February 2015 Columbus Valley Edition by ITG Next Magazine

In This Issue:

COLUMBUS VALLEY

February/March 2015

08 ITG 2014 Fall Awards Banquet Columbus Valley Area Schools 19 Academic Athlete Robert Jernigan

CONTENTS

19 24

Georgia High School State Records

Timeless Moments in Sports

Sports Connection with Alan Upton, Pacelli High School Golf Coach

Northside High School

Jordan Vocational School

Nutition: The Bang for your Bite

Fitness: Ways to Stay Motivated

Hardaway High School

FCA: In His Own Words: Marcus Mariota

Spencer High School

Phillip Whittington Northside High School

26 Player Spotlight

Erin Hicks

Central High School

32 Coach’s Corner Steffanie Ramsey

Harris County High School

38 Rising Star

Ten Questions With Renee Fanning

Ja’Quon Spikes

24 Player Spotlight

Carver High School

23 Freshman Focus

Also Inside

Sharmenley Edouard

East Columbus Magnet Academy

40 New Swim Programs

Brookstone School Calvary Christian School

Read. Subscribe. Share.

www.inthegamemagazine.com

February/March 2015

From The Publisher Although winter still has its icy grip on our days, a few signs of spring are beginning to appear. But before high school sports go back outdoors, there are still basketball games to be played, swim meets to be held, wrestling tournaments to attend, and rifle matches on ranges across Columbus Valley. This edition of In The Game covers the end of the winter sports season and takes a brief peek at a couple of spring items. Basketball is big when it comes to high school athletics. A lot of talent can be found on both boys and girls teams in the Columbus Valley area. Our Player Spotlights are focused on Erin Hicks of Central High School and Phillip Whittington of Northside High School. Both are talented athletes who have gained a reputation for being leaders on the court. Each has a great story and dreams of taking their game to the next level.

Publisher

Mark Dykes

Editors

Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Area Editor

Beth Welch beth.w@inthegamemagazine.com

Graphics

James Washington

Cover/Feature Photography Jerry Christenson

Contributing Photographer George McDuffie

Feature Writers Robert Preston Jr. Beth Welch

Copy Editor

James Washington

Advertising/Marketing

Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Mike McGuire mike@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Sarah Turner

Academics first, athletics second; this has been the unwritten rule in Robert Jernigan’s life for just about as long as he can remember. His love of mathematics may come naturally (his mom teaches math), but the Carver High School athlete also loves sports. This winter, he is a member of Carver’s wrestling team. Be sure to read about Jernigan in this issue as our Academic Athlete. Freshman year can be a make-or-break time for students. In order to fit in and prepare for his future, Ja’Quon Spikes joined the JROTC program at Spencer High School. That decision led to him becoming a member of the program’s rifle team, and Spikes has discovered a growing interest in the sport. His story is one you will enjoy reading. Also, check out the Rising Star feature with Sharmenley Edouard, who is what every coach hopes to have on a team. She’s hard-working, a team leader, and she is passionate about the sport. Staying with the basketball theme, Harris County High School girls’ basketball coach, Steffanie Ramsey is featured in our Coach’s Corner. Ramsey puts in a lot of long days as the head of her program, but she gets great results from her athletes. Read about her journey to the head coach’s position inside. Changing lanes for a moment, swimming has become a hot sport in Columbus with the addition of the city’s new aquatic center. More water means more options for schools interested in swim programs. This edition, ITG takes a look at two new swim programs just begun this school year. Brookstone School and Calvary Christian School have joined the ranks of other area schools fielding swim teams. It’s their inaugural year, but if passion for a sport is any indication, these two programs are doing more than just testing the water. Moving a little toward spring, our Sports Connection highlights the golf program at Pacelli High School under the direction of Coach Alan Upton. Golf is certainly a passion of Upton’s which he translates in his coaching to his athletes. Baseball is another spring sport and we decided to give our readers a look at the sport from the perspective of a baseball coach’s wife. Renee Fanning is the wife of Glenwood School’s head baseball coach Tim Fanning. Ten Questions about her life as his number one fan is a great read in this edition. Located in this issue are the winners of the Columbus Valley Fall Sports Awards. The recipients of the awards were nominated and selected by area high school coaches. A banquet honoring these talented young athletes was held in December at the Hughston Foundation.

Area Schools

COLUMBUS VALLEY

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

Beth Welch,

Editorial & Features

Robert Preston Jr.,

Features & Commentary

Thank you for your continued support of our magazine and for local high school sports. Many of today’s athletes will gain concepts for life as they play sports in our area. Make a new year’s resolution to try to attend an athletic event in the next few months. It’s always good to be In The Game!

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, GA 31603

Beth Welch

James Washington, Graphic Designer

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 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

www.inthegamemagazine.com

Ten Questions With Renee Fanning by Beth Welch

photos courtesy of Glenwood School

here are still frosty mornings and chilly evenings, but the spring sport of baseball has already begun. Coaches and players look forward to this time of year, but sometimes the ones supporting them are often forgotten. This edition of In The Game Magazine decided to highlight one of the unsung heroes who helps keep the home fires burning while the coach, Glenwood head baseball coach Tim Fanning, is busy doing his job. Fanning has guided the Glenwood Gators baseball program to six 3A State Championships. He is in his 16th season at Glenwood (11th as athletic director and head baseball coach) and has been named Alabama Baseball Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year six times. All that success and time away from home is not without sacrifice and compromise. Fanning is fortunate his wife, Renee, has accepted being a coach’s wife with grace and enthusiasm. It is a hard, selfless life, but she has managed to make her marriage work and raise two daughters in the process. ITG asked Renee Fanning 10 Questions about her role as the coach’s wife before, during and after the first pitch is thrown. In The Game: How long have you and Coach Fanning been married? Renee Fanning: We have been married for 17 years.

ITG: Baseball season is long and has long hours each day. What is the secret to making a marriage work and having a family life during the season? RF: We try to do things as a family as much as possible during the season. The girls and I try to go to as many games as we can, but as they have gotten older and are more involved in athletics themselves, that has proven to be more difficult. Tim always tries to include us as much as possible during the season; we always go to Florida for spring break with the team and attend as many teambuilding ventures as we can. We try to have a family meal together as often as possible where we spend quality time talking about everyone’s day. The end of baseball season coincides with our wedding anniversary so Tim and I always get away for a few days, which allows him time to decompress and for us to reconnect as a couple. ITG: What are some of the struggles of being the wife of a high school baseball coach? RF: The main struggle would be the time he has to spend away from home. We have two children and there is only one of me, which makes for a very busy me. We are a close-knit family, and he is an integral part of that, so when he isn’t here to share time with, we miss him. Another struggle would be the criticism you hear. People really do not understand that this is his profession and the decision he makes on the field comes from years of experience. ITG: What are some of the best things about the wife of a high school baseball coach? RF: It is a really awesome feeling watching someone you love do something they are so passionate about and be successful at it. He is a great man, and for him to be able to share that with so many young men and influence them for the rest of their lives is simply amazing to watch. Each season brings new experiences…it’s pretty exciting to see how it will all unfold.

ITG: Do the two of you have children? RF: We have two daughters. Brianna is 13 and in the eighth grade, and Macie is 11 and in the sixth grade. ITG: How long has he been coaching baseball? RF: He has been coaching baseball for 16 years. ITG: When did your husband begin coaching baseball at Glenwood? RF: He began coaching at Glenwood in 1999 and has been there since. ITG: Do you look forward to baseball season? RF: Baseball isn’t really a season for us; it’s a lifestyle. I do look forward to the actual games. Baseball is a game of strategy, which can prove to be quite interesting to the thinker. I often “play” along while the game is in progress, trying to figure out what move to make next. This year should prove to be interesting to us as a family; our oldest daughter will be playing soccer, the youngest will be playing softball, and Tim will on the baseball field coaching. I am hoping the schedules will coincide so that I can run between all three fields at Glenwood. ITG: Does he leave the difficult games at the field or is he prone to bring them home? RF: He definitely leaves the game on the field. He has never let a difficult game affect his mood at home. There are times when he needs someone to talk to, and I am definitely there for that. Over the years, I have voiced a few opinions concerning strategy for an upcoming game. I’m not sure if they were ever used, but it provided him with a different perspective. There have been a few occasions in which I have awakened to him yelling at a player, “BACK!!” in his sleep (which means for the runner to get back to the base). The first few times, I nearly jumped out of bed, but as time has passed, I have learned to just smile and try to go back to sleep. This is not to say he does not bring baseball home with him; he spends many hours at night fielding calls from college coaches, parents, and even former players. ITG: Before you married, did you have any idea what it was going to be like to be a coach’s wife? RF: Definitely not! I don’t think anything or anyone can prepare you for being the wife of a coach. It wasn’t until after Tim and I were married that he went into coaching. I have been very lucky over the years to have wonderful baseball parents who have recognized the difficulty of being a coach’s wife and have provided help in any way possible.

