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100% SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS content FOUR ISSUE #3 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 2 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 4 FIELD HOUSE FROM THE into consideration that some schools will not schools that some consideration into throughoutthe year. The systemwill take keepplay-off with the up accomplishments We are developinga point system that will Best Athleticfor the2014-15 School season. areaschool eighteen in our ful school The We will also berewardingthe mostsuccess- eventsin ourareaschool ofeach ofinterest. We will be keepingtabs on all the athletic 2014-15 season. Fourand surely the lookforward tofollowing with all and playersthe coaches of the Big and volleyball.to enjoy I continue myvisits Arkansas regionSouthwest in bothfootball play-off Texas status in the Northeast and Eylauand Liberty are nowworkingtoachieve TexasArkansas High,PleasantGrove High, Big Fourteams ofTexarkana,Spotlight USA. happy what to we areshowcase callingthe We at the Competitive Edge Magazineare wonderful challenges to playing field or court. broughtnext possiblechampionship many teams preparedthe Getting to battleforthe excitingsome very andcompetitive matches. leyball also gave toattend metheopportunity that playeddaughters vol division1 college - volleyballhigh school and having coach two to a married season. Being next football athletic life as I to preparebegan for the Augustwas always an excitingtime inmy easily relate. football,I am and college sureschool you can close tomy age of61, and having played high GOD IT WAS JUSTA DREAM. For anyone as clothes it floating throughthe air. THANK distinctive odorofsweat drenchedworkout also smellthe helmet. I could sion football forehead remindedme of wearing a suspen acrossband ofaleather tightness and the my capture thefeelingpads of wearingshoulder to began My shoulders position. up in push was I while fingers my covered they as dew A LETTER FROMTHEEDITORA LETTER feelthe droplets of actually and could the fresh cutgrass days. I smell could ing and coaching ories ofmy play- of several mem- caused thereturn and I must say it last night sleep to time getting hardI had a very - you withjustthat. haveto supply and weexpect accomplished EVERYONE wants to knowwhat their kids of readershipthroughout the entire family. gap yougender the level high a very will see crossingents andgrandparents. Withsports their par- to show ing themagazineshome tak willbe inthatstudents situation special Weon rackdistribution. depend have a very will distribution far exceedthose that solely aretising dollars Ouravenue wellspent. of adver your that confident feel we Area, sas in theEast schools Texas, Arkan- Southwest Edge twentytwo of our Magazine toeach uting hundreds of the Competitive ofcopies to their campus. Because we will be distrib events to recruit andefforts quality students with areaworking be their following colleges that is considered competitive. We will also ademic achievement alongwith anything else ac- dance, band, Cheerleading, departments. interestfor special looking storiesfrom all their perspective schools. We will also be in what ishappening us print that canhelp individuals talented for those halls looking my staff to opening and I will be roaming the are Nowthat sonnel. schools close getting per and school limited accesstostudents wereschools outforthesummerwehad layouts.lines andphoto ing story Because azine isinvolvedto gettheschools increat- of producing concept The general. this mag- It is alsoanexcitingtime forthemagazinein progress. a place in the magazineto keep upwith the to worktowards.something We will include athletic programshigh school and give them anewfeaturewill bring ofachievementto the in.Withthisinmindwe participate schools larger thatother inallthesports participate Hunter Hatfield, Tarique Bolding Pleasant Grove: Javon Thomas,WillBrown Texas High: Kylar Nowlin,StacyMoss Arkansas High: Donelle Hoof,Corey Braxton Eylau:Liberty ON THECOVER Roger Sheppard - - - - www.thecompetitiveedgemagazine.com EDGE Edge Magazine. will become propertyofTheCompetitive digital submissions orcorrespondences holding fees orothersimilarcharges. All uscripts and will not be responsible for unsolicited art work, photography or man- TCEM isnotresponsible for thereturnof prohibited. in partwithoutpermissionare lishing LLC. Reproductions in whole or published monthly bySportsMagicPub - The CompetitiveEdgeMagazine(TCEM) is 8523 SouthLakeDrive,Texarkana, TX roger@thecompetitiveedgemagazine. Sports MagicPublishingLLC. Texarkana, TX75501(903) 832-1975 Sports MagicLLC.8523SouthLake EAST TEXASMARKETDIRECTOR The CompetitiveEdgeMagazine THE COMPETITIVE THE ADVERTISING &MARKETING [email protected] STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DIRECTOR OFEDITORIAL GRAPHIC DESIGNERS 8523 SouthLakeDrive CREATIVE DIRECTOR EAST TEXASEDITOR Texarkana, TX75501 All RightsReserved SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS Debbie Sheppard Lindsey Pilgreen Lindsey Pilgreen Jonathan Bryant Jonathan Bryant Roger Sheppard Roger Sheppard Roger Sheppard Roger Sheppard Roger Sheppard Kristin Spencer Gregg Pilgreen ADVERTISING Robert Rankin Erin Treadway 903-832-1975 Matt Graves WEBSITE: EDITOR 75501 Drive com THE COMPETITIVE FROM THE EDGE Sports Magic Publishing LLC. 8523 South Lake Drive, Texarkana, TX 75501 FIELD HOUSE All Rights Reserved EAST TEXAS MARKET DIRECTOR Roger Sheppard

EAST TEXAS EDITOR Roger Sheppard

ADVERTISING & MARKETING Robert Rankin Roger Sheppard Debbie Sheppard

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lindsey Pilgreen Kristin Spencer Matt Graves

DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL Roger Sheppard

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jonathan Bryant

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Gregg Pilgreen Roger Sheppard Jonathan Bryant

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Erin Treadway Lindsey Pilgreen

SUBSCRIPTIONS Sports Magic LLC. 8523 South Lake Drive Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 832-1975

WEBSITE: www.thecompetitiveedgemagazine.com

EDITOR roger@thecompetitiveedgemagazine. com

ADVERTISING [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS The Competitive Edge Magazine 8523 South Lake Drive Texarkana, TX 75501 903-832-1975 6 IKE ONE OF THE BEST RUNNING BACKS IN TEXAS HISTORY

COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE FORTE

By Johnny Green Anyone who remembers the legendary Watty Myers well “I’M JUST THANKFUL TO GOD knows the late Texas High coach would have preferred THAT I GOT A CHANCE TO PLAY a root canal as opposed to playing a sophomore. A GAME I LOVED.”

Times were different in the - Ike Forte late 1960’s, and Myers’ con- tention was that younger players had neither the physical nor mental capabilities to compete with junior and senior football players. and playing for the varsity at Texas High. Well, at least he was a member of the varsity. 7 Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and the

stubborn Myers’ exclusion was Donald “Ike” Forte, a As it turned out, Forte spent the majority of that 1969 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE low-slung, bow-legged running back, whose running season—Myers’ last as head football coach of the style and talent were too much for even the veteran Tigers—on the bench watching and learning from coach to ignore. George Washington, the first Afro-American running IKE back to star for the Tigers. Forte, a life-long resident of Texarkana, had dreamed “George could have been big-time, but back then the of playing on the Grim Stadium turf since his flag major universities weren’t interested in short run- football days. Integration would later afford him that ning backs,” Forte said in a recent interview. “Looking chance. back, I don’t know if it helped or hurt me by not playing more. But I knew Buttermilk (Washington) would have “It (integration) was no big deal because that’s the to get hurt before I would play.” way it was,” Forte said. “I played flag football in the fifth and sixth grades, and after the season the white Forte started the 1969 fall season at Dunbar before kids got to play in the Milk Bowl at Grim Stadium in earning a promotion to the Texas High varsity, along full pads. That was a dream of ours, and I can remem- with teammates Stacy Haynes and Earl Green, both ber looking through the fence at the game because of whom were sent back to Dunbar before the Tigers’ that’s all we could do.” first game. That left Forte to face Myers’ disdain for sophomores alone. Forte spent his freshman season at Dunbar, Texarka- FORTE na’s black high school. “I was the first sophomore he let play, and I respect- ed him,” Forte said. “He gave me a good cussing out “I remember we wore blue and gold at Dunbar and my when I did something wrong in practice, but it only freshman year they ran out of blue jerseys,” he said. took that one time for me to see he treated everybody “Me and one other guy had to wear gold jerseys, and I the same way. That’s the way he was.” remember mine was a big number. I usually got in the game right at the end. All those blue jerseys and there Forte enhanced his reputation as one the best run- I was in that one gold.” ning backs in Texas High history over the next two seasons under new head coach Jimmie Goff, earning The following year he was wearing orange and white all-district honors on both sides of the ball. His senior season an ankle injury limited his action against Lufkin, a loss that would eventually mean a three- way tie for the District 14-4A title among the Tigers, Lufkin and Nacogdoches, which won a coin toss to continue in the playoffs.

