FSBGC MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

Clarence Higgins
remembered
(see page 6)
Volume 23 Number 4
www.fsbgc.org
Fall 2009
FSBGC MAKING
CONNECTIONS WITH
FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS
Communications to Club members, parents and
volunteers has been enhanced by the recent addition
of Facebook at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs.
Facebook is becoming very popular among various age
demographics and can be an effective tool in building
relationships with Club members and alumni.
After winning a 2009 national Boys & Girls Clubs
of America Marketing & Communications award, FSBGC
staff decided to strengthen efforts for Club member
outreach through the social website. Besides having a
main website at www.fsbgc.org, the Club also has two
Facebook accounts and a YouTube site. The YouTube
site contains several videos of Club activities and events,
including the 2008 FSBGC Hall of Fame banquet and
features of the inductees.
Applications
on Facebook will
help the FSBGC
promote programs
and activities by
posting information that includes schedules, photos and
special events. “Having a Facebook site for the Club is
a terrific way for us to communicate” said FSBGC tech
coordinator Jeff Wasson. Club schedules, photos and
updates are posted each week.
“The new Alumni & Friends site gives us the
opportunity to post archives of old Club photos and
newspaper articles” said FSBGC executive director Jerry
Glidewell. “It also provides us opportunities to connect
with old friends”, he added. The FSBGC Alumni & Friends
Facebook site features a gallery of notable individuals who
are past Club members, including professional athletes,
entertainers, politicians and business leaders.
Facebook acts as a portal point for driving traffic to the
FSBGC web site. The global social networking website
was created in 2004 by Harvard University student Mark
Zuckerberg, Facebook is the largest social network with
over 250 million users.
Boys & Girls Club Soccer - (L to R) Eliza Beas, Quentin
Carey, Makayle Adkins, and Mario Lopez get ready for soccer
action at the Goldtrap-Gardner Boys & Girls Club. Games
are played every Tuesday and Thursday evening during
September and October.
“LIVE UNITED” Campaign
SUPPORT OF UNITED WAY
KEY FOR FSBGC
Reaching last years total of $ 2.2 million, will be
a feat that hundreds of local United Way campaign
volunteers will attempt to duplicate during 2009. The
Fort Smith Area United Way supports 33 local nonprofit agencies, including several Boys & Girls Clubs.
24 % of operating revenue of the Fort Smith
Boys & Girls Club comes from the annual United
Way campaign. The pacesetter campaign raised close
to $900,000 in August to get this years fund-raiser
started. The campaign chairman for the United Way is
FSBGC board member Bill Hanna.
Local youth organizations like the Boys &
Girls Club could not effectively operate without
the continued success of the United Way. For more
information about the United Way call 782-1311.
Page 2
www.fsbgc.org
Fall 2009
In Memory of...
Memorial contributions to the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club are invested in the Club Endowment fund.
Interest from these donations generate operational support for the Club. The Endowment was established in
1940. Gifts received during the third quarter of 2009 (July, August, and September) were given in memory of
the following...
MR. ED BEDWELL
MR. ROY E. “BIG ED” SESSIONS
by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith
by Keith Truitt
MR. JOSEPH BOOKER
MR. BILL UNDERWOOD
by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith
by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner
MR. JAMES CARTER
MR. GARY WALKER
by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith
by Brenda & MC Glidewell
MR. & MRS. DAVID CARUSO by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell
by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner
MR. ED WARMACK
MS. JO HANNAH CENTER
by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith
by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith
MR. LARUE WESTBROOK
MR. ROY DENNIS COLLIER
by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner
by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner
by Janie & Jim Wyatt
MR. CHARLES WILLIAM “BILL” CRAIG
MS. ELLIS GLEN WHIGHAM
by Sharon & Sam M. Sicard
by Mary & Bill Cooper
MS. SUSIE SLATES CRAIG
MS. HELEN BLANCHE COLE WHITSON
by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith
by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell
MR. T. J. CUNNINGHAM
by Jerry Kerwin
by Becky & Jim Meadows
College Scholarshi p Memorial s
by Monica & Joseph Meadows
MS. BONNIE L. FARR
MR. VIC FORSGREN
by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner
by AR Chapter Assoc. of Gen. Contractors
MR. THOMAS W. HOWE
MR. BOBBY NEEDHAM, SR.
by The Family of Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith
(for) Sue Earls
MR. KEVIN BARKLEY JONES by Robyn & Bobby Needham, Jr.
by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell
(for) Paul Padilla
by Ann Jones by Robyn & Bobby Needham, Jr.