Renee Fanning Job: Director of Physical Therapy at Tri-Rehab in Opelika, Alabama Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Education: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Georgia State University and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Medical College of Georgia, now known as Georgia Regents University Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, and reading Person she most admires: My mom; the definition of a strong woman Words to live by: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

2014 Colu

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLET

FOOTBALL 25

Volleyball 8 8

Cheerleading 7

umbus Valley

TIC AWARDS BANQUET photography by Jerry Christenson and Hughston Foundation

SOFTBALL 10

Country 7

Country 7 9

High School AthLetic Football

Anthony Davis Glenwood School

Chris Rehak Pacelli High

Darius Blackmon Hardaway High

DeAndre Bowman Pacelli High

Javante West Jordan Vocational

Justin Bowles Columbus High

Kalan Watts Northside High

Kiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;jana Johnson Carver High

Kyle Oliver Hardaway High

Markus Wright Jordan High

Nathan Robertson Northside High

Parker James Brookstone School

Philip Hamric Brookstone School

Raymond Cochran Columbus High

Roderick Branscomb Carver High

Taylor Faulk Calvary Christian

Tyler McGarr Harris County

Tyrie Wicker Spencer High

Awards Fall Banquet

Softball 10

Isabel McCluskey Brookstone School

Alecia Major Carver High

Alicia Reese Kendrick High

Andrea Tyler Marion County

Delvonna Hubbard Spencer High

Kayla Cotton Harris County

Kiana Walker Jordan High

Mary Catherine Smith Columbus High

Sydney Vang Hardaway High 11

Volleyball

Aayonna Woods Spencer High

Alexis Allison Hardaway High

Nancy Hatcher Columbus High

Carly Smart Northside High

Santreece Stephens Brookstone School

Faith Pearson Harris County

Victoria Ficklin Central High

Competition Cheerleading

Raven Chaney Northside High

Alexandra McCluskey Brookstone School

Arianna Jaquez Shaw High

Kelli McPhaul Hardaway High

Riley Laverty Brookstone School

Victoria Lewis Glenwood School

Vivien Special Shaw High

Boys Cross Country 7

Austin Kidd Northside High

Brandon Bennefield Smiths Station High

Hakeem Mustafaa Shaw High

2014 award recipients!

Jerric McCoy Smiths Station High

Johntavious Geddis Jordan High

Justin Perry Jordan High

Quentavious Dixon Central High

Abbie Dillon Brookstone School

Alina Salgado Columbus High

Hope Skypek Columbus High

Raja Gonzalez Columbus High

Girls Cross Country

Brealle Henry Northside High

Timeless Moments in Sports

February

The Miracle on Ice

Lombardi Arrives

February 22, 1980

February 2, 1959 After a stint as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, Vince Lombardi accepted the position of head coach of the Green Bay Packers, leading them to five NFL championships within seven years (including the first two Super Bowls). He is considered by many to be one the most successful coaches in NFL history.

Super Bowl History

February 4, 2007 For the first time in NFL history, two AfricanAmerican head coaches squared off in the Super Bowl. The Indianapolis Colts, led by Tony Dungy, defeated the Chicago Bears (coached by Lovie Smith) by a score of 29-17. The matchup also ended long droughts for both teams, as it was also the first time that either franchise had played in the championship game in over 20 years.

Sloan Retires February 10, 2011

Hall-of-Fame coach Jerry Sloan retired after an NBA coaching career that included a 26-year stint as an assistant coach (from 1985-88) and later as head coach of the Utah Jazz (1988-2011). He holds the record for most wins by a coach with one franchise (1,127) and consecutive games coached with one team (1,809).

The United States National Hockey Team, comprised of college and amateur athletes, defeated the Soviet Union in arguably the most memorable upset in international ice hockey and Olympic history. After defeating the Soviet Union, which had won the gold medal in six of the previous seven Olympic games, the U.S. went on to win the gold after beating Finland in the final game.

February Birthdays Bill Russell – February 12, 1934 (Hall-of-Fame Center, Boston Celtics)

Jim Kelly – February 14, 1960

(Hall-of-Fame Quarterback, Buffalo Bills)

Michael Jordan – February 17, 1963

(Hall-of-Fame Guard, Chicago Bulls/Washington Wizards)

Rajon Rondo – February 22, 1986 (Point Guard, Dallas Mavericks)

Joakim Noah – February 25, 1985 (Center, Chicago Bulls)

“I Must Be the Greatest” February 25, 1964

Boxing legend Cassius Clay (who would later change his name to Muhammad Ali), defeated Sonny Liston by TKO to win his first heavyweight title. Clay was declared the winner when Liston did not answer the bell for the seventh round to begin. 17

Academic Athlete

Sports plus academics equals balanced life for carver wrestler by Beth Welch photography by Jerry Christenson

Robert Jernigan

Carver High School

broken hand kept Robert Jernigan from going to the city wrestling championship last year. The two-sport athlete at Carver High School is looking to make up for that and much more this wrestling season. He just came off of another successful football season at Carver playing the sport he considers to be his favorite but is looking forward to his last season as a wrestler. Jernigan, 18, has played football at Carver since he arrived as a freshman. His love of the game started long before then and has just increased over time. It’s no coincidence that the 6’1”, 240-pound defensive end chose to attend a high school that sports a tradition of football excellence. He wanted to be a part of the Carver Tigers’ football program and, well, there was one other reason he wound up at the Columbus school. “My mother teaches math here. She teaches freshman math, so she teaches algebra. She says she breaks the rookies in for their high school years,” says Jernigan with a smile. Because of his mother’s vocation, it probably is no coincidence either that Jernigan is crazy about math. He has had a fascination with numbers and mathematical concepts since he was a child. That interest has led him to take every math course available, and he currently is involved in an AP calculus class where he is holding down a solid “A.” “I have always liked math. I can remember when I was in maybe the first grade that we played these math games. The name of it was like Around the World and I really liked doing that. I would win those games. I love math. Any kind of math,” Jernigan says. It is his combined love of sports and academics that has given Jernigan the game plan to attend college on an athletic scholarship. He hasn’t made a decision about the school yet, but with a 3.8 Grade Point Average and a desire to pursue

ven before he attended school on the same campus where his mother teaches, Jernigan wanted to finish at the top of his class. He says he has a competitive spirit that runs deep and shows up both in the classroom and on the playing field. a degree in electrical engineering, Jernigan would be a good candidate for several college athletic programs. He credits his parents with giving him the foundation of not just maintaining his grades but actually excelling in academics. While his parents kept a watchful eye on their son’s academic progress, Jernigan says his father spelled things out for him when it became apparent Jernigan had athletic talent that could take him to the college level. “My father told me that lots of really good athletes play high school sports. Some of them are great football players, but colleges want athletes who can make the grades when they get there. They are looking for students who make good grades. They want athletes who can do well in the classroom,” he says. Doing well in the classroom has never been a problem for Jernigan. Even before he attended school on the same campus where his mother