“I think we would have gone all the way that year because we had the athletes,” Forte said. “That year when they picked the all-district team we probably had seven or eight both ways.” By Johnny Green While Forte’s muscular build gave him an edge over most running backs, it also made him prone to in- 8

jury. For that reason he became close to Tiger that didn’t sit well with me.” team doctor William Shields, an avid University Instead, Forte was flown by University of Ar- of Oklahoma booster, who would steer him to- kansas recruiting director Leroy Montgomery ward Norman upon graduation. to Fayetteville for a whirlwind, six-hour visit.

“Doctor Shields took care of me, and he helped “Several black guys took me out and we end- me out when I visited Oklahoma,” Forte said. “I ed up at (Razorback running back) Jon Rich- signed with them, but they had a running back ardson’s apartment. I was impressed with the named Joe Wylie there at the time and they school and them, so I came back home and de- wanted me to sit out a year and I didn’t want to cided to go to Arkansas.” do that. I was too embarrassed to tell Doctor Shields because he had done so much for me.” Two years later he capped an outstanding college career with an MVP performance in a Forte spent the next two years 31-10 win over Georgia in the showcasing his talents at Ty- 1976 Cotton Bowl and waited for what he expected would be COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE ler Junior College, overcoming a freshman-year injury to lead a first-round draft call from an the Apaches in rushing. He NFL team. also met his future wife, Glen- “Dallas, Atlanta and the New da. York Giants all told me they “She was the first Afri- would pick me in the first can-American homecoming round,” he said, “but the Cow- queen,” he said. “I remember boys re-signed Duane Thomas, her being crowned at halftime Atlanta went with Bubba Bean of the Kilgore game. I ran for from Texas A&M, and the Gi- about 250 yards, so I had a big night and so ants signed Larry Csonka after the World Foot- did she.” ball League folded.”

After a thousand-yard rushing season as a Before his pre-draft visits to those three cit- sophomore, Forte’s plans were to return to ies, Forte had run a timed 40-yard dash in the Oklahoma, which was beginning the Barry parking lot behind Wagstaff Stadium in Tyler Switzer Era. for New England scouts, and the Patriots were evidently impressed enough to take him in the “Talent was no problem for Coach Switzer, and second round with the 36th overall pick. he came to Tyler to try to recruit Earl Camp- He spent two nondescript seasons there, both bell,” Forte said. “I got wind that he told Earl punctuated by nagging injuries. After unsuc- that they hadn’t signed a quality back yet, and cessful tryouts with St. Louis and Pittsburg, Forte caught on with the Washington Redskins, The 60-year-old Forte, who has worked the graveyard making the roster in the fifth week of the season and shift at Cooper Tire the last 19 years so he can main- playing mostly on special teams. Two years later he tain the 12 rent houses he and his wife have accu- was the Redskins’ primary third-down back when mulated over the years during the day hours, has a Joe Gibbs took over the organization and cleaned pension and a balky back to remind him of his NFL house—including Forte. career. When former New England receivers coach Ray Per- kins was named head coach of the Giants, he invit- “I hurt my back against Dallas. Rafael Septien was ed Forte to come to New York, but that didn’t work their kicker and he was a trash talker,” Forte said. “He out either. In 1982, he realized it was over after two kicked off short to me, and I was going to try to hurt weeks in Tampa Bay’s preseason camp. him. But when I ran over him, he grabbed my face mask, pulled me down and one of their the guys hit “I saw the writing on the wall. I realized when you me in the back and cracked one of my ribs. I was 9 don’t ever get to play in preseason games for run nagging injury after nagging injury. You can’t make it with the offense in practice you’re not going to be in the NFL being hurt all the time.” THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE there very long,” he said. “So I came home.” Perhaps Forte’s biggest football honor was his in- Forte said injuries and one particular fumble summed duction into the University Hall of Honor at Arkansas up his pro career. in 2010.

“I was told I was going to be the starter coming out “My kids never got to see me play,” he said. “But of training camp my rookie season, and we were when they showed film clips at the banquet I could playing the Baltimore Colts in the first game,” he see they were proud of their daddy. That’s one of my said. “That was a big thing for me, starting the first life’s highlights, and I’m just thankful to God that game as a rookie, but just before it started the run- I got a chance to play a game I loved. Now I go to ning backs coach came to me and said he was going work, come back home and live a regular life. to start Andy Johnson for one play, then put me in. “I’m just grateful that some people think I was a ball “When I did get it, they gave me the ball and I was player.” following our fullback Sam “Bam” Cunningham and all-pro tackle John Hannah and I saw the hole open- About Johnny Green: 1962 graduate of Hooks High School ing up. But a defensive back came out of nowhere (that makes me 70, but who’s counting?). Started at Texar- and pulled my arm and I fumbled the ball. Then when kana Gazette in November that same year and, except for 10 I was trying to make up for the fumble in the second months at the Shreveport Times sports department in 1968- 69, all my work, which includes parts of six decades, has quarter, I wouldn’t go down as I was being tackled been at the Gazette. I retired from fulltime work in July, 2011, and got hurt. I missed six games, then in the last after 48 years in the business, but continued to work part- game of my rookie season I was going down on a time, covering Texas High athletics as well as occasional area punt and my knee went out.” playoff games. My final byline in the Gazette was in June. I have covered the gamut in sports at the high school, college The fumble and knee surgery were the beginning of and professional levels, but I prefer high school sports, which the end. I consider the last bastion of athletics untouched by greed. I have won awards, but considered those an overrated part “That one fumble…I couldn’t ever get it right after of my career because I always felt you write to please your readers, not to win awards. that,” Forte said. “Then the next year I would have to ice the knee and it would swell up. But I made the team. All six years I played in the NFL I had to make the team. I was so injury prone, but I had good me- chanics and I played hurt. You had to.”

Looking back, Forte said he would change a few things if given a second chance.

“I would have been more conscious of working out with weights,” he said. “In hindsight I can see my downfall. Back then we worked out, but we really didn’t lift weights—not like they do now. I can see where I could have played more if I had taken better care of myself.”

