Due to the weather on Monday night, Cedar Creek’s baseball schedule this week has seen some changes.
The Cougars will host West Ouachita tonight and then will travel to face Ouachita Christian on Wednesday.
Head coach Chad Yates team is coming off a 5-1 win over Glenbrook last Thursday in a game that saw the Cougars even their record at 10-10.
Connor Yates registered two hits and one RBI while ??? Floyd added two RBI. Ladd Thompson, Trent Franklin and Gavin Hall each recorded one hit for Creek.
Freshman Kade Luker tossed the complete-game, allowing just one run on four hits and three walks while striking out nine over 7.0 innings of work.
Luker allowed a first inning run and then pitched six scoreless frames the rest of the way.
Marlion Jackson (right) goes up for a catch during Monday mornings first spring practice.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The Louisiana Tech Football team had its first official spring practice this morning inside Joe Aillet Stadium.
The Bulldogs will complete 15 practices during the spring period, which will be capped by the annual spring game on April 27.
Improved confidence, personnel, and depth at various positions, combined with increased repetitions throughout the inaugural practice period, made the first day of spring ball successful in the eyes of the Bulldogs’ coaching staff.
“There is a lot more confidence about our football team. If you look out on the field, you will see that we are noticeably different personnel-wise than we were a year ago regarding the depth of our linebackers, defensive line, and safeties. Defensively, we flew around and did a great job on day one. I was proud of how everyone came out. We got a ton of reps. By splitting up into two pods, we were able to get a lot of reps. For our first day, we had a really good foundation, and now we have to increase the production as we go through the spring,” head coach Sonny Cumbie said.
Quarterback Jack Turner thought the players stepped onto the field prepared with high energy in practice No. 1.
“The energy was really good, and the guys were excited to be here,” Turner said. “The guys were very prepared. We had some mistakes here and there but the whole team was excited to play and took care of their assignments. I think it went very well. It is all about improving each day and building throughout the spring.”
The wide receiver room is a storyline heading into the 2024 season for the Louisiana Tech offense. The Bulldogs graduated one of the greatest wide receivers in program history, Smoke Harris, and had others exit, but Cumbie and Turner think that there are a lot of talented guys who can step into roles throughout the spring and fall.
“There are definitely some viable candidates that we have in the receiver room with us right now,” Cumbie said. “I am looking forward to having a spring with Marlion Jackson. If you have seen him, physically, he has put on weight. He is explosive and attacks the football. I think Solo Lewis has progressed a lot since we have been here, so to see his development and growth. Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim, who comes to us from Bowling Green, was a productive player at Alabama A&M. He is very explosive off the ball. Dakota Williams is another guy I am excited to see out here for a whole spring. I am excited for those guys, and I have no doubt we will be just as productive or more productive in that position than last year.”
“I have a lot of confidence in our receivers,” said Turner. “What we lost has been talked about a lot, but we have a lot of really talented guys in that room who are going to step up both on and off the field.”
The big story in the 2023-2024 offseason for LA Tech was the hiring of defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson. An innovative and experienced defensive mind, Johnson arrived in Ruston from Northern Iowa, where he spent the 2023 season as defensive coordinator following a one-year stint at Kent State, where he served in the same capacity in 2022. Before Kent State, Johnson spent 15 seasons at Northern Iowa, including nine as defensive coordinator.
“Coach Jeremiah Johnson and his staff have done an excellent job of using their time and getting to know players,” Cumbie added. “There is still going to be installs, and this is probably the third or fourth time that they have gone through the installs, but this is the first time that they have done it on the field with an offense going against them. It will take just a bit, but I saw some really good things early on in team periods in terms of our front and linebackers. I am excited about things they did on the field for the first day and the time, effort, and energy they have taken to teach and build relationships with our players on that side of the ball.”
Defensive lineman Jayden Gray believes that the Bulldogs’ addition of Johnson and preparation with the installation of the new defense allowed the players to fly around and run through practice more efficiently.
“The first day went well,” Gray said. “I love the defense that he brought because we are allowed to play more aggressively and faster. Everybody in the room was excited for the first day. We have installed nearly everything that we are going to, so we are running things early. Getting the basis down on the calls that we have now allows everyone to fly and run through everything efficiently, which made the first day good.”
A player to watch on the defensive side of the football is linebacker Kolbe Fields. After having to sit out in 2023 due to transferring from LSU, Fields is looking to make an impact in 2024. He believes his time on the sideline last year has rejuvenated his drive and built a bigger appreciation for the game.
“Sitting out last year kind of opened me up and made me more fortunate for football,” Fields said. “Now I look at it way differently. I wake up every day trying to attack the day and compete to improve. Last year, being on the sideline and watching, I learned a lot by watching other guys make mistakes and make plays.”
With day one in the books, LA Tech will continue spring practice for the next three weeks as they prepare for the 2024 fall season.
