SALT BOWL XXII
2021 Volume 14, Issue 4
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EDITOR’S LETTER
What is the formula for good entertainment? Hollywood might say that it is a good ol’ fashioned rivalry. Case in point, Rocky I and II give us one of the best battles of all time on film, as the “Italian Stallion” Rocky Balboa faces off against boxing champion Apollo Creed! Even the world of animation loves a good rivalry. Consider these classics: Bugs Bunny vs. Daffy Duck, Tom vs. Jerry, Road Runner vs. Wile E. Coyote, and Sylvester vs. Tweety Bird. Here in Saline County there are no bigger rivals than the Benton Panthers and the Bryant Hornets. That is why Saline County Lifestyles is proud to bring you this 14th Annual Salt Bowl Special Edition. Wikipedia defines sports rivalry as “an intense competition between athletic teams or athletes. This pressure of competition is felt by players, coaches and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans.” This certainly holds true for Saline County. While the community isn’t strapping on the pads and enduring those grueling two-a-day summer practices, everyone is getting pumped for another clash between sports rivals. It is always exciting to see the entire community coming together in support of their local teams. Regardless of where your loyalty lies, this issue of Lifestyles is sure to start your season off right. It’s been easy to see over the past 13 years that this edition is by far our most popular magazine of the year. Per the usual, it will be another one of our signature 72-page flip covers with all the “fixin’s,” including a mini-poster, team schedules, detailed team reviews, all the exciting rivalry coverage and much more. This is your ultimate community sports edition! In keeping with the concept of animated rivals, the Bryant Hornets hope to be saying Tweety’s signature line “I tawt I taw a puddy tat!” as they rush past the Benton Panthers for a touchdown. One thing is certain: the Salt Bowl always offers great entertainment! And though the teams might be rivals, at the end of the game we are all still one community that proudly supports our own. Your town. Your life. Your magazine.
2021 Volume 14, Issue 4
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Josh Elrod
jelrod@ignite-mediagroup.com
ART DIRECTOR Krystal Neuhofel krystal@salinecountylifestyles.com
CONTRIBUTORS Contributing Writers Carrie Amox Carolyn Buckner Ed Buckner Charles Crowson Brent Davis Justin Elrod Ashley Leopoulos Marietta McClure Nate Olson Doug Pruitt Gina Simpson Contributing Photographers Lela & Lyla Photography
IDEAS/COMMENTS If you have a story idea or comment, please email us at: feedback@salinecountylifestyles.com
JOSH ELROD Publisher & Editor
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.
2 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
CONTENTS EVERETT: TACKLING HUNGER
RING LEADER: COACH BUCK JAMES
BIG MEN ON CAMPUS
ROB PATRICK, SIGNING OFF
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Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 3
According to 2019 data from feedingamerica.org, 12.4% of Saline County residents are food insecure, and a heartbreaking 15.4% of our children experience hunger on a regular basis. With the onset of COVID in 2020, those startling percentages have most assuredly increased, but the Everett family of dealerships (Infiniti of Central Arkansas, Everett Buick GMC, Everett Chevrolet and Everett Ford) has teamed up with the Arkansas Foodbank to help with those disturbing statistics.
the Shelves in Saline County,” which means all donations will directly benefit Saline County residents and schools!
“We have been involved with the Food Drive for several years. It is our hearts’ desire that no child, or anyone for that matter, would go hungry,” says Susie Everett. Everett is partnering with the Arkansas Foodbank starting Monday, July 12, through August 13, to “Stock
The Arkansas Foodbank is the foundation of Arkansas’s fight against hunger. With the vision of “a stronger community where hunger needs are met with sufficient access to nutritious food,” Arkansas Foodbank staff, board members and volunteers focus on
“This food drive will benefit local feeding programs that provide sufficient nutrition for these children outside of the school day.” Everett’s food wish list for this drive is geared towards kids. The most needed items include individual cereal bars and breakfast cereals, canned tuna or chicken, Chef Boyardee pasta meals, macaroni and cheese, fruit cups, applesauce, and easy-open soups.
4 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
“finding pathways to connect people, resources and food to reach those in need, providing dignity, hope and a brighter future for all Arkansans.” “During the summer months children are more vulnerable because school is not in session to guarantee a breakfast and lunch,” notes Susie. This year the Everett dealerships chose to do a special food drive spearheaded by the Marketing and Community Relations team. The Everett team set an ambitious goal because they know the tremendous impact every donation makes. “Our goal is to collect at least 1,000 items, plus funds. The Arkansas Foodbank can provide food for five meals for every one dollar donated,” says Susie. Collection boxes are placed at all of the dealerships and marketing has
OUR GOAL IS TO COLLECT AT LEAST 1,000 ITEMS, PLUS FUNDS. THE ARKANSAS FOODBANK CAN PROVIDE FOOD FOR FIVE MEALS FOR EVERY ONE DOLLAR DONATED.
ramped up to help get the word out. “We have special advertisements on our digital signs around town, planned social media, emails to customers, and we have a few local businesses helping as well.” Online donations can also be made at bit.ly/3hQNVLz. According to Sherri Jones, Annual Giving Director at the Arkansas Foodbank, roughly 280,000-300,000 people in 33 counties across the State benefit from services provided by the Foodbank. “Because we receive strong support from the community, these food and donation drives enable us to keep our administrative costs low. We couldn’t provide the help we do, to the people we serve, without local partners like the Everett family.”