MR. GENE L. LEHNEN
FSBGC MOURNS LOSS
by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell
OF BLANCHE WHITSON
by Jerry Kerwin
by John M. Lehnen
Long time Ft. Smith Boys & Girls Club supporter Helen
Blanche
Whitson died Sept. 24, 2009 at the age of 78. She was
by Clara Czach & Pat Novak
a member of the FSBGC Alumni & Friends Association, and the
by Betty & Irvine Sternberg
widow of FSBGC Hall of Fame member Herman Whitson.
by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner
The Whitson family has sponsored Boys & Girls Club
MR. CHESTER F. MICKLE
activities for more than 50 years. Blanche is survived by three
by Ethel Mickle
children: Linda Sirmon, Jonsye Bailey, and David Whitson.
Fall 2009 www.fsbgc.org
Page 3
Gene Lehnen Dies at age 81
Former Staff Member Worked in
Boys & Girls Club Movement
for Twenty Years
Retired Boys & Girls Club professional
Gene Lehnen, died on July 24, 2009 at the age
of 81. Lehnen worked in the Boys & Girls Club
movement for more than 20 years.
Born in Fort Smith, Lehnen attended St.
Boniface and St. Anne’s Schools. He was hired
by Clarence Higgins
to be a unit director
at the Jeffrey Club in
1960. A few years
later, Lehnen became
executive director
of the Boys Club in
Dennison, Texas.
From Dennison,
Lehnen went to work
for Boys Clubs of
America, where he
was a field service
Gene Lenhen
representative.
Traveling throughout the United States,
Lehnen was responsible for helping develop and
build local Clubs. He worked closely with former
national Boys Club directors Tom Garth and Bill
Bricker.
Lehnen is survived by his brother Paul Lehnen
of Van Buren, and his sister Clara Czach of Niles,
Illinois. He was buried at the U.S. National
Cemetery with military honors.
T. J. CUNNINGHAM REMEMBERED
THROUGH FSBGC GUITAR PROGRAM
On July 10, 2009, former Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
member T.J. Cunningham, died at age 27. Friends and family
have raised funds to present a FSBGC member with a guitar as a
memorial to T.J. “We plan to give away a nice guitar each year in
T.J.’s memory” said his father, local musician Tommy Cunningham.
FSBGC staff will conduct an annual competition for Club
members who are interested in winning the guitar. Selections
will be based on need, love of music, recommendation letters and
an essay.
National Historic Site Film – Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
members participate in a special television event filmed by AETN
(AR Educational Television Network). Jeffrey unit members reenacted battle scenes.
JCPenney Afterschool
Round-up Benefits FSBGC
A nationwide “Afterschool Round-up” campaign has
been launched by JCPenney. This is the third year that the
program has been conducted. The local JCPenney store at
Central Mall is supporting the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
through this event.
JCPenney provides their customers with the opportunity
to make donations to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund at the
cash register by rounding up their JCPenney store purchases
to the next whole dollar. Last year, the Fort Smith Boys &
Girls Club received more than $ 7,000 from the Central Mall
store.
The Round-up program will be conducted October 1625, and December 4-13. Local store manager Steve Strom
has been a long-time supporter of the Fort Smith Boys &
Girls Club. JCPenney is also a big contributor to the annual
United Way campaign.
“Accessible and affordable afterschool programs
continues to be important to millions of America’s working
families,” said Mike Theilmann,
chairman of the JCPenney
Afterschool Fund. “As customers
shop for our exceptional style and
quality at affordable prices, we
are inviting them to round-up their
purchases and provide children in
need with access to afterschool
programs” he added.
