Volume II Issue I
PUBLISHER 12th Man Promotions Editor Dell Miller Art Director James Ledford Graphic Design One Slate Media Contributing Writers Dell Miller Shalunda Harris Demarco Williams Keisha Willis Stephen Miller Prepstars P.O. Box 870491 Stone Mountain, GA 30087 678.805.2055 www.gaprepstars.com
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Hutson Mason cover photo courtesy of bmwimages.com
TRAINING TIPS DEHYDRATION Dr. R. Amadeus Mason
The human body needs water to maintain enough blood and other fluids to function properly. We lose fluids and electrolytes (mineral salts) when we urinate, sweat, breathe, vomit, and have diarrhea or fever. Dehydration is caused by not eating or drinking enough during strenuous exercise or illness, or, while certain medications like antihistamines and cold remedies. Under normal conditions your body maintains fluid balance through thirst mechanisms and the kidneys’ ability to dilute or concentrate your urine. However, during periods of exercise, especially if there concomitant illness, the thirst mechanism alone is often not adequate enough to maintain good hydration. It is important to remember that you can become dehydrated without your even being aware. Some common symptoms of dehydration are thirst, dry warm skin, dark urine, lightheadedness - especially when you stand from a sitting position, headache, and muscle cramping,. One must remember that some, all, or none, of these symptoms may be present when you are dehydrated. Preventing dehydration is always better than trying to cure it. The best preventive measure is not waiting until you are thirsty to start to replenish fluids especially when playing sports or during periods of illness. Drink small amounts of fluid frequently throughout and after sporting/training events, and drink extra fluids to keep up with any ongoing losses. If you have diarrhea or are vomiting, force yourself to drink more liquids than you may crave to avoid becoming dehydrated. Chilling your fluids may make it easier to drink and thus stay hydrated.
If you are mildly dehydrated, you need to take in additional fluids to replace the fluids and electrolytes you have lost. You can do this by drinking sips of water, along with eating foods with salt. There are many overthe-counter products that help replenish fluids and electrolytes (e.g. sports drinks, electrolyte packets). If you don’t have sports drinks or electrolyte packets you can make you own oral rehydration solution (ORS): • 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1 quart or liter of water If you don’t have any baking soda, add another 1/4 teaspoon of salt. If possible, add 1–2 cup orange juice or some mashed banana to improve the taste and provide some potassium. Take sips every 5 minutes until urination becomes normal (normal is urinating four or five times a day). If you are ill, you should drink at least 3 quarts or liters of ORS a day until you are well. Even if you are vomiting or having diarrhea, try to keep to drinking the ORS because your body will retain some of the fluids and salts you need even though you are vomiting and the fluids will not increase the diarrhea. When treating dehydration, it is important to also treat any underlying illness that may be compounding the issue. Failure to do this can reduce the body’s ability to dissipate heat, resulting in elevated core body temperatures, heat illness, heat stroke, kidney failure coma or even death. If you have symptoms of severe dehydration (e.g. decreased urine output, mental status changes), you need to go to an emergency room or other health care facility to be evaluated and possibly get intravenous (IV) fluids. Remember, if you wait until you are thirsty during athletic activity, you may be already too late to adequately replenish necessary fluids.
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Dr. Mason is a staff member of Emory Sports Medicine. He can be reached for appointments at 404.778.3350
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ACCESS: HUTSON MASON
GEORGIA’S TOP GUN HUTSON MASON,
a senior at Lassiter High School is gaining vast attention as one of the state’s most sought-after quarterbacks. The 18 year-old has been playing football since the age of seven and hopes to continue through college, and even further. It is his accuracy and precision that distinguishes Mason from most other quarterbacks and allows him to excel as a football player and team leader. “I think I have good leadership,” he says, describing his on-field communication. “A lot of guys can rely on me.” Along with football, Mason was also influenced to play basketball by his father, who played the sport in college. But even after playing on his high school basketball team, Mason later decided he wanted to continue on the path of football and play in college. Since then, he has been dedicated to the game. “When I’m on the field, I’m taking care of business. I try to put up good numbers. But when I’m off the field, I’m taking things as they go.” Mason’s hard work is praised and encouraged by his family, who impacts his life and helps him make good decisions. He is also encouraged by his teammates and coaches.
