Tribute to senior athletes
DECATUR — In March of 2020, the spring sports season was abruptly cut short due to the worldwide outbreak of the covid-19 virus on March 16. A large number of seniors from Gravette, Decatur and Gentry saw their future as college athletes evaporate before their eyes. But history was not about to repeat itself this year and all spring sports are back in action.
Still somewhat limited by social distancing, spring sports afforded fans the chance to flee the gyms and indoor practice fields in favor of the wideopen spaces of the soccer stadiums, track, baseball and softball facilities.
With the coming of outdoor sports, fans have the chance to participate by supporting their favorite teams, whether it be Gravette, Gentry or Decatur baseball, softball, soccer or track.
In a little over a month, these teams will participate in district, regional and state playoffs. Get out and support each team as they continue their march towards the post-season playoffs.
We would like to recognize the following seniors in all these sports for their long commitment to the Gravette, Gentry and Decatur sports program:
Decatur Baseball: Trevor Girdner, Bryson Funk, Zac Luker, Kevin Garcia, Curtis Lauber.
Gravette Baseball: Jake Carver, Wyatt Coffelt, Cy Hilger, Alex Beard.
Gentry Baseball: Caleb Ogden, Cody Tucker, Colby Young.
Decatur Softball: Skyler Bell, Stephanie Sandoval, Ithzel Martinez, Olivia Verser.
Gravette Softball: Taylor Neustel, Lizzy Ellis, Taylor Snow.
Gentry Softball: Taylor Norman, Randi Jo Bolinger.
Decatur Soccer: Carlos Hernandez, Roger Hernandez, Emmanuel Thao, Carlos Perez, Able GomezBatres.
Gentry Soccer (only girls’ roster available): Alexis Fowler, Makenna Ward, Nathalie Ochoa, Nancy Astrada, Katelyn Philpott, Dru Sikes, Alexis Harlan, Cylvia Vang, Estrella Ramirez-Nava, Emmi Hays, Ashlyn Little.
Decatur Track: Able Gomez-Batres.
To those seniors not listed above, we would like to thank each and everyone one of you for your many years of service to their respective sports programs from youth to high school sports and beyond.