HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
®
In This Issue:
South Georgia
14
March 2015
12 Trojans to Seminoles Coffee County High School
Cole Minshew & Jalen Wilkerson
Conley Wilhelm
14 Junior Triathlete
CONTENTS
Thomas County Central High School
18 Support + Rivalry
12
18
The Cumbass Siblings Coffee County High School
24 Facts & Figures
Robert Shipman Valwood School
34 A Dodger’s Son
Hunter Bramlett
Coffee County High School
38 Injury to Inspiration
Ricarsha Johnson Thomasville High School
42 LHS Baseball Tradition Head Coach Rusty Beale
24
47 Desire Has No Schedule
Logan Goff
Lee County Middle School
Also Inside 2015 ITG Golf Tournament Preview The Mental Side of Golf: Why the Game Scares the Life Out of Me
08 11
Colquitt County High Signing Day 2015
16
Recruitment: Looking Past the Numbers
23
Workouts to Get You Outside
27
Thomas County Central Track
29
38
Bryana Scott & Erica Edwards
ITG’s Critic Corner: Powerbeats Wireless 31 2
4
Your Plan of Attack After a Hack
41
Cook County High School
45
Irwin County High School
51
So, What Can We Take from Another National Signing Day?
53
Valdosta High Signing Day 2015
54
42
34 Read. Subscribe. Share.
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www.inthegamemagazine.com
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
®
South Georgia
March 2015
From the Publisher As I sit here and write this letter, the sky is gray, the grass is brown, and the trees are still largely bare. It doesn’t seem like March at all. But by the time this edition makes its way into your hands, the landscape will be changing, we will have likely closed out all the indoor sports, and we’ll be spending the rest of the school year – which isn’t much at all – outdoors enjoying what may be the busiest time of the year for athletics. We have thousands of kids trekking across the area and beyond playing baseball, golf, tennis, soccer, and running track. Most of the basketball teams will be done; by late February and into the first week of March, only a few teams in each classification will be left. Will we have any teams still playing that late? I certainly hope so.
Publisher Mark Dykes
Editors Mark Dykes Sarah Turner
Graphics Sarah Turner
Cover Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography
Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Alan Cortez Sarah Turner
Feature Writers Robert Preston, Jr. Jon Nelson James Washington
Copy Editor James Washington
Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Mike McGuire mike@inthegamemagazine.com Rachel Thrasher rachel@inthegamemagazine.com
Website Manager Sarah Turner
Speaking of how many teams and kids we’ll have traveling this spring, I wonder how many miles our school systems log during this time of the year. It has to be astronomical. Our kids criss-cross the state on almost a daily basis, heading somewhere to play a game, match, or meet. No matter what you do in a given day, getting in an automobile of any kind is probably the most dangerous. And our schools do a tremendous job of making sure their equipment is reliable and the drivers are well trained and rested. In the past, coaches used to teach all day, drive the bus to games, coach the game, then drive back home. Those days are about over. Our kids are in very capable hands when on buses, and the bus drivers deserve recognition for getting our teams to and from games safely.
Contributors
Robert Preston, Jr.,
Features & Commentary
Sarah Turner Editor
As always, this edition features some incredibly talented student-athletes. It may, however, be more impressive from an academic standpoint. Several of the athletes in the March edition rank at the top of their class and spend more time doing schoolwork than they do playing their respective sports. The Cumbass siblings from Coffee High School in Douglas come immediately to mind. In a special feature this month, Kelsey is a cheerleader and is in position to be the Class of 2015’s salutatorian. Her brother, who is 15 months younger than she is, also is on pace to be an honor graduate and ranks among the better tennis players in Coffee’s region. Ricarsha Johnson, also a superb student, is involved in a number of activities outside of athletics. She stays busy with several clubs at Thomasville High School, she’s Homecoming Queen, and she works with 3-5 year olds at the YMCA. She also finds time to lead the Lady Bulldogs after recovering from a torn ACL. Our other features include a triathlete from Thomas County Central High School (Conley Wilhelm), who also plays several other sports and is one of the area’s top wrestlers; Rusty Beale, Lowndes High’s new head baseball coach; Hunter Bramlett, Coffee High’s catcher; a pair of state championship contenders on Thomas County Central’s track team (Bryana Scott and Erica Edwards); and a conversation with Robert Shipman, Valwood’s head baseball coach. It’s a great time to follow high school athletics in our area, and we hope you enjoy this edition.
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
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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.
