Girls night on the gridiron

Fincher beats the heat

The Kendrick Fincher Hydration Foundation kicked off Heat Stroke Awareness month a day early with the annual Beat the Heat luncheon on July 31 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers. The luncheon was held in conjunction with the Mercy Coaching Summit. Coaches from Rogers, Rogers Heritage, Pea Ridge and Decatur attended the day-long summit that covered topics such as heat illness prevention, recognition and treatment; sports-related concussions; sports nutrition; and player development.

Hydration Hero Awards were presented to Jesse Harrington, athletic trainer for Rogers Schools; Mark Haynes, Rogers Heritage Schools; Lafe Caton, defensive coordinator, Pea Ridge High School Football; and Shane Holland, Decatur head football coach. The awards were given in recognition of the honorees' "outstanding effort in hydration education."

At a Glance

Beat the Heat luncheon

Who: Kendrick Fincher Hydration Foundation

What: The annual luncheon kicks off Heat Stroke Awareness Month, August.

When: July 31

Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers

Next: A Cool Summer Homecoming, Aug. 23

Information: (479) 986-9960 or kendrickfincher.org

Football 101

Who: Susan G. Komen Ozark affiliate

What: Coaches gave Komen Ozark supporters an inside look at Razorback football.

When: July 31

Where: University of Arkansas Fred W. Smith Football Center and Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville

Next: Pink Ribbon Luncheon, Sept. 25

Information: (479) 750-7465 or komenozark.org

Those beating the heat with the Fincher Foundation included Meredith Wiktorowski, Amy Callahan, Polly Flinn, Janie Darr, Brandon Cox, Bill Oldham, Dean Weber, Sean Rochelle, Brendon McDermott, Mike Aiklen, Jen Bedwell and Ryan Malashock.

Some 250 Susan G. Komen Ozark affiliate supporters are a little more prepared for fall thanks to Football 101 on July 31 at the University of Arkansas Fred W. Smith Football Center and Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

Jen and Razorback football head coach Bret Bielema welcomed the group telling us that Komen is especially important to him as his mother is a 25-year breast cancer survivor.

Several other members of the football coaching staff, their wives and a few Razorback team members also played host to the group for the inaugural girls' night fundraiser that included tours of the new football center and ended on the Frank Broyles Field of Razorback Stadium.

Coaches explained some basic terms, plays and calls (we were all sworn to secrecy, of course.) Ladies also had the opportunity to try out equipment in the weight room as well as practicing stances, grips and drills.

Along with the Bielemas, our hosts included UA Athletic Director Jeff Long, E.K. Franks, Ebbie and Joel Thomas, Jamie and Sam Pittman, Barry Lunney Jr., Clay Jennings, Jim Chaney and Rory Segrest.

Those preparing for Razorback football with Komen included Gaye Cypert, Margaret Whillock, Valerie Wright, Tara Ingling, Jennifer Garner, Patti Kimbrough, Leigh Ann Walker, Cindy Lester, Laura Underwood, Jeanne Groff, Mary Stockland, Boyce Billingsley, Kelly Jones, Gail DeLancey, Hazel Thomas and Cindy Bucknam.

Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].

NAN Profiles on 08/10/2014

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