The Ranger Hour Sponsored by BankFirst

Northwest Mississippi Community College

Sponsored by BankFirst, The Ranger Hour is a live weekly radio show on Supertalk North Mississippi, hosted by Gary Darby. Each week, Gary interviews two guests from Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC), providing listeners with the latest updates on everything happening at the college. From academic programs and student services to athletics and campus events, The Ranger Hour offers valuable insights into NWCC’s growth, achievements, and upcoming initiatives. Whether you're a current student, prospective student, or community member, this show keeps you informed on all things NWCC! 📢 Keywords: BankFirst Ranger Hour, Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Gary Darby, Supertalk North Mississippi, college updates, student services, campus news, NWCC athletics, community college radio show

  1. 5d ago

    'See How They Run' : NWCC Theatre / Northwest Volleyball

    Northwest Mississippi Community College theatre instructor and director Kayla Manzolillo joins the October 29, 2026, Bank First Ranger Hour to preview See How They Run, Philip King’s classic British farce. She shares how Northwest students and alumni bring the comedy’s physical humor and chaotic situations to life, along with a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals and technical production. Performances run November 6–15 at the Fine Arts Auditorium on Northwest’s Senatobia campus, with $10 general admission and free admission for Northwest students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available at northwestms.edu/tickets. Northwest volleyball head coach Allison Burchyett discusses the nationally ranked Rangers’ outstanding season, their Region 23 Tournament quarterfinal victory over Meridian and preparations to face Jones College in the semifinals at Howard Coliseum. She explains how aggressive serving, versatile setters and players embracing their roles have fueled the team’s success as Northwest pursues a postseason championship. Sophomore setter Chloe Rodriguez offers a student-athlete’s perspective on Northwest volleyball, explaining how she reads opposing defenses, creates opportunities for her hitters and builds trust with teammates. She also shares her plans for the Disney College Program after graduation and her goal of pursuing a career in radiation therapy to help children undergoing cancer treatment. Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, Bank First Ranger Hour, NWCC, Kayla Manzolillo, See How They Run, Philip King, Northwest theatre, Senatobia events, Mississippi college theatre, Allison Burchyett, Chloe Rodriguez, Northwest Rangers volleyball, NJCAA volleyball, Region 23 volleyball tournament, MACCC volleyball, Howard Coliseum, student-athlete success, Disney College Program

  2. Oct 22

    The Music Man at the Heindl Center / Bull-o-rama 2026

    Dr. Blake Bostick and Elizabeth D'Aiuto – The Music Man at the Heindl Center Broadway returns to Northwest Mississippi Community College as the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts welcomes the national touring production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man on Saturday, October 24, at 8 p.m. Heindl Center Director Dr. Blake Bostick interviews Elizabeth D'Aiuto, who portrays Marian Paroo, about bringing this beloved Broadway classic to Senatobia. D'Aiuto shares her experiences performing the iconic role, working alongside fellow cast members, and introducing a new generation to the music, choreography, and timeless story of The Music Man. The production features spectacular costumes, memorable songs, and a heartwarming celebration of community. Tickets are available at heindlcenter.org. Coach Will Lummus – Northwest Rodeo and Bullarama 2026 Northwest Mississippi Community College Rodeo Coach Will Lummus joins host Gary Darby to preview Bullarama 2026, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m. in Senatobia. This exciting event features bull riders from across the region, including Northwest student-athletes Dakota Smith and Landon Bradley, along with junior bull riding, a calf scramble, and family entertainment. Lummus also discusses the Rangers' fall rodeo season, highlighting performances in steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding as the team prepares for its final fall competition at Murray State. The conversation also recognizes BankFirst's continued support of Northwest Rodeo and the importance of community partnerships in supporting student-athletes. Gary Darby – Northwest Rangers Athletics Update Host Gary Darby wraps up the October 22 edition with a comprehensive Northwest Rangers athletics report. The Northwest volleyball team completes a remarkable undefeated regular season at 36-0, losing just four sets all year as the Rangers prepare for postseason competition. Women's golf celebrates its first tournament victory of the 2026–27 season at the Dyersburg State Eagles Invitational, led by individual champion Elsa Lomas Castillo. Darby also reviews the men's and women's soccer seasons and previews No. 7 Northwest football's matchup against Southwest Mississippi Community College. With the Rangers competing for another MACCC North Division championship and positioning themselves for postseason opportunities, the conversation highlights an exciting stretch of Northwest athletics. SEO Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Northwest Rangers, The Ranger Hour, BankFirst Ranger Hour, Gary Darby, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, The Music Man, Meredith Willson, Elizabeth D'Aiuto, Blake Bostick, Broadway in Senatobia, Bullarama 2026, Northwest Rodeo, Will Lummus, Dakota Smith, Landon Bradley, Northwest volleyball, undefeated volleyball season, Northwest football, MACCC football, Northwest women's golf, Northwest soccer, Senatobia Mississippi, community college athletics, NJCAA, Ranger Athletics

