by FRED CONLEY
Palestine-Wheatley Coach Beverly Bass has not made any bones about her wishes to retire from the coaching ranks at the end of this school year to become a school counselor.
As early as the 2000-01 season, she was already letting people know that the 2001-02 season would be her final one -- for two reasons (1) it was her daughter, Nikki's senior year and (2) she was just plain tired.
Bass not only wanted to retire from each of her coaching positions (girls' basketball, track and softball), she also told P-W Superintendent Jimmy Allen she was going to step away from her duties as athletic director.
As the school year heads into it final two month stretch, it is now certain Bass will not return to coach basketball.
Allen, however, still maintains hope that Bass will keep the A.D. job and has asked (possibly begged would be a better choice of words) Bass to remain as head girls' softball coach for at least one more year.
As of Wednesday, Bass wouldn't comment about the possibilities regarding either of Allen's two requests.
Allen says he is almost 100 percent certain who will step in and take over the Lady Patriot basketball program, but stopped short of naming names.
Bass coached the Lady Patriots for nine seasons and won numerous conference, district and regional championships during that time, as well winning the Class AA girls' state title in 2001.
For the last eight of those nine years, Bass has been the A.D.
Palestine-Wheatley graduate Carl Baker, who now plays basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks, has not only represented himself well as a Razorback player and university student, he represented the community and county by be asked and serving on the selection committee for the new Arkansas basketball coach.
The committee completed its task yesterday when Stan Heath was named the Razorback coach, replacing long-time coach Nolan Richardson.
The 2002 Forrest City youth baseball and softball program held its player drafts this week and with the exception of a few minor holes here and there, the program is well on it's way to a May start.
Look for some changes in procedure and policy this season -- particularly in the area of choosing All-Star teams at the end of the year.
Okay, all of the softball coaches pay close attention.
Jonesboro will host its Mr. Trophy Youth Invitational Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament on Saturday, April 6, at Southside Complex.
Team trophies will be given to the first four teams while first and second-place teams will be given individual trophies.
Entry fee is $85 per team and the deadline to sign up is April 3.
If you are interested and need more information, you can call Larry Brantley at (870) 972-6832 or (870) 931-3751.
In case you missed the first announcement, the Forrest City American Legion Baseball program will hold try outs on Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21 at the Sports Complex.
The team has a new head coach this season -- Darrell Gaskin.
Forrest City is scheduled to open the American Legion season on Saturday, May 18, with a home game at the Sports Complex.
* PREP SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
Tuesday, April 2
Forrest City at Blytheville, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 3
Clarendon at Palestine-Wheatley, 4 p.m.
FAST PITCH SOFTBALL
Monday, April 1
Forrest City at Wynne, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 2
Forrest City at West Memphis, 4 p.m.
Palestine-Wheatley at Woodlawn, 4 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF
Monday, April 1
Forrest City at Wynne, 3:30 p.m.