR ENTIRE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER TOGETHER AND WILL BE FINISHING IT TOGETHER THIS YEAR. IT’S NOT SOMETHING YOU SEE ALL THE TIME, THREE PLAYERS OF THIS CALIBER COMING THROUGH BENTON TOGETHER.” Jenson was injured early during the 2017 year, so coming into his final season he sees this as an opportunity to end his high school career on his terms.

“This is it,” he said. “I’m going to go out there and give it everything I have. We’ve got some big goals for this season, and I’m going to do all I can to help us get there.”

At right tackle is James Durling.

He’s the largest of Benton’s Three J’s. He’s one of the team’s quiet leaders, and that’s something he’s more than happy with.

“Yeah, I’m a pretty quiet person. I think Coach Harris and my teammates would say that,” he said. “I do my best to lead by example and let my playing do all of the talking for me.

“Football has been a very important

Lifestyle

part of my life. It’s taught me how to push through and overcome challenges, not just on the field but off of it as well.” Challenges will certainly present themselves early and often for the Panthers. Navigating their way through a difficult schedule in the 6A West and non-conference games with Arkadelphia and Cabot will be a tall task. However, it all starts Aug. 25 in front of 30,000 fans at War Memorial Stadium and The Salt Bowl against the Bryant Hornets.

“The atmosphere is amazing,” said Jenson White. “The nerves are real when you first walk on the field and the game kicks off. After that, you just settle in and play the best you can.”

“Last year was my first year to really play, and I grew to understand the importance of the hype that came with it,” said James Durling.

“I remember being completely drained last year when it was over.”

“The Salt Bowl means everything, and we’re due a win,” said Josh George.

“Not a lot of kids can say they played in front of 35,000 people. It’s a special game and an atmosphere you don’t get anywhere else in Arkansas.”

Each of Coach Harris’ Three J’s is already planning for life after Panther football. Josh and James have received scholarship offers to play in college, with more expected. Jenson says a future in football may not be for him.

His focus, right now, is on college at either Arkansas or Ole Miss where he intends to study to be an orthodontist.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the practice and like the idea of doing something that combines science and being hands-on,” he said.

There are some high expectations behind the size and experience of Josh George, Jenson White and James Durling. It’s a challenge they’re ready for and a heavy burden that doesn’t seem to be too much for their broad shoulders.

Now, just go play… Charles Crowson

Saline County Lifestyles • 13

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Saline County Lifestyles • 15

NOTABLE

Lifestyle

STEVE SULLIVAN: FATHER OF

The feeling is electric - the roaring fans, the fight song filling the air and the exhilarating thrill of watching your team score a touchdown. Every fall, there is something special in the air when a community comes together to cheer on the high school football team, and that magic is what keeps KATV Sports Director Steve “Sully” Sullivan loving every minute of high school football.

Growing up in Framington, Massachusetts just outside of Boston, Steve was one of six children and was the only one with a passion for sports.

Some of his earliest memories include standing in front of the family’s single television giving play-by-plays of a game for a quick laugh. Steve’s motivation to learn his multiplication tables in elementary school sprang partly from a desire to ensure that his own baseball stats were accurate.

In high school, Steve played baseball, and his team made it to the state finals, where they were 16 • Saline County Lifestyles

runners-up his junior year. When the time came to select a college, Steve chose Arkansas State University (ASU), sight unseen. He wanted two things out of college - an excellent journalism program and a school close to a racetrack for his greyhound, Keentwister. His dog secured one win at Southland Park Gaming and Racing. After the victory, Steve decided to leave the racing world behind and focus his energy on his studies.

When he wasn’t studying or attending class, you could find Steve on campus with his intramural team, The 4th Flush. This independent athletic group was comprised of “a bunch of All-state guys,” says Steve.

“Anyone who attended ASU at that time would remember how good we were. We played all kinds of games.”

Steve credits the people and the relationships he made in college for making Arkansas feel like home.

“There were a lot of good people who

supported me in the community,” says Steve. “It’s hard to name just one.

I had so many good friends.” After graduation, Steve made Arkansas his home away from home.

STEVE FONDLY REMEMBERS HIS FIRST SALT BOWL EXPERIENCE. THE YEAR WAS 1985, AND BEFORE THE FAMOUS RIVALRY WAS NAMED THE SALT BOWL IT WAS KNOWN AS THE SALINE COUNTY SHOOTOUT - A RIVALRY DOMINATED BY BENTON. Steve fondly remembers his first Salt Bowl experience. The year was 1985, and before the famous rivalry was named the Salt Bowl it was known as the Saline County Shootout - a rivalry dominated by Benton. Impressively,

he can remember the key figures of the night including former Benton High School football coach, Dwight Fite.

While he could not remember who won the game that year, the winners are not the most important detail for Steve; the palpable passion on display at the game is what sticks out in his memory. “The buildup and the excitement is what I remember most,” says Steve. “It’s a friendly but fierce rivalry. It was a fun game for me to cover.” From that moment on, he was hooked. “We cover the Salt Bowl every year,” says Steve. “It’s the best rivalry in central Arkansas, and in terms of attendance, the best rivalry in the state. You get to know the coaches and the teams, and you are invested in the rivalry.”

Most Arkansans know Steve from his infamous “Friday Night Touchdown” highlights every Friday night in the fall on KATV. Since 1999, he’s missed only one Friday night.

Saline County Lifestyles • 17

“My passion is high school football,” says Steve. “In Massachusetts it wasn’t that big, but here in Arkansas, communities get wrapped up in their high school football team. I always approach every Friday night broadcast like it’s game time. For some of these kids, it’s the only time they’ll get on television. It’s a fun night. I make it a point to do my best to get all the names right and convey the excitement of that night. The older I get, the more I treasure it; I’m not sure how long I’ll be doing this.”

For Steve, even after more than 30 years of covering high school football highlights, the games have never lost their thrilling allure.

“It’s more passion than work,” says Steve. “At KATV it’s a team effort on Friday nights getting the players together. We want to have the best representation of the highlights of that game. I enjoy covering high school sports more. I can relate more to the coaches who are grinding out there, and it’s the last time these students get to play as kids. It becomes business once they play in college.”

The 2018 Salt Bowl will take place on Saturday, August 25 at War Memorial Stadium with a 7 p.m. kick off. This year’s theme is “Saturday Night Lights,” inspired by the book, movie and television show, “Friday Night Lights.”

This year, for his 33rd Salt Bowl, Steve has been selected as the honorary coin-tosser. “I am thrilled and honored for them to think of me,” says Steve. “I’ll be covering the game that night as well.”

“Sully is known to all as ‘Mr. High School Football,” says Shane Broadway, Salt Bowl committee member. “‘Friday Night Touchdowns’ hosted by ‘Sully’ has been a must watch for players and families across the state of Arkansas. He has always been a big supporter of the Salt Bowl, and we are honored that we get to say ‘Thank You’ to Steve Sullivan at this year’s game.”  Ashley Leopoulos

18 • Saline County Lifestyles

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HEALTHY

Lifestyle

HEALTH UPDATE Meniscus Tears of the Knee

By Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, MD Meniscus tears are one of the most common injuries seen in knees. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tissue made of fibrocartilage that sits within the knee. There are actually two menisci (plural of meniscus) in each knee. One is located between the femur and tibia on the inside or medial side of the knee, and one is located between the femur and tibia on the outside or lateral side of the knee. Meniscus tears can occur at any age. These tears can occur in athletes or weekend warriors, or in those who aren’t active or are elderly.