Louisiana Tech’s Isaiah Crawford was named one of 25 finalists for 2023-24 Lefty Driesell Defensive Player of the Year, an award presented annually to the top defensive player in Division I college basketball.
Crawford was also recently named a finalist for the Lou Henson National Player of the Year Award. It adds to his long list of postseason honors which include CUSA Player of the Year, CUSA Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-CUSA, NABC First Team All-District, and CUSA All-Defensive Team.
The Fort Worth, Texas native helped the Bulldogs have the No. 1 defense in the league and one of the top defenses in the country, ranking sixth in field goal percentage defense (39.1) and 16th in scoring defense (64.5).
LA Tech held 20 opponents to under 40 percent shooting, tied for the third most in the nation, while also holding eight of its 16 conference foes to under 60 points.
Crawford registered five double-doubles on the season while averaging a career-best 6.2 rebounds per game, which ranked seventh in CUSA. He also ranked top three in the league and top 60 in the country in both steals per game (2.13) and blocks per game (1.72).
He tallied 68 total steals, which ranked 29th most in the country and fourth most in program history, while also amassing 55 blocks. As a result, he became only the second Division I player in the last five seasons and just the third player in CUSA history to register 60+ steals and 50+ blocks in a single season.
The forward recorded at least one steal in 29 of the 32 games including 11 contests with at least three steals, highlighted by his six steals at Liberty, and tallied multiple blocks in 17 games including a career-high seven in an overtime win versus Liberty at home. He had multiple steals and blocks in 10 games, tied for the most in the country.
Crawford becomes the third Bulldog in program history (Speedy Smith, 2014 and Magnum Rolle, 2010) to be named a finalist for the Lefty Driesell Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Lefty Driesell award is named in honor of the legendary coach who spent over four decades as a head coach. Driesell won 786 games in 41 years at Davidson, Maryland, James Madison, and Georgia State.
The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of CollegeInsider.com.
2024 Lefty Driesell Defensive Player of the Year Award Finalists Justin Abson, Appalachian State Adrian “Ace Baldwin Jr., Penn State Reece Beekman, Virginia Adem Bona, UCLA Boo Buie, Northwestern Johni Broome, Auburn Devin Carter, Providence Isaiah Cozart, Eastern Kentucky Isaiah Crawford, Louisiana Tech Ryan Dunn, Virginia Zach Edey, Purdue KiAndre Gaddy, Tarleton State Andersson Garcia, Texas A&M Dajuan Harris Jr., Kansas DaRon Holmes II, Dayton Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton Malevy Leons, Bradley Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State Bez Mbeng, Yale Clifford Omoruyi, Rutgers Jamal Shead, Houston Charles Thompson, Towson Kellen Tynes Jr., Maine Amari Williams, Drexel Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
Louisiana Tech’s Cole McConnell and Claire Raley were both named the Conference USA Hitters of the Week Monday following their performances in their respective teams games this past week.
In the Bulldogs five games last week, McConnell recorded seven hits, four home runs, six runs scored, and seven RBI in leading Tech to a 4-1 record, including a three-game sweep over Jacksonville State in CUSA play. McConnell hit all four home runs vs. the Gamecocks, including three in Saturday’s 9-4 win.
McConnell will lead Tech into today’s contest vs. ULM. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park and the game can be heard on 97.7 FM and seen on ESPN+.
Raley earned the same award on the softball side, leading Tech to a 3-1 mark on the week, including its first win over UL-Lafayette since 1998 and a series win over WKU.
The junior batted .615 with eight hits, one double, five runs scored, one walk and a stolen base. In Sunday’s series-clinching win over WKU, Raley went 3-4 with a double and two runs scored, marking her second-consecutive three-hit game. Raley had a 1-3 night and scored the game-winning run during the Bulldogs’ 5-3 win over UL-Lafayette.
Raley will lead Tech into tonight’s home game against Grambling State. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.
Lois Hudson Foxworth, 91, went home to be with our Lord on March 22, 2024. Visitation will be March 29, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, Louisiana. A Funeral Service honoring her life will follow at 1:00 P.M. with Dr. Chris Craig officiating the service assisted by Rev. Clayton Owens. Interment will follow in Providence Baptist Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, Louisiana.
Lois was born on November 17, 1932, in Spring Ridge, Louisiana to Harmon (Chick) Hudson and Julia Davidson. She graduated from Greenwood High School and attended East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Texas. Lois worked as an Assistant Librarian in Roswell, New Mexico and later retired from Lewis & Company in Ruston, Louisiana after many years of service. Lois also volunteered at several community organizations such as CCA and as an Auxiliary Pink Lady for many years.
In 1950, she married Charles Foxworth and they had 2 children. Charles was a young preacher and college student when they married, and the Lord led them to several churches in Texas and Louisiana. Lois was the perfect Proverbs 31 wife and mother: “strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come…her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband also, he praiseth her.”
