JONESBORO, Ark. — Several Wynne and Cross County student-athletes will be recognized during the annual “Best Under the Sun” banquet next month in Jonesboro.
The event will be held on Thursday, July 23, at the Embassy Suites on the campus of Arkansas State University. The “Best Under the Sun” banquet recognizes the top student-athletes and coaches from throughout northeast Arkansas. They are chosen by CityYouth Ministries, who hosts the banquet.
Members of the Class 2A state champion Cross County Thunderbirds will be honored as part of the banquet. They include Danny Beale, who is this year’s Player of the Year in football, and Van Paschal, who is this year’s Coach of the Year. Others include Caden Crawford, Makel Ward and Roderick Williams of Cross County, and Christian Wren of the Wynne Yellowjackets.
Wynne’s Lia Bunch and Ella Reed will be recognized for their accomplishments in volleyball last season. Former Wynne coach and current Jonesboro Westside volleyball coach Codie Lancaster Ziegler will be recognized as Coach of the Year.
Tickets for the “Best Under the Sun” banquet are $50 for individuals and $500 for tables of eight. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 5:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m.