  3. Oct 15

    Northwest Fine Arts / Women's Basketball Season Preview

    On this week's BankFirst Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby welcomes two special guests from Northwest Mississippi Community College to discuss upcoming Fine Arts performances, the 2026–27 women's basketball season, and the latest developments in Ranger Athletics. The program also previews a nationally ranked football showdown between Northwest and Itawamba Community College. Josh Franz – Northwest Fine Arts and Ranger Band: Northwest Mississippi Community College Assistant Band Director Josh Franz joins Gary Darby to discuss his first semester at Northwest, his background in percussion education, and upcoming performances by the college's music ensembles. Franz previews the October 27 Jazz and Percussion Concert at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, featuring jazz, steel pan and percussion ensembles. He also highlights the Northwest choir's upcoming performances, the Emerging Artist Recital Series, and the annual holiday concert. The conversation explores the Ranger Band's Centennial halftime show, Home, and the opportunities Northwest provides for student musicians to develop their talents and build lifelong relationships through music. LaTaryl Williams – Northwest Women's Basketball: Northwest Mississippi Community College women's basketball head coach LaTaryl Williams joins the program to preview the 2026–27 season following the Lady Rangers' remarkable 23-9 campaign, Region 23 championship and appearance in the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship. Williams reflects on the team's success, celebrates former players advancing to four-year universities, and introduces a talented group of newcomers preparing for the upcoming season. He discusses returning sophomores, promising freshmen, preseason scrimmages and a challenging schedule featuring nationally competitive programs, including Shelton State, Three Rivers and State Fair. Williams also shares his philosophy of building a championship culture through player development, academic success and strong team relationships. Ranger Athletics Update: Gary Darby closes the program with a comprehensive Northwest athletics roundup, highlighting the nationally ranked Ranger football team's October 15 matchup against No. 8 Itawamba Community College. The showdown carries major implications for the MACCC North Division championship race and the NJCAA national rankings. Darby also discusses the Northwest volleyball team's historic undefeated season, upcoming conference matches, and the men's and women's soccer programs as they approach the final weeks of regular-season competition. Stay connected with Northwest Mississippi Community College through the BankFirst Ranger Hour, featuring the people, programs, performances and athletic achievements that make Northwest a leader in education and community engagement. SEO KeywordsNorthwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, BankFirst Ranger Hour, Ranger Hour podcast, Gary Darby, Josh Franz, Northwest Fine Arts, Northwest Ranger Band, Northwest marching band, Northwest Centennial, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, Northwest Jazz Ensemble, Northwest Percussion Ensemble, steel pan ensemble, college music programs, Northwest choir, Emerging Artist Recital Series, LaTaryl Williams, Northwest women's basketball, Lady Rangers basketball, NJCAA Region 23 champions, NJCAA women's basketball, MACCC basketball, Northwest basketball recruiting, Northwest Ranger Athletics, Northwest football, Northwest vs Itawamba, MACCC North Division, Northwest volleyball, undefeated volleyball, Northwest soccer, Senatobia Mississippi, Mississippi community colleges