111111 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 12 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE that a bad day day for herand good at for mecome that I can’t evenwith her. compete I can onlyhope aroundgolf 2006 and hasprogressed point to the that lives within hertoday. to tinkerShe began with satisfying toherandcreated thatcompetitive spirit very was college in sports intramural Playing field. own onthebasketball andsoftball her hold court was somewhat atomboy inherearlydays andcould early 70’s at Hooks High School. Coach Sheppard were nogirl’s athleticsavailable inthelate60’s and of field for 23 years. that coaching there It is unfortunate the in magic her worked Sheppard Coach productive andusefulexistence. lives themto andcause followtheleadto a more just seemstocalmthestorminyoungence people’s seem to know how to treat people. Debbie’s pres- Therethis great thatjust on people are earth certain youing theiroutcome havebut toagree. nochoice - Lindseyour twodaughters, and Kristin,observ SheppardCoach a perfect hasbeen rolefor model and havecomplishments always herlifestyle.envied proudI am very Sheppard’sDebbie ofCoach ac- wife I will tellyou upfront inamagazinearticle. that that you often It is not to feature getachance your COACH’S VIEW FROM A the band and the cheerleader programsthe bandand thecheerleader convincing to play had convinced She recruited sports. from home andtelling me aboutthegirls coming that she lefttheprogram.son oranother I can rememberher reathat hadforone school cruit athletesinthehigh - to rebegan Debbie After a - softball coach. slow start theheadvolleyballSchool to become and assistant yearsher beltshewas under recruitedto Texas High basketball,track andcross country. Witheleven volleyball, girlspositioncoaching High Schoolhead and afterthreeSchool yearsthe Hooks sheaccepted her careerstarted High at Hooks Junior Debbie ing pro-fession. itive naturea perfect madeher matchfor the coach glove andherability to leave theyard. This compet- byup severalof her teams because tournament summer softballcareerher During was pickedshe days. havethat I could her play watched inheryounger takenover pastime activitiesandI can onlywish her moment inmy life. andplaying Studying golfhas level ofcompetitiveness far exceedsmine at this shekicks my butt. Her the sametime. Otherwise Debbie Sheppard - 13 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE - So to those who have a positive attitude success attitude positive a have those who So to cope more helps you It inevitable. is and happiness brings optimism It life. of affairs the daily with easily negative easier it to avoid and makes life, into your and worries. thoughts see the bright side of life attitude you positive With a certainlyis It happen.and expect best to the state a on their best and stay behelps one to mind that of top of their game. frame of mind one can expect suc With the positive cess and not failure. It makes one feel inspired and inspired one feel makes It cess and not failure. up when the going not to give the strength you gives and increase will abilities your in Faith gets tough. energy. of more cause the production for me, you “If told the ladies who played As I always shout a to give would I like will achieve.” you believe, part a of my were awesome ladies that the out to all dedication Your many successful coaching years. positive of my makings the were and in-ter spirits attitude. sayings: favorite some of my you with to leave want I decision not a a is Attitude everything. is Attitude a BIG is a little thing makes that condition. Attitude fate, change change your can’t you If DIFFERENCE. think is you magnet, what a is attitude. Attitude your and mental a is thinking Positive attract. you what focusesemo-tional attitude that bright side on the results. and expects positive of life many young ladies to par-ticipate in athletics. Her Her athletics. in par-ticipate to ladies young many making her one off of the most persistence payed four states area. girls coach in the successful coachingthat she in 1999 so from Debbie retired daughter Kris- her youngest and watch could travel now working in college. She is volleyball tin play and her husband with her older daughter Lindsey - SportsRoger and Embroi at Screen-printing Magic spe- ad producing selling and charge in is She dery. instruments. adver-tising cialties and other Debbiearticlesmall to write a mo- on what asked I is what she wrote: her to success and here tivated the Charles Swindoll, “The longer live, I A quote from is one impact of attitude on life” the realize I more During coaching my career sayings, favorite of my on attitude worked I always years, of twenty three important me it is more than ap- To of my players. a or break pearance, giftednesswill make It or skill. team. to my athletes is that One thing would that I stress embrace the attitude we choice a regarding have we cannot be changed The past and the day. for that The our control. certainbeyond is way people react we on the one strength play only thing we can do is and that is our attitude. I am totally convinced have, is be it sports, family or community, church, that life, and team, or individual a happens to us as 10% what to the situation. 90% how we react FROM A FROM VIEW COACH’S THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 14 HIGH ARKANSAS Todd Ledford Zach Clark “You have tostay healthy, you have tobeprepared -it’s abattle.” Ledford knowsitallbeginsincamp. we won’t seeanything wehaven’t already seen.” “We don’t play any By slouches. the time we get to 6A play,South way. of Arkansas this year. And Todd Ledford will not have it any other state the in played schedule a tougher find to difficult be would It have toworkreally hard tocoachthemupavoid that.” “Thereafter gameslikeletdowns willbe Ledford that,” said.“You don’t comewithoutdifficulties. While thegamesare thrilling and the crowds swelling, thegames petition thanthesetwo.” kids lookforward“The to[these]games.You can’tcom better get it’s upsanddowns,according tocoachLedford. PlayingTexas HighandLiberty-Eylau inback-to-backweekshas powerhouse inBossierCity’s Parkway highschool. they will have to wade through two crosstown rivals and Louisiana country. Before theRazorbacks even geta crack at the 6ASouth, Despite returning aretalent, things never of the easy in this part posite corner. season a year Ty agoandnewcomer Mitchell roundsout theop- terrific a had Moss Stacey dangerous. most the are that corners defensive core lineandlinebacking will be strong,it might bethe only up front, butdroppingback in coverage, as well. While the Defensively, theRazorbacks will than a be sharperyear ago,not line thatshouldgive thetailbackplentyofgapstoshoot. frontup Bishop will get somehelp fromoffensive anexperienced “He hastoproduce.” “Andrew andbea leader,”be durable hastoholdup, Ledford said. of thebestbacksinstateArkansasthisyear. frequently. upon op willcalled be to beone Bishop hasthechops offensiveOn the tailback Andrewsenior football, of the side Bish- seasons outofsomeindividualplayers andpositiongroups. the Razorbacks true, If that is tocome arebig some to need going type ofseasonthatmakes alongrunintheplayoffs.” “We are ready tobreak year. out inmy fourth Weto have need the from expectations. way), Ledfordmore seesmuch onthehorizon anddidn’t shy away round(A 28-25 loss intheopening pearance Parkto LittleRock - Hogs stayedthe healthy. yearthe Though garnereda playoff ap- always hy- an in per-competitive 3-4 6A South. Thingsmight havedifferent been had going 4-6, 2013 finished Razorbacks The “I knew, butlastyear re-enforced that.” “I last yearlearned canaffect howinjuries a team,” Ledford said. coach Todd Ledford hadseeitall.Almost. into his third seasonat the helmofArkansas High a year ago, You yearslearn alotintwenty-plus football. Going ofcoaching - 15 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE ber and a ber Send your Send your

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903-689-3095 | [email protected] jibanimo.com Internet Marketing Commercials Graphics Design business films 16 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE drenof life inneed saving medicalattention. Sixspecialyoung to theUnitedStatesof America forseveral chil- country deserving two families areto build a fromtogether bridge coming a foreign transform their lives but it also transforms otherchildren. These this favorite activity of theirsa lifeone. Not only doesit changing make to way a finding are families Likins and Beck The changing. passion willleadyou rightintoyour purpose. If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your FORWARD PLAYING IT right foryou. is protection what decide you help to review free a for today Call life. your with up keep should insurance your road, the on teenager a have now or car, new a bought and baby a had you’ve Whether Let mehelpyougettheprotectionneed. Insurance Co. Insurance subjecttoavailabilityandqualifications.Allstate FireandCasualtyInsuranceCo.Northbrook,Illinois©2009Allstate agent canhelpyou stay instep. Life changes. Lindsey Pilgreen [email protected] Texarkana 3415 New Boston Rd. (903) 831-3866 KeslerJeff difference the competitiveusing spirit is life the urgetop pedestal, lete onthe to make a winner,desire the more tobe ath- thanthe cravingpable. The tobemore thana medal is petition within theirownmindit’s unstop it’s a displaybeautiful but whenthat com athletes against other triathlete tocompete byurgethe mostallofus.When strikes the activities aretaken commonly forgranted Swimming. Biking. threeRunning. These Your insurance – T.D. Jakes

84282 - - fulfilled life free from defects. heart tolive childrenford a theopportunity deserving these from benefitting your given.donations to af- to donate Please continue are who dren chi many the of stories for more ontheboys’ information triumphs as well as $2280. Visit the Facebook of “5 page Races for5 Hearts” totals broughtin. As oftoday raised arethe total funds the triathloninFayetteville, Arkansas only toaddthe next stopfortheboysthe Likins crewthen in competed surgeriestwo heart wereConway funded! was the al but morealmost $2000 was raised and importantly 31st. Everyoneon theraceteambrought a med home May on Arkansas Bryant, in held was race first The fire. desire to be the best they to fuel the can be continues ents to keep in order. But passion forothersand the par- the for difficult times at are that schedules the on as well as the triathlonssoit can bestrenuoussports in team priorities. Many of themcompete age tojuggle reallydo and are wellinschool early at avery learning competitiveevery andusetotrain.All possible moment these racesthemost enjoyable. The boys are super races are for a greaterpurpose than themselves makes five these knowing however, in, compete they races the The boys attend churchand truly enjoy together all of these triathlons head on with passion andcommitment. Owen, Evan, Eli and Max Likins have taken the task of hastooffer!country Brooks with Beck along andLandon raising money to providethis great themedicalattention to their blessings enjoy these activities than to begin ing. Therefore what waybetter to give thanks to Godfor challeng inanything of energy forthemto participate some childrenhandle. It cannotwouldtake every ounce ic activitieshiskidslove inare toparticipate that ones how it affects and all the athlet- of theheart thefunction on what it means tohave disease. He told them a heart his childrento educate He began their purpose. become do. Here fortheirpassionto was a perfect opportunity ProjectapparentHeart it became whattheyto needed When hereadaccomplishments. abouttheChildren’s their for God to glory give to line finish the crossed they sired for them to do more thanjust point to Heaven as came more andmorede he interestedin participating ministries as well as Samaritan’s Purse. Ashisboys be Texarkana,working with mission has a lot ofexperience Mike Beck,themissionpastorat First Baptist Church children andtheirfamilies. give moredesperate tothese andmore opportunities children. TheChildren’s Project Heart works tirelessly to raises moneymany different tofund ministries involving tan’s Purse whichis a organizationChristian-based that campaign. The families arefor 5 Hearts joining Samari- made forevery triathlontheyin onthe5Races compete to makeup teamed thisdreamthrough possible pledges surgery.heart The Beckboys and theLikins boys have of need in children five to opportunity this give to goal men from Texarkana, TXare workingtoward a selfless - - - - 17 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE - - in hot water to soften, water then placed in hot the in the teeth using mouth and shaped around hands and tongue. one’s individ are protectors mouth Custom-fitted ually designed and made in a dental office. impression an make dentist will your First, then is mouth guard teeth a and of your special ma- the model using a molded over Due materi- terial. to the use of the special al and because of the and work extra time is custom-made this mouth guard involved, than theother types, but it expensive more the most comfort and protection. provides oral sportsrelated often dentist, I treat As a been prevented injuries that could have es- This is mouth protection. with proper pecially trueduring football season. These treatments in expensive injuries can result prop with the been avoided that could have your is guard er appliance. A custom mouth tooth sports-related against best defense injuries.

