Sports

South Arkansas shines in GAC awards

Published

2 years ago

November 22, 2024

Staff Reports

RUSSELLVILLE – On Thursday, the Great American Conference announced the 2024 all-conference teams, year-end superlative awards and academic honor roll . The coaches voted Southern Arkansas quarterback Judd Barton the Offensive Player of the Year, Ouachita Baptist safety Josiah Johnson the Defensive Player of the Year and Tiger offensive lineman Isaiah Simpson the Freshman of the Year. Ouachita’s Todd Knight won Coach of the Year.

Additionally, a total of 15 student-athletes also received the Elite Scholar Athlete award, presented by Conway Regional Health System, in Ouachita Baptist’s Riley Harms, Melvin Kumwenda and Eli Livingston; Henderson State’s Daymon Burns and Ryan Vollmer, Southern Arkansas’ Bennett Castleberry and Cole Williams, Southern Nazarene’s Kendall Robertson and Brock Singleton, Arkansas Tech’s Damien Jordan, Arkansas-Monticello’s Ndubuisi Nwankwo, Northwestern Oklahoma State’s Beck Moss, Oklahoma Baptist’s Vinson Miller, Southeastern Oklahoma State’s Asa Robertson and Southwestern Oklahoma State’s Isaac Foster. All 15 have maintained perfect 4.00 grade-point averages.

In his first year as the Mulerider starting quarterback, Barton threw for 2,350 yards and 16 touchdowns. He ran for 577 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 2,927 yards of total offense and 30 touchdowns responsible for led the conference. Johnson intercepted two passes, forced a fumble, blocked a kick and recorded 3.0 tackles-for-loss. Simpson stepped into the left guard position and helped the Tigers rank third in rushing offense and second in fewest sacks allowed. Knight claimed his seventh Coach of the Year accolade after leading the Tigers to a 10-1 record and their sixth NCAA Division II playoff appearance.

Harding led the GAC with 10 First-Team All-GAC selections. Fullback Blake Delacruz, running back Braden Jay and right tackle Jake Dugger represented the offense. Delacruz ran for 605 yards and scored 14 total touchdowns. Jay led the GAC with 900 rushing yards, 1,284 all-purpose yards and 17 total touchdowns. He averaged 17.4 yards per touch and scored a touchdown once every 4.35 touches. Dugger anchored an offensive line that averaged more than 421 rush yards per game, 85 yards per game more than any Division I or Division II school.

The Bisons’ top-ranked defense placed six on the First Team. They lead the nation in total defense, scoring defense, first downs allowed and defensive pass efficiency. Clark Griffin led the team in tackles, Gage Price paced in sacks and tackles-for-loss and Ty Dugger intercepted four passes and returned two for touchdowns. Cayden Pierce ranked second on the team in stops, Dre Hall registered 4.5 sacks, cornerback Jeremiah Jordan anchored a defensive backfield that led the nation in passing yards allowed and Kendale Allen averaged 24.5 yards per kick return.

In addition to Johnson, five Tigers earned First Team honors. Connor Flannigan made the First Team at both wide receiver and return specialist. He caught 37 passes for 413 yards and two touchdowns. His 19.1 yards per punt return average ranks fifth in Division II. Left tackle Dylan Horton placed on the team alongside linebacker Jax Miller, defensive tackle Rovell Carter and punter Tom Weston. Miller’s 88 tackles rank fourth in the GAC. He added 8.5 tackles for loss. Carter’s 12.0 tackles for loss placed fourth in the league while his 5.5 sacks ranked fifth. Weston led the GAC and ranked 12th nationally in punting average.

Led by Barton, five from the potent Mulerider offense garnered First-Team honors. Running backs Kadyn Roach and Jariq Scales made the First Team as well as center Thomas Bowman and left guard Colton Grier. Jariq Scales ranked second to Jay in all-purpose yards with 1,258 yards and 12 total touchdowns. Roach added 951 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns. The offense ranked seventh in the country and fifth in scoring. On the defensive side, defensive end Dawson Scott and cornerback Melvin Smith, Jr. made the First Team. Scott’s 10.5 sacks led the GAC and ranked fourth in the country. Smith, Jr. ranked second with five interceptions.

