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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