Introduction...........................................
Former Cowboys running back scores as keynote speaker
The Wally Allen Ballroom in the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock was packed with more than 1,500 students, coaches, family, friends and, of course, Dallas Cowboys fans who gathered not only to honor more than 350 Arkansas high school athletes at the annual All-Arkansas Preps banquet, but also to hear from former Cowboys running back and NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. Now in its fifth year, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s All-Arkansas Preps banquet, sponsored by CHI St. Vincent, honored Arkansas student-athletes for their accomplishments, not only in sports but also off the field or court, with award presentations for outstanding athletes in each sport, special awards and two overall winners, along with presenting a Coach of the Year award. Smith, this year’s keynote speaker, is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. He holds three Super Bowl championships and was named Super Bowl MVP, among other accolades. He is also a respected entrepreneur, bestselling author and sought-after speaker. In a question-and-answer session with Smith led by Arkansas’ own former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Keith Jackson, guests heard about Smith’s personal experiences and received an inside look at his career, which spanned 15 years and culminated with an induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. Of course, he mentioned Dancing With the Stars, too. Having had to convince his wife to allow him the opportunity to appear on the show, Smith talked to the crowd about his experience on the reality show. Smith followed in the footsteps of past All-Arkansas Preps speakers, including retired Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, sports commentator Dick Vitale and baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. “This year, we wanted to bring a legend to the stage who would really hit home with Arkansans. With Cowboys owner Jerry Jones having deep roots in Arkansas, we knew Emmitt Smith was the perfect choice,” said Amanda Copley, marketing and events director for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “Emmitt Smith is the embodiment of a successful athlete and entrepreneur, as well as a worthy role model for all of the athletes in attendance.” Smith spoke about his time playing for the Cowboys, which was his dream from an early age. He also shared advice from influential coaches. He urged students to think about the overall plan for their lives and not to abandon other opportunities that might present themselves, whether on their respective playing fields or in other aspects of life. “The best advice I ever received from a coach was, ‘Know when the journey is over,’” Smith said. “That is such a significant thing because you see [people] fighting for inches, and unless it’s fourth down and inches, there is no need to fight. … Coaches instill in us the [mindset] that we can do, and we can overcome.” Students also had an opportunity to quiz the superstar. One question, which was asked by Matthew Campbell of Russellville, was “What defensive player hit you the hardest?” Even though the question was geared toward physical contact in football, Smith said losing his mother was the hardest hit he ever endured, and he encouraged those in attendance to not take the time shared with their parents for granted. The fifth annual All-Arkansas Preps banquet honored more than 350 high school athletes from across the state, recognizing their accomplishments in 12 sports, with both boys and girls cross country and swimming being added to the list this year. The event, sponsored by CHI St. Vincent, First Security Bank and Arkansas Select Buick GMC Dealers, included three special awards given to athletes who have made a difference outside of the sports arena. The CHI St. Vincent Health Award honors a student-athlete who has overcome a health challenge to excel in one of the 12 sports; the P.A.R.K Education Award recognizes a student-athlete who has made great achievements both on the field and in the classroom; and the Hussman Community Award salutes a student-athlete who has excelled off the field in his or her community. Those honored were chosen by a committee from entries submitted by high school coaches and the public. Smith closed out the night with an important message to the athletes in attendance: Don’t let anyone discourage you from a true passion. When asked if there was anything he would do differently, Smith shared a story about being discouraged from pursuing architecture as a field of study because of its difficulty in addition to playing football. This year’s event was also sponsored by Dillard’s, New Balance and Sport Clips. Copley said she is already thinking about who will be the speaker for next year’s event. Look for the announcement this fall.