Devin Sherrill, Communications Director for the Bryant School District, emphasizes the importance of the Arkansas Foodbank in addressing child hunger in our community. “We know that hungry children have a more difficult time learning and reaching their full potential.” Devin continues, “Although free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs provide food to students during the school day, many children do not have access to regular meals when school is not in session. One program coordinated by AFB is the Backpack Program, which helps alleviate child hunger by discreetly providing hungry children with backpacks full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food on Friday afternoons, so they have food to eat throughout the weekend.”
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Arkansas Foodbank has also teamed up with Bryant Schools to expand access to food for families in our community. In addition to supplying local food pantries with peanut butter, the organization has provided weekly food boxes for families. Bryant team members then distribute the boxes. It has been a successful Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 5
outreach and means of support for both children and adults, especially during the pandemic. “The impact to students and local families has been far-reaching thanks to the influence of Arkansas Foodbank. They are an excellent community partner,” adds Devin. Another vital program AFB offers is the Peanut Butter drive. The Drive will begin August 1 and run through Salt Bowl weekend. Big Red/Summerwood Partners of Saline County will have peanut butter available for purchase at each of their stores and collection bins at each store so customers can immediately donate, like the stations at any of Everett’s locations. “Bryant and Benton Schools will be collecting peanut butter at each school. The schools will then be able to keep the amount of peanut butter needed for their school pantries or their Backpack programs. An Arkansas Foodbank member pantry in Saline County will pick up the remainder, to distribute to families in our community. The schools will kick off their drive at the Salt Bowl, and it will run the entire month of September during National Hunger Action Month. There is a competition for the top fundraising school for both Benton and Bryant. A traveling trophy will be presented to the winning school at the end of September,” explains Sherri with AFB. It is unacceptable that Arkansas ranks second in food insecurity according to the USDA and second in child hunger according to Feeding America, but thanks to the continued generous donation of time, food, and money from organizations like Infiniti of Central Arkansas, Everett Buick GMC, Everett Chevrolet and Everett Ford, hopefully Saline County and the State of Arkansas will change this sad and avoidable ranking. Carolyn Buckner
6 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 7
[WRITER’S NOTE] The following interview with
Bryant Head Coach Buck James provides some insight into how he thinks about athletics, and more importantly, how he’s grown to see his role as head coach. In transparency, I had the privilege of playing football and baseball under Coach James when he began his career in Monticello, and I still follow his career closely today. I can attest that things were hardly ever easy and not always fun. But the work was worth it, and the lessons I learned from him I still carry today.
8 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
You were a multi-sport athlete in Pine Bluff and at the University of Arkansas—Monticello (UAM). What do you remember most fondly about your playing days?
(Q)
I take the honor [of the induction] with the deepest humility because of so many of the men and women recognized before me.
I think back on the guys I played with and the coaches I played for, and every one of them had an impact on me as a player and as a coach. From summer baseball and junior high sports to high school football, basketball and baseball, I think each one played a big role, one way or the other. They were the reason I wanted to become a coach.
(A)
direction, good or bad. It was a time when I really needed to be captured and shown the right path in a disciplined and structured way.
(Q) (A)
Oh, no. I didn’t even believe it when [the school] called to tell me. I played in a great generation for UAM football, and what made the time even more remarkable was the fact it was a team led by three coaches and part-time student help. What they accomplished was phenomenal. The recruiting, practice schedule and game preparation—I think people today would have a hard time believing it. I take the honor [of the induction] with the deepest humility because of so many of the men and women recognized before me.
When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
I really think it happened in the eighth grade. I can remember sitting in my coaches’ office, talking to them and telling them that I wanted to be a coach. Ever since that time, that’s all I wanted to do. I was raised by a single mother, and all I’ve done since the second grade is sports. The only thing I really know how to do is work hard, so if I had a career in the real world, I would have to do something that required hard, physical labor. I don’t have any real skill set. Coaching, athletics and positively developing young men are all I’ve ever done.
(Q) (A)
Who are some of those past coaches who were your biggest inspiration?
I could never say that it was one particular coach. I remember all the great coaches, great role models and great teachers I’ve ever had. Three coaches I will never forget are Carl Preston, Tommy Barnes and Larry Stanley from UAM. Those men had me at an age and a time when I could’ve gone any
(Q) (A)
You were inducted into the UAM Hall of Fame. Did you ever think you would earn a distinction like that?
(Q) (A)
Summarize the last three years and what you, your coaches and your players have built at Bryant. This is the result of an incredible amount of hard work by dedicated people. I’m more like the architect who’s designed the plan, but it’s only possible because of this coaching staff and players who make it a reality. I have a tremendous team staff and, more importantly, a group of young men who are willing to be coached. Ninety percent of coaching is having kids who will allow you to do it. I am not an easy person to play for, and I know that. I push players’
buttons trying to get them to go further than even they thought they could. I take pride in that, and my players take pride in it, too. I’ve had former players tell me there’s nothing they can’t tackle in life after coming through our athletics program.
(Q) (A)
What does 212 really mean?
