September/ October 2013 Coastal Edition by ITG Next Magazine

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Coastal Georgia Edition

6 On The Cover Coastal Area Athletes

14 Academic Athlete Rebecca Suh St. Andrew's School

Players Spotlight Chandler Ewaldsen Savannah Christian Preparatory School

20 Players Spotlight Milan Richard Calvary Day School

Junior Standout Stevie Powers Benedictine Military School

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Sept./Oct. 2013

Also Inside

Impact Players

2012 GHSA Public Class A State Football Champions

GISA Football Master Schedule

Defensive Football Players

2012 GISA Class A State Football Champions

GHSA Football Schedules

Former Georgia Athletes

Coach's Corner

2013 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship and Invitational

YMCA Gymnasts

FCA Inspirational Corner

FCA

Chuck Smith South Effingham County High School

32 Impact Players Coastal Area Girls

Freshmen Focus

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Nate McBride Vidalia High School

38 Impact Players Offensive Football Players

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• Beach • Benedictine Military • Bethesda School for Boys • Bible Baptist School • Bryan County High • • Bulloch Academy • Calvary Day School • Claxton High • David Emanuel Academy • • Effingham County High • Emanuel County Institute • Groves High • Islands High • • Jenkins County High • Jenkins High • Johnson High • Memorial Day School • Metter High • • Pinewood Christian Academy • Portal High • Richmond Hill High • Robert Toombs Academy • Savannah Arts Academy • • Savannah Christian Preparatory School • Savannah Country Day • Savannah High • Screven County High • •South Effingham High • Southeast Bulloch High • St. Andrews • St. Vincent’s • Statesboro High • Swainsboro High • • Tattnall County High • Toombs County High • Vidalia High • Windsor Forest High • Woodville-Tompkins•

From the Publisher

in the

game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Publisher

Tom Hilliard

Editor

Mark Dykes Kaitlynn Passmore

Graphics

Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography Tina Helmly

Feature Photography Tina Helmly

Feature Writer

Tom Hilliard Brad Lane Janice Hilliard Ruby Nicole Hilliard Robert Preston, Jr.

Copy Editors

One thing I learned from my father is that everyone likes a good story. He has this masterful approach of telling jokes and making people feel special. Maybe even more than his storytelling abilities is his intuition of when someone needs to hear a good story. As I was thinking about this venture and my first message as editor of the Coastal Edition of In the Game High School Sports Magazine, I began to reflect on my athletic experiences. My love for sports did indeed come from my father. Hours spent throwing balls in the yard led to countless childhood games of baseball and football. However, it was not until I left the fields and teed off on the golf course that I began to see the potential I could attain. Who knew a college golf scholarship would lead to a thirty-year career as a PGA Club Golf Professional, seventeen years at the Landings Club on Skidaway Island, and still sports remains a constant in my life. When I first saw an issue of In the Game I knew it combined two things I love; a good story and sports. After reviewing the positive impact this magazine was making in other areas of Georgia, my wife, Janice and I decided to combine our love of the Low Country with the opportunity to present this exciting new magazine to the area. We are pleased to showcase, through the Coastal Edition of In the Game, some of the best high school sports talent and coaching in Coastal Georgia. Covering 11 counties and more than 38 schools, we hope to share stories of talented individuals who just might end up the next sports star at your favorite colleges or even professional superstar athletes. Our Spotlight Players, Milan Richard and Chandler Ewaldsen, are tops in their sport. Milan, a senior at Calvary Day School and a top-ranked athlete in the nation, has just signed with Clemson to play football. Chandler, a senior playing three sports at Savannah Christian, is a true all-around sports star. Both of these young athletes are determined and focused on helping their teams to be the best, providing leadership to achieve their goals. This edition's Academic Athlete is Rebecca Suh, a sophomore at St. Andrews School. She is an exceptional young lady who is gifted in music, academia and sport. Stevie Powers, a three-sport athlete at Benedictine Military School, is a Junior Spotlight player. A talented quarterback and a lefty pitcher who had an amazing 11-0 sophomore season with the Cadets, Stevie is one of those special athletes who loves sports and lives to play.

Crystal Hubbard Ashley Dailey

Setting his goals high as his high school journey begins, Nate McBride, a freshman with the Vidalia Indians, is the Freshman Focus.

Advertising/Marketing

Impact players are those who play key roles for their teams. These players have earned the respect of their coaches and teammates. Their talent and desire to play makes them integral in their sport. We have an impressive group of Impact Players representing schools in football, volleyball and softball.

Website Manager

We are pleased to support the efforts of the FCA of Savannah and FCA of Georgia as they work to help our youth and coaches build upon a strong spiritual foundation.

Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Kaitlynn Passmore

The cover for this inaugural issue was the inspiration of our photographer, Tina Helmly. The distinctive Tybee Island Lighthouse adds a special touch to our first issue as a reminder that Savannah and surrounding counties were and still are tied closely to our Costal Port since the days of General James Edward Oglethorpe. Tina’s creativity and excitement about the magazine has added much to our team. The energy and positive vibes you receive when talking to these young athletes is stimulating and encouraging. The confidence and character they exhibit will serve them well as they become our leaders of tomorrow. Enjoy this first issue of In the Game High School Sports Magazine, Costal Edition!

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com

Tom Hilliard

For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 T.J. Hilliard Enterprises, Inc. 866 Hilliard Road Sparks, GA 31647

In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2012 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

On The Cover

Ben Johnson Savannah Country Day School Position: Wide Receiver/ Corner Back/ Kick Return/ Punt Return

Stats 2012:

80 Receptions for 1,030 yards, 7 TD's, 30 Tackles, 1 Interception

Awards:

Football: First Team All Region, Savannah Morning News First Team All City, Atlanta Journal-Constitution First Team All State Basketball: 2nd Team All Region, Honorable Mention All City

Senior Jersey: #1 Ht: 5’11” Wt: 190 Coach: Dennis Coyle

Most Memorable Moment: “Sending our seniors out with a win last year against Wheeler County and I was able to reach 1,000 yards in receiving in 10 games.” When not playing football: Shoot hoops in the driveway Favorite Sport other than football: Basketball Sport you wish you could play: Baseball Person you would like to meet: George W. Bush

Favorites: Snack: Mozzarella Sticks Junk Food: Chicken Fingers Musician: Temptations Pro Team: Lakers Movie: Gladiator Subject: History

Healthy Food: My sister, Sally’s quesadillas Favorite Book: Lord of the Flies College Team: Southern California or Miami Pro Player: Jordy Nelson TV Show: Law and Order Place to Travel: Boone, North Carolina

Senior Jersey: #81 Ht: 6'3” Wt: 235 Coach: Mark Stroud

Milan Richard Calvary Day School Position: Tight End

Stats 2012:

35 catches/520 yards, 5 TDs, Ranked 195th of ESPN 300

Awards:

3 Time All Region Football and Basketball, All State Football Invited by USMC to play in the 2014 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl

Where would you like to travel: Hawaii What sport do you wish you could play: Golf Who would you like to meet: President Obama Pets: A dog named Champ Superpower: HULK

Goals:

Earn a Division 1 Scholarship, get a solid education

Favorites: Subject: Science Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons

Sport on TV: Football & Basketball Pro Player: Calvin Johnson Jr.

Brad Stewart Benedictine Military School Position: Wide Receiver, Defensive Back

Stats 2012:

Football: 40 catches/722 yards, 4 INTs with one 98 yard run back for TD, one punt return for TD, 13 TDs with 1,067 all purpose yards. Basketball: 10.8 points a game, 5.1 rebounds a game, 1.9 assists a game. Baseball: .351 hitting avg. 17 RBI’s and 4 home runs (regular season) Final 4

Awards:

Football: Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame Football Player of the Year 2013, Best of Preps 2013 Most Versatile Male Athlete of the Year, All State Honorable Mention Football/ Offense, Greater Savannah First Team Wide

junior Jersey: #11 Ht: 6’1” Wt: 178 Coaches: Britt, Farmer, Willet

Receiver, All Region First Team Wide Receiver Basketball: All Region First Team, Greater Savannah Honorable Mention. Baseball: All Region First Team, Greater Savannah First Team, Top 100 Georgia Dugout Club Prospect, Top Prospect list Perfect Game Most Memorable Moment: In football: A 98 yard interception touchdown against Bacon County. In Basketball: My first home game slam dunk against Toombs County, the crowd went crazy. In Baseball: a diving catch to go to the Final 4 against Wesleyan.

Favorites:

Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: Being around friends and family. Favorite sport other than your sport: If not basketball, baseball then soccer. Person you would like to meet: LeBron James

Snack: Doritos Junk Food: Reese’s Cups Musician: Red Hot Chili Peppers Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons TV Show: Big Bang Theory Movie: 42 The True Story of an American Legend Sport you like to watch most on TV: Football

Healthy Food: Bananas & Apples Book: The Outsiders College Team: Georgia Bulldogs Pro Player: Calvin Johnson Subject: Math Place to Travel: Bahamas Righty or Lefty: Righty

James Brown Emanuel County Institute Position: Running Back/Defensive Back

Stats 2012:

1138 yards rushing on 102 attempts /13 TDs, 343 yards receiving on 18 receptions / 5 TDs

Awards:

All Region, Nominated preseason All State Favorite thing to do when not playing football: Fish Sport you wish you could play: Golf Favorite sports other than football: Baseball

Senior Jersey: #1 Ht: 5’9” Wt: 165 Coach: Chris Kearson

Most Memorable Moment:

Playing in the game against Dooly County for the State Championship at the Georgia Dome and scoring two touchdowns. One was a 30 yard run and the other a 53 yard pass reception. I also intercepted Dooly County’s first play from scrimmage which led to a score for our team. A great and fun night for our team, winning 47-7. Sport you like to watch most on TV: Football Person you would like to meet: Arian Foster

Favorites: Healthy Food: Oranges Hobby: Sports Pro Team: Seattle Seahawks Movie: Friday Night Lights

Junk Food: Kit-Kat College Team: LSU Pro Player: Arian Foster TV: SportsCenter

Senior Ht: 5’10” Nickname: Chan Coach: Julie Jones

Chandler Ewaldsen Savannah Christian Jersey #: Volleyball: #5, Basketball:#22 & Soccer:#21

Stats 2012:

Serve Attempts: 539, Aces: 93, Kills: 311, Digs: 292, Blocks: 11, Points: 414

Awards:

Hollis Stacey Award, Best of Preps

Volleyball Player of the Year, Best of Preps Most Versatile Athlete, First Team All Region in Volleyball and Soccer, 2nd Team All Region in Basketball

High School Goal:

“To be the best at everything and to be a good leader and Christian example to my peers and teammates.” Most Memorable Moment: Volleyball Region Champs, Final Four State Playoffs, and winning the Hollis Stacey Award. Most like to Meet: Kerry Walsh Sport you wish you could play: Golf Super Power: Flying

Favorites: Subject: Math, Science, and Spanish Place to Travel: Hawaii College Player: Brittany Northcutt College Team: UGA Bulldogs Pro Team: Dallas Mavericks/Atlanta Braves Pro Player: Maya Moore Musician: Luke Bryan

Amber Rivera Richmond Hill High School Jersey #: #66 / #1

Stats 2012:

Batting Average: .388, On Base: .590, Stolen Bases: 17, Runs: 27

Awards:

First Team All Region, ME Award, Bryan County News All-Fall Sports Team, Savannah Best of Preps 1st Team

Senior Ht: 5’4” Softball Position: Shortstop Coach: Angie Hummbeldorf

High School Goal:

“Lead my team to a Region Championship, make it to the State Playoffs, make First Team All Region Again, and make a difference in someone’s life.”