Lois, though humble in spirit and never wanting to be the center of attention, was a woman of many talents. She will be remembered for her excellent cooking, her sweet and kind spirit, and her generosity. Her family will miss her sense of humor, exceptional wisdom, and her unconditional love.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Dr. Charles Foxworth; son, David (Foxy) Foxworth; her parents; and her sister, Aleiace Tabor. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Foxworth; granddaughter, Teri Ray Freeman (Jason); grandson, David Todd Ray; great-grandchildren, Tyler Freeman, Zachary Ray, Tucker Ray, Braden Ray, Brooklyn Ray, and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Karen Cockerham, Sylvia Palmo, Gracie Thornton, Billy Jerro, and Twight Shelton for their compassionate and devoted care these past several years.
There are not enough words to adequately convey what Lois’ life exemplified. She loved Jesus, her family, and friends. She was a lady of impeccable character and integrity. Because Lois was a Christian and knew that God is in charge of all things, she always reminded us that “everything will be alright.”
Shirley Ann Thrift Pesnell July 2, 1944 – March 22, 2024 Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 2:00 pm Cemetery: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Cornelius Ragan “Dickie” Thompson, Jr. May 5, 1929 – March 20, 2024 Visitation: First Baptist Church, Ruston, Thursday, March 28, 2024, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Service: First Baptist Church, Ruston, Thursday, March 28, 2024, 2:00 pm
Joseph Daniel “Dan” Hollingsworth, Jr. May 14, 1934 – March 18, 2024 Visitation: Trinity Methodist Church, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 9:00 am – 11:00 am Service: Trinity Methodist Church, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 11:00 am
Eliud Pabon Sunday 07/05/1959 — Saturday 03/16/2024 Visitation: Saturday 03/30/2024 10:00am to 11:00am, Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mount Harmony Church Rd, Ruston Celebration of Life: Saturday 03/30/2024 11:00am, Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mount Harmony Church Rd, Ruston
Billy Gene Joiner December 1, 1932 – March 21, 2024 Services incomplete at this time
As of 10 a.m. Monday morning, Ruston High baseball coach Zack Smith resigned his position after two-and-a-half seasons as head coach to step away from baseball.
“I appreciate the opportunity,” Smith said shortly afterward. “God is my guide.”
Ruston High principal Dan Gressett shared his appreciation for Smith in a prepared statement and said that Smith will remain at the school in a teaching capacity.
“Zack informed us this morning that he was going to step away from baseball at this time,” Gressett said. “We appreciate everything Coach Smith has done for RHS baseball and for RHS in general. Zack is a good person, a dependable employee, and a great teacher. He plans to continue teaching in our special education department. We wish him nothing but the best in whatever he decides to do. We’re very appreciative of him.”
No formal plan for the interim coach position was finalized by the time this story was published.
Smith came on officially in May of 2021 after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant for the Bearcats. Ruston is currently 5-16 this season.
Update: Longtime assistant coach Chris Willis has been named interim coach. The search for Smith’s replacement will begin after the season.
The man killed when he was struck by a train in downtown Ruston early Friday evening has been identified by authorities.
Authorities identified the man as M. R. “Trey” Roberson, III, 54, of Highway 822, Dubach. Ruston Police said the death appears to be a suicide.
A witness who asked not to be identified told the Lincoln Parish Journal the man appeared to be waiting on the tracks for the train.
About 5:36 p.m. Friday, Ruston Police and Fire units responded to the scene beside the Canadian Pacific – Kansas City Railway about midway between Trenton and Monroe Streets.
The man’s body was found a few yards away not far off the rails.
Traffic was snarled for over an hour with the Monroe and Homer Streets and U. S. 167 railroad crossings blocked by the stopped train while police investigated.
Once the of string of mostly flatcars loaded with shipping containers stopped at the Homer Street crossing, the westbound train stretched all the way back to the Farmerville Street overpass.
Kathy Gardner, HFHNL, Jay Guillot, HGA, Nancy Hunt, HFHNL Board Member, Trotter Hunt, HGA, Cabrino Wagner, new homeowner, Trot Hunt, HGA, Brenda Johnson, HFHNL Board Member, Ben Malone, HFHNL Board Member
Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana was honored by receiving $20,000 from the Hunt, Guillot and Associates Charitable Foundation headquartered in Ruston.
HGA is a real champion of what Habitat for Humanity does in our community and this donation was made to further the funding of Ruston’s newest Habitat for Humanity neighborhood.
“HGA-thru the HGA Charitable Foundation is proud to support Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana and the great work they are doing in the Ruston community,” said Trotter Hunt of HGA and spokesman for the HGA Charitable Foundation. “The new neighborhood will be an amazing feature and a blessing to the families who will live there for years to come.”
