Josh Jones Collects Another All-America Honor

Jones named Daktronics All-America

by Scott Goode

SEARCY - Harding University senior defensive back Josh Jones collected another All-America honor Tuesday as he was named Daktronics First Team All-America. Jones was the leading vote-getter at the safety position.

Jones, a native of Carson, Calif., has also received All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association.

During his senior season, Jones led Harding with 94 tackles and ranked among the leaders in Division II with eight interceptions. He had a streak of five straight games with at least one interception.

Jones is the first Harding player ever named to the Daktronics First Team. Harding's previous Second Team honorees include linebacker Tim Polk (2002), tight end David Feliciano (2004), and cornerback Robert Towns (2006).

Winning and Losing

New Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly was asked in his press conference what the Irish must do to win. His reply was thought provoking. He said:

"Before we can win we must stop losing."

When asked to elaborate, he said something like this (I paraphrase):

If we expect to win in October on Saturdays, we have to stop losing, for example, in February on Tuesdays, in April on Thursdays, in August on Mondays, etc. Only when we stop losing can we have a chance to win when it seems to matter the most.

Quote of the Day

"This is the true joy in life: Being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and, as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

-- George Bernard Shaw

Sunshine School Benefit Tournament

Thanks to all the guys who volunteered to serve for the Sunshine School benefit basketball tournament. It was a big success. Coach Dr. Stephen Burks did a great job of organizing the middle school basketball tournament, and athletes from several HU athletic teams gave of their time to assist. And, all for a great cause: The Sunshine School.

Thanks to Kelsey Reeley, Marquale Pierson, John Ikahihifo, Terone Shephard, Chris Montague, Josh Aldridge, Rashad Rayner, Jordan Watson, Kyle Young, Daniel Phipps, Conner Walkup, Dallon Hudson, LJ Tarrant, Garrett Taylor, Darby Palmer, and Andrew Jackson. A special thanks to Caleb Simmons and Jermaine Blanchard for organizing the volunteer efforts.

Quote of the Day

"To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity."

-- Douglas Adams

Sunshine School

Don't forget, tomorrow we need help for the Sunshine School's benefit basketball tournament at the GAC. Our shift is from 10:30 AM to noon. Please take this opportunity to serve. If you need more info contact Coach Edwards, Caleb Simmons or Jermaine Blanchard.

Quote of the Day

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

-- Gandhi

Message from Coach Beason

Bisons,

A couple of reminders:

1. Get your "Action Plan" (that Coach Huck talked to the team about) turned in to your position coach before you leave for the break.

2. Get your spring class schedule to Coach Edwards ASAP.

3. Rack your weights/benches each time after you get a lift.

4. STUDY for your finals!

Quote of the Day

We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.

-- Herman Melville

Josh Jones Named AFCA All-America and Invited to Play in Cactus Bowl

Only second Bison honored by the AFCA, joining Robert Towns from 2006

by Scott Goode

All-American Josh Jones will represent Harding at the Cactus Bowl.

SEARCY – Harding University senior defensive back Josh Jones was named to the American Football Coaches Association Division II All-America Team on Monday and was also invited to participate in the Cactus Bowl, the NCAA Division II All-Star Game played in Kingsville, Texas in January.

Jones, a native of Carson, Calif., was arguably the most dynamic defensive back in the Gulf South Conference in 2009. From his rover position, he led the GSC with eight interceptions and 19 total passes defended and was tops on Harding’s squad with 94 tackles. He led the Bisons in tackles on both running plays and passing plays.Jones is only the second Harding player to be honored by the AFCA since the Bisons joined the NCAA in 1997. Cornerback Robert Towns was the first in 2006.

For the second straight season, Harding will have a representative in the Cactus Bowl. Offensive lineman Ross Conn participated last season. Wide receiver Gerald Payne (2000) and defensive lineman Floyd Black (2002) also played in the Cactus Bowl.This year’s Cactus Bowl will be played on Jan. 8, 2010. In the past, the game has been regionally televised. Go to http://www.cactusbowl.org/ for more information.

Quote of the Day

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

-- Albert Einstein

Message from Coach Beason

Please make sure to rack your weights/dumbbells/benches/etc after you use them. It doesn't take long to do this and it helps with the flow and look. Right now, there are A LOT of dumbbells left out and benches everywhere. I know that it is not just football players who use the weight room, but do your part.

Several basic nutrition recommendations (whether trying to gain, lose, or maintain weight):

• Never skip a meal
• Get up to eat breakfast
• Get a lot of color on your plate (eat fruits and vegetables)
• Drink a lot of water (carry a bottle with you throughout the day)
• Do your best to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night (get off the phone; turn off the TV; manage your time during the day)
• Minimize eating at fast food places (a little meal planning can go a long way not only to help you physically, but to help you financially, too)
• You must eat MORE calories in order to gain weight
• You must BURN MORE calories to lose weight (this does not always mean to eat less, but it probably involves doing some cardio work for 30+ minutes/day)
• Make sure to warm-up appropriately for the activity you are about to do (this would vary based on what you are doing)
• Stretch at the end of every workout (your muscles are the most flexible at that time)
• Never skip your core/ab exercises (you could actually do these everyday and add to what we gave you)
• If you are taking a supplement, take it when you are supposed to and the amount that you are supposed to take (you are spending too much money to do this halfway)
• Don't just be a weight room guy; be a great conditioned guy who also works hard in the weight room (be active)
• Be goal-oriented
• Pray for the toughness, discipline, and continued desire to work to reach your goals (nothing worthwhile comes easy)

How To Eliminate Staph Infection

Prevention Is Basic Hygiene

What are basic things you can do better?

• Shower immediately after each workout
• Don't put regular clothes back on after a workout before you take a shower
• Clean and cover open wounds
• Wash your clothes often
• Wash your bed linens often (not once a semester; probably once a week or more)
• Wash hands more often (especially every time you leave a bathroom)

Read more: http://student-health-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_eliminate_staph_infection#ixzz0YZ7PyVSY

Quote of the Day

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

-- Albert Schweitzer

Opportunity

The Sunshine School of Searcy, which educates special needs individuals, is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to build a much-needed new facility. On Saturday, December 12, they are hosting a basketball tournament at the GAC, and they need our help.

Jermaine Blanchard is in charge of recruiting 12 guys from defense to be in charge of the session from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM. Caleb Simmons is doing the same for the offense for the 11:15 AM to noon session.

Please get with them ASAP if you can help. You guys are NEEDED, so please don't let this opportunity pass without stepping up to the plate.

A great story

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4695418

I saw this Saturday on ESPN Gameday, and I was so choked up I could hardly swallow.