- -

. talks: . talks: DDS

Your one set of permanent teeth is precious of permanent precious one set is teeth Your them! – protect importantthe most of One considerations teeth. your sportsin playing to protect is mouth guard. One good wear a optionto is on types of mouth guards several are There the market. pre-formed are the shelf protectors” “Off inexpen are They wear. to and come ready and can be bought sportingmost at sive and department How- good stores stores. ever, little can be done to adjust and talking breathing make bulky, are they their fit, protec no or little provide they and difficult, their use. tion. Dentists do not recommend can also protectors bite mouth and Boil be bought sportingmany at goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth mouth guard The “boil and bite” protectors. placed is It material. plastic made from is PROTECTING SMILE YOUR Alford Oma Doctor heat

18 FALLillness IS AROUND THE CORNER. THE DAYS WILL GET SHORTER. THE AIR WILL BECOME COOLER AND FRIDAY NIGHTS IN OUR AREA WILL BE FILLED WITH FOOTBALL GAMES. BE- FORE WE GET TO THE PAGEANTRY THAT IS FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, OUR LOCAL ATHLETES WILL BE WORKING THROUGH TWO A DAY WORKOUTS. THESE ATHLETES WILL GO TO THE FIELD, STRAP ON 15 POUNDS OF PADDING AND PRACTICE IN 100 PLUS HEAT, IN MOST YEARS. Over the years athletes have suffered heat related inju-ries and even death during these pre-season workouts. Russ Nelson As a result of these heat related issues many changes have been made over the past 20 to 30 years to make pre-season football practices safer. I want to discuss what these changes are and why they were instituted. COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE

Summer football practice in the early seventies was much different from what we see now. The athletes practiced twice a day and there really weren’t any time limits on practices. All practices were in pads. The ath-letes were not allowed mul- tiple water breaks if they were allowed any. Players at times were given ice chips and after practice they were given salt tablets. During that period of time coaches believed it made players tougher by not allowing water breaks. It was also believed that the salt tablets would replace lost sodium and prevent cramping. Now we know that dehydration does not lead to toughness, but an athlete who is dehy-drated even just a little will have impaired performance. The salt tablets were also found to be a bad thing for an athlete. The salt tablets were so concentrated that the stomach recognized it as waste and immediately sent it to the kidneys to be excreted. The kidneys would pull water from the rest of the body to dilute the salt before excreting it. So the salt tablets would actually dehydrate the athlete more. It is a testament to what kind of condition those kids were in that we did not have more fatalities due to heat in that period of time.

Several years ago a pro football player named Corey Stringer died in summer drills and many things have changed since that time. An institute was set up bearing his name that performed a good deal of research in this area. I will touch on some of the things we now do to prevent heat illness. Hydration is the first big part of protecting athletes. Thirst is not a good indi- cator of when to drink. Your thirst mechanism does not kick in until you are dehydrated by 1% of your body weight. Once “HEAT ILLNESS IS A PROGRESSIVE illness PROBLEM” 19 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE

you have lost 3% of your body weight you are at risk for tive cramp buster. My daughter made me also mention the heat illness. If you start drinking when you are thirsty, you taste. It is definitely an acquired taste. Heat exhaustion is are too late. Many studies have been done and found that when an athlete is unable to continue to exercise, they have athletes who are dehydrated by even 1% will have a dete- persistent muscle cramping, weakness, headache, nausea rioration in their perfor-mance level. An athlete running a and the core temperature is between 97 and 104 de-grees. 5K will be 39 seconds slower if dehydrated by one percent. The treatment is to get the athlete cooled and rehydrated. This same athlete will have their shooting average drop by Heat stroke is when the temperature regu-lation system is 15% when playing basketball. Athletes also need to accli- overwhelmed due to excessive endogenous heat produc- ma-tize to the conditions they are working in. Schools are tion or inhibited heat loss. Symptoms are altered mental required to have the football players work out in shorts and status, vomiting, diarrhea seizures and coma. The core t-shirts for a week before putting on the pads. It takes 5-6 temperature is over 106 degrees in people suffering from days to acclimatize. If a team has two prac-tices in one day heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. An ath- the following day they can only have one practice. Some lete suffering from heat stroke needs the core temperature teams will weigh athletes before and after practice. The down to 102 degrees or below within 30 minutes. athlete should drink 16 ounces of fluid for every pound of weight they lose. Another way to determine if an athlete is If an athlete goes down with heat illness the best treatment well hydrated is to look at the color or their urine. Hydrat- is to cool the athlete as quickly as possible. Schools in Ar- ed urine should be clear to lemonade color. The darker the kansas are required to have stock tanks half filled with wa- urine the more dehydrated the athlete is. Athletic trainers ter and ice nearby. If an athlete goes down they are placed will often put a little extra salt in the sports nutrition drinks in the tank of water and ice is dumped into the water. This they give to the kids because athletes will lose sodium in is the fastest way to cool someone. The length of time the sweat. A small amount of added sodium will not have the core temperature is above 105.5-106 determines the ex- same effect as the concentrated salt tablet. Do not add salt tent of injury and in some cases whether the athlete lives or if the athlete is hypertensive. My understanding is that the dies. Remember there is a golden 30 minute window that original formula for Gatorade called for a teaspoon more you have to get the athlete’s core temperature back down. salt per quart than what is in it now. That much salt made the Gatorade hard to sell because it didn’t taste very good. The guidelines the governing bodies of high school athlet- So Gatorade changed the formula. Also if the athlete likes ics have implemented seem to be working. We have had the taste better he or she will drink more and Gatorade will from what I can tell fewer heat related problems over the sell more and everyone is happy. state of Arkansas. If we are diligent in fol-lowing these guidelines we can watch our kids play to their utmost abil- Heat illness is a progressive problem. Muscle cramps are ities with a much lesser risk of heat re-lated issues. Also painful involuntary muscle contractions. Some proposes remember these hydration guidelines are for all sports. I causes of cramping are fluid deficiencies, electrolyte im- know football is the one we al-ways think about but cross balances, neuromuscular fatigue, or a combination of all country, baseball, softball, tennis , golf and track are all of the above. Athletic trainers have given athletes pickle outdoor sports and can take place on some of the hottest juice and mustard to help combat these muscle cramps. days of the year. I hope this is helpful and keep s you safe. A common denominator in both of these products is vinegar. I have found apple cider vin-egar to be effective in -See ya, Russ preventing these cramps. I use the apple cider vinegar with the mother. This is the sediment that is filtered out of the vinegar we typically buy for household use. I believe there is something in apple cider vinegar that is an effec- THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 20 21 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE GROWING UP IN TRINITY, TEXAS, ERIC DRODDY PROBABLY NEVER DREAMED OF BECOMING THE ATHLETIC DIREC- TOR FOR THE QUEEN CITY BULLDOGS. THE TWO TOWNS ARE SEPARATED BY OVER 200 MILES OF HIGHWAYS AND WINDING COUNTRY ROADS.

By Steve Shofner QUEEN CITY YOU CAN’T GET COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE THERE FROM HERE

ity High School. He admits school in 1990, he spent time that baseball was his first in college. Droddy admit- love. He also found success ted that he was sort of going on the gridiron, being named through the motions, without All District as both a wide re- a clear plan. In 1993 he joined ceiver, and defensive back, as the Marines. It would be a de- a senior. He received Honor- fining moment in his life. While able Mention for the All State in the Marines, he married the team. love of his life, Lisa. They were stationed in North Carolina, After graduating from high 1250 miles away from friends Growing up in Trinity, Texas, Eric Droddy probably never dreamed of becoming the Athletic Director for the Queen City Bulldogs. The two towns are separated by over 200 miles of highways and winding country roads. Because of their small size and rural “THE ROADS BETWEEN THESE TWO TEXAS TOWNS locations, residents of northeast Texas might say, “you can’t get here from there.” It has been an inter- MAY BY LONG AND WINDING, BUT QUEEN CITY IS esting and challenging journey for Coach Droddy and his family. HAPPY THAT YOU CAN GET HERE FROM THERE.”

Coach Droddy enjoyed playing sports in high school. He participated in football, track and baseball at Trin- 23 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE

and family. Their oldest son Easton was born there. Drod- Coach Droddy returned to Trinity High School for the 2010- dy said, “we had to grow up quick.” The time spent in the 11 season. Marines, was responsible for building many of the core val- ues he feels are important for young people today. Droddy Something kept tugging at Coach Droddy. He kept thinking said,“We learned how to work with other people, to respect about the community support that Coach Warren had re- authority, and to understand our role. It’s not always about ceived during his battle with cancer. He thought about how me.” Coach Droddy believes that these traits are important, he had enjoyed his time at Queen City. Droddy said, “It just in academics, athletics, and life. felt like home.” He and Lisa made the decision to try to return. After leaving the Marines he went to work for the Texas De- partment of Corrections for a year. Once again there were He made contact with the new Athletic Director, Buddy Ray, life lessons to be learned. However, he did not feel like this and told him of his strong desire to return to Queen City. In was his final destination. There were new roads to travel as 2011-12, he was hired as the Bulldog’s defensive coordina- He and Lisa made the decision for him to go back and finish tor and J.V. baseball coach. The fol-lowing year he served college. They worked with their church youth group for two as defensive coordinator and girls softball coach. years, as he finished his degree from Sam Houston State. Coach Ray returned to New Boston after the 2012-13 The next nine years were spent gaining experience in the school year. Coach Droddy was then hired as the Queen teaching/coaching profession. City High School Athletic Director.