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in Southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., and in more than 70 countries.
“We are very fortunate and extremely thankful to have received this gracious gift from the HGA Charitable Foundation,” said Kathy Gardner, President/CEO. “I cannot thank, Trot Hunt, Jay Guillot and Trotter Hunt and the HGA Charitable Foundation enough for this donation to us that will be used to build a home for a beautiful family and in turn will help to improve the Ruston community as a whole.
“Since I first met Trotter Hunt and his wife Nancy, the Hunt family and HGA has become a valuable resource, partner and friend of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana. Because of this donation we will be able to continue our amazing work that we are doing here in Ruston with our new neighborhood. What an impact this will make for a family in need, and not just for them, but also for the generations that follow.”
Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit hfhnl.org.
Mallory Hall and her daughter with the Wooten family in front of the van the day they received it. (Courtesy photo)
By Hannah Singh
The heart of the Ruston community shined bright last week when Grace Community Church’s youth group received a much-needed gift from a local family. After a Cedar Creek teacher shared on Facebook that the youth ministry was looking for a van to buy, the Wooten family purchased one to give to the group free of charge.
When Mallory and Chad Hall started a youth group at their church, they had only a few kids attending. As of today, they have accumulated over 30 members attending regularly. With many of the teens being new churchgoers, the Halls began picking up and dropping off several in the group for church, bible studies and group activities.
Although the couple was pleased to have a growing ministry, they realized they would soon need to find a larger vehicle for transportation. Mallory even obtained her chauffeur’s license in faith that she would find something for the kids.
Mallory, working at Cedar Creek, mentioned this predicament to her fellow teacher Karen Taylor. Seeing the good that the Halls were doing for their community, Taylor took to Facebook to ask if anyone knew of a van for sale. She was eager to help based on their friendship and how she valued Mallory’s dedication to the kids.
“She was bringing kids to fellowship that couldn’t be there if she didn’t,” Taylor said. “It started with maybe four, but then it grew closer to 30.”
It wasn’t long before Ruston resident Christy Wooten saw the Facebook post in search of the van. She and her husband had found that they were in a position to give more than usual and wanted to find someone in need. Wooten explained that she found herself in prayer often, asking God to guide her decisions. When searching through social media she found the post.
“I knew this was God speaking to me,” Wooten said. “My husband and I searched for a van and found one approximately two miles from our house.”
Wooten messaged Mallory to relay the information about the van and asked if she preferred it over a bus. After some time, Mallory reached out to ask again about the availability of the van, to which Wooten simply replied, “God is Good.”
At the start of February, Christy arrived at Cedar Creek driving the van she and her husband bought for the youth group. In complete shock, Mallory was overwhelmed and grateful for the wonderful surprise. All three women involved in getting the vehicle wanted to honor God’s grace in the process.
“It’s overwhelming the power of God,” Mallory said. “My number one thing is that He gets all the glory and the honor for everything that happened.”
Similarly, Christy revealed a sentiment of how the Lord guided her all the way.
“Though we are honored to be a small part of His goodness, we do not want this to be about us,” Wooten said. “God is good. He is a provider. He is the bread of life. He is the lover of our souls, and He is worthy of all the Glory and praise.”
According to the National Weather Service, confidence is increasing regarding the chances for severe weather during the day Monday and ending Monday evening.
Damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and locally heavy rainfall will be possible.
The greatest risk should be over the ArkLaMiss Monday afternoon and evening.
Stay tuned to your local weather app for updates throughout today.
Lincoln Parish recently changed its parish-wide emergency alert system to LincAlerts. Residents can sign up for it and will be able to send important messages through text, calls or e-mail to those that opt into the system.
Residents will need to click this link in order to enroll in the messaging system. After confirming a phone number and e-mail address, residents will be able to select the types of alerts they wish to receive and unselect any type of message or any format that they wish to not be alerted by.
He was a gentle giant, a Louisiana Tech all-American who was as kind off the football field as he was ferocious on it, a servant leader who continually invested deeply in the University and in relationships he first formed on campus nearly 80 years ago.
A Bulldog’s bulldog, Leo Sanford modeled what it means to be a competitor, a friend, and a servant at the highest levels.
“Leo was a friend to all blessed to know him and a beloved member of the Louisiana Tech family,” Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson said. “As a legendary part of the storied Bulldog teams of the ’40s, he left an indelible mark on our University. It was the life he lived in the decades following that embodied the tenets we hold so dear, particularly loyalty. We mourn his loss but are forever grateful for his lifelong commitment to Tech and his example so worthy of emulation for all Bulldogs.”
Sanford and Henderson’s father Clem became in post-war 1947 charter members of the Louisiana Tech National Association for the Advancement of Grandstand Quarterbacks (NAAGQ), a group of men who played football at LA Tech during the 1940s and their spouses who maintained lifetime friendships.
