Vol. 2, No. 17
Thursday, April 30, 2020
21 apply to succeed Eldridge as top Badger By Bill Sutley Dispatch Editor
The 21 applicants — 20 men and one woman — seeking to become Arkadelphia High School’s next head football coach run the gamut from zero experience to head coaching time at other high schools. The resumes and cover letters submitted put to last Friday were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the Dispatch. No timeline has been disclosed by Superintendent Karla Neathery on when a new
coach might be hired, but school officials indicated earlier that a new head coach would be in place by June. As might be expected, most applicants are from Arkansas, including head coaches at Sheridan, Monticello (Drew Central), Gurdon and Detroit. Yes, the applicant from Detroit, the only one lacking at least a bachelor’s degree, is among nine out-of-state would-be AHS coaches.The others are from Oklahoma (four), Texas (2) and one each from New Mexico and Washing-
ton state. Five of the applicants are currently assistant high school coaches — including the one applicant who’s already a Badger coach. Casey Moreland, the sole applicant from the current AHS coaching staff, arrived in 2015 as the Badgers’ defensive line coach, but he’s been the team’s offensive coordinator in recent years, including Arkadelphia’s back-to-back Class 4A state championships in 2017 and 2018. Last season,
See who’s in Class of 2020 – Page 5
See Coach • Page 6
Bon appetit! Time to dig in to viruscareful dining out From Dispatch reports
Dispatch photo/Bill Sutley
Second-grade teacher Vanessa Rodgers spends time outside Central Primary School, on the 12th Street sidewalk, organizing materials and personal items for children’s parents to pick up. One of the routine tasks of wrapping up the school year, this has become more problematic because the coronavirus pandemic closed all five Arkadelphia public schools in mid-March. Some parents also must retrieve medicines left earlier with school nurses. Central will be closed along with Peake Elementary during the 2020-2021 school year as construction begins on a new school where Peake now stands on Caddo Street. Students from Peake will move temporarily to the former Goza Middle School on Caddo Street while Central pupils move into Perritt on Walnut Street. Central, completed in 1944, won’t reopen.
APSD names Teachers of the Year Special to the Dispatch Arkadelphia Public Schools Tuesday named the Teacher of the Year at each of the district’s five schools, setting the stage for recognition that could move beyond the city. The district’s 2020 Teacher of the Year, Clair Mays of Arkadelphia High School, was one of 17 finalists in the statewide competition that concluded last December. The district’s new Teacher of the Year honorees are: • Perritt Primary School: Kaila Murphy, library-media specialist • Central Primary School: Candace Williams, second-grade teacher
Arkansans can start dining out again May 11 — if the state’s restaurants are willing to abide by extensive restrictions aimed at limiting the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the number of Clark County residents testing positive for COVID-19 rose by one overnight, from 27 — a figure preserved for three-plus weeks — to 28. No deaths have occurred in the county. Meanwhile, neighboring Montgomery County lost its status as one of the very few areas untouched by the coronavirus when its first case was reported Wednesday. Two other south Arkansas counties, Little River and Calhoun, are now the only two virusfree counties. Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith explained the thinking of a state task force in relaxing the ban on restaurants
See Virus • Page 4
Parks reopen Friday From Dispatch reports Bradshaw
Cole
• Peake Elementary School: Hayley Cole, special education teacher • Goza Middle School: Christy Smith, eighthgrade science teacher • Arkadelphia High School: Julie Bradshaw, special education teacher Arkadelphia’s process for selecting the district Teacher of the Year calls for interested teachers to
Murphy
Smith
submit an in-depth application, which are reviewed by a local committee. Joel Lookadoo, a ninthgrade algebra teacher at Lakeside Junior High in Springdale, is currently serving as the 2020 Arkansas teacher of the year. Incentives are involved at every level of the process, from the local schools to the statewide Teacher of
Williams
the Year. For instance, Lookadoo’s selection came a year’s sabbatical, but the state Department of Education, which funded his teaching replacement, required the statewide honoree to travel the state and share with local teachers. Mays won $1,000 as one of the 17 finalists last year.
Arkansas state parks will begin a limited reopening for state residents starting May 1, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday. Making the move before Memorial Day will offer considerable relief to such communities as Caddo Valley, which sees its business triple on holiday weekends. “Closing our parks, campgrounds, and visitor centers has been one of the toughest restrictions during this pandemic, but it was necessary,” Hutchinson said. “I am elated that we can give Arkansans the opportunity to get out of their homes to enjoy our natural resources again.” Rental of camp sites, cabins, lodges and RVs will be limited to Arkansas residents. Beginning May 1, Arkansas residents with self-con-
Ex-OBU lineman heads to NFL Special to the Dispatch
but still requiring daily health screening of staff, and use of face masks and gloves, as well as reducing the seating capacity of each eatery to 30% of normal to allow for continued social distancing. “Based on current data that shows we have slowed the spread of COVID-19, we have decided it is safe to resume dine-in restaurant service with some common-sense limits,” Hutchinson said in Wednesday’s news conference. “This is a significant but cautious step on the path back to normalcy. We will monitor the success of this step.” Other restrictions on dine-in service include: • Tables must be ten feet apart so that diners will be seated six feet away from diners at other tables. • Each employee who directly interacts with patrons must wear a face mask that completely
Former Ouachita Baptist Tiger offensive lineman Justin Gooseberry has signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Gooseberry started three years at Ouachita after red-shirting his freshman year, then transferred to Rice University in Texas to finish his eligibility. The day after the NFL Draft ended on Sunday, Gooseberry received a call from his agent. "My agent told me the Falcons were really interested in my size and athleticism,” he said. “I had a choice to sign with the Falcons on the spot or wait on another team to show interest. I wanted to sign
with the team who wanted me first and who wanted me the most, and that was the Falcons." When Gooseberry stepped foot on Ouachita Baptist's campus, with his twin brother Cori by his side, he was an undersized recruit weighing around 240 pounds. If he wanted to be a dominant force in the trenches, he had to put on weight. Fast forward five seasons and Gooseberry enters the NFL at 290 pounds. "I wouldn't be the player I am today if I didn't go to Ouachita,” Justin Gooseberry said. “The coaching staff took a chance on See NFL • Page 4
See Parks • Page 4
One of the main jobs that Justin Gooseberry, No. 76, had as an offensive lineman for Ouachita from 2015-2018, sitting out 2016 as a redshirt freshmean, was to protect Brockton Brown, left, and others playing quarterback for Ouachita. Gooseberry, whose twin Cori also played at OBU, learned Monday he will soon join the Atlanta Falcons’ roster as a free agent.
