Tiger family: Third of Armorel lineup from one household

The Armorel Tigers are on a roll again this postseason. The Tigers have won six in a row since the regular season ended, capturing district and regional titles along the way.

When they hit the field Thursday to open the 1A state tournament at Taylor, the Tigers will have about one-third of their fire power coming from under one roof.

When Jason Lannon and Jena Winters began dating a few summers ago, they probably never envisioned housing such a large share of the Tiger squad. But that's what's happening as Lannon's sons Payton and Andrew, along with Jena's son, Nash, try to get the Tigers back to Baum Stadium next Friday.

The three boys are all about a year a part with Payton, a senior, the oldest, followed by Nash, a junior, and Andrew, a sophomore, and are three of the nine starters in longtime Armorel head coach Charlie Brown's starting lineup this year.

"It's always busy," said Nash's mother Jena. "Non-stop. From the ball games to the practices, to the transportation and then to the groceries and laundry. It seems like there is always something to do and somewhere to go. And then there are the friends. The house is always busy. This is probably as quiet as this house has been."

Both Jason and Jena have been going to their sons' athletic events since they were all about 4 years old, so when they met, there was plenty they already had in common.

"We met when Nash and Payton were playing on the Blytheville All-stars," said Jena. "We've both been so involved with our kids for so long. It was pretty good fit."

After Payton's sophomore year, he moved to Michigan, but came back this year for his senior year and the opportunity to play with his younger brother.

"When he (Payton) said he wanted to come back, I was so excited," said Jason. It was a dream come true for a father to see his sons play baseball together. "I couldn't wait to see them on the field together. This season has been great."

Payton went to school outside of Detroit that had 3,200 students and two restaurants inside. He said he enjoys the smaller size of Armorel.

"I saw someone new everyday," said Payton of his former school. "We know everybody here. It's more like a family."

With all of the hustle and bustle around the family, it makes things a little easier that all three boys get along well, like friends and like brothers.

"They're so competitive with one another," said Jena. "Not just sports. They even have eating contests to see who can eat the most cereal."

The boys enjoy the size of the family as well.

"It's good knowing that you know there's someone who has your back," said Andrew.

For Payton and Andrew, especially, the year has meant a lot to both of them as they try to win a state championship together.

"It's great having him back this year," said Andrew. Although Andrew is the youngest of the three, he's the starting catcher on the field, which means his word carries weight when the game is on.

Their talents and interests aren't just limited to baseball. Nash is an all-state basketball payer. All three are heavily involved in school activities. From Key Club to FBLA, to contributing to the grocery bills with a job, and even singing in the choir, they all seem to find some time and energy to add more activities to their already busy schedule.

"It's amazing," said Jena. "That with all they do, they don't just play, they excel at what they do. I don't know how they do it all sometimes."

The entire family credits much of the boys' success to the coaching and leadership they've received from longtime Armorel head coach, Charlie Brown.

"He's one of the most knowledgeable coaches I've seen," said Jason. "The thing I really love about him is that he's teaching this kids about becoming better men."

"He's a great teacher of the fundamentals," said Nash. "He teaches hard work and taking care of the little things."

They mentioned how Brown has developed a mentoring program between the older students and the younger ones.

"We teach the younger players our ways," said Payton. "We have to take responsibility for their actions. If they're in trouble, we're in trouble."

"It's been a joy to coach all three of them," said Brown. "It's very unusual to have three players from the same household like this. We're really glad to have Payton back this season. He's got speed on the bases and does a great job in center field. For Andrew, the sky's the limit for him. He just stops the running game. He can be as good as he wants to be. For Nash, he's really becoming a good leader. He's developed into a good pitcher and is always willing to learn."

Jena and Jason said assistant coach Mike Dobbins has also been an influential part of the boys' lives.

"I think it's because he's closer in age to the kids, but he's been a great person that we can all just go to about anything. It's really helped and I think it helps Coach Brown too."

With the season coming to a close, things will begin to change around the house. Payton is graduating on Sunday, and Nash will graduate in a year, followed by Andrew. It's given Jason and Jena time to think about the future without games and practices to get to.

"It's hard to imagine right now," said Jason. "We're always constantly going somewhere. It's like we never have a break. I can't imagine what it would be without all of the sports."

"I really can't imagine what are lives would be like," said Jena. "Right now, we're so busy and we're enjoying it so much. I just can't imagine it."

For now, they'll just enjoy the ride. Right now, that ride has them traveling across the state and hopefully for one more trip to Fayetteville together next week.

afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com