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itg
places to be
Where: Kinderlou Forest
When: May 16th
Sponsored by: Farmers and Merchants Bank
8
In the Game
Golf Tournament
9
The Mental Side of Golf Why the Game Scares the Life Out of Me... by Robert Preston, Jr.
T
he approach of spring brings to mind two things: Baseball and golf. Which is interesting, because I play neither. Of course, at my age, opportunities to play baseball do not exist. Should I decide to step onto a diamond, it would be softball, and I gave that up years ago. I could, however, play golf if I wanted to. Sometimes I do. Most of the time, I do not. And it’s because I’m
putting, practicing my short game. And I never got good. Several reasons exist why I have never attained the golfing heights of my family members, not the least of which is my lack of mental fortitude when it comes to the game. From a physical standpoint, golf isn’t particularly easy to master. Golf appears simple, but it is one of the more complex skills in sports to develop. Everything, from a golfer’s feet to his legs, torso, arms, and head, must be in synch with each other. Each body plays a vital role in the movement of the swing. As complicated as the swing is, it can be mastered with repetition and attention to detail. The mental side of golf, however, is a different beast altogether. What golf lacks in physical exertion and athletic ability, it more than makes up in terms of mental strength. And that is where I have always fallen short. Nothing is more nerve-wracking to me than playing golf. It is one sport in which I never feel in control. From the time I step onto a course until the time I step off, I feel like I am a prisoner to my swing. If it likes me one day, I may shoot a decent score. For me, that would be in the mid-40s; I almost never play more than nine holes because, quite honestly, that’s about all I can stand at one time. If my swing doesn’t like me on a given day, there’s nothing I can do but follow where it takes me
seen plenty of golfers with beautiful swings who could hit the ball long and straight but could not play the course. They were never able to adapt their game to the variations and conditions a given course threw at them. As for me, I have never gotten enough of a handle on the swing to begin to worry much about managing the course. I wish that was a factor for me, but it isn’t. I’m too busy just trying not to miss a stationary ball when I get on the course. So what is the purpose of this meandering discussion of golf? Right now, golfers throughout the region are getting back on the course after a few months of reduced playing time. They are stepping out with dreams of tournament wins, low medalist honors, and region championships. I admire them greatly. We have some tremendous golfers in our area, and I am impressed beyond words at the time and effort they put into the game. I am equally impressed at the mental strength they possess to make adjustments during a round, how they handle the pressure of a close match, and how they remain focused with all the distractions going on around them. In many ways, golf has always intimidated me, and maybe that’s why I have never enjoyed the game like the rest of my family. To those who aren’t intimidated, I tip my hat to you. And here’s to a great 2015 golf season. ITG
In many ways, golf has always intimidated me, and maybe that’s why I have never enjoyed the game like the rest of my family. To those who aren’t intimidated, I tip my hat to you. And here’s to a great 2015 golf season! terrible at it. I ought to be good at golf. I come from a family of golfers. My grandfather and my uncle were solid golfers, low single-digit handicappers who excelled on the local scene in my community. My dad was also an above average golfer with several sub-70 rounds to his credit. He was also a member of Mercer’s golf team in college. Me, I’m the black sheep of my golfing family. It’s not that my dad didn’t try. Quite the contrary, he spent thousands of dollars on golf lessons for me. (That ought to tell you something – if I had been a good golfer, it would have been hundreds of thousands of dollars of lessons.) For many of my formative years, I was on the golf course, hitting balls,
– which is usually from out of bounds to the sand traps, with a few layovers in nearby water hazards. I have never felt as though I could make adjustments when my swing wasn’t working. If I start bad, I finish bad. If I start playing well, I still usually finish bad. It is an evil, diabolical cycle that I subject myself to several times per year. Then of course there is course management. The mental component of the game goes beyond the swing itself; course management is another mental skill that can destroy an otherwise mechanically gifted golfer. I have
Did you know?
The majority of high performing sports fields in the warmer climates of the world are planted, or have been planted with grasses developed in Tifton, Ga. since the 1960s. 11
The Coffee Trojans’ Cole Minshew (OL) and Jalen Wilkerson (TE) signed letters of intent to play football for the Florida ning Day. It was no secret State University Seminoles on National Sig inoles; both committed that the two players would be future Sem r more years together early and are looking forward to playing fou roughout the recruiting at one of the nation’s top programs. Th and they’ve generated process, they have remained true to FS U ntions. tremendous buzz since announcing their inte ITG
ITG: Who is your biggest role model? JW: My mom. She showed me that as long as I put my mind to something, I can do anything. ITG: Why did you choose FSU? JW: I bonded well with the people in the prgram. ITG: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Jalen Wilkerson 6’4” 240 lbs.