The Droddy family spent time in Trinity, The Woodlands, The 2013-14 season was a successful one. The football Houston, and Mt. Pleasant. team qualified for the State Playoffs, for the first time in over ten years. The girls volleyball, and softball teams also So how did Coach Droddy make his way to Queen City? made the State Playoffs. The Cross Country team also sent members to State. Coach Brandon Warren had become Athletic Director at Queen City in 2009-10. Coach Droddy stated that he is proud of his staff, as they work hard to influence their student/athletes to be respon- Coach Warren had grown up in Lovelady, Texas, another sible, unselfish, and successful competitors. small Texas town, located about fourteen miles from Trini- ty. While looking at job openings, Droddy recognized Coach It has been a long and winding road for Coach Droddy, and Warren’s name, and made contact for an interview. Droddy his family. He was very quick to point out that he would not “THE ROADS BETWEEN THESE TWO TEXAS TOWNS had played ball against Coach Warrens older brother in high have made it here on his own. He gives much of the credit school. Although they had not personally met prior to the to his wife Lisa. They are the proud par-ents of four chil- MAY BY LONG AND WINDING, BUT QUEEN CITY IS interview, They made an instant connection. Droddy was dren. Easton, Jaiden, Kieran, and Teagan. “Lisa has done a hired as offensive co-ordinator and softball coach. great job with our kids” Droddy replied. HAPPY THAT YOU CAN GET HERE FROM THERE.” Coach Brandon Warren had been diagnosed with cancer a The roads between these two Texas towns may by long few years prior to becoming the Athletic Director. He had and winding, but Queen City is happy that you CAN get here courageously fought the disease. He resigned his position from there. for health reasons, at the end of the 2009-10 school year. THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 24 GROUNDBREAKING TEXAS A&M August 28,2014 v 25 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 7720

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PHOTOGRAPHY ERIN TREADWAY v 26

AL HANNA A LIFE OF DEDICATION COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE

THERE ARE ELEMENTS THAT ONE LOOKS FOR WHEN TRYING TO DECIDE WHO YOU WANT TO FEATURE IN A SPORTS MAGAZINE AND SOMETIME IT DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN THAT IT’S SOMEONE ON THE FIELD OR ON THE SIDELINE. THIS PARTICULAR PERSON CAN BE FOUND WALKING UP THE STANDS TO THE PRESS-BOX WITH HIS NECESSARY TOOLS TO BROADCAST THE GAME TO THOSE LISTENING ON THE RADIO. WHEN LOOKING AT THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPETITIVE NATURE YOU CAN SOMETIMES FIND WHAT YOU CALL A DEVOTED SPIRIT SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN ON THE FIELD OF PLAY.

By Roger Sheppard 27 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE

As long as I can possibly remember I recall that distinctive voice emulating from the ra- AL HANNA dio. His ability to color the activities on the field and to magically allow you to see through A LIFE OF DEDICATION the airwaves by his antics and excitement was nothing less than amazing. His name is synon- ymous with Texas High Sports and if nicked by a razor you would see a droplet of “ORANGE” dripping out of the cut. The man I am honored to know and to write about is none other than Al Hanna.

Almost any sports fan within the range of the 740 broadcast signal knows the voice and the name Al Hanna. Al was a yearly stall-worth with KCMC for many years. In 1957 the first place Al said he set foot in was Grim Stadium. He was a freshman at Paris Junior College and the Texarkana Junior College football team was playing at Grim Stadium. Al traveled on the school bus to the stadium and sit in the stands to watch a game. Little did he realize how much of his life was going to be spent in that same place.

One of Al’s biggest supporters and fans was the legendary Watty Myers, head coach of the Texas High Tigers. Watty stated that Al Hanna By Roger Sheppard had done more to advertise high school athletics locally than anyone else he had ever been associated with. Another head coach at Texas High, that became a close friend, was James Moffatt. Coach Moffatt said, “He’s the best in his business here and that was the reason he wanted him for my television show.”

When ask what his biggest thrill has been over the years Al said, “as a sports broadcaster it THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 28 coaches and personalities. a with He close friend coaches became Al traveled thefourstates area with seeking interviews a HOMER.AndHOMERhewas!! wereso well. not doing You call this typeofradiopersonality ning. You also could tell by his tone ofvoice whentheTigers that doubt he was happy the Texasto see High Tigerswin- be feltment could through theair waves and there was no to listento. His anddelightful true excite colorful on time, you canseethesame elements. His show was always good, were well organized andwell coached. Looking a Al’s career We play. of field the off team another plow just to enough repetitioustraining. Our team was not fancynorwere we big back intheearly70’s.cessful It was throughof the power football years andhowLouisiananTechfootball was so suc are madebetter. Al’s makes story methinkofmycollege that theelements for byon orobserved so thattheirlivescan becarried others looking myself find I story every In Sims. Mickey Switzer, Mantle, Barry Mike Pate andBilly Ditka, Jerry werework. alsoimpressive Hislist of interviews including ParkGalena regionalShamrockgame forthe football net play-by-playthe did he in 1969when came Texas ofthe High - - - experience andwisdomtostudy. Thankyou Alforboth. youaredo and it DON’TQUIT. abletodo world needs The and realize that retirement is not mandatory. If you love what to quit that. I think a lot of folks need to study that statement am healthy, livingit,having a great time...why would I want pretty statement sums whenI it much up ask him aboutretirement. Alsaid,”I final His do. to choose you ever what in He has all that the elements we think make you successful thathehasmadetotheTexarkanaand thecontribution area. WeCompetitive at The Edgesuccess the Magazine celebrate was by farthebestrunningbackhehadever seen. to feature Ike Forte intheAugustand hesaid that edition Ike and players.past coaches Wethat we were mentioned going naming namesofthepast and laidoutsomegreat storiesof old days of broadcasting He was quick in lightening sports. that Al torical knowledge had whentalking about thegood broadcasting.world ofsports I was quite amazed at the his- face youtell that hemissedhisinvolvementcould in the andby watching his scene. Al fond of was Durwood very tocall in weeklyand report on theproDurwood baseball Merrillandmadeaspotontheradiofor the lateDurwood 29 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 30 EXPECTATIONS WHEN ROBERT RANKIN CONTACTED ME ABOUT A WRITING FOR THE COMPETITIVE EDGE I JUMPED AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO TELL FOLKS ABOUT LINDEN-KILDARE.

I TOLD ROBERT I WOULD DO IT BUT ONLY IF MY GREAT FRIEND AND RADIO PARTNER PAT ROBERSON COULD BE A PART OF THE TEAM. FOR PAT AND I LINDEN KILDARE FOOTBALL AND LINDEN KILDARE PERIOD IS A PART OF OUR LIVES. PAT WAS AN OUTSTANDING FOOTBALL PLAY- ER AT LK IN THE MID 70’S AND I PLAYED ON TWO DISTRICT CHAM- PI-ONSHIP TEAMS IN 77 AND 78. LK TIGER BLOOD RUNS DEEP IN THE BOTH OF US. I HAVE BEEN THE RADIO PLAY BY PLAY VOICE OF THE LK COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE TIGERS SINCE 1994 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF TWO YEARS WHEN MY SON SETH WAS PLAYING AT LK I’VE CALLED EVERY DOWN OF EVERY LK FOOTBALL GAME. ANNOUNCED BASEBALL, BASKETBALL AND EVEN VOLLEYBALL. SO IT’S WITH GREAT PRIDE THAT I ALONG WITH PAT WRITE THE STORIES OF LK ATHLETICS FOR THE COMPETITIVE EDGE.

