Photos by Rick Nation
Here’s the announcement made when Tom Farmer received the service award for Bryant at halftime of Friday’s Salt Bowl. Former athletic director Ronnie Kerr was cited with Benton’s Donnie Burks service award:
The recipient of the Rob Patrick Award for Community Support from Bryant is Mr. Tom Farmer.
Bryant’s 2013 Rob Patrick service award recipient is an individual who WAS and IS most influential in creating and developing the highest attended, most decorated Arkansas high school football event annually, the SALT BOWL.
A former football standout at Lake Hamilton HS and later, the University of Arkansas-Monticello, he began his lifetime of educational service at Benton Junior High School as Football Coach and Teacher. In 1990, this recipient was hired as Head Football Coach at Bryant HS where he guided the “Hornets” for four seasons. In 1994, he was elevated within the Bryant District to assume the roles of Athletic Director and Transportation director. “Coach” served in this capacity for 16 years while leading Bryant Athletics through vast, accelerated growth which was facilitated by the hiring of many outstanding Coaches that have helped elevate Bryant to “elite” status among Arkansas Athletic programs.
This “grand event” we are participating in here tonight is part of “great” residue coming from the vision, work ethic and passion for young people as exemplified by Bryant’s 2013 recipient. Please join in recognizing Coach Tom Farmer and his family; wife Cheryl Farmer, son and daughter-in-law Tad and Elizabeth Farmer, son and daughter-in-law Josh and Dr. Sarah Farmer, son Ben Farmer and grand children Ella, Sophie, Seth and Millie Farmer.
