A dozen Stuttgart Ricebirds participated in the 2025 All-Arkansas Showcase at Estes Stadium and the indoor facility at UCA in Conway. The camp featured hands-on instruction from college coaches at all levels. Pictured are Beau Barnes, Keaton Byers, JayMarrion Hoard, Jordan Minor, Ethan Boyd, Cordaro Berry, Cain Price, Trey Phillips, Christian Henson, LaDaidrian Smith, Michael Thomas, and Jeremy Johnson.
A dozen Stuttgart Senior High Ricebirds participated in the 2025 All-Arkansas Showcase held last Sunday at Estes Stadium (and in the indoor practice facility) on the campus of UCA in Conway. It’s a football camp that features high-level, hands-on coaching for athletes in grades 9–12 and in junior college. The athletes are coached on fundamental football skills and position-specific drills, with exposure to college coaches working at the FBS, FCS, DII, and DIII levels. The camp is divided into two separate sessions based on position.
The Ricebirds who honed their skills on the ‘stripes’ were Beau Barnes, Keaton Byers, JayMarrion Hoard, Jordan Minor, Ethan Boyd, Cordaro Berry, Cain Price, Trey Phillips, Christian Henson, LaDaidrian Smith, Michael Thomas, and Jeremy Johnson. Coach Price and Coach Watson accompanied the players and provided transportation to and from Conway. Way to go, guys—Stuttgart was well represented.
Early summer workouts began in earnest this past week for Senior High, Junior High, and 7th Grade, with the Senior Birds attending a team camp at Vilonia on Wednesday. The Birds are putting in the work as the countdown to the 2025 season is underway.
The football Birds aren’t the only ones getting ready for fall, as both the Senior High and Junior High Ricebird Cheerleaders have started summer practice. The SHS Bands also began summer rehearsals last Tuesday. There is certainly some hard work going into the product you’ll see on the field and sidelines this fall. Let’s make sure we show our appreciation by turning out in big numbers!
I was thrilled—but certainly not surprised—to see Mr. Kevin Sherman, Director of the Stuttgart Bands, named Stuttgart School District’s Teacher of the Year. Regular readers know that I often speak about the importance of the Band—not only to the excitement of Ricebird Football on Friday nights, but also to the overall school experience for students and the community.
Stuttgart Band Director Kevin Sherman speaks to the Stuttgart Rotary Club after being named the Stuttgart School District’s Teacher of the Year. Sherman was introduced by Rotarian and retired school counselor, Jane Ferguson. Rotary President William Smith presented Sherman with a $1,000 contribution to music education and the Ricebird Band program.
My memory of the Ricebird Band goes back to the ’60s, when it was known as the Marching 100. While the numbers aren’t quite the same today, the percentage of participation based on school enrollment is every bit as strong, if not stronger. The Band currently has about 150 students in grades 7 through 12, and around 80 students in grades 9 through 12. That’s due in large part to Mr. Sherman. He has led the program in a way that upholds the tradition of SHS Bands dating back decades, showing genuine care and concern for his students.
I’ve observed his band program from several different angles over the past 20 years or so, and it’s very obvious to me that his students are like a big family. They love Mr. Sherman, and that’s because of the love and care he shows them. When you look at the elaborate halftime shows, the numerous award-winning competitions, and appearances in the community, often after school hours and even on weekends, it’s clear that someone is in charge who truly cares about the kids. Congratulations to Mr. Kevin Sherman, Stuttgart School District Teacher of the Year!
The Rich-N-Tone Calls 6th Annual Callapalooza was held last weekend—and whoever ordered the weather deserves a raise! It was a gorgeous weekend for this off-season waterfowl festival that saw a big crowd at Rich-N-Tone, spilling over to Mack’s on the north end and to Chêne on the south end. Callapalooza is a celebration of all things related to duck calling, call making, and collecting. In addition, there was food, drink, baggo, and more. What a great event to keep the town’s duck-calling legacy vibrant during the off-season.
As I cruised up and down Waterfowl Row (Hwy 63 North) on Saturday, I saw license plates from far and wide, which means tourism dollars for our town. Congratulations to John Stephens and his crew at RNT Calls for organizing and promoting this unique event!
Stuttgart was buzzing with activity as Callapalooza drew duck-calling fans from across the region, the Mallard Classic Golf Tournament teed off at the Stuttgart Country Club, and preparations began for the upcoming Rotary BBQ, set for Thursday, June 12.
On the opposite end of town, the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce’s annual Mallard Classic Golf Tournament was also held last week at the Stuttgart Country Club. It, too, benefited from the great weather and had a strong turnout. The highly anticipated Golf Ball Drop, sponsored by our friends at Entergy Arkansas, added to the fun and excitement. Certainly a great day all around—thanks to the Stuttgart Chamber for organizing it, and to their sponsors who made it all happen.
After research, consideration, and approval, SHS is adding girls’ volleyball to its athletic offerings. Tryouts were held last week, and earlier this week, the first SHS and SJHS teams were announced. Watch this column next week for the very first-ever SHS and SJHS Volleyball Team Rosters. Let’s nickname them the “Volleybirds.” Kind of has a nice ring to it, huh?
Next week, I’ll also take a look around town at some views that have recently changed—getting you up to date on exciting construction projects that are either newly completed or still in progress.
Reminder to get your Tracy Byrd tickets—his concert is coming up soon. And I’ll see you all at the Rotary BBQ next Thursday, June 12.
Go Byrd(s)!
The sign outside the Grand Prairie Center promotes country music star Tracy Byrd’s upcoming performance. Fans can catch the live show on June 27.