Hobby: Working out or shopping

Most Memorable Moment: “A thunderstorm

before a ballgame sent us running to the bus soaked and wet carrying our metal bats!”

Favorites: Snack: Nature Valley protein bar Junk: Chocolate Book: The Great Gatsby College Team: Alabama Pro Player: Dan Uggla TV Show: 90210

Healthy Food: Grilled chicken Place to travel: Puerto Rico Band: Rascal Flatts Pro Team: Atlanta Braves Movie: The Notebook Subject: Mathematics

Naomi Sapp South Effingham County High School Softball: Center Field/ Out Field Jersey: #7

junior Ht: 5’2” Nickname: OMI Coach: Chuck Smith

All Greater Savannah Team, All-Region AAAA, Highest batting average.440, Elite 8

Most Memorable Moment: “Would be the second round of playoffs to get to state. The score was going back and forth and I knew the team with the most heart would be the one to win. It was down to the last inning and when we got that third out to win the game, tears filled my eyes. We had finally made it. The Elite 8 was our goal from the very beginning of the season.

High School Goal:

Favorite sport other than softball: Soccer

Stats 2012:

Batting average: .440, Fielding: .972

Awards:

Win State for AAAA High School Softball and get recruited

Sport you wish you could play: Football Most Influential Person: My Dad

Favorites: Snack: Teddy Graham’s & Gold Fish Hobby: Playing any kind of sport Musician: Adam Levine Pro Team: Green Bay Packers Movie: Finding Nemo/ Stick It

Healthy Food: Pineapple/ Strawberries Book: Back of Cereal box / Hoot College Team: University of Tennessee Pro Player: Hershel Walker

Sophomore Ht: 5’7” Coaches: Daniel Batten Christine Sadlik

rebecca Suh St. Andrew's School Cross Country, Cheerleading, Basketball, Track Jersey: #33

Awards & Stats 2012:

GISA AA All-State XC Team- 9th place finish at GISA AA State Championship race (21:35),GISA Region-2AA All Region Team4th place finish at Region Meet. Coach’s Award in Cheerleading, MVP Cross Country, Scholar Athlete in Basketball, MVP Track

Four words that your biography would contain: Ambitious, Determined, Competitive, and Stubborn Sport you wish you could play: I wish I was a dancer. Place to Travel: Korea

Favorites: Subject: Math then History College Team: University of Michigan Superpower: Time Travel

Musician: Beyonce College Player: Mitch McGary

Congratulations

2012 GHSA Public CLass A State Football Champions

Winning Is A Result Of Teamwork by Tom Hilliard

n the Game High School Sports Magazine congratulates the Emanuel County Institute Bulldogs for their 2012 victory in the GHSA Public Class A State Football Championship winning 47-7 over Dooly County. The ECI Bulldogs last championship was in 2007. “The December win at the Georgia Dome capped off just a great year for our players, coaches, and very supportive community” says Head Coach Chris Kearson. The Bulldogs finished the season with a 13-1 record.

photography by Ron Weatherford, Montee Graphics “We have a solid returning team for this season,” Coach Kearson comments. He feels blessed to have 70 athletes on this year’s squad which is a near record turnout for the fall sport. Coach Kearson, who was also named Coach of the Year in Class A Public, says that the Bulldogs should again be a very good team in 2013. Returning senior running back James Brown and junior fullback Michael Sutton will be looking to create a powerful running game behind an experienced and talented offensive line.

Coach Kearson likes the offensive system he has been running for years and says, “We don’t need to change we just need players to step up.” “Our aim is to produce young men with good life skills through the sport of football.” Coach Kearson believes that camaraderie and teamwork are crucial to a positive attitude producing positive results.” Winning back to back state championships looks like a real possibility for the Bulldogs, who play in a community that loves their Friday nights. ITG 11

Academic Athlete

Rebecca Suh St. Andrew's School

Running Beyond the Top of the Class by Ruby Nicole Hilliard

ebecca Suh, at first, seems like a normal 15 year-old high school sophomore, who is excited to have just finished her driver’s education class and looking forward to driving. Living in Savannah, Georgia, she likes hanging out with her friends at the beach or around the pool and taking vacations with her family, but Suh is anything but average. She excels in cross country running, track, basketball, as well as on the academic playing field. Her favorite subject is math followed by history, thanks to a really great history teacher she had last year. Suh likes that math is rigid and has rules. She says the rules make it easy to understand versus other classes like English and science, which seem more 12

photography by Tina Helmly abstract to her. Other subjects might not come quite as easily for her, but she works hard to do well in school. “Overall, I get good grades because I really try, not just because I am naturally smart,” says Suh. She strives each semester to earn Headmaster’s List, which is awarded to students who achieve an average grade of 95 percent and do not make one grade below 87 percent. Suh holds herself to a very high standard. “I strive to achieve the best grades I can. I hope to be valedictorian or salutatorian of my graduating class,” she says. Suh also plays the violin and the piano. While she may love the piano more, she believes that she is better at the violin if only because she practices every day. She has been playing the piano since the age six,

the violin since about third grade, and she will continue taking violin for the duration of high school. Her parents encourage Suh’s endeavors in academics and sports. Her mother, Helene, is a stayat-home mom and is very involved in Suh’s life. Her mother is also an executive member on the board of trustees. She believes that education is extremely important and sees that Suh stays on task. Suh’s father, Dan, a neurosurgeon, is very interested in her sports activities. “They have two daughters, and my mom was fine with that, but my dad really wanted a son. He always jokes that I am his son because I play a lot of team sports…He really loves my sports,” Suh says of her father.

Suh’s father couldn’t be disappointed with her. She maintains a 4.0 grade point average all while playing sports year round. This past year, Suh achieved a Coaches Award for cheerleading, Most Valuable Player in cross country, the Scholar Athlete Award in basketball and for the past two years, she has been Most Valuable Player in track. Her coaches, Mike Bennett (basketball and track) and Daniel Batten (track and cross country), are really proud of her, too. “She’s one of the quickest players I’ve ever seen,” says Bennett, adding that watching her play was like a blur. “She has very quick hands and feet.” This is why he reached out to her to run track for him. Both Bennett and Batten were very surprised at her ability when they, on a whim, put her in the 4x400 relay event, which she had never run before, where she scored a state qualifying time. She impressed them and surprised herself. They immediately knew they had a runner on their hands. “I knew right then that we were only scratching the surface of what was available with her,” says Bennett. They had her running for the varsity team in seventh grade, “Which is unheard of,” says Bennett. “Most kids don’t have the ability to compete at the varsity level at that age. The most impressive thing about her is that within the first 25 feet of track she can reach top speed. She starts out blindingly quick.” Batten says Suh consistently impresses him with her enthusiasm to do better. “She’s always asking the right questions, like, ‘Why do we do it like that?’” He speaks highly of her sportsmanship and her encouragement of others on the team. “She is bubbly, fun to be around, has a big, vibrant personality and always includes everyone on the team in conversation,” he says. Suh also likes her coaches. “Batten is a runner himself, too, so he knows. A lot of times you’ll get coaches that played before but aren’t currently a runner. So, that is what I like about him. He can actually run with us if we need him to. He’s very intense, and I like that. Some of our practices will be really hard, but he also knows when we need a break. Then we’ll do the one-mile warm up loop, some exercises, and then play soccer for the rest of the practice. He knows when it is time for us to have an easy day,” she says of Batten. Suh attended the All American Cross Country Camp this summer where she broadened her knowledge and learned strategies to set her apart from the pack in running. The best thing about it for her coaches is that they have her for three more glorious years. Suh says she is too young to know what she wants to do with the rest of her life just yet. She is, perhaps, interested in studying law, but one thing she knows is that she will take running with her wherever she goes. ITG

“I feel extremely proud of my awards and really hope I can uphold them.”

GISA 2013 Football Schedules

Player Spotlight sponsored by:

Chandler Ewaldsen Savannah Christian Preparatory School

Hollis Stacy Award Winner Hopes to Help Lady Raiders Contend For State Volleyball Title by Robert Preston Jr.

hen you take a look at Chandler Ewaldsen’s accomplishments, it’s hard to imagine that she still has a year left to add to her already impressive list. Ewaldsen, who is beginning her senior year at Savannah Christian, is an All-Region volleyball, basketball, and soccer player; she won the prestigious Holly Stacy Award in May, which is given to the most versatile female athlete in Savannah; she has been named MVP of her teams; and she is a fixture on Savannah Christian’s Honor Roll. Last year, she helped lead the Lady Raiders volleyball team to a region championship and an appearance in the Final Four of the state tournament. When Ewaldsen began playing sports at the age of three, she had no idea that her career would become what it has. She started playing basketball and soccer because she enjoyed running around and competing. Then, when she was in the sixth grade, Savannah Christian she began to play on a middle school volleyball team. “I had two cousins in Texas that played volleyball. It always sounded like a fun sport to play. So I tried out for the middle school team,” she says. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she was a pretty good volleyball player. Three years later, Ewaldsen was one of two freshmen who made the Lady Raiders varsity team. That’s when she first thought that she might have a future in volleyball. Each year of the last three years, the Lady

photography by Tina Helmly Raiders have made steady improvements on the court. During Ewaldsen’s freshman season, they made the playoffs but lost in the first round. A year later, they made it to the second round of the state tournament. In 2012, Savannah Christian won the region championship by defeating rival Savannah Country Day then went all the way to the Final Four. An outside hitter, Ewaldsen recorded 311 kills, 93 aces, and 292 digs as a junior. Despite the level of play exhibited by her and her teammates, she was uncertain that they would win the region until they tallied the final point of the season. “We knew it would be a big task to win reagion. I remember the feeling in the gym before the region championship. We were focused on working together as a team. We were also at their place, which made [it] even more awesome,” says Ewaldsen. Even though the Lady Raiders experienced an excellent season in 2012, you can detect a little disappointment in her voice when she describes the postseason. Ewaldsen knows her team had the talent to win a state title, and the competitive fire that motivates her every day to give her best won’t let her forget about it. This year, she feels as though she has some unfinished business on the court, and Ewaldsen would like to end her high school volleyball career with another region title and a state championship. The Lady Raiders have a chance to do both - they return nearly everyone from last year’s team, and the eight seniors have all