  4. Oct 8

    Dr. Denise Willis / Coach Justin Mann

    On this episode of the BankFirst Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby explores academic excellence, scholarship opportunities, and the excitement surrounding Northwest Mississippi Community College athletics. From the benefits of Phi Theta Kappa membership and career-ready business education to a preview of the 2026–27 Northwest Rangers men's basketball season, this episode highlights the opportunities available to Northwest students. Plus, hear updates on Rangers football, nationally ranked soccer programs, and the volleyball team's remarkable undefeated season as Northwest celebrates its centennial year. Dr. Denise Willis – Phi Theta Kappa, Transfer Scholarships, and Career-Ready Education Dr. Denise Willis, Northwest Mississippi Community College's District Director of Business Instruction and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) advisor at the DeSoto Campus, joins Gary Darby to discuss the benefits of membership in the international honor society for two-year college students. Willis explains how students with a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 12 qualifying credit hours can become eligible for PTK membership, opening doors to leadership opportunities, community service, academic research, and valuable transfer scholarships at institutions including the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Delta State University, and the University of Memphis. She also highlights opportunities for dual enrollment students, upcoming Phi Theta Kappa activities including the DeSoto Campus Spooktacular, and an Honors in Action research project examining community changes over the past century in conjunction with Northwest's 100th anniversary. Willis concludes by discussing Northwest's practical approach to business education, including Microsoft Office certifications, Python programming credentials, accounting, entrepreneurship, and workforce-ready professional skills. Coach Justin Mann – Northwest Rangers Men's Basketball 2026–27 Season Preview Northwest Mississippi Community College head men's basketball coach Justin Mann returns to the Ranger Hour to preview his first season leading the Rangers. Mann discusses building a competitive roster that combines six returning players with 11 newcomers, including key contributors Chance Terry, Demetrius Tuffy, and LaDarius Brown. He shares his coaching philosophy emphasizing academic achievement, defensive intensity, unselfish basketball, and a strong team culture. Mann also reflects on the team's early performances against competitive junior college programs at an Oklahoma jamboree, his approach to developing a playing rotation, and the importance of preparing for a challenging schedule. With an exhibition against Delta State University approaching and the regular season beginning October 30 in Missouri, Mann provides an inside look at the expectations and excitement surrounding Northwest Rangers basketball. Northwest Rangers Athletics Update – Football, Soccer, and Undefeated Volleyball Gary Darby closes the episode with a comprehensive Northwest Rangers athletics update. The nationally ranked Northwest football team enters its October 8 matchup against Holmes Community College riding a three-game winning streak and holding a perfect 3-0 record in MACCC North Division play. Northwest men's and women's soccer continue navigating competitive conference schedules, with both teams preparing for nationally ranked Pearl River Community College. Meanwhile, the Northwest volleyball program is making history under Coach Burchett, entering the week with an incredible 30-0 record and a No. 20 national ranking. Darby highlights the team's recent victories, upcoming conference matchups, and the continued success of Northwest athletic programs across Mississippi and the NJCAA. SEO Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Northwest Rangers, BankFirst Ranger Hour, Ranger Hour Podcast, Gary Darby, Northwest Mississippi Community College podcast, Dr. Denise Willis, Denise Willis Northwest, Phi Theta Kappa, PTK scholarships, Phi Theta Kappa membership requirements, community college honor society, community college transfer scholarships, Mississippi college scholarships, Northwest DeSoto Campus, Northwest business programs, dual enrollment Mississippi, student leadership opportunities, Northwest centennial celebration, Northwest 100th anniversary, career-ready education, Microsoft Office certification, Python programming certification, Justin Mann, Coach Justin Mann, Northwest Rangers basketball, Northwest men's basketball 2026, NJCAA men's basketball, MACCC basketball, Chance Terry, Demetrius Tuffy, LaDarius Brown, Northwest basketball schedule, Northwest Rangers football, MACCC football, Northwest Rangers soccer, Northwest women's soccer, Northwest Rangers volleyball, undefeated college volleyball, NJCAA volleyball rankings, Northwest athletics, Senatobia Mississippi, Southaven Mississippi, community college athletics, Mississippi community colleges, BankFirst Northwest partnership