The meniscus has several functions within the knee. The fibrocartilage structure functions as a shock absorber and reduces stress across the knee joint. The wedge-shaped nature of the meniscus assists to spread out force distribution across the joint. It acts as a passive stabilizer of knee motion and limits extreme flexion and extension of the knee.

According to studies back in the 1990’s, the annual incidence of meniscus tears is 60-70 per 100,000 people. They more commonly occur in males than females. Often, they are associated with other injuries of the knee but they can occur in isolation.

About 1/3 of all meniscus tears are associated with ACL injuries.

Meniscus injuries can occur acutely with twisting, direct contact, hyperflexion, or hyperextension 20 • Saline County Lifestyles

injuries of the knee. However, you can also have meniscus tears that develop more chronically due to arthritis or other degenerative processes of the knee. This second group of meniscus tears is called degenerative.

Older individuals are more likely to have degenerative tears. As we age, the meniscus fibrocartilage weakens and wears thin. Worn tissue is more prone to injury. Sometimes, with weakened meniscus tissue, a simple twist of the knee that doesn’t seem like a big deal is enough to tear the meniscus.

THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE PAIN ALONG THE INJURED SIDE OF THE KNEE, STIFFNESS, PAIN WITH HYPERFLEXION/ HYPEREXTENSION, SWELLING, CATCHING OR POPPING OF THE KNEE, THE SENSATION OF THE KNEE WANTING TO GIVE WAY OR FEELING UNSTABLE. If you have been unlucky enough to tear your meniscus, your symptoms will depend on whether you have torn the medial (inside meniscus) or lateral (outside meniscus). Whichever side was injured will usually be painful.

You may have felt or heard a “pop” initially. Most people can still walk on

their injured knee.

The most common symptoms include pain along the injured side of the knee, stiffness, pain with hyperflexion/hyperextension, swelling, catching or popping of the knee, the sensation of the knee wanting to give way or feeling unstable. You also may not have full range of motion with flexion or extension.

If you feel any of these symptoms, it is important to see your family doctor or an orthopedic surgeon so your knee can be examined. Physical examination is very helpful to doctors in trying to determine if there is a meniscus tear, but sometimes imaging is also needed. X-rays assess if there are any loose bodies or arthritic changes within the knee.

The meniscus does not show up on X-rays, so they can’t confirm tears, but they still are an important tool in assessing the knee. Often MRI’s are used to actually see the meniscus and whether there is a tear of the meniscus.

If you are found to have a meniscus tear, it is important to see an orthopedic surgeon so they can talk with you about both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. For acute injuries, RICE treatment is often initiated. This includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

In addition, non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

HEALTHY

can be very effective for relieving pain and decreasing swelling. NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen, in addition to several prescription medications.

Occasionally, steroid injections are also administered to decrease inflammation in a knee with a known or suspected meniscus tear. These injections can also relieve pain and inflammation. However, one should discuss these shots with an orthopedic surgeon, as the shots are not particularly healthy for the cartilage in the knee. Another newer treatment is an injection called PRP (platelet-rich plasma). For this shot, a patient has some blood removed. The growth and healing factors are then concentrated from the blood and re-injected into the knee.

If symptoms are not improving with NSAIDs, rest, and other previously mentioned treatments, your doctor may suggest surgical treatment.

Usually surgery can be done through a minimally invasive approach that includes 2 or 3 small incisions, each less than 1 cm in length.

Depending on the tear pattern, the timing of surgery after the injury, and their ability to limit activity, some meniscal tears can be fixed surgically.

Surgeons can also still treat tears that cannot be fixed by removing a small portion of the meniscus where the tear occurs, to bring the remaining meniscus tissue back to stable edges.

This is called a partial meniscectomy.

In other cases, where the tears are very large and patients are younger, meniscal transplantation can be sometimes performed using cadaver tissue. These options should be discussed with a qualified orthopedic surgeon. ď Ž

Lifestyles

Brent Jones

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Saline County Lifestyles • 21

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22 • Saline County Lifestyles

Several years ago, Panthers football moved from the venerable C.W. Lewis Stadium in downtown Benton to a new venue adjacent the high school. While C.W. Lewis held a special place in the hearts and minds of decades of loyalists, the time had come to begin a new era of tradition.

Now the time has come for the boys of summer to step up to the plate.

Many people in Benton can remember a time when high school baseball in the city did not exist as part of the district sports program.

Players joined the American Legion program with teams sponsored by local businesses.

But when the opportunity for athletes to earn a letter in baseball came, just as the football players had had for decades, the program started with games at Bernard Holland Park. In 2002, that all changed when Panther Field was opened next to the Cook Fieldhouse on the back edge of the high school campus.

To Mark Balisterri, head coach for the high school baseball team,

24 • Saline County Lifestyles

moving home games to the campus grounds made sense. As a result, the team had a new home, one that has served the players well.

“Our current field is one of the top fields in the state,” says Balisterri. “It definitely needs some repair and updates, but allin-all, it’s one of the finest.”

As the new sports complex began to take shape, the soccer, track and girls’ softball teams, in addition to football, each gained new environments on which to sharpen their skills.

But first, we must go back to 2007. A master plan for a new sports complex was developed, condensing the fields for all outdoor sports to one location. In 2009, the girls’ softball team needed a field and the first part of the sports complex was completed. Shortly afterward, the football stadium, which also is the location for soccer and track, was opened. An indoor training facility was also built. The area became one of the finest complexes in the state.

On May 14 of this year, the

school board approved a plan to finally add the last piece of the sports puzzle by contracting with Nabholz Construction to build the baseball field.

“Our new field will set the bar for Arkansas high school baseball,” says Balisterri. “Everything about it is going to be top-notch. There won’t be another high school stadium that will come close.”

The stadium is currently under construction next to the girls’ softball field at the sports complex just off Algood Street, and is expected to be completed by the opening of the baseball season in 2019. It will feature a design that fits with that of the other fields, and will give the appearance that it has been there all along.

But this isn’t your ordinary diamond.

“Our facility will feature the newest and best turf,” says Balisterri. “We will have covered bleachers and dressing rooms in our dugouts. I feel that with the addition of the new baseball field, we will have one of the best sports

complexes in the state, if not the best.”

The change from a grass field to one of sports turf has its perks.

Balisterri looks forward to the transition. “Having all turf is definitely the most interesting part of the new field. This gives us a big advantage by not losing any practice or games unless it is actually raining. I also feel it will be a place that not only our players and our athletic department will be proud of, but the whole community will be proud of this facility.”

Athletic Director Scott Neathery says that everything in the original school master plan for facilities is taking shape. In addition to the new baseball field, a new transportation facility is under construction. Also, the former baseball field will provide much needed space for growth of academic facilities on the main campus in the years to come.

The district faces the challenge of a growing city with limited land available upon which to prepare for the needs of students, a point District Superintendent Mike Skelton echoes. Other projects on the planning board are adding junior high classrooms, expanding the high school band building, remodeling the Cook Fieldhouse classroom facilities, and remodeling and expanding the district’s dining and kitchen spaces.

In an earlier interview, Neathery said, “It is very rewarding to see that our top-notch facilities mirror our exceptional teachers, students and patrons, who help produce a high-quality educational institution, as well as a high-quality athletic program in Benton.”

Skelton notes that the support of the Benton community is the key to this growth, and couldn’t happen without it. “It will aid us in carrying out the vision and the mission that have been set forth for meeting the needs of our students and community,” Skelton said.

When the field is finished, the “diamond” will find a new setting in the crown of Arkansas high school sports.  Brent Davis Saline County Lifestyles • 25

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26 • Saline County Lifestyles

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B E NT O N TE AM PR E V I EW In the four seasons Coach Brad Harris has been a part of the Benton program, it has ascended to new heights. In his first season as defensive coordinator in 2014, the Panthers earned a trip to the Class 6A state title game. Benton racked up nine wins a year later with eight in his debut as head coach in 2016 and seven last year after only winning a combined thirteen games from 2011-13.

