CONTENTS Southeast Georgia Edition
www.inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
Athletes 06 Cover
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Coach’s Corner Jay Howard Ware County High School
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Academic Athletes Lexa Loden & Katie Hart Camden County High School
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Warriors of the Relay
Rising Star Madison Puryear Pierce County Middle School Most Improved Player Kollin Greene Camden County High School
Southeast Area High Schools
Also Inside: Pierce County High School................14 Ware County High School...................19 Bradwell Institute...............................29 Brantley County High School.............31 The Players Championship.................37 FCA Banquet.....................................39 Bacon County High School................41 Wayne County High School................44
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PUBLISHER Southeast Georgia Edition
www.inthegamemagazine.com
From the
May 2015
Congratulations to the Class of 2015 from In the Game Magazine John Wood,
Features & Commentary
Another school year has come to pass as we prepare to honor the Class of 2015. I’ve had the privilege of watching and reporting on some great student-athletes this past school year, and it makes me proud to see our future in such great hands. Sure, the mainstream media wants to report on all the bad in the world (and there’s plenty of it to report), but I get to see and work with these young people firsthand, and I’m confident the good far outweighs the bad in our young men and women. I’m proud to say I knew them as I watch them go into
Contributors Publisher Shawn Smoak Editors Mark Dykes Sarah Turner Graphics James Washington Cover Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography Feature Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography Feature Writers John Wood Rob Asbell John DuPont Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@inthegamemagazine.com Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com
the world and make their mark. Congratulations Class of 2015, now go and do great things! On your mark, get set, and go read about four outstanding track stars here in SEGA. Adrien Cross of Glynn Academy and Desman Martin of Bradwell Institute have set the bar high and broke region records all year long. Both young men are seniors and are leaving “big spikes” to fill as they make their way to the next level. Our two female stars, Jennifer Sharpe, a Ware County junior and Chala Carey, a sophomore from Camden County, still have time to set new records again next year and beyond. Whether it’s wearing down your opponent with body shots or taking them out with a knockout shot, the end result is the same: a win! Camden’s dual threat on the tennis courts can do either. Lexa Loden and Katie Hart have been the Wildcats’ one-two punch going all the way back to middle school. They take no prisoners on the courts or in the classroom where both Katie and Lexa sport over-4.0 GPAs. It’s good to be queen(s)!! A long and storied chapter is coming to a close. In 1993, Waycross High School graduated its last class and combined with Ware County to become a unified school system. Jay Howard, coach extraordinaire, is the last remaining working coach for Ware County that started his coaching career at Waycross. When he hangs up his coaching shoes in 2016, there will be no more who can say they bridged that connection. Coach Howard represents the true end of an era. It’s got to be the genes. Pierce County’s own Madison Puryear has a lot of DNA to draw from, and I’m positive her bloodline impacts her game. Her mother was an impact player in her own right during her time at Pierce County High School,
and her sister is currently shining there as well. Adding to the list, her cousin is none other than Spencer Clark, the Bone and Joint Institute’s first-ever Academic Player of the Year from 2010. Madison is making her own mark though; she is not resting on her family laurels. Madison plays multiple sports and works hard at all of them. She’s a tough competitor, but has compassion for her fellow man. What happens when you grow four inches in the offseason? Answer: you pick up 11 MPH on your fastball and your coach moves you to the middle of the lineup because of your bat. Camden County’s own Kollin Greene has become one of the most dominating closers in the game, helping his Wildcat teammates to the number-one seed in Region 3-AAAAA. We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We are always open to suggestions, as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our Website at www.inthegamemagazine. com and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/inthegamemagazine. Join us every Thursday evening live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we broadcast live “In the Game on Radio” on WWUF 97.7 FM, or stream the show live on www.waycrossradio.com. We have an excellent opportunity for fundraising whether for your sports team, organization or booster club. Please give us a call at 888-715-GAME or email us at info@ inthegamemagazine.com for details. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.
Rob Asbell,
Features & Specials
Tell us your thoughts! Email us at info@inthegamemagazine.com to let us know what you thought of the April edition of In the Game!
SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 • Waycross, GA 31502 For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 Corporate Office: Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, GA 31603
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In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly 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.
Player Spotlight
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Warriors of Southeast Area
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Inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
the Relay
Track Stars
by Rob Asbell photography by Jeffrey Griffith
May 2015
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May 2015
They are among the oldest benchmarks to measure one against others; who is the fastest, who can jump the highest (and longest), and who can throw the farthest? They are the foundation for modern track and field competition and some of the main attractions of the summer Olympic games. Many of the best track and field athletes in the state are from Southeast Georgia, and they are running record times and jumping amazing distances. The website milesplit.com registers times, heights, and distances that surpass a set measurement considered to be elite among those across the country. Setting national elites is not easy, but also not uncommon, for this month’s cover athletes. For a few of them, they were always among the best. “During my years of jumping in middle school and high school, I have always been one of the best jumpers in Liberty County and Southeast Georgia,” says Bradwell Institute senior Desman Martin. Interestingly, some of the other champions of today were often the “also rans” of just a few years ago. They will admit that they were not always the fastest or the best. “No I was not,” says Chala Carey, who has posted some of the best times in the nation this year in the 100-meter and 200-meter for the Camden County Lady Wildcats. Carey worked hard to get to be one of the fastest. Glynn Academy senior Adrien Cross didn’t know he was fast until his junior year, when he started running track. Now, he not only wins races, he will soon attend college to score touchdowns for the football team. Different people have different reasons for wanting to run track. For some, it is a release, an escape from the day to day. For others, it is a thrill to achieve goals and win. No matter the reason, the starter’s pistol is where it all begins for a runner. ITG
Adrien Cross Glynn Academy
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lynn Academy senior sprinter Adrien Cross started running track last year, but there was a time when he was not the fastest runner on the track. It took lots of hard work to get to where he could be competitive. Once he realized he had speed, there was no stopping him. Cross is also a football player, participating in track and field in order to stay in shape during the offseason. But Cross is not just any player. Cross was the Region 3-AAAAA Athlete of the Year. He was a running back and defensive back for Glynn Academy, with 939 all-purpose yards, eight touchdowns, 117 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass break-ups, and two forced fumbles. His efforts helped the Terrors to a third round appearance in the state football playoffs in 2014. His plan is to play football at a junior college and then transfer to a large university, just as his brother, Greg, did before signing with the University of Pittsburgh to play football. Adrien Cross continues to get faster; this spring, he has been running below 11 seconds in the 100-meter. At the Region 3-AAAAA Track Championships in April, he took second in the 100-meter, missing first by just four hundredths of a second. Over the past year, his coaches have been working with him on coming out of the blocks; he has improved his time by a full tenth of a second since last season. He plans to keep working hard on his sprints and, should the college he attends offer track, he may go out for the team. Although he plans to play football in college, Cross will not forget how track helped him accomplish his athletic goals.
Favorite race to run: 100 meters
“His leadership and experience have been a big assets to this team this year. We have very high expectations for Adrien. He has a special talent and always seems to rise to the expectation. The thing I will remember most about Adrien is that when my young children were around the track or in the car on the way to the track, Adrien would always take time to talk to them or run around playing games with them. Adrien is a great kid who has been blessed with tremendous ability, but his attitude, work ethic, and heart will take him far, not only in sports, but also in life.” 10
Josh Veal, Glynn Academy Track Coach Inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
Favorite part of running: Getting the baton and running to finish line What goes through your mind just before your first race of the day? “Run fast, catch somebody, and don’t drop the baton.” College plans: “To attend a junior college and play football, and then transfer to a Division I college. I plan on majoring in either sports medicine or engineering.”
