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Itawamba AHS running back Ashton Shumpert evades a tackle from Amory defensive lineman Michael Lloyd during the second half. Shumpert scored one of his five touchdowns on the next play. (C. Todd Sherman)
Itawamba AHS 4-star running back Ashton Shumpert visited one of his 10 suitors last Saturday. Shumpert was in Nashville to watch Vanderbilt beat Massachusetts.
“It was pretty fun up there,” Shumpert said. “The city was real nice. I enjoyed it.”
Following his team’s playoff opener against Kosciusko tonight, Shumpert plans to be in attendance tomorrow when Texas A&M visits Mississippi State.
Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze had already made contact with him this week after the Rebels picked up their fifth win of the season at Arkansas.
Shumpert expected to talk with Georgia this week as well. Saturday will mark his second time to see A&M. He watched the Aggies in Oxford earlier this season.
Kuykendall coached for 25 years, carried teams to 15 state tournaments, played in 12 finals and won eight championships.
The district invites the public to the recognition ceremony to be held at halftime of the Belmont’s game against Itawamba AHS.
named Heisman finalists
Three Northeast Mississippi high school student athletes have been named state finalists for the annual Wendy’s High School Heisman award.
Tupelo volleyball player Hannah Farmer, Tupelo Christian Prep cross country runner Evan Talton and Oak Hill Academy track and field athlete John Wesley Williamson, all seniors, where chosen not only for their athletic achievement, but for their work in the classroom and in their communities.
The Heisman state winner will be announced Nov. 5. The national finalists will be selected between Nov. 5-20. Two national winners will be honored Dec. 7 at the Heisman Awards Banquet in New York City.
For more information on the program, go to wendyshighschoolheisman.com
Saturday for Jimbo Byars
Houlka kicks off a day-long benefit Saturday with a 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. for Houlka High School teacher/coach Jimbo Byars, who is undergoing medical treatment.
The registration for the run starts at 7:30 on the town square. The entry fee is $20 with a “Team Jimbo” t-shirt or $10 without the shirt.
Houlka alumni baseball and softball games will be played at 1 p.m.
A barbecue plate/hotdog plate meal will be served from 4-6 p.m. at the Houlka Community Center.