  5. Oct 1

    Hunter Holland / Angel Hailey

    It’s Centennial Homecoming at Northwest Mississippi Community College, and the BankFirst Ranger Hour celebrates 100 years of Northwest tradition with Ranger football, a new Sports Hall of Fame inductee and another milestone partnership supporting Northwest Athletics. The episode also highlights BankFirst’s expanded partnership with Northwest, including the addition of BankFirst logos on the 25-yard lines at Ranger Stadium at Bobby Franklin Field—believed to make Northwest the first community college in Mississippi and potentially the nation to feature corporate sponsorship branding on its football playing surface. Northwest sophomore offensive lineman Hunter Holland joins the show ahead of the Rangers’ Centennial Homecoming game. The Choctaw County native discusses why he chose Northwest, the championship culture surrounding Ranger football and his development under the Northwest coaching staff. Holland, the Rangers’ starting center, talks about the chemistry and communication required along the offensive line, lessons learned during the early part of the 2026 season and the importance of continuing Northwest football’s tradition of success during the college’s 100th anniversary. He also shares his academic plans as a kinesiology major with aspirations of pursuing physical therapy. Angel Hailey, one of the newest members of the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame, reflects on a remarkable soccer career that began in Southaven and brought her to Northwest as a goalkeeper from 2017–2019. Hailey remains the Rangers’ career saves leader with 255, including 190 during her sophomore season, when she led both the conference and NJCAA. She discusses why Northwest felt like home, her journey from Ranger goalkeeper to NCAA Division I soccer at the University of Louisiana Monroe and later the University of Montevallo, and her professional career with the Memphis Americans, where she won back-to-back championships and twice earned Goalkeeper of the Year honors. Now a volunteer assistant with the Northwest women’s soccer program, Hailey also talks about mentoring today’s Ranger goalkeepers and the emotion of achieving a longtime goal by earning induction into the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame. The episode also features an update from across Northwest Ranger Athletics, including the nationally ranked football team’s Homecoming matchup, an undefeated Northwest volleyball team off to a 24-0 start, the back-to-back national champion women’s soccer program and the latest from Northwest men’s soccer. It’s a Homecoming edition celebrating the student-athletes, alumni, traditions and championship culture that continue to shape Northwest Mississippi Community College in its Centennial year. Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Northwest Rangers, BankFirst Ranger Hour, Ranger Hour, Northwest Mississippi, Northwest Athletics, Northwest Ranger Athletics, Northwest football, Northwest Rangers football, Hunter Holland, NWCC football, junior college football, JUCO football, MACCC football, NJCAA football, Ranger Stadium, Bobby Franklin Field, Northwest Centennial, NWCC Centennial, Centennial Homecoming, Northwest Homecoming, BankFirst, BankFirst Northwest Mississippi Community College, Northwest corporate sponsorship, college football sponsorship, Angel Hailey, Northwest Sports Hall of Fame, NWCC Sports Hall of Fame, Northwest women’s soccer, NWCC soccer, Northwest Rangers soccer, NJCAA soccer, Memphis Americans, Northwest volleyball, NWCC volleyball, Mississippi community colleges, Senatobia Mississippi