Chandler's Favorites Subject: Math, Science, and Spanish Place to Travel: Hawaii College Player: Brittany Northcutt College Team: UGA Bulldogs Pro Team: Dallas Mavericks/Atlanta Braves Pro Player: Maya Moore Musician: Luke Bryan Most like to Meet: Kerry Walsh Sport you wish you could play: Golf Super Power: Flying 17

been playing together since they were in sixth grade. They are friends, they have chemistry, and they have a purpose. And that makes them formidable. As important as volleyball is to Ewaldsen, when volleyball season ends, she will only be a third of the way through her senior athletic campaign. She will still have basketball and soccer to go. Last basketball season, Ewaldsen scored 400 points and grabbed 212 rebounds for a Lady Raiders team that, unfortunately, didn’t make the playoffs. This year, she hopes Savannah Christian can return to the postseason and make run through the playoffs. “We’ve only got three seniors this year, but we’re a really close team. I hope we can make the playoffs. If you can do that, you never know what will happen,” she says. In the 2013 soccer season, the Lady Raiders finished third in the region and made the playoffs with a new head coach. Ewaldsen scored 10 goals and recorded 12 assists as a center midfielder. “We had a good team last year, but we lost a lot of close games.” Her goals for the 2014 season are similar to what she would like to accomplish in her other sports: for her team to do their best, get in the postseason, and hopefully make some noise in the state tournament. Sports have played an enormous role in Ewaldsen’s life, but she has done much more than simply move from one season to the next during her high school years. She is also a dedicated student whose name, it seems, is permanently etched on Savannah Christian’s Honor Roll. She places a strong emphasis on her Christian faith and allows that to guide her in every aspect of her life. Ewaldsen begins and ends each day with a devotion. In between, she fits in school, two and a half hours of practice, and homework/school projects. Maintaining such a schedule is simply a matter of time management and an understanding that no matter how important athletics are, school always comes first. “I have always wanted to be the best at everything I do - in the classroom or on the field. I strive to be a good Christian example to my peers and my teammates,” she says. ITG

During her career, Chandler Ewaldsen has won a host of awards, including All-Region in volleyball, basketball and soccer, and she was named Volleyball Player of the Year by the Savannah Morning News. Her most significant honor is the Hollis Stacy Award, which is given each year to the most versatile female athlete in Savannah. Hollis Stacy is a former member of the LPGA Tour who grew up in Savannah. She won several tournaments on the LPGA, including four majors, and is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The award that bears her name is one of the most prestigious awards a female athlete in the Savannah area can win.

Player Spotlight sponsored by:

Milan Richard Calvary Day School

One of The Nation’s Top Tight Ends Ready for Senior Season at Calvary Day by Robert Preston Jr.

or Milan Richard, the 6’3”, 235-pound tight end/defensive end for the Calvary Day Cavaliers, it’s been a hectic offseason. As one of the most sought-after football players in the country, the scrutiny surrounding Richard has been intense. According to ESPN, Richard is a fourstar recruit and is rated as the number-two tight end in the nation, the 16th best football player in Georgia regardless of position, and is ranked number 195 in ESPN’s Top 300. What makes Richard so good? He’s a fast, intelligent, athletic player with the size of a defensive end/outside linebacker, speed of a back, and hands of a wide receiver. He can play just about anywhere on the field but prefers tight end. Richard runs crisp, sharp routes and has the size to overpower most defensive backs. If he gets the ball in his hands and can get in front of a defensive back, he isn’t going to get caught. It doesn’t hurt that his parents were All-Americans on the University of Georgia track team and his uncle is Herschel Walker, one of the greatest college football players of all time. Richard’s athleticism, coupled with his pedigree, translates into the kind of attention usually reserved for superstars. Though a high school senior, Richard handles the media very well. He is a well spoken, thoughtful, and mature young man who seems to take everything in stride. He knows he can’t get away from questions and comments about his uncle. He will answer whatever you ask, but it doesn’t take long to get the feeling that Richard wants to forge his own legacy, to make a name for himself through his own sweat and tears. So far, he’s done that very thing - and he’s done it 120 miles from Wrightsville and 225 miles from Athens. Richard has always lived in Savannah. He grew up there with his mother, Veronica, (Walker’s sister) and his father, Bill. He started playing football in full pads at six years old. He continued playing football

photography by Tina Helmly throughout his youth in the various leagues until he was able to suit up for his school team. By the time he was a sophomore in high school, Richard realized he had a future playing football. “I was going to camps, and I was competing very favorably against kids who already had scholarship offers. I knew then that I had a good chance to have a future in football,” he says. The turning point in his career came as a sophomore against Metter. His father recalls the play very well. Richard caught a pass he turned into a long touchdown. After he caught the ball, he took off for the end zone with a defensive back giving chase. Big tight ends aren’t supposed to outrun speedy DBs, but that’s exactly what happened. Richard separated himself from the would-be tackler and won the footrace to the end zone. “That let everyone know that he was a weapon that we might need to use more often. That play was a defining moment in Milan’s career,” says Richard’s father. As Richard developed into an elite football player, the question was not if he would play college football but where. The Bulldog nation hoped against hope that he would choose Georgia. After all, he had connections to Georgia throughout his family. While he was interested in becoming a Bulldog, it never was a given that he would choose the Bulldogs. His family never pressured him but allowed him to make the best decision for his future. In the end, Richard chose Clemson. Georgia wasn’t even one of his top four schools. The reason he decided not to go to Georgia was simple, and it’s a story Richard has told many times (probably a lot more than he would like to!) - the Bulldogs were only looking to sign one tight end from the Class of 2014. Jeb Blazevich, another of the country’s top tight ends and a good friend of Richard’s, committed to Georgia in April. Once Blazevich announced he would be a Bulldog, Richard had to look elsewhere. That “elsewhere” ended up being Clemson.

Milan's Favorites: NFL team: Atlanta Falcons Player: Calvin Johnson Jr. Sport on TV: Football & Basketball Superpower: Hulk Subject: Science Goals: Earn a Division 1 Scholarship, get a solid education 21

Milan Richard is also a very good basketball player at Calvary Day. A forward/center, he was a part of a Cavaliers team that advanced to the Elite Eight last year before losing to eventual state champion Green Forest. “I grew up playing basketball. It’s something I’ve always done, and I enjoy moving around the court,” he says. This year, he would like his team to go beyond the Elite Eight and maybe even contend for a state championship. “We have the team to do it. We just need to put in the work to be the best.”

For Richard, the decision to choose Clemson wasn’t that difficult. He enjoyed his visits to campus and felt a strong connection to the coaching staff. Another big selling point was Clemson’s offense – it is very similar to the spread look, four wide receiver set that Calvary Day runs. Richard would have little trouble adapting to the Tigers offense once he learned their terminology, and he would also have the opportunity to make some plays. Not wanting to lose his potential spot with Clemson, he decided to

commit in May. “I wanted to make sure I kept my spot,” he says. As for what Richard would like to do beyond high school, he plans to major in communications and pick up a minor in business at Clemson. He thinks about a career in the NFL following college, but he isn’t putting all his eggs into that proverbial basket. “Yeah, it’s an option I’d like to keep open. But I know I have to get my degree. NFL stands for ‘not for long’ if you don’t have an education,” states Richard. ITG

Junior Standout sponsored by:

Stevie Powers

Benedictine Military School

Powers Ready for Junior Year After Breakout Sophomore Campaign by Robert Preston Jr.

he 2012 football season started well enough for then-sophomore quarterback Stevie Powers. The 6’, 165-pounder had been groomed to play quarterback his whole life. On August 31, 2012, he was supposed to take the field as the starting quarterback for the Benedictine Cadets. It was a moment he had been working for since his football career began at age five. Here is where one might expect tales of greatness, of years of preparation finally paying off with a storybook season. In a way, that very thing happened. But not in the manner one would imagine. The Cadets came out of summer workouts with Powers at the number-one spot on the quarterback depth chart. He thought the job was his, that his work was done. The quarterback’s job is coveted, and there was somebody out there who wanted the position more than Powers - Miles McGinty, one of Powers’s best friends and a talented player in his own right. McGinty outworked Powers early in the season and earned the starting job under center. 24

photography by Tina Helmly “It was tough when I lost the job. I was very disappointed in myself, but I was happy for Miles. We are good friends, and we decided a long time ago that we wouldn’t let football get in the way of our friendship. He wanted the job and worked harder than me to get it. It pushed me more, and I just kept telling myself that anything could happen,” recalls Powers. A couple of weeks into the season, something did happen. McGinty went down with an ankle injury in the fourth game of the year against Vidalia. Powers went in and never looked back. He had learned an enormous lesson during his time as the number-two quarterback, and he wasn’t about to let the job slip away again. The Cadets' lost to Vidalia but won their next three straight and finished the regular season winning four out of their last six games, earning a spot in the playoffs, and advancing to the second round after topping Laney 2420 on the road in the first round. Powers had a breakout year under center, completing 92-of-154 passes for 1,502 yards, 11 touchdown passes, two rushing touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He was named

All-State Honorable Mention and staked his claim as the Cadets quarterback for the next two years. The ankle injury kept McGinty out of the lineup most of last season. He is starting this season as a linebacker. Powers is a talented young man who, despite his youth, has a keen understanding of the nuances of sport. He works hard, never again taking his starting spot for granted, and he has great understanding of the game. Powers can see the field very well and anticipates developing plays well. It doesn’t hurt that he has a cannon for an arm and is always in fantastic shape. In 2013, he would like to see his team improve each week and remain focused on each game, one at a time. “You win football games after school from Monday to Thursday. We need to take each game week by week and not get ahead of ourselves. Last year, we got ahead of ourselves at times and looked beyond the next game. We have some great things happening at Benedictine, and we need to remain focused,” he says.