However, the one thing missing from Benton’s resume is a win over county rival Bryant. The two teams tied in 2014, but Benton hasn’t beaten the Hornets since 2005, when they won the Salt Bowl and a playoff game at C.W. Lewis Stadium, the former home of the Panthers.

“Nobody asks me how we are going to be this year, they just ask me how we are going to do against Bryant,” Harris said. “For some of those oldtimers, a win in the Salt Bowl would be bigger than a state championship.

“It is a big game for us because our kids know their kids well, being so close. We know we can go on and have a good season if we lose; it is a nonconference game. But I would love to see what it does to our season if we win this game. I think our support would be even better the rest of the season, and the momentum of a win would carry over. It would be a big win.”

OFFENSE Three quarterbacks with experience return for the Panthers, but Harris hopes junior all-conference honoree Gavin Wells can stay at his natural receiver position this year. Wells moved from receiver to quarterback last year when senior Colen Morrow (6’, 160 lbs.) tore his ACL Week 4 against Russellville and was lost for the season.

Before the injury, Morrow was 60 of 82 for 733 yards and three touchdowns, and had run for 187 yards.

30 • Saline County Lifestyles

Junior Payton Hudgins (5’11”, 175 lbs.) broke his collarbone in August but returned to start four games. Hudgins (4.6 speed) passed for 471 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 172 yards and a score.

Hudgins amassed 220 total yards and three TDs in a 38-19 win against Texarkana and showed his versatility with a 45-yard touchdown reception in a playoff loss to West Memphis.

Morrow hurt his shoulder during baseball season, so he didn’t go through spring drills or any 7-on-7 work through the dead period in early July.

He should be at full strength when practice begins and will battle Hudgins for the starting spot. Harris said if Morrow wins the quarterback job, the athletic Hudgins will move to receiver.

Whoever is under center will have a reliable option to hand the ball.

Senior runningback Zak Wallace (6’, 200 lbs.) will start for the second year.

Last fall, Wallace enjoyed breakout season rushing for 1,489 yards with 21 touchdowns. He set the tone early with 175 yards, five rushing touchdowns and five catches for 75 yards in a loss to rival Bryant in the season-opening Salt Bowl.

Junior D’Anthony Harper (5’7”, 185 lbs.) saw some time last season at receiver but will relieve Wallace with a change of pace and may appear with him in the backfield at the same time.

Harper (450-pound squat, 285-pound bench press, 275-pound power clean) ran for a 12-yard touchdown against Sheridan and caught a 26-yard pass for a score against Jacksonville last fall.

Wells led the Panthers in passing with 907 yards and eight TDs, but Harris said he would only play quarterback this year in an emergency.

This will allow him to improve on the 423 yards receiving and three touchdowns he totaled last year. He was also third on the team in rushing with 360 yards and two TDs. With Wells splitting time at quarterback, senior Michael Allison (6’2”, 170 lbs.) led the Panthers in receiving in 2017 with 507 yards and three touchdowns. Allison (4.7

speed) boasts a 4.0 GPA and a 30 ACT score. He racked up four catches for 58 yards against Greenwood.

Senior Garrett Body (6’, 165 lbs.) will fill an outside receiver spot after moving to Benton from Newport last December. Body caught 21 passes for 236 yards and three TDs for the Greyhounds.

Junior Braxton Slaughter (6’, 180 lbs.) will see more playing time after missing half of last season with multiple injuries. Slaughter has a “tight-end type body” with 4.7 speed.

Harris is excited about the veteran offensive line corps. Senior Josh George (6’3”, 305 lbs.) moved from center to guard because of an injury but returns to center for his final prep season. The studious George (3.5 GPA) “understands blocking schemes” and has caught the eyes of college scouts.

Senior Jenson White (6’4”, 295 lbs.) uses his flexibility to stand out at left tackle. Senior right tackle James Durling (6’6”, 300 lbs.) squats 495 pounds and bench-presses 285 pounds.

Senior Henry Hicks (5’10”, 251 lbs.), who bench presses 340 pounds and squats 500 pounds, will see time inside.

Junior Austin Jones (6’1”, 260 lbs.) is well-versed at all five line positions and bench-presses 330 pounds.

Senior soccer player Garrett Eason (6’, 200 lbs.) looks more like a linebacker than a kicker/punter. Eason (295-pound bench press, 310-pound power clean) picked up the punting duties in the offseason and is at full strength after a soccer injury.

DEFENSE Three seniors return to anchor the defensive line. Robert Lankford (5’10”, 275 lbs.) managed 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks in the middle last fall. Lankford is a powerhouse, squatting 415 pounds and bench-pressing 385 pounds.

Senior end Ty Neathery (6’2”, 230 lbs.), the son of Benton athletic director and former Coach Scott

Neathery, totaled 35 tackles including seven for loss with 4.5 sacks. Neathery (4.7 speed) squats 525 pounds and bench-presses 335 pounds.

Classmate Dylan Ferguson (6’3”, 220 lbs.; 4.8 speed) mans the other end spot. Ferguson missed most of last season with a broken arm.

Junior Traevion Maxwell (6’, 240 lbs.) tries his hand at end after “outgrowing” the runningback position.

Classmate Caleb Kauffman (6’1”, 245 lbs.) adds depth on the line.

Senior middle linebacker Kyvin Carroll (5’11”, 230 lbs.) was a welcome addition after transferring from Central Arkansas Christian last fall. Carroll (4.7 speed) racked up more than 80 tackles including 16 tackles for loss last fall.

Carroll bench-presses 320 pounds and power cleans 310 pounds. Junior Sean Thornton (5’10”, 200 lbs.) lines up inside after notching 22 tackles in 2017.

Junior Bryce Golleher (5’9”, 220 lbs.) also lines up on the outside.

Senior Zach Parker (5’11”, 208 lbs.) “has been a role player at linebacker but will have a chance to start.”

Senior Cam Ross (6’, 215 lbs.) returns at the rover (linebacker/safety hybrid) position. Ross (4.6 speed) racked up 85 tackles and recorded three interceptions including a 27yard touchdown return against Little Rock Parkview in 2017.

Senior Devin Griffin (5’10”, 160 lbs.; 4.6 speed) is back to full speed after missing most of last year with a broken collarbone. Classmate Kelby Caffrey (5’11”, 175 lbs.) is aggressive at the other corner spot and can play safety in the nickel package. Senior Terry Jones (5’9”, 180 lbs.; 4.6 speed) saw most of his time on the junior varsity squad last season but will contribute at cornerback this fall.

Junior Dylan Burnham (6’, 170 lbs.), Colin Yandell (6’, 210 lbs.) and Carter Hutchinson (6’, 190 lbs.) are versatile and add depth in the secondary.  Nate Olson

Saline County Lifestyles • 31

HOME

GO PANTHERS! The only thing more important than winning is winning together. At ACDI, we know that teamwork is the greatest strength in a thriving community and we are proud to call Saline County our home.