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“I was a Tennessee fan in elementary school, when Tee Martin won the National Championship,” he says, which aided his decision to play football. Tamaurice Martin, who is now Mason’s quarterback coach, is very supportive of the young player and has worked with him to develop his weaknesses. “He is an easy-going guy and we work well together.” One of Mason’s main priorities on the football field is winning. “That’s the reason you play hard,” he says. “You know that people are watching you.” He deems building relationships that last for a lifetime as the most important thing about playing football. Mason is satisfied just with the privilege to compete. “It’s a competitive game and I like to compete.” When he’s not playing football, Mason enjoys fishing, hunting, and hanging out with his friends, who describe him as goofy. “I don’t take a lot of things seriously, but I have my priorities straight,” he says. “I understand that schoolwork comes first, then football. I know that I have to do well in school to be on the field and to play college ball.”
IT’S A COMPETITIVE GAME AND I LIKE TO COMPETE. - Hutson
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BACK
TO
BACK
THE LADY WAR EAGLES WIN ANOTHER STATE TITLE
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From left to Right: Kaycee Gallup, Kate Bell, Kelsey Chadwick, Lori Spingola, Amalie Erwood, and Cameron Taylor
Mike Trapani, head coach of the Marist School softball team, led his team to victory as they were again named state champions in 2009. In his 10 years of coaching softball at Marist, Trapani and his team won the state championship twice and made it to the Final 9 nine of ten years. He credits the team’s success to its impressive pitching abilities and the drive to work hard at winning. “You have to have great pitching,” he says. “ We’ve been fortunate for a number of years to have that, and last year we were also fortunate enough to have eight talented young ladies on the team.” As few goals change each year, the team’s priority goals remain constant: first, to win the region championship and second, to win state. “When you’ve got great pitching, you’ve got to make routine plays. There are a limited number of opportunities in the field and you’ve got to try to make them all,” he says. “The key to winning is getting timely hits. You’ve got to be able to move runners and get them in when you have the chance.” Although Trapani has spent 35 years of coaching various sports, he names softball as the most “nerve racking.” Yet, he became intrigued when his youngest daughter began to play. “I’ve always equated softball to starting a baseball game in extra innings,” he says. In the end, Trapani hopes the seniors and the other girls have enjoyed playing softball. “It was never meant to be the only and most important thing we stress. School work and spirituality are also important. But we’ve been blessed with great young ladies, and with their softball talents aside, we hope they go on to do great things.”
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DON’T LEAVE HOME, YET! Some people may wonder why more and more young people are leaving the state in record numbers. Why are young kids leaving, taking all their belongings with them, and moving to nearby states- or better yet, across the nation? Well, the answer is quite simple really. After graduating high school students are leaving for college. And the majority of them are leaving the state. Why are they leaving? Students can’t think of any reason why they would like to go to school in Georgia. However, students leaving the state have to ask themselves; have I really investigated Georgia Schools? After all, there may be reason to change your mind. All schools in Georgia have their points of pride which attract different students. And depending on your personality type; you may find just the school you’re looking for.
Georgia State University, for instance, has an amazing business program. As the ninth largest business school in the United States with approximately 200 full-time faculty, state offers a wide variety of course offerings in both the graduate and undergraduate programs. The school’s EMBA is ranked among the best in the world according to Financial Times and our undergraduate program is also ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News. If your strong suits are in math and you ever wanted to be a high powered CEO or chief executive this school may be worth looking at. The Clark Atlanta University is well-known for its band and auxiliary. It is a an huge and exciting part of campus organization that includes the “Mighty Marching Panther” Band, the Pep Band, the Symphonic Band, the Essence Dance Team, the CAU Drumline, and the Silver Breeze Dynasty Flag Corp. The University’s Mighty Marching Panther Band’s many credits include having been featured in the 20th Century Fox movie Drumline. The school also has many intercollegiate sports including men’s baseball, basketball, football, tennis, and track and field; women’s basketball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball in conjunction to their distinguished academic programs. Georgia Southern is another great school for academics. The US News and World Report 14 prepstars