City chosen as stop on Motorcycle Cannonball Special to the Dispatch
Mayor Scott Byrd will see a dream come true Sept. 23 when about 100 vintage motorcycle buffs rumble into Arkadelphia as the city hosts a stop on the Motorcycle Cannonball endurance run. But he won’t just see it; he’ll be rider No. 25 among the group of bikers — all riding motorcycles produced before 1930 —-and will just keep on rolling once riders move out early the next morning. This fall’s run starts just less than two weeks earlier, on Thursday, Sept. 10 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. It will conclude on South Padre Island near Galveston, Texas. That’s
about 1,891 miles if you’re using GPS to take the shortest route. But Motorcycle Cannonball, which started in 2010 and runs every other year, never takes the shortest route, specifically abhorring GPS and designing its cross-country routes to see the back roads of America. Other overnight stops on the fall route are in Traverse City, Mich. and Dayton, Ohio. Riders use the instructions provided daily to correctly navigate their way through the route. Winners in each class will be determined by riders who have completed the most on-route mileage at the end of the 16day event. There’s also a time schedule and
additional rules and regulations. The event now attracts riders from around the world. Although all motorcycles must have been manufactured in 1929 or earlier, Cannonball Run participants are allowed to make certain inconspicuous modifications, primarily for the sake of safety and, to a lesser extent, comfort. For instance, adding safer, modern brakes are a common modification. Modern wheels are acceptable but must look similar to the period of the bike’s manufacture. Byrd, a local dentist, will be riding his 1916 Harley-Davidson F, which also got a See Bikers • Page 4
2 News
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
HSU hires new director to oversee financial aid Special to the Dispatch
Henderson State University has hired Lisa A. Smith as director of financial aid. Smith is currently interim director of financial aid for the Arkansas Department of Education, where she has served as program specialist-outreach coordinator since 2009. She was also manager for student outreach services for the Arkansas Student Loan Authority beginning in 1998. Smith will start her new job at Henderson May 11. Smith “We are very excited to welcome Lisa to the Henderson State community,” said Brad Patterson, vice president of student affairs and student success. “Lisa’s experience with the Arkansas Student Loan Authority and with the Department of Higher Education make her uniquely qualified to be our new
director of financial aid. “Her expertise will be highly beneficial for our students who are seeking the necessary resources for their higher education goals. This is undoubtedly a win for the entire university.” Smith graduated cum laude from Philander Smith College in 2005 with a B.A. in business. She earned an associate of arts degree from Southern Technical College in 1988. “Students of today are leaders of tomorrow and I’m honored to have the opportunity to help Henderson students reach their educational goals,” Smith said. “Financial aid serves as a bridge to assist students as they complete their education. My goal at Henderson will be to help students cross that bridge.”
Westerman spends time visiting Felsenthal Wildlife Refuge near El Dorado.
Take advantage of opportunity to spend more time outdoors By U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman
Adjusting to the new normal of social isolation hasn’t been easy, and we’ve all had to make sacrifices to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy. But even though many of us are staying home, that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! There’s a reason Arkansas is the Natural State, and you can enjoy a lot of that natural beauty from your own yard. This year, Arbor Day fell on April 24. Arbor Day is an annual celebration of the benefits of forests, and it’s traditional to commemorate the day by planting a tree. As a forester, I look forward to Arbor Day every year! I’ve been working with Congress and the Trump administration on the Trillion Trees Act, my legislation that would incentivize planting 1 trillion trees worldwide by 2050. We were supposed to plant trees at the White House this year
in honor of Arbor Day, but that’s been postponed for safety reasons. However, that didn’t stop me from purchasing some Arkansas-grown fruit trees at a local nursery and planting them in my yard. I also spent some time this week on my property examining the state tree of Arkansas, the shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata, to be exact). I used some of my old forestry tools to calculate the age of one of the trees, and based on its growth rings, I found it was 56 years old. You don’t have to be a forester to enjoy the outdoors this spring. If you have a lot of property, you can download field guides online to identify trees and flowers around your house. Even if you have limited space, you can grow herbs or flowers in pots on your front steps, take a walk on a local nature trail, or install a bird feeder outside your window.
Henderson State University’s office of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is offering one more webinar featuring information to help small businesses struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Four others were held earlier.) This final session is also being offered at no cost. For more information and to sign up, visit https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/ events/. The final event on Thursday, April 30 is titled You Can Design Your Own Social Graphics … For Real. The HSU Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and HSU’s School of Business. For more information, call 870-230-5184. >>> <<< Second Baptist Church in Amity will host the Nashville-based Bobby Bowen Family Band in concert, offering old and new Christian country favorites, at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 31 at the church, 119 Elm St., Amity. Tickets to the concert are free, but the church is asking interested persons to reserve a seat via Eventbrite; search for the band’s name. Visit https://www.bobbybowen.com/ for more information on the group. >>> <<< Arkadelphia Bands had planned to host its first-ever Mattress Sale Fundraiser from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at AHS, 401 High School Road, but that’s now postponed to Aug. 1. The fundraising sale will feature brands such as Simmons, Beautyrest and more, with on-site mattresses priced up to 50% below retail. >>> <<< Mena plans to stage its 45th annual Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run on Aug. 28-29 as 200 street rods and hot rods descend on the town. The two-day event features a street dance and three chance for entrants to put their cars through their paces. For more information, visit https://www.queenwilhelminarodrun.com/. >>> Ongoing <<< Alcoholics Anonymous holds two meetings a week in Arkadelphia. The meetings are open to anyone interested in AA’s program of recovery. The Arkadelphia Group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays in the Sturgis Building at North 9th and Caddo streets. For more information on the Arkadelphia Group meetings, call 870-403-3001. The U-Turn Group meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays on the front, upper level of Park Hill Baptist Church, 3163 Hollywood Road. For information on that group’s meetings, call 870-230-2975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< Al-Anon meetings, designed to help family and friends affected by alcohol, are held three days a week in the Arkadelphia area: • Tuesday, 7 p.m., Sturgis Building, corner of 9th and Caddo. 870-403-2019 • Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Park Hill Baptist Church. 870-230-1954 • Friday, noon, Clark County Library, 609 Caddo St., side door. 512-750-2292
No SAU or ACT score?
