Meet the newest team leader at Northwest Mississippi Community College athletics as Wyndham Whatley, the fifth head coach of the Ranger men’s soccer program, joins Gary Darby on the Bank First Ranger Hour. Coach Whatley shares his Mississippi roots, his playing days and early coaching path at Mississippi Gulf Coast, and what drew him to Northwest—calling the program a “sleeping giant” with untapped potential in North Mississippi. He outlines the culture he wants to build (winning in the classroom, community, and on the field), what he expects from student-athletes, and how he’s quickly filling roster spots—both in-state and internationally—as he begins his first days on campus.

Northwest Baseball head coach Mark Carson, the winningest coach in program history, returns to the show to preview the 2026 season and what’s ahead for Ranger Baseball. Coach Carson breaks down roster turnover and returning pieces, discusses how NIL and the transfer portal are impacting JUCO recruiting, and highlights several newcomers to watch this spring. He also previews a challenging nonconference slate—including early-season matchups and tournament play—while emphasizing how Northwest’s continued facility upgrades (including the new Castle Baseball Complex) are strengthening player development and recruiting as the Rangers prepare for first pitch on January 31 in Senatobia.

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The Bank First Ranger Hour for Thursday, January 15 spotlights two big pieces of Northwest Mississippi Community College life: Ranger Athletics and world-class entertainment at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts. Host Gary Darby previews what’s ahead for Northwest Softball, shares key updates on Rangers and Lady Rangers basketball, and then walks listeners through the Heindl Center’s exciting Spring 2026 lineup, including major touring productions, legendary guests, and can’t-miss concerts—plus the easiest ways to grab tickets and season packages.

Coach Chelsea Bramlett (Northwest Softball) joins the show as she enters year seven leading the program, reflecting on a 44-win season and another trip to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. Coach Bramlett breaks down the 2026 roster with key returners—Caitlin Brown, Carly Calarco, Lindsey Gillis, Emma Jennings, and Aubrey Bassing—and explains how a 12-player freshman class is adding depth, competition, speed, and power. She also talks scheduling philosophy, including fall matchups against top programs, early-season tournaments, and how Northwest prepares for the grind of JUCO softball and Mississippi conference play.

Dr. Blake Bostick (Heindl Center for the Performing Arts) delivers a full preview of the Spring 2026 season in Senatobia—starting with Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan on the “Grits & Glamour” tour (a Sunday afternoon show built around collaboration and hits), followed by the national Broadway tour of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. Dr. Bostick also highlights an evening with Archie Manning, the arrival of Blue Man Group, comedy night with Larry the Cable Guy, the Northwest Foundation Soirée featuring Dave Barnes, the 30th Anniversary Tour of Riverdance, and a season finale concert with The Bacon Brothers featuring Kevin Bacon. He wraps with clear ticket info: purchase online at heindlcenter.org, visit the box office weekdays 12:00–4:30, or choose packages (Season, Six-Pack, or Pick-Three) for discounts and reserved seats.

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Northwest Mississippi Community College is gearing up for the Spring 2026 semester on this episode of the Bank First Ranger Hour. Host Gary Darby visits with Aaron Payne, NWCC eLearning Support Specialist, for a practical breakdown of how online learning works at Northwest—along with key start dates for the term (in-person classes begin Monday, Jan. 12; online courses begin Tuesday, Jan. 20) and important add/drop and late registration details. Payne highlights NWCC’s wide selection of online academic core courses, as well as fully online career-technical pathways including Business Management Technology, Marketing Management Technology, and Paralegal Technology, and explains how the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MVCC) consortium allows students to access courses offered by other Mississippi community colleges when needed.

The program also features Dr. Craig Lafferty, Dean of Health Sciences, who shares updates on NWCC’s expanding healthcare programs, continued growth at the Ranger Center on the DeSoto Campus, and upcoming developments at the Oxford Health Science location. Dr. Lafferty outlines NWCC’s nursing pathways—including Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, and the LPN-to-RN bridge program—while discussing workforce demand, clinical rotations, job placement, and exploration of a potential nursing apprenticeship partnership with Baptist DeSoto.

The episode concludes with Ranger athletics updates, including men’s and women’s basketball results against Lawson State, the start of MACCC conference play, the hiring of new men’s soccer head coach Wyndham Whatley, and upcoming baseball and softball season openers.

