June / July 2014 Columbus Valley Edition by ITG Next Magazine

in the

game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

In This Issue:

COLUMBUS VALLEY

June/July 2014

06 Academic Athlete A.J. Willoughby

16 Freshman Focus

CONTENTS

Harris County High School

Mariah Harvey & Maliyah Holloway Carver High School

18 Northside Track Abraham Perez

32 Player Spotlight

On the Cover

Cailah Niles

Glenwood School

34 Player Spotlight

Northside High School

Isaiah Arnold Shaw High School

44 Coach’s Corner Dorothy Cheruiyot

Brookstone School

50 Rising Star

Jozalyn Albright Richards Middle School

Tennis Standouts 10

Also Inside

Read. Subscribe. Share.

Ten Questions With Jared Sandler 9 Sports Connection With Joe McDaniel 15 2013-14 Columbus Valley High School Athletic Spring Awards Banquet

Shaw High School

Brookstone School

FCA 41 Columbus High School

Jordan Vocational High School

Hardaway High School

Kendrick High School

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game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

COLUMBUS VALLEY June/July 2014

From The Publisher At the risk of really showing my age, I am borrowing a line from a popular song back in the day: “School’s out for the summer!” Now let’s reflect on the year and a few spring sports.

Publisher

Mark Dykes

Editor

Mark Dykes Kaitlynn Passmore

Area Editor

Beth Welch beth.w@inthegamemagazine.com

Graphics

Megan Dean Jennifer Alexander

Cover/Feature Photography Jerry Christenson

Feature Writers Robert Preston Jr. Beth Welch

Copy Editors Ashley Dailey Sarah Turner

Advertising/Marketing

Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Kaitlynn Passmore

In many respects, 2013-14 was a great year for high school athletics. The Columbus Valley area saw some awesome athletic competitions, and many schools produced some outstanding athletes and even some state champions. New coaches took over a few programs, and the Muscogee County School District welcomed a new system-wide athletic director mid-year. This edition of our magazine is packed with a variety of stories, photos, and events. We have highlights from our last awards banquet honoring spring sport athletes as well as congratulatory photos of five local teams who are state championship winners. On our cover are 13 high school tennis athletes who are considered to be some of the best this area has to offer. Our thanks to Brookstone School for providing ITG with a great backdrop to showcase these athletes who have a passion for the sport of tennis. The athletes’ individual photos and personal profiles can be found beginning on page 10. Our Player Spotlights are focused on two athletes who have found their own field of dreams as they have finished high school sports and will now move on to becoming collegiate athletes. Cailah Niles of Glenwood School is headed to Anderson College to play softball, and Isaiah Arnold will become a member of Brewton-Parker’s baseball program. Take the time to read about these exceptional young athletes and their paths to college sports.

Auburn Tigers • Beauregard Hornets Beulah Bobcats • Brookstone Cougars Callaway Cavaliers Calvary Christian Knights • Carver Tigers Central Red Devils • Chattahoochee Panthers Columbus Blue Devils Glenwood Academy Gators Grace Christian Crusaders • Greenville Patriots Flint River Academy Wildcats Hardaway Golden Hawks • Harris Co. Tigers Jordan Red Jackets • Kendrick Cherokees LaGrange Grangers • Lee-Scott Warriors Loachapoka Indians • Manchester Blue Devils Marion County Eagles • Northside Patriots Opelika Bulldogs • St. Anne Pacelli Vikings Russell Co. Warriors • Shaw Raiders Smiths Station Panthers Spencer Greenwave • Troup Tigers

Contributors

Also taking his game to the next level is A.J. Willoughby of Harris County. Our Academic Athlete is not going far in miles but will take a big step when he suits up for Chattahoochee Valley Community College as a member of the Pirates baseball team. Willoughby has always placed high emphasis on academics and is looking forward to continuing his education. Our Freshman Focus feature this edition moves us from playing fields to outdoor track. Two promising athletes from Carver High School tell their stories that have become intertwined with a friendship that developed over the love of track and field. Maliyah Holloway and Mariah Harvey are definitely athletes to keep an eye on in the future. And so is another track athlete, Jozalyn Albright, most recently of Richards Middle School. Albright will be moving up the street to begin high school at Hardaway, but her middle school accomplishments have earned her some recognition as a Rising Star before she undertakes a high school career. Don’t miss all of these young ladies’ interesting stories inside our magazine. Coaching is often a thankless job. One of the privileges of working for a sports magazine is being able to meet local coaches. So many dedicated men and women sacrifice to make high school athletics successful. One of those people is featured in our Coach’s Corner. Brookstone’s assistant track coach and head cross country coach Dr. Dorothy Cheruiyot is unique in her own right but especially in the zeal she has for running. It’s a story definitely worth taking the time to read.

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

As we end one school year and look to the next, ITG would like to take an opportunity to thank everyone who helps make our magazine successful. It’s been a fantastic year, and in a few short weeks, we will be back “In the Game.”

For advertising information call: 888-715-4263

Beth Welch

Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, GA 31603

Area Schools

in the

Beth Welch,

Editorial & Features

Kaitlynn Passmore Editor

Robert Preston, Jr.,

Features & Commentary

In the Game Magazine is published bimonthly excluding July. 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 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Academic Athlete

A.J. Willoughby

Harris County High School

Baseball is Primary Sport for Tiger Scholar

by Beth Welch photography by Jerry Christenson

hange-up is a familiar theme in A.J. Willoughby’s life. A recent Harris County High School graduate, Willoughby has played baseball since the age of four. He has rotated through almost every infield position the sport offers and is used to an occasional change-up in playing positions during the course of a game. As a pitcher, he says his favorite pitch is the change-up; even his name, A.J., is a change-up of his given name, John Allen. There is one area of Willoughby’s life, however, that is constant, steady, and unchanging. The 18-year-old is serious about academics. Upon his graduation in May, Willoughby held a 3.96 grade point average. He even tackled a few AP courses along the way. As a student-athlete, Willoughby knows how to manage his time to fit in both his studies and the commitment high school athletics requires. He admits his parents set the standard pretty high for him, requiring academics to be a priority, but for Willoughby, doing well in the classroom just makes sense. “My mom and dad always, always said if you don’t make the grades, you can’t play. I love baseball, and I knew a long time ago that I wanted to keep playing as long as I could. You have to have the grades to get to college so I have made it work out,” says Willoughby. The quiet, easy-going athlete says he found the sport of baseball to fit his personality right from the beginning. He played tee-ball as a youngster and then graduated on to travel ball. Later, Willoughby tried out for the Harris County High School freshmen baseball team as an eighth grader in middle school. All along the way, Willoughby gained experience playing various positions. In the early years, he saw a lot of time as a catcher and a pitcher. His father was cautious about allowing Willoughby to pitch due to fears

the youngster might damage his arm. It was during that stint in his baseball career that Willoughby began practicing his change-up pitch to satisfy his dad’s concerns but also allowing his desire to pitch to be realized. To this day, it is his favorite pitch to throw from the mound. “My dad didn’t want me to mess up my arm pitching. When I was little I worked on my change-up for so long [that] I guess I am just more comfortable with it. I would rather throw that than anything,” he says. Somewhere along the way, Willoughby played the corners. He has time at both first and third but actually prefers being a third baseman because that position sees more action. In most recent times, he was utilized as a shortstop. Up until then, Willoughby thought he would always be at third or pitching, but the shortstop position opened up another door in the sport he so loves. “Playing shortstop, it’s the center of all the action. You have to pay attention to every play and know where everybody is at all times. I didn’t know I would enjoy the spot so much, but it really is a lot of fun,” Willoughby says with a smile. A lot of baseball players grow up playing more than one position. Usually, those who hang with the sport eventually settle into just one and can probably be a back-up in another. Not so for Willoughby. The six foot, 175-pound right-hander is just as comfortable catching behind the plate as he is at being out in front of it as a starting pitcher. He can handle third base like he was born to it or move over to stake out the shortstop position. Perhaps being able to see the game from all these vantage points has given Willoughby the edge to develop into a true utility player. Other than the versatility Willoughby brings to the game, his coach recognizes he has another strength that is important on the field and off: “His consistency. A.J. has been able to continually maintain a high level of perfor-

mance throughout the season. He is consistent in everything he does, from the classroom, to practice, to games,” says Steve Westmoreland, HCHS Head Baseball Coach. At the time of this interview, the Harris County Tigers were on the prowl for a region championship. To accomplish that goal and take it all the way to the state tournament would be a dream realized for Willoughby. Another one, to play at the college level, has already been fulfilled. Willoughby will soon put on the uniform of the Chattahoochee Valley Community College Pirates where he will probably be utilized as a third baseman. Westmoreland has no doubt Willoughby will be an asset to the Pirates’ program and is certain the recent grad will be successful in his endeavors. “A.J. will do well at a lot of things after high school. He has a tremendous work ethic [and] confidence in his abilities and goals for the future. I look for him to continue to excel at CVCC and am excited for what the future holds for him,” says Westmoreland. Willoughby hopes the next level of play will lead to yet another one, but until then, he is just happy to continue to play the sport he has loved since he was a child. Going off to college often causes a little anxiety, especially when it comes to concerns over being able to handle the rigorous academic schedule while pursuing athletics. In Willoughby’s mind, those issues have already been settled. “Of all the things that I could be worried about, being able to balance grades or academics with baseball is not something I will have a problem with. I know what it takes, and I have been preparing for this opportunity for a long time. I am pretty confident this is going to be good,” he says. ITG

Getting to know A.J.