Page 4
www.fsbgc.org
Fall 2009
SPECIAL THANK YOU
Haunted Warehouse Sponsors
Poetry Contest Winners - finalists in the 2009 FSBGC Poetry
Contest receive awards from Marilyn Foster. Pictured are (left
to right): Malik Jackson, Dylan Gish, Marilyn Foster, Joey
Deschryver, Jessica Smith, Tai Norton, Tanja Harris, Patrick
Oetzel.
CASH PRIZES AWARDED IN 2009
CONTEST SPONSORED BY FOSTER
Top participants in the annual Marilyn Foster Poetry
Contest at FSBGC were honored at a ceremony on October
12 at the Goldtrap-Gardner unit. My Best Friend was the
theme for this year’s contest. $ 200 in cash prizes were
awarded to the finalists.
Marilyn Foster has sponsored the Poetry Contest at
the Club for the past 10 years. She has sponsored the
annual Essay contest for 11 years. Foster also sponsors the
FSBGC Photography contest. “It’s wonderful to see how
talented these kids are” said Foster. Booklets containing
several of the entries were presented to Foster and the
finalists. Local writers and poets were used as judges.
Involved with several community projects, Marilyn
Foster and her husband Don have been long time
supporters of youth programs, including Bost School and
the Boys & Girls Clubs.
The annual Essay contest will be held during the
winter holidays. Applications for the Essay contest are
available at each FSBGC unit.
Division I (ages 6-11)
1st Place - Dylan Gish (EBGC) age 7
2nd Place -. Joey DeSchryver (GGBGC) age 10
3rd Place - Patrick Oetzel (EBGC) age 11
Honorable Mention: Tai Norton (GGBGC) age 10
Division II (ages 12-18)
1st Place - Jessica Smith (GGBGC) age 14
2nd Place - Malik Jackson (GGBGC) age 14
3rd Place - Tanja Harris (EBGC) age 12
Honorable Mention: Nikya Toran (SBGC) age 12
We deeply appreciate all of the wonderful sponsors
who supported the 2009 Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
Haunted Warehouse fundraiser at Fort Chaffee.
CORPORATE LEVEL
KISR Radio
GOLD LEVEL
Carman Trucking
Kohl’s
National Recovery Specialist
SILVER LEVEL
Air Compressor Specialists
Cornerstone Benefits & Insurance
Cricket Communications
CSM
Eastside Animal Clinic
Fort Smith Plating
Halloween Express
Hickman Auto Sales
Jim Saviers D.D.S.
JMAC (Jody’s Muffler & Auto Center)
Midwest Sporting Goods
Pic-n-Tote
Service Master
Shamrock Bolt & Screw
The Home Depot
BRONZE LEVEL
A & A Army Surplus
Milam Business Systems
ABC Floors
Monty’s TV & Electronics
Brownfield Pharmacy
Putnam-Lincoln Mercury
Darklight Tattoo
River Valley Door & Trim
Green Papaya
Robin’s Lawns
Ink Spot
Rolando’s Restaurant
Jim Hall & Associates
Solar Shield
Juan’s Mexican Restaurant Southwest Garage Door
Spring Master Bedding
Annual FSBGC Fundraiser
HOLIDAY HAM & TURKEY
ORDER FORMS ON-LINE
For the past 14 years, the FSBGC has raised funds
selling turkeys and hams during the Thanksgiving and
Christmas holidays. This year will allow customers to
charge their orders on-line or by phone with a credit card.
“We are trying to make the process more userfriendly” said Helene Lewis, coordinator for the project.
“Several local businesses buy hams and turkeys as gifts for
employees and clients during the holidays” she added. Go
to www.fsbgc.org for a menu or an order form.
Fall 2009 www.fsbgc.org
FSBGC October Fundraiser
HAUNTED WAREHOUSE
DRAWS LARGE CROWD
Raising $30,000 a year by frightening people is
something that FSBGC staff member Jason Morland
is familiar with. For the past 15 years, the haunted
attraction has been one of the biggest annual fundraisers offered by the Boys & Girls Club.
Haunted House fund-raisers started at the FSBGC
during the 1980’s when the Kiwanis Club would set up
shop at the Jeffrey unit. In 1993, Virl Brewer and Jason
Morland worked their first Haunted House at the Club.
In 1994, the attraction was moved to the Evans unit.
