Diamond ’Hawks exude talent

— Baseball Blackhawks fought a good fight in the first round of the State Baseball Tournament in Harrison last week. In fact, the talent and work ethic of Pea Ridge students, under the guidance of veteran Blackhawk baseball coach John E. King, has taken Pea Ridge to more state tournaments than not in the past quarter of a century.

When asked how many times he had taken teams to state tournaments, coach King said it was easier to say when the teams hadn’t gone than when they had.

Pea Ridge Blackhawks under the coaching of King, have been to state many times in the past 25 years, but they never take it forgranted. They did not go to the state tournament in 1992, 1995, 2001, 2002, 2009 or 2011 - only six times in the past 25 years!

There are two conferences per region and three regions in the state for 4A baseball. In the regional tournament, the teams from northwest Arkansas beat all four of their opponents, King said. Pea Ridge was the third seed in the state tournament and faced Pulaski Academy, a powerhouse baseball team.

“Pulaski Academy is a team with a lot of baseball tradition. Their pitcher has already committed to the U of A,” King said. “He wasgood.”

“Our guys competed well against him. We fought well against quality competition,” King said. “We actually had a chance to win, but just didn’t get a hit when we needed it. Our defense played well. They were just a little bit better.”

The Blackhawks were ahead in the third inning 3/2, King said, but gave up three runs and didn’t come back ahead.

“We threatened,” he said, but ultimately, Pulaski Academy won 6/4.

Starting pitcher Ethan Higgins was pulled out and replaced with Ryan Roughton in the third inning because Higgins’ arm was tightening, King said.

“We could tell somethingwasn’t right. It was best for him in the long run for him to come out ... Roughton did a really good job and helped keep the game at bay.”

The Blackhawks also havea great baseball tradition.

“It has a lot to do with the talent you’re given,” King said, “but also to the kids buying into what you’re doing. They have a good work ethic.”

King remembers many students and several young athletes who did not originally see their own talent.

“That’s what’s great about coaching - you teach them and help them develop their potential. We’ve had young men who may not have shone as a freshman, sophomore or junior, but do agreat job their senior year.”

Historically a farming community, King said many of the student athletes learned a good work ethic athome. He says Pea Ridge is growing, too.

“My first year, we had less than 600 students kindergarten through 12th grade. Now, we’re close to that in the high school,” King said.

Three of the four seniors played together all four years of high school and developed great leadership characteristics,” he said.

“They’re never afraid of doing the hard work.

“As usual, I’m counting on the seniors to be good role models, leaders,” King said, adding that he talks to them about making good choices in life as well as in sports.

“I tell them who they hang with is important because they’ll do what theydo.” “Athletics does build character. But it also reveals character,” King concluded.

Sports, Pages 10 on 05/16/2012