Two HSC athletes named to All-Star West team
The Arkansas High School Coaches Association recently announced their 2021 All-Star East and West football, volleyball, cheer, and dance team staff and rosters.
Two Hot Spring County athletes were named to the All-Star West team. Glen Rose cheerleader Lexi Duer was named to the West team’s cheer roster and Poyen football player Lathan Aaron was named to the West teams football roster.
The two were nominated by their conference then selected by the All-Star coaches. All-Star coaches were nominated by their conference and elected by a vote of their peers. According to a press release by the AHSCA, the coaches and student athletes are added to a prestigious list of high school coaches and athletes selected as All-Star in past years.
As a member of the Glen Rose cheer squad, Duer helped lead the Lady Beavers to a State Runner-up title in the 2020 1A-3A State Cheer competition held in December 2020. Glen Rose cheer coach, Mackinzy Chaney, said she was very excited for Duer to be named to the All-Star West roster.
The 2021 All-Star West Cheer roster consists of 24 athletes from all over the state. Coaching the 2021 team is Karen Chenault of Bauxite and assisting is Rachel May of Booneville.
Aaron was a leader on the field this season for the Poyen Indians football team. Aaron earned 2020 All-Conference honors for his performance and helped lead the Indians to one of their best seasons. The Indians advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class 2A State Playoffs and finished the season with an 11-2 overall record.
Poyen football coach, Vick Barrett, said it is a great honor to be selected to play in the All-Star game. “Lathan is very deserving!”
Barrett added that he hates that Aaron won’t get the opportunity to actually play in the game, due to COVID-19 concerns, but feels it’s still a great accomplishment for Aaron. “It’s a great accomplishment for him and an honor to our program to have players selected to play in it! We are very proud of him!”
The All-Star West football team consists of 46 members from all over the state with the Chris Young of Greenwood as the head coach. Assisting are Craig Bentley, Mena; Khris Buckner, Clarksville; Jody Grant, Bentonville; Kyle Jackson, Gurdon; Ricky May, Charleston; and Jason Gill, Greenwood.
The All-Star Week and Coaches Clinic is normally held at the University of Central Arkansas Campus each June but due to COVID-19 has been canceled for 2021. “While we are disappointed AHSCA will not be able to host the campers and play the games in June, this should not diminish from the accomplishments of the coaches and student athletes during the 2020-2021 school year and their high school careers. Congratulations to each All-Star Coach and Athlete,” the AHSCA press release said.