Sports

Razorbacks complete homestand sweep against Charlotte

Published

1 year ago

March 2, 2025

Grant Merrill

(PHOTO: University of Arkansas Sports Information)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Parker Coil’s immaculate inning in the eighth and Logan Maxwell’s walk-off RBI single in the ninth punctuated No. 4 Arkansas’ 4-3 series-sweeping win against Charlotte (4-6) Sunday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium.

With the win, the Razorbacks improved to 10-1 overall on the year, their best 11-game start to a campaign since 2021, and their ninth 10-1 or better start to a season since Dave Van Horn’s first as head coach in 2003. Sunday’s win clinched Arkansas’ second weekend series sweep of the year following its Opening Weekend sweep against Washington State.

Arkansas has won 31 consecutive non-conference home weekend series, a streak dating back to the start of the 2015 campaign. The Razorbacks have not lost or tied a non-conference regular season weekend series inside the friendly confines of Baum-Walker Stadium since 2014, when Arkansas lost two-of-three games to South Alabama.

Maxwell’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth capped his three-hit day at the plate. The Razorback outfielder, who finished Sunday’s contest 3-for-5 with an RBI, raised his season slash line to .323/.421/.516 in eight games on the year.

With the game tied at three apiece entering the bottom half of the ninth, Nolan Souza’s leadoff single set the table for Maxwell’s walk-off heroics. After Souza’s single, Ryder Helfrick drew a full count walk and Cam Kozeal, who entered as pinch hitter, singled to second base, bringing Wehiwa Aloy to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs.

The Razorback shortstop, who went 1-for-5 to extend his team-leading reached base streak to 11 games, lined out hard to third base, but Maxwell, the very next batter, made sure the opportunity would not go to waste. He hammered the first pitch he saw into left center, scoring Souza from third to seal Arkansas’ 4-3 series-sweeping win against Charlotte.

Before Maxwell played hero, Razorback starter Landon Beidelschies turned in the team’s first quality start of the season. The left-hander twirled 6.1 innings of one-run ball, striking out seven while allowing four hits and issuing just one walk.

Kuhio Aloy provided Beidelschies with early run support, collecting RBI single in the third inning to put Arkansas ahead, 1-0. Aloy finished the game 2-for-4 at the plate, picking up his team-leading fifth multi-hit effort of the year, extending his team-leading hitting streak to eight games and moving his team-leading season slash line to .556/.636/1.185.

Rocco Peppi chipped in an RBI in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice fly to right, growing the Razorbacks’ advantage to 2-0. Charlotte’s only damage against Beidelschies came in the seventh on a leadoff solo home run, but Arkansas re-extended its lead to two in the bottom half of the inning when Helfrick scored on a wild pitch.

Coil took over in relief of Beidelschies and worked 1.2 shutout innings with four strikeouts. In the eighth, the left-hander recorded an immaculate inning with nine pitches and nine strikes for three strikeouts, punching out the first two batters looking on six total pitches before fanning 49ers’ two-hole hitter Dawson Bryce on three pitches – all swinging.

When Coil departed after his immaculate inning, Charlotte broke through Arkansas closer Christian Foutch in the ninth with a pair of runs to knot the game at three. Veteran Will McEntire emerged from the bullpen, however, to prevent the 49ers from doing more damage, recording three outs, including a strikeout, on nine pitches and earning his first win.

Up next, the Razorbacks embark on their first five-game week of the year. Arkansas first plays host to ULM for a double midweek on March 4-5 before welcoming in Portland on March 7-9 for the final non-conference weekend series of the regular season at Baum-Walker Stadium.

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Sports

Camden Fairview Hires New Football Coach

Published

2 weeks ago

February 18, 2026

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN — The Camden Fairview School Board approved the hiring of Jamie Carter as the next Camden Fairview Cardinal head football coach and assistant athletic director during its regular board meeting Monday night.