2018 BENTON PANTHER FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT PLACE AUG 25 BRYANT (Salt Bowl)

WAR MEM (Away)

AUG 31 @ Arkadelphia

AWAY

TIME 7:00 PM 7:00 PM

SEPT 14 Cabot HOME 7:00 PM SEPT 21 @ Russellville*

AWAY

7:00 PM

SEPT 28 Siloam Springs* HOME 7:00 PM OCT 5

@ Hall* AWAY 7:00 PM

OCT 12 El Dorado* (Homecoming) HOME

7:00 PM

OCT 19 @ Greenwood* AWAY 7:00 PM OCT 26 Lake Hamilton* (Sr. Night) HOME NOV 2

7:00 PM

@ Sheridan* AWAY 7:00 PM

*Denotes Conference Play WAR MEM=War Memorial Stadium

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EDITOR’S LETTER

The Salt Bowl has always held a very special place in my heart. I was a junior at Bryant High School in 2000 when the first “officially titled” Salt Bowl game was played. That year was not only a landmark beginning for the Bryant and Benton rivalry, but it was also a milestone year in my life as a teenager. It was the first year I was old enough to drive myself to school.

I remember getting my first car, like it was yesterday. It was a 1992 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition. It was black with tan leather interior, a sunroof, tinted windows and newly installed CD player. It might not have been a new car, but it was MY car. We only lived about a quarter mile from the high school, so the room for error in my driving was slim-to-none…or so I thought.

In early September, as I turned onto the main road in front of the school, I inadvertently took my eyes off the road for a split second.

That glance lasted just long enough for me to cause a three-car pileup. Talk about bringing me “crashing” back down to earth! I barely had enough money scraped together to purchase the car, much less pay to have it fixed.

Returning to the subject of the first-ever Salt Bowl, Bryant was having an undefeated season that year. My group of friends didn’t miss a game. As the season progressed I started designing custom, handdrawn t-shirts that pictured the Hornet battling our opponent for that week.

At that time, the Benton and Bryant game was always the final game each season.

In 2000, the Hornets were 9-0 going into this much-anticipated match-up. For a battle of this magnitude, I had to step up my game. I designed a shirt depicting a pile of all the previously defeated mascots, along with a Hornet holding a panther by the tail. The caption read: “9 and 0, 1 to Go”. I had this shirt printed for myself and 50 of my friends.

This game didn’t just end up being a big win for Bryant; it was also a big win for me. My shirt design gained so much attention that the school principal asked to purchase the shirt concept for the State Playoffs. He offered to pay me $500 for the design rights. That number just happened to be the exact dollar amount of my insurance deductible. Talk about a Salt Bowl miracle!

I’m sure I’m just one of many, over the years, to share a special Salt Bowl memory.

That’s the glory and the magic of this game. Your town. Your life. Your magazine.

JOSH ELROD Publisher & Editor

2 • Saline County Lifestyles

2018 Volume 11, Issue 4

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Josh Elrod

jelrod@ignite-mediagroup.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Krystal Neuhofel krystal@salinecountylifestyles.com

CONTRIBUTORS Contributing Writers Carrie Amox Ed Buckner Charles Crowson Brent Davis Justin S. Elrod Ashley Leopoulos Marietta McClure Jillian McGehee Nate Olson Jamey South Dr. Sam Taggart

IDEAS/COMMENTS If you have a story idea or comment, please email us at: feedback@salinecountylifestyles.com

ADVERTISING If you are interested in advertising in Saline County Lifestyles please email us at: info@ignite-mediagroup.com Saline County Lifestyles is published by:

Ignite Media Group P.O. Box 861 Bryant, AR 72089 www.salinecountylifestyles.com

Articles should not be considered specific advice as circumstances vary per individual. Advertised products and/or services are not necessarily endorsed by Ignite Media Group.

CONTENTS

04 10 +

40th Anniversary: Bryant’s First Win

Kajuan Robinson

14 18 30

Ren Hefley

Laura Wooten: The Last Dance

Hornet Preview

EVERY ISSUE Weather Update

Insurance Insight

06 24

middletoninc.com

Benton 778-6348 • Bryant 847-0371 Law Review

28

Saline County Lifestyles • 3

NOTABLE

Lifestyle

1978-2018

TH

BRYANT’S FIRST WIN 2018 is a monumental year in the history of Bryant Hornet football, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the first win over the Benton Panthers.

Many factors worked together to give the Hornets that first victory over their county rival, but here’s how it went down, according a 1978 article in The Benton Courier by Sports Editor, Scott Morgan: “Six fumbles spelled relief for the Hornets as the Panthers were pinned in their end of the field for most of the game by virtue of their fumbles.”

The only points of the game came in the second quarter, when Bryant’s Mark Jones recovered a fumble. After several plays of gaining and losing gridiron ground, Hornet Head Coach George Loss, formerly at Catholic High (and at the time the most successful coach in Arkansas high school football), sent in Greg Church, who kicked a 23-yard field goal with 1:43 left in the second quarter.

The Panthers fumbled 5 more times during the game and Hornet player Joey Self recovered an incredible 3 of the 6 total Panther lost possessions.

The Hornets defense dominated the game, and after managing to run the clock out, the Hornets had “done it” for the first time in their history, defeating the Benton Panthers by a final score of 3-0. Game stats looked 4 • Saline County Lifestyles

like this: Hornets rushed for 110 yards and passed for 24, for a total of 134 yards, and the Panthers put together 135 yards on the night as they rushed for 121 and passed for 14.

In follow-up newspaper interviews, Coach Loss was quoted as saying, “It was a big upset, but those Benton fumbles helped us a lot.”

“I imagine this is the biggest win in Bryant’s history. We played as well as we’re capable of playing.”

Forty years later, the memories of that game are still as vivid in the minds of Hornet players Anthony Rushing and Greg Church as they were that Friday night in 1978.

Church, the only scoring player of the game, remembers pre-game excitement at an all-time high. “I think the coaches sensed something big was about to happen, and their enthusiasm was key to all the things they said to us. I remember we had all new coaches and a new stadium.

We had already won our first game in our new stadium, and according to the players, a new day had dawned at Bryant High School. We practiced hard and started believing in ourselves.

Our spirits were very high.”

“When you believe in yourself, train yourself to succeed, and give any effort 110%, no matter how much the odds are stacked against you, you can succeed with that mental fortitude.”

In addition to a new stadium and a new head coach, Bryant added position coaches to the staff.

Loss brought in Jim Brawner, an All American Razorback from the 1969 team to be defensive/offensive ends coach; Tom Webb as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach; J. R. Ross, a Razorback from the class of ‘78 and member of the 1978 Orange Bowl Champs as defensive secondary coach; and Richard Fulcher, who had just graduated

from the same Razorback team as Ross, as offensive line coach.

The new coaching staff brought new strategies and a fresh approach to Hornet football, recalls Rushing.

“Former Razorbacks brought an entirely different mindset to us as players. We had great confidence in these coaches and realized they were putting us on the right track and a mindset towards success.”

NOTABLE

The most dramatic change came when Coach Loss told the players they would not have to play both offense and defense, which tended to tire the players by the end of the game.

“Coach Loss told us we would not play both ways and that we should decide which side of the ball we wanted to play and what position.

The knowledge, drills, and techniques they [the coaches] brought with them instilled in us a positive mindset, and allowed us to realize we were going to be an entirely different team.”

What Greg Church said is true. The

1978 Benton/Bryant game was a part of Bryant High School history that won’t ever be repeated, but what were the ripple effects from that historic Saline County event? For Rushing and Church, the outcomes were long-lasting. “‘Teamwork’ and ‘success breeds success’ are the two lessons I learned by playing football, and I have used them to teach my children important life lessons,” says Church.

“When you believe in yourself, train yourself to succeed, and give any effort 110%, no matter how much the odds are stacked against you, you can

Lifestyle

succeed with that mental fortitude,” adds Rushing. “We learned a lot about building character, teamwork, mutual respect, and dedication to ourselves and others. These are all key attributes that these men [coaches] gave us, that can and have been utilized by all of us over the past 40 years. That first win against Benton has always been a key event in our lives; we can look back and reflect on how it gave our fellow students and communities pride.”  Carolyn Buckner

Saline County Lifestyles • 5

PRACTICE DAY. GAME DAY. EVERY DAY.

