By Kevin Taylor
Alma Schools
Kensington Wadkins is living proof that good things happen to those who jump in head first.
Not literally, of course.
The Alma tennis standout had not played much tennis before joining the school’s program in 2021. Now, she’s a fixture.
“I wanted to try something I had never done before,” she said. “When I was in middle school, they (school officials) were talking about tennis and golf. I thought that would be interesting, so I thought I would give tennis a try. I knew it was a good program, so I just gave it a try and loved it, and it stuck with me.”
Wadkins had previously been involved with volleyball and dance.
Being involved in extracurricular activities is something Wadkins believes in.
"I think it's really important," she said. I've gotten a lot out of it. Not only physically, but also mentally. I feel like it trained me to be more positive because if you're not positive, it will pull you down. It's such a mental game. I feel like we're all really bonded together.
"We can always help each other. It's like having another family."
Wadkins and Lacey Haughton dropped a 7-6, 6-4 decision to Siloam Springs Thursday at the Toney McMurray Tennis Courts. Down 3-0 and then 4-1, Wadins and Haughton rallied to tie the opener at 6-6 before dropping the deciding point.
They were tied at 4 in the second set before falling as well.
“We have to work to keep things more consistent,” Wadkins said. “Each time we fight a little harder, and we work together a little better each time.”
Alma’s top doubles duo of Kenadie Farris and Marti Lineberry fell in their doubles match, 6-2, 6-1. Wadkins was paired with Farris last year.
"I prefer doubles but I play them both," Wadkins said. "I like doubles because you can have someone pick you up if you're slacking or not motivated."
Wadkins has played plenty of singles matches, too. “It's mentally challenging. It's something I have to work really hard for,” she said.
Tuesday, Wadkins and Haughton earned a doubles win at Russellville.
"I think it's an honor to get to wear (school) colors, especially when we get a big win," Wadkins said. "It's something that makes you proud."
Senior Colby Kimmons earned a hard-fought 1-6, 6-6 (7-4), 11-9 win over Nico Anglin of Siloam Springs Thursday. Alma’s No. 1 singles player, Caden Farris, dropped a tough 6-4, 0-6, 10-6, decision to Bryan Tran, one of the tough 5A-West singles players.
Jackson McMurray and Joshua Smith fell in their doubles match, 6-2, 7-5.
Layne Goins and Levi Dobbs dropped a 1-6, 0-6 doubles match.
Alma’s Charlotte Koller dropped a 6-1, 6-0 singles match to Siloam Springs’ Silvie Reid Thursday.
Sophomore Lady Airedale Nora Medlock lost to Korbyne Briggs, 6-2, 6-1.
JH Football
Chase Parker threw for 121 yards and four touchdown passes as the Alma junior high football team rolled to a 28-7 win over Siloam Springs Thursday.
Parker, who also ran for 92 yards and recorded seven tackles on defense, threw a pair of touchdowns to Josiah Stallings and Dylan Jackson. Stallings had four receptions for 53 yards, and Jackson caught two passes for 68 yards.
Daniel Rodriguez was a perfect 4-for-4 on PAT kicks.
Defensively, Andrew Bush had nine tackles and one fumble recovery. Tristan Nutt added seven tackles and recovered a fumble.
Parker, in addition to his seven tackles, also had a quarterback sack.
Titus Benson scored twice on the ground and threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to David Altherton to power the Alma seventh grade to a 42-0 rout of Siloam Springs. Benson had 121 yards rushing and 65 yards passing.
Benson also had three tackles and recovered a fumble.
Also, Peyton Broadway and Trevor Hoover rushed for 61 and 32 yards, respectively. Broadway scored once and Hoover added two touchdowns. Nate Risley also caught a pass for 20 yards and recorded three tackles.
William Hamilton had three tackles and Trystan Blackburn recovered a fumble.
Golf
Piercen Howell had a good week.
After shooting a career-best 81 Monday, the Alma junior fired a 39 (nine-hole) for high medalist honors Thursday at Rogers.
Alma finished second overall (167), five strokes behind Rogers Heritage. Springdale was third (172).
Also for Alma, Chase Wood shot 40 and Grady Farmer carded a 43. Miles Kendrick and Parker Morland both shot 45.