Carter comes to Camden Fairview from Marion, where he most recently served as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator. He previously spent four years as head football coach and assistant athletic director at Osceola, compiling an 18–5 conference record. Carter brings 17 years of coaching experience, including two seasons as Marion’s defensive coordinator.

“I am truly honored and grateful to be named the Head Football Coach at Camden Fairview High School,” Carter said. “This is more than just a position; it’s an opportunity to serve young men, build meaningful relationships, and represent a proud community the right way.”

Carter emphasized his commitment to discipline, accountability, trust, and respect, saying those principles will serve as the foundation of the program. He added that values instilled in him by his parents—hard work, character, integrity, and treating others with respect—are the same standards he expects from his players.

The coaching search began January 9, when former head coach Nick Vaughn announced his resignation to accept the head coaching position at Maumelle. The interview committee included Assistant Athletic Director Johnny Jackson, Assistant Superintendent Andre Toney, Assistant Superintendent Cara Bowie, Human Resources Director Fred Lilly II, and Cardinal football booster club president Jamie Semple. Interviews were conducted last week before Superintendent Mrs. Armstrong met with Carter and presented her recommendation to the school board.

“Our community has always shown strong support for our students and for Cardinal athletics,” Armstrong said. “I’m confident that Coach Carter is the right leader to continue building on our proud tradition of Cardinal Football, developing our student-athletes, and moving our program forward with integrity and purpose.”

Carter is scheduled to meet with Cardinal football players on Monday, February 23, and the district will host a community meet-and-greet on Thursday, March 19. Additional details are expected to be released in the coming days.

Sports

West Side Christian Warriors and Lady Warriors Dominate at HCAA Quarter Finals in Ft. Smith

Published

3 weeks ago

February 17, 2026

Jax Sanford

The West Side Warriors of El Dorado hosted the Regional Heartland Christian Activities Association (HCAA) Regional Basketball Tournament for boys and girls teams over Valentine’s Day weekend, where they came out on top of the tournament in dominant fashion. West Side Warriors and Lady Warriors won their games and advanced to the HCAA Quarter Finals hosted in Fort Smith, AR. It was there where they, again, showed their dominance and advanced to the Semi-Finals to be played in Oklahoma City, OK on February 20, 2026 @ The Firelake Arena. The winner of that matchup will play in the Championship, also hosted in OKC on February 21, 2026.

West Side Lady Warriors won 43-5 over the Southwest Christian Lady Lions in the Quarter Finals in Fort Smith during their 2 pm matchup. They showed a dominant effort on the boards, defense, and efficient scoring opportunities.

West Side Warriors Boys won 62-49 over the Lakewood Christian Lions in their 3:30 pm Quarter Finals matchup in Fort Smith. The Warriors showed hustle, grit, and determination to come out of this tournament the victors.

West Side Jr. High Warriors finished 2nd in the 2A HCAA State Tournament after falling to Garrett Memorial out of Hope, AR.

Sports

El Dorado Cheer Wins National Championship

Published

1 month ago

February 1, 2026

Grant Merrill

ORLANDO, FL – El Dorado High School’s cheerleading team claimed a national championship on Sunday, winning the Division II title at the 2026 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, part of the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC), in Orlando, Florida. The Wildcats competed against top Division II programs from across the country at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, emerging as national champions on cheerleading’s biggest high school stage.

The NHSCC is the premier national competition for high school cheer teams in the United States and is organized by Varsity Spirit and the Universal Cheerleaders Association. Each year, it brings together elite programs from across the nation to compete for national titles in multiple divisions, with teams judged on execution, difficulty, synchronization, crowd leadership, and overall performance.

El Dorado advanced through preliminary rounds earlier in the weekend before taking the floor Sunday in the championship finals. The Wildcats delivered a clean, confident routine featuring strong stunting, tumbling, sharp motions, and high energy, separating themselves from a highly competitive Division II field to secure the championship.

The national title reflects months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork by the athletes and coaching staff. It also places El Dorado High School among the nation’s elite cheer programs for the 2025–26 season.