Benedictine football has certainly made a turnaround. In 2010, the Cadets were a dismal 1-9. Two years later, the Cadets went 8-4 and won a playoff game. As much fun as it was to be a part of that transformation, what happened in the spring was even more fun for Powers. The lefty expected to have a pretty good baseball season for the Cadets. He had no idea just how good pretty good would be. As a freshman, Powers posted a 3-1 record, mainly as a relief pitcher. His sophomore year, he broke into the starting rotation and finished the season 11-0 with

go up 3-2. In the seventh inning, Powers, who was trying to go the distance, found himself in trouble. There were two outs but Lovett had runners on base. Powers, who admits that at times he has trouble staying relaxed on the mound, managed to keep his emotions in check. He worked the count in his favor and was ahead 1-2. He got the call for a high fastball and delivered. The pitch was just too pretty for the batter to resist. He swung mightily but came up empty for the final out of the game. Powers had stopped the rally and forced game three. “The place just went

tevie Powers also plays basketball at Benedictine. It’s the sport in which he sees the least amount of playing time but the one he calls the most fun. “I enjoy going to the gym each day and playing with my friends. It keeps me in shape and it’s something I’m good at,” he says. Last year, the Cadets' basketball team made the playoffs but suffered the same fate as its football team at the hands of the Laney Wildcats. "We're not the biggest, fastest, or strongest basketball team, but we are the most disciplined. We are very sharp, and we play great defense. Nobody is in better shape than we are.”

71 strikeouts and a 2.18 ERA in 70 2/3 innings for a Benedictine team that advanced to the Final Four of the playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Lovett. Powers was named Region 2AA Pitcher of the Year as a result. His was a season full of big moments. The biggest came in the second game of Benedictine’s Final Four series against Lovett. The Cadets had lost the first game and were facing a do-or-die situation in game two. Powers started and enjoyed a 2-0 lead early on. Then he gave up a two-run home run to tie the game. He remained calm and kept Lovett’s offense in check for the remainder of the game. In the meantime, his hitters went to work and managed to score a run to

crazy,” he remembers. As Powers’s junior season begins, he and his Benedictine teammates have a bright future ahead of them. The football team is headed in the right direction, and most of last year’s baseball team will be back again for 2014. He would like to one day play either football or baseball (perhaps both) in college. Powers is already preparing for the day when he will be able to talk to college coaches. He isn’t looking too far ahead, but he is already working on a preliminary map for his future. “I have a list of colleges I would like to attend. I hope a few of them will like me for football, baseball, or maybe even both. Right now, I’m just keeping my eyes and my options open.” ITG

Stevie's Favorites: Subject: History Sport to watch on TV: College/NFL football College team: University of Georgia College player: Aaron Murray Pro team: Atlanta Falcons Pro player: Matt Ryan Musician: Florida-Georgia Line Who would you most like to meet? Michael Jackson What Sport do you wish you could play? Volleyball Place to travel: Europe Superpower: Wings so I could fly.

Congratulations

2012 SCISA CLass A State Football Champions

Braves and Campbell Looking for Repeat by Tom Hilliard

n the Game High School Sports Magazine congratulates the Bible Baptist Braves on their 2012 SCISA Class A State Championship over Williamsburg Academy. The victory was especially satisfying as the team had lost in double overtime 30-34 to Williamsburg a month earlier. Head Coach Jonathan Mauk says, “I knew the Braves would most likely meet up again with the Stallions in the playoffs, and this time we were ready.” Division 1 recruit and quarterback

photography by Charles Mills, Chas Mills Productions Keynnard Campbell, Jr. had one of those record games where he had a total of 617 yards with seven touchdowns. An electrifying 77 yard touchdown run in the first half by Campbell helped the Braves jump out to a 30-16 lead. Three more touchdown passes in the second half gave the Braves a 6024 victory. Coach Mauk reports that the team lost seven players off of last year’s team and will field a squad of 31-32 players this year. With an experienced

Campbell completing his senior year at Bible Baptist, the 2013 Braves are a good bet for another championship run. Coach Mauk says, “The guys are hungry, and we just want to peak at the right time again this season.” The Braves will feature a wide open offense with five receivers and Campbell at quarterback. Mauk says, “We will throw the ball a lot and just let the very athletic Campbell make plays with his feet or arm.” Another exciting season is ahead for Bible Baptist fans. ITG 27

Defensive Impact Players

Corey Horne

South Effingham County High School Junior Football: Linbacker/Fullback Jersey: #35 Height: 6' Weight: 190 Coach: Donnie Revell & Nick Smith Stats: Tackles: 106, Sacks: 4, INT: 1 Forced Fumbles: 2, Fumble Recovery: 1,7.9 yards per carry, TDs: 4 Awards: Selected First Team All Region for football 2012, CWTV Defensive Player of the Game, Selected First Team All Region for baseball, Georgia Dugout Club Top 100 in the State Righty or Lefty: Righty

Favorites: Snack: Lunchables Healthy Food: Grilled Steak and Salad Junk Food: Honey Buns and Oreos Book: Bible, Swiss Family Robinson Movie: Warrior TV Show: Sponge Bob Musician: Three Days Grace College Team: UGA Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons Pro Player: David Pollack Place to Travel: Clark Hill and Lake Resort areas

Hobby: Hanging with friends, water sports, drawing, fishing, and playing Xbox Sport you wish you could play: Ping-Pong Sport you like to watch most on TV: Football Most influential person to you: There isn’t just one person that influences me. My family and friends are all influential to me because they are always there for me and supporting me. Person you would like to meet: Tim Tebow

Dushad Morris Sol C. Johnson High School

Junior Football: Free Safety, Defensive Back Jersey: #23 Height: 5’10” Weight: 174 Coach: Thomas Tedder and Michael Moore Stats: Tackles: 92, INTs: 3, Fumble Recoveries: 2, Most Memorable Moment: “Our playoff game against Chapel Hill. It was our school’s first playoff victory in history and I had two interceptions.” Awards: 2nd Team All-Region 2011, 1st Team All-Region 2012

Righty or Lefty: Righty Favorites: Snack: Oreos Healthy Food: Oranges Junk Food: Pizza Musician: Future College Team: Alabama Crimson Tide Pro Team: New England Patriots Movie: Think Like a Man TV Show: Family Guy Subject: Math Place to Travel: Oregon

Favorite thing to do when not playing Football: Working out and then relaxing Favorite sport other than Football: Basketball Sport you wish you could play: Hockey Most Influential person to you: Reggie Bush, because he is a hard worker and has the speed that I like. Person you would like to meet: Reggie Bush

Deric Wright Memorial Day School

Football: Wide Receiver & Free Safety Jersey: #10 Nickname: Six Sport: Football / Wide Receiver, & Free Safety Height: 6’8” Weight: 197 Coach: Michael Thompson Stats: 11 games, 37 Receptions for 485 yards, 5 touchdowns, 56 Tackles, 2 INTs Awards: All Region, All State, Player of the Week Most Memorable Game: Playing in the State Championship game in the 10th grade. Righty or Lefty: Righty

Favorites: Snack: Grapes Healthy Food: Peanut butter and jelly Junk Food: Honey Bun Hobby: Art, Video games, Music Book: The Great Gatsby Musician: Hip Hop & R&B College Team: UGA Pro Team: Pittsburgh Steelers Book: Holes Movie: Gridiron Gang TV Show: Martin Subject: History Place to travel: Everywhere

Favorite Sport other than football: Basketball Sport you wish you could play: Football Sport you like to watch most on TV: Football/Basketball Most influential person: My mom and dad, they work so hard to keep us successful, and push me to become better each day. Person you would like to meet: AJ Green and LeBron James

Treynearious Dillard Savannah High School

Senior Sport: Football/ Fullback/ Linebacker Jersey: #43 Height: 5’9” Weight: 190 Nickname: June Bug Coach: Tim Jordan Stats: Carries: 136 Rushing Yards: 857, Avg: 6.3, TD’s: 7, Catches: 13,Receiving: 258, 2 TD’s, Solo Tackles: 98, Assisted Tackles: 44, Total: 142, INTs: 1, FF: 2, FR: 1, Sacks: 1 Awards: Region 1-AAA Player of the Year, 1st All-Savannah Morning News Team Defense, WJCL Offensive Player of the Week Most Memorable Moment: “Beach vs. Savannah, I ran the game clinching

touchdown to secure a victory over our cross-town rival, the first in 17 years.” Righty or Lefty: Righty Favorites: Snack: Ginger Snaps Healthy Food: Steamed Broccoli Junk Food: Skittles Hobby: Watching Film Book: The Great Gatsby Musician: Kanye West College Team: Penn State Pro Team: Chargers Pro Player: Ladanian Tomlinson Movie: The Pursuit of Happiness TV Show: The Big Bang Theory Subject: History Place to travel: Washington, D.C. Favorite thing to do when not playing football: Watch NFL Live

Sport you wish you could play: Tennis Sport you like to watch most on TV: NFL & Rugby Most Influential Person to you: My mother Most Memorable game: “Homecoming against Johnson High we were down a touchdown with less than 2 minutes remaining. We drove from our end of the field to tie the game and send it to overtime. Then we made a defensive stop by a blocked field goal, recovering it and scoring on the first play of the ensuing possession.” Person you would like to meet: Adrian Peterson & Ladanian Tomlinson

Tra' Hardy Vidalia High School

Senior Football: Running Back, Defensive Back Jersey: #2 Height: 6’ Weight: 180 Coach: Lee Chomskis Stats: 5 Interceptions, 2 for TDs, 99 yard return, 54 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 punt returns for TDs, 48 Carries for 375 yards, 9 TD’s Most Memorable Moment: My first interception Awards: 1st Team All-Region Athlete of the Year Righty or Lefty: Righty

Favorites: Snack: Chocolate candy Healthy Food: Apples Junk Food: Oreos Hobby: Playing Sports Musician: Future College Team: UGA Pro Team: Philadelphia Eagles Pro Player: Michael Vick Book: Three Little Pigs Movie: Love and Basketball TV Show: Family Guy Subject: Biology Place to travel: Beach

Favorite thing to do when not playing football: Hang out with friends Sport you wish you could play: Hockey Most memorable game: West Laurens Person you would like to meet: Kevin Durant

Coach's Corner

Chuck Smith

South Effingham County High School

South Effingham Softball Coach Motivates Through Positive, High-Energy Atmosphere by Robert Preston Jr.