“Volunteers Robert Frazier, Steve Maddox, Scott
Visalli and Greg Rickner have been very dedicated”
said Morland. “We couldn’t do it without the great
help we receive.” Other volunteers include Kari Fenby,
Jared Branham and Kevin Mallon. “It’s a lot of fun”
commented Morland. The Boys & Girls Club has the
reputation of having the biggest Haunted House in the
area. For the past three years, the Haunted Warehouse
has been located at Fort Chaffee.
100% proceeds from the Haunted Warehouse
benefit the Boys & Girls Club. “It takes our customers
about 45 minutes to make it through” said Morland.
“Some people get really excited about the chance to be
scared”, he added.
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
AWARD WINNERS
July
August
September
Jeffrey
Kedrick Thomas Garrett Hawkins
Francisco Lopez
Evans
Chris Jones
Desiree Steel
Darrin Runke
Stephens Malik Hodge
Khamerea Campbell Leonard Shepherd
Goldtrap Mia Stout
Dylan Isham
Brandon McCarney
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
AWARD WINNERS
August
September
Jeffrey
Fred Thomas
July
Franco Beleto
NHS/SHS Cheer
Evans
Lyndsey Bockelman Rob Sampson
NHS/SHS Cheer
Stephens Mario Gurule Kenyatta Harris
Michael Norwood
Goldtrap Lance Amos
Kiera Bailey
Maisie Strickland
Page 5
M o rl and C e l e br a t es
15 Ye ars o f Se r vi c e
at t h e FSB G C
It was in 1979 that Jason Morland first walked into
the Boys & Girls Club. 30 years later, he finds himself
one of the senior staff members of the Club. Morland
began full-time employment at the FSBGC in 1994.
Since that time, he has worked at Jeffrey, Stephens and
the Evans units.
“Jason is a valuable staff member” said Jerry
Glidewell, FSBGC executive director. “He has a very
strong work ethic,
pays
attention
to detail, and is
always willing to
follow-through
and get the job
done”, he added.
C u r r e n t l y,
Morland serves
two roles; Evans
unit director, and
FSBGC director
of operations. He
worked as unit
director at Jeffrey
from 1995-2002.
Morland has been
at the Evans Club for the past 7 years.
“My parents signed me up when I was 6 years old”
said Morland. “They ran a local flower shop, so the
Club was a great place for me to spend time while they
were working” he added.
Morland and his wife Dana have three children, two
girls and a boy, Jadan, Lyndey and Evan. “My kids
have got a dose of the Club at a very young age” he
said. “The Evans Club is our second home” he added.
Through Morland’s leadership, the Evans Boys &
Girls Club reached a membership of 1425 for 2009.
The Evans Club has increased membership in each of
the past 5 years.
Jason is a 1991 graduate of Northside High. He
attended Henderson State on a FSBGC college
scholarship.
Morland will soon complete his
Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from
the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. In his spare
time he enjoys soccer and NASCAR.
Page 6
www.fsbgc.org
Fall 2009
NEW DISPLAY TO HONOR
HIGGINS AT HUNTS PARK
Foosball Fun - Club members enjoy after-school activities in the Boys
& Girls Club game room. Each of the four FSBGC units are open
Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. til 7:00 p.m.
FSBGC Support - Bill Hollenbeck and Hank Needham discuss their
younger years at the FSBGC during the Alumni & Friends BBQ.
Needham is principal at Cavanaugh Elementary School. Hollenbeck is a
candidate for Sebastian County Sheriff.
Multi-tasking - FSBGC staff member Jeff Wasson helps Jeffrey Boys &
Girls Club members with a project as he supervises the computer lab.
At the Alumni & Friends BBQ held on October 14, the
Association unveiled a new sign that will honor the late
Clarence Higgins. The
sign, which was donated
by Randy Cutting and
friends
at
Graphic
Services, highlights the
career involvement of
Higgins with the Fort
Smith Boys & Girls
Club.
“Higgins was Hunts
Park” said FSBGC
Alumni & Friends board
member Bill Norvell. Clarence Higgins (1910-1992)
Clarence’s son and
grandson were in attendance for the unveiling. “The Boys &
Girls Club is grateful for the many contributions that Higgins
made throughout his career” said FSBGC board member
Okla Ben Smith. “It is only fitting that we have a display
to honor his achievements” Smith added. During his career,
Higgins had 17 staff members who later advanced to work at
other Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the country.