JW: Graduated with my first degree and playing in the NFL.
W
ilkerson (6’4”, 230) was a playmaker on both sides of the ball for the Trojans. He was a force at defensive end and one of the featured weapons in Coffee’s offensive attack. The sure-handed Wilkerson has the size, strength, and frame to play either offense or defense; the Seminoles, however, plan to keep him at tight end.
TE
2015 19966 200 20033 2012 2014 2015 2012 2014 199 Born on December 21st
12
First started playing football
First year on Varsity “When I started playing with the big boys.”
Verbally committed to FSU on May 30th
Officially signed with FSU on February 4th
ON THE COVER
COLE’S SEASON PREP SCHEDULE
Cole Minshew 6’4” 350 lbs.
M
OL
inshew is a big, strong and, of course, win a national kid, who at 6’6”, 345, championship. After graduation, he owns the offensive line. plans to play on Sundays. He has a great attitude, works tirelessly, and is absolutely fearless. He chose FSU because it was close to home and he meshed well with the coaches and players. His hopes are to graduate with a degree in sports management
Monday
Bench press + two mile run
Tuesday
Full body workout including squats and powerclings
Wednesday
Footwork drills + two mile run
Thursday
Inclined bench press + two mile run
Friday
Footwork drills + two mile run
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Triathlons
14
Football XC
wrestling track soccer
QA by Robert Preston, Jr.
Conley Wilhelm photography by Micki K Photography
Conley Wilhelm, a junior at Thomas County Central High School, is one of about 500,000 triathletes in the United States. Somehow, some way, he finds time to swim, bike, and run while he is also working on the other five sports he plays at Thomas County Central. He spends nearly every day of the year doing something. During the school year, he plays football, runs cross country, wrestles, runs track, and plays soccer. When school is out, he’s in the pool, on his bike, or running. It can be an unforgiving schedule, but it is one to which he has adapted well. There is tremendous carry-over in fitness among the sports he enjoys, and he has turned himself into the most well-rounded studentathletes in the area. ITG distance races vary; basically, it is anything shorter than an Olympic. Most of the time, sprints are something close to a .25-mile swim/12-mile bike/3.1mile run.] How much time do you spend per week training? It depends. I don’t do a whole lot of training now. I’m always playing other sports at school. I just get workouts in whenever I can. I try to run one morning for 30-40 minutes. I’ll swim one morning for the same amount of time. Some weeks I’m able to get on my bike. How many triathlons do you race per year? When did you start doing triathlons? I began when I was in the seventh grade. I’m the oldest of three children, and all of us, including my mom and dad, do triathlons. Your schedule is pretty brutal. Why do you continue to do triathlons? I love the atmosphere before and after races, and I love the competition.
What distances do you race?
Probably three or four.
I’ve done youth races, sprint distance races, and Olympic distance races. I have a Half Ironman coming up in 2016. I’m not sure whether I will do the one in Augusta or Miami, but it will be one of those. [Note: The youth distances are a 200-yard swim/ four-mile bike/one-mile run. Olympic distance races are 1.5kilometer swim/40-kilometer bike/10-kilometer run. A Half Ironman is a 1.2-mile swim/56mile bike/13.1-mile run. Sprint
Where do you place in your age group? I won first in my age group in the youth triathlons. In most of the sprints I do, I’m first. In the Olympic-distance race, I was second. What’s the longest workout you’ve done? I ran a half marathon once in 1:42. My longest bike ride is 63
miles. I don’t remember how long that took me. My longest swim was in the Olympic-distance race. Does your triathlon conditioning carry over into your other sports? I like to think of it the other way around, that my conditioning in other sports carries over to triathlon. I spend more time on them than I do on triathlon training. How do you manage your time among school and the various sports you play? A lot of cross-training. I just have to find an open weekend when we aren’t playing or having a track meet so I can get in a triathlon. Which of the other sports is your strongest? Wrestling. I’d love to wrestle in college. Right now, I’m 29-3 in the 126-pound class. Last year, I was second in the region, fourth in sectionals, and top 10 in the state in the 113-pound class. This year, I was third in the region, and now I’m getting ready for sectionals. 15
Signing Day 2015 - Moultrie, Georgia Moultrie, Georgia
Signing Day 2015 - Moultrie, Ge
Unity is strength... When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.