SEO Terms/Keywords:

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Tune in to the Bank First Ranger Hour as host Gary Darby spotlights what’s happening across Northwest Mississippi Community College. This episode features Kristin Davis, Associate Vice President of Academic Instruction, sharing an inside look at Northwest’s student-focused classroom experience, academic pathways, and the benefits of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)—including eligibility (12+ transferable hours and a 3.5 GPA) and scholarship opportunities that can make a four-year transfer more affordable.

Next, Dr. Suzanne Strehle, District Director of Early College Programs, breaks down dual enrollment at Northwest—how qualified high school students can earn college credit while still in school, save time and money, and build the study and time-management skills needed for college success. Dr. Straley also highlights a major milestone: Northwest has seen a 63% increase in dual enrollment students over the last five years, and explains how families can get started through their high school counselor or by contacting the early college office.

The show wraps with Northwest athletics updates, including a spotlight on NWCC Rodeo Coach Will Lummis (spelled Lummis) and a quick rundown of Ranger basketball heading into the holiday break—plus what’s ahead when play resumes in early January.

SEO Terms/Keywords: Bank First Ranger Hour, Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Gary Darby, Kristin Davis, Academic Instruction, Phi Theta Kappa, PTK scholarships, dual enrollment Mississippi, early college programs, Northwest dual enrollment, community college North Mississippi, Ranger Rodeo, Will Lummis, Northwest Rangers basketball, Lady Rangers basketball, Lawson State, Senatobia campus, Southaven campus, Oxford campus, transfer pathways, college credit in high school.

In this episode of the Bank First Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby spotlights what’s happening now at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Registrar Dr. Angela Dortch shares details on Fall 2025 graduation, including multiple commencement ceremonies and the School of Health Sciences pinning, plus what students need to know about priority registration for the Spring 2026 semester. Listeners hear how to complete FAFSA, connect with advisors, submit documents, and get enrolled at Northwest’s campuses across North Mississippi.

In the second segment, Kelsey Baker, Director of Career Technical Education and Counseling, highlights the Commercial Truck Driving program offered in Olive Branch and at The Concourse in Batesville. She explains the CDL Class A permit requirement, the 16-week hands-on training model with simulators and behind-the-wheel experience, key paperwork deadlines (Dec. 15), and the January 12 start date. Kelsey also previews expanding workforce programs like Commercial Electrical and the new Construction Management Technology degree launching Fall 2026. The episode wraps with a full Rangers athletics update—including Northwest Football’s NJCAA playoff run, new Sports Hall of Fame inductees, Coach Will Lummis’ national rodeo success, and the latest from Northwest women’s and men’s basketball—plus a rundown of upcoming shows at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, from Elf and The Music Man to Blue Man Group, Larry the Cable Guy, Riverdance 30, and The Bacon Brothers.

Learn more or apply: northwestms.edu

Tickets & gift certificates: heindlcenter.org

Athletics & scores: nwccrangers.com

SEO terms:

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Step into this episode of the Bank First Ranger Hour as guest host Hayden King spotlights two of Northwest Mississippi Community College’s biggest headliners: a world-touring tap sensation and a back-to-back national championship coach. From the stage of the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts to the pitch at Northwest, it’s a full hour of arts, athletics, and all things Rangers.

In the first segment, Gary Darby sits down with Demi Remick, featured tap star with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, ahead of their Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe Tour stop at the Heindl Center. Demi talks about starting tap at age three, moving to New York at 15, improvising tap solos with the band, and going viral with her Super Mario Tap Medley that kids (and “nerds”) can’t get enough of. Hayden and Gary also run through the packed Heindl Center lineup, including the Elf holiday film screening, Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan’s Grits & Glamour Tour, The Music Man, Crazy, Stupid, Love, a speaking evening with Archie Manning, the Blue Man Group, and Larry the Cable Guy, all in Senatobia on Northwest’s campus.

Then Hayden welcomes James Beattie, head coach of Northwest women’s soccer and now back-to-back NJCAA national champion. Coach Beattie breaks down the thrilling 2–1 comeback win over Heartland, celebrates all-tournament standouts like Ally Kimbrell, Caroline Perkins, and Emma Jensen, and shares how he builds a roster that blends Mississippi talent with international players from Germany and France. He talks player development on and off the field, avoiding “energy vampires,” using tough spring matches against top NCAA Division I programs like Memphis and Ole Miss to push the team, and keeping Northwest at the top of the national stage while a new indoor facility rises on campus. Hayden closes the show with a quick Ranger sports roundup, including Northwest basketball and football postseason action.

Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, Bank First Ranger Hour, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, Postmodern Jukebox, Magic Moonlight and Mistletoe Tour, Demi Remick, Super Mario Tap Medley, Blue Man Group, Larry the Cable Guy, Archie Manning, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Elf movie, The Music Man, Northwest women’s soccer, James Beattie, back-to-back NJCAA national champions, Mississippi community college athletics, Senatobia Mississippi events.

Northwest Mississippi Community College takes center stage on this episode of the Bank First Ranger Hour as host Gary Darby highlights a busy month of arts and athletics across the district. Gary spotlights the annual L’Etant Christmas Art Sale in the Fine Arts Gallery on the Senatobia campus, where student-created original works—from drawings and prints to pottery and sculpture—are available just in time for holiday gifting. He also previews upcoming fine arts events, encourages families interested in the arts to explore programs and pathways at northwestms.edu, and promotes the “Magic Moonlight and Mistletoe” tour stop featuring Postmodern Jukebox and rhythmic tap artist Demi Remick at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts on December 5, with giftable tickets and gift cards available at heindlcenter.org.

Wide receivers coach Scott Oakley joins the show to break down Northwest football’s latest championship run after a gritty 16–13 win over Mississippi Gulf Coast to claim another MACCC and NJCAA Region 23 title and lock in a top-four national ranking. Oakley praises the leadership of President Dr. Michael Heindl, head coach Benjy Parker, and the entire administration for building a true “team” culture on and off the field. He recaps the thrilling road win at Co-Lin sealed by Elliott Helps’ clutch interception, salutes kicker/punter Hayden Wolfe’s “ice water in his veins” performance with multiple long field goals and booming punts, and spotlights his receiver room—including Keon Hudgins, Michael Johnson, and Britton Traylor—who have stepped up as leaders and future Division I standouts. Oakley also looks ahead to potential NJCAA playoff matchups against powers like Hutchinson or Iowa Western and talks about keeping players focused, humble, and ready during the wait for the national selection show.

Gary closes the program with a full rundown of Ranger athletics, starting with James Beattie’s women’s soccer squad, now 19-1-1 and back in the NJCAA Division II national semifinals in Wichita, Kansas. He recaps Northwest’s pool-play wins over Southern Union and Iowa Lakes, previews a third meeting of the season with in-state rival Jones College, and notes the other semifinal between Holmes and Heartland—two teams Northwest has already faced this year. On the hardwood, Gary highlights women’s basketball (5–2) hosting a Holiday Classic against Trinity Valley and Kilgore, while the men’s team competes in the Coastal Alabama Classic before returning home in December. He also touches on Northwest Rodeo’s trip to Murray State and reminds listeners to visit nwccrangers.com for live stats, schedules, and updates on all Ranger teams.

Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, Bank First Ranger Hour, Northwest Rangers football, MACCC champions, NJCAA Region 23 champions, NJCAA playoffs, Coach Scott Oakley, Coach Benjy Parker, Dr. Michael Heindl, Hayden Wolfe, Elliott Helps, Keon Hudgins, Michael Johnson, Britton Traylor, Northwest women’s soccer, NJCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship, James Beattie, Jones College, Holmes Community College, Heartland, Northwest basketball, Trinity Valley, Kilgore College, Coastal Alabama Classic, Northwest Rodeo, L’Etant Christmas Art Sale, Northwest Fine Arts, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, Postmodern Jukebox, Demi Remick, Magic Moonlight and Mistletoe tour, northwestms.edu, nwccrangers.com, North Mississippi colleges and athletics.

Dr. Emily Davis, director at the Advising and Retention Center (ARC) at Northwest Mississippi Community College, joins the Bank First Ranger Hour to break down everything students and families need to know about spring 2026 enrollment. She explains how ARC supports student success from day one to graduation through personalized academic plans, transfer guidance, and proactive outreach when students struggle with attendance or coursework. Dr. Davis walks listeners through how to register for spring classes—whether in person, by phone, or via Zoom—and outlines key dates for open registration, online and in-person course start dates, required documents like transcripts, and steps for applying for financial aid. Her segment emphasizes convenience for traditional students, adult learners, and working professionals who need flexible advising options.