It’s the point where water boils. We use it as a measuring tool and a unit for our effort. That standard has become so expected within in our athletics department that our players say it far more than the coaches. They know what it means and the expectation of what it takes to get there. When water hits 212 degrees, you can do almost anything with it. You can boil an egg or produce the steam needed to power a locomotive. At 200-, maybe 210-degrees, you’ve got hot water, but when it reaches 212, it takes on a different meaning. The difference in winning a gold medal and last place in the 400m or 100m dash is what, less than a second, maybe half a second? You can work hard and give great effort but if your max is 205, and you’re competing against someone running on 212, you’re not going to win.
(Q) (A)
What’s next? Have you even considered a last chapter, yet?
When I’m through, maybe I’ll look back on what we’ve done, but I haven’t even begun to think about something like that.
Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 9
For me, this profession is about keeping our kids in a safe place where they can grow and mature. I remember [Monticello head football] Coach McMurray telling me, “There are a lot of great coaches who never win a state championship,” and he’s right. That we have become so successful is a testament to our administrators, our coaches and most of all, our players and parents. I’ve just been blessed to be here and help put the puzzle together. Right now, my coaches and I are focused on what we can do to develop these kids into becoming better men, better workers, better
husbands and better fathers. For me, this profession is about keeping our kids in a safe place where they can grow and mature. It’s about keeping them off the streets, away from drugs and away from choices that can negatively impact their lives in ways they don’t even understand, yet. Those are the things that burn in my gut now, and in 34 years of coaching, I’ve never had a perfect season doing that. That’s far more important than the wins and the losses. Charles Crowson
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10 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 11
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12 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Pins & Needles Alterations Central Arkansas
I first became interested in the process of smoking meat shortly after graduating from dental school. I attended school at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, where the annual BBQ festival is held as part of the Memphis in May celebration.One of our fixed prosthodontics professors was a member of a competitive team and my buddies and I enjoyed slipping into their tent to enjoy the incredible food. After graduation in 2005, several of my friends came up with the idea of forming our own BBQ team. We competed in one competition per year, the slightly less prestigious; but legitimate in its own right, Esperanza Bonanza held west of Memphis in Marion, Arkansas. While I was never the “pit master” of our team, I learned a good deal helping and watching others. I now understand the concepts and for the
most part, enjoy the process of “low and slow.” I’ve owned the same wood fueled Horizon smoker for the last 13 years or so and together we usually produce a fine product. But my smoker has a funny way of keeping me humble and honest. Like my digital meat thermometer, she keeps tabs on my ego, noting when it gets too large and needs a readjustment. Much like a dental office, where solid, repeatable systems and processes help to consistently produce a quality product, smoking meat is much about the process. It’s a process that requires time and patience, but if everything goes well you get rewarded for your efforts. Earlier this summer I had a true “success” when smoking for a get together with friends only to be soon followed by what I considered a failure. This got me to thinking about
my smoker and what deeper truths I might glean from our relationship. Here’s what I came up with. Many Photo of thebybest life do Rickthings Nationin Photography require time and patience. Whether it’s a relationship, a career, or a work of art, often the “fat” must be given sufficient time to render. This requires putting in the time AND the work. I also realized, despite our best laid plans, sometimes things simply don’t turn out exactly as we wanted. Such is life, and the sooner I see the ups and downs as a whole, the better I’m able to maintain perspective. Hopefully all of your summer barbecuing efforts are a huge success. Don’t forget to floss!
Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 13
14 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Bryant Hornets offensive linemen Brooks Edmondson and Will Diggins understand the importance of teamwork. Throughout the last three years, they’ve harnessed that superpower both on and off the field by putting in the time, energy, and focus it takes to deliver multiple state championships and continue to build upon a legacy. Will Diggins’ introduction to football began at four years old in South Bend, Indiana. He recalls playing defense for a year for a youth football team, but being one of the biggest kids in his age group made him a great fit for the offensive line. From that moment on, he never looked back. Diggins moved to Arkansas right before high school and chose to go to Bryant because of its excellent football program. The football team has been a place for him to learn and hone his craft. “I’ve learned a lot about hand placement,” said Diggins. “When I don’t understand, I always ask questions. The older guys helped me see what I’m doing wrong and what I’m doing right.” Now, as a senior, Diggins helps his younger teammates improve as he has in the last three years.
Now as third-year starters, it’s those early lessons Diggins and Edmondson learned working together that are helping to pay dividends for the Bryant Hornets. When they aren’t battling it out by blocking their opponents during a play, they are strategizing and supporting one another on the sidelines. But make no mistake, their appetite for competition is still alive and well. “We have our days of competition: he lifts the more, but I’m faster,” said Diggins. “We’ll always have our competition but at the end of the day it’s all love.”
We formed bonds and brought home the state title. In 2020
,
it felt
like we overcame a lot of
The Salt Bowl As the reigning state champions for the third year in a row, the pressure is on for another strong start to the season. “The offensive line is at the top of the food chain,” said Edmondson. “If we don’t do our job perfectly every play, the play will not work. There is a lot of pressure, but we are used to it and we expect ourselves to be perfect. Our jobs are easier on Friday nights because we practice so hard.” The 2020 season held a host of challenges, especially while trying
It’s been a childhood dream from Brooks Edmondson to play college football. He began playing in the third grade, and while he played a number of positions on the team, the offensive line was by far his favorite. “Football came naturally to me, but it is something I continue to strive for,” said Edmondson. “I started as a sophomore and I’ve worked really hard for that position.”
adversity.
to safely compete in the midst of a pandemic. The Salt Bowl was one of the first football games to take place in the state and all eyes were on Benton’s and Bryant’s teams. Summer football practice was postponed late into the summer, giving the incoming team members but a brief window of time to form the bonds they needed before the beginning of the season. The Bryant
Go Team!