I
t was no mystery that Moultrie’s 2014 football team had something special. With a perfect 15-0 season, they were undeniable. However, an honor that is just as, if not even greater, is that every starting
2
senior from the 2014 season will have the chance to continue their athletic career at the next level. Fourteen Colquitt County Packers signed their letter of intent on National Signing Day, February 2, 2015.
Wins Losses fourteen Packers are going on to finish up some business at the collegiate level
ITG
Packers sign to play in the SEC
16
Sihiem King - University of Kentucky & T.J. Smith - University of Arkansas
eorgia
Signing Day 2015 -
three Packers will head to Titletown to play for David Dean at
Valdosta State University Sihiem King University of Kentucky
Ricky Dunbar Valdosta State University
Will Matney Samford University
Alfred Brown Samford University
T.J. Smith University of Arkansas
Micah Edwards Huntingdon College
Tomarcio Reese Valdosta State University
Javonta Woods Samford University
Damion Adams Albany State University
Marquan Greene Georgia State University
Taif Smith Albany State University
Bull Barge University of South Alabama
Quintin Hampton University of Central Florida
Alex Williams Valdosta State University
T
here is little sibling rivalry between the Cumbass kids. They get along well with each other and they look to each other for help and inspiration. For example, Kanler is president of his class, and he says he wouldn’t have run for class president if Kelsey hadn’t been vice president. “I just copied her,” he laughs. They have also inspired and impressed their family. “They put in a ton of hours per week studying and practicing. They support each other and influence each other. I’m blessed to have kids who are so involved with everything,” says Kristy. Billy echoes her thoughts. “Whatever they put their mind to, they achieve.”
Two of Coffee High’s Best and Brightest On and Off the Field by Robert Preston, Jr.
As I was sitting at my computer attempting to write this feature, I honestly didn’t know where to begin. I flipped back and forth through my notes, reviewed emails, closed my eyes, tried to come up with every angle I could to get started. I just drew a blank. It’s not that there wasn’t enough material. Quite the contrary – in fact, there may have been too much material. Kelsey and Kanler Cumbass, the children of Billy and Kristy Moxley, and Shane and Mandy Cumbass, are two student-athletes who are very familiar to me. My wife, Heather, and their mother, Kristy Moxley, went to school together. Heather, a teacher in the Coffee County School System, taught Kelsey not once but twice (second and fourth grades; she missed teaching Kanler, though the two are just 15 months apart). 18
photography by Micki K Photography
Our family had posed for family photos in front of Kristy’s camera on more than one occasion. Our families knew each other fairly well. And yet I couldn’t get started. It’s a shame, really. I’ve interviewed siblings before, but I’m not sure that I’ve ever interviewed siblings with kind of resume that Cumbass kids have built. Kelsey, a senior, is the oldest. From the time she entered school, she was a very focused and driven little girl. “When she was in kindergarten, she said she wanted to be valedictorian,” recalls Kristy. Kelsey doesn’t remember why she was so focused at such a young age. She only says that she always felt as though she should do her best at everything she attempted, and that included school. “It was something I was good at. I wanted to be the best. School was my place,” said Kelsey. My wife remembers teaching Kelsey those two years. “I’ve never had a student like her before. She wanted to get every-
THE
Cumbass Siblings 19
thing – and I mean everything – right. If she didn’t know a math problem, she would get fixated on that problem until she figured it out. She wouldn’t skip it or move on. She was one of the smartest students I’ve ever taught,” says Heather. Along with the grades came a few other things. Recognition. All the awards ceremonies at school. Hearing your name called out. Standing in front of your peers receiving certificates, awards, and trophies. Kelsey loved it. She was at home when she was the center of attention. “I loved the recognition of placing at the top of the class,” she says in a matter-of-fact manner. Kelsey isn’t boasting or puffing herself up; she’s simply stating a fact. She was an excellent student. She received dozens of awards each year. And she enjoyed it. Now, at the end of her high school career, she won’t be valedictorian. However, at the time of this writing, she is on pace to be salutatorian in a class that sports one of the highest overall grade point averages of any CHS class in recent memory. In fact, Kelsey’s GPA is higher than that of several past valedictorians. She has accumulated 367 community service hours, is a varsity cheerleader, a scholar athlete, class vice president, Student Council vice president, member of the National Honor Society, sits on the Junior Board of Directors for First National Bank of Coffee County, was on Homecom-
ing Court, is a 2015 recipient of the Georgia Certificate of Merit, and she is a member and recipient of about a gazillion other activities and awards. “I don’t know where she gets it from. I didn’t put myself out there like that growing up,” says Kristy. Kelsey certainly hasn’t been afraid of failure or taking risks. She likes things done the right way the first time. And in her mind, that often means that she would rather do things herself. “I like to be in control, and I want things done in an orderly fashion. I knew from the time I started middle school that I wanted to be at the top of my class,” she says. Through all of her activities, Kelsey found time to cheer. It was a sport that appealed to her at a young age. She wasn’t into traditional team sports – soccer, softball, swimming, running, and the like held little to no appeal to her. But cheering – standing on the sidelines, leading the crowd, dancing, being one of the centers of attention – was right up her alley. “I love the hype of cheering. It’s an adrenaline rush being on the field on Friday nights,” she says. All the things Kelsey enjoys can be found on the cheerleading squad – teamwork, communication, attention. Kelsey, who isn’t big as a minute, is one of the fliers, which means that several times per game, all eyes are on her as she flies through the air. “It gets scary up there sometimes,” she laughs.