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hala Carey plans to be in Tokyo, Japan, in the summer of 2020, but it won’t be a sightseeing excursion. Carey intends to be running in the Olympics. She has dominated the long jump, 100-meter, and 200-meter for the Lady Wildcats track team this year, continually turning in results that are registered as national elite. At the Region 3-AAAAA Championships in April, she competed in three events – 100-meter, 200-meter, and long jump – and she won them all. Over the years, Carey has added weight training and exercise regimens that have increased strength out of the blocks and given her more speed during the race. It has also helped her in the long jump, where she has added eight inches to her jump since qualifying for the state finals last season. Carey would go to school early for weight training in the offseason, lifting every day and often staying after school as well to work with her weight training coach. She also has a strict diet of healthy foods and a mini-workout she does at home with her father. She plans to attend college and major in sports medicine.
Chala Carey Camden County High School
Most memorable race: “I was in the 11-12 group of girls. I started to get more serious the older I got. I started to get competition in that race that day. All of our times were around the same, so I prepared myself for the race saying, ‘I can do this.’ My heart racing fast. ‘On your mark, get set, bang!’ We were all together. Doubt was in my mind, but it gave me motivation to speed up my pace, and I did not give up. I gave it a boost and managed to come in first.” Favorite part of running: “For me, track is a release. If I have a situation in life that I don’t understand or get in a mood about, I take it out on the track. Running track makes me feel good about myself as I accomplish goal after goal.” What goes through your mind just before your first race of the day? “That I can do this, to run a personal best, and to run faster than my last track meet and against my opponents.”
“I definitely see her running track in college. Division I colleges have already started contacting me about her specifics. I strongly believe she will compete at the highest level in college. She loves to compete, and most importantly, she likes to work hard at getting faster. Another thing that sticks out to me about Chala is she loves running. She loves to see if she has progressed each week. Chala is very hungry.” Matthew Park, Camden County High School Track Coach May 2015
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Jennifer Sharpe
Ware County High School
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ennifer Sharpe has always been the fastest; from the time she was a child running in the recreation leagues until now, as a junior on the Ware County track team. In 2014, she played a vital part in the Lady Gators winning the region championship by placing first in three individual events: the long jump, 100-meters and 100-meter hurdles – and was the anchor for the 4x100 relay team that won first place. This year, she returned to win the 100-meter hurdles once again. She is the third of four sisters and carries a 4.0 grade point average. She is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and National Honor Society; she is also a team member at Chickfil-A of Waycross.
Most memorable race: “March 28, 2015. The team and I were at the Harmon Relays in Valdosta. It was a cold morning and chilly afternoon. Despite the weather, I felt good and competed, running a personal best of 15.3 in the 100-meter hurdles. I knew that I was at a good mark to reach the 14’s this year.”
“She adds work ethic to our team. The other girls look up to her and go to her for help. She gets the job done in the classroom, comes to practice with a great attitude, and is always striving to get better. Jennifer is what every coach wishes they had more of on their team. I always use this quote when addressing my team: ‘There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do (Derek Jeter).’ This is Jennifer Sharpe.”
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Alesia Gibson, Ware County High School Track Coach Inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
Favorite part of running: “My favorite part of running is the firing of the gun at the start, along with the adrenaline moving through my body. It’s like a rush of excitement.” What goes through your mind just before your first race of the day? “Focus and relax, Jenn…. drive…drive, finish.” College plans: “I’ve narrowed my top three colleges to Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, or Georgia State University.”
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radwell Institute senior Desman Martin is a national elite athlete in an event that many are unfamiliar with: the triple jump. Also known as the “hop, skip and jump,” it is similar to the long jump. But with three bounds from the takeoff line, the distances can be more than 45 feet. The Tigers’ program is one of the best in Southeast Georgia, recently taking its seventh region championship in eight years. Among the winners for the Tigers was Martin, who won the triple jump and the long jump. Martin began running at the age of nine for the Liberty County Recreation Department in Hinesville for about four years. Then, he entered middle school and participated in the 400-meter dash, long jump, and Triple Jump. In high school, he developed into a true jumper. Martin also participates in the 4x400 meter relay. He has been a National Elite Triple Jumper since 2012; he was also the Region 3-AAAAA triple jump champion and a top four finisher at the GHSA State track meet last year.
Most memorable jump: “Jumping 45’2” at the Sectional meet in 2013. My stepmother told me if I jumped a 45’ she would give me one hundred dollars. I had to go out and perform, and I achieved a goal I had set to become recognized as an Elite Jumper in the State of Georgia and put a hundred dollars in my pocket.” Favorite part of jumping? “Being a team player. My favorite part is getting the maximum points for my team and getting the crowd excited. Because if the crowd is into it, that drives me to my maximum potential.” What goes through your mind just before your first jump of the day? “Before I jump, I have a talk with God and begin to recite Psalms 23. From that moment forward, my mind is clear of all things. I am focused on what I am about to face.” What schools who are looking at you? “University of South Carolina-Upstate, West Point Military Academy, Kennesaw State, Albany State, Limestone College, McDaniel College, Otterbien University, and Nova Southeastern University.”
“I have coached Desman for three years now. I have watched him grow since he was in middle school. He is one of the most versatile athletes in this area. Desman is an excellent leader. He has never been disrespectful, and everyone looks up to him. There are not a lot of kids who can accept constructive criticism. I can honestly say that I have never seen him raise his voice or get loud. I can definitely see him competing in college. The sky is the limit for him.” DeAndre’ Davis, Bradwell Institute Track Coach
Desman Martin Bradwell Institute May 2015
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Pierce County High School Blackshear, Ga.
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Golf Teams Bring Home Region Titles Host Pierce County High School swept the 1-AAA golf competition April 19 in tournaments held at Lakeview Golf Club in Blackshear. The PCHS boys’ team fired a four-man score of 286 in finishing a cumulative two under par, 23 strokes ahead of runner-up Brantley County. Meanwhile, the Lady Bears’ top three finishers carded a team score of 284 as PCHS was the only team to break 300 in the girls’ field. Jake Harvard was the region low medalist for the boys, besting PCHS teammate Lee Bennett in sudden death. Both of those Bears were named All-Region, along with Matthew Grieco, Zac Thornton, and Weston Sapp, as PCHS claimed five of the six spots on the AllRegion 1-AAA Team. John Ben James finished eighth in the field, putting all PCHS golfer in the top ten. Golfers from ten schools competed in the boys’ tournament. Natalee Boatright paced the Lady Bears with a 91 to earn a spot on the All-Region 1-AAA Team. Kayla Petrowicz, Anna Tiller, and Amber Matthews rounded out the playing foursome for the PCHS girls, who finished 18 strokes ahead of runner-up Southeast Bulloch. Golfers from eight schools competed in the girls’ tournament.
