Magnet Cove's Ronnie Efird has been named the recipient of the 2013 Sporty Carpenter Award to be presented at Saturday's Henderson State's Sporty Bowl.

The 12^th Annual Sporty Bowl, Henderson State's spring football game, will take place at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium with game time set for 10 a.m.

Coach Efird will be presented the Sporty Award at halftime. The award is named for long time legendary Henderson
Coach Sporty Carpenter who was the Reddie head coach from 1971 to 1989 compiling 119 victories and leading the Reddies to five Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference titles.

The award is presented to a Henderson Alum who has pursued a career in coaching football and has exemplified excellence on and off the field.

Efird led Magnet Cove to a 12-2 record in 2012 including a 7-0 record in district play to win the 5-2A title.

After losing the first game of the season, the Panthers won 12 straight games before losing to Bearden in the Class 2A quarterfinals.

Since taking over at Magnet Cove, Efird has compiled a 53-19 record with his teams compiling a 20-1 record in district play the last three years.

Efird earned his undergraduate degree in physical education from Henderson State in 1989 and a master's degree in 1990.

While at Henderson, Efird served as a student coach for four years and a graduate assistant coach for one season under Coach Carpenter.

“I am very touched to receive this award,” said Efird. “Sporty had a big impact on my life and it is a privilege to be given an award that bears his name.”  

Efird will serve as an assistant coach at this year's Arkansas All Star Game.

This year's Sporty Bowl will consist of four 10 minute quarters, with both teams playing under modified rules and limited offensive and defensive schemes.

Fans will also get to meet the coaches and players following the game.

Concessions along with Reddie Gear will be available to purchase with all proceeds benefitting Reddie football.

PAST SPORTY AWARD WINNERS
2002 Don Campbell, Wynne HS
2003 Gus Malzahn, Springdale HS
2004 David Carpenter, Junction City HS
2005 Paul Calley, Bryant HS
2006 Ellis “Scooter” Register, Little Rock Catholic
2007 Jeff Williams, Fort Smith Southside HS
2008 Greg Smith, Prescott HS
2009 Kevin Kelley, Pulaski Academy
2010 Eric Parmely, DeRidder (La.) HS
2011 Jack Alvarez, Kirbyville (Texas) HS
2012 Sam Goodwin, DeQueen HS