Family: Parents, Debbie and John; one brother, Brandon Pets: A dog, Snowball Favorite food: Pasta • Favorite place to eat: Fuji Ritual before each game: Always wear the same sliding shorts (I wash them, though!) Favorite team (college or professional): Georgia Favorite movie: The Blind Side One thing parents say to him: Always ask if I have homework Church he attends: The River of Life Favorite pastime: Fishing, golf Sport he wishes he could play: Football Favorite subject in school: Math Person(s) he most admires: My parents Best thing about Harris County High School: All my friends are here. I’ve been with some of them since first grade. 7

ach summer children and youth across the Columbus Valley look forward to various summer camps offered in our area. Local camps offer an opportunity for out-of-school students to learn and have fun while being supervised by qualified instructors. For many years, young people have participated in the summer camp programs provided by Columbus State University. In The Game caught up with Jared Sandler who oversees the athletic summer camps at CSU and asked him 10 Questions about this summer’s program. For more information about camps, please contact Sandler at 706-565-4332, or Columbus State University’s Continuing Education Department at 706-507-8070.

In The Game: How long have you been a part of the summer camp program at Columbus State University? Jared Sandler: I have been a part of the Athletic Summer Camp Program here for three and a half years now.

Ten Questions With

Jared Sandler by Beth Welch photos courtesy of Jared Sandler and Columbus State University

ITG: What athletic camps will be held this summer at CSU? JS: We have soccer, baseball, basketball, golf, lacrosse, cheerleading, dance softball, rifle, tennis, and volleyball camps.

Jared Sandler Age: 32

ITG: What ages are the camps designed to accommodate? JS: Each camp has their own age ranges, but the youngest age that a camp allows is four years old.The oldest is 18.

Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

ITG: Are the athletic camps week-long camps? JS: Most of the athletic camps are four days in length. Our baseball and cheer camps are week-long camps.

Job title and/or responsibilities: Head Athletic Trainer/Director of Athletic Camps, Columbus State University. Head athletic trainer-Responsible for all the sports at CSU and the five graduate assistants within the department. Scheduling of home and away coverage and practices as well as treatments, evaluations, and rehab. Summer camps-Camper registration and waivers. Payroll for the coaches, advertising, ordering meals, and T-shirts for the campers. Paying all bills and reaching out to the parents if there are any issues with a camper.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Florida in Sports Medicine, 2005; Master’s Degree in Education from Columbus State University, 2007.

ITG: How long do the camps last each day? JS: On average most camps are three hours from 9am to 12 noon. Our soccer camps and volleyball camps are either half day, 9am to 12 noon or full day, 9am to 4pm. ITG: What are the requirements for camp participants? JS:There are no physical requirements for the camps. Most of our coaches can accommodate everyone. ITG: Do camp participants need to bring any equipment for the camps? JS: We encourage all participants to bring water bottles. For the camps that require equipment, we ask that each camper bring equipment related to their camp (i.e. soccer ball, tennis racquet, golf clubs). ITG: Are there any new athletic camps this summer at CSU that you are excited about offering? JS:There are a few new athletic camps this year. Our men’s and women’s basketball camp hopes to bring many new faces to the campus. We are also

offering a new soccer camp and a volleyball camp.

Family: My amazing wife,Tamara (PE teacher at Blanchard/Forrest Road Elementary); my son, Coltyn Tyler, I.

ITG: Who are some of the instructors for the athletic camps? JS: All of our instructors are the head and assistant coaches for their respective sport camps. Many of the camps will employ their current collegiate athletes as instructors, as well.

Person I most admire: My mother would definitely have to be the person I admire the most. She taught me about life, God first and family second. My mother passed away about a year ago, but seeing her fight long enough to meet my son was something I will never forget and something that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

ITG: What is one of the best things about working with the summer camp program at Columbus State? JS: I enjoy seeing the coaches and the athletes interact with the campers. It is a completely different dynamic and atmosphere when there is no pressure of the season.The campers thoroughly enjoy the camps, and you can tell they really enjoy themselves.

Favorite pastime: Growing up in Florida, I learned how to fish at a very young age.To this day, I enjoy hunting and fishing any chance I can get. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve my father and me fishing. I can’t wait until my son is old enough to fish and hunt with me.

Tennis Standouts

ne of the best things about living in this area is the opportunity to enjoy outdoor sports almost year-round. Tennis certainly qualifies as one of those sports. In the Columbus Valley, tennis is enjoyed by the young and young at heart, and many tennis athletes literally grow up playing the sport because it is so popular. Locally, private courts, tennis clubs, city recreation leagues, and school teams provide lots of avenues

Jessica Lewis Brookstone School • Age: 17 Parents: Jamie Lewis and Joe Lewis Grade: 11 Height: 5’5” Position: #1 Singles Coach: Mary Lynn Cumiskey Have you committed to a college? No How long have you been playing tennis? Two years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? The W. J. Long Sportsmanship Award and freshman year, I received the most improved award, and sophomore year I received the sportsmanship award. Favorite food: Pizza Best movie: The Notebook Favorite sports team (college or professional): Alabama Person you would most like to meet: Serena Williams One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: Because it’s a good way to get exercise, and I enjoy the competitiveness of the sport.

Yujin Hicks

Shaw High School • Age: 18 Parents: Steve Hicks and Namhui Hicks Grade: 11 • Height: 5’4” Position: #3 Singles Coach: Cynthia Preston and Laurie McInroy Have you committed to a college? Not yet How long have you been playing tennis? Three years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? Rookie of the Year, 10th grade most improved, CORTA Teen Council Favorite food: Korean food Favorite sports team (college or professional): UGA One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: Tennis is really fun and enjoyable.

for players to learn the game, develop their skills, and compete on many levels. In the Game High School Sports Magazine recently put out the call for area high schools to send a top male or female tennis athlete to be featured in this edition. Thirteen high school tennis athletes came together at Brookstone School’s beautiful tennis complex for this event. These young tennis players represent some of the best talent on the courts in our area.

Cullen Bryant

Jarib Beazer

Calvary Christian School • Age: 17 Parents: Phil and Dorothy Bryant Grade: 12 Height: 5’11” Position: Singles Coach: Brad Wilcox Have you committed to a college? Yes, Auburn University How long have you been playing tennis? Four years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? I’m currently in a five win, one loss season going into region, I won Calvary Award MVP last season, and I was team captain last year and this year. Favorite food: Oreos Best movie: Pirates of the Caribbean Person you would most like to meet: Jimmy Page One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: It’s relaxing but competitive at the same time.

Carver High School • Age: 17 Parents: Irving and Nelister Beazer Grade: 11 • Height: 5’7” Position: #1 Singles Coach: Walter Henry Have you committed to a college? Not yet How long have you been playing tennis? 13 years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? All Bi-City, Banana Open Doubles Champion Favorite food: Pizza Best movie: Dark Knight Favorite sports team (college or professional): New England Patriots Person you would most like to meet: Tom Brady One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: I like the competition and the strategies I have to use to win.

Isaiah Edmonds III

Annslee Reis

Central High School • Age: 17 Parents: Octavia Ashford and Isaiah Edmonds, Jr. Grade: 12 • Height: 5’7” Position: #3 Singles, #2 Doubles Coach: Jason Rawson How long have you been playing tennis? Five years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? All Bi-City, Most single wins, Most Improved Player Favorite food: Chicken Tenders Best movie: Shottas Favorite sports team (college or professional): Alabama football Person you would most like to meet: Roderick Federer One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: I enjoy the sport of tennis because it really brings out who I am; it expresses me the most and (pushes) me to do better.

Elizabeth Brown

Hardaway High School • Age: 17 Parents: Frank and Julie Brown Grade: 11 • Height: 5’6” Position: #1 Singles Coach: John Franco Have you committed to a college? No How long have you been playing tennis? Seven years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? MVP freshman and sophomore years Favorite food: BBQ Favorite sports team (college or professional): UGA One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: I enjoy the competitiveness in a match when I play against a person who makes it a challenge to beat.

Glenwood School • Age: 17 Parents: Lynn and Terry Reis Grade: 11 • Height: 5’4” Position: #1 Singles Coach: Lynn Reis Have you committed to a college? No How long have you been playing tennis? Five years Favorite food: Fried Chicken Best movie: Insidious Favorite sports team (college or professional): Auburn One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: I enjoy meeting new people, and the competitiveness of the game.