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“Today was a great day for our program with both the girls and boys winning a region championship,” said Stipe. “I am really happy for the boys. It is a compliment to their commitment to the game and hard work. However, Region is only ‘a’ goal. State is ‘the’ goal.” “It was our goal to host an event that would be fun and memorable for all our student-athletes,” said PCHS boys coach Stuart Stipe. Coach Erica Still’s Lady Bears earned their first region title under her watch in only her second season at the helm. Meanwhile, the PCHS boys claimed their fourth-consecutive region flag and sixth under Stipe. “I’m very proud of these girls,” said Still. “We have held our goals and expectations high, and these girls are making these goals more attainable with each practice. We have come a long way this season. This is the lowest Pierce County has shot while taking three scores. We are coming together as a team in a sport that is supposed to be individual. I’m so proud of each of these girls and what they bring to Pierce County.” Both the Bears and Lady Bears punched tickets to their respective state tournaments in Roswell slated for May 18.
Lady Bears Name Marquee Event in Honor of Longtime Supporters Golfers withstood the elements of spring as Pierce County High School hosted the Mattson-Parrish Lady Bear Golf Invitational April 13 at Lakeview Golf Club in Blackshear. Vidalia took top honors, besting Ware County via regression after the two squads tied at 119. Host PCHS finished third with a score of 136. Other competing schools included Glynn Academy “A” (139), Camden County (145), Brantley County (153), and Glynn Academy “B” (172). The playing foursome for host PCHS included Kayla Petrowicz (40), Natalee Boatright (44), Anna Tiller (52), and Amber Matthews (55). Glynn Academy’s Julianna Collett claimed low medalist honors for the tourney, carding a 9-hole score of 33. “Every year we strive to be better and recognize those in our community that have supported us throughout the years,” said PCHS coach Erica Still. “Today we want to recognize two great ladies that have supported Lady Bears golf and kept this tournament running all these years: Mrs. Mary Brantley Mattson and Mrs. Libby Parrish.” Mrs. Mattson’s daughters, Jane Bowen and Mary Linn Kimbrell, were recognized during the tournament’s awards ceremony. Mrs. Mattson, who passed away in 2000 at age 88, is legendary not only in local golf circles but throughout Georgia in beyond. She was a founding member of Lakeview Golf Club. A Jacksonville native, she won the Florida State Women’s Golf Championship four times between 1928-1935, as well as the Wom-
en’s Southern Open in Louisville, Kentucky in 1935. She served as president of the Georgia State Women’s Golf Association and helped found the state’s Association for Senior Women and won that association’s title. Mrs. Mattson also earned her PGA teaching professional certificate. “Coach Maureen Brown named this tournament after Mrs. Mary several years ago,” said Still. “I didn’t have the chance to personally meet her, but she loved golf and always helped the junior programs at Lakeview through her lessons.” Mrs. Parrish, who passed away in 2010, was a native of Telfair County but had lived in Ware County for more than 20 years. Her numerous affiliations included service on the board of directors for the David A. Wall Junior Golf Association. That tournament, held each Memorial Day weekend at Lakeview, offers scholarships to qualifying junior golfers. “Mrs. Libby had a giving heart to Pierce County golf,” said Still. “She and Mr. June Bennett ran this tournament for several years and helped serve meals after matches. I went to Ware County High School with Mrs. Libby’s daughter, Bailey, and played golf with her other daughter, Ansley.” “Those two ladies are why, from now on, this tournament will be known as the Mattson-Parrish Lady Bear Invitational,” declared Still, adding, “I know they are smiling down right now.”
Lee Bennett Signs with ABAC PCHS senior Lee Bennett signed a letter of intent April 29 to compete in collegiate golf at ABAC. Bennett recently helped lead PCHS to the Region 1-AAA title, where he was runner-up as region medalist. Bennett was part of three region title teams at PCHS and, before that, three middle school conference champions at Pierce County Middle School. He was named All-State as a junior. He is the first PCHS golfer to sign a scholarship since Shiloh Snow in 2010. “Lee is one of the reasons that coaching is fun,” said PCHS head coach Stuart Stipe. “I never have to worry about Lee quitting on me. I never have to worry about him having a bad hole and not trying. I know whatever score he puts on that scorecard, he worked for it. That’s a compliment to him, to what golf means to him, and to his character.” The latter sentiment wasn’t lost on ABAC head coach Larry Burns. “Lee is the type kid I’m looking for,” said Burns. “I looked into (Stipe’s) eyes and he told me what type of kid Lee is, and that’s the type kid I want to build my program with… character, integrity, and school have to be priorities in your life. That’s what this young man has.” Bennett is the son of Greg Bennett and Barbara Ann Bennett, both of Blackshear.
May 2015
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Boys Tennis Team Enjoys Hard-Earned Success by Ivy Young
“Success is a reward to anyone one who gives his all.” This John Wooden quote inspired Pierce County High School’s boys’ tennis team, beginning the state playoffs with 32 teams in Region 1-AAA and finishing their 2015 season in the top eight schools in the state of Georgia. The season began on January 23rd and concluded on April 28th. Coach Millie Walker and her team of 10 young men practiced very hard. Practice would last for roughly two hours where the boys conditioned, served, hit, and challenged each other. Throughout the season, the strenuous practices proved to be successful, because the team had 14 wins and six losses; three of those losses were not region matches. Rhett Veal, a senior member of the team, said, “Overall, it was unexpectedly good, considering all of the players we lost from last year’s Final Four team.” Coach Kathy Bradley, girls’ tennis coach, and Coach Walker set a goal to take the teams to at least one or two tournaments each season; they set this goal five years ago. “If we are going to be competitive in tennis, we have to play some stronger teams,” they agreed. This year, they participated in the Chik-fil-A tournament in Camden County. This season’s seniors were Rhett Veal, Kenny Ciarletta, and Jeremiah Davis. Coach Walker said that these three young men are special because “they also played football together, they are tough mentally and physically, they are poised on the courts and off, they are high achievers academically, and they have been
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to the Final Four in 2014, as well as the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight for the past four years. They know what it takes to win, and they work for that in practice and on their own. They will be dearly missed next season.” Rhett Veal played number-one and number-two singles, a very tough role. “He never missed a practice, he was always the first on the courts. He was helpful to younger players who are left handed because he is, and he has a team attitude,” stated Coach Walker. Kenny Ciarletta played number-two singles, as well as doubles. Coach Walker said he is a happy, vocal young man with a lot of class when he takes the court. Jeremiah Davis played singles and number-two doubles. Jeremiah is very committed and “a quiet giant” on the courts. The team has three goals: to go undefeated in region play, to be region champions, and to make it to the state Final Four. During the 2015 season they only lost one match, they were region 1-AAA runner-ups, and they were only short of the Final Four by one match. “When I became the tennis coach, they had no goal except to win matches. So, over the past six years, this has changed dramatically. Our guys come to tennis with goals to be successful. I am so proud of the young men over the past several years for starting, setting, and leaving a legacy for the future,” stated Coach Walker.