No problem at SAU — now
Special to the Dispatch
Southern Arkansas University will waive the ACT or SAT composite score requirements as well as the need to re-test for beginning freshman admission for both summer and fall 2020. “In these exceptional times, many students are having challenges in taking and/or retaking the ACT,” said Trey Berry, president of SAU. “We want to allow students to have the opportunity to gain admission to SAU this year with this waiver.” The waiver will be approved provided the student meets other admis-
sion requirements and has a minimum cumulative 2.30 GPA on non-remedial courses on their 7th or 8th semester high school transcript. Students with a high school GPA between 2.0-2.29 and special circumstances may submit an appeal to be considered for approval with the Office of Admissions. Freshmen are required to have placement scores. SAU will use other assessment instruments or scores for course placement as needed during registration. Contact the SAU Office of Admissions at 870-235-4040 with any questions or visit www.saumag.edu/apply to apply.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
News 3
Thursday, April 30, 2020
HSU faculty embrace online teaching, learning Special to the Dispatch
Like teachers elsewhere, Henderson State University faculty have had to adjust almost everything to deal with the challenge of online instruction. Here are three professors’ stories: When Henderson State University shifted to remote instruction March 13, most professors and instructors faced an immediate challenge to adapt their lesson plans to an online format. Classes with labs created additional hurdles, but James Engman, professor of biology, found a workaround that gave his students the hands-on experience they would otherwise miss. He packaged the lab contents and mailed them to the individual students. “I knew that lab would be a challenge. Before the students left, they were asked to take their lab manuals, gloves, and dissection kits home with them.” Engman said. “I mailed out packets to students at the beginning of the shutdown, and these included preserved earthworms, crayfish, and grasshoppers.” Engman’s online lab presentations are accompanied by lessons he would have given in class, and by YouTube videos showing the dissections in progress. “The students send me photos of their dissections, pointing out individual structures, and sometimes preparing sheets such as one that has all of the many crayfish appendages on it, labeled with names and functions,” Engman said. “They are doing really well, for the most part.” Engman said his biggest challenge may be the emotional aspect. “I love teaching and love my students, and by this time in the semester, we have developed some very good relationships,” he said. “Not being able to see them on a daily basis is difficult for me. “The other huge challenge is simply dealing with the volume of emails that online teaching requires. Between the students submitting assignments and asking questions, much of what I do everyday is just trying to keep track of who has done what.” Engman said he has moved to more project-based learning, rather than “relying heavily” on exams. “One example of a project, which I have used in the past as group work, is to prepare a diagram of a nephron (the functional unit of a kidney) and come up with a set of symbols to represent the processes taking place in each part,” he said. “They cannot use any numbers or letters, so they end up coming up with creative and often hilarious symbols. “Many students have told me that this was a very fun exercise, and a great way to end up learning things on their own.” Engman said he feels like he’s still learning. “It’s hard enough to be a biology major under the best of circumstances,” he said. “The students are dealing with all sorts of issues at home, not the least of which is stress and anxiety, which make it difficult to concentrate and stay motivated. “They have other issues, as well. There are increased responsibilities, like watching younger siblings and taking care of older family members. There are others, including some family members, who don’t understand the workload that the students are dealing with.”
Amox said she was already planning a fullyonline music theory class this summer before the COVID-19 virus “was on the radar.” “I was a little skeptical about how well the class would translate to that environment, but this situation thrust me into working out the kinks, Biology professor James Engman spends a lot more time now and I am really communicating online with students. He prefers face-to-face conhappy with the versations. result,” she said. “My video “By and large, I am very pleased with content isn’t student performance, participation, atpolished, but my students enjoy it when titude, and patience,” Engman said. my cat photobombs the screen, or my bulldog snores so loud that I have to talk really loud.” Amox also directs the university’s flute choir of 10-12 students, which typically requires about 100 minutes of rehearsal each week. “We are going to attempt to create a virtual flute choir,” she said. “I will record all of the low flute parts onto a click track and then sync them with a video of me conducting using an application called ScreenFlow. That video will be emailed to each student who will record themselves along with it as they listen using headphones. “The video-audio editing will likely take Amox edits footage of herself playing. several weeks to finish, so I doubt I will be able to produce a final product until the end of the summer.” Flute prof listens closely Amox said the current technology presMost professors and instructors faced ents a major obstacle for online instruhurdless adapting their lesson plans to an mental education. online format, but instrumental music les“We cannot have weekly rehearsals due sons presented a unique challenge. to the latency (delay) involved with all Jennifer Amox, assistant professor of of the streaming applications,” she said. music, teaches flute through three “radi“Our current streaming technology is simcally different” types of classes. ply not capable of producing an ensemble Her applied flute lessons, for example, experience. In music, a slight delay can are usually face-to-face studio classes in result in an awful listening experience.” which students perform for each other and offer feedback. With the move to online-only classes, Amox gave these students two options: Submit two short recordings each week by email and she will provide feedback or book an appointment for a real-time lesson using live, online applications like FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts. Amox said most of the students chose to submit their recordings. “The videos have been fabulous. They are really taking it seriously,” Amox said. “They lament that they miss face-to-face Ellison listens to a student online. lessons, but they appreciate the level of detail that we can observe in the videos.” Amox admitted that she misses the inperson interaction with her students. Group work challenging "It’s challenging to not see them on Victoria Ellison’s communication class a daily basis,” she said. “Even though I at Henderson State University was wrapteach them only one lesson and one studio ping up 2½ weeks of work on a group class per week, they often stop by my ofproject when classes went online March fice to chat or ask questions. 13, preventing the final live presentation. “We have a very close, family-like com“This was a huge project for the class munity in the flute studio, and it’s difficult and presented a difficult decision about to be this far apart from one another.” how to adapt under the current circum-
Gurdon starting to dry out, bloom By Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor
At this writing, the weather forecast shows five days of dry weather ahead. That's good news. Gurdon has had several severe thunderstorm warnings since Easter, but no real damage. We are all on our toes when the weather threatens, and storm cleanup continues in the city. Grass is growing rapidly, but wet ground makes it difficult to mow. We are doing our best with the riding mowers, although they have been stuck more than once. We are also using a push mower and weed eaters to keep the grass down. One thing is for sure: Everyone has plenty to do. Gwen Thomerson is doing her part to keep Gurdon beautiful. On
Front Street, Gwen has a seemingly endless variety of greenery, flowers and planters for sale, and Gurdon residents are flocking to make their purchases. I bought a geranium planter four weeks ago, and it has gotten so big that it has completely overtaken my outdoor table. It is huge and getting bigger. My mom's yard is covered in color from her flowers. She has a plan: Bright red, yellow and white in the front, and pastels in the back. I "toured her grounds" yesterday, and they are magnificent. I believe Gwen will continue selling plants until Mother's Day. The Gurdon Walking Trail has blooms around nearly every turn, especially in the back near the Rock Elm. Soon, we will dress our
downtown planters for summer. I plan to begin Main Street facade improvements soon, thanks to a grant from the Ross Foundation. I am looking forward to sprucing up the thoroughfare with Gurdon school colors of purple and gold. It has been a while since the last improvement to storefronts, which resulted in the sale and refurbishing of the building next to the former Kuhn's Hardware. Look for that enterprise, Game On Tumble and Cheer, to open soon. The remodel of the space is looking great. It’s been a lot of hard work for the owners, but definitely worth their while. Maybe the recent USDA grant I submitted will come through to complete another.