RAVEN

NATHAN

ED

TRACY

MARIEL

ARKANSAS’

WEATHER TEAM HAS YOUR BACK.

6 • Saline County Lifestyles

URBAN

Lifestyle

WEATHER WATCH Salt Water & Weather

By Ed Buckner, THV11 Chief Meteorologist

The Earth’s oceans cover about 70% of the planet. The sea is our largest habitat and, of course, it’s all salt water (which, coincidentally, ties in nicely with the Salt Bowl theme of this edition).

Salt in its natural state is a crystalline mineral made of sodium chloride, known as rock salt or halite. Sodium is the 6th most abundant element on Earth and makes up about 2.6% of the Earth’s crust - but why is the majority of water on our home planet salty?

Salt in the oceans comes from rocks on land. It’s a complicated process involving rainfall that contains some partially dissolved carbon dioxide.

This acidic rainfall breaks down the rocks and creates electrically charged particles called ions.

Streams and rivers carry the ions into the ocean. Marine organisms then dissolve the ions and remove them, leaving mostly sodium and chloride as byproducts. About 3.5% of the weight of seawater comes from dissolved salts, and if the salt from the oceans were removed and spread over the globe, it would form a layer nearly 500 feet thick!

As you can imagine, the mixing of salt water and fresh water during natural disasters such as tsunamis and hurricanes creates a threat to

our ecosystem and environment.

For example, the strong storm surge from a hurricane or tropical storm pushes seawater into marshland along coastal regions, causing all manner of problems.

STORMS THAT DEVELOP AND FORM HURRICANES DO PULL MOISTURE FROM THE OCEANS, BUT SINCE SALT IS A SOLID, IT REMAINS BEHIND AS ONLY THE WATER EVAPORATES TO FORM CLOUDS. Salt-water intrusion destroys plants because the salt ions create a drought-like condition, causing damage to foliage and roots. But plants are not the only things affected by salt-water intrusion. Coastal and marshland waterfowl such as Great Blue Herons and Egrets who feed on plants susceptible to intrusion can lose a substantial part of their feeding ground in affected areas.

Underground aquifers, like the ones that lie beneath 81% of the state of Texas, can also fall prey to salt-water intrusion. When salt-water mixes with fresh water and seeps into such aquifers, the water becomes contaminated, which causes a wide

array of challenges. Fortunately, over time fresh water from rivers and streams pushes the salt-water back out to sea.

On a side note, some may wonder why rain from a hurricane or tropical system isn’t salty. Storms that develop and form hurricanes do pull moisture from the oceans, but since salt is a solid, it remains behind as only the water evaporates to form clouds.

Now, speaking of all things salty, here’s a question for all of you: where did Saline County get its name? I’ve heard conflicting accounts and I want to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Send me a Facebook message at @ edbucknerTHV11 to weigh in. 

Saline County Lifestyles • 7

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NOTABLE

Lifestyle

KAJUAN ROBINSON

JUST GETTING STARTED If you think about Bryant senior defensive lineman Robinson in terms of “football years,” he’s still just a baby. How so? Well, he’s only been playing the game with the Hornets for two years.

A former standout basketball player, Robinson turned his attentions to football for his sophomore year, and judging by how well he’s taking to this new challenge, it was a good decision.

“I love the atmosphere and the energy,” he said. “Bryant is known to be a baseball town, but when football season starts, everyone is there. All eyes are on you, and you have to perform to the best of your ability every play. I’m always up for that challenge.”

Joining the team shortly after the arrival of Head Coach Buck James, the 6’1”, 305-pound nose guard/ 10 • Saline County Lifestyles

defensive tackle almost immediately began turning heads. And he hasn’t really stopped doing so since.

“He’s a fantastic kid,” Coach James said. “He has all of the measurable talents you would want along with the “immeasurables” that make him fun to coach. He’s strong, fast and has a real talent for getting to the ball. He had a few interceptions his sophomore season, but he’s also one of the most honest and genuine young men I’ve ever been around.”

But Robinson isn’t alone on the defensive side of the ball for the Hornets. In fact, Coach James thinks this squad could have the best season since he and his staff took over. “Anytime you have a solid defensive front, it allows you to do a lot of things,” Coach James said.

“Of course, it’s led by Kajuan and Josh Salgueiro, our two inside guys.

Catrell Wallace and Austin Bailey

are our two defensive ends. Those guys all started or played last year.”

“I think our football team is a lot better today than it was when we got here. Guys know their roles and that we expect them to step up and perform.”

In addition to being a leader on and off the field with his Hornet teammates, Robinson also makes it a point to be a solid role model to his three younger brothers and younger sister.

“My family means everything to me. Without them, I would have nothing,” he said. “I’m the oldest, and I try to lead by example and show them the hard work that goes into being an athlete, not just the idea of trying to be a superstar.

They see me as a role model, and it’s a responsibility I really love.”

In fact, it was family and his

“I THINK OUR FOOTBALL TEAM IS A LOT BETTER TODAY THAN IT WAS WHEN WE GOT HERE. GUYS KNOW THEIR ROLES AND THAT WE EXPECT THEM TO STEP UP AND PERFORM.”

mother’s love for them that brought the Robinson’s to Bryant from Luxora, a small town in Northeast Arkansas.

“My little brother was born in 2008 and was considered deaf,” Robinson said. “The only deaf school in Arkansas was in Little Rock. My mom and I decided it was time to move down here to help with him.”

Make no mistake, though. The miles of separation don’t hinder Robinson and his extended family.

He says they all remain very close.

“I still have both of my parents, and the rest of my family is in Memphis, Jonesboro and Osceola. Even though we are all three hours apart, we still get together every chance we get. They all support me playing football, and even though they live (in Northeastern Arkansas), my family wears Bryant gear everywhere they go. It’s so crazy.”

And that strong family connection

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Saline County Lifestyles • 11

isn’t lost on Coach James and his Hornet coaching staff.

“Anytime you have a player who develops as fast and works as hard as Kajuan does, you know somewhere behind the scenes there’s a mom or a dad who is working just as hard to support the coach and the staff to make that player better,” James said.

“I know it took a lot of trust from his mom to let Kajuan come out and do what he’s been able to do in such a short period of time. I know she’s been a real cornerstone in his development, especially off the field.”

Entering his senior season, Robinson says he’s committed to continuing his improvement on the field to achieve the team’s goals of a conference title and a run at the 7A Arkansas State Championship. All of that begins August 25 in front of 30,000 fans at The Salt Bowl from Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium.

“It’s incredible to see the two communities come together,” he said.

“Before playing football, I never really paid attention to (The Salt Bowl) because I was playing basketball. I didn’t see how it brought so many people together. It’s really special because I get to have my entire family come down to watch me play.”

Remember Coach James’ explanation of Robinson’s quick development on the field? That athleticism is now catching the attention of a number of Division-I and Division-II football programs, including UAPB, UCA, Southeast Missouri State, Louisiana Tech and Arkansas State.

“I felt pressure about that in the beginning,” Kajuan said.

“Now, it’s just about going out and doing what I need to get better and go to the next level.”

It’s sure to be an exciting time for this young man who’s still learning the game. But you can rest assured that his coaches, his teammates and, yes, his family will be eagerly anticipating everything he stands to accomplish.  Charles Crowson

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12 • Saline County Lifestyles

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Saline County Lifestyles • 13

NOTABLE

Lifestyle

REN HEFLEY

BRYANT’S HUMBLE LEADER

Ren Hefley began his academic and athletic career outside Saline County, but that has not stopped him from feeling like an automatic insider— in fact, when you talk to him, you realize he feels like he has lived here his whole life. Seeing as he is the starting quarterback for the Bryant Hornets and president of the senior class, it is very clear that Ren’s move to Bryant has not been good only for him, but also for Bryant as a whole.

