Multitalented Adams Earns HOF Nod

FAYETTEVILLE -- Aaron Adams' Nationwide Insurance office is filled with plaques and pennants recognizing various sports-related accomplishments from tournament fishing to fantasy football league championships.

But one prize sits on top of his desk and stands out from the rest -- his state championship ring from Springdale High's 1989 football title.

Springdale High Athletic Hall Of Fame

Induction ceremony: 5:30 p.m. Aug. 9, Springdale High cafeteria

Info: 479-750-1680

Inductee^Graduation Year

Jerry Delozier^1953

Jerry Brewer^1958

Ron Baker^1963

Rick Fine^1979

Afton Scott^1984

Craig McKee^1991

Aaron Adams^1991

Paige Farrell-Rollins^2004

Meagan Pless^2004

Bill Carter^Meritorious Service

"It was a great, great time to be a Springdale Bulldog," Adams said. "You couldn't wait to be a Bulldog. It was different than the other surrounding towns. You knew you were going to be a winner. You couldn't wait."

Soon, the 1992 graduate won't have to wait long to add another accomplishment to the list. He's one of the 10 inductees in this year's Springdale High Athletic Hall of Fame class, which will be recognized in August.

Adams was far more than just an athlete at Springdale. He became the school's first student to earn all-state honors in both arts and sports in the early 1990s.

Adams received all-state recognition for choir after growing up with a singing background, thanks in large part to his father being in a gospel group. He still sings on Sundays at Springdale First Assembly of God.

"Me and my dad and brother still sing a lot," Adams said. "My dad's always wanted to get a family group together."

He was also a National Scholar Athlete and attended the University of Arkansas on a full academic scholarship with high-school-girlfriend-turned-wife Alicia.

Of course, it was his athletic accomplishments that paved the way for his hall of fame induction. Adams was an all-state cornerback for Springdale's football team and an all-conference baseball player.

He had his share of memorable moments, including leading the state with eight interceptions as a senior in 1991. His most important pick came late in a 14-7 win against No. 1 Fort Smith Southside, coached by legendary Barry Lunney and quarterbacked by soon-to-be Razorback Barry Lunney Jr.

"There was about a minute left, and Lunney completed a pass around the 50-yard line," Adams said. "He dropped back for another one, and I just had the inside track, was able to dive in the end zone and intercept the ball. That memory, I'll never forget. My best friend at the time, Todd Royce, he just ran over there and dog piled me."

Other unforgettable moments came when Adams and Springdale opened the 1991 football season in Hawaii and playing in the 1991 state championship game.

Another was in the 1992 state baseball semifinals when he laid down what wound up being a game-winning bunt that scored himself and a runner on first after two throwing errors to lift the Bulldogs to a 2-1 win over Fort Smith Northside and a trip to the state championship game.

"I actually went through coach (David) McGinnis' sign," Adams said. "And he was right. We never actually even talked about it to this day, because it worked out well. I was not a guy who disobeyed coaches. But the adrenaline was flowing and I ran right through it."

He remains deeply involved in sports, coaching the travel baseball teams of his two oldest sons, Blake (13) and Luke (9), while watching his 6-year-old son, Jake, start tee ball. Photos of his family fill his desk in an office full of sports awards. He'll add another in August.

Sports on 07/02/2014

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