Getting

teaches, Jernigan wanted to finish at the top of his class. He says he has a competitive spirit that runs deep and shows up both in the classroom and on the playing field. Jernigan exhibits a laid-back, easy-going personality but, according to him, he morphs into another person altogether when that competitive spirit kicks in. Rushing quarterbacks sparks that spirit, as does besting others in classes to have the top grades. His competitiveness will be activated this winter as he participates for his third season as a member of Carver’s wrestling program. In his mind, Jernigan has a bit of unfinished business in the form of making it all the way to city and regional championships which he missed last year due to fracturing his hand during wrestling practice late in the season. Jernigan tried out for the wrestling team his sophomore year in hopes of enhancing his performance on the football field. Staying in shape

and developing the discipline that comes with wrestling are some of the benefits Jernigan maintains have helped him. In the beginning, wrestling was vastly different than what Jernigan expected. “I was surprised. I thought wrestling was going to be something like I had seen on TV, like WWE. Like slamming people on the ground. I didn’t know all the rules. At first, it was hard, but eventually I got it and started to really like it,” he says. Jernigan has experienced some great highs as a member of Carver’s football team and would like to end his time at the school with a few good wrestling memories as well. Last season amounted to a few negative moments, and he is hoping this year will be full of positive opportunities. For this math guy, that equation of 2014’s negative-ending season versus the 2015 season of positive experiences definitely equals out to positive. ITG

K now Robert

Family: Robert Jr. and Kimberly Jernigan (Parents); Kayla (Sister) Hobby: Going to the gym Favorite food: Mac and cheese Favorite place to eat: Cheddar’s Favorite team (college or professional): Teams in the SEC Athlete she admires: Ray Lewis Music she listens to: R&B, Rap Last book he read: Sula by Toni Morrison Favorite movie: You Got Served People she most admires: My parents Church he attends: New Destiny Best thing about attending Kendrick High School: The coaches and teachers want you to succeed. 21

Spencer Athlete on Target with Future Goals by Beth Welch

ack when Ja’Quon Spikes was in the fifth grade, he thought he might like to join the Air Force after high school. His military mom didn’t try to influence her son’s decision, even though the Army was the branch of service she chose. Fast forward a few years, and now Spikes is a freshman at Spencer High School, where he participates in the school’s JROTC program. The Air Force is no longer on the fifteen-year-old’s radar because his plans are focused on a career with the U.S. Army. Spencer’s JROTC program, under the direction of LTC Jerry Foreman, has opened up new vistas for Spikes. The freshman participates in drill, color guard, and Raiders phases of the program and has just become one of the newest members of the school’s rifle team. “At the meeting, he (LTC Foreman) called it a patient sport. I am very patient. I always have been, so I thought I might give it a try,” says Spikes. At the time of this interview, Spikes was still in the early stages of learning about riflery. His excitement is apparent, and his enthusiasm shows when he speaks of his progress. “I have already improved. I can tell a difference. I am pretty good and getting better,” he says with a smile. His coach at Spencer is pleased with his progress and thinks Spikes has potential for a good run with the team. “He has a great attitude and maturity. He is very coachable and a very good student,” says Forman. Being on the rifle team and shooting competitively is a means to an end for Spikes. He would like to join the military to pursue a career as a computer systems and information specialist. It’s one of the reasons he chose to attend Spencer High School, as the school offers a computer technology and gaming system magnet program. Being a part of the JROTC and its rifle team is something Spikes feels will enhance his transition from civilian life to a career in the Army. The only experience Spikes has had when it comes to guns and shooting was in the form of shooting a BB gun at his grandfather’s in South Carolina. Spikes says taking up competition riflery is a far cry from those days. “The most difficult thing for me was getting the aim right. These rifles are very difficult to aim when you first start shooting. I was kind of surprised at that,” says Spikes. Another surprise for Spikes was the need for conditioning in order to be an above average shooter. He shoots from three positions, standing, kneeling and prone. Of the three, he prefers prone. In all three positions, certain muscle

Freshman Focus

photography by Jerry Christenson

strength is necessary to develop good skills. Spikes points out that kneeling requires form different from standing, as does prone. Because of that, he has an interest in staying in good physical shape. One example of his level of fitness at this point is his participation in the Raiders Competition. The JROTC program at Spencer has long held this event. According to LTC Forman, Raiders is a high school level Ranger Competition which is very physical. It is held in the fall and spring. Spikes has been in the Elite Seven both times he competed. His competition in the event is not just against freshmen but cadets of all ages. Spencer’s rifle team consists of three returning shooters and one transfer from out of state, along with a few newbies like Spikes. Foreman has been at the school for seven years and even though last season was not a particularly successful one in terms of wins, Forman is looking for a better outcome this time around. “I am looking for a competitive season this year,” says Forman. Due to his mother’s military service, Spikes has witnessed the sacrifices and benefits of such a life firsthand. His mother, Rachel Spikes, was deployed to Kuwait for a year when he was five years old. Ja’Quon lived with his grandfather in South Carolina during that time. Although young, Spikes still recalls some of those days and is proud of his mother for her service to her country. At this point, Spikes is unsure whether he will choose to go to college first or head straight to the Army. Since this is his first year at Spencer, Spikes has time to figure out his plans for the future while also enjoying being a student-athlete. He is looking forward to the spring when he will try out for the Greenwave track program. He hopes to run the 800-meter, the mile, and perhaps the 4x400 meter relay. He ran track at Fort Middle School as an eighth-grader and discovered he had both talent and passion for the sport. Spikes would like to continue with that through high school in addition to his newfound penchant for competition shooting. Spikes has already noticed he might just have a little streak of competitiveness developing on the rifle range. The rifle team consists of four shooters. Five or six shooters shoot, and the four with the best scores make the cut for a match. Five travel to the event. When asked if he was watching and learning from the more experienced members of his rifle team, Spikes smiles as he replies. “Yeah, I am watching them because I am looking to beat them. Top five get to go, and I want to be one of them,” he says. ITG

Ja’Quon Spikes Spencer High School

Family: Rachel Spikes (Mother); one brother, one sister Pets: A dog named Tiger Favorite food: Pizza Favorite place to eat: Denny’s Music he listens to: Hip hop, pop, R&B Favorite sports team (college or professional): Alabama and Notre Dame Athlete he admires: Kobe Bryant Hobbies: Playing basketball Church he attends: Christ Church of Columbus Favorite movie: The Matrix Favorite subject: Math Best thing about attending Spencer High School: You get to see a lot of different things and meet different people.

Player

Presented by:

Spotlight

Northside Senior Has Championship Aspirations by Robert Preston Jr. photography by Jerry Christenson