stances,” Ellison said. “I didn’t want to waste the work the students had put into the project but also felt it would be really difficult for them to complete the project and presentation.” Ellison posted a video explaining the situation and allowed students to either finish the project or complete other assignments. They chose to work on alternate assignments. “The students seem to be doing OK, generally,” Ellison said. “I have given bonus points for them to check in with me about their situations. The majority of them are anxious about adapting to online learning and what it will mean for their grades. “Their responses to this opportunity to talk about their fears has reminded me that our students are people first, who need our love and compassion.” The students have been helping each other overcome some technical challenges. “Many students were able to help each other find alternative ways to record and submit their final presentations,” Ellison said. “Some students had only cell phones, some didn’t even have internet, but we found ways around each hurdle together. It was really awesome to see my students finding ways to help and encourage one another.” Technical issues have been Ellison’s most prevalent challenge. “Restructuring the class wasn’t too difficult, but there have been a few technical issues,” she said. “The lack of internet and cell phone service that many of my students face has also been very challenging. “I feel like much of my time has been spent helping walk students through possible solutions to those difficulties, and I have a whole new level of respect for our IT department.” Ellison said she has been using TechSmith Relay, an educational video platform, to record lectures, example assignments, and walkthroughs of how students can record their presentations. “Students usually go to the Communication Center (in Arkansas Hall) to practice their final presentation and receive feedback to improve the presentation before delivering it class,” she said. “I adapted this assignment so that students completed it virtually. They submitted their recorded presentations to the Communication Center and received written feedback for improvement. “I have also been using email, texting, and phone calls with students to help answer questions and other issues.” Ellison has restructured the remainder of the semester and posted assignments, lectures, and activities on the Canvas platform. Instead of a final exam, she has asked her students to contribute to a project they are calling “The Pandemic Time Capsule.” They will narrate a Powerpoint presentation of visuals they think represent what is occurring with COVID-19. “Overall, my students have adjusted well,” Ellison said. “Even through mistakes and outright failures on my or their part, I hope they realize that the process they are going through right now, to adapt in a crunch, is a valuable life skill that will benefit them forever.”
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4 News
Thursday, April 30, 2020
State troopers now handing out masks to truckers
Bikers Continued from page 1
workout in 2019, when he and five or six riding buddies from the Cannonball decided to attend the 75th anniversary celebration of D-Day and then ride across France and Germany. Byrd first got interested in antique motorcycles in about 2004, when he noticed a Harley-Davidson 1929 D — a forerunner to the popular Sportster — for sale on eBay. He bought it sight unseen, joined a Hot Springs chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Association of America and spent the next two years restoring the vintage Harley. Since then, he’s owned a couple of other early motorcycles.He first rode in the Motorcycle Cannonball in 2014 and then again the next time it was possible, in 2016. In 2018, he didn’t ride but played a role in the run’s support crew. In discussing the possibility of an Arkadelphia stop at city Board of Directors meetings, he’s often noted the economic benefit of such an event. More details on the expected time of arrival of the motorcyclists will be released closer to the Sept. 23 Arkadelphia stop.
NFL Continued from page 1
my brother and I. The work Coach (Brett) Shockley (offensive line coach, among other duties) put in to get me to where I am today has lit a fire under me." OBU Head Coach Todd Knight said he’s proud to see Gooseberry's work result in a payday with the Falcons. "The Gooseberry brothers were recruited together and are both phenomenal players,” Knight said. “Justin is an outstanding young man and a great leader. It was fun watching him and Coach Shockley work together to improve his trade on the football field. He exemplifies what we want at OBU: a great young man of faith and a man that will do well in life regardless of football." Shockley spent hours of work with Gooseberry in the weight room, the film room and on the practice field to turn him into a pro prospect, but what he will never forget is the first Gooseberrry workout he witnessed. "The very first workout I saw Justin and Cori participate in, they both fell out after one set of squats,” he recalled. Shockley asked what they had for breakfast and was surprised by the answer: a waffle.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Dispatch file photo/Bill Sutley
Scott Byrd and his vintage Harley, before his 2019 trip across parts of Europe. "They had to learn how to put-on weight, how to eat and gain muscle,” Shockley said. “Justin was always hungry to learn more and get better. He was never afraid to try new techniques at practice. It was trial and error for us, and he wasn't afraid to fail. Eventually, he figured out a way to master new things at practice, and he turned into a great player." The first person to learn Gooseberry was signing with Atlanta was his twin brother Cori. "After filling out the paperwork from the Falcons, I immediately told my brother," Gooseberry said. "He and I celebrated secretly in our room, then I went downstairs to tell my mom and she just smiled and hugged me." Gooseberry will enter the Falcons' organization hungry. "I want to prove to the Falcons that this pickup is not something they will regret,” he sad. “I want to prove I'm a valuable asset to the team and I can make that roster." Meanwhile, Cori Gooseberry, also an offensive lineman, has heard from the Los Angeles Rams, but no deal has been made official. Former OBU defensive back Keandre Evans is still talking to NFL teams about a deal, and kickerpunter Jake Ford is also out pursuing his dream of playing professional football.
Beehive OKs limited donations The Beehive, Arkadelphia’s Group Living fundraising store, has begun accepting donations on a limited basis from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays. All the Main Street store will accepting now are furniture, plates and dishes, big household items and knickknacks. The store is still not accepting clothing, shoes, personal items, rugs or bedding. The Beehive retail store will remain closed. All proceeds from the sales of donated items are used to support adults with developmental disabilities served by Group Living, Inc.