The Lessons Will and Brooks first met in the 8th grade and were rivals on the basketball court. Will played for Bryant Middle School and Brooks played for Bethel Middle School. Over a year of friendly competition, each player worked hard to out-score the other. Little did they know, they would meet at football camp and spark a friendship. As they began their sophomore years, these former rivals would be starting for the Bryant Hornets on the offensive line. “It’s been really fun to work with him and grow up together,” said Edmondson. “We are both better working together. He makes me better, and I maybe make him better,” chuckles Edmondson.
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Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 15
WE FORMED BONDS AND BROUGHT HOME THE STATE TITLE. IN 2020 IT FELT LIKE
,
WE OVERCAME A LOT OF ADVERSITY.
Hornets football team quickly made up for lost time by hosting Thursday night dinners before each Friday night game. “Our coaches made sure everyone was included and that we kept the locker room a safe environment for all of our team mates,” said Edmondson. “We formed bonds and brought home the state title. In 2020, it felt like we overcame a lot of adversity.” As for the 2021 Salt Bowl, Edmondson, Diggins and the Bryant Hornets have been working hard to bring home another win. The Future Bryant Hornet Head Coach, Buck James sees a bright future for these young men. “The thing that sticks out to me about both of them, is they are unselfish and committed to the team,” said James. “We rarely have to say anything to them about what it takes to be a great team member, a great teammate. They have gone above and beyond; they acted like they belonged and did everything it took to be successful; it’s been a pleasure coaching them, that’s for sure.” Diggins currently has multiple offers to play college football. He has enjoyed the thrill of touring colleges across the country. “It’s been a really cool process to tour the schools. They all know you and your capabilities,” said Diggins. “One minute you are watching a game on TV and the next you’re at the school meeting the coach.”
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Edmondson also had several offers to play football around the country. “I would love to play college football—it’s been a dream since I was a young kid,” said Edmondson. “It would be fun to take what I’ve learned in high school and use it in the next level.” Ashley Leopoulos 16 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 17
18 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
Humble. Quiet. Soft-spoken. Positive. Objective. Irreplaceable. One-of-a-kind. These are words used to describe the long-time voice of the Bryant Hornets, Rob Patrick. And while he has spent his sports writing career shining a light on others’ accomplishments, the time has come for the Saline County community to recognize, thank and say goodbye to this Bryant mainstay for the past 25 years as he moves on to the next chapter in his life in Fort Smith and embraces his role as a new grandparent. Born in Fort Hood, Texas and raised in Fayetteville, Rob Patrick has made a career out of Arkansas sports. After graduating from Fayetteville High School and then from the University of Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism, he obtained experience in radio as a programming director and disc jockey in Northwest Arkansas. He and his wife, Jan, left Fayetteville for central Arkansas for her to pursue her career as an art teacher at Bryant High School, and Rob accepted the Sports Editor role at the Benton Courier. It was during his time at the Courier where he got to know, in his words, “a lot of Bryant coaches and parents, and became a fan of the program.” About 15 years ago, Bryant’s Athletic Director, Tom Farmer, began working towards putting the Bryant football games on the radio, and reached out to Rob for on-air help with the broadcasts. According to Rob, “My thought was that I’ll be at the games anyway, so why not put my years of radio experience to good use?” And that began Rob’s run as the unofficial ‘Voice of the Bryant Hornets.’ Rob later left the Benton Courier for a weekly newspaper where he covered sports in Bryant, then decided to start a website devoted solely to Bryant Hornets athletics, and the BryantDaily began in February 2008. It quickly became a lead resource for many for all topics related to Bryant sports, until this summer, when Rob made the decision to retire. When asked about his proudest moment as a Hornets fan, Rob said, “I am at the games to observe, be objective, write about the event and also root for the team. I make no pretense about being objective. I have also remained aware of the need to be positive with my sports writing.” When asked which sport he preferred to cover over the years, he laughed and said “I always love the in-season sport.” Rob’s greatest memory as a Hornet Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 19
When asked which sport he preferred to cover over the years, he laughed and said “I always love the in-season sport.” is also a hard question for him to answer. After a thoughtful pause in the conversation, Rob said, “There was a really interesting situation in 1999 for the annual Benton-Bryant football game. Benton was the bigger school, and Bryant had consecutive losing seasons. But there was a turning point that year at C.W. Lewis Stadium. The Benton-Bryant game that year was a showdown, and the stadium was too full. There were people in the trees and on top of buildings trying to get a glimpse of the game—it was too full for them to get in the stadium. It was an amazing football game, and what was up until then a cross-county grudge match became a true rivalry. Bryant grew and became really competitive.” When asked what he will miss most about moving away from Saline County, he replies, “I will miss my relationship with the coaches, and being at the games. I loved being at the games. Just showing up and covering the games for BryantDaily was great and was my favorite part of the job as a sportswriter.” And while his work kept him busy writing about the accomplishments of the Bryant student-athletes for the past few decades, Rob garnered accolades and fans of his own along the way. His years of sports writing have been lauded by Bryant Athletic Director Mike Lee, Shane Broadway and others—all of whom struggle to come to grips with envisioning the future of Hornet athletics without the longtime ‘Voice of the Hornets.’ And as he closed up the BryantDaily in June, the City of Bryant named June 30, 2021, Rob Patrick Day in honor of his 34 years of diligent service, hard work, and dedication to the Bryant Hornets, solidifying his place as a community favorite and mainstay. And just as the words on the proclamation read, that Rob’s “unique style of candor, sense of humor and passion provided comfort, joy, information and inspiration to countless people throughout his career” could not be truer. Saline County is forever grateful for Rob’s service, and the absence of his voice will leave a void in the hearts of all who love the Bryant Hornets. Carrie Amox