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Ware County High School Waycross, Ga.
by Rob Asbell
The Lady Gators track team, led by head coach Alesia Gibson, qualified five athletes and a relay team for the GHSA State Class AAAAA track meet. Each finished eighth or better at the sectional meet held in Loganville May 2. Leading the Ware County ladies was Jennifer Sharpe, who qualified for state by virtue of a fourth place finish in the 100-meter hurdles. She also finished eighth in the long jump with a leap of 17’7”, and she was part of the 4x100meter relay team that qualified. Brittney Ealey finished second in the high jump with a height of 5’4”, Kadijah Williams was sixth in the shot put with a distance of 35’7.5”, Traveshia Birden was seventh in the discus, and Zay Howard finished eighth in the pole vault at 8’0”. On the links, the Ware County golf teams, led by head coach Tony Wheeler, rolled through region play and into the playoffs. The Lady Gators golf team won the Region 3-AAAAA championship for the second year in a row. The Lady Gators had a score of 229, 37 shots ahead of the second place Glynn Academy Red Terrors. Ware County was led by Sutton Rollins with a 72, while Megan Carter shot a 75 and Bailey Buie and Kylee Wheeler both shot 82. The team is now qualified for the GHSA state championship in Columbus May 18. The boys golf team competed in the state sectionals in May. Despite a stellar performance from Coby Eunice, who shot a 75 to qualify for state individually, the team was unable to advance to the state tournament. Levi Jewell shot 80, Tristan Yeomans 90, Greg Delk 90, Fred Windham 91, and Gunnar Hinnant 99. Green Brier of Augusta won with a 290. Sixteen teams were competing for the top eight spots to advance on to the state championship. On the soccer pitch, the Lady Gators, led by head coach Michael Cook, finished the regular season 10-7-1 and advanced to the first round of the state playoffs. Their opponent was the third-ranked Northgate Vikings, who had won the state title just two year prior. Despite outstanding saves by Lizzie Shubert, the Lady Gators fell 4-0 to end their season. After finishing as the number-three seed from Region 3-AAAAA, the Gators baseball team took on the Union Grove Wolverines in McDonough in the first round of the Class AAAAA playoffs. Despite the Gators’ best efforts, Union Grove took both ends of the doubleheader, ending Ware County’s season.
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**Area head coaches and key players from area teams will address the crowd and the media regarding the upcoming season**
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Coach’s Corner
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He has been the sports memory of two institutions over the past 30 years. Long before there was a consolidation of the school systems in Ware County, Jay Howard was there. He has coached football, softball, baseball, and golf at Waycross High School and then the consolidated Ware County High School. And now, he is preparing to call it a career and will retire at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. by Rob Asbell photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson
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Jay Howard Ware County High School
oward graduated from Georgia Southern and moved to Waycross to take a job as a math teacher at Waycross High School in 1984. His first year, the coaching staff was not aware that he was a physical education major. Coach Dale Williams asked him why he liked attending baseball games, and his coaching career was born. Since he started working in Waycross, Howard has been an assistant football coach for 27 years, assistant baseball coach 21 years, head baseball coach three years, boys and girls golf coach seven years, and assistant softball coach two years. “My coaching philosophy stayed pretty simple through the years,” Coach Howard says. “It parallels my Christian upbringing: Others first. Team at all cost. There is no place for selfishness in sports.” He has been an assistant coach through some of the county’s greatest football moments, including the 1990 season that was the best and worst of times for the Waycross Bulldogs. After an early season loss to Fitzgerald, head coach Dale Williams’ Bulldogs went on a tear and were 10-1 and in the playoffs when they had to forfeit all games due to two ineligible players. “I remember that team as being a real team unit,” Howard says. While at summer camp, Howard went to wake the players to start morning practice, only to learn the seniors had awakened them early and had them on the field before any of the coaches had arrived. One of the most memorable games he ever coached was the 2007 state championship at Memorial Stadium against a nationally ranked Northside-Warner Robins team. The home field advantage was courtesy of a coin toss to determine the home team. “Even though we didn’t win, we sure proved we belonged on the same field,” he said. “We almost beat a nationally ranked power house. We also got a little revenge in 2012 when we defeated them to go to the dome for the state championship.” He has seen thousands of athletes during his tenure as a high school coach, but perhaps the best he has ever worked with is May 2015
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legendary Ware County and Georgia Bulldog receiver Fred Gibson. “He came out for baseball his senior year,” Howard recalls. “I worked one day with him on bunting and the next game he got two bunt base hits. Gibson had great hand/eye coordination and amazing speed. I often wondered how good he could have been if he had played four years of high school baseball.” Through the years, Howard has won several Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year awards along with awards for baseball and golf. His biggest thrill, however, came at a point only an educator would properly appreciate. He had two former players come to him after they had become grown men and thank him for being such a positive influence on their lives. “As a teacher and a coach, I believe this is the biggest thrill and joy that one can receive,” he says. Once he finally retires, Howard believes he will miss the competition that goes with coaching. He will also miss working with the coaches and helping young people. Since he started, he has seen a growing intensity in each sport.
“In the old days, an athlete could be a foursport letterman,” he says. Kids played whatever sport was in season. Now, high school athletes are almost forced to focus on one sport. Once the season is over there are special workouts, camps, ‘fall ball,’ spring ball, and summer league. I believe there is good and bad with that trend. The positive side is you have a very knowledgeable, very physically trained athlete for that sport. The negatives to me are the possibility of burn out. Coaches also believe that it encourages young athletes to ‘put all of their eggs in one basket’.” Some coaches would have shopped around for another job, using the Waycross and Ware positions as stepping stones. But not Howard, who stayed with the school system through good and bad. “I was asked a couple of times about job openings in surrounding counties, but I never even considered them,” he says. The son of a Baptist minister, Howard moved around as a child. He moved to Waycross out of college, married his wife, and raised two children there. “Waycross became my home,” he says. “I feel blessed to be a part of this community.” TG
Academic Athletes sponsored by:
Camden County’s Queens of the Court by Rob Asbell photography by Jeffrey Griffith
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Lexa Loden
Inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
atie Hart’s speed and fluid movement enables her to counter almost any shot hoping to escape her two-fisted backhand. Lexa Loden is more aggressive and tactical with powerful groundstrokes. The Camden County High School seniors have dominated over the past few years, compiling an amazing record during a four-year high school career. Meanwhile, they both excel in the classroom, with better than 4.0 grade point averages, and are among the highest elected student leaders in the school. Coach Dan Vonk has coached Hart and Loden for five years, but knew the girls previously as friends of his daughter, Ani. “While they were in middle school, I gave them both some lessons to help get them hooked at that age,” Coach Vonk says, adding that the girls have different playing styles. “Where Lexa will go after an opponent with knockout-type punches, Katie will wear them down with body shots.” Katie Hart will graduate from Camden County High ranked 14th in her class of nearly 600 graduates. She carries a grade point average of 4.64, with extra points added for Advanced Placement courses. She is Senior Class President and a member of the senior Beta club, National Honor Society, and National Hispanic Honor Society. She is a University of Georgia Merit Scholar and has been on the “A” Honor Roll all four years of high school. Her plans are to attend the University of Georgia next year and major in Exercise and Sport Science in order to become a physical therapist. Several schools are interested in Hart, but she has decided to forego playing
Camden County
They have ruled the tennis courts and the top of their class rankings since their middle school days, and now they are considered among the best onetwo tennis combinations in Southeast Georgia.