During the 1950’ s and 1960’s, the Fort Smith Boys Club
realized tremendous growth under Higgins’ leadership. “He
was deeply respected” added Norvell.
As director of the Fort Smith Boys Club from 1945 1971, Clarence Higgins was instrumental in the growth of
youth sports in our community. He helped plan and construct
Hunts Park in 1947. He was closely involved in the expansion
of the Wheeler Boys Club, and the construction of Jeffrey
Boys Club.
Higgins was one of the founding fathers of Fort Smith
Church League baseball in 1957, established Babe Ruth
Baseball in Arkansas, and was a leader in the growth of the
American Legion baseball program.
Through his efforts, Boys Club youth football games
were moved to Hunts Park, and he created a partnership with
St. Anne’s High School to have their home football games at
Hunts Park.
In 1987 he was inducted into the Babe Ruth Baseball
Hall of Fame. In 1992, he was inducted into the Fort Smith
Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. He is remembered as a
humble leader whose positive influence has impacted several
generations of young people.
Fall 2009 www.fsbgc.org
Page 7
ALUMNI NEWS
Fall 2009
ANNUAL BBQ CELEBRATES
ALUMNI & FRIENDS
ACHIEVEMENTS
2009 Alumni BBQ presentation - attendees at
the FSBGC Alumni & Friends BBQ watch a video
highlighting activities during the past year. The event
was held at Evans Boys & Girls Club on October 14th.
Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club supporters - Lady
Eady, Lewis Eady, State Senator Denny Altes, State
Representatives Frank Glidewell and former State
Representative Jim Medley.
“Reaching the 500 membership mark for three
consecutive years is something we are very grateful for”
said association president Lyn Caselman, at the annual
FSBGC Alumni & Friends BBQ. Caselman thanked all
of the individuals who have supported the Boys & Girls
Club through the Alumni & Friends Association.
Several community leaders attended the BBQ, which
served as the official kickoff for the 2010 membership
drive. The Alumni Association was established in 1991
as a support base for the Boys & Girls Club. The name
was changed to the Alumni & Friends Association in
2006.
During the past 18 years, the Alumni & Friends
Association has provided more than $ 500,000 in
financial support to the FSBGC. The sustaining
membership drive is one of two fund-raisers conducted
by the Association each year. An annual golf tournament
is held in June.
There are various programs sponsored by the
Alumni & Friends Association, including: FSBGC
College Scholarship program, Lean On Me mentoring,
After-school shuttle, the FSBGC Hall of Fame and
several capital improvement projects. The Association
celebrates and honors the success of past Club
members.
The upcoming FSBGC Hall of Fame banquet has
been scheduled for November 8, 2010. Since 1991, 38
individuals and 3 civic clubs have been inducted.
Page 8
www.fsbgc.org
Fall 2009
Snapshots from the 2009 FSBGC Alumni & Friends Association BBQ
FSBGC charter member
Gerald Price visits with Hall Peggy Higgins, Edna Wagoner and Janie Billy Higgins and Jim Hamilton glance
Wyatt visit during the reception.
at the new Clarence Higgins display.
of Famer Bill Norvell.
Marlin Fretheim and Randy Bittle visit with
Dr. Jim Saviers and Dr. Boyd Saviers.
FSBGC Keystone Club president
Shawnika Jones wins a door prize.
Charlie Dye and James Wagoner
share a story with Phillip Plunkett.
Fall 2009 www.fsbgc.org
Page 9
S P O R T S
2009 Sr. Babe Ruth Baseball
Fort Smith Nationals
Finish Runner-up in
Southwest Regional
For the second straight year, the FSBGC
hosted the SW Regional Senior Babe Ruth 16
year- old tournament at Hunts Park. The Fort
Smith Nationals advanced to the championship
game after defeating Tri-County, Texas in the
semi-finals.
Kenner, Louisiana lost to Mid-County, Texas
in the other semi-final game. Kenner went 3-0 in
pool play earlier in the tourney, including a 10-9
victory over the Fort Smith Americans during the
first day of play.
