In my notes blog of Aug. 18, I mentioned that Siloam Springs has appealed the conference[more] assignments proposed by the Arkansas Activities Association for the 2012-2014 cycle in Class 7A/6A. In saying that most schools in those classifications, if given the chance to retain the current assignments, would likely do so, I may have misled. Siloam Springs’ appeal proposes that, in football only, all 7A schools would be assigned to a pair of eight-team conferences and all 6A schools would be assigned to a pair of eight-team conferences.
So, regardless of the vote, Bryant will be in the South conference (with Benton, Sheridan, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, El Dorado, Lake Hamilton and Little Rock J.A. Fair) in all other sports and activities. If Siloam Springs wins the appeal, it would save the Salt Bowl as it now stands with no juggling of the schedules.
It will be an interesting vote and it will be addressed in September of this year. Class 6A took some of the pressure off Siloam Springs, which is set to compete as the only 6A team in the rugged West conference with the likes of Bentonville, Fayetteville, etc. The 6A schools agreed to have all 16 teams advance to the State tournament or playoffs. So, the regular season (and the power rating system) will only be needed for seeding.
In the meantime, nothing is new this school year. It’s just like it was last year.
* * *
One other note: Jason Rose, one of the best linebackers in Bryant Hornets history, has joined the radio broadcasts for Hornets football this fall. He’ll be keeping defensive stats (appropriately enough) and join former Hornet Aaron Shuttleworth at halftime for updates and analysis. Shuttleworth has been keeping the offensive stats for the broadcasts for six years now.
Kirk Stewart returns to provide color commentary and I’ll be back trying to keep up with the action as the play-by-play announcer.
We’re looking forward to it.
— Rob Patrick