When asked why he decided to transfer to Bryant, Ren is quick to point to his family’s roots in the area. He shares, “I transferred to Bryant from Pulaski Academy the summer of 2016, which was before my sophomore year. I wanted to go do something totally different, and go to a bigger, public school. It made sense to come to Saline County, as my mom grew up here and we have family here.” He goes on to say, “I couldn’t be happier. God has really 14 • Saline County Lifestyles

blessed me. Everyone has welcomed me from the start. I’ve made so many good friends, and I feel so much support from the town. I love it here.”

Ren began playing football when he was in second grade. In his words, “My brother is five years older than I and started playing sports. I would tag along to practices and games and hang out on the sidelines. I knew at an early age I wanted to grow up and play sports.’ When asked why he chose football, he shares a simple answer: “Camaraderie. Bringing guys together who are so different. I’m competitive and like to win. Football gives me the opportunity to spend time with friends and compete.”

“MY FIRST SALT BOWL WAS A CRAZY EXPERIENCE. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT 30,000 PEOPLE IN THE STANDS LOOKED LIKE. IT KNOCKS THE BREATH OUT OF YOU TO SEE ALL THE FANS. IT’S REALLY COOL TO SEE ALL THE BRYANT FANS WEARING THE COLORS.” So far, the highlights of Ren’s athletic career are enough to make even the humblest of people crack a proud smile. Ren shares, ‘In junior high, my team went undefeated. I was an 8th grade quarterback for a 9th grade team. This was really significant to me. I also remember the first time I started in a varsity football game.

It was my sophomore year and we were playing Catholic High - we won.

That was such a big moment. It was my dream to be out on the field.”

He also shares vivid memories of his first Salt Bowl. “My first Salt Bowl was a crazy experience. I had no idea what 30,000 people in the stands looked like. It knocks the breath out of you to see all the fans. It’s really cool to see all the Bryant fans wearing the colors.”

One of the words that comes to mind when you talk to Ren is leader.

While he certainly holds two very large

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leadership roles, Ren very humbly deflects any accolades that come with being the quarterback of the football team and the president of his senior class. He says of his leadership style on the football field, “I’ve never been an outspoken leader--I lead through service, hard work, and setting a good example. I believe in never giving up. That’s how I lead the team.”

Off of the football field, Ren shares, “I’m a servant leader. I try to behave as a good Christian. I look up to my dad and how he lives his life, and want to set the same example for the people around me.”

The future is bright for Ren, both on and off the field. When asked about his plans for college, Ren maintains he is keeping his options open about for whom he might play.

Several universities have offered him full football scholarships, but Ren knows that how he performs in the first four games of this season will play a big role in his recruitment. “I’m not sure what I want to study just yet, but I do know that playing college football has always been my dream.”

Ren’s off-field interests include musical pursuits--he plays the guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano and is a member of the school choir. Although Ren has a lot going on, he is laserfocused on the upcoming football season, and more specifically the Salt Bowl. According to Ren, “We are ready to play. Our guys are ready to get after it. It is such a big game for us. Our goal is to start and end the season in War Memorial. But for now, all we can think about is the first game against Benton.”

The progression from ‘new kid on the block’ to ‘big kid on the block’ has been quick for Ren, and the recognition he’s received so far has been well-deserved. As he sets his sights on the upcoming football season, there is no bigger game for Bryant than the Salt Bowl, and no bigger opponent than Saline County’s own Benton Panthers.  Carrie Amox

16 • Saline County Lifestyles

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Saline County Lifestyles • 17

LAURA WOOTEN

For 28 years, Laura Wooten has felt at home with her dance girls, coaching them to victory; but more importantly, she has made positive lasting impacts on them. The Bryant dance coach retires this year and leaves some big shoes to fill.

Choosing to retire was one of the hardest decisions of her life, Wooten says. “I have had some health issues going on that forced me to retire. It has been a very hard decision. My body is telling me it’s what I have to do, but my heart is still with my girls and my students.”

Former student Mallory McElroy says that during her time with Wooten from 2005 to 2008, her coach was a constant source of guidance, support, love and light from the moment someone earned a spot on the team. “Her impact on my life, and the lives of ‘her girls,’ is still unfolding because she found her passion and did it 110 percent.”

She recalls, “Upon someone’s making Mrs. Wooten’s team, she recites a poem about us being a role model to the little girls that we were just moments before.

Throughout the three years on her team, she molds us into these role models, full of perseverance, determination, and a work ethic 18 • Saline County Lifestyles

that can’t be beat. And after dancing our last, we go out into the world as these role models, knowing we have the ability to do anything in life, if you only set a goal and work hard to achieve it, regardless of the challenges in your way.”

Former student Courtney PattonProbst first met Wooten when her father (Coach Patton) was the head football coach at Bryant High School.

“I remember being in the stands at 7, hoping for the day that I would be old enough to try out for her team,” she says. She also recalls the poem, adding that the most important responsibility dance team members have is to be that role model to those girls in the stands “like me,” watching and wanting to grow up to be on the dance team.

Bonnie Nixon, another former team member, says Wooten is a true pioneer for dance teams in Arkansas. “She has worked relentlessly to educate coaches and dancers and to help make it a respectable sport for the state. She was a true leader by example, and I know she honestly cared for each and every one of us. The values and lessons I learned from being under Mrs. Wooten's leadership have helped mold me into the woman, businessperson, wife and mom I am today.”

Wooten became a Bryant Hornet long before she became a teacher and coach. She moved to Bryant when she was 10 years old, starting the fifth

grade at Bryant Elementary School.

At Bryant Junior High, she was a member of the first junior high drill team. She furthered her drill team journey in high school. In 1990, she says, she was lucky enough to be hired to teach at Bryant Junior High.

“THE VALUES AND LESSONS I LEARNED FROM BEING UNDER MRS. WOOTEN’S LEADERSHIP HAVE HELPED MOLD ME INTO THE WOMAN, BUSINESSPERSON, WIFE AND MOM I AM TODAY.” “At the end of my first year of teaching, my coach (the first and only coach to have the team) asked me to take over. I was honored and so very excited; I gladly accepted.

My awesome journey began. I had the junior high team for five years, and then my high school coach that had been there for 16 years asked if I wanted the high school dance team. Of course, I accepted.”

All the games were important to Wooten throughout the years, but as any Saline County school participant can attest, a favorite game is the annual matchup between Benton and Bryant at the Salt Bowl. One of her favorite traditions is that both dance teams have the privilege of performing. “Whether you are home or the visiting team, both dance teams perform for the Salt Bowl,” she says.

Watching her teammates grow from “little girls into strong, independent, responsible young women” is one of her favorite aspects from coaching.

As for the national titles the dance team has garnered throughout the years, Wooten says she doesn’t think she did anything special.

“I simply gave the time and energy, and had a passion for coaching.

My girls are the ones that made the championships happen – their desire, heart, dedication, and passion for the sport all set us apart. I also had dance team parents that were so very supportive and made sure we had what we needed to be successful.”

The past 28 years “have truly been amazing,” Wooten notes. “Have they been without challenges? No; but to me, being able to push through is what keeps you going each and every day. If you didn’t have those challenges, life would be boring.

My parents have always taught me to be persistent and to never give up! Work hard, be loyal, and have faith that all will be okay.”

