Sports

HAILEY BENEDICT, a senior at Coalgate High School, medaled as a top individual out of the 78 golfers at the Tishomingo golf tournament. Hailey has placed in the top 15 at every tournament this season. Pictured with Hailey is golf coach Erika Stanley.

Playing baseball has been a big part of Bentley Bills’ life since he was age three. A fouryear starter for the Tupelo Tigers, Bentley has a 2-4 record as a pitcher – with all four losses being in the state tournament — and last season he threw 41 strikeouts in 29 innings.

Both the Tupelo Tigers and the Tupelo Lady Tigers will be playing in the Class B basketball regional tournament Thursday, February 18, at Varnum. The Lady Tigers will play at 1:00 p.m. in the consolation bracket. The Tigers will play at 8:00 p.m. in the winners’ bracket.

Nearly 1,000 animals were showcased at the Coal County Fair Barn January 24-30. 4-H and FFA members from eight area counties — Atoka, Coal, Hughes, Johnston, Marshall, Pittsburg, Pontotoc and Seminole — exhibited their livestock at the 8 th Annual Southeast Regional Livestock Show.

Felonies Caleb Roy Ward, Coalgate, OK – Assault, battery, or assault and battery with a dangerous weapon AFCF.

THE CHS ACADEMIC TEAM, under the direction of Tracey Hickman, qualified for state for the third consecutive year. The area tournament was held in Coalgate on January 16, 2021. They began the journey to state by competing against three teams at the district level which was held at Silo.

Four Coalgate High School senior athletes and their families were recognized at the 2021 golf and softball Senior Night held January 15. The seniors included Braydon Barnes, Kaeleigh Hobgood, Hailey Benedict and Jaxie Wilson. Braydon Barnes is the son of JW and Amanda Barnes.

SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER — Members of the Coalgate Wildcat football arrive at Mary Wilson Hurley Manor on December 17 with Christmas gifts. These bright and shining Stars of the Day also took food baskets and the joy of Christmas to two local families.

The Coalgate Wildcats didn’t have the season they wanted, but the team overcame a lot of adversity and played strong to the end. The adversity came in the form of injuries and Covid-19 quarantine protocols, among other reasons.

Coalgate High School seniors Jaxi Wilson, left, and Abi Marks were recognized at the 2020 Fastpitch Senior Night held September 29. Jaxi played 1 st baseman on the Lady Wildcat team. She is the daughter of Mark and Laura Benedict. Abi played 2 nd baseman for the Lady Cats.