consistently ranks the University’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program among the best in the nation. And Southern’s College of Business Administration houses the only School of Economic Development in the southeastern United States. It is also a great school for sports fans as the Georgia Southern’s Eagles football team is one of the most successful in the NCAA Division I-AA. It has won six national titles since 1985. Georgia Tech is without a doubt the best school for academic achievement in the south. It has the number one graduate program in the nation in engineering. It is the ranks number seven in public universities in the country, number four in graduate engineering colleges, number five in undergraduate engineering college, number one in its industrial engineering program, and number nine in its undergraduate engineering programs. Their NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program is also one of the oldest and most renowned in the country. Tech students are passionate cheerleaders for the Yellow Jackets. There are also plenty or frats and sororities that hold activities most weekends if sports aren’t of any interest at Tech. There is always something to do on the weekends at Georgia Tech; whether watching the game or simply hanging out with friends at nearby bookstores and restaurants. Valdosta State is large enough to offer more than 90 degree programs of study, yet small enough to offer the individualized attention students deserve. The average undergraduate class size is twenty-four. The student faculty ratio is twenty-one to one. This means, unlike many large schools, students are capable to have meaningful interaction with professors so it will be easier to learn. Morehouse is one of the nation’s only male, historically and predominately higher education institutions for African Americans. Morehouse gives special emphasis to the African American experiences and the impact that people of the African diaspora have made in a global setting. Black Enterprise has listed Morehouse College as No. 1 in the nation for educating African Americans. This school has an enriched environment- where just as much attention is given to creature comforts. Lesser known schools like Fort Valley State also have something to offer students. With an enrollment near 2,500, the school is the perfect size for building lifelong ties that go beyond race and background-ties that are based on a shared love of learning and thirst for personal growth. Fort Valley also has more than seventy student organizations and activities range from a thriving sorority and fraternity system to conference-leading athletic teams, from honor societies to student government. The University of West Georgia also has something to offer students. It has over one hundred student organizations and new facilities that provide a balanced and exciting student life. It is also named by The Princeton Review as one of the Best Southeastern Colleges and one of America’s Best Value Colleges, the University of West Georgia provides exceptional academic quality.
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Albany State’s is known for its cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body. They are supported by practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and global society. Albany State offers comprehensive programs in health care services, community development, human disabilities, cultural enhancement, business and economic development, international trade and even entrepreneurship. And this school’s commitment to a teaching and learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom, offers superior academic assistance to its students. And in regards to campus; Savannah state is by far the best. Savannah State’s 173-acre campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. Located near the city of Savannah; the school offers art, culture, and recreation. There is a river front, fishing, parks, monuments, cemeteries, and even swimming. There are plenty of things for you and your friends to do in this small college town.
Shorter College is also well-known for its programs in the arts. “The Shorter College School of the Arts is well known for excellence in the training of both vocal and keyboard musicians,” said Dr. Alan Wingard of the Baptist university’s music education faculty. LaGrange College is also renowned for its programs in drama, music and art. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, LaGrange is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the South’s top 10 comprehensive colleges and among that category’s “best values.”
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And Georgia Military’s two-year program is perfect for commuting students who balance attending college while maintaining employment and providing for their family. The GMC Prep School offers small classes with an average student/teacher ratio of eight-teen to one, providing a superior academic environment for students to learn.
Finally, who doesn’t know how great Georgia’s football team is? Coach Bulldog’s coach Richt was recently presented several pineapples by Athens-Clarke Mayor Heidi Davidson recently to celebrate the Bulldogs’ victory over Hawaii in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The University of Georgia Athletic teams are amazing to say the least. UGA teams have won 27 national championships, including 17 since 1999 in the sports of women’s gymnastics, men’s tennis, women’s equestrian, and men’s golf. There is literally a sports team worth watching every week-end at Georgia. And Georgia students and cheerleaders win for school pride hands down. You will never be bored at UGA. Nearly thirty percent of UGA undergraduates are involved in some form of international education each year. UGA ranks ninth among the top twenty research universities in the number of students studying abroad. And for academic pride; the fall of 2007 entering freshman had an SAT average of 1233 and a high school grade point average of 3.79. Regarding faulty; nine active, retired or deceased University faculty members have been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors an American scientist can attain. And your child’s education will never go unfunded as UGA has received over a total of $153.7 million in research awards, grants and contracts in the fiscal year of 2007. After many From there
researching schools such as Georgia Tech, Georgia, Georgia State, Albany, and more I could find no answer as to why high school students are leaving the state. business to art degrees, commuter schools to traditional four year institutions; is a wide array of schools to choose from for just about every personality type.