LITTLE ROCK — Truckers based in Arkansas and just passing through should soon have no excuse for stepping down from their big rigs without a face mask to protect themselves and others. Officers from the Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas Department of Transportation are distributing 100,000 masks to commercial truck drivers at weigh stations and rest areas across the state. This is part of a coordinated effort with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to distribute one million protective masks to law enforcement agencies throughout the country to pass on to truckers. “Our officers are glad to be a part of this massive effort to distribute one million masks to truck drivers who are keeping our supply chain operational during the pandemic,” Arkansas Highway Police Chief Jay Thompson said. “We appreciate that
FEMA supplied the masks, and our state partners are working together to ensure the masks reach America’s truck drivers at our rest areas and weigh stations.” State and local partners, in conjunction with FMCSA, continue to assist in the distribution of the masks to ensure that they are supplied directly to truck drivers who are maintaining the nation’s supply chain during this crisis. Arkansas was the first state in the country to receive and begin distributing the masks. “We are happy be a part of this effort to support the commercial transportation industry in Arkansas. This emergency has truly opened the eyes of many about how important the role of a truck driver is to this country,” said Lorie Tudor, ARDOT director, “In addition, at the suggestion of the Arkansas Trucking Association, we have granted permits to food truck operators to provide hot food to truck drivers in designated Arkansas rest areas. We want to do our part during this crisis.”
AG warns of new coronavirus-related scam LITTLE ROCK – While social distancing, Arkansans have been spending more time spent online. As a result, scam artists are using tactics to extort money by threatening to release compromising photos. To dupe the recipient of an extortion email, the scammer may print the consumer’s email password or use high-pressure tactics to get them to pay right away. This is not only a scam, but also a criminal offense.
Virus Continued from page 1
covers nose and mouth. Kitchen staff and others are encouraged to wear masks. • Each employee must wear gloves, which should be changed between each customer, customer group or task. • Management screening the temperatures of all employees before they enter the restaurant must turn away anyone with a cough, sore throat, fever, or shortness of breath. • Patrons must wear a face covering until the food or drink is served. (Cloth masks are OK for servers as well as customers.) • Salad bars, buffets, and other self-serve features will remain closed. • Groups must be 10 or fewer customers.
Parks Continued from page 1
tained RVs will be allowed to stay overnight in campgrounds. Bath houses will remain closed. Check in and check out will be automated. On May 15, state parks will open visitor information centers, museums and exhibits, gift shops, golf pro shops, marinas and equipment rental. Staff will limit the number of visitors allowed into visitor centers and shops, making sure to enforce
“Anyone threatening or using high-pressure tactics to force payment is perpetrating a scam, and any Arkansan receiving such communications should cease contact immediately with the scammer and call my office,” Rutledge said. The FBI has provided these tips: • Don’t open unknown emails or attachments. • Monitor your bank statements regularly, and your credit
•
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report at least once a year for any unusual activity. Don’t respond to unsolicited email senders or click on phishing links, outdated information or give personal information through email. Don’t store sensitive information online or on your phone. Use strong passwords containing numbers and symbols, and don’t reuse passwords.
• Tables, chairs, salt-pepper shakers, condiment containers, and napkin holders will be cleaned and disinfected after each customer. • Bars and entertainment operations (such as live music, in-seat gaming devices, or arcades) are prohibited. • Normal service of alcohol within the restaurant seating area is allowed. • Restrooms should be disinfected frequently. • Service may be declined to patrons not wearing masks. Statewide, the number of deaths from COVID-19 increased by two between Tuesday and Wednesday, rising to a total of 59. The six deaths reported Tuesday represented the state’s highest one-day death total.l. The total number of covid-19 cases rose Wednesday to 3,192. Smith said active cases in which the patient is still ill, as opposed to recovered or deceased, fell Tuesday by 29 to 1,884. No new cases at the state’s prisons
have been reported. To help restaurants and other businesses during the transition to reopening, Hutchinson announced a proposal for a $15 million Arkansas Ready for Business grant program. Businesses would be able to apply for a grant of $1,000 per full-time employee, up to $100,000, and the funding could go toward personal protective equipment or other related expenses. Applications are now being accepted at the state’s economic development website, ArkansasEDC. com. Grants can also be used for deep cleaning, signage, hand sanitizer dispensers, marketing and more. Eligible expenditures must be made between March 1-Dec. 31, 2020. Fitness centers, also hard hit by the shutdown, are expected to open soon. Arkadelphia’s A-Town Fitness posted on Facebook Wednesday a long list of improvements it had been making during the month or so they’ve been unable to operate.