The competition was streamed nationally on Varsity TV, allowing family members, classmates, and supporters back home to watch the Wildcats’ championship performance in real time. With the Division II NHSCC title, El Dorado High School adds a significant national accomplishment to its athletic tradition and brings home a championship that will be celebrated throughout the school and community.

Sports

Hogs Roll Past Vanderbilt In Statement Win

Published

1 month ago

January 21, 2026

Grant Merrill

FAYETTEVILLE — No. 20 Arkansas delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Tuesday night, dominating No. 15/14 Vanderbilt 93-68 at Bud Walton Arena.

Six Razorbacks scored in double figures as Arkansas (now 4-0 in ranked matchups this season) used balanced offense, high-efficiency passing, and stifling defense to cruise past the Commodores in their eighth all-time meeting as ranked opponents.

Trevon Brazile recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 10 points, a season-high 14 rebounds, and added five assists, four steals, and two blocks. Darius Acuff Jr. led the scoring with 17 points and five assists — all in the second half — while Meleek Thomas added 13 points and five assists. Malique Ewin and Karter Knox each scored 16, and D.J. Wagner contributed 11 off the bench in a strong bounce-back performance.

Head coach John Calipari moved Wagner to the bench to “get him going,” and the sophomore responded with efficient play — three assists, no turnovers, and confident scoring.

Arkansas led 46-35 at the half after racing out to a 13-2 start and holding a 20-point advantage midway through the opening frame. The Hogs never looked back. They shot 54.5% from the field in the first half and out-rebounded Vandy 23-13, then torched the Commodores for 61.3% shooting in the second half while forcing cold shooting on the other end.

Vanderbilt (previously 10th nationally in scoring and 24th in field goal percentage) was held to just 68 points on 37.9% shooting. Tyler Nickel was the only Commodore in double figures with 17 — all in the first half.

Arkansas totaled 25 assists to just seven turnovers and threw down 13 dunks, including four by Ewin and three from Nick Pringle.

With the win, Arkansas improves to 32-15 all-time against Vanderbilt and 17-5 in Fayetteville. The 25-point victory marked the fourth-largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent in program history.

The Razorbacks return to action Saturday night when they host LSU at Bud Walton Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

Sports

Muleriders Set For In-State Road Trip

Published

1 month ago

January 21, 2026

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA, Ark. — Southern Arkansas men’s basketball (7-9, 4-6 GAC) hits the road for a pair of key in-state matchups this week, visiting Arkansas-Monticello on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. before facing Henderson State on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday marks the 118th meeting between SAU and UAM, with the Muleriders holding a 73-44 series lead. They’ll then square off with Henderson State for the 120th time, with the Reddies leading 64-55 all-time.

SAU looks to bounce back after a tough 69-64 home loss to Northwestern Oklahoma State. Greg Moore Jr. led the way with 22 points, his best since early December. Junior Williams added 12, and Jair Horton finished just shy of a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Despite the loss, the Muleriders shot a strong 46.2% from the field and 47.1% from three.

Moore continues to shine at the line, ranking second in the GAC with a 91.1% free throw percentage. As a team, SAU leads the conference in three-point shooting at 34.4%.

Thursday’s opponent, UAM (7-9, 3-7 GAC), enters on a two-game skid and sits just below SAU in the standings. Ashton Price leads the Boll Weevils with 14.6 points per game, while Isaac Jackson adds 13.7. UAM averages 66.1 points per game and shoots 45.4% from the floor.

Saturday’s opponent, Henderson State (8-8, 5-5 GAC), also comes in after back-to-back losses, including a triple-overtime battle with nationally ranked SNU. The Reddies average 76.6 points per game and are led by Zaveion Okoh (15.8 ppg) and Xavier Owens (12.9 ppg).

Both games will be streamed live on YouTube through UAM and HSU’s athletic channels, with radio coverage on KVMZ 99.1 FM. The matchups mark the start of a four-game road stretch for the Muleriders.