ometimes, an individual chooses a profession. Other times, a profession chooses an individual. In the case of South Effingham High School head softball coach Chuck Smith, you could say coaching chose him. A standout athlete at Memorial Day High School in Savannah who played football, baseball, basketball, and ran track (he won state in four events in track as a senior, and his teams in the other sports made the playoffs consistently), Smith turned down an opportunity to play college baseball to attend Armstrong Atlantic State University. Immediately after graduating from Memorial Day, his old basketball coach, asked him to help out with the Memorial Day basketball team. Smith agreed and thus began his coaching career. “It just kind of happened,” he says. “I was at Armstrong Atlantic, and I was available.” Over the next four years, Smith pursued a degree in health and physical education. After graduating, he went to Ridgeland, South Carolina, where he coached and taught at Thomas Heyward Academy. He was there for two years before moving back to the Savannah area. His stops included Memorial Day, Groves, and, eventually, South Effingham High. Over the course of his career, he has coached softball and men’s and women’s basketball. Smith is beginning his fifth year at South Effingham; he has coached the softball team each of the previous four years. The Lady Mustangs have enjoyed a good run under Smith. Over the last four seasons, the Lady Mustangs have won the region championship twice 30

photography by Tina Helmly and finished region runner-up the other two years. Last season, South Effingham advanced to the Elite Eight of the state playoffs, eventually finishing fifth in the state. The Lady Mustangs have also won at least 20 games in each year of Smith’s tenure. Smith acknowledges that his teams have been successful, but he gives all of the credit to the young ladies he coaches. “They are tremendous athletes. They are in the weight room working extremely hard every day. I’m more of a relaxed coach, and I want the girls to be confident and play in an atmosphere that encourages them to go out and do their best,” he says. Smith does that by being positive himself and having a short memory. Softball season is a long one and there are plenty of ups and downs throughout the year. The key, Smith believes, is forgetting about the mistakes quickly and focusing on what his girls are doing well. “When we lose a game, I may think about it a little that night. But the next day, I don’t dwell on it. I move on and focus on the next challenge. You’ve got to get over those mistakes and focus on the positives.” Over the last decade or so, softball has changed, particularly in the southern portion of the state. For years, the metro areas had the strongest teams, and the schools in the lower part of Georgia couldn’t compete. Now things are evening up. Teams and players in South Georgia are stronger, and a lot of South Georgia kids are getting the opportunity to play on some of the best teams in the country. The

Chuck Smith has pretty much been around the Savannah area all of his life. He’s been coaching and teaching for 20 years and is now in the last third of his career. He says he has no plans to leave the area. “I don’t want to coach in college. I love the game of softball, and I love teaching the fundamentals. I like seeing my players grow and become not just better players but better people. I plan on staying here, watching my kids grow up, and keep coaching softball,” he says.

shift is being felt outside Georgia as well. Southern players and teams are making some noise nationally, as evidenced by Alabama winning the national title in softball in 2012. “This is a fast-paced game. Everything is so fast. Baseball can be so methodical and relaxed. That’s not the case with softball. Our players are phenomenal athletes and getting better each year. The southern part of the state is catching up with the metro area,” he says. During the course of his career, Smith has experienced success on and off the field. He has also coached men’s and women’s basketball at various times, and at Memorial Day, his team missed a state championship by one point. Two years ago, Smith was named Teacher of the Year as well. He is quick to mention that his assistant coaches and

his family are a big part of the successes he has enjoyed. “My assistants are phenomenal. I have a great group of coaches here with me. I let them coach - I want them to understand that this is their program, too,” he says. His family has also been right by his side throughout his career. Smith and his wife, Shae, have three children: daughters Cason, 13; and Madelyn, 12; and son Cooper, eight. “They are amazing. I try to spend as much time with them as I can. I gave up coaching basketball because of how much time it takes up. It interferes with Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I didn’t want to miss those special times. I coach my kids’ travel teams. I’m always with them on the weekends, usually playing ball somewhere,” he says. ITG 31

Girl Impact Players

Sydney Harper Savannah Christian Preparatory School

Senior Volleyball: Outside Hitter

Stats:

Serve Attempts: 352, Aces: 83, Kills: 253, Digs: 317, Blocks: 8, Points: 348

Awards:

All City and All Region Sophomore Year, Best of Preps Sophomore and Junior Year, Savannah Morning News Player of the Week

Most Memorable Moment:

Jersey: #10 Height: 5’9” Nickname: Syd Babe Coach: Julie Jones

Favorite thing to do when not playing volleyball: Going to the beach/shopping with friends Favorite sport other than volleyball: Tennis Sport you wish you could play: Basketball or Lacrosse Most Influential person: My teammates Person you would most like to meet: Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh

Our team making it to the Final 4

Favorites: Snack: Cucumbers and Vinegar Junk Food: Chocolate covered almonds Musician: Luke Bryan Pro Team: Atlanta Braves Movie: Olympus Has Fallen Subject: Science

Healthy Food: Veggies with ranch dip Book: Devil’s Arithmetic College Team: UGA Pro Player: Chipper Jones TV Show: One Tree Hill Place to Travel: Caribbean Islands

Madison Young

Jersey: #10 Height: 5’101/2” Coach: Brooke McMillan

Savannah Christian Preparatory School

Senior Sport: Softball/ Short Stop & Catcher

Stats:

Batting Average: .361, On Base %: .425, Runs Scored: 10, RBIs: 8

Awards:

All Star Team, 3rd at State in our division (a first for Savannah Christian)

Most Memorable Moment:

Righty or Lefty: Righty Favorite thing to do when not playing softball: Be around friends Favorite Sport other than softball: Lacrosse Sport you wish you could play: Soccer Most Influential person to you: Parents Person you would like to meet: Sandra Bullock

Going to State my freshman year

Favorites: Snack: Salt and Vinegar Chips Junk Food: Ice Cream Book: The Great Gatsby College Team: UGA Pro Player: Chipper Jones Movie: Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part II 32

Healthy Food: Strawberries Hobby: Fishing Musician: Kenny Chesney Pro Team: Braves TV Show: Cake Boss Place to Travel: Florida

Natalie Ourhaan

Jersey: #15 Height: 5’7” Coach: Bobbi Mock

Savannah Country Day School Sport: Volleyball / Outside hitter Stats: 462 Kills, 290 Digs, 52 Aces, and a 92.3% Serving accuracy. Awards: MVP of Area, MVP for SCDS, All State First team, Georgia State Coaches award Goals for this year: I am looking forward to an amazing season. As a team my goals as a senior leader are to win the area championship and advance into the top five of the state. As an individual I look to better my game and increase my statistics especially in aces, which is where I lack the most. Most Memorable Moment: “I participated in a national tournament called the Colorado Crossroads my freshman year on a club team. We were on a winning streak with the goal of achieving a Junior Olympic bid for entrance to the tournament that summer. In one of our final matches I had to climb onto a chair in the crowd of parents to pass one of my teammates “shanks” and I somehow managed to save the play and win the game.”

Righty or Lefty: Righty Favorite sport other than volleyball: Tennis Sport you wish you could play: Lacrosse Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: I am on the regional board of my youth organization, so when I am not playing volleyball I am planning, organizing, and participating in events with my friends! Most Influential person to you: I would have to say my grandmother. She lived with my family for six years. She came with us when we moved to Georgia and is still giving me helpful advice each and every day. She has shown me how to grow as a person and always has a solution to my problems.I don’t know where I would be without her today. She also inspires me as she is confined to a wheelchair and has never given up. Person you would like to meet: Phil Dalhausser, the US Olympic beach volleyball player. He is just too perfect at volleyball and I think I would die if I met him, or even better, had a chance to play with him.

Favorites: Snack: Chocolate Chip Ice Cream/ Sunflower seeds Junk: French Fries Healthy Food: Carrots & Ranch dressing Book: The Hunger Games Trilogy Hobby: Drawing and Painting Musician: Timeflies College Team: UCLA Bruins Pro Team: Boston Red Sox Pro Player: Kerri Walsh Subject: Chemistry Place to travel: New York City

Jacqueline Richtman

Jersey: #3 Height: 5’7” Coach: Jennifer Hall

South Effingham High School

Sport: Volleyball: Setter and Right Side

Stats:

SERVES: 350-94%, ACES: 89, DIGS: 50, KILLS: 121, ASSISTS: 502

Awards:

Player of the Year for Region

Goals for this year:

Our team is really determined to win the region again and hopefully go to state. Righty or Lefty: Righty Place to Travel: New York City, because it’s never the same. Every time you go, you find new things to do.

Favorites: Snack: Cheese-Its Junk Food: Ice Cream Book: Harry Potter series College Team: UGA Pro Player: Kerri Walsh Subject: History

Most Memorable Moment: “The Region Championship game; we worked so hard all year and we never gave up throughout the whole game. I was so proud of every one of my teammates for working so hard and winning that game. It was the first time my school had ever won region for volleyball." Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: Going to concerts with my best friends. Favorite Sport other than volleyball: Soccer Sport you wish you could play: Tennis Sport you most like to watch on TV: Baseball Most Influential person to you: “My older sister Melanie, because she was the first person I looked up to as I grew up and she is the main reason I got interested in playing volleyball.” Healthy Food: Strawberries Hobby: Reading Musician: Ed Sheeran Pro Team: UGA Movie: The Dark Knight Rises TV Show: Bones 33

GHSA 2013 Football Schedules

1-AAA

2-AA

Beach Bulldogs - Blue & Gold 8/30 At Jenkins (Memorial) 9/06 At Richmond Hill 9/13 At Camden County 9/20 Pierce County (Memorial) 9/27 At Brantley County 10/12 Tattnall County (Memorial) 10/18 At Appling County 10/25 At Southeast Bulloch 11/01 Johnson, Savannah (Memorial) 11/08 At Savannah (Memorial)

Savannah Blue Jackets - Royal Blue & White 8/30 Greater Atlanta Christian (Garden City) 9/06 At Bradwell Institute 9/13 At Richmond Hill 9/20 At Tattnall County 9/26 Appling County 10/04 At Southeast Bulloch 10/11 At Johnson, Savannah (Memorial) 10/25 At Pierce County 10/31 Brantley County 11/08 Beach (Memorial)

Brantley County Herons - White, Blue & Gold 8/23 At Baconton 8/30 At Charlton County 9/06 At Berrien 9/27 Beach 10/04 At Tattnall County 10/11 Appling County 10/18 At Southeast Bulloch 10/25 Johnson, Savannah 10/31 At Savannah 11/08 Pierce County

Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets - Blue & Gold 8/30 Portal 9/06 At Montgomery County 9/20 At Telfair County 9/27 Johnson, Savannah 10/04 Savannah 10/11 At Pierce County 10/18 Brantley County 10/25 Beach 11/01 Tattnall County 11/08 At Appling County Tattnall County Battle Creek Warriors - Blue & Gold 8/30 At Claxton 9/06 At Portal 9/13 Statesboro 9/20 Savannah 9/27 At Pierce County 10/04 Brantley County 10/12 At Beach (Memorial) 10/25 Appling County 11/01 At Southeast Bulloch 11/08 Johnson, Savannah

Johnson, Savannah Atom Smashers - Blue & Orange 8/29 At Richmond Hill 9/06 At Camden County 9/12 At Liberty County 9/20 At Appling County 9/27 At Southeast Bulloch 10/11 Savannah (Memorial) 10/18 Pierce County 10/25 At Brantley County 11/01 At Beach (Memorial) 11/08 At Tattnall County

