It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Ruston Fire Station gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Ruston, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home”
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“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude.”
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“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my”
“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care”
“These are skilled professions that give wonderful care. Thank you! Special thank you to Patricia and McKinsey for you attention to detail on multiple occasions!❤️”
“Always Best has been amazing in helping me with my father who has Alzheimer's and he had a stroke so he has limited mobility. They even go the extra mile and I'd like to mention Cynthia and Tracy for their outstanding service! It truly takes a hero to do what you guys do, as this is a very difficult job that requires amazing patience.”
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“I've been working with Always Best Care for over a year now, and I can honestly say it's been an incredible experience. The support from the office staff is top-notch - they're always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help with any issues that arise. The clients I've worked with have been wonderful, and I appreciate the care and attention the company puts into matching caregivers with clients who are a good fit. I highly recommend Always Best Care to any caregiver looking for a supportive, flexible, and rewarding work environment. Keep up the great work & thanks so much!”
“Always best senior care is a great company to work with. I've been working with Always best for a little over a year now and I absolutely love it. My clients are so sweet The company is very family oriented They don't just care about the clients they also care about the workers. My daddy was in the hospital and ended up passing away the company allowed me to take off so I could be at the hospital with my daddy, and after he passed away they allowed me to be off rest of the week.”
“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes of elderly patients. Recently, I engaged their services to find a caregiver for my grandmother, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. Cyndi Williams from Always Best Care was instrumental throughout the process. Her dependability and understanding made the entire experience smooth and reassuring. From our initial consultation to the caregiver placement, Cyndi and the staff at Always best Care ensured that my grandmother's needs were prioritized, which greatly eased what could have been a challenging transition. Thanks to Always Best Care, my grandmother is not only well cared for but also genuinely happy with her caregiver. This has brought immense relief and peace of mind to our family, knowing that she is in capable hands. Overall, I highly recommend Always Best Care for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to providing excellent elderly care services. They have truly made a positive difference in our lives during a time of significant adjustment. Claire Breslow”
“We have been very pleased with services from Always Best Care. They are awesome! They are very thorough, punctual, caring and helpful group. Shout out to Cynthia for going the extra mile to facilitate VA help for my step father. If your loved one is in need for in home care I highly recommend this company.”
“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home and gets busy doing whatever my mother needs her to do. She just takes it upon herself to do things that she sees that needs to be done. Angela has a great disposition. I can tell she loves what she does. Our family absolutely loves and appreciates Angela. Thank you to Always Best Care!!!!!”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it gets solved.”
“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These ladies quickly learned the routine that they like and take very good care of them. The office staff are so helpful and quick to find a replacement sitter if someone calls in sick. I highly recommended this agency for your loved ones”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July, 2022. My husband needs daily care and we have been more than pleased with the caregivers that they have provided. The Staff is so professional and efficient, yet like family at the same time. Their focus is on their patients and the families. They have made my life so much easier. Highly recommend!!”
“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude. I will definitely be using her again when I’m ready to sell. I highly recommend her.”
“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”
“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice and you will never find a better place to work and they are very respectful, understanding and caring bosses. They pair you up with clients that matches your personality. I really love working for this company and how they treat their employees.”
“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14 days. During that time our wonderful caregiver has agreed to be “on-call”. We are so grateful for her and there is no way we could take this trip without the peace of mind that her presence gives me! Thank you ABC for the service that your company provides and for the personal touch that you and your sister provide. Marilyn Get Outlook for iOS”
“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She loves her job because she gets to find the perfect home for her clients. I highly recommend Summer to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
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“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care of Monroe. They've been very helpful and the caregiver that we have working for us is fantastic. I would give them a very high recommendation. They started in July and have done exactly what we wanted them to do for our needs, and met those needs.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lincoln Parish Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local White Lightnin Cocktail and Culinary Company or visit Lady of the Mist, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Ruston, LA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Ruston, LA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Ruston, LA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee Softball is heading southwest to Ruston, La. to take on LA Tech in a three-game Conference USA series. The games are set for Friday, March 21 at 6:00 pm, Saturday, March 22 at 2:00 pm and the series finale on Sunday, March 23 at 1:00 pm. The games will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats can be found at Stat Broadcast.The Blue Raiders (13,16, 3-3) are coming off a dominate win over UT Martin. The game was called early due to a run-rule with MTSU being up by eight runs afte...
