HOG CALLS : Coleman’s speed catches Petrino’s attention

Nate Allen

FAYETTEVILLE — Mostly it seems the spring football game gets forgotten as quickly as it’s played. But first-year Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bobby Petrino remembered someone out of the spring game he had not mentioned before it. He remembered Rod Coleman. Even when citing the lack of blazing speed among the wide receivers he mentioned during the middle of spring drills, Petrino had never mentioned Coleman period. Coleman might be the fastest of all the Razorback receivers on hand, just not the best one. Otherwise the fourth-year junior would have been known as a wideout for former coach Houston Nutt instead of the fast guy who would move to scout team quarterback any time the Razorback defense knew it would be tested by an option-scrambler. Coleman had played quarterback at Camden Fairview. His two Razorback letters he received under Nutt were way more for special teams work than as a mop-up receiver. Most of the spring he seemed headed for a similar role under Petrino and still could be. However, Coleman’ - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Panthers persevere through season with dedicated hearts

By Tim Ritter Sports Editor timothyr@nwanews.com

Dedication. Heart. Grit. Those are the words Siloam Springs head baseball coach Darren Hotelling liked to use when describing his 2008 Panthers. “These guys never threw in the towel,” Hotelling said on his Panthers, who finished the season sixth in Conference 5A West. “We had some games where we got behind early but these guys never quit. They battled till the end.” With eight seniors representing the ‘heart and soul’ of the Panthers’ lineup, Hotelling said it was hard to watch their final game two weeks ago against Harrison, who is slated to face Malvern at 3 p.m. Saturday in the 5A state championship at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville. “I’ve been with these seniors for the past four years and I can tell you they were a group that liked to have fun. For the most part, they ate, slept and breathed baseball.” One senior in particular — Christopher Eshnaur — got a late start to the season due to helping lead the Panthers to their first-ever state championship in basketball, but Hotelling admits the right-handed pi - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Kansas, Oaks hoopsters named All-State

Staff Reports

FAIRFAX, Okla. — Organizers of the 13th annual Oklahoma Indian All-State Games announced Thursday the names of the first and second teams for the 2008 basketball season. First team selections are invited to play in the classic north versus south team championship games. This year they will be held June 14 on the campus of Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville. The girl’s game begins at 6 p.m. Second team selections are recognized in the press and the official game program, but are not invited to play. Greg Lankston, of Kansas (Okla.), and Casey J. Thompson, of Oaks (Okla.), were the lone recipients from the Siloam Springs Herald-Leader coverage area to receive North Division first-team allstate recognition. The first-team Girls North selections were: Sami N. Brake, Dewar HS, Seminole Tribe; Brea Brewer, Tahlequah Sequoyah HS, Cherokee Tribe; Ashley Cox, Pryor HS, Cherokee Tribe; Angel Goodrich, Tahlequah Sequoyah HS, Cherokee Tribe; Rayna S. Jackson, Porum HS, Keetoowah Band Cherokee; Julia Moore, Fron - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Beaver Lake prepares for busy weekend

By Katie Butler Staff Writer katieb@nwanews.com

ROGERS — Beaver Lake's high water should not affect campers and boaters too much as Memorial Day weekend approaches to kick off the busy lake season. Ranger Alan Bland said 130 of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ' 670 campsites are closed because of high water. He encourages visitors to make reservations because normally all 670 sites fill up. "Lately we've been kind of dwelling on the negative, the flood damage and this and that," Bland said. "Sometime, we've got to say: Hey! We're still open! … We've done some upgrades. Come out and see us." Bland said Thursday that Beaver Lake's water level has dropped almost 4 feet since April 10, when the record high of 1,132 feet above sea level was measured. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

MURKY DEPTHS : Bass spawning at Bella Vista

Bobby Hill

FAYETTEVILLE — Cool nights and high, dirty water continue to hamper fish and fishermen alike. The best advice is to search out the clearest areas of Beaver Lake and hit ’em hard or venture to one of our smaller lakes. Things are bound to get better soon. Good luck! Beaver Lake Southtown Sporting Goods — Bass fishing is slow due to high, muddy waters. The white bass run seems to be slowing down. The confluence of the White River and Richland Creek has been pretty good lately for anglers using live bait. A few hybrids are being reported in the same area. Little activity being reported on crappie. Hook, Line and Sinker in Rogers — Aaron Jolliff says lots of smallmouth bass are being caught off points around the dam. Carolina-rigged lizards and centipedes are working well, as is dragging a tube bait. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