Anyone who has crossed paths in this life with Todd plus in regular attendance at Sunday services. Elliott will tell you two things; He is a man who is Todd still preaches today at different churches mission driven, and a man who has unimpeachable when needed to fill in for his fellow parishio- character. Todd was raised in Cass county. Attend- ners. I ask you, who would be a better coach ing high school in Atlanta. In 1991 Todd married the for our young men and women? For our money love of his life Lori Elliott. Their family includes four no one. I want a guy who is getting his plays children, Lyndi Lockhart and husband Ken, Matt El- sent in from the big coach in Heaven!! Char- liott, Lane Elliott, and Te Ann Elliott. Three grand chil- acter is contagious, we see our young people dren Amoree, Ma-laki, and Kendalyn. We don’t use catching it! And it’s all thanks to the leadership Pat Robertson the word “character” casually when speaking about of Todd Elliott. To understand the true meaning our athletic director. Todd pastored the Cross Creek of a mission driven man you must look into his Cowboy church for three years. Bringing people to past accomplishments. Todd Elliott has had our Lord was and is one of his many passions. “Todd many honors, Though boasting is not his style was instrumental in the growth of our church” as I lucky for Todd we’ll be glad to boast for him! spoke to Joey Berry about Todd Elliot the pastor, you Todd was inducted in the Athletic Hall of Hon- could tell that he had great admiration and respect or at Austin College this past year. He played for Todd Elliot a man of God. “If I had to describe on two Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Associa- Todd Elliot I say he has a big heart and knows the tion (TIAA) championship teams in 1984 and bible. He’s the kind of person people step up for. We 1985 at Austin College. He was 1984 TIAA all did and I know the kids do” When Todd started go- confer-ence QB, 1984 TIAA Offensive player of ing to the Cross Creek they were in a rented store the year, NAIA Dist 8 QB. 1985 TIAA all con- Marlon Sullivan front in Atlanta. When he left as the pastor of the ference QB, 1985 TIAA Offensive player of the church they had built a new building and had 200 year, 1985 NAIA Dist. 8 QB. 1986 all conference 31 EXPECTATIONSQB, 1986 TIAA Offensive player of the they say a lot about Todd Elliot the Man, Tiger football team? A: EXPECTATIONS! year, 1986 NAIA dist. QB, and 1986 NAIA Husband, Father, and coach. THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE All American QB. You don’t receive that Whether He is coaching, preaching, many accolades and that much recogni- Q: What is your biggest pet peeve? A: teaching a Sunday school lesson, roping tion without being mission driven. People that don’t give all they’ve got. or ranching; There is little doubt Todd has That’s all God ask of us. high expectations for himself as man, After getting his masters degree Todd a father, a husband, and coach. When coached for one year in Callisburg and Q: Greatest Accomplishment? A: Accept- I spoke to Todd’s wife Lori to get some then for one year in Salado. After that ing Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior, info. For this story she beamed when she he came back to Cass county and ran Being a Father, good husband, and a talked about Todd and all of his accom- “Vaughn’s” tomato relish plant and later Godly man plishments and the type man he is. She became part owner of the plant. However wanted me to know that he had no doubt after seven years Todd began to feel the Q: One thing you would change about had a great influence on Lane and Te Ann. call to coach again. “I felt like God was yourself? A: Be more patient Lane is a Sr. at A&M Texarkana and plans pushing my heart back to coaching so to coach. Te Ann is a sophomore. At A&M I took a job as a Jr High coach in Mar- Q; Greatest Quality: Honesty Texarkana and is majoring in elem. Ed- shall”. After a year he joined the High ucation. We can think of no higher trib- school staff and stayed in Marshall for Q: Favorite Movie? A: Lonesome Dove ute to a parents influence than for there two more years. After that he had stints children to follow in there footsteps. For in Palestine, Huntsville, Hillsboro, Pleas- Q: Favorite meal? A: Fresh purple hull Myself and Pat Roberson both of whom ant Grove and finally to Linden Kildare peas, new potatoes, and chicken fried have been highly influenced by our Fa- where he was hired as the head football steak thers and our coaches we understand coach and athletic director. I ask Todd what a great coach, father and man can why he left his job as pastor at Cross Q: What book or books are you currently mean in someone’s life. We feel honored Creek. He said he felt he had done what reading? A: The Bowden Way by Bobby to have such a man as our athletic direc- God wanted him to do at Cross Creek Bowden tor here at Linden- Kildare. 2014 promis- and that they were ready to turn the page es to be a good year. As sports fans we and he wanted to devote his full efforts Q: What job would you do if you were not have great EXPECTATIONS! Todd Elliott into coaching. “Coaching is very similar a coach or a pastor? A: Ranching- “Cows no doubt has high EXPECTATIONS for to pastoring a church. In a church you don’t talk back” the LK Tigers this year. Shepard the young and old alike. As a coach you Shepard kids.” We ask Todd Q: One word that described Todd Elliot some “Rapid Fire Questions” only giving the football player? A: Confident him a chance to think for just a second or two and then give his answer. We think Q: One word that describes the 2014 LK

“HE IS A MAN WHO IS MISSION DRIVEN, AND A MAN WHO HAS UNIMPEACHABLE CHARACTER.” THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 32 33 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE - - what am I made for? Every adoles- made for? Every what am I belong for identity, cent searches ing, and purpose. 5 takes it showing that is Research ad- of 1 adults in the life non-parent olescent to guide them into matu- and becomecontributing rity a part of society. That’s five non-parent many How adults plus their parents. have kids many How five? have kids guiding them? both of their parents comes in Life Young This is where alongsideand walks kids and their families to support, serve, and care friend- lasting for them through ships. thinks the world of kids. Life Young adolescent every that believe We deserves to hearway the truth in a can understand. The truth that they we be where who we are, about life, We made for. are we long, and what -

by Jonathan Emanuel by ing through now. Suicide is the third Suicide is the third now. ing through adolescents death in leading cause of are percent Fifty in the United States. of percent Seventy sexually active. per- tried alcohol. Forty teens have cent monthly drink on a basis and the - reg use marijuana percentage same stuck in adolescence are They ularly. of because lack of addiction and a the time to caring adults who take questions: help them answer three belong?And do I Where I? Who am During that time of my life, I was in was I life, During of my that time and schools one year different three suicide at- different two went through The sad me. tempts of those close to other ado- to compared that thing is I got lucky. lescents today, Adolescence is one the most difficult went through I life. kid’s times in a yet ago, and stage only ten years this high school and what believe can’t I go middle school students are even - - YOUNG

REACHING THE ENTIRE NEXT GENERATION LIFE CAUSE THEY WERE CAUSE GREAT. POSED TO BE “THE POSED TO LIFE.” TIME OF YOUR FORGET I’LL NEVER MIDDLE SCHOOL MY HIGH SCHOOL AND BE NOT YEARS, BUT I’VE HEARD IT SAID I’VE HEARD IT MIDDLE THAT HIGH SCHOOL AND SCHOOL ARE SUP THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 34 our websiteatwww.texarkana.younglife.org. [email protected]. more visit information at 903-280-8781Emanuel than or jdmeman kids, contactJona- of helping get inthegame If youlikewould and sidelines off ofthe get to cause. essary there arein tothisurgent manyplaces toplug and nec or helpsenda kid fundraisers, to camp. As you cansee team member, advocate in the community, help forour member,tee prayer committed partner, support club er-leader,moms ,donor,mom toteen mentor commit volved in some way. Become a Young Life leader, teach reach that goal withoutyourin- getting help. Consider long way to goreach ourloftygoal,andwecannot campus inthegreaterlege Texarkana area. We have a everyeveryand everyschool, middle school, high col- having a team of volunteersand staff centered around positive on every influence in adolescent Texarkana by That is not everyOur mission is adolescent. to have a grew intoTexasBut that MiddleSchool. is not enough. presenceat Texas we and justlast spring, HighSchool, For tenyears now, YoungLife Texarkana hashada their lives, andthey offer hopefortheirfuture. to them. Our the directionleaders helpkids consider of eventstalk what’s tothem about tolistening important with kids’ lives -- themat fromtheir sporting supporting to.” Ourleadersaregoing involved tobeing committed our biblestudies“a lot of fun,interesting, andworth school kids who have nevera bible have opened called with ing new things andbeing their friends.Even high Life activity, will teenagers have- a try blast laughing, FromYoungtrips toany other ourclubsandcamping as well with hope, as kids. fun andlastingfriendships YoungLife are leaders sharing adults whocome caring like crazy. leaders dothat And our throughrelationships. byknows them who madethem, and loves name, them believe that every kid has the righttohearabouta God

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THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE This months selection was made by consider- ing others that make a football game complete. Not the players, not the coaches nor the fans but STARTING FROM SCRATCH IN THE MAGAZINE BUSINESS probably the busiest men on the field trying to keep the game fair and under control. The men I I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT WHICH PART I WOULD am talking about are the Refs, the zebras and all the other things you are guilty of calling them. ENJOY THE MOST. AFTER TWO ISSUES I THINK I HAVE These guys are responsible for the raspiness in FOUND THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION. WHAT I LIKE my voice dating back to my old coaching days. Shouting and whining about the calls was just MOST OF ALL IS INTERVIEWING THE PEOPLE THAT part of the coaching experience. In thinking of 36 my high school playing days in football and bas- I DECIDE TO PUT IN THE PUBLICATION. WORKING ketball I recall several names that come to mind. Names like Sullivan, Fincher, Halter, Day, Kite, WITH PEOPLE OF PASSION ABOUT WHAT THEY DO IS Barrett, Hardtage, Baker, Reed, Roberts, Dunn, MOST IN-SPIRING. IT ALLOWS YOU TO SOAK UP THE Odom, Hubbard, Fowler and many more clearly come to mind. FLAVOR OF SUCCESS AND TO COMPARE IT TO WHAT Today the game is the same, only the names YOU EXPERIENCED IN YOUR EARLY LIFE. YOU QUICKLY have changed. The five names I am including in an elite category is Bobby Ables, Mike Riley, Jeff DEVELOP A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT YOUR OWN LIFE AND Robertson, Alan Brown and Jim Cranford. These MOST OFTEN THAT PERSPECTIVE WILL CONCLUDE THAT five men have elevated themselves in the world of officiating by working in the upper divisions of YOUR JOURNEY WASN’T THAT TOUGH AT ALL. the college conferences. I will be profiling each of the five in separate editions of the magazine. The first up in the August edition is Bobby Ables.