social distancing. On May 15, state parks also will reopen to Arkansas residents cabins, lodges and RV rental. Rentals will be limited to Friday through Monday to allow for deep cleaning between visitors. “Arkansans love their parks, and we want to invite Arkansans back,” said Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst. “This proposal was reviewed and approved by Secretary of Health Nate Smith before going to the governor for final approval. These precautions will allow Arkansans to enjoy camping while main-
taining guidelines for social distancing.” Some high-use trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Devil’s Den State Park and Petit Jean State Park will remain closed. The big question for Caddo Valley, Bismarck and, to a lesser extent, Arkadelphia, is whether the state will relax restrictions to allow nonArkansans by Memorial Day weekend, ending with the May 25 holiday. More than two-thirds of the cars using the state park’s spaces for RVs on recent Memorial Day weekends displayed Texas license tags.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Thursday, April 30, 2020
OBU communicators claim `huge honors’ By OBU News Bureau Ouachita Baptist University’s Office of Communications and Marketing won a grand prize, as well as seven other awards, as part of this month’s 56th annual Baptist Communicators Association ’s awards presentation. Ouachita won the Diane Reasoner Award for Exceptional Achievement in Interactive Communications for its “Meaningful Work Video Series,” which also was judged first place in the Social Media Campaign or Event category. The team also won third place for its “Ouachita GIFs and Stickers” in the Interactive Communications Division’s Website, Organization or Company Site Custom-built category. This is the second consecutive year for Ouachita to win the Diane Reasoner Award and multiple awards within the Interactive Communications division, as well as the third consecutive year to be awarded a grand prize. “Winning a grand prize from BCA is a huge honor, and I am so proud of our team for earning one for the third consecutive year,” said Brooke Zimny, OBU’s assistant to the president for communications and marketing. “They produce outstanding work throughout the year, are expert collaborators and tell the Ouachita story well in so many ways.” During the grand prize announcement, a judge described the Meaningful Work campaign as “a moving series of videos highlighting Ouachita alumni who found value in the work they do and the way they can bless others.” The series featured five videos of Ouachita alumni stories that illustrated the theme “lives of meaningful work,” a phrase taken from the university’s mission statement. BCA was established in 1953 for communications professionals at primarily Southern Baptist agencies. Members
represent such institutions as the North American Mission Board, GuideStone Financial Resources, state and national Baptist newspapers and magazines, state Baptist conventions and universities such as Ouachita, Baylor University, California Baptist University, Union University and Samford University. Other staff members in the Office of Communications and Marketing are Tyler Rosenthal, associate director of communications and digital media coordinator; Ashley Carozza, graphic design coordinator; Rachel Moreno, editorial coordinator; and Tiffany Pickett, recruitment communications coordinator. Other 2020 BCA awards earned by the Ouachita team and presented April 10 are: • First Place for “Ouachita Alumni: Justin Seale” in the Video Editorial Feature 2-5 Minutes category, Audio-Visual Communications Division. • First Place for “Patterson School of Natural Sciences” in the Video Promotion 2-5 Minutes category, Audio-Visual Communications Division. The video was also a finalist for the grand prize M.E. Dodd Memorial Award for Exceptional Achievement in Radio, Television, Film and Video. • First Place for “Legacy Campaign” in the Total Public Relations or Development Campaign Less than $25,000 budget category, Public Relations & Development Division. • Second Place for “Best Value Marketing Campaign” in the Communications and/or Marketing Strategy Less than $25,000 budget category, Public Relations & Development Division. • Third Place for “Connect Event Branding” in the Print Collateral Integrated Branding category, Design Division. For more information on BCA, visit www.baptistcommunicators.org.
DoD chooses Arkansas student for unique scholarship program Special to the Dispatch Justin Rudie was chosen for a scholarship program by the Department of Defense for his work in microelectronics and photonics. A student in the Microelectronics-Photonics graduate program has been named a Science Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholar by the Department of Defense. The scholarship will cover Justin Michael Rudie's full tuition starting in August 2020 and will last up to five years. He will also have the opportunity to spend his summers working at Naval Support Activity Crane in Bloomington, Indiana. SMART Scholars are required to work in the summer at one of the DoD's agencies and labs. The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation program, also known as SMART, was created to develop the next-generation DoD workers. The Naval Support Activity Crane is known
Rudie as a "modern leader in diverse and technical products aimed at meeting the needs of today's warfighter in the defense of the nation," according to its website. Rudie said he heard about the scholarship program from his advisor, Shui-Qing "Fisher" Yu, associate professor of electrical engineering. Yu said Rudie's research at the university aligns with the Navy's current objectives. "This fellowship will allow him to be trained at the U of A to gain basic
material science and device training from a fundamental research perspective," Yu said. "Then, during the summer, he will directly be exposed to different real-world applications of infrared detector technology." Rudie is working with Yu and other researchers on a Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) project, which he said is another DoD funding venture. MURI is a $7.5 million research project aimed to develop a new generation of infrared imaging devices. "This project's focus is to make better night vision technology using midinfrared photodetectors created from Silicon Germanium Tin (SiGeSn) substrates," he said. "SiGeSn is relatively a new semiconductor material which has favorable properties, but very difficult to grow, which is part of the challenge of the research." The projects Rudie will be working on at the Naval Support Activity Crane will be different, but will share some aspects of his current research, which he said would give him a better understanding of the different sides of his research. "I'll probably be working on largely device design and devices on Silicon Germanium Tin substrates," he said. "I need to have a deeper understanding on this subject for my own research, so this alignment is beneficial."
News 5
Class of 2020
Seniors at Arkadelphia are still awaiting a graduation date, but no matter when, 119 of them will receive degrees soon. The COVID-19 pandemic ended their face-to-face school year, as well as canceling all spring sports events, in March. They’re also missing out on prom, Scholars Day, Senior Walk-Out and the annual Arkadelphia Promise scholarship day. Here are the names of this year’s graduates, released Monday by AHS:
Osbel Flores Angulo Somerset Lanraiel Arnold Callaway Arnold Blake Batson Josee Ray Bebee Logan Zane Becker DeVonte LaMarr Berry Anthony Lastot Bonner Teddy T. Sunshine Buckley Jozie Michayla Burson Mark Allen Cain Haden Chase Campbell Jayson Melvoy Campbell Alexander Niel Carter Brynn Elise Clark Charlie G. Clark Trinity Diane Cochran Dawson Walter Coney Haven Denee’ Cooper Caleb Ray Cornelius Lunden Aaron Cotton Stanley Dean Crossley Kristen Grace Curtis Jazmine Nicole Daniels Aaron Steven Davis Cindy Marie Davis Kaevon Anthony Deloach Garrett Wade Dickey Olivia Christine Dixon Caleb Adam Eddy Paige Mackenzie Edwards Aisha Faiq James Colton Fitzgerald Hesley Christian Forthman Wyatt Dillon Forthman De’Airrus Di’ante Gatlin Logan Reece Golden Sawyer James Goodrum Madison Kelli Green McKinley Faith Green Tyler Lee Green Christian Blade Griffith Latron Deray Gulley Alexandria Renee Gutierrez Aryanna Nacole Gutierrez Darbeigh Nichole Hale Sha’nautica Aaronise Harris Kyren Stefane Harrison Trinity Khily’a Harrison Samuel Demur Hawthorne Patrick Timothy Hayes Cody Pierre Hughes Lavarrious Damaro Hughes Jalen Tyrese Hunter Aijah Brianna Jenkins Gunner Fitch Johnson Kevion Leone Johnson Terra Moon Johnson Adala T’ier Jones Jaslin LaShay Jones
Justin Ericson Jones Sammy Trenton Kirksey Chandler Keith Langstaff Lorenzo Jermaine Lawson Kristine Marie LeGuin HaidenE. Lehmann Lynli Caroline Lowry Haley Michelle Loy Ian Brooks Manning Jonathan Juan Manrique William Thomas Mauldin Kemoni Ayinde McClure Arkilious Tyrece McDaniel Dorothy M. Vivian McDuffie Tajhanna Johnna McKenzie Daniel Patrick McLane Mattison Lou McMahen Aiden Alexander McMurry Jantez Rochelle Miller Jaylen Nadire Mitchell Mercedes La’Kole Mitchell Hannah Kaitlyn More Macasha Santae Morehead Jasmin Moreno September Faith Moseley Sydney Marie Motl Yebo Foti Moyo Kelton Trawvon Newborn Reece Morris Nowlin Isabella Ines Olmedo Matthew Allen Parnham Eli Conly Perrin Addisen Alina Pollock Jayden Jaire Quarles Breanna Deasha Reed Kameron Xaiver Reese Jasmine E. Cervantes Riley Reagan Taylor Rorie Ethan Michael Savage Samuel James Smith Charley Sierra Smyser Jaliyah Jynice Solomon Destiny A. Burleigh Spittler Terrell LamontSumler Terrell AlfonzoSummerville Destiny Elaine Thompson Tyler Martin Thompson Cannon Russell Turner Cole Daniel Turner Malcolm James Turner Kaitlin Genne Vinson Hannah Breanne Ward Rebekah Cardine Warner Diamond Deshae White Asa Staton Whitten Kevin Tyler Wicks Lucas Allen Witherspoon Tyler Mac Woodson Camryn Dewayne Young Ernest Lee Young
6 Sports
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
21 AHS head football coach applicants Twenty-one applications from persons seeking to become Arkadelphia High School’s next head football coach had been received as of Friday. (See related story, Page 1.) The new coach will succeed J.R. Eldridge, who left in late March to take the same job at North Little Rock. Here are highlights of the applications, starting with their name, town and current or most recent job, education and more:
Henderson State’s Taylor Loeb.