intercollegiate tennis, opting instead to concentrate on her studies. Lexa Loden will finish fifth in the class with her 4.89 GPA. She has been in Junior Beta Club, Senior Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Hispanic Honor Society, Camden County High School Ambassadors Club, Principal’s Council, Interact Club, HERO Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Journalism Club (where she serves as Editor in Chief), and Student Council, where she is on the Executive Board as Student Body President. She was named as a University of Georgia Merit Scholar and an AP Scholar. In her entire school career, from kindergarten through 12th grade, she has never made anything less than an “A” and has never dropped below eighth in class rank. On the courts, Loden has a record of 15-2 at the number-one singles position. She has signed a scholarship to play tennis at North Georgia College next fall. “I will be studying to become a pediatric oncologist, while playing tennis for the Nighthawks,” Loden says. Hart started playing tennis in seventh grade at St. Marys Middle School. “Lexa and I actually played doubles together all throughout middle school and had great success,” Hart says. Following their eighth-grade season, they got to play junior varsity tennis for the high school. “That is what made the difference in my game,” she says. “Being around high school players and seeing how hard they worked every single second they were on the court
High School
Katie Hart May 2015
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opened my eyes and made me realize how hard I had to work to get to that level.” By her sophomore year, she was playing number three singles and went 18-4. She was selected All-Region, and Camden made it to the state’s Final Four. This year, she has gone 17-0 at number-two singles. “Katie’s nickname, which she earned as a freshman, is ‘Braveheart’,” Coach Vonk says. “She is a warrior on the court.” While she loves the intensity of tennis, Hart also has fun playing. “Many people don’t understand that tennis takes so much mental, emotional and physical toughness,” Hart says. “The concentration one needs to compete at a high level is substantial.” She was All-Region again her junior year, with a record of 21-2, while helping the Lady Wildcats to the region championship. Loden also got the chance to play junior varsity her eighth grade year. “As a freshman, I played number-two singles on varsity and really developed a love for the game,” Loden says. “Freshman year was when I decided that I was going to do anything it took to play college tennis.” As a sophomore, she played numberone and number-two singles, but settled in at number-one for her junior and senior years. Loden comes from an athletic family, with three brothers who play football. Her father played at the University of Florida and her mother was captain of the majorettes. Lexa started going to high school tennis camps when she was ten years old and went out for the middle school team in seventh grade. “I made the starting lineup and played
doubles with Katie that year,” she says. Loden had her most memorable match as a sophomore trying to reach the state final four. “We were on the road five times in a row that year for state, and we were the underdogs every time,” she says. Camden was a decided underdog to the Harrison Hoyas in the quarterfinals, but Loden opened the match with a straight sets win. More wins came, and before long, Camden had won the match. “We all ran out on the court and hugged and the seniors cried,” Loden recalls. “That was definitely a match to remember. We made Camden High history.” She was named First Team All-Region her sophomore year and Second Team All-Region her junior year. She broke the record for most wins in a single season by a number-one singles player, with a 20-4 record, and broke all of the goals she set for herself during the offseason by breaking into the top-50 in the state in USTA Girls 16’s and 18’s. With two competitive players who possess a drive to succeed, one can imagine what happens when they have to play each other. “Coach Vonk always says people would pay money to see us play each other,” Hart says. The two play each other on occasion, with Loden holding the slight edge. “I love having someone who is just as competitive and determined to win next to me,” Loden says. “I have also loved every second of being captain with her over these past two years because of the friendship we have and how much we complement each other.” ITG
Bradwell Institute Hinesville, Ga.
Bradwell Institute Tigers Chris Bell (above) and Stephen Felton signed letters of intent to play baseball at the collegiate level. Bell will be attending Paine College in Augusta, Ga., while Felton will attend Albany State University (Albany, Ga.). Photo Credit: Shannon Wainwright
Bradwell Institute head baseball coach Jeff Polk knew that entering a new region would be challenging for his Tigers. BI found itself in a sub-region with Effingham, South Effingham, Statesboro, and Richmond Hill. The other side of the region wasn’t any easier, with Ware County, Coffee County, Brunswick, Glynn Academy, and Coffee County, and Camden County. “We probably have one of the toughest regions in the state, in any class,” Polk said. “Not just our region, but also our subregion was, and will be, extremely tough next season also. Most of these teams don’t rebuild, they just reload.” Despite only winning two region games, both against Brunswick in a crossover series to determine the final places of the region, Bradwell played some of the team’s toughest in the sub-region, but couldn’t put games to get the win. “We played good at times, but when you are playing against really good teams, you have to play with ice water in your veins,” Polk said. “You have to play mistake-free, because a good team is going to make you pay for a bad pitch or an error, and that certainly happened to us this year.” One win that Polk can be proud of for his club, though, is beating the Class A defending state champs (Charlton County) at home. As an added bonus, Bradwell had two senior baseball players sign college scholarships at the end of the season. Stephen Felton, who pitched and also played infield for the Bradwell Tigers, will play his college baseball for the Albany State University Rams. Felton, who was
a strong athlete for the Tigers, is very quick on the base paths and has a good bat. Third baseman Chris Bell signed to play for Paine College in Augusta; he also pitched for the Tigers. Felton and Bell have played for Bradwell all four years and also played with the same travel team for several years. “I am very proud of Stephen and Chris for signing to play,” Polk said. “They have a great work ethic, and it will help make their transition to the next level that much easier. It has been a privilege to have coached not only great players, but great overall young men as well.” The competition that makes up the new region will certainly figure into the preparation for the Tigers next season. Graduation will hit the baseball team hard; six of Polk’s nine starters were seniors. However, the Tigers do have a couple of very good underclassmen that make them better on the mound, in the field, and at the plate. Sophomore outfielder/pitcher Evan Crystal had a promising season that he can build on, along with junior shortstop/pitcher Ryan Desbiens giving the Tigers some experience coming back. “This was a great learning season,” Polk said. “It uncovers our weaknesses and what we need to work on in the offseason to improve. This region may be one of the most competitive in the state. We need to learn from our shortcomings this season and fix our mistakes to make sure we are in a position to compete for next year. We must get bigger, faster, stronger, and better. We will be very young for the next couple years.” May 2015
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Brantley County High School Nahunta, Ga.
The Brantley County girls and boys tennis teams once again had a pair of impressive seasons. The Lady Herons, who made it all the way to the Final Four last year, finished their 2015 season with a 16-7 record (8-3 region) and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs. Another highlight from their season was competing in the Coastal Empire Tennis Classic in Savannah. In this tournament, the Lady Herons beat Jeff Davis, Effingham, and Screven to advance to the championship match against the Berrien County Lady Rebels. Brantley’s girls lost this hard fought championship battle by a 2-3 score to take the runner-up trophy. The
Lady Herons finished up their 1-AAA region campaign with a third place finish. They defeated Jackson High School in the first round of the state playoffs before losing in the second round to Blessed Trinity (who has won six consecutive state championships). Brantley’s girls were led by their three seniors: Loren Mertz, Megan Colley and Jazmine Hutcherson. Coach Matt Thrift, “Our girl’s team is consistently getting better each and every year. Even though we cannot replace the seniors we will be losing, I am so excited to see where this team will be as these girls continue to improve each year.”.