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee Softball is heading southwest to Ruston, La. to take on LA Tech in a three-game Conference USA series. The games are set for Friday, March 21 at 6:00 pm, Saturday, March 22 at 2:00 pm and the series finale on Sunday, March 23 at 1:00 pm. The games will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats can be found at Stat Broadcast.
The Blue Raiders (13,16, 3-3) are coming off a dominate win over UT Martin. The game was called early due to a run-rule with MTSU being up by eight runs after five innings of play. In just four innings of work for the Blue Raider offense, they made every at bat count, hitting for a .409 average en route to eight runs scored.
Jana Want led the charge batting 2/3 with a home run and three RBIs while extending her hitting streak to 13 games. Addy Edgmon added her own home run, bringing the MTSU season total to 29 and are now just 15 shy of tying the program record set last season.
Tori Coffman was dominate on the mound for Middle Tennessee throwing five shutout innings while allowing just five baserunners, none of whom advanced past second base. It marked her fifth complete game of the season and her first shutout.
On Monday, March 12, Leila Ammon was named Conference USA Freshman of the Week for the second time this season. Ammon dominated #19 Mississippi State on March 12, throwing a complete game while allowing just two runs. On the week, Ammon threw for a 0.91 ERA across 15.1 innings.
Another Blue Raider who has been thriving this season is Ansley Blevins who has hit eight home runs on the season, bringing her career total to 28 which ranks second in program history. Blevins has hit five home runs in six conference games this season which leads Conference USA. Blevins also leads in conference play slugging percentage where she holds a 1.400 mark.
Scouting the opponent
UT Martin – The 2025 LA Tech Bulldogs are off to a 16-11 start while going 4-2 in conference play. The Bulldogs swept UTEP in a three-game series last weekend. The Blue Raiders hold a record of 8-10 vs. LA Tech while taking three of the last 10. The Bulldogs are led by Josh Taylor who is in his fourth season at the helm. In his first three years, LA Tech has won 30+ games in each season and Taylor was named the Conference USA Coach of the Year twice. The Bulldogs have four hitters hitting above .338 with Claire Raley leading the way at a .398 batting average and a team-high six home runs. Allie Floyd is the pitcher to watch on LA Tech as she's thrown over 100 innings and holds a 12-5 record.
FOLLOW THE BLUE RAIDERS Follow Middle Tennessee Softball on social media on Facebook (Blue Raider Softball), Twitter (MT_Softball) and Instagram (@mt_softball).
RUSTON – Louisiana Tech softball returns to the diamond for its home opener on Thursday against Louisiana Monroe at 4:00 p.m. The matchup versus ULM will be one of two contests between the Bulldogs and the Warhawks this weekend as LA Tech will play four games in the Louisiana Tech Classic Feb. 13-16.The Bulldogs will face No. 13 Arkansas on Friday at 6:00 p.m., followed by a 4:00 p.m. matchup with ULM on Saturday and 4:00 p.m. game against Southern Miss on Sunday to close out the four-team event....
RUSTON – Louisiana Tech softball returns to the diamond for its home opener on Thursday against Louisiana Monroe at 4:00 p.m. The matchup versus ULM will be one of two contests between the Bulldogs and the Warhawks this weekend as LA Tech will play four games in the Louisiana Tech Classic Feb. 13-16.
The Bulldogs will face No. 13 Arkansas on Friday at 6:00 p.m., followed by a 4:00 p.m. matchup with ULM on Saturday and 4:00 p.m. game against Southern Miss on Sunday to close out the four-team event.
SERIES INFORMATION Date/Time: Feb. 13-16, 2025 Location: Dr. Billy Bundrick Field (Ruston, La.) Watch: ESPN+ (LA Tech Games will be Streamed) Stats: LATechSports.com/Stats ULM Series History: LA Tech, 72-39 Arkansas Series History: UA, 4-1 Southern Miss Series History: LA Tech, 34-18
ABOUT LOUISIANA TECH (2-3, 0-0 CUSA)
LA Tech enters its home opener with a 2-3 record after playing five games in four days in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The Bulldogs defeated No. 4 Oklahoma State 6-1 for the program's first win over a top 10 ranked team since the 2008 season, one day after defeating Northern Colorado 9-4 for their first win of the season. The Bulldogs dropped two games to No. 12 Florida State and fell to UNC it the final game of the PV Challenge.