Toombs County Bulldogs - Red, Navy & White 8/30 Montgomery County 9/06 Bryan County 9/13 At Bacon County 9/20 Metter 9/27 Jeff Davis 10/04 At McIntosh County Academy 10/11 At Benedictine 10/18 Long County 11/01 Vidalia 11/08 At Atkinson County Vidalia Indians - Gold & Maroon 8/23 West Laurens 9/06 At McIntosh County Academy 9/13 Long County 9/20 At Benedictine 9/27 At Metter 10/04 Atkinson County 10/18 At Bryan County 10/25 Bacon County 11/01 At Toombs County 11/08 Jeff Davis

Metter Tigers - Orange & Black 8/24 At Emanuel County Institute (Georgia Southern) 9/06 At Bacon County 9/13 Benedictine 9/20 At Toombs County 9/27 Vidalia 10/04 At Jeff Davis 10/18 Atkinson County 10/25 At McIntosh County Academy 11/01 Bryan County 11/08 At Long County

3-AAAAA Effingham County Rebels - Blue & White 8/30 At Benedictine (Savannah state) 9/06 Screven County 9/13 At South Effingham 9/27 Bradwell Institute 10/04 Windsor Forest 10/11 At Richmond Hill 10/18 Jenkins 10/25 Glynn Academy 11/01 At Groves (Garden City) 11/08 Ware County Groves Rebels - Black & Gold 8/30 At Screven County 9/13 Beaufort, SC (Garden City) 9/20 At Brunswick 9/27 At Jenkins (Memorial) 10/04 At Richmond Hill 10/10 Glynn Academy (Garden City) 10/18 At Windsor Forest (Memorial) 10/25 At Ware County 11/01 Effingham County (Garden City) 11/08 Bradwell Institute (Garden City)

Benedictine Cadets - Maroon & White 8/30 Effingham County (Savannah State) 9/06 At Long County 9/13 At Metter 9/20 Vidalia 9/27 At Atkinson County 10/04 Bryan County 10/11 Toombs County 10/18 At Bacon County 11/01 At Jeff Davis 11/08 McIntosh County Academy Bryan County Redskins - Red & White 8/30 Calvary Day School 9/06 At Toombs County 9/13 Jeff Davis 9/20 At McIntosh County Academy 9/27 Long County 10/04 At Benedictine 10/18 Vidalia 10/25 At Atkinson County 11/01 At Metter 11/08 Bacon County

Jenkins Windsor Forest Warriors - Red & Gray Knights - Green & White 8/22 Savannah Christian (Memorial) 8/23 Estil, SC (Memorial) 8/30 Beach (Memorial) 9/13 At Lowndes 9/06 At South Effingham 9/20 At Screven County 9/20 Ware County (Memorial) 9/28 Ware County (Memorial)(D) 9/27 Groves (Memorial) 10/04 At Effingham County 10/04 At Bradwell Institute 10/11 At Bradwell Institute 10/18 At Effingham County 10/18 Groves (Memorial) 10/25 Windsor Forest 10/25 At Jenkins 11/01 At Richmond Hill 11/02 Glynn Academy (Memorial) 11/08 At Glynn Academy 11/08 At Richmond Hill Richmond Hill Wildcats - Black & Gold 8/29 Johnson, Savannah 9/06 Beach 9/13 Savannah 9/27 At Glynn Academy 10/04 Groves 10/11 Effingham County 10/18 At Ware County Screven County Swainsboro 10/25 At Bradwell Institute Gamecocks - Red & White Tigers - Black & Gold 11/01 Jenkins 8/30 Groves 8/23 Worth County 11/08 Windsor Forest 9/06 At Effingham County 9/06 At Grovetown 9/13 At Appling County 9/13 Pierce County 9/20 Windsor Forest 9/20 Dublin 9/27 At Harlem 10/04 At Statesboro 10/04 Laney 10/11 At Thomson 10/18 At Westside, Augusta 10/18 Washington County 10/25 East Laurens 10/25 At Wilcox County 11/01 At Josey 11/01 Jefferson County 11/08 Dublin 11/08 At Dodge County

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

3-AA

速

3-AAA

3-AAAA Div. A South Effingham Mustangs - Red & White 8/30 Bluffton, SC 9/06 Jenkins 9/13 Effingham County 9/20 At Hephzibah 9/27 Glenn Hills 10/04 At Cross Creek 10/18 Wayne County 10/25 Statesboro 11/01 At Liberty County 11/08 Region Play-In Statesboro Blue Devils - Blue & White 8/30 Lakeside, Evans 9/06 Richmond Academy 9/13 At Tattnall County 9/20 Burke County 9/27 At Butler 10/04 Swainsboro 10/11 At Liberty County 10/25 At South Effingham 11/01 Wayne County 11/08 Region Play-In

3-A Div. A Calvary Day School Cavaliers - Purple & Gold 8/23 Landmark Christian 8/29 At Bryan County 9/13 Montgomery County 9/20 At Treutlen 10/04 At Savannah Country Day 10/11 Savannah Christian 10/18 At Jenkins County 10/25 Claxton 11/01 At Portal 11/08 Region Play-In Claxton Tigers - Black & Gold 8/30 Tattnall County 9/06 Treutlen 9/20 At Emanuel County Institute 9/27 Wheeler County 10/04 At Savannah Christian 10/11 Portal 10/18 At Savannah Country Day 10/25 At Calvary Day School 11/01 Jenkins County 11/08 Region Play-In

3-A Div. B Emanuel County Institute Bulldogs - Red & Black 8/24 Metter (Georgia Southern) 9/06 Washington County 9/13 Jenkins County 9/20 Claxton 9/27 At Portal 10/04 At Wheeler County 10/11 At Treutlen 10/25 Johnson County 11/01 Montgomery County 11/08 Region Play-In

Jenkins County War Eagles - Blue & White 8/24 Johnson County (Paulsen Stadium)(D) 9/13 At Emanuel County Institute 9/20 At Wheeler County 9/27 Montgomery County 10/04 At Portal 10/11 Savannah Country Day 10/18 Calvary Day School 10/25 Savannah Christian 11/01 At Claxton 11/08 Region Play-In Portal Panthers - Navy & White 8/30 At Southeast Bulloch 9/06 Tattnall County 9/13 At Johnson County 9/27 Emanuel County Institute 10/04 Jenkins County 10/11 At Claxton 10/18 Savannah Christian 10/25 At Savannah Country Day 11/01 Calvary Day School 11/08 Region Play-In

Savannah Christian Raiders - Red & White 8/22 At Jenkins (Memorial) 9/06 Prince Avenue Christian 9/20 At Montgomery County 9/27 Johnson County 10/04 Claxton 10/11 At Calvary Day School 10/18 At Portal 10/25 At Jenkins County 11/01 Savannah Country Day 11/08 Region Play-In Savannah Country Day Hornets - Green & Gold 8/23 Hardeeville, SC 8/30 At Treutlen 9/13 At Wheeler County 9/20 Johnson County 10/04 Calvary Day School 10/11 At Jenkins County 10/18 Claxton 10/25 Portal 11/01 At Savannah Christian 11/08 Region Play-In

Johnson County Trojans - Blue, Silver & White 8/24 At Jenkins County (Paulsen Stadium)(D) 9/06 Twiggs County 9/13 Portal 9/20 At Savannah Country Day 9/27 At Savannah Christian 10/11 Montgomery County 10/18 Treutlen 10/25 At Emanuel County Institute 11/01 At Wheeler County 11/08 Region Play-In

Freshman Focus

Nate McBride Vidalia High School

McBride Ready for Next Level of Competition by Tom Hilliard

s a 15-year-old high school freshman at Vidalia High School, Nate McBride is like most young men his age, looking forward to high school and to driving his first truck on his own. On the sports field, however, McBride is an extraordinary athlete who is garnering a lot of attention. Last year as an eighth-grader McBride had one of those special years for an athlete. He showed his strengths on the football field, where in one game he ran a quarterback sweep for a 90-yard touchdown, followed by a 37-yard touchdown run, and then for good measure, he passed for another 35-yard score. McBride was named MVP for his ability to make the necessary moves. Transitioning into spring sports, McBride won the 100- and 200-meter runs as well as the discus at the regional track meet. His winning time of 11.4 seconds for the 100 meters is just another indicator of an athlete with true speed. In a rare accomplishment, McBride won the middle school track High Medalist while his brother Nick was the High School Region High Track Medalist. McBride credits his father, Jason McBride, who is the strength and conditioning coach at Vidalia High School, for their success. “Nate has always been a naturally good athlete participating in all types of youth sports. He is lifting more than his brother did at this age, and he is already an inch taller than me,” says Jason McBride, as he and his son stood side by side. Nate McBride’s 6’2”, 185-pound athletic frame already exhibits the effects of his commitment to working out and conditioning. Ladsen Helms, McBride’s eighth-grade football and track coach, says, “Nate is one of the best competitors I have ever coached. When we needed a play on offense or defense, he seemed to always make it happen. He is one of those guys who says ‘give me the ball’ when a play is needed. A natural athlete who can play any position on the field, Nate is an especially talented runner who has a very bright future.” Head coach Lee Chomkis sees McBride following his brother’s footsteps as McBride begins his freshman year for the Vidalia Indians football team. Nick McBride played for Vidalia last season and was named the Georgia High School Association

photography by Tina Helmly Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. As a linebacker, he was all over the field and held the school record of 26 tackles in one game. He will be starting his athletic career at Furman University this season. Nate McBride is focused on making the varsity team as a receiver and/or defensive back. He will also play quarterback and maybe some running back for the junior varsity team as he looks to work within the allowed six quarters a week of football for young athletes who play both JV and varsity teams. “I want to contribute this year to the Indians varsity team and continue to work on my skills at the JV level this season,” says McBride. McBride knew from an early age that he was destined to be a football player. “When I was in youth football around eight years old,” he recalls, “I had people tell me I had good running instincts with the ball.” From those encouraging words McBride has built a passion for the sport that he hopes will take him through a successful high school sports career, and he hopes to one day play at the collegiate level just like his brother. McBride is also a member of the BETA Club. He says he knows that good grades are important, and he prioritizes his busy weekly sports schedule around a proper amount of study time. “Our family is into sports for sure, but academic achievement is also expected,” says McBride as he discusses how he keeps up his grades with the amount of hours he puts into practice. In many ways McBride’s academic success has further enhanced his leadership characteristics. He is quick to say, “that means doing the right things at the right time.” He further explains that leadership is not only about “being on time, committed and working hard but is also about encouraging those around you and showing respect for your teammates and others.” “I have a strong spiritual life, I am respectful of others, I take my education seriously,” says McBride, “but when you cross that white line onto that playing field it’s all business.” McBride’s confidence and anticipation of proving himself at the high school level is evident. McBride wants to "break all my brother's records," and if he succeeds he will capture a lot of attention. ITG

Offensive Impact Players

John Underwood Statesboro High school

Senior Football: Offensive Tackle Jersey: #73 Height: 6' 6" Weight: 315 Coach: Steve Pennington "John is probably the biggest player who is under the radar this year. Due to an unfortunate knee injury that kept him out his entire junior year, I have no doubt that Big John will make up for lost time with a productive senior year. His work ethic, discipline, and talent will prove that he is a great college prospect." - Coach Steve Pennington, Head Football Coach Statesboro High School

Most Memorable Moment: My team winning the Region Championship in my freshman and sophomore years. Favorites: Snack: Ice Cream Junk Food: Oreos Healthy Food: Sweet Corn on the Cob Musician: Hank Williams Jr. Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons Pro Player: David Pollack Book: Where the Red Fern Grows Movie: Old Yeller TV Show: Swamp People

Place to travel: Anywhere on the Ogeechee River Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: Work with the tractor Sport you wish you could play: Baseball Sport you like to watch most on TV: Deer Hunting Most Influential person to you: Jesus- He died for our sins.

