8/29/22
Alma junior high volleyball coach Whitney Adams is excited about her group of players.
The 2022 junior high squad includes Chloe Gregory.
“(Gregory) is one of our setters - the quarterback of the floor,” Adams said. “She sets a great example with her dependable work ethic and quiet leadership.”
When things are good, not so good, or somewhere in between, Gregory “pushes herself to be in communication with her teammates throughout practice,” Adams said.
“After a play is over, Chloe makes the effort to speak with a teammate about anything that may have gone wrong or that needs further attention or discussion,” Adams said. “This allows our attention to remain on fixing any issue that came up and to better the mindset for the next play. You won't see Chloe exploding in celebration after a play, but you will see her giving high fives, making a point to have a quick conversation before the next point, and leading by example with a ‘team first’ attitude.”
Adams is also excited about newcomer Izabel Benson. Not only is she new to her teammates, but new to the sport as well.
“She is one of the best leaders in our gym,” Adams said. “Benson is all about doing things the right way, verbally inspiring those around her, and setting a great example — going hard regardless of what is asked. I love the way that she has jumped into this new sport without any hesitation. Many athletes are timid when experiencing a sport for the first time, especially at this age.
“I'm very proud of the skill progress that she has made in the short summer."
Adams is excited about the direction of the whole program, from Kim Weaver’s senior squad to the first-year seventh graders.
“Our Airedale volleyball program is definitely moving in the right direction,” she said. “The staff that has been assembled is dedicated to advancing our program from where it has previously been. Coach Weaver has provided several opportunities throughout the last two summers for all of us to grow as coaches and to challenge our thinking when it comes to our sport. Through this growth, it's been much easier to align our teaching points and philosophies, allowing for a more seamless transition from one coach to another as they move through the Airedale program.
“It's been really fun to watch the girls leave our freshman team and make an impact either on the JV or varsity teams. In addition to the advancement of our athletes' skills, our staff is also pushing our athletes to be the best versions of themselves, gaining skills that they will need to be great people. The future is bright!”
Football
Drake Stogsdill may not challenge Conner Stacy for the school’s all-time receiving record. But he’s certainly off to a great start in 2022.
Stogsdill caught seven passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in the Airedales’ 27-7 win over Van Buren.
“To win this game is amazing,” Stogsdill said. “We didn’t only do it for the team, we did it for the community. We got that bone (Battle of the Bone trophy) back where it belongs.”
Stogsdill scored the team’s first touchdown by turning a quick slant into a 20-yard TD reception. His 44-yard reception in the third quarter led to quarterback Joe Trusty’s go-ahead touchdown run.
A third TD, he said, helped the team relax.
“It gave us a big edge,” he said. “That first half, we were only down 7-to-6, so getting that third one helped us advance our game.”
The Airedales travel to Siloam Springs on Sept. 2.
Volleyball
The Alma Lady Airedales dropped a 23-25, 25-11, 25-14, 25-19 decision to Pottsville on Thursday.
Senior Mia Nichols led Alma with 12 kills. Jenna Williams had eight. Julia Nutt dished out 15 assists and had 10 digs. Rachel James finished with 14 assists and five kills.
Maybrey Birchfield and Jocelyn Harless had 14 and 13 digs, respectively.
After three road games at Huntsville, Charleston, and Pottsville, the Lady Airedales will have eight straight home matches, capped by the Sept. 6 conference opener with Harrison.
Golf
Alma golf coach Eddie Corder was all smiles Thursday. The Airedales had a good day on the links. All five of his golfers achieved their best personal scores on Thursday in a dual meet with Northside.
Sophomore Miles Kendrick set the pace with an 80.
Fellow sophomores Piercen Howell and Byron Standridge shot 82 and 87, respectively.
Sophomore Matthew Rodgers shot a 91. “I started off pretty strong,” Rodgers said. “I was ready to play.”
Sophomore Marlee Cedillo had a PR of 108.
Alma JH falls, 28-6
The Airedales’ junior high team suffered a 28-6 loss to Morrilton on Thursday.
Dylan Jackson set up the team’s lone TD with a 36-yard kickoff return. Sam Schlegel ran for 49 yards on 10 carries, including a 34-yard touchdown run. Schlegel also led the defense with nine tackles, including a pair of TFLs (tackles for lost yardage).
Izaac Plourde, Andrew Bush, Trenton Kilgore, Boaz Benson, Trevor Simon, and Dallas Stallings had three tackles apiece.
Alma 8th drops game
The Alma eighth grade football team suffered a 24-6 loss to Morrilton on Thursday.
Chase Parker had 10 yards rushing, including a touchdown. Logan Flanagan led Alma with 33 yards on 10 carries.
Defensively, Hudson Loughridge had an interception. Lawson Adams led the way with three tackles. Grady Farmer and Colton Nutt had two tackles each, and Denver Gilstrap and Josiah Stallings finished with one sack apiece.