Author: Tara Hughes
Munoz brings experience and energy as new Head Coach at Heritage BY DON LOWE | PHOTOS BY MARK STRICKLAND PHOTOS Considering how familiar he is with 7A-West football, it’s not so surprising that Rogers Heritage War Eagles 1st year Head Coach Eric Munoz seems quite confident he’ll be able to get this program turned around and competing at a high level. “Growing up here I know what football means,” assures Coach Munoz, a Springdale High School graduate who played for former Bulldogs Head Coach Gus Malzahn in the early 2000s. “I know what a winning culture looks like. I…
10 TEXTS WITH BRYAN PRATT BY BRADLEY LINAM Where were you born and raised? I was born in DeQueen, Arkansas but I grew up in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. What sports did you play in high school? I played football & track. When did you know you wanted to be a football coach? When I was in high school I knew how much influence my coaches had on me and I wanted to have the same impact on others. Who has been your biggest influence in education and coaching? Several of my coaches/teachers were big influences in my life but Tom Condict…
GAME CHANGER WITH CHAD HARBISON BY BRADLEY LINAM | PHOTO BY MARK STRICKLAND PHOTOS Rogers Mountaineers Football Head Coach Chad Harbison is in his second season at the helm here. Harbison has more than 20 years of coaching experience and was named offensive coordinator for Rogers in 2019 before taking over the head coaching job in 2021. Q&A You’ve been coaching in the Rogers football program now for several years. What makes the school and community so special? We have great young people to work with, unlimited community support, an administration that cares about what we do and a staff that…
Mom and Daughter Duo Working Hard To Bring Success To Fayetteville Volleyball BY DON LOWE | PHOTO BY MARK STRICKLAND PHOTOS There’s no doubt that Fayetteville Lady Bulldogs 19th year Volleyball Head Coach Jessica Phelan and senior FHS star player Kennedy Phelan have a special relationship on and off the court. As mother/daughter and head coach/player, the Phelan’s obviously have a bond that provides such a close connection and picture-perfect partnership, both at home and when they’re competing fiercely together in a volleyball match. “It is definitely a special and unique experience for us,” Kennedy suggests as to how she and her mom…
OVERTIME WITH LAUREN PLEIMAN BY BRADLEY LINAM Bentonville senior Lauren Pleiman enters her final golf season for the Lady Tigers this year. Pleiman has garnered All-Conference and All-State honors for the previous two years at Bentonville. Last year, she recorded a 78 on day one and 74 on day two to finish fifth in the state golf tournament. She hopes to improve on that performance this year and help lead the Lady Tigers to a potential state championship. Q&A What is your first memory on the golf course? I started playing golf when I was 5 years old, but my first meaningful memory…
NEXT LEVEL WITH JADON JACKSON BY BRADLEY LINAM Former Bentonville West wide receiver Jadon Jackson is now at Kansas State after signing with Ole Miss out of high school. Jadon is looking to make an impact on the field this fall and recently talked to us about his career, plus his experience in the transfer portal. Q&A The Varsity Report: What is your greatest memory of playing high school football at Bentonville West? Jackson: One of my greatest memories while playing for Bentonville West was after every win the students would go out to eat at Raising Cane’s to celebrate…