How does she balance everything? “I have just accepted that there will be plenty of sleepless nights. You have to be patient and give up your free time,” she says. Kanler, a junior who is himself on track to graduate with honors, has made a name for himself more so in athletics. He started out playing soccer and was a pretty good young player. One day, though, he found a tennis racquet at home and started hitting balls against a pump house in the backyard. “He wanted to play tennis, but we really didn’t want him to. He was doing well with soccer. But he wouldn’t stop hitting tennis balls,” says Billy Moxley. Kanler would spend two or three hours per day outside, wearing out the side of the pump house and the grass around it. Billy and Kristy finally relented and gave him their blessings to pursue tennis. It’s not like they had much of a choice; he wouldn’t quit, and it didn’t take them long to realize they didn’t need to put off the inevitable. Now, Kanler is a two-time Georgia Recreation and Parks Association state champion (2013 and 2014), was a member of Coffee High’s region champion team last year, and could potentially play #1 singles this season. Kanler closed out the region title for the Trojans in 2014. He was the third player to win that day, defeating a player from Lowndes to whom Kanler typically did not beat. “He always won when we played,” recalls Kanler.
“But I was able to finally beat him and close out the championship.” The 2014 season was big for Kanler. He had played a number of USTA tournaments (and winning a few doubles tourneys along the way) and summer events through the recreation department. But winning a region title in Region 1-6A was important. It gave him a true taste of competitive tennis and motivated him even more. “I learned I could win matches I wasn’t supposed to win. Against Colquitt, I played a match that lasted three and a half hours, and I won. I didn’t used to win matches like that,” he says. This year, the Trojans are in a new classification, but the goals remain the same: Win region, make a strong run through the state tournament, and earn an All-Region spot. “Last year, everyone on the team made AllRegion but me. I want to make it this year,” he says. Kanler’s ultimate goal is to play tennis in college. He’s had contact with a few colleges, but he still has a lot of tennis left to play before he has to make that decision. Still, he’s encouraged by the recognition he has received so far. “I have some schools I haven’t heard of send me information. They’re just checking in right now. I don’t have any offers. I hope those will come,” he says. ITG
recruitment
Looking Past the
When it comes to finding the best athlete
for your program,
some things just can’t be put into numbers.
numbers
It’s that time of year again; recruiting season is among us. For some, dreams are laid at the feet of major Division I programs who are salivating at the moment that a five-star athlete’s pen touches the dotted line on their letter of intent. For some, the road is a much different one; some athletes will continue their athletic careers as walk-ons, fighting for their position on their team of choice. A common idea behind the recruiting process is that numbers tell the story. Your so-called “best” players are the ones that are always at the top of the list at the end of the season
for total touchdowns, interceptions, or other numerical accomplishments. While these stats do play a major part, there is much more that goes into recruiting the next big name for your athletic program. In South Georgia, it is no secret that football is at the mountaintop. National Signing Day in the area revolves heavily around where the region’s top football players choose to continue their athletic and academic careers. With that being said, here are some key stats that are commonly misconceived when it comes to selecting a top recruit:
40-yard dash
Rushing Yards
Tackles/Sacks
Speed is huge at the next level. Any athlete knows that having an advantage in this area can be a tremendous help during competition. What makes this statistic deceiving is that the drill is typically conducted in running shoes and with no pads. Also, the drill is, as the name implies, a “dash” that is showcasing the athlete running in one direction for a short period of time. How well do they change direction? How easily can they control their speed when they need to suddenly stop?
