New for 2014 as the year comes to close are recognition of Inspirational Athlete of the Year for each community of Farmington, Lincoln and Prairie Grove.
The concept was birthed from coverage of local athletes, Paige Purifoy, who transferred to Farmington as a senior leaving nine months later with a college softball scholarship; Ryan Holcomb, of Lincoln, who graduated in May having overcome autism to enjoy six seasons of Wolves' football making his first interception as a senior; and Prairie Grove's McKay Gregson, who also graduated despite learning challenges presented by 22-Q-11 Deletion Syndrome.
Purifoy's story is on 3B and said Farmington feels just like home.
"I thought I knew when I moved from Texas that I would still call Texas my home but I would rather, much rather, call Farmington, Arkansas my home than anywhere else," Purifoy said. 'I think that sports are very important. I think it teaches you a lot of things like leadership or being part of the team or being together learning to mingle with people you usually don't mingle with."
Holcomb is mostly quiet yet a few tidbits of his perspective were gleaned and are published on page 5B.
Holcomb doesn't remember who the recipient of the hardest hit he ever dished out only that it was in practice and he was playing defense but he well remembers the hardest blow he ever absorbed.
Gregson's story is on 4B and inspired everyone who witnessed the special needs player score a 3-point field goal last Valentine's Day against Farmington. All five Cardinal defenders camped in the key and made no effort to guard McKay, who subbed in with 6.7 seconds left. Prairie Grove guard Ty Tice carefully watched over the in-bounds pass from Parker Galligan at the far end rolling across the time line and into the front court keeping the clock stopped.
Galligan delivered the ball with such purpose that racing up-court to get in on the play he easily crossed half-court at the same time as the ball. Tice quickly picked up the ball and fed McKay who missed a 3-pointer. Farmington's Jeremy Mueller got the rebound and passed the ball back to him. With the game clock about to expire, McKay launched a perfect rainbow that swished the net to the delight of a packed house.
Prairie Grove junior Tanner Pursell, who transferred from Farmington after his freshman year and remains close friends with Mueller, was impressed with Mueller's sportsmanship.
"I think it's awesome that he did that. Even though the game is super intense, it just shows that everyone has love for each other. We're all from the same community and we've always got each other's backs."
"He wants it more than anyone else on the team. It was the most special thing I've ever seen," Galligan said.
McKay was surprised when Mueller passed the ball back to him but fired away again.
"I will never forget the shot. Even though we lost, it's okay. We're still a great team and we can pull it off in the district tournament."
Prairie Grove did just that upsetting the Cardinals a week later in the 4A-1 championship.
Sports on 12/24/2014