Wilson Named Manager In K.C.
SPRINGDALE — Former Major League catcher and Springdale resident Vance Wilson was named the manager of the Kane County (Ill.) Cougars on Friday. The Cougars are the Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.
Kansas City moved their Midwest League affiliate from Burlington, Iowa, to Illinois after the 2010 season.
Wilson spent eight seasons in the Majors, six with the New York Mets (1999-2004) and two with the Detroit Tigers(2005-2006). He had a career .250 batting average.
Wilson had Tommy John surgery in 2007 and attempted a comeback in the Kansas City farm system, playing in 59 games for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in 2009. He retired before the 2010 season.
“I’m so lucky to do what I’ve done in this game, and to be a part of not only an organization like the Royals, but on top of that, to be working with a first-class organization like the Kane County Cougars,” Wilson said in a press release. “I’m very excited.”
- PAUL NIELSEN
Taylor ‘Probably Done’ For Season
SPRINGDALE - Springdale High junior Rahmon Taylor suffered a right-knee injury Friday night that may have ended his season.
Taylor caught a pass on the right side of the field midway through the first quarter before being tackled in the knees by a Bentonville defender. When Taylor got up, he limped off the field and never returned to the game.
Springdale coach Shane Patrick said Saturday that Taylor was taken to an area hospital Friday night forfurther evaluation. Patrick said Taylor was also scheduled to have an MRI late Saturday afternoon.
This year, Taylor has been Springdale’s go-to running back as he’s totaled 990 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 194 carries.
Taylor’s injury only adds to a growing list of Springdale players who’ve had seasonending injuries this year. Junior receiver Tony Dennis suffered a knee injury in July at a 7-on-7 tournament and senior free safety Skyler Moore injured his knee on Sept. 24 against Springdale Har-Ber.
- NATHAN ALLEN
Sports, Pages 10 on 10/31/2010