A two-time all-conference pick at both center and linebacker for Tech, an all-America selection in 1950, and a linebacker on the mythical all-Louisiana First 100 Years of Football team, Sanford stopped playing football after an 8-year NFL career but never stopped suiting up as a servant for Tech. In 2018, he established an endowed scholarship, the largest in Tech Athletics history, to be awarded annually to a deserving student-athlete.
“Leo has had an impact on so many people over the years,” said Dr. Les Guice, recently retired president of the University and was close friends with Leo and his wife of 68 years, Myrna, who passed away in the spring of 2018. “He loved Louisiana Tech and has been a great supporter and ambassador for our institution. He played a big role in elevating our reputation nationally.”
A member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Ark-La-Tex Museum of Champions and the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame, Sanford was a star at both Shreveport’s Fair Park High School and Tech before becoming a Pro Bowl player in the NFL with the Chicago Cardinals and winning the 1958 NFL championship alongside Johnny Unitas for the Baltimore Colts.
“What an honor that I got to know Leo, who lived out everything we hope for our Bulldog student-athletes,” said Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie, who was in attendance when Sanford was honored by the local chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) last spring at its annual banquet in Shreveport. “He was a menace on the field but competed every play with sportsmanship. An ideal teammate, always a gentleman, a servant on the field and off. What a legacy he has left for us to follow.”
“Leo was what a legend should be, in every aspect of the word,” said Doug Ireland, chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which Sanford entered in 1990. “One of Louisiana’s greatest football players; as fine a person as you can ever hope to know; a devoted, loving family man, and an intensely loyal alumnus of Fair Park High School, Louisiana Tech University, and a proud and engaged inductee in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He truly was beloved by all who knew him, and his influence on countless lives has been profound and inspiring. Knowing Leo Sanford made you a better, happier human.
“Nobody was any more charming or engaging, encouraging, or more willing to gently offer advice and wisdom if asked,” Ireland said. “Leo was a man of faith and principle, a doer and not a talker, a loyal friend and supporter to so many causes and organizations.”
In 1983, Sanford received the Distinguished America Award from the NFF and Hall of Fame at the Independence Bowl.
“Mr. Sanford represents all that was and is good about the game of football and how it transcends into a life of making a difference in a community,” Independence Bowl executive director Missy Setters said. “From his time at Fair Park, to LA Tech to the NFL and back into his home community, he had a tremendous impact on so many people throughout his lifetime, including his service to the Independence Bowl. He was of the generation that gave so much to this community.”
“This community, and so many others, are much better because of his love for the game of football and building leaders through football,” said Toni Goodin, secretary of the Shreveport chapter of the NFF that Sanford served as president for more than 40 years. “He helped mold me and so many others into the leaders we are. I could go on about Leo forever.”
“He always made me feel like I was ‘somebody’ because I was a Bulldog,” said fellow Tech Athletics Hall of Famer Mike McConathy. “If he did it for me, I know he’s had the same impact on countless others. ‘Loyalty’ and ‘True Blue’ best describe him to me.”
“Leo was an encourager,” said Terry Slack, multi-time Tech football letterman in the 1970s and the Louisiana director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, one of Sanford’s longtime loves. “When I would see him, he would always say encouraging words to me about God’s work in ministry. Mr. Leo would always speak about things going on at Tech, and I cannot remember any negative words at any point.
“Mr. Leo had a way to communicate that was special,” Slack said. “If he was speaking to me, all his attention was on me. I’m sure he was that with everyone. And he always had something to say that was important for me to listen too. Mr. Leo will be missed by all of us. He left a ‘footprint’ wherever he went.”
The City of Ruston announces, weather permitting, that the intersection of E. Mississippi Ave. and Neal St. will be closed to through traffic starting today (Monday) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This closure is necessary to allow for utility repairs. The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists.
We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703
On Thursday, March 21, 2024, shortly after 10:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on LA-15 at Holmesville Road. The crash claimed the life of 17-year-old Van Hrin Cung of Dallas, TX.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2021 Dodge Durango, driven by Cung, was traveling south on LA-15 at a high rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, the Durango exited the roadway and struck a tree.
Cung, who was properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Staying safe on the road can be a major challenge for teen drivers due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. It is important to remember that driving is a serious responsibility that can have permanent consequences. By wearing your seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and obeying speed limits, you can lessen your risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.
In 2024, Troop F has investigated seven fatal crashes, resulting in seven deaths.
A crash in West Monroe Saturday resulted in one death and injuries to two children.
West Monroe Police said Eduardo Rodriguez, 44, was driving south on Well Road when he crossed into the northbound lane and struck another vehicle head-on. The reason Rodriguez crossed into the opposing lane is still under investigation by WMPD.
Police said Rodriguez was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two children in the vehicle hit by Rodriguez were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.
Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers involved. WMPD said no impairment is suspected of the northbound driver, but Rodriguez’s condition is pending sample analysis.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Monday, March 25 Spring Break for Lincoln Parish Schools 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
Tuesday, March 26 Spring Break for Lincoln Parish Schools 10 a.m.: Storytime at Lincoln Parish Library 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Easter ‘Egg’stravaganza (Ruston Sports Complex) 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball
Wednesday, March 27 Spring Break for Lincoln Parish Schools 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, March 28 Spring Break for Lincoln Parish Schools
Friday, March 29 Spring Break for Lincoln Parish Schools
Saturday, March 30 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
Mary Kay Hungate has certainly made her mark on Louisiana Tech over the years.
The Associate Vice President and Deputy Athletics Director does a lot. And then some. And then some more.
A mainstay in the LA Tech Athletics Department, she also serves as Chief Operating Officer, Senior Woman Administrator, head of the compliance department, sport administrator for numerous athletic programs, and overseer of Student-Athlete Success Services.
Before all this, she was an assistant coach for the Lady Techsters Basketball program for five years. During that time, they participated in four Final Fours and won the NCAA National Championship in 1988. Loop
Before that, she was the head coach at Richwood High School in Peoria, Illinois where she compiled one of the top prep coaching records in the country.
Hungate knows a thing or two about Hall of Fames. She is a two-time Hall of Famer herself, having been inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame.
And coming up on March 23, her fourth Richwoods High School girls basketball team will be inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, as voted on by the GPSHOF board.
Going into the Hall of Fame this time is the 1980-81 Richwoods girls basketball team that went 30-2 and took second place at state, falling in the title game to Elk Grove. That team brought back Richwoods’ first girls basketball state trophy.
The other Hall of Fame teams led by Hungate include the 1982-83 squad that went a perfect 24-0 during the regular season and then swept through the state tourney field for eight more wins and the first state basketball championship for a Peoria school.
Then there was the 1983-84 team that set the state record by extending the program’s winning streak to 63 consecutive games before falling in the IHSA Class AA state championship game. That Lady Knights squad finished 31-1 and won their fourth consecutive conference championship.
Another team was the 1984-85 Lady Knights who were ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today. They completed a 32-1 season, finishing third at the state tournament. Hungate was named USA Today National Coach of the Year.
As for Hungate, if you could put wins and losses on being an administrator at LA Tech, it would be similar to the 195-13 record she compiled at Richwoods High School.
Louisiana Tech baseball swept its 3-game Conference USA series against Jacksonville State this weekend while the Bulldog softball team took two out of three in a battle of two of the teams tied atop the league standings.
Baseball
Head coach Lane Burroughs and the Bulldogs (20-6, 3-0) won by scores of 12-8, 9-4 and 5-1 to open Conference USA action with a perfect 3-0 record.
Tech sits alone in first place as the only undefeated team in the league through two weeks of the conference season.
“We didn’t strike out today, which is huge,” said Tech head coach Lane Burroughs following Sunday’s win. “From a pitching standpoint, we didn’t walk a lot of people all weekend. Our guys made pitches in crucial and high-level situations all weekend. Today, most of our damage was done with two outs.”
Cole McConnell had a weekend to remember for the Bulldogs, recording six hits — including four home runs — and driving in eight RBI over the three-game sweep. All four of McConnell’s home runs — he now has 10 on the season — came in Saturday’s doubleheader sweep, including three in Tech’s 9-4 win in game two of the day.
McConnell’s first three at bats in the nightcap resulted in a 2-run home run in the first, a 2-run home run in the third and a solo home run in the fifth as Tech built an early 6-0 lead and then cruised to the win thanks to a solid effort on the mound from Reed Smith, Grant Hubka and Connor Nation.
Game one on Saturday saw Tech explode for 12 runs in the first five innings as the Dogs built a 12-1 lead and then held on for the 12-8 victory. Tech used home runs from McConnell, Ethan Bates and Jorge Corona.
Luke Nichols was solid in the start, picking up the win while Ethan Bates was credited with a save.
Grant Comeaux and Kasten Furr each recorded big RBI hits in Sunday’s win as the Bulldogs once again took an early lead.
Tanner Swistak was solid on the mound in picking up the victory, while Bates and Sam Brodersen tossed 4.0 innings of scoreless relief.
Tech hosts ULM on Tuesday.
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Softball
In the marquee Conference USA match-up of the weekend, the Bulldogs (22-6, 7-2 CUSA) won two out of three against WKU (20-10-1, 6-3 CUSA) at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.
Tech won the opener 5-3 before falling 6-5 in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader. The Bulldogs then won the rubber game 10-4 on Sunday.
With the victories, Tech (22-6, 7-2) is in a two-way tie for first place in the Conference USA standings with Liberty.