Contact numbers: Georgia State · P.O. Box 3965 Atlanta, GA 30302-3965 · Contact: (404) 413-2000 University of West Georgia · 1601 Maple St, Carrollton, GA 30118 · Contact: (678)839-5000 Clark Atlanta University · 223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW · Atlanta, Georgia 30314 Contact: 404-880-6605 Georgia Southern University · 225 Forest Drive, Statesboro, GA · Contact: 912.681.5361 Georgia Institute of Technology · Atlanta, Georgia 30332 · Campus Operator 404.894.2000 Albany State University · 504 College Drive · Albany, Georgia 31705 · 229.430.4600 Valdosta State University · 1500 N Patterson St.Valdosta, GA 31698 · Contact: (800)618-1878 The University of West Georgia · 1601 Maple St, Carrollton, GA 30118 · (678)839-5000 Morehouse College · 830 Westview Drive, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314 · (404) 681-2800 Fort Valley State · 1005 State University Drive · Fort Valley, GA 31030 · 478-825-6211 Savannah State University · 3219 College St. Savannah, GA 31404 · 1-912-356-2181 Shorter College · 315 Shorter Avenue · Rome, Georgia 30165 · Phone: 800-868-6980 LaGrange College · 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240 · 706-880-8005 Georgia Military College · Map of 201 E Greene St, Milledgeville, GA 31061 · (478) 445-2700 The University of Georgia · Athens, GA 30602 · UGA Directory Assistance 706/542-3000
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GIVE /// DeMarco Williams
With so much to do in such a fast-paced society, contributing to the education of our youth is unnoticeably becoming overlooked. However, there is no charitable donation too big or too small for some organizations when it comes to supporting educational causes. Despite the struggle to stay afloat in today’s overwhelming economy, some organizations continue to show acts of kindness towards our future leaders, while sometimes, unlike most others, setting aside the command to beat the current economic crisis.
According to Kroger Co. Mid-South Charitable Fundraising, in 2007, “Kroger paid out over $4.1 million in charitable contributions. Out of this total, over $2.3 million was for school organizations.” Kroger is just one of the many local companies that gives back to our schools through its Earning Plus Learning program. Similar to the fundraising efforts of this successful company, Publix also contributes to local schools through charitable contributions made by the Publix Partners organization. Both grocery chains use memberships and shopping cards that donate a percentage of the money spent by customers. The shopper chooses which school they wish to support and the donation goes to the selected institution each time the customer shops. These companies benefit local schools in a major way by providing great donations and encouraging members of our community to participate as well in an easy and affordable manner.
In addition to the popular grocery chains, some local restaurants are involved in giving back to schools. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill is another company that supports local schools. They provide organizations with two fundraising options: Dining to Donate and the Flapjack Fundraiser. The Dining to Donate
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program allows members of a particular organization to raise money through the sales generated of their total bill. Applebee’s grants the organization with a percentage of the bill and sends out a check to support their cause. The Flapjack Fundraiser works in a much similar way. Through this pancake breakfast hosted by Applebee’s, a portion of the sales produced goes back to the organization, to again, support a particular cause. Applebee’s has over 40 locations in the greater Atlanta area, which gives plenty of options to donate for a special cause.
With a goal to raise $2 million over the next two years, Georgia Natural Gas’s True Blue Schools program works to raise money for schools through the help of its customers. Customers may sign up at the company’s fundraiser website and select the school of their choice to support. Once a school has been selected, Georgia Natural Gas will then “provide a one-time $25 donation per customer to the school and donate $5 for each month the program participant is an active Georgia Natural Gas customer in good standing.” This program encourages members to participate in supporting local schools while providing extra benefits and rewards when they sign up. Not only are the customers interested in reaping the benefits of the program, they also understand the importance of educating our youth.
In order to supply the educational needs of our youth, it is important that we recognize and appreciate the organizations that work hard to give back to our schools through donations and charity events. With a combined effort and participation in more than one local educational program, each school can properly function in educating our students and bringing out their best.
COACHES CORNER
Head Coach JEFF HERRON
Camden County
WILDCATS With 26 years of coaching experience and four state championship titles under his belt, head coach Jeff Herron of the Camden County Wildcats knows just what it takes to win football games. “It certainly takes good players and good community support,” he says. “It’s not possible unless you have good players, good coaches, good fan support, and good administrative support.” Coach Herron and the Wildcats took home the most recent title of state champions in 2010, which marked his 10th season as head coach of the Wildcats. According to Herron, the key to becoming state champions is repetition. “We do the same things we’ve always done. Expectations are high every year. We stress to the team that we would like to repeat.” Repetition, along with practice, is Herron’s way of encouraging his team to prepare for the title of the next state championship. With state championships comes hard work and encouragement, which are the qualities he possesses in order to lead a winning team. Coach Herron believes there is more than one way to coach and be successful, but you have to work hard no matter what your style is.