Other teams participating in the event included
all-star teams from Pine Bluff, Fayetteville,
Monticello, Northwest Arkansas and El Dorado.
“There was some outstanding talent this
year” said tourney director Chris Reeder. “The
teams were very balanced which made for very
competitive games” he explained. Fort Smith was
represented by all-star teams from two divisions in
the Westark Senior Babe Ruth league.
The Fort Smith Nationals were defeated by
Mid-County, Texas in the finals at Hunts Park.
Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
BA S K ET B A L L S IGN U P S
O c t o b er 19 - N ovem ber 13
Rinky Dink
grades 1 & 2
Pee Wee
grades 3 & 4
Midget
grades 5 & 6
Junior
grades 7, 8 & 9
Senior
grades 10, 11 & 12
Re g i st e r at any FS B G C L ocation
F o r m o r e i nfo visit: w w w.fsbgc.o rg
2009 FSBGC Volunteer Cheer Coaches
Front row (l to r): Ashley Monroe, Taylor Bramlett,
Emily Frederick, Allie Edwards, Emily Coats, Hannah
Clifton.
Middle row: Niesha Forrest, Jill Siebenmorgen,
Hannah Barling, Brooke Eckes, Aschten Steward,
Lauren Abbey, Taylor Mulhern.
Back row: Abbey Neel, Logan Laroche, Katie
Johnson, Maisie Strickland, Chelsea Railey.
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
TEAM UP TO COACH AT THE FSBGC
Thirty-three high school girls are participating as volunteer
cheerleading coaches at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club this
season. The students include members of the Northside High
Cheer team and N-Steppers, along with the Southside High Cheer
team and Dixie-belles. More than 160 girls participate in the
FSBGC cheer program.
Starting with a Cheer Clinic held on September 12 at Evans
Boys & Girls Club, cheer coaches volunteer each week during
the season. “We have high school girls volunteering at each of
the four Boys & Girls Club units’” said cheer coordinator Emily
Kamp.
Cheer coaches help the girls with basic fundamentals and
skills involved in being a cheerleader. “Gaining self-confidence
in front of a crowd is very important” added Kamp.
For the past seven years, cheerleaders from the two high
schools have been involved in the Boys & Girls Club program.
“Several of the girls who are coaching, actually got their start
cheering at the Club, including Logan Laroche and Angela
Taylor” said FSBGC staff member Rhonda Murphy. “We
couldn’t have this success without the strong support of High
School instructors Jean Ann Sadler (Southside) and Terri Freeny
(Northside).”
Signups for the FSBGC drill team program are being held in
November for girls in grades 1-6.
Page 10
www.fsbgc.org
Fall 2009
FORMER FSBGC ATHLETES
MAKING SPORTS HEADLINES
Several former Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club members have been
profiled in sports articles and television stories recently. FSBGC
news makers include:
BRETT GOODE – is enjoying his second full season in the
NFL with the Green Bay Packers. The former Northside High
center was a standout snapper for the Arkansas Razorbacks. After
walking on at Arkansas as a freshman, Goode became a four year
starter and was on the academic honor roll. Brett played FSBGC
football for six years and has coached at the Club.
RYAN FRANKLIN – was named to the MLB 2009 All-Star
team. Franklin represented the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher
for the national league during the All-Star game. Franklin threw a
scoreless inning and was visited by President Obama in the Club
house. Franklin finished the season with 37 saves and a 1.92 ERA.
Coach Tony LaRussa credits Franklin for leading the Cardinals
to a National League central division title. The Spiro, Oklahoma
native played baseball as a youth at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls
Club.
FRED PERRY – is playing football this season for the Winnipeg
Bluebombers of the CFL. Last season Perry played for the
Edmonton Eskimos. A seven year veteran of the CFL, Perry
was a CFL All-Star in 2006 and 2007. He led the Saskatchewan
Roughriders to a Grey Cup title in 2007. Perry is a former member
of the Stephens Boys & Girls Club. He was a standout football
player at Northside High and Southern Arkansas University.