Phillip Whittington Northside High School 24

or a s l on g a s P h i l l ip W h i t t i n g t on c a n r em ember, h e’s h a d a ba sk e t ba l l i n h i s h a n d s. A n d i t l ook s l i k e t h e 6 ’8 ”, 215 -poun d f or w a r d /c ent er i s g oi n g t o k eep on e t h er e f or a l on g t i m e. W h i t t i n gt on , w ho i s a v er a g i n g a doubl e - doubl e t h i s sea son (a n d f or h i s c a r eer) w i t h t h e P a t r io t s, w oul d l i k e t o g o f a r t h er t h a n t h e 2013 14 Nor t h si d e t ea m d i d. A n d m aybe, w i t h a l i t t l e luc k a n d a l o t o f h a r d w or k, t h e P a t r io t s w i l l pl ay f or a c h a mpion sh ip. W h i t t i n g t on mo v ed t o Columb us w i t h h i s f a m i ly abou t ei gh t yea r s a g o. H i s f a t h er, P h i l l ip W h i t t i n g t on Jr., i s i n t h e A r my, a n d w a s s t a t ion ed a t F or t Ben n i n g. T hough h e w a s a l r ea dy pl ayi n g ba sk e t ba l l be f or e h e c a m e t o Geor g i a , t h e L os A n g el e s, Ca l i f or n i a n a t i v e’s ga m e t r uly d e v el oped i n Musc og ee Count y. No w, W h i t t i n g t on i s a on e o f t h e be s t pl ayer s i n t h e s t a t e, a n d h e’s l a n d ed a sc hol a r sh ip a t a Di v i sion I pr og r a m. A pr oduc t o f a ba sk e t ba l l f a m i ly, W h i tt i n g t on a l mos t h a d no c hoi c e b u t t o pl ay ba sk e t ba l l. H i s f a m i ly l o v ed t h e ga m e. H i s f a t h er pl ayed. A n d W h i t t i n g t on f ol l o w ed i n h i s f oo t s t eps. “ I l o v e t h e c ompe t i t ion. I l o v e e v er y t h i n g abou t ba sk e t ba l l. I t ’s jus t a f un ga m e t o m e,” h e s a i d. Spor t s a r e t ypi c a l ly mor e f un w h en you’r e g ood a t t h em; W h i t t i n g t on i s pl ent y g ood a t ba sk e t ba l l. W h i l e no t t h e f a s t e s t pl ayer on t h e f l oor, W h i t t i n g t on h a s a mo t or t h a t n e ver qui t s. H e’s equa l ly g ood on bo t h en d s o f t h e f l oor, a n d i n t h e bi g g e s t ga m e o f h i s c ar eer l a s t yea r, W h i t t i n g t on se t Nor t h si d e’s si n gl e - ga m e r eboun d r ec or d (23 ) i n t h e P at r io t s ’ w i n o v er M c I nt osh t h a t sent t h em t o t h e E l i t e E i gh t . T h r ough 10 ga m e s t h i s yea r, t h e P a t r io t s a r e 8 -2, a n d W h i t t i n g t on i s a ver a g i n g 17 poi nt s a n d 11 r eboun d s per ga m e. F or h i s c a r eer a t Nor t h si d e, h e h a s a v er a g ed 14 poi nt s a n d a l mos t 12 r eboun d s a n i gh t . T h os e number s d on’t t a k e i n t o a c c oun t

Subject: History Least favorite:

Science

Food: Mexican Player:

Chris Paul

NBA Team: Los Angeles Clippers Super Power:

Super Speed

Person to meet:

Kevin Love W h i t t i n g t on’s f r e sh m a n yea r, w h i c h h e spent a t Jor d a n H i gh Sc hool. Be c ause h e t r a n s f er r ed f r om Jor d a n t o Nor t h si d e, W h i t t i n g t on c oul d n’t pl ay h i s sophomor e yea r – a sea son t h a t s a w t h e P a t r io t s g o a l l t h e w ay t o t h e F i n a l F our. “ W h en I w a s f i n a l ly abl e t o pl ay l a s t yea r, nobody k n e w m e. Nobody w a s i n my c or n er. I t mo t i v a t ed m e t o pr o v e peopl e w r on g,” h e s a i d. A n d pr o v e t h em w r on g h e d i d. H e pu t up o v er 13 poi nt s a n d n ea r ly 12 r eboun d s a n i gh t a n d w a s a bi g r ea son w hy t h e P a t r io t s m a d e i t t o t h e E l i t e E i gh t . A ga i n s t M c I nt osh , Nor t h si d e t r a i l ed b y 10 a t t h e s t a r t o f t h e sec on d h a l f. W h i tt i n g t on sc or ed 16 poi nt s i n t h a t ga m e, h elpi n g t o spa r k a sec on dh a l f c om eba c k a n d g e t t h e P a t r io t s t o t h e r oun d o f ei gh t . “ T h a t ’s been my bi g g e s t mom ent . We w er e supposed t o l ose t h a t ga m e,” h e s a i d. T hose k i n d s o f number s h a v e h a d c ol l eg e sc ou t s f r om a c r os s t h e c ount r y hopi n g t o c on v i n c e W h i tt i n g t on t o pl ay f or t h ei r sc hool. P l ayi n g c ol l eg e ba sk e t ba l l h a s a l-

w ays been a d r ea m o f W h i t t i n gt on’s, a n d h e’s k no w n si n c e t h e sea son en d ed l a s t yea r t h a t h e w a s g ood enough t o m a k e a c ol l eg e r os t er. H e h a d o f f er s f r om se v er a l d i ff er ent s c h ool s b u t ul t i m a t ely c h os e t h e Un i v er si t y o f Sou t h Ca r ol i n aUps t a t e, l oc a t ed i n Spa r t a nb ur g, Sou t h Ca r ol i n a. “ T h e y k eep t h ei r bi g m en i n v ol v ed i n t h e ga m e. Bei n g a bi g m a n mysel f, t h a t appea l ed m e t o m e. I w a nt t o g e t t ouc h e s. I jus t t hough t i t w a s a g ood f i t ,” h e s a i d. O v er t h e l a s t c oupl e o f yea r s, W h i t t i n g t on h a s been t h e sour c e o f a g r ea t d ea l o f a t t ent ion. A n A l lS t a t e a n d A l l Bi- Ci t y sel ec t ion , h e h a s c er t a i n ly h a d h i s c a r eer und er t h e m i c r osc ope. T h r ough i t a l l , t hough , h e h a s n e v er l e t t h e a t t ent ion g e t t h e be t t er o f h i m. “ My pa r ent s k eep m e g r oun d ed. T h e y n e v er l e t m e t h i n k t oo muc h o f mysel f. T h e y’ v e a l w ays t ol d m e t o s t ay qui e t a n d l e t my pl ay do t h e t a l k i n g,” h e s a i d. A n d so f a r, t h e pl ay o f P h i l l ip W h i t t i n g t on h a s spok en v olum e s. I TG

Player

Spotlight Presented by:

Erin Hicks Central High School

Senior Basketball Player Stepping Up to Fill Number One Spot by Beth Welch

entral High School’s Lady Red Devils basketball program has a reputation for producing winning teams and college-bound athletes. Under the direction of head coach Carolyn Wright, the program is known for its standard of excellence which is why one of Wright’s seniors is a little burdened this season. “I know I have to step up. There is some pressure. I feel a responsibility to lead and fill the spot,” says Erin Hicks, 17. The “spot” Hicks is referring to is the one left vacant when Central High basketball standout Jimecheia Banks graduated in 2014. Banks was the athlete on the girls varsity team who solidly held down the “one” or point guard position. That role now falls to Hicks who had previously been a shooting guard. For Hicks, shooting guard, or the two spot, had been familiar for a long time. She has pretty much been in that role for about as long as she has been playing the sport. When she moved to Central as a sophomore, Hicks may have briefly entertained thoughts of seeing time as a point guard but quickly discovered that was not happening. “When I was at Shaw, there was already a point guard who was pretty good on varsity so I was a two. When I came here, well, there was Jay and, well, that’s all that needs to be said,” says Hicks with a smile about her friend and former teammate. Now that a new season is underway and a new team is playing between the paint, Hicks is taking life a little more seriously as a senior and returning starter for the Lady Red Devils. The 5’6” athlete has loved basketball since about the age of five. She recalls being in the 6th or 7th grade when a local coach invited her to try Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball; this led her

photography by Jerry Christenson

to the realization she had a talent for the sport. That talent is now under scrutiny by a few college coaches interested in her playing in their programs. “When Coach Jennifer (Osario) asked me to play AAU, I think that was the first time that I thought I might be good at this. To know that I could play in college, that is something that is very special,” she says. Deciding on a college is an important decision. Deciding to play basketball at college has been equally important for Hicks. She gave critical thought to playing out her senior year at Central and then hanging up her basketball shoes in order to just enjoy an ordinary student life next year. Because she loves the sport so much, Hicks eventually realized she wanted to play it as long as she can, and if that means she has an opportunity to do that as a collegiate athlete, she is all in. At this point, Hicks has three schools she is considering as possible college choices. She wants to pursue a major in physical education because she wants to return to the sport of basketball one day as a coach. She has had the benefit of some great coaching and feels it is a career path she would like to undertake. Hicks’ skills on the basketball court indicate she has a great understanding of the game. As the starting point guard, she is responsible for calling plays and handling the ball. Smart, analytical and possessing a strong sense of confidence both on and off the court, Hicks is a valuable member of Carolyn Wright’s team this season. “She is the best returning player at this position now and gets the job done. She is the conductor on the floor, she sees the entire floor well, and can make the assist, as well as score