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20 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
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Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 21
FAMILY
Lifestyle
The Tradition of Tailgating By Gina Simpson, Gina’s Catering/Grab & Go
In Arkansas, the best time of year is football season. While our state teams may not be the best, our local school teams take the gold. The biggest event of the season in Saline County is the Salt Bowl, turning out massive fan crowds of blue and maroon including those who go the extra mile and tailgate. At this point, it’s tradition: you load up your truck with your coolers, grills, smokers, corn-hole setup and horseshoes, and get ready to party. But it’s not just about the grills and the games. It’s the quality of the food, and the community it creates that will bring your tailgating experience to a new level. Being the head of a catering company, I’ve grown to realize the importance of food and the experience of being able to share it with friends, family and the community overall. Food brings people together, especially in times of celebration and fun. Cooking together is a tradition that extends across all families, and that tradition can be transferred to places beyond the kitchen as well, including the football stadium. You’re able to put aside fancy foods and high expectations, and replace them with fun times with friends and family. As a teenager and early adult growing up in Arkansas, tailgating was a common pastime during football season, and while the yard games and music were enjoyable, nothing else made the experience like good food. Grilled burgers and hotdogs, smoked ribs and appetizing finger
foods made tailgating worth the long hours supporting our team. The fun in tailgating is the community, not the idea of selling food or making it only for ourselves. The joys of hanging out with friends and offering free food outweighed any urge to sell or solely indulge. Of course, when you share food with people, you want it to be remembered. There is a little competition, inside your soul, where that comes into play. Anyone can tailgate, but the fun is coming up with a menu for tailgating
that will make everyone around want to be at your tailgate. Sharing food as a community provides a greater sense of unity and celebration within Saline County, and I have had the opportunity to see this through my years of catering, but also through my own experiences of engaging in these traditions. While the Salt Bowl is an ongoing competition between Benton and Bryant, many often forget the overall goals within the event and how the game, as well as the fundraisers, food drives and donations, support Saline County as a whole. It may be tradition to compete
Sample Tailgate M enu:
22 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
• Charcuterie on a Stick
• Slider Sandwich • Chicken Tenders • Buffalo and Garlic Parmesan Wings • Loaded Baby Potatoes • Stuffed Jalapenos • Buffalo Chicken Dip • Hot Spinach Dip • Mixture of Bar Desserts and Cookies or Shooter Dessert
FAMILY
with one another, but in the end, it’s the sustaining of our community that matters most. Local businesses band together to donate food, both for everyone tailgating and the varying organizations that focus on supporting those in need, while many individuals within the community do the same. It is through these actions that we come to realize the importance of community and supporting one another, even during one of the most competitive events of the year. Through the sharing of food, experiences and giving, we are able to maintain a lasting community of success and unity. What makes a great tailgating party? Anyone can pop up a tent, put out a couple of chairs and throw out some food, but to make it a great party, where all of your neighbors want to come to your tent, go that extra mile. Set up yard games, decorate your area to entice people to stop by, have a photo booth with fun props. All of these things will add to your tailgate, but to really have a great tailgate, it’s all about the food. Don’t just throw out some food on a table, be creative with your food and make your presentation one for the books. Tailgate food can be anything you want it to be. I like to think about tailgating food as fun, easy to eat, tasty, and things I would not just fix at home all the time. Now, there are some items you just need as staples for any tailgate. Every tailgate has to have chips and dip. Choose a dip or two that you love and make sure you have plenty of chips. Meats are a must have, but maybe think of different ways to serve them. Instead of doing full size burgers or BBQ sandwiches, think about making sliders. Or prepare smoked sausage links cut in half and put on a skewer, and your ribs cut by the rib or two and sitting in a little cup or food tray with some sauce. All of these things give you your meats, but they will be smaller and easier to eat while visiting and playing games. Not to mention, the presentation will be cute. These days, anything on a stick is cute and yummy. Now we’ve mentioned some staples like chips & dip and of course the meats, but don’t forget about the “fillers.” Our number one request is stuffed jalapenos. Think about things like potato dishes, mac & cheese ideas, charcuterie on a stick, just little items in addition to the mains that take your spread to the next level. And, don’t forget a sweet or two.