“Our girl’s team is consistently getting better each and every year. Even though we cannot replace the seniors we will be losing, I am so excited to see where this team will be as these girls continue to improve each year. Just like the girls’ team, the boys were very young this year, and I did see some very good things from them. I am very eager to see what the future holds for this group.” Brantley County Head Coach Matt Thrift
On the boy’s side, the Herons finished up their season with an 18-5 record (11-0 region) and once again won the 1-AAA region championship. The Herons have now won six out of the last ten region titles and are an impressive 43-2 in region play over the past five years. Brantley’s boys have also advanced to the Final Four in three of the past five seasons. With their region title, the Herons earned the number-one seed for the state playoffs and beat Spencer High School 5-0 in the first round before losing in the second round to the Decatur Bulldogs. With only one senior
(Bryce Evans) on the boys’ side, the next few years look just as promising for the Herons. Coach Matt Thrift, “Bryce will be greatly missed. He is our outspoken leader on our team and one of the most competitive kids I have ever coached. I hope his energy and enthusiasm has rubbed off on some of our younger players. Just like the girls’ team, the boys were very young this year, and I did see some very good things from them. I am very eager to see what the future holds for this group.” May 2015
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Rising Star
Madison Puryear Pierce County Middle School 34
Inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
Blazing New Paths
by John DuPont photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson
Sometimes the last sibling in line winds up being the family’s best. If that’s the case with Pierce County Middle School’s Madison Puryear, opponents had better beware. The daughter of Doug and Wendy Puryear, she is also the sister of Mary Courtney Puryear, a multi-sport standout at Pierce County High. “Madison is a great kid and a hard worker,” notes PCMS athletic director Maureen Brown. “Those girls work hard and get after it. They get that from their mom. Any coach would want both on your team. You would want about five of them on your team.”
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he youngest Puryear in the fold, though, is paving her own way, and this year, she helped PCMS continue its dominant run in basketball, soccer, and cross country. On the hardwood, the 5’6” point guard is a slightly taller version of her mom, another high-percentage shooter who played at PCHS in the late 80s. But the comparisons don’t stop there. “Madison actually reminds me of her aunt, Terri Parker - just a young, non-wavering, growing Christian,” says Wendy Puryear. “Madison is very attentive, disciplined, and focused. When she sets her mind to something, she sticks to it and work to achieve.” On another family note, Madison Puryear’s cousin is Spencer Clark, a former Ware County High standout who starred on the gridiron for Wheaton College (Illinois) and was ITG’s Academic Athlete in October 2010.
Pierce County Middle School
“When Spencer comes home during the summer, my sister and I play him two-on-one in basketball,” says Puryear with a laugh. “But Spencer usually wins.” Puryear kicked off the school year by leading PCMS to its fourthstraight conference championship in cross country. She placed first at every meet and established a personal best of 9:36.00. She was subsequently named the team’s Best Runner. “One thing that sticks out to me is an act of kindness Madison and her teammates did at an early-season meet,” says Denise Brown, Puryear’s cross country coach. “As they saw one of their opponents with special needs struggling to finish the race, they made their way across the field and ran with her and encouraged her to finish. Madison is an encourager that extends past herself and her teammates.” Cross country is a means to end, explains Puryear. “It helps me stay May 2015
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in shape when basketball and soccer come around so I’m not sucking wind,” she says. “Since Coach (Alvin) Thrift is the soccer coach and cross country coach, I guess I will run when I get to the high school; also, because my sister runs.” Meanwhile, Puryear discovers pure joy when competing on the hardwood, where she won the Coach’s Award for PCMS this season. “You could tell it was a little different when she wasn’t out there,” says Brown, Puryear’s hoops coach. “She’s so aggressive and sometimes she would get into foul trouble, but that’s just her competitiveness.” “All my basketball teammates are good, close friends,” Puryear says. “Plus I know that Mama played it. I just love it.” That passion, though, leads to high tension when the sisters play each other. “It’s really competitive and we get frustrated easily,” Puryear says. “The boxing out gets frustrating when it’s your chance to get the ball and you don’t. Plus, Mary Courtney is taller than me.” According to her dad, the sibling rivalry is very real. “On the soccer field, Madison has a desire to hang with Mary Courtney and what she is doing,” he says. “Mary Courtney is quieter for sure, but definitely athletic and very competitive.” A foot injury kept the younger Puryear sister hobbled part of this soccer season. However, she still averaged three goals per game, with a high of five against Ware County. Upon returning from physical therapy, she scored four more goals over the final three games. “Someone who has never seen Madison play is truly missing the definition of an athlete,” says Grace Jeffords, the soccer coach at PCMS. “Madison has the speed, agility, and intelligence to move a ball downfield, going in and out of each defensive player with complete control. She sees the field in a way most middle school players, even many high school players, simply can’t. Before she makes a play, she’s already two steps ahead.” That’s because Puryear has worked at soccer on a most extreme learning curves. Since her sister was signed up for a U-18 team, her parents decided to sign up their 13-year old for the same team. Puryear says the experience has helped immeasurably. “Soccer is my favorite, mainly because I put more time into it,” she says. “I know it helped my confidence, being able to play with 18-year olds, being able to dribble and not getting rid of the ball right away.” Some of Puryear’s fondest sports memories have happened on the pitch, including the conference championship this season. “Anna Claire Long and I were both forwards, and in our semifinal game, we were making triangles to get to the 18 (yard box),” Puryear says. “Then I went around somebody, took it to the corner, and shot what was the only goal of the game.” Puryear, who her father describes as a “scholarly child,” is a member of Beta Club and Student Council. Everyone quickly notes her Christian faith as her cornerstone. A member of the FCA leadership team, she is slated to make two mission trips this summer through First Baptist Church of Blackshear. “I’m going to California and to a camp with my youth group at Brewton-Parker College,” Puryear says. “In California, we’re going to have prayer walks and block parties. That will draw attention where people can come and we can share God.” Such off-field endeavors have earned endorsements for Puryear as much as her on-field ones. “What a perfect way to sum up why Madison is who she is and why she acts the way she does,” notes Brown. “She displays a Christ-like attitude day in and day out, which makes it fitting that she will receive the FCA Female Student of the Year Award.” Adds Puryear, “I know I wouldn’t be in this position without God and him giving me the ability to be an athlete, and my family for taking me to and from practices and games and for encouraging me.” ITG
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“Someone who has never seen Madison play is truly missing the definition of an athlete. Madison has the speed, agility, and intelligence to move a ball downfield, going in and out of each defensive player with complete control. She sees the field in a way most middle school players, even many high school players, simply can’t. Before she makes a play, she’s already two steps ahead.” Grace Jeffords, Pierce County Middle School Soccer Coach Inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
At the close of The Players Championship, it was said that one of the highlights of the tournament was how the youth were involved. Chances are they were talking about the group of 183 Southeast Georgia students lucky enough to go to the tournament free of charge courtesy of Mike Wilson, a part-time golfer from Waycross with a heart for helping kids and playing golf.
