Sports Stories That Stole the Show in 2025

In 2025, sports stories made their way into the Arkansas Times, but not in the usual way. Unlike other media outlets that focus solely on sports, the Times only covers sports when something truly remarkable happens. This year was no different. Among the usual political and food stories, sports tales popped up, covering everything from college baseball to high school football. One standout story was about the Arkansas Razorbacks' football team. After firing their coach, Sam Pittman, the team didn't improve. They lost every remaining game, finishing last in the SEC. Another interesting piece was about the Marshall Islands' first-ever soccer team. They competed in their first international tournament, the Outrigger Cup, showing their determination and growth.A small town called Dierks made headlines too. Their high school won a million-dollar prize to renovate their old football field. The town's small size didn't stop them from winning a nationwide competition. Meanwhile, the Little Rock Trojans baseball team had an incredible run. After a rough season, they won their conference tournament and made it to the NCAA Regionals, beating big-name teams along the way. The article also highlighted the Little Rock Central High School girls' wrestling team. They won the state title, making history for their school and district. Their success is a testament to their hard work and the support of their coach, Aaron Butler. Lastly, the article mentioned the Paris rodeo scene, which is gaining attention for its unique and exciting events. These stories show that sports can be inspiring and unexpected, even when they're not the main focus.