Ryan Gordon

Columbus High School • Age: 17 Parents: Rick and Petra Gordon Grade: 12 • Height: 6’4” Position: #1 Doubles Coach: Sylvia Zachry and Gordon Have you committed to a college? Yes, Kennesaw How long have you been playing tennis? Seven years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? 1st Team All Bi-City, State Champion Favorite food: Thanksgiving food Favorite sports team (college or professional): Georgia Person you would most like to meet: Mitch Hedburg One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: Competition

Parker Smith

Harris County High School • Age: 17 Parents: Jamie and Phil Smith Grade: 11 • Height: 5’10” Position: #1 Singles Coach: K. Bradley Have you committed to a college? Yes, CSU How long have you been playing tennis? Six years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? A few tournament trophies Favorite food: Blueberries Best movie: Accepted Favorite sports team (college or professional): Georgia Tech Person you would most like to meet: Matt Smith One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: If you’re playing singles, you don’t have to worry about anything except for yourself, and you have no one to rely on.

Stewart Quinn

Northside High School • Age: 17 Parents: Jeff and Paige Quinn Grade: 11 • Height: 5’2” Position: #1 Singles Coach: Bethany Montgomery Have you committed to a college? No How long have you been playing tennis? Six years Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? 18 and under Banana Open Singles Winner 2012 Favorite food: Sushi Best movie: The Notebook Favorite sports team (college or professional): South Carolina Gamecocks Person you would most like to meet: Taylor Swift One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: Because it challenges me, and I like to overcome my challenges.

Gray Wells

Marion County High School • Age: 17 Parents: David and Sandy Wells Grade: 11 • Height: 5’5” Position: #1 Singles Coach: Jud Peacock Have you committed to a college? Not yet How long have you been playing tennis? Most of my life Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? Multiple USTA tournament wins, third Place 2011 Georgia State Qualifier, sixth place 2013 Georgia State Qualifier, currently #22 in Boys 18’s in Georgia, State Boys Tennis Champions Class A Public 2013 Favorite food: Pizza Best movie: Forrest Gump Favorite sports team (college or professional): Ole Miss Person you would most like to meet: Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: Tennis is a very competitive sport, and I play for the competition.

Laura Adams

Raechel Lewis

Smiths Station High School • Age: 16 Parents: Sharon Adams and Arlen Adams Grade: 11 • Height: 5’8” Position: #1 Singles, #2 Doubles Coach: Shana Johnson Have you committed to a college? No How long have you been playing tennis? Seven years Favorite food: Mac and Cheese Best movie: Remember the Titans Favorite sports team (college or professional): Auburn Tigers Person you would most like to meet: Sandra Bullock One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: It allows me to meet and bond with new people.

Spencer High School • Age: 17 Parents: Latoya Raimer Grade: 12 • Height: 5’7” Position: #1 Singles Coach: Lazenza McGill Have you committed to a college? Yes, Savannah State How long have you been playing tennis? Since sixth grade Any awards or accomplishments you have had as a tennis athlete? Top Player Award and Best Sportsmanship Favorite food: Hot wings Best movie: Love and Basketball Person you would most like to meet: Serena Williams One reason you enjoy the sport of tennis: It’s a passion. I love competition and the energy that comes with playing. It’s a fun sport.

chool is out, and area high schools have logged another year of sports. Athletes and coaches of many sports are taking a much-needed rest before concentrating on the 2014-15 school year and what lies ahead. One spring sport, lacrosse, recently put away playing equipment until next year. Unique to the Columbus Valley because most schools in our area do not field lacrosse teams, the sport is gaining in popularity. Columbus High School is one of the few schools to offer a lacrosse program. Joe McDaniel coaches the Lady Blue Devils and recently took the time to answer a few questions for In the Game about lacrosse and his program at CHS.

Sports Connection Joe McDaniel Columbus High School by Beth Welch

In The Game: When did you begin your coaching career, and what sports have you coached? Joe McDaniel: I started coaching in 1994. I’ve coached boys and girls basketball, slow pitch and fast pitch softball, boys soccer, girls golf, and girls lacrosse. ITG: When did you begin coaching lacrosse at Columbus High School? JM: I started coaching lacrosse in 2009. ITG: Did you play lacrosse in high school or college? JM: No. ITG: Why did you want to coach this sport? JM: Because lacrosse is a high-skilled, fast-paced sport. The action is intense and lots of fun to play and coach. When I was offered the position, I was excited to take on the job. ITG: How many students are involved in your lacrosse program at Columbus High? JM: There are usually 60 girls who condition and tryout for lacrosse. Unfortunately, we can’t keep everyone on the teams. After tryouts, we keep a full varsity and JV team. We average 22 on each team, 44 total. ITG: Obviously, lacrosse is still a sport that doesn’t get a lot of attention compared to other high school sports in our area. Are you seeing more interest develop in lacrosse? JM: Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in America. The Chattahoochee Trace Lacrosse league was recently formed and serves our surrounding counties. It has already held a free clinic and is sponsoring a lacrosse camp this summer at CSU. Colleges are paying attention to our program, too. Columbus High had four girls sign lacrosse scholarships this year! Two are playing at Point University, and two will be playing at LaGrange College. ITG: What skill or skills best benefit lacrosse athletes? JM: Lacrosse focuses on the total athlete. A player uses speed, strength, and stamina to

photos courtesy of Joe McDaniel and Columbus High School

run the field. Their hand and eye coordination are crucial to catch, throw, shoot, and cradle the ball. Field vision is also important to run plays, clears, and fast breaks. ITG: How many schools do you compete against in the sport of lacrosse? JM: We play a full schedule for varsity and JV. We average 16 varsity games and 10 JV games each year. Half of our games are played here in Columbus. Our home field is located at Britt David Park football field. This year we played our senior day game at the famous Dough Boy Stadium on Ft. Benning. It was a great experience. ITG: What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about the sport of lacrosse? JM: People would be surprised to learn how quickly new players learn the skills necessary to play lacrosse. Half of our JV team is made up of first time players, and this year they (went up) against schools that have feeder programs and recreational lacrosse leagues. They would also be surprised at how many new college programs have been created and the number of scholarships for lacrosse that are available. ITG: What is the best thing about being the lacrosse coach for the Blue Devils? JM: I work with the best student-athletes in the state! They give 100 percent on the field and in the classroom. I am very lucky to work with such a great group of young ladies!

Joe McDaniel Age: 49 Job Title and responsibilities: Spanish Teacher/ Head Coach Lacrosse, Columbus High School Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC Education: BA, Georgia State University; MS, Troy State University Family: My wife for 30 years, Liliana McDaniel; two children, Joseph, 16, and Mary Catherine, 12 Accomplishments (coaching awards or personal athletic accomplishments): GACA Assistant Coach of the Year and assistant coach for six state championships with Columbus High Girls Golf Person I most admire: My father, Jim McDaniel. He is a veteran, hard worker, and a family man. Favorite pastime: Saltwater fishing with my son and playing golf with my daughter. 15

Freshman Focus

Mariah Harvey

Maliyah Holloway Getting to know Mariah

Carver High School

Family: Mom, Sandra Andrews; three younger siblings • Pets: A dog Favorite food: The Baconater at Wendy’s • Favorite place to eat: Fuji and China Buffet Music: Reggae and hip hop • Favorite team (college or professional): The Heat Athlete she admires: Gabby Douglas, LeBron James • Favorite movie: Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain • Ritual before competition: Wearing high colorful socks Best thing about Carver High School: Sports and teachers that care. I really like the discipline, too. 16