HSU golfer named to all-region team Special to the Dispatch CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Following a terrific senior year, Henderson State University's Taylor Loeb was named to the Women’s Golf Coaches Association's AllCentral Region Team on Monday, April 20. Loeb, from Little Rock, had three Top-10 finishes and two Top-5 finishes on the year for the Reddies. The lone upperclassman on the team, Loeb's best performance came in the Central Region Fall Preview, where she shot rounds of 75 and 73 to tie for third-place overall in a field of 100 players. A three-time All-GAC honoree, Loeb is the first female golfer from Henderson to earn All-Region recognition since Katie Kilponen in 2014. Loeb is one of just two Great American Conference golfers on the women's side to receive an All-Region nod. As a spring sport athlete impacted by COVID-19, Loeb will return to the Reddies next season for a fifth year of eligibility.
7 Reddies, 1 Tiger make football honors society Special to the Dispatch The Henderson State football program had a league-high seven players recognized for their efforts on the field and in the classroom on Wednesday morning, April 15, when they were named to the 2020 National Football Foundation’s Hampshire Honor Society. The Reddies' honorees are fullback Ben Dewoody, wide receivers Darion Gray, Roderick Jackson and Zac Newbell; quarterbacks Richard Stammetti and Kody Whitaker; and defensive lineman Jacquez Neilson. Ouachita Baptist University had one player meet the requirements: quarterback Brockton Brown.
Ashdone Bailey, Arkadelphia • Defensive Coordinator-Assistant Head Coach, since 2014, at Arkansas Baptist College (Little Rock) • 2010-2012: Attended ABC • Later: Attended HSU (assisted with linebackers) • AHS graduate Gerrel T. Bailey, Jacksonville • Security Supervisor, Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, since 2016 • 2016 bachelor’s from Grand Canyon University (Ariz.) in sports management • Pursuing master’s from GCU in early childhood education since 2019 • Donald Williams, currently AD and head basketball coach, listed as a referent, along with family member Zina Bailey, also an Arkadelphia Public Schools’ employee. • AHS graduate, Air Force veteran Rontrell “Ron” Bailey, Maumelle • Former Head Football Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Assistant AD at Texas Institute of Agriculture and Technology (formerly South Houston Prep) • Attended OBU 2007-2008 • 2012 bachelor’s in PE from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff • AHS graduate (2-time all-state in football and basketball)
Desmoin Cooksey, Kalama, Wash. • Assistant Football Coach, Kalama H.S. To meet the criteria for • Earlier: Self-employed as sports agent eligibility, student-athletes • Also coached at Lawrence Central H.S. in must have completed their Indianapolis, Marian University final season of play in 2019 • (Indianapolis), University of Calgary (in and carried a 3.2 cumulaCanada’s Alberta province) tive GPA or higher in their academic field. In total, 1,463 players from 364 colleges and universities around the country were recognized in the 14th year of the awards. Henderson's seven inductees into the Hampshire Honor Society were by far the most of any school in the Great American Conference. Only four programs from the GAC had a player named to the 2020 list and the nextclosest conference program had three studentathletes earn Hampshire honors.
Badger anglers headed to state
Tyler Dorton, Springdale • Former Offensive Coordinator, Ada (Okla.) H.S. • Earlier: Head Football Coach, Westville (Okla.) H.S., 2017-2018 • 2010 Arkansas State University bachelor’s in health • Oops: Closing paragraph of cover letter includes this sentence: “I think Lonoke is a great place to be and raise a family.” Tarik Embrack, Las Vegas, N.M. • Graduate assistant, New Mexico Highlands University • Undated bachelor’s in history and political science from NMHU • Working on master’s in sports management from NMHU • She identifies herself in her cover letter as a “single mother born in a foreign country.” Her application reveals no coaching experience, but the head football coach at NMHU is a reference.
Special to the Dispatch Four students in Arkadelphia High School’s Bassin’ Badgers fishing club have qualified to compete in the Arkansas High School State Championship on Aug. 1 at Lake Dardanelle. Matthew Gonzales, Monticello AHS students on the Bassin’ Badgers’ top two-man teams are Trent Kirksey and Tanner Garner, as well as • Head Football Coach-Dean of Students, Carson Eddy and Connor Vance. Drew Central H.S., since 2015 (6-5, 3-3 in Twenty teams from 13 high school clubs will compete 2019) in the tournament that’s affiliated with the Arkansas Bass • Previously teacher-coach at Joe T. RobNation competition organization. inson, Little Rock, 2017-2018; WatsonEach two-man team will be judged on the total weight Chapel, Pine Bluff, 2016-2017; Hot Springs of the five heaviest bass they catch on tournament day. High, 2012-2016 Also competing later this summer will be two junior • 2008 HSU bachelor’s in health teams from the Bassin’ Badgers: Grant Rollins and Cal • 2009 HSU master’s in sports administraMcBride, as well as Cade McBride and Tucker Guy.
