Sports

Mulerider Volleyball Faces Off With OBU

Published

9 months ago

September 16, 2025

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Mulerider Volleyball is set to be back in action for home play as the unit will take on Ouachita Baptist for the first Great American Conference (GAC) play of the 2025 campaign. The two will be set to face off inside the W.T. Watson Center on Tuesday (Sep. 16) at 6:00 PM.

Series History
Last season, Southern Arkansas ended up being the only team in the GAC that the Tigers fell to twice. The Muleriders began the season sweeping with a win in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, 3-1, and followed it up by defeating OUA 3-2 in Magnolia. Between the two programs all-time, SAU leads the series 42-34.

A Look at OUA
The Tigers have started off hot in the new campaign, as the unit has begun their year at 7-1 with their only loss coming against the seventh-ranked Bronchos of Central Oklahoma, 3-0. Ouachita has yet to go to a fifth set this season, with the Tigers allowing no more than one set win to their opponents besides their one loss.

Most recently, OUA comes off their joint home challenge with Henderson State, in which the Tigers defeated Arkansas-Fort Smith (3-1), UT-Dallas (3-0), and Auburn-Montgomery (3-0).

Ouachita’s top offensive player entering the week has been Leah Gardner, who has played and started in all eight matches. While Gardner doesn’t lead the Tigers in kills, she does lead the GAC in attack percentage with 74 kills on 132 attacks and just 11 errors, producing a percentage of .477.

Defensively, the junior is also leading the Tigers in total blocks with 23.0 and has recorded 12 solos with 11 assists.

A Look at SAU
The Muleriders are coming off their first three wins of the new season, as the group collected victories against Central Baptist College (3-0), Bridgeport (3-0), and Lake Erie College (3-0). Overall, for the five-match week, Southern Arkansas went 3-2 and brought their overall record to 3-6.

Following that marathon of a week for the Blue and Gold, the Muleriders saw their first GAC weekly honor in over a year as senior libero Sadie Kabisch was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Week after hitting the century mark for digs and recording 5.88 digs per set.

Leading the Muleriders in total kills this season has been Brinklee Dauenhauer. The captain is currently sitting at 85 kills with 276 total attacks and averages 2.74 kills per set. Right with Dauenhauer in kills has been the transfer, Claire Johnson. The junior from Colorado has recorded 78 kills thus far on 214 total attacks. She averages 2.69 kills per set and leads the Blue and Gold in attack percentage with at least 100 attacks (.210).

Broadcast Information
The game will be broadcast live on HudlTV with Jeff Harrington calling all the action. Click here for the Southern Arkansas University team site to watch all the action.

To buy tickets for the game against Ouachita Baptist, click here.

Follow the Muleriders
For all the latest information on Mulerider Athletics, visit muleriderathletics.com. To stay up-to-date, follow the Muleriders on X, Instagram , and Facebook.

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SouthArk’s Kenner Lauterbach Earns NJCAA All-American Honors

Published

6 days ago

June 17, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — South Arkansas College sophomore third baseman Kenner Lauterbach has been named an NJCAA Division II Baseball Honorable Mention All-American following a standout season for the Stars.

Lauterbach, a native of Benton, Louisiana, completed his junior-college eligibility after serving as a two-year starter for SouthArk.

During his sophomore campaign, Lauterbach posted a .479 batting average, ranking second nationally among players with at least 100 at-bats.

His performance helped lead SouthArk to a 38-17 record during the season.

Lauterbach becomes the second athlete in South Arkansas College history to earn NJCAA All-American recognition.

He joins former SouthArk teammate Justin Szymanski, who received the same honorable mention distinction last year after completing his junior-college eligibility with the Stars.

The recognition adds another milestone for the SouthArk baseball program as it continues building its presence on the national junior-college stage.

News

Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

3 weeks ago

June 5, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

Watch a quick highlight from the event!

Sports

Magnolia High School Names New Baseball Coach

Published

3 weeks ago

June 2, 2026

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA — The Magnolia School District has announced the promotion of Jacob Richardson as the new head baseball coach at Magnolia High School.

Richardson takes over the Panther baseball program after serving as an assistant coach and helping guide Magnolia to a berth in the Class 4A State Semifinals during the 2026 season.

The new head coach brings seven years of coaching experience to the position, including stops at Southern Arkansas University, England High School and the Academies of West Memphis. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Southern Arkansas University in 2018 and completed a Master of Science degree in 2022.

Richardson is no stranger to success on the baseball field. As a player at Southern Arkansas University, he was named an All-American and the Great American Conference Player of the Year in 2018. As a coach, he helped lead England High School to the Class 2A State Semifinals in 2021 and was selected as head coach of the East All-Stars in the Arkansas Activities Association All-Star Game in 2024.

Richardson said Magnolia’s tradition and community support made the opportunity especially meaningful.

“Magnolia Panther Baseball has a rich tradition built by the leadership of great coaches, strong administrative and community support, and exceptional talent,” Richardson said. “Although Magnolia is not my hometown, it has always felt that way. I am a Mulerider, and I am a Panther.”

He said the pride surrounding Magnolia athletics was evident from the moment he arrived on campus.

“From the first time I stepped on campus, I could see the pride the students, staff, and community take in wearing the Panther red,” Richardson said. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead Magnolia Panther Baseball and make a positive impact in the lives of young men through the game of baseball.”

Richardson inherits a program coming off a strong season and said his goal is to continue building on the foundation established by previous coaches.

“We return a very talented group for 2027 that fell just short in 2026,” Richardson said. “Our goal is to build on that momentum and compete for a state championship. Long term, we want our program to be known for winning championships, building relationships, and earning high academic honors in the classroom.”

