PG Puts On Hosting Clinic

“You doing alright? You need anything?”

Wish I had counted how many times those questions were asked while covering the 4A-1 District and 4A North Regional tournaments the past two weeks in Prairie Grove.

In 30-plus years following sports — and nearly 20 years covering it — it was the best event I can remember

That’s the way it’s supposed to be done.

Prairie Grove knocked it out of Battlefield Park.

Northwest Arkansas Democrat- Gazette ace photog Andy Shupe said Prairie Grove put on “a clinic” for hosting tournaments.

Shupe may look 25, but he began shooting local sports photos when I still was playing. He’s probably covered more tournaments than Huntsville living legend Charles Berry has coached in.

OK, so maybe not, but you get the point.

Like with his photography, Shupe framed it perfectly. Prairie Grove put on a clinic. Whether it was second helpings from the hospitality room (please email that banana pudding recipe to mcapshaw@nwadg.com, by the way), volunteer assistant Evan Hubbard running box scores or athletic director Tommy Roy running everything, Tiger Arena was the place to be this postseason.

The entire operation ran so smoothly. Games actually started on time, which is of utmost importance for this rusty reporter when typing on tight, nightly deadlines. Everyone involved with the process was awesome and showed genuine enthusiasm for the event, which was pretty cool to witness.

Trust me when I say events of that magnitude can bring out the worst in the people who put it all together. I’ve helped organize four large events in the past few years and thick skin was needed by all involved because things can — and will — go wrong and tempers will flare.

If anything did go wrong, those attending probably didn’t even notice because Roy and Co. remained even-keeled and ready for any hiccup.

No one I encountered even seemed rushed or stressed, even if they were. Everyone was helpful, kind and gave new meaning to the term “host.”

It was impeccable, flawless even. I’m certain that had a lot to do with thorough preplanning and with the number of Tigers’ supporters who stepped up to help.

Fans were fantastic, too, especially the student section, which I bragged about in last week’s column. (On a side note, I’m pitching our partners at the daily newspaper about featuring the top student sections in NWA — and the “Ragin’ Tiger Squad” has to be at or near the top of the list.)

Prairie Grove resource officer David Faulk, who had to have logged 100-plus hours during the two-week stretch because of his duties during school and every game, said there were no incidents of any kind. No problem parents. Not even a hot-headed Ozark fan. (Unfortunately, a few Hillibillies still remember my column in this space some 15 years ago, which would later result in me needing

PG football coach Danny Abshier’s escort to my car. Thanks again, coach.) Everyone showed class. Sure, there were a few jeers mixed in with cheers, but no one made any ugly, mean-spirited remarks — at least none I heard, or heard about — directed at any coaches or players. Not bad in an age when we read about parents slapping coaches and other ridiculous antics by “adults” at youth sporting events.

But Tiger Arena was a family-friendly environment for sure. I wish I would have brought my two young boys to see it. I will next time.

Even teams that lost didn’t seem that unhappy, save for a few tears from seniors whose careers had just ended.

And I’m convinced it was because Prairie Grove’s positive energy was contagious.

I mean, how could anyone who walked through the Tiger Arena doors have a bad time when they were greeted with smiles, everywhere from the ticket table to the concession stand?

It didn’t hurt that the on-court action was excellent, too. Loads of sportsmanship, passion and heart were on display every night.

Thank you, Prairie Grove, for a job more well done than those tasty ribs.

My only hope is the other coaches and administrators — even the ones who didn’t have a team in the hunt, but showed up anyway (perhaps to watch hoops, but more likely for the free food) — took notes.

Because I want to experience that atmosphere again, and again, and again. It was great. Too bad you’re not hosting state.