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FAMILY
Lifestyle
FAITH FOCUS Playing With Purpose
By Doug Pruitt, Lead Pastor, Midtowne Church
One of my favorite things about going to the movies, besides popcorn, is watching the coming attractions. I recently saw a preview for a new movie about football. You can guess the plot. A coach with a strange past. A school with no team. A town with no hope. Yada, yada, yada, the team starts winning and inspires the town and even the whole country. The thing that caught my attention about this movie, though, is that I had never heard this particular story. Growing up with a dad who was a football coach, I had heard many great football yarns. But this one had eluded me. The movie is 12 Mighty Orphans. It’s based on a true story about an orphanage in Fort Worth, Texas, that did not have a football team—or even a football, for that matter. A coach comes to teach at the orphanage and organizes a team that eventually plays for a state championship. As I thought about that movie, that coach, and that team, I began to understand an essential spiritual truth: God does some of His biggest and best work through people who are not first string. Instead, God uses people whom He equips and
empowers and who are obedient. The 12 Disciples that Jesus called were not part of the popular crowd. The woman He encountered at the well was an outcast in her town. King David was not the best physical specimen for the job. Rahab was a prostitute. The list goes on and on. God does not just use first string players to accomplish His purpose. He can and will use anyone who is available and acts in obedience by faith. The Bible says it like this: Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NLT. Sometimes people think that because they are not on the first team, they are not making much of a difference. Our culture tends to make much of the few who appear to have things all
24 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
together and have the most stuff. But the fact is, there are tons of people who are making a significant impact in the lives of others every day… and we will never hear about it. It could be as simple as doing your job effectively so that your organization accomplishes its mission. It could be doing your best to be kind, courteous, and considerate toward the people you encounter each day. It could mean being the best mom or dad, husband or wife, son or daughter that you can be. God uniquely designed you and placed you where you are so that you could be used to accomplish His purpose for His glory. You may not get any recognition for it from people. You may never make any highlight reels. You may never have a movie made about you. But God is fully aware of your faithful obedience to Him. And He will reward you in eternity and allow you to experience Him in a powerful and personal way in this life as well. If you are a Christian, you have been adopted into God’s family through Jesus. You are God’s child. And if a washed-up football coach can take 12 orphans and build a championship football team, God can make you His champion, too.
FSBC Bryant Join us Sunday!
10:30 AM IN-PERSON | ONLINE Peter Cunningham, Pastor
www.FSBCBryant.org 604 S. Reynolds | 847-3014
Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 25
FAMILY
Lifestyle
By: Justin S. Elrod, Certified Elder Law Attorney, The Elrod Firm No Razorback fan over the age of fifteen has forgotten the infamous fumble by Clint Stoerner in 1998. The Hogs were ranked number ten late in the season, and they were facing the top ranked Tennessee Volunteers in a huge SEC matchup. With 1:43 left in the game, Stoerner and the Razorbacks led 24-22, and the undefeated Hogs needed only one more first down to remain unbeaten and enter the national championship picture. The Hogs didn’t get that first down. Instead, Stoerner stumbled, tripping on one of his own teammates. He put the ball on the ground for a fumble that he and the rest of the State would remember for years to come. Tennessee recovered the fumble, scored a go-ahead touchdown, and went on to win the game and the national championship. Up to that point, the Hogs had played a great game. They had a good game plan, and they followed that plan well. But no one remembers anything other than the disappointing finish. If we’re not careful, life can play out the same way. Many of us will work hard and save all our lives. We’ll put plans and strategies in place,
and we’ll follow through even when it requires sacrifices. But all that hard work and all that saving can be wasted as a result of mistakes many people make in the final years of their life. One of the worst mistakes I see week-in and week-out is people’s believing that their trusts will shelter their assets if they need long-term care. Although it is possible to create a trust that can serve as an asset shelter, 99% of the trusts I review for clients are not asset shelter trusts, and they do nothing to shield a person’s life savings from the cost of long-term care. Realizing this mistake too late can be devastating, especially for a family who thought they had properly planned ahead for the uncertainties that come with getting older. Do not assume that your trust, if you have one, will be of any help in applying for assistance in covering the costs of long-term care. If you are concerned about the costs of long-term care, learn about asset shelter trusts and how they differ from the standard trusts most people have. Another mistake I see regularly involves late-in-life gifting. Many parents will transfer assets to their
26 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
One of the worst mistakes I see week-in and weekout is people’s believing that their trusts will shelter their assets if they need long-term care. children as they get older thinking that is the best way to protect those assets. However, many don’t realize that some government benefits have look-back periods, and they penalize the transfer of those assets. For example, Medicaid has a five-year look-back rule that allows the State to impose a one-month penalty, or waiting period, for every $6,000 in assets transferred within that five year period. Lifetime transfers can also have adverse capital gains tax consequences. For example, if a child receives from his parent a home as a gift, then the child sells that home, he will pay capital gains taxes on the difference between the sales price and the purchase price paid by the parent, probably decades ago. On the other
FAMILY
Lifestyles
hand, if the child inherits the house through a will or trust, he will receive a stepped up tax basis, meaning he will only pay taxes on the difference between the sales price and the value as of the date of his parent’s death. Think twice about late-in-life gifting. What these two mistakes have in common is that neither involves individuals who are failing to plan ahead. Instead, they both involve people trying to plan for the future, but going about it in the wrong way. There are ways to protect your assets late in life for yourself and for future generations, but those ways are not usually the methods discussed at coffee shops and beauty salons. Navigating the complex area of long-term care requires specialized advice from experienced individuals who have been there before. In football, sometime fumbles happen. All the training in the world can’t prevent them all. But in life, the key is information—fumbles can be avoided. Don’t allow avoidable mistakes to ruin years of planning and sacrifice. Set up a strategy session, which we offer at no charge, to make sure you don’t fumble at the goal line. Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 27
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the hornets’ hometown cheering section. At Relyance Bank, our support for our community remains strong on and off the field. Visit with locals who run the extra yard for our hometown. We look forward to celebrating a great season with the Bryant Hornets.
