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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

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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.

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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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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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Lifestyle

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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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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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

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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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26 • Saline County Lifestyles

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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

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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. 

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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.”

READ MORE ABOUT DENA PECKHAM’S STORY AT snellarkansas.com

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Saline County Lifestyles • 29

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

HOME

2018 BRYANT HORNET FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT PLACE

TIME

AUG 25 BENTON (Salt Bowl)

WAR MEM (Away)

7:00 PM

SEPT 7

AWAY

7:00 PM

@ Bentonville West

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:

HOME

7:00 PM