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“We always talk about the same thing,” he says. “We want to play hard and show good sportsmanship. We want to win, but we also want to win in the right way, and we want to play good defense. It’s a formula that’s worked pretty good for us.” From his experience, Coach Herron has gained many values, including joy and satisfaction, to make him the coach that he is. “I’ve gained enough as it is,” he says. However, he hopes to gain and learn more as his career continues. “I’ve had the opportunity to be around a lot of good coaches and good kids. I’ve enjoyed it. I think the most important thing is enjoying what you do. That’s in any profession.” To Coach Herron, coaching high school football is more than just a profession; it is a lifestyle. “I enjoy going to work everyday. I don’t feel that it’s a job. Our profession is a very noble profession. We are helping mold young men for the future.”
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EXTRA! EXTRA!
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Here are the 2010 headlines from the Atlanta-Area Hardwood DeMarco Williams
Atlanta’s had good years in high school hoops before. 2002-03 immediately comes to mind because of Dwight Howard and Josh Smith’s above-the-rim antics. And folks are still picking up jaws from the ground after watching Derrick Favors go nuts last year. Still, the things area kids are doing this season, boys and girls, is nothing short of amazing. At nearly every corner of the city, prep phenoms are generating national attention with their play. Though we’d need another three pages of editorial to spotlight all the players helping to make the 2009-10 basketball season one of the most memorable in recent history, we have to give props to the city’s five special headline makers… Mighty, Mighty Milton- At Christmastime, Milton High’s boys team was soaring with an undefeated record, a No. 1 ranking in ESPN’s South Region and a No. 8 spot on Scout. com’s national ranking. From the looks of the focused, David Boyd-coached team, those won’t just be holiday accolades either. With super junior Dai-Jon Parker and amazing sophomore Evan Nolte leading the charge, the Eagles could be unwrapping its biggest gift, a state title, in a few more months. Ryan’s Hope- We’ve had the luxury of watching Ryan Harrow play a couple of times over the past year and each time has been eye-opening. For whatever the 160-pound Walton High standout lacks in physicality, he more than makes up for in desire and dazzle. Harrow, ESPN’s No. 10 ranked point guard, simply has a grasp for the game that few will ever know. The North Carolina State signee shows glimpses of Isiah Thomas when he’s working the rock. If he bulks up a bit and keeps his level head, there’s no reason he can’t follow a similar path.
Give Me Liberty County or Give Me DeathIt’s hard to talk about Georgia’s best players without putting Liberty County teammates Jordan McRae and Rion Brown in the conversation. Brown, who’ll take his smooth game down to Miami next year, is a certified problem on the wing. The long and superquick McRae is a nightmare on the baseline, in the lane and on a break. It’s no wonder ESPN considers the future Tennessee Vol one of the finest shooting guards in the land. “They play my type of game,” McRae explained to us about his college choice. “They run. They push. I don’t like to walk the ball up the court.” Norcross Is Not To Be Crossed- If there’s one team you dread seeing on your basketball schedule, it’s the Norcross Blue Devils. The well-rounded school isn’t just a problem for opposing boy teams either. Though Connecticut commitment Jeremy Lamb does lead a male squad that gets it done, the Diamond DeShields- and Brianna Jordansparked girls group might be even scarier? Oh, and you know what’s the most frightening thing of all about the country’s No. 12-ranked school? Diamond, daughter of former Major League Baseball player Delino DeShields, is only a freshman. Knock’em Down Nia- The Redan Lady Raiders are special. It’s just that simple. At press time, the team was an impressive 7-0 and held the top spot in ESPN’s South Region. Of course, that’s nothing new for a Redan crew that went 27-0 and won the state title a season ago. The central reason for the dominance has been Nia Evans, a relentless forward who’ll grab boards and swipe at balls with the best of’em. If she can keep the defensive intensity burning at Virginia Tech, she’ll be very special for a very long time.