The Bulldogs had two players record .500 batting averages or better in Claire Raley and Nicole Hammoude. Raley registered a .533 batting average, collecting eight hits in 15 at bats including two extra base knocks. She scored six runs for the Bulldogs and finished with two RBI. She registered a .733 slugging percentage and logged 11 total bases. Hammoude was 7-of-14 at the plate, finishing with four RBI, four runs and one home run. She registered at least one hit in all five games, including a two-hit performance versus Florida State on Friday afternoon.
Transfers Addison Snyder and Reagan Marchant have both recorded four hits apiece, along with returning center fielder Alexis Gilio. Snyder, Marchant and true Freshman Elena Heng all recorded their first collegiate hits in the season opener against Northern Colorado. Snyder ranks third on the team with three RBI, followed by Raley, Gilio, KB Briley and Allie Furr who all have two.
Allie Floyd led the Bulldogs in the circle during the first week of play, finishing with a 2-1 record. The junior pitched two complete games including a complete game performance in the Bulldogs historic upset win over No. 4 Oklahoma State. Floyd limited the No. 4 ranked Cowgirls, who are coming off a trip to the World Series to one run on seven hits while striking out four.
Floyd's first victory of the weekend came against Northern Colorado, who reached the NCAA Regionals last season. She held the Bears to four runs on seven hits while fanning six batters. The right-hander from Texas finished the weekend with a 3.29 ERA along with 12 strikeouts and made the PV Challenge All-Tournament team for her efforts.
True freshman Ryleigh Shull had a strong start to her collegiate campaign as she made three relief appearances in the circle during opening weekend. The lefty from West Virginia logged 8.2 innings and struck out seven batters while allowing seven runs on eight hits. Shull tossed 4.0 innings in the second game against UNC and struck out four.
ABOUT No. 13 ARKANSAS (5-0, 0-0 CUSA)
Arkansas enters the LA Tech Classic with a 5-0 record after outscoring its opponents 40-4 in the five-game Texas State Tournament. The Razorbacks posted a program record in a 23-0 win against Lipscomb.
Bri Ellis paced the Hogs offensively during opening weekend, finishing with six hits in 12 at-bats, nine RBI, three home runs, five runs and 15 total bases. Ella McDowell and Kailey Wyckoff both recorded five hits, while Courtney Day also hit three home runs and is second on the team with seven RBI. The Hogs have blasted nine home runs through five games.
Payton Burnham picked up two wins in the circle, while Reis Beuerlein, Lexi King, and Robyn Herron all have one. Cam Harrison leads the team with 12 strikeouts, while Burnham has 10.
ABOUT ULM (1-4, 0-0 SBC)
ULM enters Thursday with a 1-4 record after playing five games in the Houston Classic. The Warhawks dropped two games to Lamar before bouncing back to beat Houston Christian 6-5. ULM played the University of Houston close, falling 13-10 and 15-11. Brooklin Lippert leads the Warhawks with a .500 batting average after finishing with nine hits in 18 at-bats in the Houston Classic. Morgan Brown and Maryssa Zenzen both have eight hits apiece, while Zenzen leads the team with eight RBI.
Dakota Lake picked up the win in the Circle against HCU and leads the team in innings pitched (10.2) strikeouts (four), and ERA (4.59).
ABOUT SOUTHERN MISS (1-4, 0-0 SBC)
The Golden Eagles sit at 1-4 after playing give games in the NFCA D1 Lead off Classic in Clearwater, Fla. USM picked up a 6-2 win over Marshall after falling 12-2 to Nebraska to start the season. The Golden Eagles then dropped three straight to Pittsburgh (1-8), Kentucky (3-13), and Northwestern (1-2).
Kayce Bennett and Hannah Christian lead the team with four hits apiece, while Maddie Weeks leads the group with four RBI. Jana Lee holds a 1-1 record in the circle and leads the team with 14.0 innings and 11 strikeouts.
Bryan Beck was just a kid when he first fell in love with Ruston, La.His father Gil was a high school football official in North Louisiana for over 30 years, and when Dad would get called to a game at James Field, young Bryan would follow.“My dad would load me up from time to time while I was in grade school and middle school, and that was in the mid-80’s and early-90’s,” Beck said. “He always loved it when he drew Ruston. When we came here, it was different here, right? You could feel it when you ...
Bryan Beck was just a kid when he first fell in love with Ruston, La.
His father Gil was a high school football official in North Louisiana for over 30 years, and when Dad would get called to a game at James Field, young Bryan would follow.
“My dad would load me up from time to time while I was in grade school and middle school, and that was in the mid-80’s and early-90’s,” Beck said. “He always loved it when he drew Ruston. When we came here, it was different here, right? You could feel it when you walked into the stadium — the crowds, the players– everything about it was different.”