Rushing yards can be deceiving because all levels of play are not the same. You may have a top recruit that rushed for 2,000 yards or more against smaller, weaker competition. On the other hand, you may have a player that is undersized, but was able to run for 1,500 yards against much larger defenders in his school’s region. Which one is more valuable? The key here is that numbers may not tell the whole story.
These two areas can be misleading because of the fact that the numbers are quite often collaborative. While a player may have set a team record in tackles or sacks, it could be very possible that these numbers were boosted with the assistance of teammates. Football is a team sport; no individual thrives alone. Was the defender the first one on the ball most often? Was he the last to arrive for a gang tackle? These are things to consider.
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Genesis Baseball Academy
Robert Shipman Facts & Figures by Robert Preston, Jr.
photography by Micki K Photography
T
hree years ago, after a long career coaching baseball at Brooks County High, Robert Shipman decided it was time to make a change. “I always said that when my youngest son, Eric, graduated, I wanted to move into a more baseball-oriented profession. He graduated in 2012 and it was time to move,” he recalls. Shipman didn’t go very far, just across the county line to Valwood School. There, along with Tiftarea baseball coach Brad Porter, he started Genesis Baseball Academy. Designed to develop young men both athletically and spiritually, Genesis is the product of a lifetime of baseball instruction and real world experience. “It’s something I have wanted to do all my life. I started at Doyle Baseball and I always wanted to do something similar,” he says. First at the prestigious Doyle academy as a player then later as a coach, he learned what it takes to develop players and showcase them to college and professional scouts. “I showcased my sons in baseball. There’s a whole system to getting your name out – practicing, improving each day, choosing a school, filling out paperwork. We
help with that as well helping players get better on the field,” says Shipman. Genesis will utilize facilities at Valwood School and Tiftarea Academy for its clinics, camps, and academies, all of which can be found at www.genesis-baseball.com In addition, Shipman is still coaching and teaching fulltime at Valwood. About to begin his third year with the Valiants, the team has improved steadily each season he’s been there. Shipman’s first year, Valwood went 5-13. Last year saw tremendous improvement; the Valiants went 15-9 and made it to the second round of the playoffs with 19 players. This season, Shipman is expecting 25-28 players, and he would like to go farther in the playoffs. “We’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then though,” he says. This year, Shipman will face his friend and partner, Brad Porter, on the field. It won’t be the first time the two friends have played each other. But now Valwood and Tiftarea are in the same region, and the games are going to count toward the postseason. “We’ve moved up, and now we’re playing for keeps,” laughs Shipman. ITG
22Twelve 2 he has coached in
Provinces in Canada he has coached in
24
4
How old current Valwood head football coach Ashley Henderson was when Shipman coached him in baseball. “I coached him on an all-star baseball team back then. He’s a football guy, but he has the heart of a baseball player,” says Coach Shipman.
ONE
States
Num has
13 y
10
mber of times Coach Shipman s had his name in USA Today.
2.5
Years his professional baseball career lasted with the Minnesota and Detroit organizations
years coaching
The round in which Coach Shipman was selected in the 1987 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers
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Get Fit! by James Washington
It’s official:
Spring has sprung. The birds are chirping, flowers are in bloom, and the smells of spring are in the air. With that in mind, there is no better time than now to take your exercise routines outdoors. The fresh air will work wonders for you, and it is hard to argue with the beauty of nature. The outdoors are all around you; you won’t have to wait for a machine or struggle to find a parking spot. An obvious setback to outdoor exercise is that accessing weights may be more difficult for most of us (if possible at all). We here at In the Game have a few ideas for ways to use nature to your advantage while getting in shape:
Uphill Sprints
Step Ups
These are exactly as the name implies. Find a decent-sized hill and run to the top as fast as you can. Afterwards, walk back to the bottom (which will serve as your rest time) and repeat. This will work wonders for your leg strength, as well as cardio.
Another exercise with a rather obvious name. For this to work, find a picnic table bench, a large rock, or some other type of staggered platform. Similar to step boxes in a gym, simply step up, one foot at a time, and step down the same way. The key is to keep your head and back straight through the process; this will get the most out of your legs, while helping with cardio as well.
Cycling Cycling can be done on stationary machines at the gym, but there are endless options when you take the exercise outdoors. Hills, valleys, and bumpy roads can help train your muscles, improving reaction time, focus, and cardio while also shaping and toning various muscles throughout the body.
Fitness
Get Up, Get Out, and
Outdoor
Sports
It should go without saying that any sport will improve your overall health and fitness. But when you add in the element of performing outdoors, the fresh air alone makes for an experience that is both healthy and exhilarating. Golf, Frisbee, swimming, volleyball, basketball, and baseball/softball are all excellent ideas to stay in shape when the weather is right.