Track Athletes Develop Friendship Through Sports Experience by Beth Welch

ne of the benefits of organized sports is the opportunity to form relationships with teammates. Freshmen especially profit from this when coming into a new environment after leaving the familiar surroundings of middle school. Mariah Harvey and Maliyah Holloway of Carver High School have found the school’s track program gave them the chance to demonstrate their natural athletic talent and establish friendships with those who have similar interests. Harvey and Holloway had never met prior to beginning their freshman year at Carver this past fall. They attended different middle schools, but the young women found themselves in the same first period class. They quickly discovered they shared a love of sports and even though they do not participate in the same track and field events, track is a language they both speak. From the fifth grade, Harvey has been involved in running track. Her mother suggested it because her oldest child always seemed to be in constant motion. “I was very energetic. My mom was like, you need to try track, and she told my fifth grade coach,” says Harvey, 15, with a smile. At Richards and Marshall Middle Schools Harvey participated in track. During those years, she ran the 200-meter and was a member of the 4x100 meter and 4x400 meter relay teams. The petite 4’11” athlete played volleyball in middle school, too, but decided she wanted to focus on track for her first year of high school. Holloway began her track and field experience while attending Rothschild Middle School. A coach suggested she try the shot put and discus events, but she is quick to admit her early days learning the two were not pretty. “It didn’t go so well in the seventh grade. It

photography by Jerry Christenson

was something I had to keep working on but eighth grade was better,” says Holloway, who is also 15 years old. The 5’9” athlete’s height made her a natural choice for middle school coaches who recruited her for volleyball and basketball teams. When it came time to move on to high school, Holloway decided to continue those sports in addition to being on the track team. One more confession reveals she favors basketball of the three sports she plays. As freshmen, both Harvey and Holloway have gained a reputation for having great skills in track and field. The talent and work ethic of the two teens even impressed their track coach. “I was surprised at the talent they have at a young age,” says Carver coach Maurdrice McNeill. “They both listen to me, work hard, and seemed to get better as the season went on. Mariah’s endurance surprised me the most, and Maliyah’s strength surprised me the most about her.” McNeill has been coaching track for five years. He just finished his first year at Carver and has enough coaching experience to recognize good athletes among a field of sports participants. He has identified what makes these two newcomers important to his program: “Mariah’s strengths, she’s a fighter. She wants to do well and gets very angry at herself if she feels she should have done better. I can depend on her, at a young age, to do her part and her best no matter who we are running against,” says McNeill. Holloway gets appreciation from him, as well: “She’s strong-willed. She’s a self-motivator. She is very determined to do her best. She does not receive as much attention since she is not a runner, but she does her best and has given the

team the second most points thus far,” he says. Harvey was a participant in four events this spring season. She ran both the 100-meter and 200-meter as well as served as the third leg of the Lady Tigers’ 4x100 and 4x400 relays. She was fast-tracked to the A Team, bypassing the B Team altogether mainly due to her impressive speed. Holloway gave up discus in high school to focus on shot put and has had great results, coming in first in most of her competitions and also bringing a little intimidation to older, more experienced shot put participants. Both young women have real natural talent that enables them to be successful in their sport, but they have another thing in common, too. Harvey and Holloway are driven to be even better. They work hard, and they aren’t content with today’s results. “I weight train because I want to be so strong and so good with shot put that I can see the look on other girls’ faces when they see me. I want to be the one everyone wants to beat,” says Holloway, smiling. Harvey also has a good dose of competitiveness running through her personality. “I keep dropping my time. I am consistently dropping my time. I get put out there with girls who are taller, with girls who are seniors, and I am faster. I want to keep dropping my time and getting faster because I always want to be good,” she says. The two rising sophomores have another thing in common. They want to use their sports talents to get them to college. While Harvey has ambitions of attending Harvard or the University of Pennsylvania, Holloway would like to land at a school known for their women’s basketball programs such as North Carolina, Tennessee, or University of Connecticut. Like many other similarities in their lives, they both have plans to pursue degrees in fields of medicine. Harvey and Holloway are looking forward to the 2014-15 school year, but as they look back on this year, they realize it was a great experience. Sports gave them a place to fit in as freshmen, and the two took advantage of the opportunity to earn a little respect as valuable teammates despite being new to high school sports. ITG

Getting to know Maliyah

Family: Parents, Trenise and Semichael Holloway; two younger sisters • Pets: Two dogs Favorite food: Food from Subway • Favorite place to eat: Subway or Ryan’s • Music: Beyonce and hip hop • Favorite team (college or professional): The Heat; also University of Connecticut and North Carolina • Athlete she admires: LeBron James, Chris “Birdman” Anderson • Favorite movie: Love and Basketball Ritual before competition: Wear my Adidas shoes and spend time praying Best thing about Carver High School: The education you receive. It’s why I came here. 17

Abraham Perez northside high school

Northside Senior Leaves Legacy of Broken Records

by Beth Welch photography by Beth Welch

very time Abraham Perez starts to participate in a track event he has not run before, he asks one question: “What is the record for this race?” Perez, who just graduated from Northside High School in May, has a competitive spirit that has served him well as a track athlete. He broke six school records in track and earned region champ status two years in a row for the 800-meter race. The 5’7” tall, 140-pound athlete has incredible speed and talent when it comes to running. He will be able to take those abilities and his drive to compete at Troy University this fall where he will become a member of the Trojans track program. One thing that makes Perez’s accomplishments even more impressive, the speedster did not even begin running until he moved to the area as a sophomore. Part of a military family, Perez had lived for many years in Killeen, Texas, but that changed the summer of 2011. Two days before Muscogee County Schools started, Perez arrived in Columbus. The family had not found housing and lived in a motel for the first few weeks of school. While many children of military parents are used to moving to new places, the move

to Georgia was only the second time Perez had pulled up roots for a family move. “I was very angry. I actually attempted to stay with my friends in Texas. I asked their parents if they could adopt me,” he says. Shortly after he enrolled at Northside, Perez heard a coach ask students to consider running cross country. An avid soccer player, Perez decided to give it a try and discovered he was a pretty good runner. When the 2012 track season rolled around, he participated in several events but also played soccer in the spring. A disastrous experience at sectionals taught Perez a valuable lesson and literally set him on a new course as an athlete. Perez went to about two track practices a week that spring due to soccer. He did well enough running to make it to sectionals. He was beating the state champ in the mile by half a lap, but during the last 200 meters, Perez’ lack of preparation took its toll. He not only lost his lead, but nine people passed him, and he fell across

the finish line as the 11th runner. Only ten could make it to the next event. “My body just couldn’t take it. I just wasn’t prepared for it. I quit soccer midway through my junior season to focus on track,” says Perez. Part of the reason Perez made the decision to choose track over soccer was the advice given to him by Northside track coach, Joe Sanders: “At that time, I told Abraham that he needed to train year-round if he wanted to make it to state the next year and that he had to make a choice between track and soccer which he really loved.

“People ask me all the time what I am thinking when I am running, and really, I am just blank. Just trying to focus on what my stride is, where I need to put my foot, or asking where is the guy in front of me. But honestly, I despise running. It’s hard. It’s not easy. I just love beating people,” he says with a smile. When Perez graduated a few weeks ago, he walked out of Northside leaving behind quite a legacy. He is a great example of a true studentathlete having compiled a grade point average of 3.8, and his list of athletic accomplishments

Awards & Honors:

2013-14 Signing class for Troy University CC & Track & Field 2013 2nd Team South of the Border CC Team- ga.milesplit.com 2012 2nd Team South of the Border CC Team- ga.milesplit.com 2013 1st team All-Bi-City track in the 800m- 1:57.70; 2nd team in the 1600m- 4:31 2012 Honorable mention 1600; 3200- track 2012 Northside Best Distance Athlete 2013 Northside Best Distance Athlete & Best Performance Award in the 800m dash- 1:57.70 2013 & 2014 Region Champion in the 800m dash 2014 State Sectional Runner-up in the 800m dash- 1:57.43 Abraham, being the mature young man he is, decided that he really had a gift for running and possibly could be a great runner with a chance to run in college,” says Sanders. Perez says with just one week of straight practice in the spring of 2013, he went under two minutes in the 800-meter, and that put him in the top bracket for the state meet. For the 2012-13 season, he was Region 1-AAAAA champion in the 800-meter dash and finished seventh in the class 5A state meet. This year he dominated the 800-meter again and was named the region champ for a second year in a row. Perez has been a participant in the 800-, 1600-, and 3200-meter races. He ran the first leg for the school’s 4x400 and 4x800 relays, and he also competed in the sprint medley and distance medley. His favorite event to run is the 800-meter because he says it affords him a chance to catch up if he is behind. Even though he has discovered he has unique abilities as a runner, Perez makes a confession about the sport.

is lengthy. Among the highlights of his career, Perez is most proud of those six school records he broke. “Abraham has served as the team captain for the boys team for two years, and he has done a terrific job. He definitely embodies what it means to be a Northside Patriot student-athlete,” says Coach Sanders. Unlike Perez’s move to Northside, when he arrives at the Troy campus in the fall and takes his place alongside other track athletes at the school, he will see a familiar face. Fellow Northside Patriot Sydney Wright is also attending Troy as a collegiate athlete, and Perez says he has been getting to know a few others in the program, as well. He is looking forward to the next level and has a bit of a warning for those who will be lining up against him: “There are records to be broken there, too. I am going to work hard and plan for some of that race day magic to happen,” says Perez with confidence. ITG

Getting to know Abraham Age: 18 Graduating year: 2014 Parents: Yenisel Perez and Edwin Tate Siblings: Two brothers Future plans: Attending Troy University, Troy, AL; track and field athlete for the Trojans; pursuing degree in Exercise Science 19

2013-14 Columbus Valley HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC AWARDS SPRING BANQUET Alonzo Jones Blake Johnson Blake Meadows Brent Morrison Chad Silvani

Jarrod Little Javier Vizcarrondo Jazzylove Tolbert Matt Jones Michael Rossi

Ruben Barboza Tre’von Dorsey Trent Burns Vic Ballesteros Will Kilgore

Quincy Holt

sponsored by:

Cailah Niles

homerun in four years back in April. She set a school record for most homeruns in a season in 2012 with 17, breaking the previous record of 15 set by Leslie Kelly in 2009. At the time of her interview with In the Game, Niles’ batting average was .475, and she was coming on fast to break her own home run record. For these reasons and more, she has become sort of a legend among her peers. “Cailah has been great to coach for five years. I have seen her growth every year, and she has worked really hard to get to this point. When she graduates, she will hold almost all of our hitting records at Glenwood. Very impressive,” says Dusty Perdue, Glenwood’s softball coach. In addition to her hitting talents, Niles is stellar as a catcher. She loves the action behind the plate and has been rewarded for her success by often being allowed to make pitching calls for her team. Even though she says she favors offense over defense, Niles lights up when asked what she loves most about playing softball. “I love the aggression. I love being mean. I really love being the girl that the other team is intimidated by,” says Niles, laughing. Perdue has been coaching softball for 12 years, ten at Glenwood. He has seen a lot of talented athletes and is quick to praise Niles for her abilities. “Cailah’s strengths on the field are her knowledge of the game and everything that is going on in the game. Her ability to adjust to pitchers that she faces during a game is also a strength. She has a great arm as a defensive catcher, but she is definitely a better offensive player. Cailah will have a chance to be the starting catcher as a freshman at Anderson. It will be hard to keep her bat out of the lineup even if she is not the catcher. Maybe the DH,” says Perdue. When Niles begins playing softball at Anderson, one of the traits her coaches may note is that she is just about fearless. An only child for 18 years, Niles has been groomed by her father to be a tough, focused athlete. Catching has given her a passion for risk, and that particular characteristic is sometimes manifested outside of softball. Niles has been a volleyball player for Glenwood during high school, and this past fall, she made good on a promise to herself to give cheerleading a try. It had long been a notion in the back of her mind that she wanted to see if she could make the team, so she risked the chance of failure and came up a winner. “I had kind of wanted to do it for a long time, but softball takes up a lot of time. But, this year, my last year, I said I was going to do it, and I did. It was a lot of fun and hard, too,” says Niles. Niles also risked undertaking two track and field events last year. Opportunities to participate in shot put and discus for Glenwood gave Niles a look at another sport. All in all, she has four sports to her credit at Glenwood. It has been a great high school experience, but she is looking forward to the next four years away to pursue her degree in secondary education. Niles says she will more than likely return later somewhere close by due to one really good reason. “My sister will be four years old and ready to start playing sports. I have got to be in on that. Knowing that I am leaving, I keep trying not to get too attached to her, but so far that is not working out so well,” she says with a laugh. ITG

Getting to know Cailah

Family: Parents, Angela and Rodney Niles; sister, Kynslee Skye Pets: Turtle named Sam • Favorite food: Pizza Favorite place to eat: Mikado’s Music she likes: Just about anything Favorite team (college or professional): Alabama Clothing she most prefers: T-shirt and yoga pants Sport she wishes she could play: Basketball Persons she most admires: Mom and Dad Favorite pastimes: Shopping, giving lessons, working on my softball skills Words of wisdom she leaves behind: To never give up. There’s always a chance to turn it around. Best thing about attending Glenwood School: I like it because it is small and everyone knows everyone. 33

Player Spotlight sponsored by:

Isaiah Arnold Shaw High School

Isaiahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favorites:

Major league team: New York Yankees Player: Derek Jeter Subject: Math Least favorite: Science Coke or Pepsi: Neither Superpower: Mind reading Sport you wish you could play: Badminton Person to meet: Tupac Shakur 34

Isaiah Arnold: A Testament to the Importance of Second Chances by Robert Preston Jr.

n the United States, we love the underdog— the guy who beats the odds and succeeds in spite of overwhelming circumstances, the person who, maybe undeservedly, gets a second chance and makes the most of it. Enter Isaiah Arnold, a shortstop and pitcher for the Shaw Raiders. Arnold, who by his own admission was a troublemaker at his first high school, Hardaway, nearly missed out on what has turned out to be an excellent high school baseball career. He did his best to squander an opportunity. In the end, however, he righted the ship and straightened himself out. And Arnold did so in the nick of time. The four years spent playing high school athletics are often the best years of a person’s life. Individuals well into their later years often fondly recall the days they spent representing their schools on the field of play. Some sports, like running, tennis, golf, and swimming, are sports that can be enjoyed for a person’s entire life. Others, such as football, baseball, wrestling, and basketball, have a shelf life. A day will come when someone, somewhere, will tell an athlete in such a sport that he or she is no longer good enough to play. For most student-athletes, that comes sooner rather than later. And that makes the days, months, and years playing one of these sports all the more special. Isaiah Arnold nearly saw those precious years he had to play high school baseball cut in half by his own recklessness. A gifted athlete who has all five tools, he almost turned out to be his own worst enemy. “I got kicked off the team at Hardaway. I was getting into too much trouble. When that happened, I knew it was time for me to grow up,” he recalls. Arnold played for two years at Hardaway. He didn’t play his junior year and thought his high school baseball career was over. Then he made the move to Shaw for his senior year. Arnold says he liked Shaw’s history of good baseball. In

photography by Jerry Christenson

the end, though, the biggest thing he wanted to do was simply play. It didn’t matter with whom. He just wanted to be back out on the field again. “Honestly, I wanted to play.” Arnold made the most of the opportunity. The Raiders didn’t make the playoffs this year, but Arnold enjoyed a solid year. He hit .405 with 10 doubles, 11 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, 16 walks, and just three strikeouts. He made just four errors and recorded 45 put-outs. His biggest moment came against Beauregard. Shaw trailed 5-2 and battled back to get within one. With two outs in the top of the seventh and the tying run on second, Arnold got his turn at the plate. He singled to tie the game, which Shaw went on to win. That kind of production had several colleges vying for his attention. The troublemaker, whose high school baseball career was in jeopardy just a couple of years ago, was going to have the chance to play for at least four more years. Among the schools looking at him were Albany State, Columbus State, Middle Georgia, and Brewton-Parker. Arnold eventually chose Brewton-Parker in Mount Vernon. “I needed to get out of Columbus. Three former teammates are at Brewton-Parker, and two more teammates from travel ball are going there, as well. They’ve got a real good program over there, and I felt like it was the best fit for me,” he says. Arnold fully recognizes the second chance he has been given. And he understands just how fleeting the opportunity to play sports can be. For a brief time, he surrendered that opportunity through poor choices and bad behavior. He doesn’t want history to repeat itself. “Baseball will always humble you. It’s a game of short memories. You can’t let the negative stuff stay in your head, and you can’t get cocky. Baseball will always humble you. I’m glad I could play again. And now, I’m ready to explore the world,” he says.

Isaiah Arnold isn’t a big kid. At 5’9” and 145 pounds, he’s slightly built and far from imposing. But he’s fast. He is a student of whatever game he happens to be playing. And he’s a bona fide playmaker. With those qualities, he would have made an excellent football player. Growing up, he also played basketball. However, he stopped playing basketball several years ago and never played football. “I always thought about football, but I just never went forward with it,” he says. Regarding basketball, he states that he was pretty good at the sport, but it never was his passion. “I saw myself maturing and getting better at baseball, more so than with basketball. My coaches and teammates were encouraging me. So I just kept playing baseball and stopped everything else,” he says. 35

Congratulations

Glenwood School

AISA Class AAA State Baseball Champs

Girls Soccer State Champs

Pictured front row (L to R) - Benita York - mother , Tamara York, Louis York - Father (Back) Athletic Director of women’s sports at Glenwood School and women’s head basketball coach - Julie Humphries. 36

Glenwood School is proud to announce Tamara York has signed to play basketball with Howard College in Big Spring, Texas. Tamara was MVP of the AISA 3AAA All-Region Tournament and MVP AISA 3AAA State Tournament. She was also MVP of the AISA All-Star Game. Tamara was named 2014 AISA’s Player of Year!

