Being a “sports girl” I have been given the opportunity, and in my adult life created the opportunity, to travel around and do some pretty cool sporty things. I played AAU Basketball and Travel League Softball in High School, so we were always on the go, in different states, playing in different venues and arenas. I played College Basketball at the University of Central Arkansas (those Sugar Bears had a great year this year by the way) and traveled to play in places like Hawaii and Wide World of Sports at Disney Orlando, just to name a few.
But, like every good sport-ie, I have always been fascinated by the professional game, no matter what sport. While I haven’t had the opportunity to attend just a ton of these events I have been to Memphis to see the Grizzlies, to St. Louis for a Cardinals game, and (my favorite) a trip to Mile High Stadium to watch Peyton Manning start, and win, the first home game of his final season before retirement. We actually have another trip to the Cardinals planned in July so be on the lookout for that article later this summer.
Do you know, though, that in our area we are flanked by a number of semi-professional teams that definitely don’t get the attention they deserve? If you want to catch a great baseball game you can absolutely check out the Arkansas Travelers or if you want to travel a bit then check out the Memphis Redbirds. Both of these teams are sure to show you a good time in amazing stadiums. For basketball, Central Arkansas is home to the Little Rock Lightning, a men’s team who plays their games at Hall High School. You can also catch the SR Olympics Basketball Tournament at the River Center the first weekend in June – there will definitely be some balling going on in that gym. And if Football is your sport of choice check out the Arkansas Punishers who play their season at Vestal Park in Little Rock.
But, let’s talk about Saline County’s own little hidden gem of a Semi-Pro team on the rise and slated to reach professional status by next year, the Arkansas Wolves Soccer Club. Let me just go ahead and say it, I am not a soccer gal. Nothing about my athletic career had any ties to soccer and I will be the first to tell you this body was not built to kick a soccer ball. But, if you haven’t taken the time to check out what is happening in Wolves Soccer World then you are absolutely missing out. I had the privilege of meeting Sean Paul Jones and Jennifer Gonzalez, two of the driving forces behind the program, at a luncheon and was so excited about the games after hearing what they had to share that my family decided to check out a game that week. And we were not disappointed.
C.W. Lewis Field – Benton
It was a Friday night men’s game hosted at the old C.W. Lewis Field in the heart of Benton. This is a good time to note that the city is building a new soccer complex, but, for now, this stadium has a great field and clean bathrooms so as a spectator I was pretty happy. But, here’s what you may not know, this team is stacked with athletes from all over the world – many of which are professional soccer athletes. Where else can you find this kid of exposure for your little athletes… and right in the heart of our own little village? And as a side note, they also run the Arkansas Wolves Academy where said professional athletes teach your tiny humans to play the game of soccer – where else are you going to get professional athletes to teach your kiddos their sport?? If you know a place please share it with me!
Anyway… We had the best time at the game. The stands weren’t packed, but I hope they will be soon, and the game was amazing. I’ve already said that I don’t know a lot about soccer, but I know enough to tell you that these guys were playing their hearts out and the competition was stiff. At the end of the night several things happened: The Wolves got the W with a 1-0 victory over the OKC Imps, we had great dinner from the concession stand, my little guy got a new Arkansas Wolves t-shirt to sport around town, and the organization gained at least 3 new fans who will be coming back for more. And we haven’t even had a chance to see a women’s game yet!
Be sure to grab your Wolves Swag like Oliver did!
I know that we are in a state that lives and dies by the success and failure of its college teams, but, let me encourage you to break out of that box of the same old, same old, and try something new. You might just find yourself as surprised as my family did when we realized we were up in the stands yelling our heads off for our new home team… even though we may or may not have had any idea what was happening! When there’s that much excitement in the stands you can’t help but get caught up in the rush.
So kudos to the Arkansas Wolves Soccer program and thank you for bringing such a phenomenal experience and plopping it down right in the middle of Benton. Now, let’s get out and support them!
Arkansas Wolves Men’s Schedule
Arkansas Wolves Women’s Schedule
Read more from How the Ball Bounces with Bekka in the archives at www.mysaline.com/bounces.
About the author: Bekka Wilkerson is a lifelong lover of all things sports. Raised in a super athletic household it was no surprise when she too began to love sports at a young age. It seems like from the time she could walk she had a softball bat in her hands, but her true athletic passion came from all things Basketball. That love served her well as a Bryant High School Lady Hornet and ultimately earned her a full scholarship to play at the University of Central Arkansas – among many other adventures.
These days Bekka can be found running around Saline County with her husband, Speedy, or chasing one of her grandsons. She is also the Executive Director of The EMpact One Foundation, a Saline County Nonprofit Organization that helps young people stay connected to extracurricular activities through tuition assistance and equipment provisions.
Reach out to Bekka with questions and/or ideas about things you want to see in this column at [email protected] and learn more about The EMpact One Foundation at www.empactone.org.