LOCAL STUDENTS ATTEND
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP by Rob Asbell
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partner at Wilson Insurance in Waycross, he contributes his own time, effort and money to make sure everyone is safe and has an experience they will never forget. “Many of these kids might never have been able to see the tournament in person,” Wilson said. “Maybe it will be inspirational to these kids.” The group went to the Wednesday practice round the day before the tournament kicked off. The top golfers in the world played with fewer spectators than usual, which gave the students a chance to see them up close. They gathered in their buses in Folkston and rode in as a group to the Sawgrass Country Club, south of Jacksonville. “The kids’ eyes were wide open. This is an international event, not just a golf tournament,” Wilson said. This year, students from seven counties attended the tournament: Brantley, Pierce, Bacon, and Ware, along with Wayne, Jeff Davis, and Appling, who were new to the trip. Fred Henry Windham, a freshman at Ware County High School in Waycross, was part of the group that went to the tournament courtesy of Wilson. “I got to see Rory McElroy,” Windham said. “He’s my favorite player. I got to see one of my idols.” Windham was able to collect autographs from Sergio Garcia, Sea Island’s own Zach Johnson, and others. “We were able to go on the range and see the big players warm up,” he said. “We saw them practice putting. As far as golf goes, it was a phenomenal experience. TV only shows them playing from far away. Seeing them play up close was amazing.” Just a few nights before, Wilson was buying sports drinks and cookies to have in case anyone needed them. Fortunately, all went well, and everyone stayed healthy. This year’s number nearly doubled last year’s group of 100, but it was still all wide grins, “ohhh’s” and “ahh’s” as the collection of middle school
“Being able to get close to the professional golfers that you see on television every weekend is a unique experience that kids will surely remember for a long time. Mr. Wilson did a fantastic job of planning the visit and providing this opportunity for the golf teams in the area.” Dr. Greg Jacobs, Brantley County Schools Superintendent and high school students and their chaperones entered the stadium course. Once they passed through security, the students and chaperones went to every corner of the golf course. “They were looking for Jordan (Spieth) and Rickie (Fowler),” Wilson said. For years, Wilson had tried to get the PGA’s 1st Tee program into local elementary schools. The 1st Tee is a youth program that teaches golf, along with life lessons, to help set goals, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively. “We attended a presentation on the 1st Tee and agreed to participate when funding became available for the materials; two of our elementary schools have received 1st Tee equipment this year,” Dr. Jacobs said.
The 1st Tee has 9 million alumni in over 7,000 elementary schools. Wilson has been working for years to get the program into elementary schools in Southeast Georgia. In doing so, he has built a network within the golf community. When he found out that he could receive up to 200 tickets to the tournament, Wilson immediately got on the phone with every superintendent, principal, and golf coach he could find. He commended the school boards for approving the trip for their respective student groups which, for the second straight year, was successful in introducing more student-athletes to the sport of golf. “I’m just giving back what somebody once gave me,” Wilson said. “It’s all about these kids.” ITG
May 2015
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Annual FCA Event Features Words of Wisdom from Legendary Coach Reeves
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by John DuPont photography by Shawn Smoak
thletes, coaches, and supporters gathered in Waycross on April 30 for a festive evening at the annual Okefenokee Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fundraising Banquet. The event, presented by Georgia Physicians South at the Waycross City Auditorium, featured testimony, fellowship, and God’s Word. Georgia native and NFL legend Dan Reeves was the keynote speaker, sharing his experiences as a professional player and coach. Reeves enjoyed a career that saw nine trips to the Super Bowl, more than anyone else in history. He also spoke at length about his personal walk with God. “I had a drug problem growing up. My brother and sisters and I were drug to Sunday school and drug to church,” quipped Reeves to a crowd of hundreds. “But I was at an Easter sunrise service once and thought about how I was lucky to have parents that loved me.” Emcee Clay Thomas interviewed local FCA members who shared how the organization has shaped their lives: Brandon Foster, a student/athlete at Ware County High School, Releeta Davis, an Okefenokee FCA Board member and parent of Brantley County student/athletes, and Mike Stone, the FCA chaplain to the Pierce County High School football team. “It was a great night of celebrating the many blessings God has given through the ministry of FCA,” said area director Toby Crews. “We were all inspired by Coach Reeves and his testimony of unwavering faith and his support of Okefenokee FCA.” Reeves was a standout running back at Americus High School before going on to star at the University of South Carolina. In eight NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, he tallied over 3,700 all-purpose yards and scored 42 touchdowns. He participated in two Super Bowls as a player, three more as an assistant coach, and four as a head coach. In 23 seasons as a head coach with the Broncos, Giants and Falcons, Reeves amassed a record of 201-174-2. He attributed many of his life lessons to longtime Dallas head coach and espoused Christian, Tom Landry. “Coach Landry was part of the FCA when it started,” noted Reeves. “When I took the job in Denver, Coach Landry gave me two pieces
of advice. He said, ‘Be yourself and always tell the truth.’ That was great advice, and I used that throughout my career.” Reeves credits Landry for a career-changing opportunity that came at a very low point. The running back injured his knee in a 1968 game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Afterward, he lost his job as a starter, and Landry offered him an opportunity to become a player/coach. “I wasn’t saying ‘Thank you, Lord. This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.’ But it really was,” recalled Reeves. “When Coach Landry asked if I wanted to be a player/coach, I thought, ‘I never heard of a coach getting cut, so I’ve got two chances here.’” Reeves served the Cowboys in a dual position until 1972 and helped revolutionize the role of a strength and conditioning coach. He also gained perspective and grew in his Christian faith after visiting troops in Vietnam. “I was really feeling sorry for myself, like ‘Why did this happen to me, Lord?’” said Reeves. “We went to hospitals and saw men with their arms missing, their eyes missing, and they were just happy to be going home. And here I was feeling sorry for myself. I told my wife, ‘If you ever see me feeling sorry for myself again, kick me.’” Reeves also cited the courage and bravery of his friend, Clebe McClary, a decorated Marine who enlisted after watching someone burn an American flag. McClary lost an arm, as well as the use of an eye and one of his hands, after being attacked by a suicide squad. Reeves used McClary’s story to inspire others to give. “When he was in the hospital, some of the men brought Clebe a plaque with the words that had been on the front of his hooch in Vietnam. It said, ‘In this world of give and take, there aren’t enough people willing to give.’” Many who spoke at the banquet attested to their status as “Home Team” members, including State Representative (District 178) Chad Nimmer, who delivered the closing prayer. A Home Team Member is one who donates a minimum of $20 or more a month to Okefenokee FCA. “FCA is thankful beyond words for the support of the businesses and individuals that allow this ministry to be a possibility,” said Crews.
Keynote speaker, Dan Reeves
FCA Area Director Toby Crews
For more information about how you can support FCA in Brantley, Pierce, and Ware counties, please contact Area Director Toby Crews at (912) 281-9510, tcrews@fca.org, or www.okefca.org. May 2015
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Bacon County High School Alma, Ga.