OKLAHOMA FISHING REPORT

NORTHEAST BELL COW: Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass slow. Catfish slow. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County. CARL BLACKWELL: Elevation normal, water 65 and muddy. Striped bass hybrid fair on live bait and crankbaits. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County. CHANDLER: Elevation normal and muddy. Largemouth bass slow. Crappie good to excellent on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County. COPAN: Elevation normal and murky. Crappie fair on minnow and jigs near submerged structure at 10-15 feet. Blue catfish fair on cut shad. Channel catfish are good below the dam on worms and cut shad. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County. EUCHA: Elevation slightly above normal level, water 65 and murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish fair on trotlines u - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Beaver Lake offers free vessel safety checks

Staff Reports

ROGERS — The Beaver Lake Sail and Power Squadron will be offering free vessel safety checks on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to kick off National Safe Boating Week. As an inducement to spending 15 minutes on boating safety, free hot dogs and a coke are being offered to the captain and crew of each boat that is checked by certified United States Power Squadron inspectors - the fellows in the bright red shirts. The U.S. Coast Guard approved VSC is being offered as a public service by the Beaver Lake Sail and Power Squadron. Boats may be already in the water or on trailers. Before taking to the waterways boats should be properly equipped. This includes correct display of hull registration numbers, registration certificate on board, PFDs, ignition safety switch, backfire Flame Arrestor for inboards or stern drives, Ventilation system, Type B fire extinguisher, a sound producing device such as horn, whistle or bell, visual distress signals such as a flashlight and navigation lights. The overall condition of the - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Drillers topple Naturals

Staff Reports

TULSA — Beginning their eight game road trip, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals dropped a 7-3 decision to the Tulsa Drillers. The Drillers were able to capitalize on three home runs and nine hits. The Drillers (14-23 ) wasted little time in putting runs on the board when in the bottom of the first inning, Chris Nelson sent the ball over the left field wall for a two-run homer. Moments later, the Drillers added another run in the bottom half of the third, before opening up the flood gates in the seventh inning. The Drillers entered their half of the seventh inning holding onto a 3-2 lead. Justin Nelson reached first base on a lead-off walk and later advanced to third when Jeff Dragicevich singled on a line drive to right field. Kyle Crist came on in relief of starter Julio Pimentel to face Drillers catcher Neil Wilson. With runners on the corners, Wilson drilled the first pitch he saw over the wall for a three-run homer. Dexter Fowler followed with a triple and then scored off a sacrifice flyout to center field. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Razorbacks set 2009 Red-White Game

Staff Reports

“We wanted to set the date for next year’s spring game so our fans can start making plans to be a Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on April 18,2009,” Petrino said. “Razorback fans came out in record numbers this year and we want to continue to build upon our new spring game tradition. “We appreciate our tremendous fan support and look forward to setting new records in the years to come.” The 2008 spring finale more closely resembled an actual game, including the format of the game and the pre-game festivities leading up to the game. Petrino divided his squad with the first-team offense and defense on the Red team, and the second and third-teamers on the White team. It was a fullcontact scrimmage with the exception of tackling the quarterbacks and covering kicks and punts. The Razorback band participated in pre-game ceremonies and formed the “A” for the team to run through prior to the opening kickoff. FAYETTEVILLE — Less than two weeks after Bobby Petrino’s first Red-White Game as head football coach at A - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Title Chasers : Cheek hopes Lady Panthers saved best for last

By Tim Ritter Sports Editor timothyr@nwanews.com

When it comes to coaching and state championships, Rose Cheek stands head and shoulders among the best in Arkansas. Today, the Siloam Springs Lady Panther track coach makes her 28th appearance at the 5A state meet, hoping that her six young ladies have saved their best for last. “You never know what’s going to happen when you come to the state meet,” Cheek said. “I just hope these girls peak at the right time and hit their marks.” The Lady Panthers qualified for the state meet in Paragould after finishing second at the Conference 5A West meet last week in Conway. Anchored by a pair of first-place finishes from sophomore runner Rachel Hill in the 3,200-meter run and freshman sensation Lizzy Briones in the long jump, the Lady Panthers, according to Cheek, are excited about the opportunity that awaits them. “They’re ready to go and compete,” Cheek said. “The competition is certainly going to be tough, but I believe we have a shot to possibly qualify for the finals in the 400- and 1,600-meter relays.” Both relay - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

SPORTS NOTES

BASEBALL Razorback Camps The Arkansas Razorbacks will offer two camps at Baum Stadium this summer. - Sunday, May 11, 2008