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teammates , riends F meet k trac eye state
dwards are and Erica E ryana Scott . They get d off the field friends on an together. d enjoy playing along well an in basketteam leader “Bryana is our re everyShe makes su ball and track. to be and re they need one gets whe everybody,” encouraging she is always limentary of equally comp is tt o Sc s. d She knows says Edwar at teammate. re g a ’s he same mindEdwards: “S d we have the an e, at ic un m how to com d get better.” want to win an th o b e W t. se
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The state track meet is a long time off. As I’m writing this, it’s early February. The various region basketball tournaments are just around the corner. Basketball players and coaches are working on their game plans and match-ups in hopes of getting beyond region and into the state playoffs. Bryana Scott and Erica Edwards are friends and teammates on Thomas County Central’s basketball team. A small forward and shooting guard, respectively, the two would like to see a few games in the state tournament. At the same time, in the back of their minds, they are looking forward to another state-level competition. This one, the state track meet, is several months away and has a very different atmosphere and format. Both have finished among the top 10 in the state in their respective events and would like to be among the last standing at the state meet’s final day. Bryana Scott has been a member of the track team since her ninth-grade year. She became interested in track as a sixth grader. She joined her middle school team and competed primarily in running events – the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, and the 4x400 and 4x100 relays. When she reached high school, she thought she would again be running. “But I wanted to do something that I could compete by myself,” she recalls. Enter the discus. When she went out for the team in the ninth grade, she tried the discus. Scott discovered she was pretty good at it, and the discus became her primary event. It didn’t take long for the rest of the region to take notice. As a ninth-grader, Scott was region runner-up and finished seventh
in the state. The next two years she won region and ended up fifth in the state as a sophomore and third as a junior. Along the way, Scott broke the school record her 10th-grade year with a 124’3” toss. Last year, she extended the school record to 126’8”. This season, Scott has aggressive goals – throw 150’ and win region and state along the way. Last year, Scott added the shot put to her repertoire. “I just wanted to do another event. We were at practice one day, and I asked if I could join in a throw-off. I threw the shot put farther than most of the other girls,” she recalls. In her first year with the shot put, Scott placed third in the region with a 32’9”. At sectionals, she came in 10th with a 33’7.25”. It was a solid showing but not good enough to get to state. Her goal this year is to throw between 35 and 38 feet. If
she can do that, she can place at region, get through sectionals, and into the state meet. “To get to state, I’m probably going to have to throw at least 36 feet. It won’t be easy but I’m going to try my best to get to 36 and beyond,” she says. Erica Edwards has competed in several different running events but has made a name for herself in the high jump. She has topped 5’6” in practice, but her best in competition is 5’5”. Two years ago, Scott finished second in the region and advanced to the state meet. Last season, Scott won region, was top three in sectionals, and finished sixth in the state. “The adrenaline rush when you make progress and reach a new height is what keeps me competing. I’m really looking forward to this year,” she says. As well as Edwards has done, she knows that this year will be her most difficult yet. Getting back to state won’t be easy, and she’s going to have to work extremely hard to get there. She figures she will have to jump higher than 5’6” to make it happen. She knows she can do it; she’s just got to do it when the lights are on and it counts the most. “I’ve done it before, but I’ve got to work harder and get it done in a meet,” she says. At the time of this writing, the teammates were focused on basketball. When the season ends, they will take a week off and recover. Then it will time to begin track. Both would like to have a great season and finish their careers at Thomas County Central with a strong showing throughout the season and at the state meet. “We’ve got to finish up basketball. When that ends, we’ll be ready for track,” says Edwards. ITG
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as well. The interchangeable ear tips allow you to still hear ambient noise, but because of the loose fit, the buds may not feel as comfortable in your ear as they should. On the down side, however, the battery life could be a little better, which holds tremendous weight when it comes to the asking price (the Powerbeats2 Wireless earbuds sell for $199). 31 31
For every year of his baseball career except for one, Hunter has been a one-sport athlete. He hasn’t played anything but baseball – except for his freshman season. That year, he decided to give football a try. He enjoyed the sport, but he had always played baseball during the summer months, and summer football workouts cut into baseball. “I wanted to spend more time playing baseball. And I figured that it would be baseball, not football, that got me through college,” he says.
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Work Ethic, Upbeat Attitude
Define Coffee Catcher by Robert Preston, Jr.
