LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas receives DE's commitment
An Arkansas private oral commitment went public Wednesday.
Defensive end Dimitri Orr of Oxford, Ala., 6-6, 245 pounds, 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, had scholarship offers from Arkansas, Vanderbilt and Alabama-Birmingham.
Orr, who attended Arkansas' junior day in April, said he committed in late June or early July.
"It's a college with a down home feel," said Orr, who reports a 305-pound bench press and 485 squat. "It's just like home. The coaches really care about you more so as a student than just as an athlete."
Linebacker coach Reggie Johnson is Orr's lead recruiter.
"I like him because he's a lot like me," said Orr, who recorded 109 tackles and eight sacks last season. "He's a laid-back type of guy but when it's time to get down to business, he's serious." - Richard Davenport SOCCER West wins SWAC preseason award
Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Jade West was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference's preseason offensive player of the year.
West had 17 goals and 13 assists in 16 games last season, scoring four game-winning goals. She led the SWAC in shots, goals and assists and was the NCAA Division I statistical champion in points per game (2.94) and goals per game (1.06).
SOFTBALL Livewires win title
The Arkansas Livewires won the 14-and-under Fastpitch World Series in Orlando, Fla., after finishing with a record of 12-1. The Livewires had to beat Indiana's Brats with Bats twice to win the championship. The Livewires won the first game 1-0 and the second game 7-2.
Team members are Suzie Gresham, Courtney Harrison, Halie Johnson, Denise Harp, Jamie Godwin, Sam Tuberville, Roachell Aguilar, Katelyn Jones, Lauren Kidd, Shelly Glass and Caitlyn Lites. The coaches are Wayne Glass, Chad Lites and Ben Gresham.
Juggernauts win Class E state tournament
Juggernauts of Bryant and Benton won the Men's Class E state softball tournament in Pine Bluff on Aug. 15 with a 15-14 victory over Ballaholics of Arkadelphia.
CROSS COUNTRY Harding teams ranked
Harding University's cross country teams begin the season ranked in the NCAA Division II South Region polls.
The Harding men are ranked first, while the women are ranked second. Both teams begin their season Sept. 5 at the University of Memphis Twilight.
FOOTBALL UAPB fan day on Friday
Arkansas-Pine Bluff will host its fan day at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Golden Lion Stadium with the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South scheduled to perform. The event is free.
Punt, Pass and Kick Sept. 26
The NFL's Central Arkansas Punt, Pass and Kick Competition will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at Little Rock McClellan.
The event is open to boys and girls 8-15. The children will compete in four separate divisions and will have an opportunity to advance to the sectional competition.
GOLF Masson finishes fourth
Grant Masson of the Alotian Club finished fourth in the South Central Section PNC this week at Wichita (Kan.) Country Club.
Masson shot 71-73-70-214 to finish eight strokes behind champion Rod Nuckolls of Willowbend Golf Club. Hot Springs Country Club's Tim Zimmerebner shot 72-76-70-218. Eddie Roethlisberger of Big Creek Golf and Country Club shot 73-77-73-223. Pine Bluff Country Club's Cary Maddox shot 75-77-72-224.
Sports, Pages 21 on 08/27/2009