Patton-Probst says she is fortunate to have stood beside Wooten – whom she also considers her friend and second mom – at numerous competitions and nationals since graduating in 2007. “I was able to be there for her as she has been for me over the years. At the end of the day, we were always ‘one family that comes together two win,’ known as ‘1FC2G2W.’” Jillian McGehee

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Saline County Lifestyles • 19

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Lifestyle

INSURANCE INSIGHT Protect Your Valuables with a Personal Articles Policy

By Jamey South, State Farm Insurance

Get coverage beyond your homeowners or renters policy to replace your valuable items. A Personal Articles Policy could give you worldwide coverage for items not protected by other policies.

The Personal Articles Policy offers many features and benefits: Broad Coverage - The PAP provides all risk coverage, subject to few limitations and exclusions. This means it provides broad coverage, often with no deductible, for theft and accidental direct physical loss (ADPL) to the covered property at home and while traveling anywhere in the world (Fine Arts are only covered in the U.S.). If it is not excluded, then it is covered. These personal items are listed in the schedule in the policy and a coverage amount is assigned to each item. In a few cases, blanket coverage is available for an entire class of property, such as baseball and sports cards, wine collections, etc.

Value Established Prior to Loss - The value of items is established up front when the policy is written; so if there should be a loss, it makes claim handling much smoother for the customer.

• Broader coverage can be provided 24 • Saline County Lifestyles

- Sometimes the homeowners policy may not adequately cover some items due to coverage limits on items, and the PAP can provide that extra, broader coverage.

Minimal Costs and Lower Deductibles The cost of the PAP is reasonable and can offer low or no deductibles at all.

A Personal Articles Policy May Cover: • Bicycles (such as racing bikes and electronic assist bicycles) • Cameras • Collectibles (such as dolls, model trains, sports cards, comic books, and stamp and coin collections) • Computer equipment and software (personal use only) • Fine art (such as paintings and sculptures) • Firearms • Furs • Hearing aids and medical devices (such as hearing implants and insulin pumps) • Jewelry • Musical instruments •Prosthetic devices (such as artificial eyes and limbs)

• Silverware/goldware • Sports equipment •Sports, leisure, and powersport items (such as fishing equipment, bicycles, and golf clubs) Appraisal & Bill of Sale Requirements: Insuring property for its true value is important. A bill of sale or appraisal not more than two years old will be considered “current”. A bill of sale helps to document the item’s purchase price. The bill of sale should include the description of the item, the purchase date, and the name, address and phone number of the place of purchase. It may or may not have the sales person’s signature.

An appraisal is a written document that provides both a description and a valuation of an item, and is typically written by an appraiser familiar with evaluating items and determining values. Good documentation is important, especially should there be a loss or claim on the items at some time. It is required that an appraisal have the buyer’s or owner’s name and address, date the appraisal was issued and signature and/or name of the appraiser, and a full description of each item being insured. This

FAMILY

Lifestyles

is standard appraisal practice.

If an appraisal or bill of sale is not provided, a detailed description is needed and photos of the item(s) being insured are desirable, if possible.

An experienced underwriter should review the coverage request.

Optional Personal Articles Policy Coverage: Broad Pair and Set Coverage - You will be covered for the full amount needed to replace an item of jewelry that may be part of a pair or set.

For example, a pair of earrings would qualify for this coverage.

SOMETIMES THE HOMEOWNERS POLICY MAY NOT ADEQUATELY COVER SOME ITEMS DUE TO COVERAGE LIMITS ON ITEMS, AND THE PAP CAN PROVIDE THAT EXTRA, BROADER COVERAGE. Inflation Coverage - The amount of coverage is automatically adjusted annually based on the Consumer Product inflation index. Valuable items should be professionally reappraised regularly.

Wedding Present Coverage - In addition to coverage for your engagement and wedding rings, we can cover your wedding gifts as well. Adding the Wedding Gift endorsement provides temporary coverage (before and up to 90 days after your wedding) to protect your gifts. Refer to the policy for a complete description of the Losses Not Insured. 

Saline County Lifestyles • 25

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FAMILY

Lifestyle

When “Go Long” Isn’t The Best Plan By: Justin S. Elrod, Certified Elder Law Attorney, The Elrod Firm I recently read an article arguing that “Average Arm Quarterbacks” in the NFL were more valuable to their teams than “Big Arm Quarterbacks.”

The article first divided a group of well-known quarterbacks into their respective categories (admittedly a subjective task). It placed guys like Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton, and Joe Flacco in the “Big Arm” category.

In the “Average Arm” category, it put guys like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Eli Manning. It then outlined a fullblown statistical analysis, comparing completion percentages, touchdowns, interceptions, and comeback wins.

The author found that the group of quarterbacks known more for big arm strength tended to be less accurate than those with average arm strength. He concluded that the big arms tended to have a worse touchdown to interception ratio, too. When it came to comeback wins, the quarterbacks known for arm strength were, on average, less efficient than those in the league deemed to have average arm strength.

Across the board, the “Average Arm 28 • Saline County Lifestyles

Quarterbacks” beat the “Big Arm Quarterbacks” in every statistical category included in the analysis.

WHEN YOU CENTER YOUR ESTATE PLAN ON A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT, IT IS DIFFICULT TO PROTECT YOUR HEIRS FROM THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. Don’t get me wrong. I’m of the opinion that a smart person can skew a statistical analysis to say almost anything. I also realize that this is all relative. I know that the quarterback with the weakest and least accurate arm in the NFL, whoever that might be, is light-years ahead of the rest of us in the real world. But it is an interesting topic of debate to help football enthusiasts pass the time while they wait for Week One.

This point has an interesting correlation to my field of estate planning. Stick with me. Most people center their plans on one of two possible strategies. They either center their plan on a Last Will and Testament or they utilize a Revocable Trust as the centerpiece of their estate plan.

It would be fair to compare use of a Last Will and Testament to hiring a “Big Arm Quarterback” to lead your football team. The quarterbacks with the big arms (and arguably less accuracy) need better receivers.

They chunk the ball and hope that someone happens to be in the right place at the right time to catch it.

Sticking with this analogy, you could compare use of a Revocable Trust to hiring an “Average Arm Quarterback” to lead your football team. These (arguably) more accurate quarterbacks do better at adjusting to where their receivers happen to be and provide them more protection against unforeseen obstacles.

When you center your estate plan

FAMILY

on a Last Will and Testament, it is difficult to protect your heirs from themselves and others. But that’s exactly what a well-drafted Revocable Trust can do for you. It can protect an inheritance from heirs who may be unprepared to properly manage it. It can protect an inheritance from others who may want a piece of what your heirs have coming.

In other words, the success of an estate plan centered on a Trust does not depend on your heirs being in the right place at the right time. If your heir is disabled when he is to receive his inheritance, a trust can protect him and the funds. If your heir is facing legal troubles like bankruptcy, divorce, or litigation, a trust can shield the funds from the people and entities going after that family member.

The ability to protect your heirs from themselves and others should provide plenty of motivation to center your estate plan on a Trust instead of a Will. But there’s one additional huge factor that seals the deal. A Last Will and Testament will not keep your estate out of probate court.

Instead, it’s your set of instructions to the probate judge on how you’d like your probate handled. A welldrafted and properly used Trust will keep you out of probate court.

Probate is a court action supervised by a judge and managed by attorneys that costs a lot of money, takes a frustratingly long time, and is uncomfortably public. Anything you can do to keep your family out of probate is worth it. Because a Trust can do that while also protecting heirs from themselves and others, that’s the recommendation I give to my clients the majority of the time.