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SPIRIT ZONE Johns Creek High School Varsity Competition Cheerleaders Win State Cheerleading Championship The Gladiators Varsity Competition Cheerleaders make history and win the 2009 Georgia High School AAA State Cheerleading Championship! The team competed against 15 other teams who qualified for the finals on November 14. This is the first TEAM State Championship for the school. The team has been working together daily in preparation for the State title practicing up to 12 hours a week to perfect their skills which include standing and running tumbling, stunting, dancing and more. This win follows their Region 5AAA title they acheived on November 7. “We are honored and thrilled to bring the State title home to Johns Creek”, said head Varsity Coach, Caren Hudson. “The girls work extremely hard on their skills and have worked very well together all season long - I am very proud of these girls and excited to make a name for Johns Creek High School.”
Members of the championship team include: Jada Thompkins, Alex Welton, Jenna Nelson, Mariel Moore, Camden Thomas, Lindsay Peterson, Chelsea Jones, Hannah Keeney,Cody Hudson, Sarah Kate Somers, Lindsey Hodges, Tatum Corley, Becca Cessna, Ginny Humphrey, Elle Wilton, Caroline Whorton and Jill Krieger. 24 prepstars
photo courtesy of Photographic Arts gaprepstars.com 25
THE FACTORY
Building Better Athletes DeMarco Williams When you have the level of talent walking through your door like The Factory routinely has, it’s kind of hard not to bring it up as a selling point for future clients. “We had Matthew Stafford in here today,” says The Factory co-owner Erik Richards matter-of-factly. Ian Pemberton, the mighty mouse of a running back for Grayson High, came by too. On any given day, you’re liable to see Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, 2008 Canadian Football League rookie of the year
runner-up Prechae Rodriguez or half of the Auburn defensive front line. No lie. The facility proudly adorns one of its walls with the jerseys and uniforms of the aforementioned studs and many others. “If you take all the athletes that we have under this roof, it doesn’t even compare to anybody else,” tells respected trainer and Georgia Training Alliance co-owner Earl Williams. “There’s no one else, as a collective group on a prep level, that comes close. We’ve got 10 D-1 signee possibilities just this year, which would be our biggest class. That’s certainly a blessing.” But more impressive than hosting future NCAA stars or top picks in the NFL Draft might 26 prepstars
be the team’s humility about it all. “Basically, the key to this business is for everybody to get along,” explains Richards, who moonlights as an executive with the esteemed Gwinnett Football League. “When you have different trainers from different entities –Some from speed and agility, others from strength and others are a boxing coach- it’s important for everybody to mesh together. There can be a lot of egos. There can be egos between trainers’ clientele [either]. All of that has to be checked at the door. When you come into The Factory, even though we’re not asking you to put down your school colors or anything like that, you have to understand
that this isn’t a turf war.” Williams adds, “We live by the philosophy of God first, self, family, helping others, academics, your sport of choice and then everything else. If [athletes] try to live outside of that or portray themselves outside of that, we don’t need their business that bad.” This has essentially been The Factory’s game plan since Richards and business partner Gerald Mitchell opened their Lawrenceville doors. Provide a structured, morallygrounded arena for the high school athlete to get bigger, stronger and faster. Still, Erik is quick to point out that “We weren’t the first. CES (Competitive Edge Sports) was the godfather, doing it for combine athletes. [They did it for] people that had finished their college career and going on into the NFL. Their basic concentration was the college
athlete prepping for the combine to go to the pros. Ryan [Golden, another highly-regarded Factory trainer] and Earl had been training high school athletes for eight to 10 years. So, the idea came about from bouncing around different college facilities and bouncing around to different high school weight rooms.” But even though the facility is equipped with top-shelf trainers and 19,000 square feet of equipment, a 40-yard football field, basketball court and boxing ring, its founder insists it’s nothing like Bally’s (“There isn’t anybody selling memberships”) nor is it a knock on high school facilities (“I feel that varsity and JV teams need to see their leaders in the weight room”). The Factory is merely another quality option for athletes looking for a little more.
“We hold [athletes] accountable for everything,” explains Golden, himself a fivetime powerlifting champ. “We’ve got a food plan. They’ve gotta follow the food plan. We hold them accountable for time. We really want them here early. While they’re here, we gotta work in a timely manner. All of the focus is working towards the activity they’re doing now and the one that’s next. There won’t be any fooling around here. That’s what they can do on their own time. They’re not gonna do it here.” And the other fascinating thing about The Factory is that those rules don’t merely apply to the football players who frequent the place, but they’re also meant to be upheld by the wrestlers, basketball and soccer players and female cheerleaders that make up the clientele’s over 25%.
