|
|
|
Friday, March 21, 2008
A Competitive Family
Western Arkansas, AR
By: Don Lowe
|
Photo(s) By: submitted
|
Fayetteville's Millie Hogue and her family run, jump, hoop, swim and ride through a wide variety of sports
All for one, and one for all. That familiar cliché is definitely an important motto for the entire Hogue Family as they rally around each other while all six of them pursue a wide-ranging variety of athletic endeavors.
Junior Cable Hogue, a 6-foot-7 forward who was a key member of head coach Barry Gebhart's Fayetteville Bulldogs varsityboys squad that netted a coveted 7A West championship, may be the most well-known amongst his family members.
Sophomore Millie Hogue also isbeginning to shine at the high school level after holding her own and then someas a dual-sport threat for the Lady Bulldogs’ cross country and swim teams. As if that's not enough, the eldest Hogue daughter competes in triathlons as well.
Not to be outdone, 13-year-old Madeleine also competes in triathlons and six-year-old Artemis plays soccer.
While they've ultimately let all four of their children pursue what has interested each of them the most, parents Greg and Mavie certainly admit having an influence, particularly considering the importance on good health.
"We're definitely all about being healthy," said Mavie, who happens to be diligent in triathlon competitions as well. "We've always tried to make fitness part of the fun at our family time. We all like to stay active and exercise as a family. We've always enjoyed it."
Withouta doubt, it's enjoyable when there are successes for anyone in the Hogue family. And not surprisingly there have been a few of those along the way so far, including Cable's most recent chance to celebrate a conference title with his Bulldogs’ teammates.
Individually, Cable described one of his greatest highlights so far as being the "dunk in the second Fort Smith Southside game" this season. Meanwhile, Millie fared quite well in a triathlon last year. "I've been most successful in triathlons," she said. "In the Youth Elite Nationals last summer I finished 10th."
It's only human nature, even amongst family, to try and be the best. "Everybody in our family is kind of in competition (against each other) in a joking manner," Cable explained. "But, we just push each other." Millie admitted there's also a little bit of "sibling rivalry" that comes into play from time to time.
Mom describes the fun-loving spirit of trying to out-do each other more as a "healthy sense of competition."
Achieving great things is all well and good. But, that's simply not whatit seems to be all about for the Hogues. "Since we were real little,whether it was running or swimming with our mom and dad, we've always done alot of different activities together," Cable recollected. "And,they've (parents) done a great job helping us make all the right food choicesand eating right. They look out for our nutrition and health. They have beenamazing role models."
It's(sports activities) something we all have in common and we can dotogether," Millie reasoned.
"Everybody supports each other," Mavie insisted. "Wereally enjoy seeing each other compete in their own sports. We try not to makeit so much about winning at all … it's more about applying yourself."
Mavie says that she and her husband have instilled an active lifestyle on all their children from a very young age to let them "try a lot of different sports and enjoy the reward of doing something they could be proud about, while having fun and benefitting from the exercise. We have always tried setting an example for them. And, we are very proud and happy for them."
It certainly gets quite hectic with everyone in the home going in so many different directions for work, school and sporting events. But, it's worth it. "It'sbeen great," Mavie said. "We've chosen to fill our time with our kids and family."
It shouldn't be too surprising at all if the Hogue Family continues to be seen in their hometown of Fayetteville and the surrounding area filling a lot of time participating in various sports and definitely excelling at them as well.
|
|
|
|
®
™