If you’d like to learn more about probate, how to avoid it, and how a Trust can protect your heirs, order a copy of my book, You Need A Plan, at YourPlanMatters.com. And remember, a no-charge Strategy Session is just a phone call away. Do your homework and be prepared. 

Lifestyles

MEET DENA: ARTIST, CAR ENTHUSIAST, DRIVEN WOMAN “When I overheard that women my age don’t really walk again after this type of injury, I thought: Just watch me.”

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B R Y A NT TE AM PR E V I EW When Bryant does make it to a state championship game, the routine won’t be foreign to them thanks to Salt Bowl week. Bryant third-year Coach Buck James was amazed by the commitments and stress involved in playing in the state’s largest rivalry against county foe Benton. His teams are 2-0 in those games, but the wins didn’t come without adjustments to the amount of time devoted away from the field.

“You have to be Week-4 ready because of the magnitude of the game.

It’s not the typical Week-1 game,” James said. “When I was at Camden, we played El Dorado in front of 15,000 to 17,000 fans, but when you have 30,000 people at War Memorial Stadium, that is a different ball of wax. It really gets you ready to play in a state championship game. The state championship week isn’t nearly as intense and time-demanding as the Salt Bowl. If we can get past that next step to the state championship game, that week won’t be abnormal for us.”

OFFENSE James credits quarterback coach Kirk Bock for having two experienced quarterbacks competing in the spring.

Senior Ren Hefley (6’2”, 190 lbs.) began 2017 as the starter but broke his collarbone Week 6. Hefley (4.2 GPA, 30 ACT), who was elected class president, returned Week 12 and finished 129 of 221 with 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns with only four interceptions on the season.

Junior Jake Meaders (5’11”, 165 lbs.) started five games, and thanks to Bock’s tutelage Bryant “didn’t miss a beat” as Meaders (32 ACT) took over the offense. He passed for 244 yards and a TD at Cabot and 269 yards 30 • Saline County Lifestyles

and three scores against Conway.

James said that Hefley has regained his place on the depth chart, but Meaders will take snaps as quarterback in games and has emerged as one of the top receiving threats as wide receiver.

“Jake is such a great athlete, and you want to have as many players on the field that can make plays,” James said. “He has been one of our best receivers in 7-on-7. Don’t be surprised if you see him in a game throwing and catching passes. He is a very versatile athlete we have to have on the field.”

Senior all-state running back Latavion Scott (5’9”, 200 lbs.) ran for 1,341 yards and caught 32 passes for 324 yards in 2017.

Senior Braylon Butler (5’10”, 170 lbs.) and junior Ahmad Adams (6’1”, 200 lbs.) both saw work in the Hornets backfield a year ago.

Senior receiver Randy Thomas (6’1”, 180 lbs.) is a two-year starter and was third in receiving yards last season. Senior Josh Robinson (6’2”, 170 lbs.) emerged during 7-on-7 seasons as a playmaker. Sophomore River Gregory (5’10”, 165 lbs.) lines up in the slot, while classmate Butler will play in the other slot when he’s not in the backfield. Senior Grant Botti (6’, 200 lbs.) struggled with injuries last year, but should be at full strength this year and will see time. Senior Brandon Jett (5’10”, 165 lbs.) impresses with exact routes and will contribute more this year.

The Hornets return a strong, experienced line unit. Senior all-state tackle Blaise Smith (6’2”, 290 lbs.) is a three-year starter and bench-presses 410 pounds. Senior Jake Burton (6’3”, 305 lbs.), who lost 30 pounds and bench presses 330 pounds, takes over at guard after logging most of his experience on the JV squad.

Seniors Josh Stevens (5’9”, 285 lbs.) and Austin Trimble (5’11”, 285 lbs.) are embroiled in a battle

for the starting center position.

Stevens has started eight games the past two seasons subbing in for an injured starter, but he was injured in a car accident in the spring and spent several weeks recovering. He bench presses more than 300 pounds and squats more than 500. Senior guard Clay McElyea (6’2”, 275 lbs.) earned all-conference honors last season, while right tackle Logan Burton (6’2”, 285 lbs.) returns for his third season as a starter.

Senior Martin Ramirez (5’10”, 180 lbs.), a two-time all-state soccer player, handled most of the kicking duties a year ago booting a 32-yard field goal against Cabot. Junior Grayson Scoles (5’11”, 180 lbs.) kicked extra points during the playoffs. Sophomore Austin Ledbetter (6’1”, 175 lbs.), who was offered a baseball scholarship from the University of Arkansas as a freshman, could punt after playing quarterback in junior high last year.

DEFENSE Senior tackle Kajuan Robinson (6’2”, 305 lbs.) has become one of the premier defensive linemen in the starting of a good portion of the games since he first tried football as a sophomore.

Robinson (385-pound bench press, 460-pound squat) totaled 24 tackles, including five sacks, in 2017.

Classmate Josh Salgueiro (5’11”, 255 lbs.) lines up at the other tackle. Salgueiro (400-pound bench press, 580-pound squat) racked up 28 tackles a year ago.

Senior Nate Wallace (6’3”, 265 lbs.) returns at one end. Wallace, who has gained 70 pounds over the past two years, bench presses 360 pounds and totaled 47 tackles, including nine tackles for loss and four sacks.

Junior Austin Bailey (6’2”, 255 lbs.), a converted linebacker, started at the

other end last year as a sophomore.

Versatile senior Logan Reed (5’11”, 225 lbs.) earned all-conference honors as a deep snapper last fall, but will also fill in on the defensive line as well as at guard and fullback, James said.

Senior all-state middle linebacker Jakob Neal (6’, 220 lbs.) has a chance to break the Hornets’ alltime tackle record, but he will have to wait until mid-October to get on the field after tearing his ACL. Neal racked up 122 tackles in 2017.

Senior Jake Wright (5’10”, 170 lbs.), who plays baseball, returns to outside linebacker after amassing nearly 50 tackles in 2017.

Athletic junior Catrell Wallace (6’6”, 215 lbs.), who has 4.6 speed, mans the other outside spot and has attracted recruiting attention from Memphis after collecting 33 tackles and three sacks last year. Wallace also lines up at end on occasion.

The secondary may be the biggest concern for James after losing three starters from last year, but he retains veteran cornerback Andrew Hayes (5’11”, 175 lbs.). Hayes (4.5 speed) is beginning his third year as a starter after totaling 36 tackles and two forced fumbles last fall.

Juniors Derrick Rose (5’10”, 165 lbs.) and Christian Cain (5’10”, 165 lbs.) are battling for the other cornerback job. Senior Jabin Gulley (6’1”, 185 lbs.) earned a starting nod at safety in the spring after transferring from White Hall. Gulley was one of the Bulldogs’ top offensive weapons last fall with more than 500 yards receiving.  Nate Olson

Saline County Lifestyles • 31

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2018 BRYANT HORNET FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT PLACE AUG 25 BENTON (Salt Bowl) SEPT 7

@ Bentonville West

TIME

WAR MEM (Away)

7:00 PM

AWAY

7:00 PM

SEPT 14 Fayetteville HOME 7:00 PM SEPT 21 Ft. Smith Northside*

SEPT 28 @ Catholic*

HOME

7:00 PM

WAR MEM (Away)

7:00 PM

OCT 5

LR Central* HOME 7:00 PM

OCT 12

@ Ft. Smith Southside*

AWAY

7:00 PM

OCT 19 Cabot* (Homecoming)

HOME

7:00 PM

OCT 26 @ N.L.R.* AWAY 7:00 PM NOV 2

Conway* (Sr. Night)

*Denotes Conference Play WAR MEM=War Memorial Stadium

COURTESY OF:

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7:00 PM