Ahmad Johnson Savannah Christian Preparatory School

Senior Football: Running Back Jersey: #24 Height: 5’10” Weight: 190 Coach: Donald Chumley

Favorites:

Snack: Oatmeal Cream Pie Healthy Food: Broccoli Junk Food: Honey Buns Hobby: Playing video games Book: Of Mice and Men Stats: 324 yards rushing/ 29 Musician: Michael Jackson carries with 4 TDs, 48 tackles/8 College Team: Alabama for losses, 2 INT’s, 5 pass break Movie: Pride ups, 6 sacks Pro Team: Los Angeles Lakers Awards: Pro Player: Kobe Bryant 2012 First Team All Region TV Show: Saved By the Bell Subject: Math Most Memorable Moment: Playing Place to Travel: Atlanta in the Georgia Dome and winning the State Championship in 2011.

Favorite thing to do when not playing sports: Spending time with family and friends. Favorite sport other than football: Basketball Sport you wish you could play: Lacrosse Person you would like to meet: Magic Johnson

Ty Wilson

Bryan County High School Senior Football: Kicker Jersey: #1 Height: 5’9” Weight: 170 Coach: Mark Wilson Stats: 9 for 14 on field goals with long of 52, 33 for 36 on touchbacks 92%,35 punts with average of 37.5 Most Memorable Moment: When I made my 52 yarder. Awards: 1st team all Savannah Area, 1st team All Region, Ranked 25th in the Nation on Chris Sailer Kicking

Righty or Lefty: Lefty Favorites: Snack: Pretzels Healthy Food: Salad Junk Food: Skittles Book: Bible Musician: Troy College Team: UUGA Pro Team: Panthers Pro Player: Cam Newton Movie: Remember the Titans TV Show: Sports Center Subject: English Place to Travel: Beach

Favorite sport other than your sport: Basketball Sport you wish you could play: Golf Most Influential Person: My dad, because he is always there for me. Person you would like to meet: Will Ferrell

Cheyenne Hunt Effingham County High School

Senior Football: Left Tackle Offensive Line/ Defensive Tackle Jersey: #60 Height: 6’1” Weight: 240 Nickname: Magnus Coach: Terry Holder

Favorites: Snack: Wheat Thins Healthy Food: Grapes Junk Food: Ice Cream Hobby: Fishing Musician: Tim McGraw College Team: Oklahoma Sooners Pro Team: Denver Broncos Pro Player: Peyton Manning Book: Jurassic Park Movie: Saving Private Ryan TV Show: Psych Subject: History Place to Travel: Beach

Most Memorable Moment: “When we scored against Richmond Hill in an upset victory on the final drive, my team depended on me to open the running lanes, and I delivered.” Awards: All Region 3AAAAA First Team Offense 2012-13, All Greater Savannah Best of Preps 2013 Football Offensive Team Righty or Lefty: Righty

Favorite thing to do when not playing football: Fishing

Favorite Sport other than football: Wrestling Sport you wish you could play: Baseball Sport you like to watch most on TV: College Football Most Influential person: Coach Young, he was my position coach, who motivated me and gave me the skills I needed to become a starter on the offensive line as a sophomore. Most Memorable game: County rival game against South Effingham 2012

Keynnard Campbell Bible Baptist School

Senior Jersey: #9 Football: Quarterback & Free Safety Nickname: Big Man Height: 5’10” Weight: 190 Coach: Jonathan Mauk Stats: Offense: Passing 224 for 405, 3039 yards 55% completion rating, 36 TDs, 14 INTs, Rushing 204 attempts, 1844 yards, 9.0 avg, 22 TDs. Defense: 40 solo tackles, 11 assists, 2 INTs Most Memorable Moment: 77 yards for a touchdown against Williamsburg Academy in the State Championship game.

Awards: WTOC Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All- Region, First Team All-State, SCISA A Player of the Year Righty or Lefty: Righty Favorites: Snack: Sweet/Spicy Chili Doritos Healthy Food: Broccoli and cheese Junk Food: Honey Bun Hobby: Fishing Book: Tom Sawyer Musician: Drake College Team: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons Pro Player: Steven Jackson Movie: Avengers

TV Show: Family Matters Subject: Math Place to Travel: Myrtle Beach, SC Favorite thing to do when not playing football: Video Games (Madden NBA 2K) Sport you wish you could play: Soccer Sport you like to watch most on TV: Football Most influential person to you: My parents Most Memorable Game: Overtime win over Colleton Prep in my 9th grade year Person you would like to meet: Calvin Johnson

Former Georgia High School Athletes

Randall Godfrey

by Crystal Hubbard

Ray Merril Beck Football player Ray Merril Beck was born in Bowdon, Georgia, and graduated from Cedartown High School. He played four years at Georgia Tech, his best season being his senior year in 1951, when the Yellow Jackets went 11-0-1 with a 17-14 victory over Baylor in the Orange Bowl. Beck was named All-America by the Football Writers Association and the American Football Coaches Association along with Most Valuable Lineman in the Southeastern Conference. Beck played for the NFL’s New York Giants in 1952 and from 1955 to 1957. Military service during the Korean War kept him away from the 1953-1954 seasons. He was later president of a trucking company in the Atlanta area and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

David Perno A 1986 graduate of Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, David Perno lettered in baseball and football and was an All-State selection as a senior. He played running back on the 1985 football state championship team and also played on the 1985 American Legion state championship team. Perno spent one season playing baseball at Middle Georgia and three at the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the 1990 national championship team. He graduated from Georgia in 1991 with a degree in marketing education. He served as an assistant coach at Marshall University for three years. While there, he earned a master’s degree in athletic and health education. Perno was an assistant at Middle Georgia in 1996, returned to Georgia as a member of Robert Sapp’s baseball coaching staff in 1997 and was named head coach in July 2001. Now in his ninth season as Georgia’s head coach, Perno has compiled a record of 300-230-1 (.566), 124-127-1 SEC. He has led the program to five NCAA tournaments, including three of the last eight College World Series. Perno has guided the Bulldogs to five postseason appearances, more than any other coach in program history.

Chuck Smith While a football player at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, Chuck Smith earned a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee. At Tennessee, Smith played in the Sugar Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl, and he was named Most Valuable Player at the Senior Bowl. Smith was selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Smith played for Atlanta from 1992 to 1999, establishing himself as an All-Pro defensive end and leading the Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII. In 2000, Smith joined the Carolina Panthers, ending his career there after one season because of multiple surgeries on his right knee. Smith has worked as a radio host and personal trainer. He has spoken out about the health risks associated with the increasing size of football players. Smith became the defensive line coach at the University of Tennessee in February 2010, but he left the Vols coaching staff a year later after a mutual decision between himself and Head Coach Derek Dooley.

Weems O. Baskin Weems Baskin was a four-sport athlete at Carrollton High School before enrolling at Auburn in 1923. By his senior year, he was playing tight end on the football team, and he had won the national championship in the 110-meter high hurdles. Baskin also ran the low hurdles and competed in the shot put, discus, javelin, and high jump. He won the Southern Conference title three straight years in the high hurdles and was a national AAU indoor champion in 1928. After receiving a degree in education, Baskin ran for the New York Athletic Club for two winters and wrote for various publications. He began his coaching career as an assistant football coach at Auburn in 1930 and assisted with the track team. He went to Georgia in 1931 to become the head track coach while serving as an assistant football coach. Baskin served in the same capacity at Mississippi from 1938 to 1943 before joining the Naval Reserves during WWII. The only breaks in his coaching career that began in 1930 were during World War II when Baskin served as a Naval officer, in 1946 and 1947 as a businessman in Athens, Georgia, and 1951 when South Carolina did not field a team because of the Korean War. During his coaching career at South Carolina from 1949 to 1969, Baskin won 90 dual meets and lost 47. He later held the position of administrative assistant to the athletic director before retiring in 1972.

Randall Euralentris Godfrey played football at Lowndes High School before going to the University of Georgia, where he continued his football career and majored in housing and consumer economics. He was chosen in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys with the 49th overall pick. Since then he has also played for the Tennessee Titans and the Seattle Seahawks. He last played for the Washington Redskins.

Jonathan Wiezorek Valdosta’s Jonathan Wiezorek, a Lowndes High School graduate, is a world-champion mixed martial arts fighter. Wiezorek competes in the heavyweight division and has fought for UFC, EliteXC, and K-1. Wiezorek played high school football and wrestled at Lowndes. He is notable for being one of very few fighters not brought back to the UFC after winning his debut match since Zuffa bought the company in 2001.