In Sunday’s finale, Tech trailed 3-1 before Nicole Hammoude’s 3-run bomb over the left field fence ignited a game-ending 9-1 run by the Bulldogs.
“That was a huge momentum swing and we kept that momentum the rest of the game,” said head coach Josh Taylor. “She got her barrel out and hit the ball a long way. The three-run homer to take the lead was huge for us to allow us to get some confidence and energy which we were able to sustain for the rest of the game.”
Coming into the weekend, WKU’s boasted the second-best team ERA in the league (behind only LA Tech), but the Bulldogs plated 20 earned runs in just 19 innings against four Hilltopper arms.
Tech’s 10 runs on Sunday came on 10 hits.
Allie Floyd picked up a pair of wins in the circle to bring her CUSA leading total up to 11 on the year. Floyd went the distance in the 5-3 win in game one Saturday, limiting the league’s top rated offense to just four hits in 7.0 innings.
She came back on Sunday and picked up the win in relief, allowing just one run over the final 4.0 innings of action. Brook Melnychuk got the start Sunday and worked 3.0 innings, allowing three runs.
In Saturday’s game one win, Tech used a 4-run third inning to take a 4-1 lead. After WKU cut the advantage to 4-3, Kylie Neel added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth with her second home run of the season.
Tech fell 6-5 in the second game of the doubleheader as WKU plated 5 runs in the second inning. Freshman Mattison Buster came on in relief, and worked 5.0 innings allowing just one run and keeping the Bulldogs in the game.
Tech plated three runs in the bottom of the seventh and had the tying run and second and winning run on first when the game-ending double play was recorded.
Claire Raley led Tech with seven hits and four runs scored over the weekend while Alexis Gilio added five hits and five runs scored.
That was the ending of a historic season for the Grambling State Tigers Friday night as they fell to Purdue, the top seed in the Mid-East region of the Division I NCAA National Championship Tournament.
The G-Men stayed within striking range as long as they could — but stopping 7-4, 300-pound Purdue center Zach Edey proved impossible as the Boilermakers advanced to the second round of the NCAA tourney with a win over the G-Men.
But don;t be mistaken. Grambling came to play, keeping things tight early on before an eventual 78-50 loss to Purdue in NCAA Championship tourney action.
The Boilermakers opened the game with a 12-0 run and never looked back.
Purdue center Zach Edney — all 7-4 and 300 pounds of him — proved to be too much of a challenge despite a spirited battle by the Tigers.
Edey dominated the paint to the tune of 30 points and 21 rebounds along with three blocks and a pair of steals.
GSU knew entering the game the G-Men would have to throw everything, including the “kitchen sink;” at Purdue’s big man.
And this time, Goliath still won.
That overshadowed a remarkable performance from GSU’s Tra’Vion Moton, who poured in 23 points while pulling down four rebounds.
Kemtravious Dozier was a force trying to ignite the G-Men as he powered his way to the basket to score 16 points, but there was not catching up to Edey’s monstrous performance,
.Grambling stayed within striking distance in the first half, training 36-27 at intermission.
But the Boilermaker’s giant went into “beast mode in the second half” to play the beast shutting down= the Tigers’ dreams of a Cinderella tourney run.
Moton led the Tigers with 21 points while Dozier added 16.
Funeral services for Shirley Thrift Pesnell, 79, of Choudrant, LA will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA. Officiating the service will be Rev. Craig West. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Choudrant, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.
A visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday, March 25, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Shirley was born July 2, 1944, in Alexandria, LA and died peacefully on March 22, 2024, at her residence in Choudrant, LA. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. She enjoyed spending time with her family, but especially loved being with her grandchildren and was lovingly known as “Memaw”. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Devon and Claudia Thrift.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth “Kenny” Pesnell of Choudrant, LA; children, Stacy Jones, daughter of Ruston, Mike Nolan (Chelle) son of Haughton, LA, Kendon Pesnell (Jennifer) of Ruston, Everett Pesnell of Ruston, Kevin Pesnell of Ruston, LA; 6 grandchildren, Chelsea Everding (Adam) of Ruston, Madeline Langford (Tyler) of Downsville, Chris Anderson of Ruston, Dillon Robertson of Texas, Kyler Pesnell of Ruston, and Daniel Pesnell of Ruston; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Ronnie “ Butch “ Thrift (Cynthia”Sink”) of Monroe, LA; Special Friends, Mike and Glenda Elford, Michael Jones; Furbaby – Champ; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Chris Anderson, Larry Doughtie, Jason Jones, Michael Jones, Everette Pesnell, and Kendon Pesnell. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Pesnell and Dillon Robertson.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Funeral services for Pamela Cripps O’Neal will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston, LA with Willie Cripps and Steve Cripps officiating, music and songs by Tim and DeeAnn Cripps. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Arcadia, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Pamela Denise Cripps, most often known as Pam, was 66 years and one day old; born March 21, 1958 and departed from this life March 22, 2024 in Ruston, LA.
