• Spring 2025 Heindl Center Events
    Dec 12 2024

    Celebrate the highlights of Northwest Mississippi Community College on this week’s Bank First Ranger Hour. Host Gary Darby recaps the 2024 successes of NWCC’s Heindl Center for the Performing Arts and looks ahead to an exciting 2025 season with special guest Blake Bostick, Director of the Heindl Center. Hear about record-setting performances, upcoming events like Brian Regan’s comedy show, Broadway musicals (The Addams Family and Mean Girls), legendary concerts featuring Lee Brice, The Beach Boys, and The Commodores, and a memorable evening with Priscilla Presley.

    Gary also shares the latest NWCC sports updates, including Ranger Football’s stellar season, Coach Benjy Parker’s recognition as Coach of the Year, and NJCAA All-Region 23 honors for eight standout players. Get insights into Ranger Basketball’s action-packed weekend and learn about affordable family entertainment, such as the It’s a Wonderful Life film screening at the Heindl Center.

    Keywords:

    Bank First Ranger Hour, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, NWCC events, Brian Regan comedy show, The Addams Family musical, Mean Girls musical, Lee Brice concert, The Beach Boys live, The Commodores concert, Priscilla Presley evening, NWCC sports updates, Ranger Football, Coach Benjy Parker, NJCAA All-Region 23, Ranger Basketball, It’s a Wonderful Life screening, NWCC arts and entertainment.

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    36 mins
  • National Champions! Northwest Women's Soccer!
    Dec 12 2024

    Explore the December 5th edition of the Bank First Ranger Hour, highlighting the vibrant community at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Get details on the free Holiday Spectacular Choir Concert at the Heindl Center and upcoming performances like Celtic Woman's White Christmas Symphony Tour. Stay updated on NWCC football, basketball, rodeo, and the upcoming Northwest Soiree fundraiser, a premier event supporting student scholarships. Celebrate the achievements and events that make NWCC a standout institution.

    In this episode, host Gary Darby interviews Women's Soccer Coach James Beattie, who reflects on the team's historic 22-0 season and NJCAA Division II National Championship victory. Coach Beattie shares insights into the team’s alignment, preparation, and resilience throughout the season, as well as his recruiting strategies and plans for building on their success. Hear his thoughts on leadership, managing pressure, and the unwavering support from NWCC’s administration.

    Keywords:

    Bank First Ranger Hour, Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC events, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, NWCC Women's Soccer, national champions, NWCC Choir Concert, Celtic Woman, NWCC football playoffs, NWCC basketball, NWCC rodeo, Northwest Soiree fundraiser, Gary Darby, Coach James Beattie.

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    31 mins
  • National A&P Text / Golf Coach Adam Payne
    Nov 21 2024

    In this episode of The Bank First Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby highlights the latest achievements and exciting developments at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

    First, biology chair Melissa Green shares insights into her work as coordinator of natural sciences instruction and her contributions as lead author of Laboratory Manual for Human Anatomy and Physiology: A Hands-On Approach. The manual, co-authored with two other Northwest faculty members, is being used in over 70 colleges and universities across the U.S., including The University of Alabama, Purdue, Auburn University, Virginia Tech, and Florida State. Melissa also discusses her passion for science education, community outreach, and future projects in collaboration with Pearson Higher Education.

    In the second segment, Gary introduces Adam Payne, the newly appointed men’s and women’s golf coach at Northwest. Adam discusses his background as a PGA professional, his vision for the program, and his strategy for recruiting local talent while building competitive teams for upcoming seasons.

    The episode concludes with updates on Northwest athletics, including:

    • Women’s soccer competing in the NJCAA Division II National Semifinals in Huntsville, Alabama.
    • Northwest football’s MACCC Championship win and their potential spot in the NJCAA playoffs.
    • Women’s basketball facing Baton Rouge Community College, while the men prepare for their next matchup after the holiday break.

    Stay tuned for more news from Northwest, both in academics and athletics.

    Keywords:

    NWCC, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Bank First Ranger Hour, biology education, Melissa Green, anatomy and physiology manual, Adam Payne, golf coach, women’s soccer, NJCAA semifinals, Northwest football, MACCC champions, basketball, academics, athletics, Pearson Higher Education, STEM, #GoRangers, #NorthwestMS, #AllN

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    35 mins
  • Women's Soccer / Athletic Advising
    Nov 14 2024

    In this episode of The Bank First Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby highlights the latest achievements at Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC). Women’s soccer coach James Beattie discusses his team’s incredible 18-0 season as they prepare for the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Huntsville, Alabama. He reflects on the challenges, consistent standards, and preparation for pool play against Scottsdale, Arizona, and St. Charles, Missouri. Coach Beattie emphasizes the importance of strength of schedule and team growth throughout the season.

    In the second segment, Tori Fugatt, NWCC football’s academic adviser, shares insights into her role in supporting student-athletes’ academic success. She highlights the football team’s impressive 2023 academic achievements, including being named NJCAA Academic Team of the Year with a 3.1 GPA in season. Tori discusses the resources available to students, the importance of balancing academics with athletics, and her pride in seeing 25 players graduate this December. The episode also covers upcoming events at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, including the Vienna Boys Choir and spring 2025 highlights.

