A look back at the year in sports

2013 had its share of headlines in the sports world. Gosnell had a banner year in both football and basketball, the Blytheville Casons had their best season in recent memory, Armorel baseball continued their winning ways and former Osceola running back, Korliss Marshall, took his talents to Fayetteville for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

However, the biggest headline is given to something that happened off the playing field as former Blytheville head coach, Vince McCrosky, stepped down midway through the season as he battled Parkinson's Disease.

McCrosky, in his second year, did not coach a game this season as symptoms from the disease he'd been battling for nearly a decade increased dramatically right before the team's season opener against Osceola. McCrosky returned to his family and home in Cabol, Mo. for treatment and eventually resigned on Oct. 15.

Blytheville assistant, Ben Fisher, was named interim head coach and the Chicks struggled through a 1-9 season.

McCrosky left his mark in just a year and a half with his Peanut Butter Locker and took great strides in attempting to turn around the culture in the Blytheville football program.

Gosnell wins 3-4A conference title

In just his second year as head coach, Gosnell's Gary Moody led the Pirates to their first 3-4A conference title since 2010. With thrilling home victories late in the season against defending champion Highland and eventual 4A semifinalist, Valley View, the Pirates finished 9-2, went undefeated in league play and earned a first round bye in the 4A state playoffs.

Armorel plays in sixth straight semifinal

Longtime head coach Charlie Brown and his Armorel Tigers baseball team advanced to the 1A state semifinals for the sixth straight season. Led by All-state pitchers, Taylor Hopper and Ty Wagganer, the Tigers were two outs away from advancing to their third straight finals appearance before losing, 5-4, to Taylor at Taylor Field in Pine Bluff. The Tigers went 26-9 and picked up district and regional finals along the way.

Gosnell basketball returns to state tournament

In his first year as head coach, Gosnell's Kirk Glintborg led the Pirates to their first trip to the 4A state tournament since 2010. Led by point guard Tre Howe, the Pirates finished with a 24-7 record and second in the conference before upsetting the Brookland Bearcats on their home court for the district title.

Marcus Mullins sets Gosnell rushing record

Gosnell running back, Marcus Mullins, set the Pirates' single-game rushing record with 393 yards against Westside, breaking Farontae Royster's record of 337 set in 2011. Mullins went on to rush for more than 1,750 yards and scored 26 touchdowns in 2013.

Blytheville Casons have great season

The Blytheville Century 21 McWaters/ANC Casons had one of their best seasons in recent years. The Casons, led by head coach Blake Burnside, finished with an 18-12 record. The Casons had three college pitchers on their squad (Brady Jones, Taylor Jolly and Ty Wagganer). They won the regular season zone championship and finished second in the zone district title that was played at the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex.

Korliss Marshall making waves at Arkansas

Former Osceola running back and 2012 All-Courier News Player of the Year, Korliss Marshall, took his talents to Fayetteville for the Arkansas Razorbacks. A late signee for new head coach, Bret Bielema, Marshall began the season as a redshirt safety but, because of injuries on special teams, Marshall began returning kicks. His 87-yard return against SEC champions, Auburn, got a lot of attention throughout the conference.

Blytheville softball shows promise

Led by freshman sensation, Taylor Tiffany, the Blytheville Lady Chickasaw softball team won their first conference game since 2008. Tiffany tied a state strikeout record with 20 K's against Riverside and then duplicated the performance in her next outing against Kennett, Mo.

Blytheville and Gosnell junior high football continue success

While both programs saw double-digit winning streaks snapped, they both once again had strong years as the Chicks finished with an 8-2 record while the Pirates were 6-3. Blytheville Middle School finished undefeated giving plenty of promise to the future.

Thunder Bayou hosts 4A state golf championships

Thunder Bayou Golf Links attracted the best that the state had to offer. The local attraction hosted both the boys and the girls 4A state golf championships in 2013.

afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com