Pam in her youth, was the happy, fun-loving member of the Cripps household. Being the sixth child born into the family, she was spoiled from day one and never got over it! She was loved and adored by all her siblings, who in the last years of her life, cared for her as she battled two major diseases, MS and Charco, while residing at the Alpine Nursing Home in Ruston, LA. One brother, Dennis (also known as “Elvis”), catered to her best of all. One phone call to him would produce fried chicken legs or pizza, and especially Dr. Peppers, or whatever it was she was craving that day. Through all of Pam’s suffering she never complained and was content to accept her situation, no matter how tough it got. She possessed the sweetest spirit and kindest heart. Pam loved her friends at Alpine, calling them her family. She especially loved Bingo, and that always came before hair and nail appointments.
Pam loved her boys and grandchildren with all her heart. She was a single Mom, that most often worked two jobs as a CAN to provide for them, not even realizing the two debilitating diseases beginning to rage in her body early on in her life.
We want to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of North LA Medical Center for all the excellent care of Pam through the years of her many visits there, but more especially the loving care she received in the last two weeks. Also, thanks to her friends and special thanks to Linda, her friend that was her legs as she pushed Pam in her wheelchair, up and down the halls every day.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Rowan and Evelyn Cripps; son Charles “Chucky” Bullock; and sister, Minnie Cripps.
Pam is survived by her two sons, Robert Bullock of San Angelo, TX and Chris Bullock (wife Ashlee) of Swartz, LA; grandson, Turner Bullock (wife Ali) of Swartz, LA; granddaughters: Olivia Bullock of Swartz, LA and Arianna Bullock of San Angelo, TX; one little great-granddaughter, Lilith Bullock of Swartz, LA; brothers: Willie Cripps (Virginia) of Jena, LA, Tim Cripps (DeeAnn) of Calhoun, LA and Dennis Cripps of Simsboro, LA; sisters: Martha Wells (Buddy) of Simsboro, LA, Brenda Olds (David) of Simsboro, LA and Patty Keough (Mike) of Lake Claiborne, Homer, LA. As well as numerous nieces and nephews and a great host of friends.
Pallbearers are Nick Cripps, Eric Cripps, David Cripps, Michael Cripps, Keith Young, and Shane Wells. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jason Young and Turner Bullock.
Visitation will be held 3:30-4:30 PM, Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Phyllis Wiley Oxford, age 91, of Dubach, LA will be held at 2:00PM Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Dubach First Baptist Church with Bro. Barry Joyner and Bro. Eddie Robison officiating. Burial will follow in Unionville Cemetery near Dubach under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Phyllis was born on December 8, 1932, to the union of Tom and Eleanor Wiley in Homer, LA. She married the love of her life, Newton Oxford, on July 4, 1951, and was a devoted wife and mother to four children. She led a life filled with unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication to her family, church, and community. Phyllis began her working career as a pharmacy clerk at Smith Pharmacy in Dubach, LA, moving for a brief stint to Tilley’s Pharmacy before returning to the original store working for Bill Waltz for approximately 35 years. She served many ice cream cones, milkshakes, malts, and fountain drinks from behind that counter. At that time, Phyllis retired to accompany “Honey” with their farming, cows, and horses. She loved reading her Bible, Sunday School lesson, and going to church.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Newton Oxford; daughter, Paula Stephenson; son, Phillip Oxford; parents: Tom and Eleanor Wiley; sisters: Vergie Wheatley and Louise Wiley; brothers: George, Wilburn, and Wade; sister-in-laws, Mary Alice Martin and Melba Whitman.
Mrs. Oxford is survived by two daughters: Patricia and husband Rodney Howard of Dubach, LA and Priscilla and husband Tommy Ford of Ruston, LA; grandchildren: Coty Stephenson and wife Barbara of Nashville, AR, Ryan Howard of Dubach, LA, and Madison Ford of Ruston, LA; great-grand children: Jett and Cassie Stephenson of Nashville, AR; brother, Jim Wiley of Homer, LA; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and the many babies/small children that called her Mammaw, Aunt Phyllis, and Miss Phyllis through the years.
Serving as pallbearers will be Johnny Martin, Jimmy Martin, Kyle Martin, Marty Lewis, Billy Waltz, and Philip Waltz. Honorary pallbearers are Ken Martin, Jimmy Robinson, Randy Whitman, Bill Waltz, Norman Hanna, and Travis Gray.
The family would like to extend a special THANK YOU to Allegiance Home Health, Allegiance Hospice, and Reeves Memorial Medical Center and Clinic.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Dubach First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Dubach First Baptist, Mineral Springs Baptist Building Fund, Unionville Cemetery or any charity of your choice.