  6. Sep 24

    Meredith Abels / 2026 Sports Hall of Fame

    On this week’s BankFirst Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby highlights student life, Homecoming and the latest from Northwest Mississippi Community College athletics. Northwest student and Pathfinder Meredith Ables shares why she chose Northwest, how her own campus tour inspired her to become a Pathfinder and what she enjoys about helping prospective students and families discover the college. An elementary education major, Ables discusses her plans to continue her education through the 2+2 partnership with Ole Miss-DeSoto and her goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She also previews Homecoming Week activities on the Senatobia campus, including goat yoga, the Homecoming Jersey Party, parade and pep rally, and Thursday night’s Homecoming football game. Northwest Sports Information Director Caleb Burggraaf joins the show to preview the newest class of the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame. Burggraaf looks back at the careers and accomplishments of inductees Jay King, Angel Haley, Ricky Barrett, Marvin Mays, Stefan Vandenever and Sandra Newborn, representing decades of excellence in Ranger baseball, soccer, basketball, football and golf. He also talks about experiencing his first SEC football game and previews Northwest football’s MACCC North Division matchup at Northeast Mississippi Community College. Darby closes the show with a Ranger athletics roundup, including Northwest volleyball’s remarkable start to the season and upcoming matches, along with men’s and women’s soccer action on the Senatobia campus. The BankFirst Ranger Hour is your weekly connection to Northwest Mississippi Community College, featuring the students, faculty, staff, alumni and athletic programs that make Northwest a special place to learn, compete and grow. Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Northwest Rangers, BankFirst Ranger Hour, Ranger Hour, Gary Darby, Meredith Ables, Northwest Pathfinders, Northwest Homecoming, NWCC Homecoming 2026, Northwest Mississippi Community College Homecoming, Northwest Sports Hall of Fame, Caleb Burggraaf, Jay King, Angel Haley, Ricky Barrett, Marvin Mays, Stefan Vandenever, Sandra Newborn, Northwest Rangers football, Northwest volleyball, Northwest soccer, MACCC athletics, Mississippi community colleges, Senatobia Mississippi, Ole Miss-DeSoto, elementary education, Northwest student life, Northwest athletics, NWCCRangers

  7. Sep 17

    Rural Community College Alliance / OJ Miller

    On this week’s BankFirst Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby welcomes Dr. Andrew Dale of Northwest Mississippi Community College along with Crystal Berry and Dr. Christopher Breitmeyer of the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) as Northwest hosts higher education leaders from across the country for the RCCA National Conference in Senatobia. The group discusses the important role rural and rural-serving community colleges play in expanding access to higher education, supporting workforce development and strengthening communities. They also highlight the conference’s partnership with the American Technical Education Association, professional development and networking opportunities, the growing role of artificial intelligence in higher education, responsible stewardship of college resources and the value of sharing innovative practices among rural and tribal colleges nationwide. Northwest women’s soccer sophomore OJ Miller joins the Ranger Hour to discuss the nationally ranked Rangers and her journey from a championship high school program to Northwest. Miller reflects on being part of Northwest’s national championship team, the competition and culture that push Ranger players to improve every day, and her growing leadership role as a sophomore. With five goals and two assists through the team’s first six matches, Miller talks about Northwest’s offensive depth, competing against some of the nation’s strongest NJCAA programs in Mississippi and her goals beyond soccer. A marketing communications student, Miller hopes to build a career combining her interests in athletics, marketing and potentially NIL. Darby also delivers the latest Northwest Rangers athletics update, including women’s soccer’s 6-0 start, a nationally ranked victory for men’s soccer and Northwest volleyball’s impressive 14-0 opening to the season. The episode previews upcoming soccer and volleyball competition and Northwest football’s conference opener against Mississippi Delta at Bobby Franklin Field in Senatobia, along with additional updates from Ranger athletics. Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, Northwest Rangers, BankFirst Ranger Hour, Gary Darby, Rural Community College Alliance, RCCA, rural community colleges, American Technical Education Association, ATEA, community college leadership, rural higher education, artificial intelligence in higher education, workforce development, Senatobia Mississippi, Andrew Dale, Crystal Berry, Christopher Breitmeyer, OJ Miller, Northwest women’s soccer, Northwest Rangers soccer, NJCAA soccer, Northwest volleyball, Northwest football, Mississippi community colleges, Ranger Athletics

