The Ranger Hour Sponsored by BankFirst

Northwest Mississippi Community College
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Sep 3

    Adalyn Callahan / Dr. Brad Smith

    The BankFirst Ranger Hour celebrates an exciting week at Northwest Mississippi Community College, with Ranger athletics in the national spotlight and Northwest preparing to officially kick off its Centennial Celebration. Host Gary Darby visits with Northwest volleyball player Adalyn Callahan and new Vice President of Institutional Affairs Dr. Brad Smith, while also previewing a top-five football showdown between No. 3 Northwest and No. 5 Mississippi Gulf Coast. Adalyn Callahan – Northwest Volleyball Northwest volleyball outside hitter Adalyn Callahan, a Hernando native and 2025 graduate of Hernando High School, joins the show as the Rangers continue their undefeated start to the 2026 season. Callahan discusses why Northwest immediately felt like the right fit, the relationships she already had with teammates from DeSoto County and the trust and chemistry that have helped the Rangers start the season 10-0. She also talks about the competitive atmosphere at practice and her academic plans as a pre-nursing student. After completing her volleyball career, Callahan plans to enter Northwest's nursing program, earn her RN and pursue a career in either emergency room or operating room nursing. Dr. Brad Smith – Vice President of Institutional Affairs New Northwest Vice President of Institutional Affairs Dr. Brad Smith introduces himself to Ranger Nation and shares the career journey that brought him back home to Mississippi. A Brookhaven native and Southern Miss graduate, Smith spent approximately 20 years in Division I college athletics, holding external affairs leadership roles at Middle Tennessee State University, Texas A&M, UAB, Morehead State, Southern Miss and most recently UTSA. At Northwest, Smith oversees athletics, strategic communications, the Northwest Foundation and government affairs. He discusses the importance of relationship-building throughout his career, the momentum he sees at Northwest, President Dr. Michael Heindl's leadership and the welcoming campus culture that attracted him to the College. Smith also previews Northwest's Centennial Kickoff Celebration on September 8, beginning at 10 a.m. in front of the McCormick Administration Building on the Senatobia campus. The public celebration will honor the generations who built Northwest and include the dedication of a historical marker, the unveiling of a portrait honoring James P. McCormick, remarks from Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and Dr. Michael Heindl, and statewide coverage from SuperTalk Mississippi. Smith also discusses the Centennial Circle, a fundraising initiative designed to support Northwest students and help position the College for its next 100 years. The episode also catches listeners up on a big week for Northwest Ranger Athletics. Northwest volleyball is 10-0, the nationally top-ranked women's soccer program continues its strong start, and men's soccer is coming off an 11-1 victory. On the football field, No. 3 Northwest returns to Bobby Franklin Field after a dramatic 38-35 comeback victory at Jones to host No. 5 Mississippi Gulf Coast in a nationally ranked matchup. The Centennial Throwback Game will also showcase Northwest's new video board and LED stadium lighting as Ranger fans are encouraged to wear black for the 7 p.m. kickoff. Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Northwest Rangers, BankFirst Ranger Hour, Ranger Hour, Gary Darby, Adalyn Callahan, Northwest volleyball, NWCC volleyball, Hernando Mississippi, Hernando High School, Northwest nursing, Dr. Brad Smith, Northwest Vice President of Institutional Affairs, Northwest Centennial, NWCC Centennial, Northwest Mississippi Community College Centennial, Centennial Celebration, Centennial Circle, Dr. Michael Heindl, Tate Reeves, SuperTalk Mississippi, Northwest Foundation, Northwest athletics, Northwest football, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, MGCCC, Northwest vs Gulf Coast, NJCAA football, Mississippi community college football, Bobby Franklin Field, Ranger Stadium, Northwest women's soccer, Northwest men's soccer, Senatobia Mississippi

