Alma Schools

The Alma Lady Airedales launch their 2025 volleyball season on Aug. 25 at Charleston. They will follow up with consecutive home matches against Pottsville and Ozark before playing road games at Mena and Clarksville.

Alma's 5A-West conference schedule begins Sept. 9 against Farmington.

“We’ve had a great summer, but we’re still trying to put together what our rotations will look like,” coach Kim Weaver said. “Those first three matches against Charleston, Pottsville, and Ozark will be beneficial to help us create some rhythm and consistency.”

The Lady Airedales return four seniors, led by Maggie Brogan and Breella Hughes, and will boast some size in the middle with Josie Welborn.

“We’re putting up a strong block in each rotation,” Weaver said. “It’s going to come down to can we pass the ball and get them to our hitters. We’re using a freshman setter, Ryleigh Floyd, and we’re undecided if we’re going to run a 5-1 or a 6-2.”

Football

The Airedales will host ‘Meet the Airedales’ on Friday at Citizens Bank Field at Airedale Stadium.

The 2025 football season for Alma kicks off Aug. 29 against Van Buren.

First-year quarterback Chase Parker and Co. practiced under the lights this week in preparation for the season opener. Alma will scrimmage Southside on Tuesday.

“I think practice has been fast-paced; we’re trying to be physical out there,” Parker said.

Parker will replace Michael Taylor as the team’s starting quarterback.

“We’re trying to get everybody lined up and get the base stuff in,” Parker said. “We’re just trying to be fast and physical.”

Basketball

First-year Alma boys basketball coach Cody Vaught updated the team’s 2025-26 schedule with more of a local flair to it.

The Airedales face area teams Clarksville, Cedarville, Charleston, and Subiaco Academy, among others. Vaught and Lady Airedales coach Chanlee Bottoms are hoping to play more games together in the future. As of now, they’ll host De Queen on Dec. 1, and travel together to Sylvan Hills (Nov. 13) and Ozark (Nov. 24).

Both Bottoms and Vaught said they’re hoping to reinitiate the team’s long-standing Christmas Tournament within a year or two as well.

“Next year, we’re going to try and play more games with the boys and bring back the CBD (Charles B. Dyer Classic),” Bottoms said. “I think we have two preseason (non-conference) home games (De Queen and Mansfield), and then we’re on the road the rest of the time.”

Golf

Jack Taylor made the turn with a 35 to help lead the Airedales’ golf team to an eight-stroke win over Clarksville in a tri-match with Siloam Springs at River Valley Golf Course this week.

Juniors Carson Curd and Grady Farmer each shot 37 during the nine-hole event. Juniors Parker Moreland and Chase Wood each shot 39 for the winners.

Silas Dumond and Cade Moore shot 41 and 42 for the Airedales. James Faries, another junior, shot a 50.

Siloam Springs shot a 146, and Clarksville shot 162.