Matthew Howton likes being on the golf course. That is, when he's not in the deer woods.
Howton likes to play golf but he also likes to hunt.
But don't ask the 13-year-old son of Brent and Christie Howton of Palestine to choose between the two -- especially if you happen to ask him on a Saturday morning.
He can't do it and he knows it.
"I don't know if I could choose one over the other," Howton said. "During the week, it is golf, because I usually go hunting on weekends."
Howton's favorite hunting trip is for deer.
He has already shot and killed a seven point buck -- certainly one of life's highlights for any hunter.
Wednesday, Howton hit his first-ever hole-in-one -- yet another highlight for the youngster.
The hole-in-one came on the fifth hole at Forrest City Country Club -- about 150 yards. His club of choosing was a six iron and it worked for him.
"I felt like I hit it perfect when it left the tee," Howton said. "I guess I did. It rolled in."
Howton has been playing golf seriously for five years. He picked up the game of golf when he picked up some clubs that belonged to one of his friends.
"I started hitting and I liked it. It kind of snow balled from there, I guess," he added.
Unlike having to choose between golf and hunting on a Saturday, Howton already has ambitions of being a professional golfer. His plans include playing for the Forrest City Mustang golf team -- maybe as soon as next year.
"I can't wait," Howton said. "I look forward to that challenge and helping win a school title." Howton is being home-schooled this year.
Until then, however, Howton will continue to play golf -- sometimes as much as five days a week. He plays with anyone who is ready to hit the links with him. He especially enjoys playing in the Arkansas State Golf Association tournaments across the state.
He says Jonesboro's Ridge Point Golf Course is the toughest course he has played. "It is long and it is a very tight course," Howton says.
But getting back to Wednesday's hole-in-one, Howton doesn't know if he could choose which felt better -- hitting the hole-in-one or killing the seven-point buck.
"That's a tough question," Howton said. "Probably both were the best.
Did we mention, he also likes to fish? That's another question which will probably only make future Saturday choices tougher.
By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
When Seminole State College women's basketball coach Rita Story-Schell made it known she was looking for a "quick point guard" a friend pointed her toward Forrest City.
Story-Schell made that trip this past Tuesday and got exactly what she was looking for.
The fourth-year JUCO coach watched Forrest City Lady Mustang senior guard Kanetra Pendleton work out with Katrina Floyd and Deosha Agnew. Floyd and Pendleton graduated this past year while Agnew graduated in 2002 and spent last year at Pratt Junior College in Pratt, Kansas.
"We need someone who can handle the ball and push the ball up and down the floor," Story-Schell said. "Pressing half court and full court is a large part of our offense. I think Kanetra is just the player we are looking for."
So much so, Story-Schell offered Pendleton a scholarship on the spot to come to Oklahoma.
"Pendleton came highly recommended and believe me, this trip was worth the find," Story-Schell said.
Story-Schell is also interested in Floyd, who committed earlier this year to Crowley's Ridge, but may be having second thoughts.
"I have one more scholarship to give," Story-Schell said. "It will be between Floyd and a girl I am looking at in Monticello. I like Floyd and she would fit our system."
Seminole finished 18-12 last season and had an impressive seven-game winning streak during one stretch of the year.
The Lady Mustangs finished 12-15 overall last season and 6-8 in the AAAAA-East Conference, just missing post season.
Football equipment will be handed out to those Forrest City seventh-grade students on Monday, Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. until noon at tghe Lincoln Gym.
Players must bring proof of having had their physical examinations.
* YOUTH SOFTBALL
LITTLE LEAGUE FAST PITCH
SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES
at Portland, Oregon - Aug. 6-13
Pool Play
Wednesday's Scores
Waco, Texas 13, Beaverton, Ore. 3
Pennsylvania 3, San Nicholas Aruba 2
Naples, Fla. 3, Manhatten Beach, Calif. 2
Thursday's Scores
Pennsylvania 10, British Columbia 0
Escanaba, Michigan 17, Russia 8
Beaverton, Ore. 11, San Nicholas Aruba 1
Friday, August 8
Escanaba, Mich. vs Naples, Fla. 2 p.m. ESPN
Waco, Texas vs Pennsylvania, 5 p.m.
British Columbia vs San Nicholas, Aruba, 5 p.m.
Manhatten Beach, Calif vs Russia, 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 9
Beaverton, Ore. vs British Columbia, 1:30 p.m.
Waco, Texas vs San Nicholas, Aruba, 4 p.m.
Escanaba, Mich. vs Manhatten Beach, Calif.
Sunday, August 10
British Columbia vs Waco, Texas, 12 noon
Russia vs Naples, Fla. 12:30 p.m.
Beaverton, Ore. vs Pennsylvania, 2:30 p.m.