Shaw Raiders Columbus, GA • shaw.mcsdga.net/football Legend On The Track

and will likely continue to coach until he is physically unable to do so. Over the years, Johnson has accrued a lot of memories as a teacher and a coach, but he describes the 2000 to 2001 school year as the most athletically memorable. Thanks to the hard work of the coaches and athletes, Shaw won state championships in football, baseball, and girls track all in the same year. In the years that he coached the girls track team, the girls won three state championship titles and were runners-up twice. Johnson was born in Kirkland, Georgia, but he grew up in the tiny town of Willacoochee, Georgia. He ran track and field in high school and fell in love with the sport. At Fort Valley College, he earned his undergraduate degree and continued to do grad work at Tuskegee University. Even after all his years of education and life experience, Johnson still learns something every day. “Learning is the most important thing in the world, you know. I take something new home to share with my students every meet we attend.” The coach strives to teach his athletes more than just sports. He teaches them the importance of self-motivation as well, saying, “You can show someone how to run, but that’s it. You can’t make them want to do it. A person who spends [his/her] whole life waiting to be told what to do won’t get very far. At most of my track meets, my students are smart enough to do everything themselves. I really don’t even have to get off the bus.” Looking back at his years of coaching, Johnson notes that students really haven’t changed much. The general outlook has changed, and the introduction of new technology has made students a great deal more informed, but the innate

SHAW HIGH SCHOOL

For over thirty years, Edgar A. Johnson has coached track and cross country for Shaw High School and has returned after retirement. Johnson has worked at Shaw since the school opened in 1978 and has filled a variety of rolls during his time here, including assisting in track and field, football, and teaching biology. He retired from his role as a teacher on May 31, 2013, but he continues to fulfill his obligations as a coach and mentor

by Austin Nichols

qualities of students have not changed a great deal over the years. One of the greatest joys that Johnson experiences as a coach is when a student returns with a success story and can share what they have done with their lives and how they have been successful. Shaw has had a number of coaches over the years, some of which are still at the school and some who have retired or moved on. Johnson is one of the coaches who have made a mark on the school and the community that surrounds it, and he continues to train his students to be successful on the track, in school, and for life.

Brookstone Cougars Columbus, GA • www.brookstoneschool.org Brookstone Cougars Return To Final Four transform himself into a power player by driving the opponent from the court with his penetrating diagonal shots. In addition to the talented singles roster, the Cougars doubles this year have emerged as a significant force relative to the outcome of tightly contested matches. On many occasions they have been the deciding factor in a contest. Senior Trey Thorne (forehand side) linked with Hudson Terrell (backhand side) to form the first doubles team. Number two doubles is composed of various combinations of Hayden Spicer, Sahil Arora, Jack Pease, and Charles Pease. Although they are mostly interchangeable parts, Arora and Spicer have proven to be a fairly effective duo. The combinations of these players gave the Cougars a 15-1 record going into the state finals matches; they had tournament wins at The Golden Isles in Jekyll, and their area tournament in Macon in April.

BROOKSTONE SCHOOL

At full power in all positions - singles and doubles - the Brookstone Cougars returned to the Final Four of the state tournament. Though the school has had a remarkable tradition of great tennis squads, one would be hard-pressed to find in its recent past a team of this quality at all positions. Kazuki Onoe at number one singles is crafty and powerful. His short angles that draw players far off the court often leave him an easy cross court or allow him to hit behind the player as he is recovering. Additionally, his touch is unlike anyone else’s on the team or the region; he often ends a point with a drop shot that is unreachable. Baran Baris holds the second singles position with disabling top spin ground strokes that help keep the balls well out of the strike zones of the best of players, a fact which often prevents opponents from getting off their best shots. Jonathan Dreelin at number three has a steady baseline game for the most part. However, this year he has begun to

by Jim East

Boys tennis team celebrates Coach Jim East’s birthday after winning first round of state.

Congratulations!

FCA Baseball: Dominican-style

ife was very comfortable for Mike Shaheen. Originally from Boston, Shaheen and his wife Jodi moved to the affluent Atlanta suburb Norcross in 2000. The plan was simple. Use his master’s degree in education and spend the rest of his career teaching and coaching. Shaheen spent the next 10 years building a solid career as a football coach, baseball coach and history teacher at Wesleyan School. In eight years as the head baseball coach, and he won three consecutive state championships from 2008 through 2010. During that time, Shaheen ventured into missions work as part of four trips to the Dominican Republic with Wesleyan School. Usually, he would go on spring break with students and staff, but in 2010, FCA representative Bob Wiedemann asked him to go during the summer. For the first time, that allowed Shaheen to take his family to Boca Chica. The rest is history. After a clear calling from God, and thanks in great part to his faithful community, he and wife Jodi raised a year’s worth of support money in just six months. The Shaheen family arrived in Boca Chica in June of 2011 as “FCA’s boots on the ground.” There are 30 Major League Baseball academies in the Dominican Republic, 24 of which are located in Boca Chica. With over 475 athletes from the Dominican Republic currently playing with a MLB team or one of its minor

league affiliates, names like MVP Award winners Albert Pujols (2005, 2008, 2009), Vladimir Guerrero (2004), Miguel Tejada (2002) and Sammy Sosa (1998), and Cy Young Award winners Bartolo Colon (2005) and Pedro Martinez (1997, 1999, 2000) reveal the richness of its baseball heritage. Through Brookstone School’s competition with Wesleyan School, Head Baseball Coach Vince Massey became friends with Shaheen and felt led to take his baseball team on an FCA mission trip to the Dominican Republic. During Spring Break 2013, a group of forty-seven students and parents experienced a lifechanging week in and around Boca Chica. Vince, wife Amber, and sons Banks and Coates subsequently returned in November for a coaches’ clinic and proceeded to make plans for a return trip Spring Break 2014. This past spring break, a smaller group of eleven headed back for another adventure of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through the platform of baseball. The trip included taking duffle bags full of baseball equipment, uniforms, and t-shirts, building a modest home for a local native, providing student-led baseball clinics in various neighborhoods, visiting a girls’ orphanage home, and practicing with and competing with local talented Dominicans. Prayer Walks to share God’s love, translated by local Dominican FCA staff member Miguel Ter-

rero (one of seven FCS staff members in Boca Chica) gave Brookstone students an opportunity to interact in an unfamiliar culture and share their faith. Perhaps the most meaningful spiritual time was the devotional hour each night when players shared how God had used them and how they were blessed daily with their experiences. Most people return from mission trips like these realizing just how poor thirdworld countries are, or better yet, how rich we are here in the U.S. While no exception, this trip to the Dominican Republic was much more than that. It was about the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It was about building life-long relationships using the platform of baseball, both with those of another culture and with those who made the trip together. It was about a small group of individuals who grew together in their faith and closer to the Savior. Do you love baseball and Jesus? Then a trip to the Dominican Republic might be your opportunity to experience the love of Christ through serving others. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” But when you get on that plane flight back with fewer bags and less stuff, be prepared to return with much more than you started with, as your cup will overflow with God’s spiritual blessings.

Congratulations to Columbus High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Girls Golf 2014 State Champions!!! Brett Beavers, Amy Clark, Su Jin O, and Jordan Tippins

Columbus Blue Devils Columbus, GA • www.columbushighga.org Columbus High School Finds Success in the Spring est score ever shot in the 21 years Coach Parker has worked with the team. To put that in perspective, Coach Parker says, “We shot 284 when we won state in 2010, but at Achasta, we scored a 283. The 284 was on the team’s home course in perfect conditions with four seniors, while this year’s 283 was earned on an unknown course in wet and windy conditions with only one senior and a host of freshmen.” To say that Columbus has a strong golf team is truly an understatement. With a bright future in golfing ahead of him, Stanton Schorr leads the team at even par for the year. The freshmen on the roster have strengthened the squad considerably. Three of them have shot under par: Nolan Miller, Ben Womack, and Daniel Davis. Last year, the team finished third in the state and were region champs, but with a focus on the

five P’s and a love of the game, these Blue Devils may be better. There is no doubt that for this Columbus High School Golf Team, things are looking up.

en shut outs this season and been a very big part of the Blue Devils’ success. With a goal differential of +33 (44 goals for and -11 goals against) so far,

these soccer players are looking for a successful run in the playoffs.

COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL

When spectators see the boys golf team play, it is hard to miss the hats they wear, which bear five Ps across the side. Each player knows that these letters stand for their team focus: “proper preparation prevents poor performance.” They know that through diligence, focus, and practice, these Blue Devils have earned themselves an outstanding season. Before becoming the Region 5-AAAA Champions, the team won the Muscogee County Invitational and, for the second year in a row, the 38th running of the Hardaway Invitational. It is true: both the JV and varsity are dominant. The former finished undefeated in 18-hole tournaments this season, while the varsity, with only one senior, has the ability to be this year’s AAAA State Champions. Their talent is astounding; for example, while at the Achasta Golf course in Dahlonega, the team broke a school record, earning the low-

Ben Womack demonstrates the perfect golf swing.

Columbus High Soccer The Columbus girls soccer team is seeking another deep run in the AAAA State Tournament after winning their third consecutive region championship. Having made it to the state championship two years in a row, the goals of every member on the team are high. Seniors Kyla Wright, Mallory Lotz, Taylor Schuler, Nada Elrhalami, Anna Scogin, and Amanda Foster lead a strong group of juniors and underclassmen as they begin the state tournament on Monday May 5. The Columbus boys soccer team has had a strong season, currently 14-2-2 entering the first round of the AAAA playoffs. Brandon Vance and Jonathan Mann have been leading a stingy defense, while Cameron Hite controls a potent offense focused on possession and team work. The team’s goal keeper Cory Aycock has earned sev-

Gigi Schorr leads another Blue Devil attack.