when needed,” says Wright. Last season Hicks averaged eight points per game and 3.5 assists. The Lady Red Devils were 18-7 on the year, ending the season as the runner up in 6A Area 5 regular season play. Hicks used the time as a learning experience, which primed her for the 2014-15 season. “Playing behind Jay Banks as the point guard has prepared her for the role she needs to play this year. She has become very confident in her role. I am very proud of her confidence level,” Coach Wright says about Hicks. Two other seniors are part of Wright’s varsity team this season, which marks her 24th year coaching at the Phenix City school. Her players learn quickly she is fair but tough, and no one can say they are ambiguous about her expectations for team members. Wright is known for developing the potential in athletes, which is one reason Hicks feels the need to live up to certain standards. “Coach Wright is such a great coach. She knows what she is doing and what she wants from us. Coach Wright stresses memorizing the plays. You gotta know the plays or it is not going to be pretty,” says Hicks, nodding her head. The pressure to rise to the occasion and be a leader is something Hicks has brought on herself. Even with this sense of responsibility, the talented athlete is intent upon enjoying her last high school season and is looking forward to finding the college she hopes will give her chance to continue to play basketball. “I love the game. I have loved it, I guess, since I first started playing it. To know that there are some schools who are interested in giving me the opportunity to keep playing is kind of humbling. It will be good to keep it going,” she says. ITG

Getting to know Erin Family: Parents, Tammy and Eulis Hicks; one brother, Tyrese Pets: A puppy named Noah Favorite food: Pizza Favorite place to eat: Stevie B’s Music she prefers: R&B Athlete she admires: LeBron James Sport she wished she played but doesn’t: Volleyball

Favorite team (college or professional): Cleveland Cavaliers Hobbies: Likes to draw Favorite television show: Adventure Time Person she most admires: My parents Best thing about attending Central High School: Athletics 27

Sports Connection by Beth Welch

photos by Mackenzie Connally and Shelby Wells

Alan Upton Pacelli High School Golf Coach

he days are getting longer, green grass is beginning to emerge amidst the brown, and birds can be seen in vast numbers all over the place. These are the early signs of spring. Another sign of the season is the high school athletes who are now visible outdoors as they practice their skills at spring spor ts. One of those spor ts is golf, and the Columbus Valley is packed with talent when it comes to male and female high school golfers. Nowhere is that more evident than at Pacelli High School. In The Game High School Spor ts Magazine asked the Vikings golf coach Alan Upton a few questions about his boys and girls golf programs at the school and who to keep an eye on this golf season. In The Game: Are you a community coach or do you also teach at Pacelli? Alan Upton: I teach Geometry and Algebra II as well as coach. ITG: How long have you been coaching golf at Pacelli High School? AU: I have coached golf for five seasons. ITG: What teams or sports do you coach for the Vikings? AU: Golf, boys and girls, is my only coaching job right now. I did a couple of years as the girls’ basketball coach. ITG: How did you get involved with coaching golf at Pacelli? AU: My AD, Alan Griffin, asked me my first year, because he knew that I loved to play the game. If I can get on the golf course, playing or coaching, it is a great day. ITG: How many students are involved in your golf program? AU: I have four girls right now and about 10 boys. That is great since last year I had to go out and find girls just to have enough scores to count. My first couple of years with the boys was the same way, but it has been on the rise gradually with a lot of persuasion. ITG: Are any of your golf athletes returning from last season? If so, who? AU: I have four girls returning and six guys. I have for the girls’ team: Sarah Grace Drop, Maddie

Ray, Presley Auer and Maria Shuler. For the boys’ team: Luke Dawahare, Matt Oliver, Erik Lawrence, Hal Woods, Joe Wiley, and Patrick McKenna. ITG: What are some of the accomplishments of your golf program in years past? AU: Since I have been here, I have had my girls’ player take me to state every year as an individual. In 2014, I had my girls team finish in Area I as runner-up. That team also took me to state last year. I think we missed medaling by just a couple of strokes. ITG: What are some of your goals for this year? AU: I would say for my girls to win sectional or area tournament and give us a good shot at the state title. That would be great for my two senior girls to go out with. The boys I hope take me to the next step also and with the freshmen that came in, we might have a chance to medal in one of the tournaments. ITG: Any athletes to watch this golf season? AU: My senior, Sarah Grace Drop, who just signed to play at Columbus State, could win the individual medal. My sophomore boys’ team member Matt Oliver could surprise some people. ITG: What is the best thing about coaching at Pacelli High School? AU: The kids and their parents are number one in enthusiasm and support. My kids are not only great golfers, they are top notch in the classroom as well.

Personal Bio Age: 61 Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky High School Sports: 9th Grade Basketball Education: BA in mathematics and secondary education, Columbus State University Family: Wife, Patsy; six children Person I most admire: My wife who deals with so many things and never complains. She is my love. Favorite pasttime or hobby: Golfing

Northside Patriots Columbus, GA • www.muscogee.k12.ga.us/northside

Above: Coach Miller talks to former Patriot DJ Arroyo about his at bat Right: Northside High School’s Bryce Delevie Photos courty of Northside High School

A Coach’s Dream by Bryce Delevie

Northside Patriot Baseball’s first-year head coach Dee Miller has coached at Northside as an assistant coach for six years. Coach Miller first started coaching as a community coach at Hardaway under Tracy Powell. He was also a head coach at Pacelli High School for one year, and knew he would like to be a head coach again at another point in his life. He never intended on being a head coach for the Patriots, but said, “I knew my time at Northside as an assistant coach, I was learning how to be a successful head coach if I ever got the opportunity again.” Coach Miller was raised in Winder, Georgia. He played multiple sports, his favorite being baseball, of course. He went on to play four years of baseball at the collegiate level for Columbus State University from 2001-2004, winning a national championship in 2002. Miller said, “I always knew I wanted to teach and coach at Northside while I was at CSU.” Off the field, Coach Miller runs the Special Education Department of Northside: “The best part of being at Northside is the people that are here. From the administration, to the faculty, to the students, it’s just a great place to show up and go to work. There’s not a day that I

don’t enjoy pulling into the parking lot, that’s the best part.” Miller and the whole Northside baseball coaching staff and team are extremely excited for the 2015 season. They start practice a week earlier than normal and are ready to get after it. “Our goals are no different from any other team out there, we want to win our region, make the playoffs, play at home, and of course, try to win a state championship,” Miller said. When asked about the upcoming season with a new coach and the odds stacked against them, Zack Williams said, “I have no worries at all. Sure, it’s normally hard with a new coach but we’ve all known Coach Miller since any of us have been here and it seems like everybody is buying into what he is teaching us and we are excited to see what this season holds for us.” As for his family life, Coach Miller has been married to Leah Miller, a teacher at Midland Middle School, for eight years. They have a daughter, Linley, who is two years old, and they are expecting a boy in June. When asked if his son is going to be a ball player he said, “If he wants to play ball, that would be great, but as long as he finds something he has a passion for, that’s what is important to me.” 31

Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

Ramsey

harris county high school

Ramsey, Lady Tigers steadily building women’s basketball program by Robert Preston Jr.