  6. Aug 27

    Pathfinder TJ Mays / Rodeo Fall '26 Preview

    TJ Mays, a Northwest Mississippi Community College Pathfinder from Independence, Mississippi, shares his journey from Independence High School to Northwest and why the college feels like home. A Business Administration student, Mays discusses his plans to transfer to the University of Mississippi and his entrepreneurial ambitions, including launching a clothing business, opening a barbershop and earning his barber license. He also talks about serving as a Pathfinder, the importance of bringing a positive attitude to campus and how his Northwest education is preparing him to turn his business ideas into reality. For prospective students considering Northwest, Mays offers a powerful message from his own experience: Northwest changes lives. Northwest Ranger Rodeo head coach Will Lummus recaps an impressive showing by the Rangers at the College National Finals Rodeo, highlighted by strong national finishes from Will Collier, Dakota Smith and Reagan Chance, before previewing the upcoming Northwest Rodeo season. Lummus discusses a talented women’s roster featuring depth in barrel racing, breakaway roping and other events, along with a men’s team combining experienced returners and promising newcomers from across the country. He also explains what the coaching staff is looking for as practices begin, previews a busy fall rodeo schedule beginning in September and shares details about the return of Bull-o-rama on October 24. Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Northwest Rangers, Gary Darby, TJ Mays, Northwest Pathfinder, Northwest student life, Business Administration, University of Mississippi, Ole Miss transfer, Mississippi community college, Will Lummus, Northwest Ranger Rodeo, NWCC Rodeo, College National Finals Rodeo, CNFR, Will Collier, Dakota Smith, Reagan Chance, Bull-o-rama, college rodeo, NJCAA, Senatobia Mississippi, Tate County Mississippi

  7. Aug 20

    Danny Gokey / Fall Athletics Preview

    This week on the Bank First Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby welcomes Dr. Blake Bostick, director of the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts at Northwest Mississippi Community College, for a look at an exciting lineup of live entertainment coming to Senatobia. Bostick previews contemporary Christian music star and American Idol finalist Danny Gokey, who brings his powerful vocals and message of faith, hope and perseverance to the Heindl Center on August 21. The conversation explores Gokey’s remarkable journey from personal tragedy to becoming one of Christian music’s most recognized artists, including his hit songs “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” and “Jesus Over Everything.” Bostick also looks ahead to the Heindl Center’s September schedule, featuring legendary Motown group The Four Topson September 9 and country hitmakers Lonestar on September 25, continuing the Heindl Center’s growing reputation as a premier destination for live entertainment in North Mississippi. Caleb Burggraaf, Sports Information Director for Northwest Mississippi Community College, joins the second half of the Ranger Hour for a comprehensive preview of Northwest Rangers athletics as the 2026 fall sports season gets underway. Burggraaf breaks down the back-to-back national champion and preseason No. 1 Northwest women’s soccer team, the beginning of the Wyndham Watley era for Ranger men’s soccer, and a talented Northwest volleyball roster with its sights set on postseason success. He also previews Northwest football as the Rangers prepare for another run at the MACCC and national levels under head coach Benji Parker, including a challenging schedule loaded with nationally ranked Mississippi opponents and a roster featuring a mix of returning experience and talented transfers. The conversation also touches on Northwest men’s and women’s golf, upcoming home events at the Ranger Soccer Complex, and Ranger TV, where fans can follow Northwest athletics throughout the season. Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Northwest Rangers, Bank First Ranger Hour, Gary Darby, Dr. Blake Bostick, Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, Danny Gokey, Danny Gokey concert, Danny Gokey Senatobia, Christian music, contemporary Christian music, American Idol, Jesus Over Everything, Tell Your Heart to Beat Again, The Four Tops, Four Tops Senatobia, Motown, Lonestar, Lonestar concert, live music North Mississippi, concerts in Senatobia Mississippi, Heindl Center events, Caleb Burggraaf, Northwest Mississippi Community College athletics, NWCC athletics, Northwest Rangers athletics, Northwest football, Benji Parker, Northwest Rangers football, MACCC football, NJCAA football, Northwest women’s soccer, Northwest Rangers soccer, NJCAA women’s soccer, back-to-back national champions, Northwest men’s soccer, Wyndham Watley, Northwest volleyball, NWCC volleyball, Northwest golf, Ranger Soccer Complex, Ranger TV, Senatobia Mississippi, North Mississippi, Mississippi community colleges, NJCAA athletics