Beck at the time had no way of knowing just how much Ruston would be threaded throughout his story. And as Beck prepares to coach his first game tonight as a head coach, he recounted his journey from a rising sports star in Caddo and Bossier Parishes to Tech Bulldog catcher and now the head guy at a school he loves.
A quarterback, pitcher and catcher growing up, Beck was a Dixie Youth and American Legion baseball player and played both football and baseball for two years for Northwood High School before transferring to Airline High School, where he graduated in 1997. During that time, Beck was getting noticed by colleges from McNeese to Northwestern State to Louisiana Tech.
And, like most senior boys in high school, his decision to sign and play for Louisiana Tech was heavily swayed by a girlfriend, though they had split by the time Beck got to campus.
“We weren’t even together by the time I graduated high school,” Beck said. “But I was still on the way to Tech, and God has His plan there.”
Beck played four years for the Bulldogs behind the plate, even catching for Casey Blalock in the Bulldogs’ final game in the Sun Belt before Tech moved to the Western Athletic Conference the following season.
While at Tech, Beck made the best decision of his adult life by pursuing and then marrying Ruston High alum Jana Newberry. The couple now has three sons, Payton, Bailey Jack and Knox.
And it wasn’t only baseball that Beck found appealing in choosing Louisiana Tech: his Bulldog degree is in agronomy and plant science, a passion he’s held since a youngster on the field and the diamond, having plenty of experience growing up tending to the grounds of various baseball fields.
During his Bulldog tenure, he developed a friendship with a fellow Diamond ‘Dog and local business owner, Steve Davison. And it just so happens that Davison was getting ready to open a premiere golf course in 2002 shortly after Beck’s graduation: Squire Creek Country Club, which would need an assistant superintendent of grounds.
“Steve told me they were building a golf course and told me that I’d be really good for them,” Beck said. “He got us hooked up out there, and I was there for about six years. There was a couple of years I was there during construction, and I served in that role for a few years afterword.”
Beck would leave Squire Creek and join up with Nick Cauley for a landscaping business, where he would stay until the itch to get into coaching got too intense to ignore.
“It just really started to tug on my heart,” Beck said. “I look back and see that God’s called me to do this for a long time, so in 2018, we sold the business and I told my wife Jana that coaching is what I was supposed to be doing.”
And in 2018, he called an old friend and Bulldog teammate: first-year Ruston High Principal Dan Gressett.
“When he decided he wanted to return to education, we knew we wanted to hire him,” Gressett said. “He helped out in special ed and helped coach softball, so we had to hire him as a longterm sub at first, since he wasn’t certified just yet. He was someone that would just do what we needed him to do.”
Ruston High School head football coach Jerrod Baugh saw the same desire from Beck early on when he wanted to come be part of the “Firmly Founded.”
“When he came in and told me that this is what he wanted to do, I believed him,” Baugh said. “Coach Beck was involved in other jobs before this, but he was always involved in some form as a coach. And doing those other things allows him to bring a lot to the table. Ever since he was completely certain that he wanted to get into coaching at the high school level, he’s done everything that has been asked of him to do. He’s worked his tail off to get where he’s at today, and he’s absolutely earned it.”
Gressett saw during the hiring process last year when the role was opened just how committed Beck was. Never did he waver on his commitment to Ruston High — a school that he may never have walked the halls as a student, but a school that has adopted him dearly as one of its own.
“He’s all in on Ruston High,” Gressett said. “His heart is all in. You can see how much he cares by how hard he works and that he genuinely cares for the kids and is intentional on forming relationships. I think a lot of people don’t get to see that.”
And tonight is a special marker for Beck. After years and helping in anyway he could, including co-coaching the offensive line for the 2024 Ruston Bearcats, he now has a brand new title, and one that suits him well: Bearcat Head Coach.
“I’m really humbled considering I never thought I’d be sitting here today as the head coach,” Beck said in an interview over the summer. “There were a lot of rumbling out there during this hiring process, but I was ready to serve as needed. But then, all of a sudden, they wanted to hire me. It can humble you really quickly.”
And his mission is clear: take care of the students that come through the program and the school and put the program back on the winning path.
“It’s our obligation to give kids the best experience they can have here,” Beck said. “I think we’re going to some really great things here.”
Ruston High opens the 2025 season tonight against Oak Grove in Monroe, La., at Lou St. Amant Field on the campus of UL-Monroe. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
See full schedule below.
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