Four from Henderson State – left tackle Brandon Bishop, tight end Cayden Davis, wide receiver Timieone Jackson and linebacker Gary Lewis – earned First-Team accolades. Davis caught 22 passes for 430 yards and six touchdowns. His 19.6 yards per catch and six receiving touchdowns pace the GAC. Jackson’s 55 receptions lead the conference while his 466 yards rank fifth. Lewis amassed 13.5 tackles for loss in just eight games.

Arkansas Tech wide receiver Joryian Chase and East Central kicker Brandon Perez filled out the First Team. Chase ranked second in the conference in receptions. His 515 receiving yards rank third. Perez made all 29 of his kicks – 10-for-10 on field goals, with a long of 54, and 19-for-19 on extra points.

The GAC Academic Honor Roll featured a total of 198 student-athletes to have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50, or higher, combined with at least one year of one-year of full-time college residency.

News

Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

2 days 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

5 days 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

5 days 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

1 month 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.

2026 GAC Softball Championships Schedule

Thursday, May 7 – Wolverine Athletic Complex

10:30 a.m. — No. 4 Harding vs. No. 5 Southern Nazarene
1:00 p.m. — No. 1 Arkansas Tech vs. No. 8 Ouachita Baptist
3:30 p.m. — No. 2 Southern Arkansas vs. No. 7 Henderson State
6:00 p.m. — No. 3 Oklahoma Baptist vs. No. 6 Southeastern Oklahoma State

Friday, May 8 – Tiger Athletic Complex

Noon — Semifinal No. 1
2:30 p.m. — Semifinal No. 2

Saturday, May 9 – Tiger Athletic Complex

12:30 p.m. — Championship Game

All seven softball tournament games will stream on GACSportsNetwork.com.

Sports

Muleriders Win Series At Harding

Published

2 months ago

April 6, 2026

Grant Merrill

SEARCY, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (21-15, 15-9 GAC) split their Friday doubleheader with the Harding University Bisons (19-16, 14-10 GAC) falling in game one 3-1 and winning the third game of the series 8-0.

Game 1 | HU wins 3-1
The Muleriders got the scoring going early in game one plating one run in the top of the first inning. Luke Noack singled to lead off the game and was followed two batters later by a Wyatt Fielding double into right center to score Noack, 1-0. The Bisons knotted the game at 1-1 plating a run in the bottom of the first. A scoreless second inning for both teams saw Harding score another run in the bottom of the third to take a 2-1 lead. Neither team was able to plate a run for the next four innings, but Harding broke the ice in the bottom of the eighth adding an insurance run to take a 3-1 lead. The Muleriders were not able to push a run across in the top of the ninth despite some traffic on the bases as Harding took game one and the series.

Top Performers
Easton Hurley: 6.1 innings pitched, 2 runs allowed, 2 earned runs, 4 strikeouts
Wyatt Fielding: 2-for-4, 1 RBI

Game 2 | SAU wins 8-0
Game two began just like game one as the Muleriders broke the ice but this time with a three spot to get the scoring going. Tate Elliott collected two RBI on a double into right center field scoring Wyatt Fielding and Michael Herndon as SAU jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Tate Elliott plated the third run of the inning scoring from third on a wild pitch after advancing on a David Chandler ground out one batter earlier, 3-0. Nate June took the mound for the Muleriders in game two and shut down the Bisons in the bottom of the inning setting the tone for the rest of the game. Ayden Slott drove in two runs his own in the top of the fourth inning reaching on a throwing error by the short stop as David Chandler and Christian Gutierrez scored on the error. SAU jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the top of the fourth inning. Luke Noack collected two RBI of his own in the top of the eighth as SAU continued to pour on the runs as Jacob Lang and Ayden Slott scored, 7-0. Michael Herndon tacked on another run for the Muleriders singling up the middle to score Noack, 8-0. Nate June dominated on the mound in game two throwing seven complete inning allowing no runs and no earned runs.

Top Performers
Nate June: 7 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 earned runs
Wyatt Fielding: 2-for-3, 1 run
Luke Noack: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 1 run
Tate Elliott: 1-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBI

Up Next
The Muleriders will be back in action next weekend as they travel to Ada, Oklahoma for a three-game series against the East Central University Tigers. The series is scheduled to start on Friday, April 10th at 2:00 p.m.