David Johnson and Cameron Hite steal a ball from an attacker.

Columbus High Tennis The Columbus High girls tennis team has had a great season so far. The team has traveled to two major tournaments this season: the Jekyll Jam, a tournament on Jekyll Island, and The Granger Invitational. CHS came in third in the Granger In-

vitational, and the girls won the Jekyll Jam with a 3-2 victory over LaGrange High School. The team finished the regular season number one in the region and then won the region tournament, making them region champs. The girls have won the first

two rounds of the state playoffs and are currently 21-2 for the season. They will play Chamblee High School in the state quarterfinals soon.

Dr. Dorothy Cheruiyot Brookstone School

Dr. Cheruiyot Brings Love of Running from Kenya to Columbus by Robert Preston, Jr.

“

’m not just coaching our runners to win trophies. Running is an amazing activity, and I want them to embrace running as an exercise. Once they do that, then running becomes something they will do beyond Brookstone. I want them to win, but I also want them to run for the rest of their lives,” says Dr. Dorothy Cheruiyot, science teacher and head cross country/assistant track coach at Brookstone School. Dr. Cheruiyot knows quite a bit about running as a lifestyle instead of as an activity simply to occupy a short period during the fall or spring. She grew up in the village of Kapoi, located near Kitale, a city of over 100,000 in western Kenya. In her native home, running is a way of life, and Kenyan runners are widely recognized as the best in the world. Dr. Cheruiyot says her running career began in the fifth grade. In high school, she ran a 17:27 5K – a time that would be considered above average for high school males in Georgia. She used her talent for running to land a scholarship at Columbus State University, where she ran for the Cougars for four years. Recruited by current CSU women’s head basketball coach Jonathan Norton, Dr. Cheruiyot was All-Conference twice and CSU’s MVP for three consecutive years. After graduating from Columbus State with a bachelor’s degree in biology, she remained at CSU and obtained a master’s in environmental science. From there, she enrolled at Auburn University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences. While Dr. Cheruiyot was working on her master’s at CSU, she worked as a graduate assistant with the cross country team. “It was there that I realized I could coach. I enjoyed the interaction with the student-athletes outside of the classroom,” she says. Dr. Cheruiyot was working as a graduate assistant at Auburn when the Brookstone job came available. She was hired to teach – she teaches biology and AP environmental science – but coaching came with the job. After all, what school with track and cross country teams is going to hire a former All-Conference runner from the country that produces the best runners in the world and not offer her a coaching position? Dr. Cheruiyot has finished her second year at Brookstone. During that time, she has seen the running programs at the school improve dramatically. “This year, the girls cross country team qualified for state. The boys missed it by one place. The track team has done well considering we’re the smallest team in the region. We had four kids go to state this year, and all four placed in the top eight,” she says. What has made the difference is the kids’ enthusiasm for what Dr. Cheruiyot has been doing with the programs. “They are really driven and willing to put in the effort it takes to be successful. For ex-

photography by Jerry Christenson

ample, many of the boys are now training in the mornings as well as during our regular afternoon workouts. So they’re running twice a day now.” It doesn’t hurt that Dr. Cheruiyot is practicing her craft in a city that, according to the Road Runner’s Club of America, is one of the most runner-friendly cities in the country. In the few short years that Dr. Cheruiyot has been in Columbus, she has seen the running community grow even more. “We need to recognize that running is the foundation for every other sport. It makes everything else stronger, whether it’s

soccer, tennis, even golf and baseball. When we have the opportunity to run, everything else improves. People are now embracing running more and more in the United States. There weren’t that many people running when I first arrived in Columbus. Now there are more running than ever,” she says. Cross country and track at Brookstone will only improve moving forward. As each group of runners becomes more accustomed to Dr. Cheruiyot’s training methods and the miles get bigger and the race strategy more refined, Brookstone could very easily find itself at the pointy end of the field, despite its relatively small size. And Dr. Cheruiyot doesn’t plan on going anywhere in the foreseeable future. “I’m very happy with where I am. I am satisfied teaching and coaching here at Brookstone,” she says. Dr. Cheruiyot has one daughter, Elenor Jeruto, who is attending high school in Kenya. A swimmer and golfer, Elenor will graduate in November and come to the United States to attend college. ITG

If you meander through a few back roads, it’s 32 miles from Columbus to Auburn. Or at least that’s how far it is on the route Dr. Cheruiyot took when she ran to Auburn from Columbus. On two different occasions. Also, she has run one marathon, a 50K ultramarathon in Mississippi, and two 60-plus mile legs in the Run for the Heroes run across Georgia relay. So yeah, she’s serious about that running beyond school thing!

Congratulations

GHSA Golf State Champs!

Brookstone School

Jordan Red Jackets Columbus, GA • www.jordanhs.com He Shall Overcome Jesse Preston Watson, a senior Red Jacket, lives the life of a warrior. From birth he has been struggling with Common Variable Immune Deficiency Disorder and Sjogren’s Disease. His symptoms vary from dizziness to lightheadedness, and he has

Soccer Siblings

by Adriana Canul

been plagued with several infections throughout his life. With these conditions, Watson has faced and continues to face many obstacles. However, Watson fights each and every day to overcome and manages to swing a few golf clubs along the way. Watson devotes himself to maintaining a lively life. He depends on God and his own strength to get through each day, and he lives to fruition the adage, “Live like today is your last day.” In constant battle, Watson takes no day for granted because he knows that each day is a precious gift.

Although Watson faces difficulties his peers cannot imagine - for example simply making it through an entire school day - the Red Jacket golfer has no trouble focusing on his academics. Watson has maintained high marks in his studies and does it with a smile. Success has met him on the golf course, as well, being offered several scholarships to continue his dream of pursuing professional golf. Meeting adversity with a positive attitude is what makes Watson a standout Red Jacket.

Region Champs

JORDAN VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Being the underdog is a familiar position for the Red Jackets, but rising from that demonstrates Jordan’s will to fight when the odds are stacked against them. That’s exactly what the JVHS girls soccer team did this season; they shocked many skeptics and won the Region 5AA Championship. Finishing with an overall record of 13-1 and a regional record of 6-0, the Lady Jackets proved there is nothing more fulfilling than turning a few heads.

Hailing from the Island of Kauai in the great state of Hawaii, junior Kapua and sophomore Mana Mahuiki-Denson keep the sport of soccer in the family and are beginning their second year as Jordan Red Jackets. Often mistaken as twins, the sisters are so close in age that their relationship is stronger than

most siblings. The two easily understand each other and make each other laugh constantly. With such joy, Kapua and Mana retold a story from kindergarten when the two brought frogs and rats to school in their pockets, causing their teachers to call home proclaiming, “The girls have done it again.” The duo also speaks Hawaiian when with their team, creating a humorous situation at their teammates’ expenses. On the game field, speaking Hawaiian is definitely a strategic advantage for the sisters. The sisters began playing soccer at a relatively late age. Youngest Mana began kicking the ball around at age 12, while Kapua started her soccer career a tad earlier at age 10. Their skills on the field, however, are definitely noteworthy, as they quickly became a necessary force on the Red Jacket side of the ball. Kapua describes soccer with a single word: “inexpressible.” Mana describes the sport with the word “passion.” Their unique culture is what makes Kapua and Mana so interesting to their teammates. Com-

ing from a culture of surfing and canoe racing off their native island, the sisters are constantly telling stories to their teammates of their home state. When asked to relay one of their neatest memories of Hawaii, Kapua retold of a special trip to the ancient island of Molokai to participate in a ceremonial Olympic-style athletic festival, playing different games on the sacred ground where original Molokai athletes played the same games. The trip was an honor bestowed only on select students who exhibited a high level of athleticism, but no one was allowed on the hallowed ground outside of the competition. Both returned home with first place wins. Such a winning spirit exhibits itself in the sisters’ grades, as well. Both honor roll students, Kapua and Mana make the balance between athletics and academics. As far as their plans after Jordan High, Kapua aims to go into the army as a nurse, while Mana desires to go to college for art or automotive technology. Whatever choice these sisters make, success is a non-issue.

