Travis named top coach

He’s already a winner to Blackhawk fans, and now he’s being recognized statewide.

Head football coach Tony Travis is one of three finalists in 4A selected by Hooten’s Arkansas Football staff for the coach of the year for the 2012 Farm Bureau awards.

Demurring, Travis turned the conversation from himself to his team and staff Monday when asked about the honor.

“It’s just like we talk about anything in football,” the big man with an even bigger heart said.

“We talk all the time about football being the ultimate team sport.

And, it is.

“It’s a great feeling and is definitely a reflection on the team, the coaching staff. You never win anything individually.”

Preferring to talk about his players, Travis is quick to note that Dayton Winn was named allstate for a second year; that Blake Roughton was named an all-state player; that nine athletes were named to all-conference; and that Winn was named outstanding back for all conference.

“It’s a team sport. We win together. We lose together,” Travis said. “It’s an honor to be nominated. I’m proud to represent PeaRidge at the banquet.”

The Farm Bureau Awards honor Arkansas’ top offensive player, defensive player and coach of the year for eachclassification. The veteran staff at Hooten’s Arkansas Football select three finalists for each category, and those 45 finalists and their families are invited to attend the Farm Bureau Awards on Dec. 10 in North Little Rock.

A veteran coach, Lafe Caton, has been coaching for 29 years.

He is a member of the coaching staff but didn’t know about Travis being nominated. Travis admitted he didn’t even call superintendent Rick Neal initially but was prompted to by his wife.

“He’s a good man to work for,” Caton said. “He keeps it fun.

“I’ve been here two years and enjoyed the fruits of his labor.

We’ve had some tough times, but we’ve had some good times,” Caton said.

“He keeps it positive and hashelped build pride in being a team,” he said.

“There’s pride in being on the football team,” both men said.

“We want to find ways to keep growing,” Travis said.

“This year was a special year - 10 wins! It was good for the overall program,” Travis said.

Both agreed the new multi-purpose facility helped tremendously by providing a place for training, exercise, practice.

“It played a key role in off-season training,” Travis said.

“He shows the kids it’s a cumulation of a lot of little things - the difference in winning or loosing isn’t huge, it’s a lot of little things that add up,” Caton said. “Tony has done a great job.

“He’s conscientious that every day gets a little bit better.”

Travis said little things like The Ridge T-shirts and wearing Blackhawk attire for practice help build pride in the team and school.

And, this year the team had a power lift meet challenging the athletes in their strength training.

“The new stadium will also be a huge source of pride,” Travis said, “for the school, the team and the community.”

“The seniors took a lot of pridein extending the play in the old stadium two more times with the playoff games,” he said.

Travis has been at Pea Ridge for four years; Caton for two. Both agree that has added a dimension to the team’s winning ways in that returning athletes don’t have to learn formations or plays, but can focus on practice, since they have a continuity with one another after having been together for four years.

“When we finished the season 10/2, I felt like I worked just as hard as they did,” Travis said.

“This was a good senior class.

They were dedicated to a good year. They have a good work ethic and determination. I believe it will rub off on the younger guys.”

Travis also commended trainer Jaimie Mann who helped the athletes with strength and conditioning, providing a season with no loss-time injuries.

Caton said the lack of injuries is a good indication of the off-season program.

“She’s definitely an asset,” Caton said of Mann.

“Team and staff-wide, we’re proud of Pea Ridge,” Travis said, again, crediting the team with any honors received.

News, Pages 1 on 12/05/2012