He also emphasized the culture he hopes to establish within the program.

“Attitude and effort are the two absolutes in our program,” Richardson said. “We want our student-athletes to be disciplined, respectful, hardworking individuals both in competition and in the classroom.”

Outside of coaching, Richardson enjoys golf, bow hunting, fishing and maintaining Magnolia’s athletic facilities. He and his wife, Haley, a dentist in El Dorado and fellow Southern Arkansas University graduate, welcomed their daughter, Anniston, in January 2026. The family also includes their Australian Shepherd, Millie.

School officials said they look forward to the continued growth and success of Magnolia Panther Baseball under Richardson’s leadership as the program pursues its goal of competing for future state championships.

Sports

Camden Fairview Head Baseball Coach Announces Departure

Published

3 weeks ago

June 2, 2026

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN — Camden Fairview High School Head Baseball Coach and Head Golf Coach Austin May has announced he is stepping away from his positions after two years with the district.

In a message shared with the Camden Fairview community, May said the decision came after “much thought and prayer” as he prepares to accept a new opportunity.

May reflected on his time at Camden Fairview, describing the experience as one that created lasting memories and relationships.

“Camden Fairview welcomed me from day one, and I am incredibly grateful for the support shown to me and our student-athletes,” May wrote.

During his tenure, the Cardinals baseball program experienced significant success. May noted that the team’s accomplishments included qualifying for the state tournament, earning a second-place finish in conference play and competing at a high level throughout the season. The Cardinals advanced to the conference tournament championship game and earned a berth in the state tournament, where they battled to the end against the eventual state champions in a closely contested 2-1 loss.

While proud of the team’s on-field achievements, May said the relationships built with student-athletes were the most rewarding part of his time at Camden Fairview.

“I am even more proud of the young men who represented Camden Fairview with character, toughness, and pride,” May said. “Championships and wins are important, but the relationships built, lessons learned, and growth of our student-athletes will always mean the most to me.”

May expressed gratitude to players, parents, fellow coaches, teachers, administrators, staff members and supporters for their encouragement and commitment to Camden Fairview athletics.

He said he believes he is leaving the program in a stronger position than when he arrived and offered his best wishes for the future success of all Camden Fairview athletic programs.

“Thank you for two unforgettable and memorable years,” May wrote.

The school district has not yet announced plans for filling the coaching vacancies.

Sports

GAC Baseball, Softball Championships Set For This Weekend

Published

2 months ago

May 7, 2026

Grant Merrill

Grant Merrill · Commissioner Will Prewitt – Great American Conference

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Championship season has arrived for the Great American Conference as the league’s baseball and softball postseason tournaments take center stage across Arkansas this weekend.

The GAC Baseball Championship Series begins Thursday at Baswell Field in Russellville, where the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys will host the East Central Tigers in a best two-out-of-three showdown for the conference title and an automatic berth into the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Meanwhile, the GAC Softball Championships begin Thursday in Bentonville with quarterfinal action before shifting to the Tiger Athletic Complex for the semifinals and championship game.

Great American Conference Commissioner Will Prewitt said the baseball championship matchup has all the ingredients for an exciting weekend.

“We have a Cinderella story in East Central,” Prewitt said during an appearance on the River Country Breakfast Show with Grant Merrill. “The number eight seed who hasn’t won a conference championship of any sort since 1972.”

Prewitt noted that East Central battled through the upper bracket by defeating regular season champion and top-seeded Arkansas-Monticello before advancing to the finals.

On the other side, Arkansas Tech rolled through its bracket to earn a spot in the championship series.

“Arkansas Tech swept their way through bracket two,” Prewitt said. “And believe it or not, Arkansas Tech hasn’t won a postseason tournament championship of any sort since the 1984 NAIA District 17.”

Because of those long title droughts, Prewitt said one team will make history this weekend.

“So someone’s going to break a really long streak this weekend,” he said. “Again, it’s fun to have this on campus.”

Prewitt said the atmosphere at Baswell Field is expected to be electric.

“Great crowd last night,” he said. “Expect another close-to-packed house night over at Tech, and the winner goes on to NCAA regional play next week.”

GAC Baseball Championship Series Schedule

Baswell Field – Russellville

Game 1 — Thursday
Game 2 — Friday
Game 3 — Saturday (if necessary)

The series will feature No. 2 seed Arkansas Tech against No. 8 seed East Central.

Softball Championship Begins Thursday in Bentonville

The GAC Softball Championships open Thursday with four quarterfinal contests at the Wolverine Athletic Complex in Bentonville before moving to the Tiger Athletic Complex for Friday’s semifinals and Saturday’s championship game.

Prewitt said the regular season race created plenty of drama heading into postseason play.

“An incredible three-way battle for the conference regular season championship,” he said. “Tech finished a half game ahead of Southern Arkansas.”

Prewitt noted that Southern Arkansas played one fewer game than the other title contenders after severe weather disrupted part of a conference series at Southeastern Oklahoma State.

“We had a game last month down in Durant where storms came through and blew over the backstop at Southeastern,” Prewitt said. “So we couldn’t complete the series, and it ended up having championship implications.”

Despite the unusual circumstances, Prewitt praised Arkansas Tech for earning the regular season crown.

“You have to give Tech all the credit in the world,” he said. “Coach Jones and her team, they’re really balanced, strong pitching staff.”

Arkansas Tech enters the tournament as the top seed after clinching its first regular season conference title since 2022. Southern Arkansas earned the No. 2 seed, followed by Oklahoma Baptist and Harding.