I had the pleasure to spend some time at the COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE home of Bobby Ables and was very impressed with the memorabilia that Bobby has collected in his officiating career. One thing Bobby collects is beautiful pictures of each stadium he works Ables in. You can also see many games balls depict- ing special games along with numerous signed Bobby By Roger Sheppard helmets and caps. The walls in his home office is a tribute to the long lonesome hours of travel and mayhem he has endured in crowded stadi- ums full of belligerent fans. Bobby possesses three awesome rings awarded to him by the Su- gerbowl, Orangebowl and the Big Twelve Cham- pionship commemorating his efforts on the field.

As I talked to Bobby I began to develop an idea of just what he was involved in. I knew what they did was steeped in study and knowledge but I really failed to realize just how rigorous it was. 37 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE

Bobby started his career in 1976 officiating football, bas- arkana. He carries as close to a zero handicap as you ketball and baseball. He currently works only football . can get. He has been the club champion at Northridge I ask him if he called high school games and he replied, numerous times. Other than golf Bobby still works his “I am not very good in the high school arena”. Another business, Texarkana Capital Insurance Agency. I first thing that I was very impressed with is the amount of got to know Bobby when he worked for Ralph Crosno at time spent training for the game. Most would think that Athletic Supply. I also remember him from his Allstate an official would just put on a zebra uniform and do the days at Sears. best he could do.....NOT..... These guys spend thousands of hours pouring over film of previous games looking for Thank you Bobby for letting me inside your life as a col- ways to improve their position on each and every play. lege football ref and thanks for all the memories. You With the rules of the game changing yearly they must are truly a competitor worthy of attention in this region. apply themselves to the rule books and attend seminars The Competitive Edge Magazine is proud of your accom- that help teach the rules and techniques of being the plishments and for being a shinning star for young peo- best in the business. I also ask Bobby to outline a typical ple to follow. week during the season. He said that Sunday through Tuesday he watched and graded film from the last weeks game. On Tuesday grades come out from the SEC office. On Wednesday he packs for the Saturday game, He Want the then verifies times and arrangements for flights, dinner, ground transportation, and meeting times for his crew. Competitive Friday meetings start at 3pm and break at 5pm. They have dinner and continue meetings until about 10:30pm. Edge Magazine Saturday is the big game. delivered to your home? As you can see there are many steps to being a big time referee. Not only does it take time to study and prac- GET A 12 MONTH tice you must be a near perfect citizen. SEC college offi- SUBSCRIPTION Send your cials are not allowed to drink in public places. They are name, address, phone number and a not allowed to be seen in gambling establishments or check for $30 to this address: to hang around anyone that is known to be a big time gambler. They have to go through rigorous background checks and cannot have anything about them that would 8523 South Lake Drive appear to influence their decisions made on the field. I can certainly understand why you want to be squeaky Texarkana, TX 75501 clean when you are surrounded by some sixty thousand screaming fans that may not like who you have been associated with. SUBSCRIBE I didn’t have to ask Bobby what he did to relax during his off season because I have watched him play many rounds of golf at Northridge and other courses in Tex- TODAY! the

38 Deaconof defense

Coaches play an influential part in the coach and 26 of those as Athletic lives of young children everywhere. It Director. He came to New Boston for starts as soon as an athlete can pick the first time in 1994. I had the good COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE THE COMPETITIVE up a ball and often ends when they fortune of coaching his son, Dustin make a decision to drop it and pursue Ray that year on a baseball team that other interests. As with any profes- was one game away from going to the sion, coaching has its great ones, its state playoffs. It was during that sea- bad ones and everything in between son that I got a glimpse into the type those two extremes. However, every- of man that Dustin had as a father one has something to offer to the ath- and that Sherry Ray had married. His lete, and coaches tend to shape and focus was on the complete athlete, influence the decisions athletes make not just on their talents. God blesses on and off the field. If often takes many individuals with natural athletic them many years to refine their style ability, but without character, their By Tim Graham to become the most effective mentor potential may never be fully real- they can be to impressionable minds. ized. Winning is important because it When that balance is achieved, par- teaches athletes to push themselves ents and kids alike benefit greatly and harder, to improve on their abilities often go on to achieve accomplish- and to never stop learning. Yet, we ments that they once may have never need to look no further than suspend- thought possible. The New Boston ed baseball players, Tour de France Lions have one such coach in Buddy scandals and players missing games Ray, and this year will be his 34th year because of substance abuse policy vi- in the coaching profession. olations to know that when you com- promise your morals to win, you have After graduating from Murfreesboro allowed winning to become the only High School in Murfreesboro, AR in thing. Loss of respect from team- 1974, he went to Henderson State mates, from fans and from family is a University where he graduated in 1978 costly lesson to learn, one that Coach and returned to his alma mater for Ray tries to prevent in that athletes his first coaching position. For the that he coaches. He demands high time that he has been in coaching, 29 character from his players, he wants of those have been spent as a head them to be accountable to the team, which in turn gives productive citizens to society. ball to graduation, the ones stepping in to fill those That type of coaching is fashioned from many years gaps are becoming more and more capable as the in the business and having a vision for athletes that summer practices begin at Li-on Stadium. They are extends beyond graduation from high school. fundamentally sound and they know the defensive schemes, it is just a matter of ad-justing to the He remained in New Boston until he left for Big speed of the game and the quick decision making Sandy in 1998. Stops in De Kalb, Whitehouse and that must be done at the varsity level. Queen City filled the years he spent away from New Boston before coming back in 2013 to take the During the interview, he made mention that the first Defensive Coor-dinator position on Jamey Thomas’ class that he coached upon returning to Murfrees- 39 coaching staff. It is always a joy to talk and visit boro are turning 50 years old now. He has been THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE with Buddy Ray, be-cause his travels have taken able to watch those boys turn into young men, and him to many towns in Texas and Arkansas. He has to raise families of their own. It is not often that we coached collegiate and NFL players in the form get to watch the fruits of our labor mature, because of Terrance Ganaway from De Kalb, TX, who went while some are called to plant, others are called on to play for the Baylor Bears and the St. Louis to water and only a select few get to harvest. By Rams and Adrian Sadler from New Boston, TX who keeping close to this area, Coach Ray has been for- played for the Rice Owls. Yet when the ques-tion tunate to witness first hand his influence on these was poised to him to name the favorite player that young athletes. As we are wrapping up the in-ter- he coached, he did not even need to go outside view, he whips out his trusty flip phone, because his own home. His son Dustin, now 33 and work- everyone knows that flip is hip, and reads a text defense ing in the physical therapy field, was the one that from one of his former players. It is truly humbling he chose. Preach-er’s kids often think they have to listen to the praise that this athlete lauds on his it tougher than most because they are held to a former coach, yet Coach Ray is more proud of the higher behavioral standard. Ask any coaches’ kid young man’s position in life than he ever was of any the scrutiny that they must endure from teammates, feat he may have per-formed on the gridiron. In from other parents, from the community, and to be January of 2015, Buddy and Sherry will have been sure you will delve into a conversation that will not married for 35 years, living the past 10 years of their end quickly. Dustin’s work ethic is the trait that marriage in New Boston. They attend the Church of stands out in his dad’s mind, because in order to Christ in De Kalb, and even though he may be closer prove himself worthy of a starting role on any of his to the end of his coaching career than the begin- dad’s teams, he was going to have to come early, ning, you can still tell that he loves to still have the to stay late, and to be far better prepared than any chance to pursue that elusive State Championship other teammate vying for his position. To be sure, I with these 2014 Lions. am sure that Dustin appreciates his dad more now than he did his coach when he was sixteen.

As he approaches the twilight of his coaching career, he reflects fondly on the memories and on the men that his players have become after high school. He has seen numerous offensive schemes over the years, the wishbone, the option, the spread, the standard I, the triple option, the pistol, the wild- cat, and each one of them brings a new challenge to the defense trying to stop them. Yet to quote Ecclesiastes 1:9, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” In the game of football it will always be eleven men on one side of the ball trying to prevent eleven men on the other side of the ball from scoring.