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Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 29
Bryant High School football coach Buck James has some advice for Hornets fans attending this year’s Salt Bowl against county rival Benton. “It’s going to be a whole different look; the fans are going to want to bring their programs,” James said. The Hornets are riding a 30game winning streak and have rattled off three-straight Class 7A State Championships, but only a few players remain from last year’s undefeated team. Nevertheless, a fourth straight trip to War Memorial Stadium in December remains the goal. “We play a lot of kids, and that helps,” James said. “When you play 60 kids, some of those guys that don’t start get a lot of experience, so it’s more like rebuilding than reloading the next year.”
Photo by Rick Nation Photography
Still, the Salt Bowl and the electric atmosphere a large crowd at War Memorial Stadium creates could stir some butterflies amongst the inexperienced Hornets. “Some of these guys were in the bleachers watching last year,” James said. “When we played 7-on-7 we had several guys that had never done that—and it was the same thing with team camp. There is a learning curve, and our nonconference season is how we get ready for the conference.”
Bryant enters fall camp with three players vying for the starting quarterback job: juniors Carson Burnett (6-2, 200) and Tyler Pinney (5-9, 165), and sophomore Gideon Motes (6-3, 200). James said Burnett has “looked great as a runner” and is rugged enough to play running back, H-back or even linebacker. Pinney was a JV receiver in 2020 and is a “running-type quarterback” who is 30 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
improving as a passer, James said. Motes may be the quarterback of the future, as he so far has taken a similar path to recently-departed Austin Ledbetter, who cemented himself as one of the greatest Bryant quarterbacks in school history with Parade All-American honors. He will be a freshman on the University of Arkansas baseball team this fall. Motes is also a baseball standout, playing for the Hornets at first base as a freshman. James said Motes is “very talented” and is working to get acclimated after missing spring practice with a foot injury he sustained in baseball practice. Junior Chris Gannaway (5-9, 140) is the only running back with any experience. Gannaway has impressed in the offseason with 4.5 speed and an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which could be hard on opposing linebackers covering him, James said. Senior Alex Strong (5-9, 165) is also working at running back and “has really progressed.” Several sophomores may also be in the mix, including Martavian Miller (5-8, 175), whose older brother LaTavion Scott was a star running back for the Hornets in 2017–18 . Senior Blake Everett (6-0, 175) is the only returning starter at the skill positions. James said he has improved in the offseason and is “a great possession receiver who blocks well and should have a big year for us.” Junior Jordan Knox (5-10, 165) saw extensive time on special teams in 2020 and ran back a kick-off for a touchdown in a blowout of Marion and will have an expanded role this season. Junior Braylen Montgomery (5-10, 175), and senior Daizure Hale (61, 185)—whom James calls “an impact player”—are also fighting for snaps. Junior Evan Lamb (6-1, 165) impressed in the spring and now adds depth along with classmate Josh Luster (5-11, 165), senior Little Rock Southwest High School transfer Kendrick McCardell (5-8, 155), and junior Donald Miller (6-1, 185). Senor Robert Hendrix (6-4, 225) started at tight end in the state
championship win against North Little Rock and “shows a lot of promise.” Hendrix impresses as a blocker, benchpresses 300 pounds and deadlifts 600 pounds. Senior Alec Humphreys (6-4, 190) impressed during summer workouts and could fill the role of pass-catching tight end where all-state star Hayden Schrader thrived last fall. Junior Braylon Brown (6-2, 175) has recovered from a shoulder injury he endured in the spring and could figure in at tight end or receiver. James gushes when discussing his stable of offensive linemen, which could be the major reason Bryant has a chance at another state title. A pair of senior Division I tackle prospects heads the list. Will Diggins (6-4, 290) bench presses over 300 pounds and has started every game since his sophomore season. He has offers from Kansas, Baylor, Arkansas State and Louisiana-Monroe, among others. Brooks Edmonson (6-5, 285) bench-presses 300 pounds and power cleans 400 pounds and has also received offers from Kansas, Baylor, Arkansas State and a handful of Ivy League programs, as he boasts an impressive academic resumé. Both tackles will play on the defensive line more this season with more depth available. Classmate Jason Shiflet (6-2, 290) lines up at left guard and “has potential to be the best lineman we have,” James said. Seniors Caleb Waddle (6-5, 285), Hayden Walsh (6-1, 270) and Ty Jackson (6-4, 245) are also experienced in the trenches. Senior Logan Williams (6-2, 250) seeks more snaps. Junior Lawson Hutchins (6-5, 285) boasts college potential with his huge frame as he tries to enter the rotation. Classmate Colm Taylor (6-2, 260) has also impressed and could see snaps. Junior centers Kyle Glymp (5-10, 220) and Gunnar Givens (6-1, 250) add depth. A pair of players will vie to replace departed kicker Brock Funk, who begins his freshman season at the University
of Central Arkansas. Junior Stephen Fuller (5-9, 175) served as the JV kicker in 2020 and kicked in the state championship game when Funk was injured. Junior Malachi Graham (5-11, 180) also kicked off during that game and could do that again along with an expanded role on defense this year.