ost coaches follow a similar path to that of head coach: maybe a graduate assistant in college, assistant coach at junior varsity/ninth grade squad or even middle school level, and then, after several years, finally getting an opportunity as a head coach. Every once in a while, however, a coach goes straight from college into a head coaching position. It takes the right person being in the right place at the right time with the right program. And that’s exactly what Steffanie Ramsey, head women’s basketball coach at Harris County High School, walked into. Coach Ramsey grew up in the Columbus area. She attended Carver High School, where she played basketball, and she had her first coaching job with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department. Her basketball career was plagued by injury; she played her freshman and sophomore years before a pair of torn ACLs – one during her junior year then the other a week before her senior season began. In spite of the injuries, she managed to sign with Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida, in June of 2005 but persistent problems with her knees kept her from playing. After a semester at Gulf Coast, Ramsey returned to Columbus, where she graduated from Columbus State University. After graduating, she landed a long-term substitute job with Arnold Middle School in Columbus. She had been approached about doing some basketball coaching at Arnold, but the Muscogee

photography by Jerry Christenson

County system was in a hiring freeze at the time. Ramsey was told to head over to Hamilton and speak with the Harris County system. At the time, the women’s basketball program was struggling and in need of a coach. As a former player and coach at the recreation and AAU level, it was the right opportunity at the right time. Coach Ramsey landed the job and became a head coach at the high school level right out of college. Now in her fifth year, the Lady Tigers have shown steady signs of improvement. Prior to her arrival, Harris County had gone 4-41 in the previous two years. In her first, second and third years at Harris County, the Lady Tigers won double-digit games. Last year was their worst under Ramsey; they managed to win just two games. This season, things are looking up and, at the time of this writing, the Lady Tigers were about to begin region play. “I’d like for us to win the region championship and get to the playoffs. Nobody can remember the last time Harris County went to the playoffs,” states Coach Ramsey. The Lady Tigers are a young team this year. They only have one senior and a lot of freshmen and sophomores are seeing significant playing time. It hasn’t been easy on the girls getting used to the level of competition and the speed of the game, but they are adjusting well. “They are upbeat and positive. We can compete in our region and we feel positive about that,” says Ramsey. ITG

Jordan Red Jackets Columbus, GA • www.jordanhs.com Nothing Small About Him by Kathy Tervel

seeing it wasn’t that way,” said Chesser. As Chesser explained, it’s all about equality on the mat. “One thing about wrestling is that you’re pitted against your equal. You don’t rely on anyone else. It’s you by yourself and the coach’s directions.” In addition to wrestling, Chesser wanted to try football the following year. He had always wanted to play the sport. His father was a bit fearful for his son because of the aggressive sport. He really did not want him to participate in football because of his small stature, but he eventually gave in. Chesser became a football player but watched from the sidelines. “I never played in a game, and I figured it was probably due to my size. I don’t like quitting, so I stayed the entire season,” said Chesser. Wrestling has become his number one sport. He has wholeheartedly embraced it because the competition can swing either way. “In wrestling there are lots of upsets, and the underdog always has a chance. He can put his opponent in a last minute move and win the match.” Chesser has yet to lose a match. “Despite his size, his record makes him the big man. He can talk it and walk it both academically and athletically,” said Coach Scott. Chesser holds a 3.3 grade point average and was recently nominated for the Hardaway Scholar Athlete award. With much success behind him, he has his future planned. Darton State College, University of

Photo Credit: Allison Cortes

As a freshman wrestler at Jordan Vocational High School, Kyle Chesser was a mere 4’8” and 76 pounds. To say he was small was probably an understatement. He was downright tiny. As a sophomore he gained a little bit of height and weight to 4’11 and 89 pounds. Junior year saw a little more of a jump. Now as a senior he is as heavy as he will get right now at 5’10” and 115 pounds. One thing about this athlete: he has never allowed size to be an issue for him. “I participated in a lot of things like clubs and stuff. I never let it stop me from sports or anything.” As a freshman in high school, what could have been a deterrent, was not. His size was not something seen as negative or even something to bully. After having coached him in cross country, Coach Russell Scott noticed a spark in this athlete and appreciated his running talent due to his size. “Because of his small size, wrestling uses individual weight classes. I noticed he was strong and athletic. Weighing in at 76 pounds as a freshman, he had a huge advantage to stay within the same weight class that went up to 103 pounds. I knew he’d make a great wrestler.” His dad, however, wasn’t too sure about wrestling. He did not want his son to get hurt because of his size. “My dad thought I was going to be bullied around on the mat, but he was eventually okay with it after

Georgia, and Albany State are some of Chesser’s college possibilities. “I mostly hope to get accepted into Darton, so I can become certified as a physical therapist assistant. I also plan to wrestle and after two years go to a Division 1 wrestling program and eventually become a PE instructor and coach at the high school level,” said Chesser. With goals and direction for his future, Chesser is hoping for a successful final season in high school. “The team is very optimistic. We’re looking at going to State Duals Tournament in January. In February, during the Individual State Tournament, I hope to see a lot of my teammates place.” Big talents. Big dreams. Big heart. There is nothing small about this athlete.

A Coach’s Dream by Allison Cortes

typical Marcus smile, his face lights up when his sentiments shift to his family. “I want to be able to take care of my family; give them everything that they want and need.” Putting on a Red Jacket jersey and walking on the court makes him feel something indescribable, and he feels unstoppable. He loves waking up knowing there is practice after school or a game at the end of the day. When asked what emotions he feels walking out of the locker room and onto the court on game day, he replies, “I just zone out; I am in my own little world. Nothing else matters but getting that ball to the hoop.” And it is getting the ball in the hoop that Marcus is good at, no question. Marcus says his passion will never change for basketball, no matter what other sports he chooses to play. Even though he is a ranked cross country runner and track star, basketball remains his number one sport. “Basketball is a big part of my life; I do not see myself without basketball. It defines who I am as a person. My future will involve basketball in some way.” His future plans ten years from now include a realized dream of playing in the NBA or standing courtside as a coach. In the very near future, Marcus plans to attend Mercer University and major in neurology to be a neurosurgeon and save lives.

Photo Credit: Allison Cortes

Ask any coach what he or she desires in a player, and characteristics of senior Red Jacket Marcus Foster would certainly come up in conversation. Marcus is known around the halls of Jordan as the quiet type, but when it comes to the basketball court, he is loud and proud. The love for basketball shows in his eyes and is shown in the effort he puts forth every game. Not just a baller, Marcus is a model representative of the growing academic reputation of JVHS. Marcus attends both Jordan High and Columbus Technical College as part of their Dual Enrollment program. When asked about the experience of balancing high school and college classes, Marcus simply smiles and responds, “I love the college experience. The challenge of handling both high school and college at the same time is teaching me a lot.” The work is difficult, he proclaims, but he enjoys the challenge. As a young man, Marcus explains the importance of being independent. He depends a great deal on himself, as a student and as a player. He works hard in all things he attempts. On the court, however, is where Marcus soars… literally. He is definitely the most comfortable on the hardwood. When asked what motivates him to play hard on the court, he responds that his dreams of making it to the NBA cause his drive. With a

For many of us, the routine remains the same. After Thanksgiving, we feel out of shape due to stuffing ourselves with turkey (no pun intended). As we near the end of the year, the trend continues as we reunite with family, fun, and more food for the Christmas holidays. Then, just before New Year’s hits, we all make the decision: “Next year” will be the year that I take control of my health. “Next year” will be the year that I start working out. “Next year” will be the year that I finally get in shape. The problem? Aside from those of us that are engaged in some sort of sport, we tend to ignore this resolution within the first few weeks of the year, sometimes even sooner. While the excuses are plentiful, one of the biggest tends to be the difficulty in staying motivated. Everyone has that desire to succeed initially, but it often doesn’t last long. If you’re one of those that have already strayed away from your exercise plans, don’t feel bad; you’re not alone! Below are a few ideas of how to get back on track:

Fitness

An Extra Push

by James Washington

Hire a personal trainer. Many people that are motivated to work out often lose enthusiasm because they don’t always know what they are doing. They don’t see results as quickly as they would like, and this makes them lose interest. A personal trainer can keep you on the right track to ensure that you are doing what needs to be done.

Join a fitness group. Another reason that people lose interest is that working out alone can be rather tedious. Also, people may feel insecure around people that appear to be in better shape. Contact your local gym or exercise facility and find a class that fits you. Everyone will be there for the same reason, so there is no need to feel isolated or out of place.

Find something you enjoy doing. It may sound cliché, but you can find an exercise in just about any daily activity in which you engage. Try to find something that you enjoy. It can be as simple as a daily swim, a walk around the block, or even walking up and down your stairs in your house a few extra times a day.

Be patient. Results won’t come overnight. The most important thing that you must understand is that getting in shape takes time. Getting your mind prepared for the process is half the battle.

