FARMINGTON -- Superintendent of schools Brian Law is a former Farmington football coach and takes a pro-active stance in his support of Cardinal athletics.
Law was instrumental in working with the school board to oversee the construction of a ultra-swank, 1,800 seat Cardinal Arena which was not completed in time for the 2014 volleyball season. The 2015 Lady Cardinals will play home games there, something Farmington volleyball coach Marshall Ward is eagerly anticipating.
"The facility is nice. The volleyball equipment is very nice," Ward said. "We have more room to work over there. The air conditioning makes a big difference. The new facility is a big plus."
Plans are to add an auxiliary gym as the high school campus will shift from Main Street to surround Cardinal Arena. Law and Ward have talked about the school hosting a state volleyball tournament and Ward is excited about the possibilities.
"That could definitely be in the future for Farmington," Ward said. "That's something. We've discussed it and will bid on. Hopefully, we will win a bid and get to host state."
"Actually hosting the state tournament was his idea," Ward said, crediting Law with the foresight to showcase the community and volleyball program at the new facility.
"Last year on the first night at state at Valley View High School in Jonesboro he [Law] was there that first night when we got our win," Ward said. "He made a big trip."
Ward appreciated Law's presence and the support of the administration for Lady Cardinal volleyball. Another factor Ward sees as beneficial to the program is the school's webcasts over PG Telco which allowed a host of fans and families, who weren't able to make the 258 mile drive to Valley View High School, at Jonesboro, site of the 2014 state 5A volleyball tournament, to see the matches online complete with live play-by-play commentary. People viewing the webcasts were not disappointed. Farmington went in as a No. 4 seed and upended No. 1 seed, Hot Springs Lakeside (20-25,25-21,25-23,25-21) securing a 3-1 match victory before bowing out of the tournament with a five set (25-18,11-25,16-25,25-23,14-16) to Nettleton in the state quarterfinal.
"The Tech Department broadcasting our games -- that was their idea," Ward said. "There are a lot of people around me helping this sport grow. Both things are big steps and they weren't even my idea."
For Ward, the only drawback to Farmington's growth increasing in population in the community and school enrollment is he doesn't get to know everybody.
"Some kids you don't get to teach them," Ward said. "I would like to get to know everybody."
Sports on 08/19/2015