Siloam softball finds ‘hidden jewel’ in Cope

By Tim Ritter Sports Editor timothyr@nwanews.com

If their is one thing that new softball coach Chris Cope will stress in 2009 with his Siloam Springs Lady Panthers, it’s the true meaning of “hard work paying off.” “I believe in order to be good and win state championships, you have to be fundamentally sound and fortunate enough to be around good kids who want to win,” Cope said. “Situation stuff will be an every day deal for the Lady Panthers.” In just his fourth year as a fastpitch softball head coach, Cope brings a winning mentality to the Lady Panthers program. Cope, who grew up playing baseball in Beebe, takes over a Lady Panthers team that finished 6-8 this past season in Conference 5A-West and missed the state tournament after advancing in 2007. Former Lady Panther coach Dwain Pippin stepped down to become an assistant baseball coach for Siloam Springs under first-year head coach Jonathan Johnson, who is currently coaching Lincoln in the 4A state tournament. A year removed from leading the Dardanelle program to the Conference 4A state championship in - Sunday, May 11, 2008

For Love of the Game : Rackleff’s senior leadership helps Lady Panthers unify with ‘One Heart’

By Tim Ritter Sports Editor timothyr@nwanews.com

When Jordan Rackleff needed a little inspiration, she knew right where to turn. For the past 17 years, the lone senior on the Siloam Springs Lady Panther softball team has always answered to a higher calling. In her time of need, whether it’s with school, sports or everyday life, Rackleff finds comfort in serving and honoring God. “God has blessed me with so many great things, my talent to play softball, my family and my wonderful teammates,” Rackleff said. “I couldn’t have done it with God.” According to Rackleff, God remains high on her list of top supporters, including her father, Eugene and mother, Traci, who have been to numerous softball games around the state of Arkansas for one simple reason - watching Rackleff shine in a sport she was born to play. Even though her cousins, India (Lewis), Brandi and Maci, have found tremendous success in dribbling a basketball, Rackleff went out on her own and created a winning path by touching all four bases. Rackleff, however, will be the first admit that she is not - Sunday, May 11, 2008

Naturals offer rain checks

Staff Reports

SPRINGDALE — The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are offering the chance for fans in possession of a ticket to Wednesday’s May 7 game against the Springfield Cardinals to exchange their tickets for their choice of two upcoming games at Arvest Ballpark. Professional baseball games are considered official after five innings are completed (4 1/2 if the home team is leading), and Wednesday’s game was called in the seventh inning with the Naturals losing to Springfield, 8-1. The Naturals offer fans the chance to exchange their ticket for either Wednesday or Thurdsay’s games against Midland. Both games will begin at 7 p.m. This offer applies both for fans who opted not to come out to the ballpark Wednesday night as well as for those who did attend Wednesday’s game. - Sunday, May 11, 2008

FROM THE BENCH : Thank you Mom for kissing my boo-boo’s away

Tim Ritter

Have you told your mom how special she is today? Have you bought your mom a gift today? In case you’re wondering where I’m headed with this column, let me just remind you that today is Mother’s Day. It’s the one day out of the year where every mom should take the day off from her motherly duties and let her husband or children pick up the slack. I never thought how much I would miss having my mom around until I moved seven hours away from her. This will be the first year that I’ve been away from my mom on her special day and tears automatically roll down my cheeks. I guess you could say moving to Arkansas was a sign of growing up for this Momma’s Boy. Yes, that’s right, I admit it! I’m a Momma’s Boy. How many guys my age or younger can say that and actually be proud of it? For the moms in the Siloam Springs community and surrounding areas, I commend you on this day. For every child who has ever had a boo-boo on his knee or elbow and has had his or her mom there to kiss it back to normal, it’s time to say than - Sunday, May 11, 2008

SSHS basketball teams honored for success

By Tim Ritter Sports Editor timothyr@nwanews.com

Whether it was football, volleyball, baseball or basketball, the Siloam Springs coaching staff each shared the same philosophy in 2007-2008. - Sunday, May 11, 2008

CORRECTION

The Siloam Springs Herald-Leader strives for accuracy in all stories. However, sometimes we make errors. In a previous article, published in Wednesday’s newspaper, it was reported that freshman Maci Lewis was responsible for hitting the double that scored two Lady Panther runs in an away game at Harrison. The runs were actually driven in by shortstop Ashley McIntosh, who finished the game going 1-for-3. The Herald-Leader regrets this error. - Sunday, May 11, 2008

John Brown signs Rogers golfer

Staff Reports

ROGERS — West Loveland, of Rogers, has signed a national letter of intent to play men’s golf in the fall for John Brown.. Loveland, who helped his Rogers High School team win a state championship this spring, is the first player added to the 2008 roster for the men’s golf team. - Sunday, May 11, 2008