KODI BURNS – is an all-purpose offensive threat for the SEC
Auburn Tigers. Burns has played quarterback, running back and
wide receiver for the War Eagles. Burns, a Junior, was named
MVP of the Chick-Fil-A Bowl when he was a Freshman. Kodi
is a former member of the Jeffrey unit and played football at the
FSBGC for six years.
GUS MALZHAN – serves as offensive coordinator for Auburn
University football. Malzhan has enjoyed three successful seasons
as a College football offensive coordinator, including stints at
Arkansas and Tulsa. He is regarded as one of the most innovative
minds in the sport. He is a former member and employee of the
Evans Boys & Girls Club. Malzhan was guest speaker at the 2006
FSBGC awards banquet.
TYLER WILSON – is receiving action as quarterback for the
Arkansas Razorbacks this fall. The former Greenwood High
standout is an outstanding football and baseball player. Wilson
played sports at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club while in
elementary school.
DICK BUMPAS – defensive coordinator for the TCU Horned
Frogs, is regarded as one of the top coaches in the nation. Bumpas
started his college coaching career in 1977. He was inducted into
the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Bumpas began playing
football as a youth at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club.
Referee Kevin Mallon officiates an FSBGC Minor
League soccer game at Goldtrap-Gardner.
FSBGC football coach Marcus Emerson gives his
players advice during action at Hunts Park.
Cheer coaches provide instruction to Club members
during the annual FSBGC Cheer Clinic.
Fall 2009 www.fsbgc.org
Page 11
COLLEGE & PROFESSIONAL
PLAYER WATCH
GENTRY GETS HIS FIRST
START IN THE “ BIG LEAGUES ”
It’s a long way from Hunts Park to Oakland Coliseum.
Texas Rangers outfielder Craig Gentry knows both
facilities very well. The former American Legion star for
Fort Smith Kerwins has made it to the Major Leagues.
On September 24, Gentry was in the starting lineup
for the first time when the Texas Rangers visited the
Athletic’s at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Gentry,
who played most of the 2009 season for the Frisco
Roughriders, joined the Rangers on September 1.
“I’ve been waiting for this pretty much my whole life”
Gentry said. “Just being up here has been awesome. It is
a great feeling.” Gentry’s first major league hit ( a double)
came on September 26 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Gentry hit .303 for the Roughriders with 100 runs
scored, 21 double, 7 triples, 8 home runs and 53 RBI’s.
He also led the Texas League in steals, and was the first
Frisco player in history to score 100 runs.
During his youth, Craig played basketball at the
Goldtrap-Gardner Boys & Girls Club. From 2000-2002,
he played American Legion baseball for Kerwins. Former
Kerwin coach Chuck Holcombe remembers Gentry as
one of the most talented athletes to play in Fort Smith.
“He’s the fastest ballplayer I’ve ever seen” said former
teammate and FSBGC staff member J.P. Sonnier. “The
guy can fly” he added.
Gentry graduated from Fort Smith Christian High
(now Union Christian Academy), where he was a track
and basketball standout. After playing two years of Junior
College baseball at UA Fort Smith, Gentry finished out
his college career with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was
a 10th round pick of the Texas Rangers in the 2006 MLB
draft.
Other former Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club members
who have played major league baseball in recent years
include Ryan Franklin (St. Louis Cardinals) and Kevin
Lomon (Atlanta Braves).
Former Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club members who are
currently Professional athletes:
NAME
SPORT
TEAM
Henry Burris
Football (CFL)
Calgary Stampeders
Derek Fine
Football (NFL)
Buffalo Bills
Ryan Franklin
Baseball (MLB) St. Louis Cardinals
Craig Gentry
Baseball (MLB) Texas Rangers
Brett Goode
Football (NFL)
Green Bay Packers
Allen McFerren Golf (PGA)
Midwest Q School
Fred Perry
Football (CFL)
Winnepeg Bombers
Former Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club members who are
currently participating in College athletics:
NAME
SPORT
COLLEGE
Ethan Adamson
Golf
UA Fort Smith
Shanita Arnold
Basketball
Univ. of Arizona
Ryan Barnes
Basketball Central Baptist
Thomas Biocic
Baseball
Carl Albert St (OK)
Chad Burnett
Track Arkansas
Kodi Burns
Football
Auburn
Nick Crawford
Tennis
Jackson State
Tyler Davis
Baseball
UA Fort Smith
Nate Durham
Track
Arkansas
Josh Garcia
Baseball
UA Fort Smith
Blake Gentry
Baseball
Southeastern OK
Ian Gilley
Baseball
Texarkana JC
Brad Gilliam
Baseball
Williams Baptist
Sammy Hassen
Baseball
Arkansas Tech
Cody Hatman
Baseball
Arkansas Tech
Matt Henry
Baseball
McNeese St.