    Keywords:

    NWCC, Northwest Mississippi Community College, The Bank First Ranger Hour, women’s soccer, NJCAA Division II National Tournament, James Beattie, soccer coach, unbeaten season, Scottsdale Arizona, St. Charles Missouri, Tori Fugatt, football academic adviser, NJCAA Academic Team of the Year, Northwest football, student-athletes, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, Vienna Boys Choir, spring 2025 events, #GoRangers, #northwestms, #AllN, #RangerReady, #FindYourPath

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    37 mins
  • A Doll's House / Athletic Update
    Nov 7 2024

    In this episode of The Bank First Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby welcomes Alyssa Algee, theater instructor at Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC), to discuss the upcoming production of A Doll’s House. Alyssa shares insights into this iconic play by Henrik Ibsen, known for its groundbreaking exploration of women’s rights and societal expectations. She highlights the challenges and excitement of bringing this drama to life, emphasizing the dedication of her cast and crew. Audiences can catch performances starting November 8, with tickets available at the NWCC Fine Arts Auditorium.

    In the second segment, Brian Lentz, NWCC’s Sports Information Director, joins Gary to provide updates on Ranger athletics. Brian discusses the women’s soccer team’s quest for a perfect season, the men’s and women’s basketball teams’ promising starts, and the football team’s preparation for a high-stakes playoff game against Gulf Coast. He also reflects on the volleyball team’s remarkable season and previews upcoming sports events. This episode is packed with insights into NWCC’s vibrant theater and sports programs.

    Keywords:

    NWCC, Northwest Mississippi Community College, The Bank First Ranger Hour, A Doll’s House, Henrik Ibsen, theater production, fine arts, NWCC Fine Arts Auditorium, women’s soccer, undefeated season, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football playoffs, Gulf Coast, Ranger athletics, volleyball championship, Brian Lentz, Alyssa Algee, Gary Darby, Heindl Center, #GoRangers, #northwestms, #AllN, #RangerReady, #FindYourPath

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    36 mins
  • Lady Rangers Basketball / Northwest Choirs
    Oct 31 2024

    In this episode of The Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby interviews NWCC Women's Basketball Coach LaTaryl Williams about the upcoming 2024-25 season for the Northwest Mississippi Community College Lady Rangers. Coach Williams discusses his new roster, which blends talented freshmen with seasoned sophomores, and shares his goals for competing in the MACCC women’s basketball season. With a challenging non-conference schedule, increased team depth, and a focus on developing leadership, the Lady Rangers aim to make a strong push for the NJCAA playoffs.

    In the second segment, Dr. Alex Belohlavek, Director of Choral Activities at NWCC, previews NWCC’s Fall Concert at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring the premiere of "Color All Maps New" by composer Dylan Tran, Dr. Belohlavek explains how the performance, focused on resilience and climate change, showcases NWCC’s vocal talent through contemporary and Renaissance choral works. This concert provides a unique opportunity to hear the NWCC choir and support the arts at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

    SEO Keywords:

    The Ranger Hour, NWCC Women's Basketball, Lady Rangers basketball, Coach LaTaryl Williams, MACCC women’s basketball, NJCAA, Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC choir, Fall Concert at Heindl Center, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, Northwest Mississippi arts and music, Dylan Tran Color All Maps New

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    50 mins
  • Pre-Season Men's Basketball / Campus Event updates
    Oct 24 2024

    In this exciting episode of the Bank First Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby connects with NWCC Men’s Basketball Coach Shane Oakley to preview the upcoming 2024-25 basketball season. Coach Oakley shares insights on the new roster, key players, exhibition matches, and how the team is preparing for a strong season. The episode also provides updates on NWCC athletics, highlighting nationally ranked teams like football, women’s soccer, and volleyball as they prepare for key matchups and tournaments.

    In the second half, Dr. Andrew Dale, AVP for Community Relations, joins the conversation to share updates on Homecoming Week 2024, academic programs, and upcoming events at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Dale discusses major performances, including Tower of Power and The Temptations, and previews the Region 23 volleyball tournament hosted on campus. He also highlights the importance of student engagement through tailgating events, intramural sports, and the rodeo team’s Bullarama fundraiser.

    Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Bank First Ranger Hour, Shane Oakley, men’s basketball, Dr. Andrew Dale, Heindl Center, Tower of Power, The Temptations, Homecoming Week 2024, NWCC volleyball, Region 23 tournament, Bull-o-rama, rodeo team, intramural sports, women’s soccer, football, MACCC, NJCAA, college athletics, student life, community events, #GoRangers, #AllN, #RangerReady, #northwestms, #FindYourPath.

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    40 mins
  • Harley Bumpous / Homecoming Week
    Oct 17 2024

    In this exciting episode of The Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby sits down with Harley Bumpous, former Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) softball standout and upcoming inductee into the NWCC Sports Hall of Fame. Harley reflects on her time at Lake Cormorant High School, her athletic achievements with the NWCC Rangers, and her journey from student-athlete to high school softball coach at DeSoto Central High School. She shares insights on how playing NJCAA Division II softball helped develop her leadership, teamwork, and coaching skills.

    In the second half, Michaela Myhre, Director of Intramurals and Campus Recreation at NWCC, gives an inside look at Homecoming Week 2024 and previews the exciting student events. Michaela discusses the growth of intramural sports like flag football and pickleball, and highlights ways students can get involved across campus. She also shares updates on major events at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, including performances and activities for students, along with key athletic matchups, like the NWCC Rangers’ upcoming football game.

    Harley Bumpous, NWCC Sports Hall of Fame, NJCAA Division II Softball, Lake Cormorant High School, DeSoto Central High School, leadership development, teamwork, coaching career, Michaela Myhre, Director of Intramurals, Homecoming Week 2024, intramural sports, flag football, pickleball, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, NWCC Rangers football, MACCC, Go Rangers, Ranger Ready, Find Your Path, NWCC student life, NJCAA.

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    37 mins