Parents out there wondering how their child can join The Factory needn’t worry too much either. The exclusive-sounding training center is more than welcoming to new recruits. “Just bring’em on out here,” maintains Richards, who says that distance shouldn’t be a deterrent, seeing as how UGA football players regularly make the 45-minute trek to Gwinnett County. “Garrison Smith, the AllAmerican defensive tackle at Douglass [High, in Southwest Atlanta], drives up from time to time to get in a workout with Ryan. We got’em from all over.” Boy, there they go with more name dropping. But, in actuality, the guys behind this winning establishment care as much about the former high school player who’s working for minimum wages at CVS as they do guys like Darius Walker and Brandon Braxton who are earning checks in the NFL. Sure, they want to
build better football players. They just want to build better young men and women that much more. “If they’re doing what they need to do in high school,” Richards continues, “then they’re jammed in with coming here, then they’re jammed in with doing homework, there’s a very little window that they’re going to be out on the street, getting in trouble. Parents appreciate that. They know that if they’re here, they’re acting right. They’re not thugging. They’re not gang banging. We’re not allowing them to [loiter] around the parking lot or anything like that. They’re here to work. And when they leave here, they better be going to their next stop.” Thanks to sound principles, super trainers and striking facilities, it just so happens the next stop is often a Division-1 institution. gaprepstars.com 27
SOUNDS
STEPHENSON HIGH SCHOOL
Stephenson High School opened in 1996 and has grown to a current enrollment of over 1900 students. The school is located in Dekalb County, in Stone Mountain, GA. The Stephenson High School mission is to “Educate and Prepare students to become productive members of their ever-changing world�. It is the mission of the Stephenson High School band program to foster an appreciation of good music, to create a positive camaraderie for the students and community, and to build model citizens through participation in Art of Music, which is the greatest of the Arts. Students are offered musical training via Concert Band, Symphonic 28 prepstars
Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles and Advanced Placement Music Theory. Band at Stephenson is a year-round curriculum, and after football season ends the band is kicking into third gear for the year. Our students perform as well on the concert stage as they entertain at Half-time. Over the past several years, the entire Stephenson band Program has garnered local, state and national awards including: Superior rating and GMEA district events, being invited to perform at the 2055 GMEA In-service, Southeastern Honor Band Clinic, and HBCUNational band Directors Consortium. The
Stephenson High School Band Wind Ensemble has also performed at the Dixie Classic Grand National Adjudicators Invitational in Atlanta in 2009 and received superior ratings and many accolades from the clinicians. The Stephenson High School “Sonic Sound: Marching Band has been seen in 2001 Atlanta Festival of Trees Parade, in 2002 the nationally televised 113th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, the 2007 national Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC and the 81st Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, NY. The “Sonic Sound” has also participated in exhibition at the Bands of America Atlanta Super-Regional and National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The accomplishments of the Stephenson High School music program is a testament to our students’ resilience and thirst for programs that continue to challenge their personal limits. Currently, graduating students from the Stephenson Band Program have been offered over 15 million dollars in scholarship offers to attend various colleges and universities for post secondary study in music and many other disciplines. It is our motto within the Stephenson Band Program to “Strive to make the Best Students MASTER MUSICIANS”. Music-Power-Respect Quentin R. Goins Director of Bands gaprepstars.com 29
SPOTLIGHT
GWINNETT HEAT HANDBALL TEAM A TEAM OF HEROES
The beauty of high school athletics lies within competition and fan appreciation. The Gwinnett Heat Adapted Sports Program provides an interesting mix of both. I was invited to take part in a practice with the team quickly learned that this program was very important for both athletes and parents. I was invited to a team basketball practice and learned very quickly that these kids were awesome. Some of the kids competing in the program are actually working to earn scholarships to college via athletics. I also learned that the practice sessions and games gave parents a chance to see their kids in a different light. They get a chance to see them as athletes. Teamwork, discipline, hard work and overcoming adversity are all lessons that help us become better people. These student-athletes are working hard not to let their physical disability be an excuse for them not learning to play a sport “This program is important because it gives an opportunity to be on a team where they can learn valuable lessons they can apply in life� says Mike Phillips, Gwinnett County Coordinator of Adapted Sports. photo courtesy of Magic Moments Photography
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