Coach Ray sees this season as one to build upon the success that the New Boston Lions enjoyed last year. Although the team lost six talented players and strong leaders on the defensive side of the THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 40 RELOAD REBUILD or New Boston,TX. and hisfamilyworshipattheChurch ofChristin Mason andMicah,wouldlove toseehappen.He opponent. Adream thathisthree children, Morgan, gettingreadyding anniversary forthenextplayoff has hiswish,hecouldbecelebrating25thwed- his wife Tammy HankinsThomasfor25years. Ifhe November, CoachThomaswillhave beenmarriedto benefits itdidlast year. This year onthe25thof if theconditioningthissummerwillreap thesame days are commencingandwewillseesoonenough peak level weekinandouttofinishwitha13 year attheir andwere abletoconsistentlyperform Fortunately fortheLions,they stayed healthylast isriskybusiness. classmen willperform topredict howinexperiencedunder- too well,trying to winthedistrictthisyear, butascoachesknowall tle forsupremacy in3ADistrict7.They are picked willleadthedefense andPhilipPyle intobat- Martin highly explosive offense fortheLions,andDylan Wade willonceagainberelied upontospurthe Gladney, QuinnDedmon,TQ DedmonandDevontae replacing personnel.According toThomas,Jeff level, Thomasisnostrangertothebusiness of Yet after22years ofcoachingatthehighschool key players tograduation. a depletedoffensive anddefensive line,losingmany Thomas willbeginhissecondyear atthehelmwith and defense, butalsoinleadershiproles. Coach sophomores tofillnoton-lyholesintheoffense country, itwillbeuptothereturning juniorsand last year’s teamleaving forcollegesaround the improve onitin2014.Withmanyseniorsfrom the questioniscanthey repeat thatsamefeat or fortheLionsin2013, football seasoninhistory thisyear.steps further Afterthemostsuccessful togojustafewlooking forward totheopportuni-ty about whattheteamaccomplishedlastyear but Athletic Director Jamey Thomas,hewasexcited NewBostonHeadCoachand When weinterviewed r ecord. Offseasonworkoutshave concluded, twoa 2

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 42 Nov. 6 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 DATE Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 Aug. 29 DATE Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 Aug. 29 DATE Greenville Marshall Longview Pinetree Hallsville Murfreesboro Mineral Spgs Mount Ida Lafayette Dierks Spring Hill Horatio Fouke Genoa OPPONENT Kilgore open Arkansas High Whitehouse OPPONENT Queen City DeKalb Hughes Spgs Linden Kildare Open Chisum Clarksville Mt. Vernon Redwater Harmony OPPONENT Gurdon Mt. Pleasant Sulphur Springs Paul Pewitt FOREMAN TEXAS HIGH HOOKS

Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away SITE Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Home SITE Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Away SITE 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:30 7:00 TIME 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TIME 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TIME Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 Aug. 26 Aug. 21 DATE Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 Aug. 29 DATE Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 Aug. 28 DATE LINDEN-KILDARE ARKANSAS HIGH LIBERTY-EYLAU Red & White OPPONENT Sheridan Parkview L. R. Hall Benton El Dorado Lake Hamilton Pine Bluff Parkway Liberty-Eylau Texas High Hope Scrimmage Paul Pewitt Queen City DeKalb Hooks Open Harleton Redwater Pleasant Grove Ore City Shelbyville OPPONENT Hughes Springs North Lamar North Quinlan Ford Pittsburg Paris Open Atlanta Tatum Arkansas High Mt. Pleasant Gilmer OPPONENT Princeton Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home SITE Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Home SITE Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Tyler SITE 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 8:00 7:00 7:00 TIME 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TIME 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TIME QUEEN CITY JAMES BOWIE TIME DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME

7:00 Aug. 29 Sabine Away 7:30 Aug. 29 Wolfe City Away 7:30 7:00 Sept. 5 Prairiland Home 7:30 Sept. 5 Detroit Home 7:30 8:00 Sept. 12 Redwater Home 7:30 Sept. 12 Maud Home 7:30 7:00 Sept. 19 Maud Home 7:30 Sept. 19 Red Oak Life Away 7:30 7:00 Sept. 26 Shelbyville Away 7:30 Sept. 26 Como-Picton Away 7:30 7:00 Oct. 3 Open Oct. 3 Open 7:00 Oct. 10 Hughes Springs Away 7:30 Oct. 10 Ore City Home 7:30 43 7:00 Oct. 17 Paul Pewitt Away 7:30 Oct. 17 Harleton Away 7:30

7:00 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE Oct. 24 Linden Kildare Home 7:30 Oct. 24 Hawkins Home 7:30 7:00 Oct. 31 Hooks Away 7:30 Oct. 31 Union Grove Home 7:30 7:00 Nov. 7 Home 7:30 Nov. 7 Big Sandy Away 7:00 De Kalb 7:30 . LIBERTY-EYLAU NEW BOSTON MAUD TIME DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME

7:30 Aug. 29 Atlanta Away 7:30 Aug. 29 Beckville Home 7:30 7:30 Sept. 5 Pleasant Grove Home 7:30 Sept. 5 De Kalb Home 7:30 7:30 Sept. 12 Pittsburg Home 7:30 Sept. 12 James Bowie Home 7:30 7:30 Sept. 19 Paul Pewitt Home 7:30 Sept. 19 Queen City Home 7:30 7:30 Sept. 26 De Kalb Away 7:30 Sept. 26 Open Oct. 3 Open Oct. 3 Harleton Away 7:30 7:30 Oct. 10 Mt. Vernon Away 7:30 Oct. 10 Tenaha Home 7:30 7:30 Oct. 17 Redwater Home 7:30 Oct. 17 Mt. Enterprise Home 7:30 7:30 Oct. 24 Prairiland Away 7:30 Oct. 24 Fruitvale Away 7:30 7:30 Oct. 31 Winnsboro Away 7:30 Oct. 31 Timpson Home 7:30 7:30 Nov. 7 Daingerfield Home 7:30 Nov. 7 Overton Away 7:30 ATLANTA DE KALB TIME DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME

7:30 Aug 29 New Boston Home 7:30 Aug. 29 Rivercrest Away 7:30 7:30 Sept. 5 Henderson Away 7:30 Sept. 5 Maud Away 7:30 7:30 Sept. 12 Daingerfield Home 7:30 Sept. 12 Hawkins Away 7:30 7:30 Sept. 19 Pittsburg Away 7:30 Sept. 19 Ore City Home 7:30 7:30 Sept. 26 Liberty Eylau Home 7:30 Sept. 26 New Boston Home 7:30 Oct. 3 Open Oct. 3 Open 7:30 Oct. 10 Pleasant Grove Away 7:30 Oct. 10 Paul Pewitt Home 7:30 7:30 Oct. 17 Gladewater Home 7:30 Oct. 17 Linden Kildare Away 7:30 7:30 Oct. 24 Center Away 7:30 Oct. 24 Hooks Home 7:30 7:30 Oct. 31 Tatum Home 7:30 Oct. 31 Hughes Spgs Home 7:30 7:30 Nov. 7 Springhill Away Nov. 7 Queen City Away 7:30 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE MAGAZINE 44 Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 DATE TEXAS A&M - TEXARKANA EAGLES SOCCER SCHEDULE TEXAS A&M-TEXARKANA Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 DATE Oct. 27 Oct. 21 Oct. 19 Oct. 16 Oct. 13 Oct. 7 Oct. 4 Sept. 30 Sept. 28 Sept. 26 Sept. 22 Sept. 17 Sept. 13 Sept. 8 Sept. 5 Sept. 3 Aug.31 Aug. 30 DATE Arkadelphia Nashville Malvern Bauxite Mena De Queen Hope OPPONENT Fountain Lake Waldron Arkadelphia Nashville Malvern Bauxite Mena De Queen Hope OPPONENT Fountain Lake Waldron ASHDOWN Jarvis Christian College Jarvis Williams Baptist College LSU Alexandria Southwestern Adventist Carroll College Norgheast Texas CC Texas Wesleyan University Williams Baptist College University ofTexas, Brownville St. Thomas-Houston Central Baptist College University ofArkansasPB Southwestern AOG University Wiley College Texas Wesleyan University Texas College LSU A- Tournament Central Baptist College OPPONENT GENOA Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Away SITE Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Away SITE 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TIME 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TIME Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 Aug. 29 DATE Nov. 7 Oct. 31 Oct. 24 Oct. 17 Oct. 10 Oct. 3 Sept. 26 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 Aug. 29 DATE Hawkins, Tx Walnut Ridge, Ar Texarkana, Tx Keene, Tx Texarkana, Tx Mt. Pleasant, Tx Texarkana, TxBrownville, Tx Texarkana, Tx Houston, Tx Conway, Ar Pine Bluff, Ar Texarkana, Tx Marshall, Tx TxFortworth, Tyler, Tx Alexandria La Alexandria La SITE Tatum Center Gladewater Spring Hill Atlanta Open Jefferson Quinlan Ford Linden Kildare New Boston Pittsburg OPPONENT PLEASANT GROVE Mt Vernon Daingerfield Winnsboro New Boston Prairiland Open Sunnyvale Linden Kildare Queen City Hooks White Oak OPPONENT REDWATER Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away SITE Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home SITE 3:30pm 3:00pm 2:00pm 7:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm TBA 4:00pm 11:00am 7:00pm 6:00pm 4:00pm 2:00pm 4:00pm 7:30pm 4:00pm TBA 12:00pm TIME 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TIME 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TIME become part of the of part become To learn more and more learn To ACTION! Visit Featured Partners Featured Your Advertising Link to Link Advertising Your Professional Racing Professional TIME Your Advertising Link to 7:30 Professional Racing 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

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