Baseball Takes Number Two Seed by Rob Asbell photography by Andrea Heflin
The Bacon County baseball team claimed the number two seed in Region 2-AA and continued a strong run into April being ranked as high as number five in the state’s poll of GHSA Class AA teams. After falling to the Jeff Davis County Yellow Jackets late in April, Derek James’s Raiders bounced back to beat the Benedictine Cadets 6-5. Bacon County is being led offensively by freshman Jacob Holton, who is batting .421 with 27 runs batted in. He is followed by sophomore Klein Nipper, who is hitting .351 with 28 RBIs. On the mound, the Raiders are led by Tyler Altman, who has a record of 9-3 with two saves and a 1.5 earned run average. Junior Dalton Spires is also doing well, with a 6-0 record and a .568 ERA. The Raiders defeated Long County by a single run in their region matchup and then fell to Treutlen County. The Raiders then went on a four-game shutout sweep of the Vidalia Indians, McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers, and Groves Rebels. They lost a region contest to the Jeff Davis County Yellow Jackets and then downed Benedictine 6-5 before defeating the Bryan County Redskins for the number two seed going into the playoffs. Defensively, the Raiders continue to do well with Dalton Youmans in left field, Aniscio Washington in center field, and Lane Foster, Ryan Taylor and Jacob Holton taking turns in right field. At 20-4, the Red Raiders doubled last season’s win total and will start the playoffs at home against the Thomasville High School Bulldogs. Among other teams in the state’s top-10 from Region 2-AA are defending state champion Benedictine Cadets at number three and Jeff Davis County at number eight.
Track Qualifiers for Sectionals The Bacon County Track and Field team took part in the Region 2-AA Tournament in April. Drell Green did well for the Raiders, winning the long jump with a leap of 21’07” and the triple jump at 43’05”. Katron Folsom won the high jump at 5’10” and finished third in the 100-meters with a time of 11.16. Luis Cruz finished fourth in the 3,200-meters, and Jay Jackson finished fourth in the discus. All have qualified for sectionals scheduled for April 27 at Lamar County High School.
May 2015
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Most Improved Player sponsored by:
Kollin Greene 42 42
Camden County High School
Inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
Wildcat Closer Reaps What He Sows by Rob Asbell photography by Jeffrey Griffith
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here is no great hidden secret as to how Camden County High School’s Kollin Greene has improved to be one of the top closing pitchers in Southeast Georgia. It was all hard work. In the weight room, on the diamond, and even in the offseason. “Me getting bigger and stronger is the real reason I am where I am today,” Greene says. Greene’s physical growth and improvements as a baseball player have been tremendous. He went from a 5’10” pitcher with a 77-mile-an-hour fastball to a 6’2” first baseman and closer who lights up the radar gun at 88 mph. “It’s one of the biggest jumps I have witnessed with a pitcher in almost 20 years of coaching,” says Camden County Baseball Coach Jay Lasley. The Wildcat senior has spent three to four years in the weight room and working to improve the velocity of his pitches. Greene combined a strong work ethic and consistent approach to his craft with a well timed, four-inch growth spurt between his junior and senior years to become a dominating high school pitcher. Camden’s offseason velocity program for pitchers is a hardcore workout that has helped add three to four miles per hour on their pitches. “Kollin has rocketed past that with the hard work and velocity jumps he has made this season,” Coach Lasley says. “I can see him in two years at the next level being a guy who throws 90 miles an hour as his body continues to mature.” Greene was raised around the game of baseball; because he had an older brother who played, Greene was always going to practices. He had a ball and glove when he was two years old and started playing T-ball at five. “I never looked back from there. I always have and always will love the game.” His first big play came when he closed a game against the Ware County Gators by striking out six batters in the final two innings to win the sub-region title. But the highlight of this season may have been the no-hitter he was part of with teammate
Jackson Cullen. The two combined for a no-no against the Brunswick Pirates, with Green tossing the final two innings and ringing up three strikeouts. This season, Greene has become the closer out of the bullpen, ensuring one and two run advantages stay in place. “We know if we can get a lead, and hand him the baseball in the sixth or seventh (inning), that the game is over,” Coach Lasley says. This season, he has come in and pitched the Wildcats out of some tight jams and closed down some really big games with only a one-run lead. In just under 29 innings pitched, Greene has 48 strikeouts and an earned run average of 1.95. Opposing batters are hitting a combined .094 against him. But baseball isn’t all about pitching. Greene also plays first base and hits for the Cats. He has been valuable with his glove by saving runs at first base. “Our other infielders know that if they can get to the ball and make a decent throw, Kollin will find a way to finish the play with a dirt pick or big stretch,” Coach Lasley says. Greene was a non-hitting pitcher last season, so he has had to reacclimate himself to hitting once again. He has done well, becoming a strong part of the middle of the batting order. “He jokingly likes to give me a hard time and remind me that I didn’t let him hit last season,” Coach Lasley says. “I jokingly remind him he was four inches shorter and couldn’t jump over a phone book.” The Camden County High School student-athlete holds a 3.75 grade point average in the classroom and plans to major in business administration in college. He is unsure where he will go next year but knows he would like to play baseball in college. Coach Lasley, who has known Greene since he was in elementary school, has enjoyed watching him have a stellar season after working so hard. “Kollin is a great example to younger players that you have to keep working hard because you will ‘reap what you sow’ in baseball and in life,” Coach Lasley says. ITG
Wayne County High School Jesup, Ga.
by John Wood photography by Jeffrey Griffith
Wayne County is in the top ten, and while it’s been nice to win a third Region 3-AAAA championship, Yellow Jackets head baseball coach Justin McDonald is only focused on one team: Eastside High School. Eastside is out of Covington, Georgia, and the 12-3 Eagles are Wayne’s first round opponent in the AAAA state playoffs. Though the Yellow Jackets have been known to have a strong batting order from top to bottom, this year has been particularly pitching rich for Wayne County. Led by senior J.D. Paul, who is a Georgia Southern signee, and arguably one of the best high school pitchers in the state, Wayne has held a lot of team’s offense at bay. “Pitching has been outstanding,” McDonald said. “Again, Coach Mullis does an outstanding job with those guys each year, and this season is no different. Paul, Phillips, Townsend, Mainor, Ruff, Parker, and Reddish have carried the load this season.” Burke handed Wayne its only region loss, but new region 3-AAAA member, Thomson, took the Yellow Jackets to the wire in a doubleheader in Jesup in April. “Thomson High School has an outstanding
baseball program and team,” McDonald said. “It was a tough series that we had with those guys.” McDonald knows that the pitching has been good, even great at times, but since the Yellow Jackets do not have a lineup of power hitters, they need to make good choices at the plate, and that is one area that he has seen a pleasant difference. “Coming into the season, we were focused on becoming a better team offensively, and we have done that,” McDonald said. “We still have work to do and room to improve, but we have improved tremendously.” Eastside will bring offense with them in the first round of the Class AAAA playoffs. The Eagles have scored 225 runs this season, while giving up only 79. Most of Eastside’s victories were double-digit wins. “We try to take it one series at a time; our motto is win and advance. So we are focused on Eastside High School, and Eastside High School only,” McDonald said. Just as with the first region title that he won three years ago, McDonald knows that the coaching staff and commitment of his team is
one of the biggest assets the Yellow Jackets possess as they head into the playoffs. “I have a great coaching staff that I believe will prepare our players each and every series to be successful,” McDonald said. “They do an outstanding job of putting kids in the right situations to be successful. Our pitching is our strength going in but we understand that we are going to have to be successful offensively to continue to play.” Going forward into the opening series with Eastside, McDonald wants the Yellow Jackets to be consistent, not just on the mound and field like they normally are, but at the plate, were they have struggled despite improvement. “The only concern I have is being consistent offensively in each series to give us the opportunity to win,” McDonald said. “I have full confidence that we can; we just have to have the right approach and put it to use. Class AAAA is full of great teams, but Eastside is the only team on our minds right now.”
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Inthegamemagazine.com
May 2015
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