Lakeside Athletics & Activities

🚨 New Coach Alert!

We’re excited to welcome Lana Reynolds to our Lakeside coaching staff!

Lana is a veteran educator with 20 years of teaching experience and is entering her 3rd year at Lakeside Intermediate, where she teaches 4th grade literacy. With a background in dance and experience coaching youth athletics, she will be one of the leaders of our newly formed Junior High Sideline Spirit Squad.

She and her husband, Jacob Reynolds, Lakeside’s Defensive Coordinator, are currently the only husband and wife coaching team at Lakeside. They are proud parents to Zane and Zynlee.

Please join us in welcoming Coach Reynolds to the Rams coaching family!

🚨 New Coach Alert!

We’re excited to welcome Mack James to the Lakeside coaching staff!

Coach James brings 8 years of coaching experience in football and wrestling, specializing in both offensive and defensive line play.

Most recently, his offensive line unit made significant strides, producing multiple all-conference and all-state performers.

Coach James is committed to developing tough, disciplined student-athletes and building success in the trenches.

Please join us in welcoming Coach James to the Rams family!

🚨 New Coach Alert!

We’re excited to celebrate Emily Diedrich in her new role as Head Junior High Cheer Coach!

Ms. Diedrich has been a valued member of the Lakeside family for the past 5 years and has previously served as an assistant coach for both the Junior High and Varsity cheer teams.

She is passionate about developing student-athletes and believes strongly in building character alongside athletic skills.

Please join us in congratulating Coach Diedrich on her new role and continued impact at Lakeside!

🚨 New Coach Alert!

We’re excited to welcome Cortland Austin to the Lakeside coaching staff!

Coach Austin brings 5 years of high school coaching experience, including stops at Dumas and Jacksonville. During his time at Dumas, he served as an assistant boys basketball and baseball coach. At Jacksonville, he held multiple football roles, including 9th Grade Defensive Coordinator, High School Defensive Coordinator, and Defensive Backs Coach.

A former player for current Lakeside Defensive Coordinator Jacob Reynolds, Coach Austin understands the standard and culture of Rams football.

A hardworking and dedicated coach, Coach Austin is committed to building discipline, toughness, and character in student-athletes while creating a competitive and positive team culture.

He will serve as an Assistant High School Football Coach and Assistant Baseball Coach.

Please join us in welcoming Coach Austin to the Rams family!

🚨 New Coach Alert!

We’re excited to welcome Dirk Thompson to the Lakeside coaching staff!

Originally from Russellville, Arkansas, Coach Thompson is a graduate of Pottsville High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, along with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, from Arkansas Tech University.

This will be his fifth year teaching and coaching, with experience in football, track & field, and cross country. During his time in track & field, he has helped develop 8 district champions, 13 district runner-ups, as well as a state champion and state runner-up in hurdles, long jump, and triple jump.

Coach Thompson will serve as an Assistant Cross Country and Track Coach. He is passionate about investing in students both academically and athletically and making a positive impact each day.

Please join us in welcoming Coach Thompson to the Rams family!

🚨 New Coach Alert!

We’re excited to welcome Sydney Scroggins to our Lakeside coaching staff!

Coach Scroggins is a second-year Social Studies teacher at Lakeside High School/Junior High, where she teaches U.S. History and Civics. With a background in cheer and dance, she will be one of the leaders of our newly formed Junior High Sideline Spirit Squad.

Originally from Jonesboro, Arkansas, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas.

Please join us in welcoming Coach Scroggins to the Rams family!

Hunter signs with Champion Christian College! 🏀🔥
Known as “Jump Man,” Justin is an explosive athlete ready to make an impact at the next level. “A hard worker and extremely talented. We’re excited to develop him into a future leader.”

Britton signs with College of the Ozarks! 🏃‍♂️
G’Mar has been a key contributor to a Lakeside program that just captured its 3rd consecutive 5A South Conference Championship. His efforts helped power a total team performance in one of the most competitive meets of the year. With the state meet ahead and now a college opportunity secured, G’Mar continues to rise. Proud of his dedication and excited to see him compete at the next level!

Riggin signs with Ouachita Baptist University! 🏃‍♀️
Ava has been a key contributor for the Lady Rams. Her hard work and consistency have earned her the opportunity to compete at the next level. Proud to see her continue her track and field career at OBU!

Conference Champs. Legacy Built. 🐏⚽️🏆💙💛

The Lady Rams left no doubt, defeating Benton 3-0 to claim the 2026 5A South Conference Championship and cap off an incredible season!

Lily Ahlers led the way with two first-half goals, Sophia Stedman added another, and Hollis Rynders came up big with three clutch saves to secure the shutout. Heidi DeLa Cruz helped set the tone offensively as Lakeside controlled the match from start to finish.

🗣️ “We had to play with a purpose, and we did that… it was control the controllables,” said Head Coach Diana Judd. “We put pressure on them and it was everything we talked about all season, and we finally put it all together.”
🗣️ “I’m so proud of them… they just played phenomenal tonight.”

And this moment is part of something even bigger…

Over the last 4 years, this group has built something special:
Conference Record:
• 22-23: 11-3
• 23-24: 14-0
• 24-25: 14-0
• 25-26: 13-0-1
➡️ Total: 52-3-1

Overall Record:
• 22-23: 14-5
• 23-24: 18-1
• 24-25: 17-2
• 25-26: 15-0-1
➡️ Total: 64-8-1

🔥 3 straight years without a single conference loss.

These numbers represent more than wins and losses — they represent commitment, sacrifice, resilience, and a standard of excellence built over four incredible years.

This is a legacy to be proud of. 🏆


📰: Patrick Geans, The Sentinel-Record