21 37

Star

Sharmenley Edouard East Columbus Magnet Academy

Getting to know Sharmenley: Family: Mom, Sherley Louis Charles; stepfather, Urguens Sajous; two sisters, one brother Nickname: Sha Sha Pets: One dog, Keisha (a German shepherd) Favorite food: Haitian food Favorite place to eat: Texas Roadhouse Favorite sports team (college or professional): Miami Heat Athlete she admires: Dwyane Wade Favorite subject(s) in school: Math and reading Music she listens to: R&B, Jamaican Best movie: The Hunger Games series (likes the books, too) Best thing about attending East Columbus Middle School: I like the teachers and Mr. Scott

Soccer, Basketball Score Big for Multi-Sport Athlete by Beth Welch

photography by Jerry Christenson

t used to be that soccer was listed among the many sports played in the spring. Several years ago, middle schools in the area moved the sport to the fall, but with many clubs and organizations fielding soccer teams, the sport has now progressed to being one that has the potential to be played almost year round. No one is happier about that than Sharmenley Edouard. Edouard is a multi-sport athlete at East Columbus Magnet Academy. Right now she is part of the Lady Knights basketball team, but playing soccer is a passion in her life. She has been involved in the sport since she was five years old. It’s not just that she loves the sport, it happens to be pretty ingrained in her family’s heritage. “My mother is from Haiti. Soccer is a national sport there. All my family plays and likes it,” says Edouard, smiling. She might have had an early start with soccer, but she followed closely with the sport of basketball. Edouard learned the basics of basketball in the first grade as a participant in the Girls, Inc., program. For several years she played both sports, and when Edouard reached middle school, she continued to play soccer and basketball. Her lineup consisted of playing soccer for her middle school and for Girls, Inc., in the fall and also playing for the non-profit organization again in the spring. In between the fall and spring, Edouard hit the hardwood as a member of the girls

basketball program at ECMA. For her seventh-grade year, Edouard decided to venture out a bit and added volleyball to her list of sports. Just a little over five feet tall, the 14-year-old doesn’t exactly stand out on the volleyball court, but she found another sport she enjoyed playing. “I really like volleyball. I am not good at spiking, but I like the bump and set. I was kind of surprised I made the team last year. They told me if I wanted to play, they would teach me everything I needed to know, and they did,” she says. Perhaps bolstered by the success of volleyball tryouts, the three-sport athlete decided to go for four in the spring of 2013. She became part of the Knights’ track and field team where she serves as the first leg in the 4x100 meter relay race and the third leg in the 4x400 meter. Although quiet and reserved by nature, Edouard admits she likes to compete in athletics, and one of her best strengths for three of the four sports she plays is being pretty quick on her feet. “I do like to run. Soccer and basketball use a lot of that. Of course, track does too. When I am out on the field or on the court, I get competitive. I focus on what I am doing but I am really competitive,” says Edouard. At the present time, Edouard is concentrating on helping her basketball team have a winning season. She is a returning starter for the Lady Knights, and as a point guard, she has the responsibility for controlling the ball while looking for opportunities to get it to the right person to score. She also sees time at the shooting guard position. Her coach at ECMA has been coaching at the school for six years, three of which have included having Edouard on her basketball team. Arlys Clayborn has four returning starters this season and sees Edouard’s strengths as her

athlete Edouard is a multi-sport at East Columbus Magnet is part Academy. Right now she etball of the Lady Knights bask is a team, but playing soccer passion in her life.

defensive skills and speed. She also feels the eighth grader demonstrates leadership through being a captain and contentious athlete. “Sharmenley is a very hard-working player. She gives everything she has to her team to try to come out victorious. Above all, she is a team player. She is not selfish when it comes to this sport,” says Clayborn. Even though Edouard plays four sports, sometimes two sports at a time, she still manages to maintain high academic standards. She spends her free time (what little there is) studying and doing homework. The eighthgrader has not made a decision about high school but has narrowed down her choices to four local schools. Looking ahead a bit, she has set a goal of attending college and medical school. At this time, she has plans of becoming an obstetrician and perhaps traveling back to her mother’s homeland to assist others with her medical skills. For now, she is centered on finishing the second half of basketball season and moving into track season for the Knights while also picking up her soccer activities for her last season of play with Girls, Inc. It’s a busy life, but according to Edouard, she wouldn’t have it any other way. ITG 39

Local Schools Dive into Swim Programs by Beth Welch

t may just be a coincidence. Could be the timing was right. Maybe, it was one of those “if you build it, they will come” things. But whatever the cause, new swimmers and new swim programs have come to Columbus since the Columbus Aquatic Center became a reality. Up until a couple of years ago, only a few high schools in the Columbus Valley had a swim program. Athletes who participated in competitive swimming generally got their start with the Columbus Hurricanes Swim Club because middle school and high school programs were few and far between. Now that the new aquatic center is open for business, swimmers at all levels can be found at the facility. Schools are taking a closer look at developing swim programs to accommodate new and experienced swim athletes who are interested in swimming as a competitive sport. Locally, Brookstone School and Calvary Christian School have done more than just talk about beginning a swim program as part of their schools’athletic departments. Both of the private schools have a range of sports offered to middle school and high school students, but administrators and parents decided now 40

photos courtesy of Calvary and George McDuffie

might be a good time to test the waters, so to speak. Brookstone began their swim program this winter under the direction of Coach Sally Bradley, who is an art teacher at Brookstone; she is assisted by community coach Anne Hanna Merritt. Approximately 25 athletes, some experienced and some not, made up the inaugural team. If Bradley had expectations for the number of

students who would come out for the program, the numbers were well beyond her wildest imagination. “We had a great turnout. We were thrilled at the interest,” says Bradley.

Because Brookstone has a policy that athletes can only participate in one sport at a time, a few football players joined the swim program following football season. It was a mixture of talent and experience, but Bradley thinks a swim program will be beneficial to the Cougars athletic department for years to come. “Swimming is such a great sport for young athletes and for those who are just taking it up. A swim program will also provide another sport for students in the winter other than basketball and wrestling. It even is a good sport for those who want to use it to stay in shape for another sport,” says Bradley. According to Bradley, Brookstone decided to focus on developing a varsity program for the first year. Swimmers from grades nine through 12

make up the varsity team. Calvary’s program is being coached by Tina Holder, whose son swims for the Hurricanes. She became involved in the process to establish a swim program for the Knights athletic program when Holder and another Hurricanes swim mom thought Calvary should develop a swim program. The first swim program at Calvary produced about 10 swim athletes. Students in grades six through eight made up the junior varsity, while freshmen through seniors were designated the varsity. Of the 10 who made the teams after tryouts, seven had competitive swimming experience. Holder is excited about the program and overcame a few obstacles to get it going. “Our first problem was finding water. At the time we started thinking about the program, we were told there wasn’t a lane available for us at the Columbus Aquatic Center. You can’t have a swim program without water. But the management changed and the new director was so helpful in getting us lanes for practice times,” says Holder. Both Bradley and Holder have more than a passing interest in swimming. Bradley is a master swimmer and has been involved in the sport for many years. Holder grew up as a competitive swimmer and set many records, some of which still stand. She is ASCA Certified and has

coached swimming for the Hurricanes. The two new programs are part of the burgeoning interest in swimming both locally and beyond. The new aquatic center has given swimmers an opportunity to swim for sport or pleasure and offered more schools the space to practice and compete. Large high schools in cities to the north of Columbus often have swimming facilities on their campuses, which gives their athletes a distinct advantage. More available time in the water helps increase speed and endurance and helps build winning swim programs. For Brookstone and Calvary, the aquatic center is their home pool. Athletes practice for schools at certain times and can also arrange to swim at other times. Calvary took a big step of faith this swim season by hosting their first swim meet at the aquatic center on December 6. Going into the season, both coaches had a few goals. Have swimmers go to state was one. Holder says she wanted all of her swimmers to be competent in all four strokes, dives and turns. In addition, she hopes Calvary will begin to establish their presence in the GICAA swim division. Bradley says she wanted her athletes to have a great time and instill a love of swimming in them. While winning is important, she wants this first season to be about building a solid program.