Ashley Hobbs
Basketball
Southeastern (OK)
John Koch
Baseball
Arkansas State
Marion Kursh
Basketball
UA Little Rock
Daniel McKinney
Baseball
Southeastern (OK)
Josh Miller
Baseball
Carl Albert St. (OK)
Blake Mitchem
Basketball
Univ. of the Ozarks
Matt O’Neal
Baseball
St. Louis University
Dalton Person
Football
Univ. of Chicago
Hunter Phelan
Football
Southeastern (OK)
Kyle Pippen
Baseball
Williams Baptist
Daniel Ramsey
Baseball
Crowder JC (MO)
Slick Shelley
Football
Tulsa
A.J. Smith
Football
Arkansas Tech
Timothy Starson
Football
Arkansas State
Robbie Stocking
Football Southeastern (OK)
Dawson Urrutia
Track
Missouri Southern
Michael Vann
Basketball
UA Fort Smith
Tyler Wilson
Football
Arkansas
Cameron Young
Baseball
UA Fort Smith
Page 12
www.fsbgc.org
Fun Page
PERPLEXING PUZZLES
A. What number is one-half of one-third of one-tenth
of 6,000?
B. You have a fox, a chicken, and a sack of grain. You
must cross a river with only one of them at a time. If
you leave the fox with the chicken he will eat it; if you
leave the chicken with the grain he will eat it. How
can you get all three across safely?
C. Beulah died in the Appalachians while Craig died at
sea. Everyone was much happier with Craig’s death.
Why?
D. What number best completes the sentence?
100 ____? 101 98 102 99 103
E. What seven letter word has hundreds of letters in it?
F. My daughter has many sisters. She has as many
sisters as she has brothers. Each of her brothers has
twice as many sisters as brothers. How many sons and
daughters do I have?
A N S WE R S :
Fall 2009
B RAIN?????GAME
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
1. in 1860, the first Boys Club was established where?
a) Hartford
b) Boston
c) New York City
d) Philadelphia
2. How far does human blood travel in one day?
a) 12,000 miles
b) 1,200 miles
c) 120 miles
d) 12 miles
3. What U. S. President purchased Alaska?
a) Andrew Johnson
b) Andrew Jackson
c) Woodrow Wilson
d) Grover Cleveland
4. What is the largest city (by population) in the world?
a) Tokyo
b) Mexico City
c) Shanghai
d) New York City
5. What team did Vince Lombardi coach during his last season in
the NFL?
a) San Diego Chargers
b) Dallas Cowboys
c) Washington Redskins
d) Green bay Packers
6. What is the chemical symbol for Gold?
a) Ag
b) Go
c) Gd
d) An
7. Where was Coca-cola first bottled?
a) Mississippi
b) Arkansas
c) Alabama
d) Georgia
8. What does the Italian musical term “adagio” mean?
a) slow
b) strong
c) adoring
d) comic opera
9. Which actor has received the most Academy Award
nominations?
a) Lawrence Olivier
b) Dustin Hoffman
c) Jack Nicholson
d) Denzel Washington
10. Which Arkansas Governor once served as majority leader in
the U. S. Senate?
a) Joe T. Robinson
b) Dale bumpers
c) David Pryor
d) William Fulbright
A. 100 B. Take the chicken first, then the grain. Bring the chicken back
and leave it on the first side as your bring over the fox. Leave the fox
on the side with grain. Finally, go back and get the chicken. C. Beulah
& Craig were Hurricanes. D. 97 E. Mailbox F. 4 Daughter & 3 Sons
1. a 2. a 3. a 4. a 5. a 6. d 7. a 9. c 10. a
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