  8. Sep 10

    Owen Cooper / Dr. Andrew Dale

    The September 10 edition of the Ranger Hour celebrates an exciting week at Northwest Mississippi Community College as the College officially begins its Centennial year. Host Gary Darby visits with Northwest student and Pathfinder Owen Cooper and Dr. Andrew Dale, Associate Vice President for Community Relations, before providing updates from Ranger Athletics and a look ahead at upcoming events at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts. Owen Cooper – Northwest Student and Pathfinder Northwest freshman Owen Cooper shares his journey from Florence, Mississippi, to the Senatobia campus and explains why Northwest has quickly become home. Cooper discusses his involvement as a Northwest Pathfinder and member of the Baptist Student Union leadership team, along with his plans to pursue youth ministry. He also talks about the personal attention he receives from Northwest instructors, the advantages of smaller class sizes and the sense of family he tries to share with prospective students while giving campus tours. Cooper says the relationships and opportunities he has found at Northwest have made his first semester a meaningful start to his college experience. Dr. Andrew Dale – Northwest Centennial Celebration Dr. Andrew Dale, Northwest's Associate Vice President for Community Relations, recaps the kickoff of the College's 100th anniversary celebration and reflects on a historic week that included a visit from Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, recognition of Northwest's Centennial in the U.S. Senate and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of the College. Dale also discusses Northwest's role in economic and workforce development across North Mississippi, the College's continued growth and plans for new programs, including efforts to develop aviation training to serve workforce needs in the greater Memphis region. He emphasizes that the Centennial kickoff is only the beginning of a yearlong celebration featuring education, career-technical programs, the arts, leadership and the people and communities Northwest has served throughout its first century. Ranger Athletics & Upcoming Events Gary wraps up the show with a packed Northwest Rangers athletics update. Northwest men's golf celebrates its first tournament victory since 2005 after winning the Ranger Invitational at Tunica National, while Ranger Volleyball remains undefeated at 12-0 without dropping a set. The No. 1 Northwest women's soccer team, the two-time defending NJCAA Division II national champions, continues its strong start, while men's soccer prepares for its final tune-up before conference play. In football, the No. 6 Rangers travel to Wesson to face Co-Lin before beginning North Division play. The show also looks ahead to Lonestar, coming to the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts in Senatobia on September 25. Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Bank First Ranger Hour, Ranger Hour, Northwest Rangers, Northwest Centennial, Northwest Mississippi Community College Centennial, 100th anniversary, Owen Cooper, Andrew Dale, Gary Darby, Northwest Pathfinder, Northwest student life, Baptist Student Union, Northwest workforce development, North Mississippi economic development, Northwest aviation program, Ranger Athletics, Northwest football, Northwest volleyball, Northwest women's soccer, Northwest men's soccer, Northwest golf, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, Lonestar concert, Senatobia Mississippi, Mississippi community colleges, SuperTalk Mississippi

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About

Sponsored by BankFirst, The Ranger Hour is a live weekly radio show on Supertalk North Mississippi, hosted by Gary Darby. Each week, Gary interviews two guests from Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC), providing listeners with the latest updates on everything happening at the college. From academic programs and student services to athletics and campus events, The Ranger Hour offers valuable insights into NWCC’s growth, achievements, and upcoming initiatives. Whether you're a current student, prospective student, or community member, this show keeps you informed on all things NWCC! 📢 Keywords: BankFirst Ranger Hour, Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Gary Darby, Supertalk North Mississippi, college updates, student services, campus news, NWCC athletics, community college radio show

Information

  • Creator
    Northwest Mississippi Community College
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    235
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Northwest Mississippi Community College
  • Show Website
    The Ranger Hour Sponsored by BankFirst