Harper To Coach West Squad

FARMINGTON — Jay Harper’s leadership in guiding Farmington to a 20- 5 season complete with an unbeaten record in the tough 1-4A and conference championship didn’t go unnoticed.

Harper employs a very basic coaching philosophy of win the inning.

“We’re talking about winning the inning we’re playing. If you look at the whole big picture of a ballgame, it overwhelms people, but if you look at it one inning at a time, these kids can grasp that — that’s what makes them successful,” Harper said.

Harper was named head coach of the West All-Stars by the Arkansas Activities Association for the 2013 Arkansas Army National Guard/Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star baseball and softball games on June 18-19, 2013 at the University of Central Arkansas at Conway.

Darrell Walsh, UCA associate athletic director, made the announcement during a press conference on May 21 and noted 2013 marks the 58th anniversary of All-Star competition and the 10th year for baseball, softball and soccer.

Farmington finished as District Runnerup, Regional Runnerup, and advanced to the state quarterfinals. Among other honors, Harper was named NWA Media Coach of the Year for small schools for 2013.

The All- Star baseball doubleheader will be played at Bear Stadium on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway on June 18, starting at 5 p. m. The All-Star softball doubleheader will be played at Farris Field on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway on Tuesday, June 18, starting at 5 p.m.

The head coach for the East baseball team will be Derek Bramlett, of Walnut Ridge, with Harper in charge of the West.

Harper’s West baseball staff will consist of Jake Hudson, of Clarksville; Ryan Casalman, of County Line; and Luke Davis, of Conway St. Joseph. Bramlett’s East baseball staff will consist of Joe Allbritton, of Mayflower; Clayton Gardner, of Viola; and Lionel Myers, of Wynne.

In one of his first acts as head coach, Harper named Spencer Boudrey, who graduated from Farmington on May 16, to the West All-Star team.

Boudrey signed a national letter of intent to play college baseball for Crowder College, of Nevada, Mo. on May 22.

FILE PHOTO Jay Harper, Farmington baseball coach, has been named Coach of the Year for small schools by NWA Media for 2013 and as head coach for the West All-Stars in the All-Star baseball game on June 19 by the Arkansas High School Coaches Association. Harper...