Hardaway Hawks The Hawks are Hot

by William Thrower

Three years ago Hardaway Hawks baseball lost a critical part of its arsenal with the resignation of its head coach Tracey Powell. It’s not every day that you run across a head coach with twenty-odd years of experience. But it’s not every day you find a team with a drive like the Hawks, either. This untamed group of talent needed a leader who was as dedicated to the game as the players themselves - someone whose devotion to the game is seen on and off the field. Who better than a coach who’s a former Hawk himself? It was a matter of days before the Hawks found a solid replacement. Former All-American

and Hardaway Hawk Chris Gilstrap stood up to the challenge. His first year was filled with a lot of learning. The wins were tough to come across, and the losses were even harder to swallow. After a nine-win season, it was obvious that the Hawks needed a completely new atmosphere. They needed a place to focus, to train, to compete, and a place to bring pride to. And as the offseason approached, Coach Gilstrap brainstormed more ideas to propel the team to more success. The 2013 season was a reflection of what it’s like when a team is truly thirsty for victory. Finishing with a record of 25-7 in addition to snagging a region championship, the turnaround was nearly complete. The tone had been set for the next season even before the final pitch was thrown. When asked about his pre-season expectations for his team, Gilstrap said, “I wasn’t sure how the new guys would react to being thrown into the fire, but they have handled it just fine.” And his predictions have held up. The Hawks dominated the competition early this season. They played as if they had nine returning starters on the field. Their confidence and talent went unquestioned. The key to their hot success? “We have really dedicated ourselves to the weight room,” Gilstrap said. “We needed a commitment to getting stronger.” And the effects were shown all season. Senior Blake Meadows has really benefitted from the weights. The added strength has sent Meadows’s balls screaming out of the ball park. His eight homeruns so early in the year are plenty of proof.

HARDAWAY HIGH SCHOOL

The Hawks coaching staff (from left to right): Andy Hicks, Greg Stotser, Chris Gilstrap, and Mike Getkin

2013-14 Hawks baseball team

Columbus, GA • www.hardawayhawks.com

Meadows is a four-year starter at Hardaway and has signed to play at Wallace Community College come fall. With players like these, no teams planned on fooling around with the Hawks. They had a target on their backs this season as defending champs, but as the saying goes, to be the best you have to beat the best. The Hawks distribute their success all across the field. This year’s pitching staff has played a huge role. With four dominant arms in the rotation, the Hawks always have a chance to win with minimal run support. And youth runs half of the rotation. Sophomore pitcher and third basemen Tony Locey has eaten up a lot of innings for this year’s staff. In the forty-plus innings he has thrown, his ERA is a remarkably low 2.04. Another key aspect of the team is the offensive assault. This lineup is compiled of some very experienced hitters. In the heart of the lineup are four upperclassmen that have a great understanding of hitting. A leader in the offensive charge, Josh Anthony has helped mold this young lineup. Anthony is a humble leader; the countenance he displays is one of a freespirited individual. This doesn’t take away from his focus on the ball field, however. Anthony advises his teammates to “play like [they’re] one, train like [they’re] two.” Their talent will soon be tested as the Hawks look forward to the playoffs. Last year’s playoffs were a little taste of what they can expect to see come this year. Northgate and Evans were both very talented and well-coached teams, and when the Elite Eight slipped from their grasp, the Hawks were left disappointed. Maybe that has been a driving force behind this year’s team? But passion won’t win the playoffs. This requires a devout staff of players and coaches. It’s time to drop all egos and focus completely on the goal that lies ahead: a state championship. Each inning is more nerve-wracking than the last, but the Hawks must remain positive. Gilstrap said, “As long as we show up to play, it should be interesting.” They have the hitting, they have the pitching, they have the confidence, and they have the chemistry. With timely hits here and there plus an error free infield, the Hawks are going to be a tough matchup.

Kendrick Cherokees Columbus, GA • www.khscherokees.org Kendrick Athletics six region contests - the most in recent years. The track and field team saw 11 competitors qualify for the sectional track meet and returned its most powerful 400-meter runner to the boys state meet. The Kendrick High School athletic programs were a success for the 2013-14 season as they rode on the back of Athletic Director Collins Jones, Jr. Coach Jones, as he is called by his colleagues and athletes, was honored this year as he was voted the Region 5-AA Athletic Director of the Year. Coach Jones was also honored in Savannah, Georgia, this past March as he was voted the State Class AA Athletic Director of the Year. Not only was Coach Jones honored amongst his peers at the regional level, but he was also honored amongst his peers state-wide. This is an accomplishment that speaks volumes for the hard work and dedication that goes into running a high school athletic program. Ensuring student success on the field in combination with teaching and ensuring student-athlete success in the classroom, Coach Jones has a busy job. He truly embodies the Kendrick High School motto of “Returning Kendrick High School to Greatness.”

KENDRICK HIGH SCHOOL

The Kendrick High School Athletic programs were on a high this season as the football program started the year with a bang. The Cherokees returned to the state playoffs for the second season in a row, finishing in the second round of the state playoffs. The boys cross country team embodied the school theme “Returning to Greatness” as they returned to the state meet for the first time since the early 2000s. The volleyball team finished in the state Final Four. The boys basketball team continued the school’s success as they finished the Region 5-AA Champions after a very rocky start. In girls basketball, the undefeated Lady Cherokees brought home the girls basketball state championship to Columbus, Georgia, only the second girls basketball state championship in Kendrick’s history as they dethroned 11-time state champion Wesleyan High School. The Lady Cherokees finished with a record of 30-0. The wrestling and softball teams saw success, placing athletes on the region All-Academic Teams, with softball boasting GPAs of 4.0. Spring sports experienced much success, also. The baseball team was at an all-time high, winning

Rising Star

Jozalyn Albright richards middle school

Competitive Spirit Runs Deep for Track Athlete by Beth Welch

or two years, track athlete Jozalyn Albright has been looking to beat her personal best time in the 400-meter. She placed second in the city-wide middle school championship in the track and field event for Richards Middle School in both the sixth and seventh grades. As an eighth grader, her competitive spirit has been nagging the 14-year-old to get her time from 1:02 in the event to just under the one minute mark. Albright actually has two primary reasons to break her personal record. First, Albright wants to head off to high school in the fall knowing that she has something to bring to the table as a high school athlete. Second, the rising freshman has a secret desire to best one particular athlete by shaving a few seconds off her time. That athlete would just happen to be her twin brother, Clyde Albright, Jr. Both of the Albright siblings run track for the Warriors. Albright’s brother is older by 11 minutes and has her beat in running the 400-meter by a few seconds. While she cannot change the order of their birth, she can keep up the pursuit of becoming faster than her twin. “We are close. Very close. But like all brothers and sisters, sometimes we get at it, and I really want to beat him when it comes to running a faster 400,”says Albright, smiling.

photography by Jerry Christenson

Beginning in the sixth grade at Richards, Albright decided to try out for the track team. She had been interested in running for a while, and the sport attracted her. As it turned out, Albright had natural talent. She ran three events her first season; the 400-meter, the 4x100 relay events, and the 4x400 relay. From that day to this, the 400-meter remains her favorite. “I just seem to have a love of running. The 400 gives me the chance to compete really with just myself. I like relays, but the 400 fits me,” she says. As a seventh grader at Richards, Albright picked up two more sports. She added volleyball in the fall and basketball in the winter, making her a three-sport athlete. Volleyball quickly became Albright’s second love behind her passion for running track. She says her greatest strength in the sport is spiking, but her ability for a court sport didn’t exactly extend to basketball. “I really played basketball for the conditioning. I wanted something to help me stay in shape between volleyball and track. Basketball was not my sport, but I was glad I tried it,” she admits. Last track season Albright added the 200-meter event to her three standard events. Once again she placed second in the city-wide championship, and even though she placed fourth in her new 200-meter event, she doesn’t like to talk about it.

Instead, Albright prefers to focus on this year. When interviewed for this article, Albright was in the middle of her track season, running for the Warriors in three events. Only one relay race is part of her program this season, the 4x100 relay. Her other two events are the individual 200-meter and 400-meter races. She dropped basketball this school year but did continue with volleyball. She has hopes of perhaps being a multi-sport athlete next school year when she moves up the street from Richards Middle School to Hardaway High School where the straight-A student will be a part of Hardaway’s International Baccalaureate Programme. She hopes to play volleyball, run track, and might even try her hand at soccer. “Jozalyn is self-motivated, determined, and hardworking. Because of these strengths, she will be a success in whatever she tries to accomplish in life,” says Richards’ track coach, Gwendolyn Ingram. Having coached track for 12 years, Ingram has the experience to recognize not just talent in athletes but what makes good athletes successful at the next level. “Jozalyn has been more than the ideal studentathlete. She has shown the ability to balance schoolwork and athletics,” says Ingram. High school soccer is just an idea to ponder at this point, but Albright is pretty certain she will have a personal best under a minute in the 400-meter before she steps on the Hawks’s track. If she loses sight of her goal, she doesn’t have to look very far for motivation. “My brother is going to Hardaway, too. He wants to run track and probably play football. I can’t let him be faster than me,” she says with a smile. ITG

Getting to know Jozalyn

Parents, Danya and Clyde , Sr.; one brother and one sister Favorite food: Pizza • Music: R&B Favorite movie: Because of Winn Dixie Athlete she admires: Allyson Felix Favorite hobby: Writing poetry and short stories Church she attends: St. John AME One thing her parents always tell her: You are a student before you are an athlete Person she most admires: Her mom Ritual before athletic event: Prayer for team Favorite subject: Math Family:

Best thing about Richards Middle School:

Teachers are very helpful and supportive of sports 51