Senior Brandon Jones (5-11, 250) is the lone returning starter on the line. The versatile Jones can play inside and out and bench-presses 350 pounds, squats 500 pounds and deadlifts 700 pounds. Junior Tyler Mosley (5-11, 245) earned various all-sophomore accolades a season ago at tackle and end and returns more seasoned and polished. Classmate Jaylon Russ (6-0, 240) also benefitted from playing time at tackle a season ago. Senior Joseph Flores (5-9, 225) looks for snaps inside after impressing on the JV squad in 2020. Classmate Grant Reidmuller (6-0, 245) seeks significant snaps after enduring an injury last season. One of the strongest Hornets, senior Chris Elder (5-10, 250), bench-presses more than 350 pounds and squats more than 250 pounds. After a productive offseason, he looks to contribute inside. Senior Angel Sanchez (5-10, 230) adds depth inside.
spot after starring on special teams in 2020. Junior Jaylon Brown (6-2, 185) looks for snaps on the outside after shining this summer. Seniors Dakota Wright (6-0, 210), Pierce Kinley (6-0, 190) and junior Aiden Baker (6-0, 175) add depth. Graham, the kicker, will be counted on to lead the secondary at safety. He impresses James with his combination of pass coverage skills and physicality. Juniors Traylon Russ (5-10, 165) and Josh Rice (6-1, 175) will also compete for safety snaps. Miguel Graham (6-2, 165), Malachi’s twin, impressed this summer as he tries to lock up a cornerback spot. Senior Dylan Williams (6-0, 175), Logan’s twin, has established himself after a standout off-season and is set for extensive action in 2021. Junior Gabe Allen (5-8, 155) made a name for himself “as a big hitter” on special teams last season and will be in the mix. Junior Ethan Primus (60, 160) plays with a reckless abandon that James appreciates, and adds depth along with industrious senior Connor Corley (5-9, 180). Nate Olson
Junior Ivory Gilmore (6-1, 230) saw extensive snaps at end a year ago and stood out as a pass rusher. Junior Josh Moore (6-1, 190) adds depth at end. Senior Gavin Burton (6-0, 195) leads a fairly experienced linebacker corps. Burton, who is a catcher on the baseball team, manned the outside a year ago. Junior Will Cornelius (60, 195) also saw playing time on the strong side. Cornelius, who benchpresses 325 pounds, worked hard in the offseason on his pass coverage. Junior John Ede (5-11, 190) started last season early but was injured. James said senior Cameron Booth (6-1, 210) has a “college-type body” and is looking for a starting linebacker Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 31
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DATE OPPONENT PLACE TIME AUG 17 AUG 28 SEPT 3 SEP T 17 SEPT 24 OCT 1 OCT 8 OCT 15 OCT 22 OCT 29 NOV 5
@Pulaski Academy (Benefit) AWAY 6:00 PM BENTON (Salt Bowl) WAR MEM (Away) 7:00 PM Marion HOME 7:00 PM @ Longview, Texas AWAY 7:00 PM @ Ft. Smith Northside* AWAY 7:00 PM LR Catholic* HOME 7:00 PM @ LR Central* AWAY 7:00 PM LR Southwest* (Homecoming) HOME 7:00 PM @ Cabot* AWAY 7:00 PM N.L.R.* (Sr. Night) HOME 7:00 PM @ Conway* AWAY 7:00 PM
Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 33
TALE OF THE TAPE SPONSORED BY:
E AT LO C A L . E AT F R E S H . E AT M Y
TALE OF THE TAPE
2020 (SB 21) 2019 (SB 20)
48 42
7 14
2018 (SB 19) 2017 (SB 18) 2016 (SB 17) 2015 (SB 16) 2014 (SB 15)
28 49 7 13 14
14 42 10 37 14
2013 (SB 14) 28 2012 (SB 13) 21 2011 (SB 12) 14 2010 (SB 11) 9 2009 (SB 10) 7
45 55 21 45 38
34 • Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition
2008 (SB 9) 2007 (SB 8) 2006 (SB 7) 2005 (Playoffs) 2005 (SB 6)
12 7 7 35 14
36 25 20 28 7
2004 (SB 5) 2003 (SB 4) 2002 (SB 3) 2001 (SB 2) 2000 (SB 1)
2 34 13 23 17
10 34 16 28 44
C AT F I S H . 1 2 0 5 M I L I TA R Y R D # 7 5 0 1 . 9 0 9 . 2 3 2 3 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
7 17 14 14 12
42 14 10 0 7
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
35 48 32 10 36
12 14 7 0 0
1989 1988 1987 1986 1985
21 21 35 12 7
0 7 7 0 14
1984 1983 1982 1981 1980
17 29 30 17 28
32 20 10 0 7
1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974
21 0 42 28 10 28
0 3 0 7 0 0
Saline County Lifestyles • 14th Annual Salt Bowl Edition • 35