Coach Continued from page 1
the Badgers went 11-2 and earned a share of the 7-4A Conference title with Robinson and Nashville. For three years before coming to Arkadelphia, Moreland served as defensive coordinator at Stuttgart High. Perhaps most in his favor is that Moreland is the only applicant to count J.R. Eldridge as a reference. After nine years as the top football coach at AHS, Eldridge resigned in late March to become the coach of North Little Rock High School on April 1. Three of the applicants to replace Eldridge are currently assistant coaches at the college level, all at smaller schools. Eleven of all applicants have master’s degrees, and there are 12 teaching certifications among all applicants, including one applicant who’s certified in four areas. Fond memories of Arkadelphia from college
attendance (and playing time in most instances) also amaybe wrapped up in the applications of nine applicants — seven who attended Henderson State University and two who went to Ouachita Baptist University. Three applicants — all, inexplicably, sharing the Bailey surname — are former Badgers, graduating from AHS. Eldridge, 82-34 as Badger head coach, earned $79,535 at Arkadelphia High, where he also served as assistant wrestling coach, assisting Moreland, the Badger’ wrestling coach since Arkadelphia launched the program in 2015. Moreland also teaches physical education classes. His 2018-2019 contract, the most recent year available online, had him earning $50,272. Arkadelphia’s next coach will have big shoes to fill; Arkadelphia won nine or more games during six of Eldridge's nine seasons at AHS, and the Badgers won or shared a conference championship three times.
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tion Certified to teach PE-Wellness & Leisure, grades 7-12
Tim Harper, Coweta, Okla. • Assistant AD, Head Football Coach, Coweta H.S., hired to start July 1, 2020 • 20 years experience as high school head football coach, including at Searcy, Des Arc; teacher-coach at Mineral Springs, Sheridan, Glen Rose; 13 years experience as AD • 1994 HSU bachelor’s degree in history (attended UCA first two years) • Certified as a coach for grades 7-12 and to teach social studies, 7-12 Tommy Hill, Camden • Defensive Coordinator at Camden Fairview H.S., since 2017 • Previously at El Dorado H.S. • 2011 Southern Arkansas University bachelor’s in health • 2012 SAU master’s in public administration • Certified in coaching, social studies, PEWellness-Leisure • Led one of the top defenses in 5A in 2019, allowing 17.3 points per game Kyle Jackson, Gurdon • Head Football Coach-Athletic Director at Gurdon H.S., for five years • 13 years total teaching experience • 2005 Arkansas Tech University bachelor’s degree
Mark King, Magnolia • Head Football Coach, Magnolia H.S., since 2019 (7-4, 5-2 in 2019) • AD-Head Football Coach, Foreman H.S., 2016-2019 (Won school’s first state championship in 2017) • 1995 HSU bachelor’s in PE • 2007 Harding University master’s in administration • Certified in PE, coaching, driver’s education, social studies Antonio Lovelady, Pine Bluff • Teacher-Coach, White Hall H.S., since 2019 • Assistant Football Coach, PE-health teacher, Pine Bluff H.S., 2007-2018 • 2005 bachelor’s from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (As QB, he threw for 1,318 yards and 11 touchdowns in eight games in 2002.) • 2013 master’s from Harding University Kris McCullough, Ada, Okla. • Quarterbacks Coach-Special Teams Coordinator, since 2018 • East Central University • 2017 HSU bachelor’s in integrated studies • 2019-Arkansas State master’s in sports administration • First coaching job: Offensive coaching assistant at HSU, 2015-2017 Casey Moreland, Arkadelphia • Offensive Coordinator, AHS, since 2015 • Earlier: Defensive Coordinator, Stuttgart H.S., 2012-2015 • 2012 HSU bachelor’s in health • 2 certifications in PE, Wellness-Leisure • Lists departing AHS head football coach J.R. Eldridge as reference Moreland Ryan “Lance” Parker, Hensley • Head Football Coach, Sheridan H.S., since 2017 (5-6, 3-4 in 2019) • 2009 OBU bachelor’s in physical education • 2014 ASU master’s in educational leadership • Certified to teach in three areas, plus as an administrator Nicholas Rigdon, Glenn Heights, Texas • Teacher-Co-Offensive Coordinator, DeSoto H.S. (Texas), since 2019 • Also coached and taught in Phoenix and Texas schools in Waxahachie and Cedar Hill • 2008 bachelor’s from unnamed collegeuniversity in Springfield, Mo. • 2010 master’s in education from unnamed university in Aberdeen, S.D. Melvin “Trey” Schucker III, Searcy • Offensive Coordinator, Searcy H.S. (6A State Champion, 2019), since 2015 • 2015 University of Central Arkansas bachelor’s in health (played QB) • Certified to teach PE-Wellness-Leisure, grades 7-12 • Son of coach Butch Schucker, current Searcy AD Donny Scott, Detroit, Mich. • Head Football Coach, Robichaud High School, Dearborn, Mich., since 2018 (9-3 in 2019) • 2000 State University of New York-Canton, associate’s degree in criminal justice • His 25-player roster averaged 34.4 points per game in 2019 Todd Scott, Sand Springs, Okla. • Teacher-coach in Dumas, since 2017 • Head Football Coach, AD, Jonesboro, La., 2012-2013 • Teacher-Offensive Coordinator, Ardmore, Okla., 2010-2012 • 1982 Northeastern (Tahlequah, Okla.) State University bachelor’s in history • 1985 NSU master’s in health Robert Shefelton, Norman • Contract Specialist (self-employed) at Fort Riley, Kan., since 2016 • Head wrestling coach, assistant football coach, assistant basketball coach at Fort Riley Middle School • U.S. military, 1981-2005 • 2014 bachelor’s in general science from Upper Iowa University in Fort Riley, Kan. • 2016 MBA from UIU. • Applicants are asked to list activities “you are willing to sponsor.” Shefelton listed “any sport, drama.” Don Simmons, Paragould • Retired teacher, coach (Piggott H.S., 2019) • Served as head football, assistant coach at Riverton H.S. (Kan.), 1978-1991. Earlier at Independence H.S., Chanute H.S. (Kan.) • 1978 Missouri Southern State College bachelor’s in PE-health, driver’s education • Notable reference: Terry Bradway, senior personnel director for the Miami Dolphins