Swim season is drawing to a close, and both schools are expected to have swimmers advance to state. Their teams faced opponents at home and on the road with Brookstone competing against teams in the Georgia High School Athletic Association (GHSA) and Calvary against those in the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association (GICAA) and some in the GISA (Georgia Independent School Association). Since both coaches are passionate about the sport of swimming, they are unapologetic about their enthusiasm for the swim programs at their schools. They cite the non-contact nature of swimming as opposed to some other sports, the value of competitive swimmers setting personal goals, and the ability for swimming to develop into a lifelong activity. “It is truly a wonderful sport for anyone, regardless of their experience or degree of capability. I think it is going to be a great sport for Brookstone,” says Bradley. Holder has much the same view and is already looking toward the future of the Knight’s swim program. “Swimming has always been a sport that challenges the entire body and mind when competing. For next season I hope to add Dryland training to our workouts, as well as some preseason swimming. I also plan to recruit more (Calvary) students to the swim team next year,” she says. ITG

Hardaway Hawks

Columbus, GA • www.hardawayhawks.com

Basketball: “A Change is Going to Come” by Robynn Melzar and Kadian Nunes

When asked about the perception of Hardaway Basketball, head coach Kendall Mills describes it as “successfully average,” and he is determined to change that. “We want to develop our program to be the best,” he said. “Not next year, but this year, using all of the pieces that we have now.” In order to see a transformation in the program, changes are being made all across the basketball program, from former key players leaving to new coaches arriving. “We just want people who are going to work, to be a winning team we have to communicate, work hard and flat out hustle on every play,” said junior Tasia Hill. Over the last four years, Hardaway boys have gone 4-7 in region play, while the girls went 5-6. They have a combined 17 trips to the playoffs, making it as far as the Elite Eight. With every new season bringing a new opportunity to go further, and the elite eight coach and staff want to help their players accomplish that goal. Sayings like, “We compete,” “We’re all we got,” and, “A change is going to come,” can be heard throughout the program because the players and coaching staff know

that to win as a team, they must play as one. “A team is like the five fingers on your hand: You get them together you have a fist,” said sophomore guard Yonna Johnson. “We play together.” There are several possible reasons for the recent struggles. Hardaway’s basketball program has been dealt the cards of having a young basketball team this year with underclassmen taking up most of the space on the roster. Coach Mills’ biggest task this season is getting the young players and the fans to understand his vision for this program. With that being said, he is going to need some help from his older players. With only a handful of seniors on this team, Coach Mills uses his veterans to instill determination and sportsmanship into the younger players. “The coaching staff is establishing a young group of hard working student athletes and you can see that on and off the court,” says senior Anfernee Stringer. Still, others say a switch in regions could have contributed to the Hawks’ slow start, having both teams going 1-1 in region play heading into the Christmas Tournament. How-

ever, despite the growing pains, Coach Mills obviously has the support of his student athletes. “Honestly, I believe Coach Mills does the best job that he can and that we could ask of him. I know that he will strive to take us beyond our measures,” says senior Michael Bush. With the playoffs just around the corner, the Hawks and Lady Hawks try to step up their region play and hope to have their hard work and dedication exposed by a championship banner.

Hardaway Hawks

Columbus, GA • www.hardawayhawks.com

Coach Orck on Soccer by Shakendra Jones

Hardaway boys’ soccer team is gearing up for another great season. Finishing last year’s season with a 13-3 record and a trip to the second round of the state playoffs brought great joy to coach Kevin Orck. However, Coach Orck still sees some room for improvement. “As the season went on last year and we reached the playoffs, we had some injuries that left us a little short on the bench. So this year, with the help of our trainer, we hope to keep more players in the game (no pun intended) and ready to play. We are working on our speed and agility right now; not that we were awful, but we were not really good at it last year. We will continue with conditioning throughout the season.” To help the Hawks reach their goal of returning to the playoffs, there are some key players returning to the field. “There is a good squad of seniors on the team this year. Marcus Powell, who was the leading scorer for the team last year, will be returning and is expected to score 35 or so goals this year. It will be okay if he doesn’t reach that goal if he can support us with 20 or more assists. Hector Zamudio will be anchor-

ing our defense again, but I will try to push him forward so that we can get more use of his long range. Last year, Hector scored 16 goals but this year I expect 20 or more. I am looking to play Kyron Carstens up this year in a midfielder position so that we can use his speed and strength to keep the ball forward. We are looking at Luis Ledsema to be in the goal this year. Matt Jones and Victor Cantey will likely shore up the defender positions; both are strong and Victor is very quick and has good endurance. There are other multi-function players that I have not mentioned, but they are very important to the team and our success.” Although the season has not officially started, the players are hard at work. One way the team gets ready for the season is by conditioning. Although this is not the glamorous side of soccer, Coach Orck considers it to be one of the most important aspects of the game. “Most of the soccer players have not been involved in fall sports so pretty much they have been sitting around while other more dedicated players have been working on their skills and getting better. Some of the players

are in P.E. and they have been working there to get their workout tempo up to speed. We started working on conditioning as a group just before Thanksgiving and will continue on through the Christmas break. For the new kids it is quite a change from middle school and the recreational leagues. The guys that are there every day are the ones that I will look at to play a lot this season. They may not be the best on the field skill wise, but they make up for that with dedication, hard work and heart. The benefits are simple: when the season starts in February, the players will be ready to endure the 45 minutes of activity that will be required of them for each half of play. By continuing conditioning throughout the season we hope to decrease our injuries and keep the players on the field.” Coach Orck’s vision for his team is clear. “My expectations are very high. I expect the players to give me all they have every day at every practice and at every match. Only then can we as a team get better and achieve our goal.”

Prior to Marcus Mariota’s 2014 Heisman Trophywinning season, FCA Magazine traveled to Eugene, Ore., to interview the Oregon Ducks quarterback about his faith, how it translates onto the field as he goes “All In” for Christ and his team, and what God has taught him during his time as a Duck.

In His Own Words: Marcus Mariota FCA: How is your faith a part of you being a football player? Mariota: Being a football player, faith plays a huge role. When

things start to get rough you find comfort in your faith. Knowing that no matter what, you can dust yourself off and be okay. And you know you do it for [God’s] glory.You do it for your teammates, your family, but also for His glory and to represent His name. FCA: Through

the ups and downs of a season, how do you feel like your faith strengthens you? Mariota: Going through the challenges of the season, my faith has been the steadying force that’s pushed me, along with my family, my friends and my teammates. Losing–especially here [at Oregon]–is tough. We have high expectations as a program to go and win national championships. It’s a huge pressure, but you learn a lot about yourself through it. Coach [Scott] Frost has helped me learn that football doesn’t define me. It’s just what I do. That was a huge life lesson for me. I really took that and ran with it. My faith is what keeps me going and I can always grow in that. FCA: What comes to mind when you think about going “All In” for Christ? Mariota: I think as an athlete when you’re able to go out there and have the abilities that the Lord has blessed you with, you want to glorify Him.You want to go out there to represent Him in the right light. To represent your family in the right light and to do that through His power. 44

FCA: How has FCA impacted your faith while at Oregon? Mariota: FCA allows athletes to find a family away from home.

You’re able to bond through your faith, as well as the difficult times in sports. We relate to each other as athletes and grow in our faith and as human beings. FCA: What

has God taught you about yourself while at Or-

egon?

Mariota: Since I’ve been here at Oregon, I think my faith has grown tremendously. In high school, I learned about God and Jesus Christ, but I wasn’t really invested in it. I think coming here I got involved with FCA and [FCA’s] Tony [Overstake] and it really introduced me into my walk and into my journey. I’m not perfect, but I’m encouraged everyday to continue to open up in my faith. I’ve learned that no matter what, my faith will guide me. However I play on the field, I know my faith will guide me. After sports, my faith will guide me. As I’ve grown in my faith, that’s something that’s given me comfort. God has taught me that I can trust in Him. No matter what–whether things are good or bad–I know I can always trust in Him. And that has really allowed me to go “All In” for Him.