Head women’s soccer coach James Beattie highlights the remarkable run of the Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s soccer program, the defending NJCAA Division II national champions and three-time Region 23 title winners. He discusses how his team balances elite performance on the field with excellence in the classroom, including earning academic team of the year honors across all junior colleges. Coach Beattie shares insight into the culture of competitiveness and resilience that has carried the Rangers to a 17-1-1 season despite multiple season-ending injuries, as they head to Wichita, Kansas, as the No. 2 seed in the national tournament. He also reflects on the strong support from Northwest’s administration and how that backing helps the program compete for championships year after year.

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Ricky Skaggs, the legendary Grammy-winning bluegrass and country artist, joins the show ahead of his concert at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Northwest Mississippi Community College. In a warm, story-filled interview conducted by Hayden King, Skaggs looks back on his musical beginnings, singing harmony at home, getting pulled onstage by Bill Monroe as a child, working with Ralph Stanley, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and even collaborating with Barry Gibb. He talks about bringing Kentucky Thunder to Senatobia, why he’s adding classic country hits like “Honey (Open That Door)” and “Heartbroke” back into the live set, and how his music still inspires young players. He also highlights his recent contribution to a project inspired by the “Reagan” film and reflects on the importance of keeping roots music alive in front of family audiences.

Northwest Mississippi Community College theatre instructor Kayla Manzolillo makes her first appearance on the program to spotlight the fall theatre production of The Diviners. She shares how she discovered the script during graduate school, why its simple, community-centered story is so powerful for student actors, and how this production is stretching Northwest theatre students to be vulnerable, authentic, and character-driven onstage. Kayla lays out the show dates at the Fine Arts Auditorium, how to get tickets through the Northwest site, and gives a preview of upcoming performances, including the December musical theatre showcase and the spring production of the Golden Age musical Damn Yankees. It’s a great look at how NWCC continues to build its performing arts presence alongside the Heindl Center’s touring lineup.

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Guest: Noah Barnett (NWCC Theatre, Sophomore — Musical Theatre Pathway)

Award-winning actor Noah Barnett (Alley Awards “Best Supporting Actor” for A Doll’s House) shares how a required high-school class sparked his passion for the stage, why he chose Northwest’s close-knit theatre program, and what it’s taken to land his dream role: Buddy Laymon in The Diviners (Nov 7–16). Noah opens up about the heavy character work, hundreds of rehearsal hours, set building, and his next steps—auditioning nationwide for a BFA in Musical Theatre and aiming to teach college theatre down the road.

Guest: Coach John Redman (NWCC Men’s Basketball, Head Coach)

First-year head coach John Redman previews opening weekend at the Greyhound Tip-Off Classic in West Memphis (National Park, Fri 5:00 PM; Arkansas State Mid-South, Sat 3:00 PM). He highlights a culture built on attitude, effort, service, and love; a deep rotation (he even “hockey-subbed” groups of five in preseason); and names to watch like Dakota Morris (Barry transfer), Demetrius Duffy (Tupelo), Chancellor Terry (Germantown, TN), plus returners Grant Hudnoand Marcus Crawford. First home date: Tue, Nov 4 vs. Dyersburg State (men to follow the 5:30 PM women’s game).

Around NWCC Sports (highlights mentioned on air)

• Volleyball: Record 29 regular-season wins; into Region 23 semifinals Saturday in Ellisville.
• Women’s Soccer: Ranked No. 3 nationally; Region 23 opener Fri 5:00 PM vs. Itawamba at the Ranger Soccer Complex.
• Football: Tonight 7:00 PM vs. Itawamba in Senatobia—both teams 4–1 in the North; playoff implications huge. Wear Valor Blue; stream/watch via NWCCRangers.com/Ranger TV if you can’t attend.

Keywords Bank:

Northwest Mississippi Community College; NWCC; Rangers; Bank First Ranger Hour; Noah Barnett; The Diviners; Buddy Laymon; NWCC Theatre; Alley Awards; Musical Theatre Pathway; rehearsal; BFA Musical Theatre; Coach John Redman; NWCC Men’s Basketball; Greyhound Tip-Off Classic; National Park; Arkansas State Mid-South; Dyersburg State; deep rotation; attitude and effort; Volleyball Region 23 Semifinals; Women’s Soccer Region 23; NWCC Football vs. Itawamba; Ranger TV; Senatobia; West Memphis; Howard Coliseum.