Annette Beard
Coach John King just watched a second generation of senior baseball players graduate.
King, who came to Pea Ridge in 1988, coached a team to the state championship in 1989, his second year at Pea Ridge, remembers Brian Wright, one of King's players then.
"I think my first year was his first year," Wright remembered. Wright's son, Cole Wright, will be a junior this next year and plays baseball under King's coaching. The elder Wright was first base, pitcher and third base. The younger Wright was first base and pitcher.
Zach Davis, 18, just graduated from Pea Ridge High School and plans to play outfield at the University of Arkansas. Like Zach, his father, Mark Davis, played baseball under coach King. The elder Davis was center field and pitcher.
Wright, Davis and Joel Easterling all graduated PRHS in 1990. All played baseball under King.
Easterling's son, Garrett, played right field, center field and second base. He plans to attend NorthWest Arkansas Community College and then the University of Arkansas.
"It's been rough, but a good time," the younger Easterling said. "He doesn't make it easy on you."
"It's been tough at times, but in the end, it's very rewarding," Cole Wright said.
King's ability to spur the players to success speaks for itself as the team won 22 games and lost five this year. About three years ago, King hit the 400 win mark.
As his former players teased him, he said he was not planning to coach a third generation.
Community on 06/03/2015