Sally Smalley Bell Sally Smalley Bell began playing basketball as a fifth-grader growing up in Dublin, Georgia. She played for the Dublin High School girls’ basketball team, then later enrolled at the University of Georgia, where she earned a bachelor of science in education. Smalley, the first woman to join the Georgia Mountain Officials Association, began officiating high school basketball games in 1975. Bell went on to officiate college basketball games at all levels. She has worked fifteen women’s final four tournaments, the 1996 Olympics and professional WNBA games. A recipient of the 1991 Naismith Award as the Women’s Basketball Official of the Year, Bell is currently the coordinator of women’s basketball officials for the Sun Belt Conference and the Ohio Valley Conference. 41

2013 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship and Invitational by Tom Hilliard

town known for its’ hospitality made good on its’ reputation with a highly successful 2013 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship and Invitational held June 25-29. This annual event featured an Olympic style grand march in and an opening ceremony that included some 6,000 attendees, of those 1,900 were gymnasts ages five to 14 who enjoyed a weeklong event where individual competitors and teams competed for the traditional bronze, silver, and gold medals. In the end however, it was the historic town of Savannah that was the biggest winner as this multi-day event brought visitors to a city that accepts guests with open arms. While the Y-USA hosts various travel gymnastic events around the country each year, the National Gymnastics Competition is one of their most prestigious events. This year’s competition was hosted by the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. Carol Tanrath, Island’s YMCA Gymnastics director, technical advisor to the YMCA of the USA National Gymnastics, and meet director for this large competition expressed her great satisfaction with the event that took well over two years in planning. Tanrath commented that while the event had come to Savannah in the past, this year’s YMCA National Gymnastics Competition was the largest ever held. When asked about the details to pull off such a large multi-day program Tanrath smiled and said, “I am so proud of our city for what turned out to be a wonderful event. We had projected revenues of $4.7 million to impact Savannah and after the competition we believe that we exceeded that amount, as teams arrived early and filled the city for several days. I can’t say enough about how the city of Savannah assisted with bus and water taxi service which really made this event work. From the friendly and accommodating travel and hotel arrangements to the work and coordination of over 1,200 volunteers, the event ran extremely smooth.” As Carol explained, events like this require a bid process, Greater Savannah Sports Council, Visit Savannah, and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia coordinated a successful bid to host the event. “Their continued work through the many details of planning and conducting the event” says Tanrath “made a special event that I know gave the participants and their families many good memories. It is a once in a lifetime experience and it rewards them for their hard work, sacrifices, and dedication.” Keynote speaker and 2004 Olympic silver medalist, Courtney McCool Griffeth was also a big plus for the event as her words of motivation and encouragement lifted the many competitors as they enjoyed the festivities of the Opening Ceremony at Forsyth Park. This year 104 teams from 24 states participated in the event. After they marched across the stage for introduction, the athletes sat in the park on beach mats that were provided in their goody bags to watch the presentation. After introductions and welcomes thy enjoyed dinner, carnival style games, and live music. A gracious Courtney McCool Griffeth took the time to visit with many of the athletes who quickly gathered around the Olympic Champion as she strolled through a full Forsyth Park. The state of Georgia had strong representation. The host team from Savannah (Island’s Family YMCA), was joined with other teams from Atlanta, Moultrie, and Valdosta. Besides the success of the 42

photography by YMCA Staff competition, Tanrath made note that the Y-USA helps to assist athletes that need financial support in order to participate in this event. Over $6000 in financial scholarships was awarded to ensure that no one was unable to compete based on the inability to pay. “Giving back” says Carol “is always a priority and we were glad we could assist a team that otherwise could not have come.” Did our team bring home any medals? Tanrath beamed right up and with enthusiasm said “Yes we did, 96 in all!” The Island’s Family YMCA team did very well. Lane Vacala, a 12 year old, advanced to the level eight finals where she placed 13th All Around out of the 486 participating athletes. The following Islands athletes won first place All Around in their levels: Haley Harvey, Jake Meiners, Rylie Tanrath,Callie Kanoy, and Haleigh Cauley. The festivities for the week included a special high school “Senior Reception” in which Randy Bugos, President/CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, and 2004 Olympian Courtney McCool Griffeth were the keynote speakers. A total of 77 seniors were recognized and two college scholarships were presented. Seniors eligible for the scholarship had to have been a YMCA gymnast for five years, have a 3.2 GPA or higher, submit an essay, and have a letter of

recommendation. A delightful evening which included parents and coaches was had by all. Carol was delighted to report that the event went so well that Savannah stands a very good chance of hosting the event again in 2017. “It was just a great week” says Tanrath, “lots of hard work but the kids had a great time and I know the parents and volunteers were excited in the efforts to make this a memorable competition. This type of national competition gives the children a chance to travel around the country and is a big reward for the hard work and practice they put into gymnastics.” Being a true coach, Tanrath reminded me of the benefits of gymnastics for our youth, stating that it has been proven by USAG that preschool aged children who participate in preschool gymnastics will have improved reading retention in their school years. As many schools in Georgia add gymnastics to their athletics program, this is just the tip of an iceberg for a sport that creates some of our best athletes. Kudos to our YMCAs for their continued efforts to make athletics fun and rewarding no matter what your age. ITG

YMCA Gymnasts Coach Carol Tanrath Two local high school gymnasts, Jill Conway and Melissa Villarreal took home memories from the 2013 YMCA National Championship that will last a lifetime. While the girls attend different high schools they are fully united on the Island’s YMCA Gymnastics team. Jill said that while there was “a lot of pressure as the host team,” she still found the event to be “very cool and lots of fun.” Her favorite part of the event was “the big cheer section and the way the media got involved with the athletes, doing interviews and covering the event.” ESPN radio and all the local affiliates were there

as well as press from as far away as Washington. Melissa was happy to have teammates at this National Competition. She said, “It felt great to have someone standing up there beside you cheering you on.” She enjoyed being on the host team because it gave her the opportunity to see other competitors and she didn’t have the stress of traveling to the event. Her favorite part was the last day of competition watching the level 9 & 10 Championships. The girls said they spend about 18 to 20 hours a week practicing and their sport is a year round challenge. As

expected, one of those challenges includes balancing their time with school, family, and friends. The physical demands are there, but the mental mindset of a gymnast is a big challenge. Both girls credit their teammates and coach for helping them keep the right mindset from the beginning of each practice and competition. If you ask what the girls would like for people to know about their sport, they would say that it takes dedication, a lot of effort, exercise, mental focus, and supportive teammates, family, and coaches.

Melissa Villarreal Melissa is a training level eight working toward a nine gymnast at Island’s Family YMCA. She has been in gymnastics for 10 years, beginning at just the age of six. Melissa is a junior at Savannah Country Day School. Her earliest memory of watching the older girls as role models for what she would like to accomplish has kept her focused. Melissa’s most memorable moment was this year’s 2013

National Championship; it was the first time at a National Championship with teammates. “It felt good not to be there by myself.” One of her favorite parts of competition is performing her beam routine and her best event is floor. Her mindset: “Keeping a good balance of my time, with school, family, and friends.”

Jill Conway Jill is a training level eight gymnast at Island’s Family YMCA. She has been in gymnastics for 11 years, four of those at the Island’s Family YMCA. She is a senior at Effingham County High School. Her most memorable gymnastic moment was last year at the 2012 YMCA National Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she placed in the top 25. Her favorite area of gymnastics is vault and

the show off routine on floor. Her mindset: “Exercising, giving a great effort, and having a good practice makes me feel good about myself.”

alph Waldo Emerson wrote, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Whether it is digging deep inside yourself for discovery or looking to a higher power for guidance, the very act of breathing and living on this earth means that you will influence someone during your lifetime. That influence can come from a positive act or it may arrive from overcoming adversity. There are always “sandpaper” people who certainly cause friction but who also teach us valuable lessons about who we are. Inspiration comes in various degrees and from diverse and sundry places. During the interview process athletes are asked, Who inspires you and why? The responses are always interesting and thought provoking.

Keynnard Campbell Jr.

“My parents are the most influential people in my life because of their Godly character, and also, they push me to do the best that I can in sports and in the classroom.”

Ahmad Johnson

“My grandmother, Beatrice Johnson. She has taught me to put God first and to work hard at everything I do. She taught me to stay out of trouble because it is easy to get into and hard to get out of. She also taught me to be a leader instead of a follower and to respect your elders. She said doing these things will make me stronger spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.”

Treynearious Dillard “My Mother, because no matter how much success I have on or off the field she always asks me about it or points out what I did wrong. Then tells me what I need to work on or get better at. It’s like I have a free life coach right at home.”

Ben Johnson

“My older brother Drew has probably had the biggest influence on me. He was really good at sports in high school and even though he was my brother I always viewed him as being distant and way more important than me. But after college he came back to Savannah to coach me for a year and basically mentored me. He taught me what it meant to work hard and how to have success on the field, but more importantly he taught me how important it is to make the right decisions off the field.”

Sydney Harper

“All of my teammates, because they encourage me and help me when I think that I’m not doing well or when I think I’m not good enough for something. They push me to be a better volleyball player by how skilled they are and I am able to learn from them. I watch how sportsmanlike they handle defeats and wins and learn how to become a better person and teammate from their actions.”

Brad Stewart

“Coach Jim Walsh (my grandfather), he inspires me to try my hardest every day.”

Tra’ Hardy

“My mother because she has shown me how to be strong throughout hard times and how to overcome adversity.”

Naomi Sapp

Madison Young

“My parents, they raised me with values, respect for others, and to work hard for what you want.”

John Underwood

“Jesus, he died for our sins.”

“My dad would be the most influential person to me because no matter what, he is always there for me. We spend time together 24/7 and we never get tired of each other. He is constantly doing whatever he can to make me better and to love the game more than I already do. I know I can count on him for anything.”

Now the Challenge: Who will you inspire during your lifetime?

by Brad Lane The South Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes is excited to partner with In the Game magazine. What a great way to highlight the God-given gifts and talents of our area’s student athletes. I hope and pray as you read each story that you take a moment and pray for the one being highlighted and also be aware that God is the giver of gifts and talents. Let us celebrate together what God has done and is doing. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives… one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high, and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering, and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. The FCA Vision: To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. The FCA Mission: To present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.

The Four C’s of Ministry: • Coaches Ministry The Coaches Ministry vision is to redeem sports through transformed coaches. FCA ministers to coaches through Bible studies, prayer support, discipleship and mentoring, resources, outreach events, and retreats. • Campus Ministry The Campus Ministry is initiated and led by student-athletes and coaches on junior high, high school, and college campuses. It has four ministry types: Huddles, Team Bible Studies, Chaplain Programs, and Coaches Bible Studies. Additionally, outreach events take place on the campus such as One Way 2 Play — Drug Free programs, school assemblies, and the annual Fields of Faith event. • Camp Ministry Camps are a time of “inspirations and perspiration” for coaches and athletes to reach their potential by offering comprehensive athletic, spiritual, and leadership training. These types of camps are Sports Camp, Leadership Camp, Coaches Camp, Power Camp, Partnership Camp, Team Camp, and International Camp. • Community Ministry FCA partners with local churches, businesses, parents, and volunteers to invest in coaches and athletes participating in club, recreational, and youth sports teams.

FCA is trying to establish an infrastructure within each campus and/or team that will change the culture for years to come. We are entering their world and their culture with truth and grace. Without the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in many places it becomes vacant of both. FCA is on the frontlines to reach the next generation for Christ. It is a common occurrence to hear a story of an athlete who got on a bus to come to an FCA sports camp and heard the Good News of Jesus Christ for the very first time. Or for an athlete or coach to finally understands that his/her faith is tied to everything they do, even in their competition. When a person of influence (coach or student athlete) begins expressing their faith on and off the field, it has the potential to change their team, their campus, and their entire community. On Journey Together,