Sports

Fishing for bass using unconventional methods such as fishing “wacky” style or “doodle socking”, can produce exciting action, especially during the summer doldrums.

It had to have been at least 20 years ago when attending a meeting of the LA Tech Wildlife Club that I first met Phil Robertson who was guest speaker at the event. As he talked about his up-and-coming duck call business, I recall him, sporting a full beard even then and telling the gathering that he had become such a part of nature that he didn’t even own a watch. He also commented that he doesn’t keep up with the financial part of his Duck Commander call business; that’s his wife’s job. He just makes duck calls and shares the Gospel message every chance he gets, he said.

After a four-year drought, educators are pleased that the legislature is including a 2.75% inflation factor - about $69 million - in the education budget for 2013-14, according to Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Steve Monaghan. Inclusion of the growth factor is major news for public education this year. For the past four years, the failure to recognize the need for increased funding has cost public school children hundreds of millions in lost revenues. At the same time, costs have escalated and funding for programs that assist student achievement has been cut.

Two Jena Lady Giant softball players were named to the Class 3-A All-State team in softball, and the Lady Giant softball coach was named Coach of the Year in softball. Named to the 3-A All-State team were freshman Kelsey Bradford, outfield, (.448); and junior Darian Thacker, utility, (.450). Jena coach Felicia Hailey was named the Coach of the Year in softball. In addition, four other Jena Lady Giant players were named to the honorable mention list. They included Braegan Burlew, Carmeisha Howard, Jazmine Richardson, and Kenzie Thompson.

Kristy Sims Curry, a native of Olla, has been appointed women’s head basketball coach at the University of Alabama, after spending seven seasons as the head coach of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders. Before taking over at Texas Tech, Curry solidified herself as one of the most successful women’s basketball coaches in Purdue University’s history. She compiled a record of 179-51 (.778) and led her teams to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including the Final Four and championship game in 2001. But Curry is excited about returning to South after growing up and beginning her coaching career in Louisiana.

Football All-District – Dillon Ford, Honorable Mention (Offensive/Defensive Lineman); Charlie Smith, Second Team (Defensive Back); Brady Dearmon, Second Team (Defensive Lineman); Jesse Hailey, First Team Defense (Linebacker); Damon Dozier, Second Team (Offensive Tackle) and Chevy Thornton, First Team (Defensive Back) and Second Team Offense (Running Back).

Tigerettes – (front row) Alexa Humphries, Jessica Dunn and Sierra Laird and (back row) Alaina Parham, Whitney Keene, Kelli Norwood, Sydney McBroom, Megan Laird, Alexis Blackwell and Madison Strain

Payton Ryan completed the most successful road trip of his young racing career when he captured 7 wins at the Battle of the Bayou at Revolution Raceway Park in Louisiana and the Battle at the Big Top at the Texas Motor Speedway. Ryan has strong ties to Catahoula Parish and this area, being the grandson of the late Charles “Hub-Nut” King. For Ryan, a Concord, NC resident, it was a return to his home state of Louisiana where he and his family moved from when he was 11. He actually turned his first laps in a Bandolero at the 3/8ths mile track in Monroe, LA. The April 5-7th event was a homecoming for Payton with friends and family attending to cheer on their favorite son. All the Cannon School 8th grader did was go three for three at the concrete oval.

A total of 32 players from the softball teams and baseball teams from Jena High and LaSalle High Schools were named to the 2013 All District teams in their respective districts. LaSalle High School placed 15 total players on the 4-1A All District teams - six softball players and nine baseball players.