  8. Aug 13

    Northwest Welcome Week & 2026 Ranger Football Preview

    Northwest Mississippi Community College is ready to welcome students back to campus, and the August 13 edition of the Bank First Ranger Hour looks ahead to a busy start to Northwest’s historic Centennial year. Host Gary Darby visits with Michaela Mhyre, Director of Student Activities, and Benji Parker, Head Football Coach, for a preview of student life, Welcome Week, Northwest’s 100th anniversary and the beginning of another highly anticipated season of Ranger athletics. Michaela Mhyre – Northwest Welcome Week & Student Life Director of Student Activities Michaela Mhyre previews a packed Welcome Week at Northwest Mississippi Community College as new and returning Rangers arrive for the fall semester. Mhyre discusses Ranger Roundup, first-day activities, student organizations, Water Day, the women’s soccer tailgate, the Red, White and Ranger pool party, an ice cream social and other opportunities designed to help students connect with the Northwest community. Mhyre also discusses the excitement surrounding Northwest’s Centennial year and the continued growth taking place across the college. With Welcome Week followed quickly by Centennial activities and Homecoming, Northwest is preparing for an especially active fall semester. She explains how student activities help students build friendships, connect with faculty and staff and discover that the Northwest experience extends far beyond the classroom. Benji Parker – 2026 Northwest Rangers Football Preview Northwest head football coach Benji Parker joins the program as the Rangers prepare for the 2026 college football season. Parker discusses preseason practice, player development, Northwest’s facilities, preparing safely during the Mississippi summer heat and the challenge of competing in one of the strongest community college football environments in the country. The Rangers enter 2026 following back-to-back 10-2 seasons, consecutive MACCC/Region 23 championships and a fourth appearance in the NJCAA playoffs in five seasons. Parker talks about the culture surrounding Northwest football, the quality of Mississippi community college football and the importance of developing student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom. Northwest opens the 2026 season August 27 at Jones College in Ellisville before returning to Senatobia for the home opener against Mississippi Gulf Coast on September 3. The program also looks ahead to another demanding MACCC schedule as the Rangers begin their pursuit of another championship season. Northwest Athletics Update The episode also previews the start of another exciting year for Northwest athletics. The back-to-back NJCAA Division II National Champion Northwest women’s soccer team enters the season ranked No. 1 in the nation, while men’s soccer and volleyball are also beginning preseason competition. After another outstanding year of success on the field and in the classroom, Ranger Athletics is preparing for another full season of competition. Listen to the Bank First Ranger Hour for the latest Northwest Mississippi Community College news, student life, athletics, campus events and stories from across the Northwest community. SEO Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Northwest Rangers, Northwest Mississippi Community College football, Northwest Rangers football, Benji Parker, Northwest football 2026, MACCC football, NJCAA football, Mississippi community college football, Northwest Welcome Week, Northwest Mississippi Community College Welcome Week, Michaela Mhyre, Northwest student activities, Northwest Centennial, NWCC Centennial, Northwest Mississippi Community College Centennial, Northwest 100 years, Ranger Roundup, Northwest student life, Northwest campus life, Northwest women’s soccer, NJCAA women’s soccer national champions, Northwest volleyball, Northwest men’s soccer, Senatobia Mississippi, Northwest Mississippi, Bank First Ranger Hour, Ranger Hour, Gary Darby

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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
    231
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Northwest Mississippi Community College
  • Show Website
    The Ranger Hour Sponsored by BankFirst