A new era for the Arp Tigers

Published 3:44 pm Tuesday, August 16, 2022

A new era of Arp football has begun.

From 2003-21, Arp had the same football coach — Dale Irwin, who amassed a record of 141-89 with 14 trips to the playoffs in those 19 seasons.

On April 8, Irwin announced his retirement, and on April 11, Wes Schminkey was named the new head football coach and athletic director for the Tigers. Schminkey was Arp’s defensive coordinator last season when the Tigers went 7-4 and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

“The kids already knew me and knew some of the coaches that stayed over, plus getting on in the spring, a lot of the coaches that started got to come over and have been here throughout the summer work,” Schminkey said. “So the kids have gotten to know all of the coaches pretty good.

“The kids have been doing a good job. Our numbers are up this year, so our practice tempo has been a little different.”

The Tigers return several players from last year, including junior quarterback Frank Smith, who has been starting at quarterback since he was a freshman. Smith was 78 of 133 for 1,566 yards and 22 touchdowns, and he carried the ball 97 times for 523 yards and 7 touchdowns last season.

Also back is senior receiver and defensive back Wyatt Ladd.

“It’s been going great,” Ladd said. “I just love this team. We’re all, not just friends, we’re brothers out there. It’s fun being with them every day We all get along great, and we practice with high intensity.”

Ladd said having a new coach hasn’t been hard since Schminkey was already on staff.

“I think it was an easy transition,” Ladd said. “We’re already familiar with him and how he does things around here. I think we’re all really excited for this year. Everybody that I know is pumped and ready to get football going.”

The Tigers are looking to have another successful season, and Schminkey said the keys are, “It’s going to take maximum effort, attitude and toughness … and putting our teammates first.”

Arp will open the 2022 season Aug. 26 at Joaquin.

Aug. 26: at Joaquin

Sept. 2: Garrison

Sept. 9: Carlisle

Sept. 16: at Tenaha

Sept. 23: *West Rusk

Sept. 30 *at Winona

Oct. 7: *Grand Saline

Oct. 14: *at Troup

Oct. 21: *Quitman

Oct. 28: *at Edgewood

*District 9-3A Division II game

All games at 7:30 p.m.