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hen Hunter Bramlett, now an 18-year-old senior catcher for the Coffee Trojans, was a youngster, he should have been the best player on the field. His father, Jeff Bramlett, played four years in the Dodgers’ organization – he was in Great Falls, Montana, playing when Hunter was born in Cleveland, Tennessee – and was obviously a tremendous ballplayer. Hunter grew up in baseball stadiums and clubhouses. His first word was “ball,” followed by “Dad” and then “Mom.” Everything was in place for Hunter to follow in his father’s footsteps as an elite-level baseball player. Except for one thing – talent. As a kid, Hunter just wasn’t a very good player. “We had a travel team in Douglas called Team Xtreme,” recalls Jeff. “Hunter was the kid you put in right field and hoped nobody hit the ball to him. He loved the game. He wanted to play. But he just wasn’t very good. It was discouraging for me as a former pro ball player. Out of 10 players, he would have been 10th.” Team Xtreme’s catcher was Wyatt Miller, now a freshman offensive lineman at Central Florida who was featured in this same space last year. Wyatt
photography by Micki K Photography
began having trouble with his knees, so he came out from behind the plate. That left an opening at catcher. “One day at practice, we asked if anybody wanted to play catcher. Hunter said he wanted to try it out. I actually told him no and tried to discourage it. But he insisted,” says Jeff. Team Xtreme’s coaches gave Hunter the opportunity; at first, things didn’t go well. Hunter took his lumps behind the plate, but he refused to give up. He worked tirelessly at learning the position and the game. Before long, Hunter had become a pretty good catcher. Over the years, Hunter has only gotten better. Last season, under first-year head coach Josh Cole, he anchored a Coffee High team that won the Region 1-6A championship and advanced to the Elite Eight of the state playoffs. What has been the key to Hunter’s transformation? It would be easy to say work ethic – and you wouldn’t be entirely incorrect. But lots of players work hard who don’t experience the kind of success Hunter has. For Hunter, it begins and ends with attitude. The one thing Jeff and his mother, Allison, instilled in Hunter was to always have a great attitude. “They told me that in a game, I can’t control everything that happens.
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But I can control my attitude. I go 110 percent all the time. If I mess up, I don’t worry about it. I try to do my best next time,” says Hunter. As his father says, attitude and effort don’t quit, no matter what happens on the field. It’s a philosophy Hunter has accepted and embraced. Baseball players have to come to terms with failure, both their own and that of their teammates. Hunter understands that and refuses to become discouraged on the field. That’s important for a catcher – the only player who can see the entire field and at the same time is a part of every single pitch during a game. Hunter understands his role and approaches every pitch, every play, every game with a real sense of urgency. “I play my hardest all the time. I treat every game like it’s my last,” he says. These days, it’s about more than attitude and working hard, of course. At the upper levels of high school baseball, you’ve got to have some talent to crack the starting lineup. Despite his inauspicious debut a decade ago, Hunter has become an excellent baseball player. He hit .275 last season and posted a .996 fielding percentage. He also has a great rapport with his pitching staff; he knows how to keep his pitchers upbeat and focused, no matter which direction a game may turn. The 2015 season brings with it the same promise and optimism that comes with any new year. This season, however, is filled with even greater anticipation than usual. After winning the region title in Georgia’s highest classification a year ago, the Trojans find themselves in a new classification facing new opponents. Gone is a region schedule filled with Lowndes, Colquitt, Tift, Camden, and Valdosta. Coffee will face teams from the
Hunter’s Favorites:
Superpower: Super strength
Player: Yasiel Puig
Person to Meet:
MLB Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Superhero: The Hulk
Tim Tebow Last book you read: The Bible Place to travel: Africa
Savannah area – Bradwell Institute, Effingham, South Effingham, Brunswick, and the like. Ware County is also in the region, and anything pitting Coffee and Ware against each other is a fierce battle. “The new region hasn’t changed anything for us. It doesn’t matter what classification you’re in – there are always great teams and players,” says Hunter. This year, he would like to build upon what the Trojans started in 2014. First and foremost, he would like to play his best and hardest. He and his teammates hope to add another region championship banner to the Coffee High
gym. And they would love to get farther than the Elite Eight. In the process, he wants to set an example for the younger players so that the kind of success the Trojans have enjoyed recently will continue. “We want Coach Cole to have a group of really good players when we leave. Our seniors want to set an example for the underclassmen so Coffee baseball will continue to be good after we’re gone,” says Hunter. And what does the future hold for Hunter? He has committed to play baseball for the ABAC Stallions of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. He plans to play baseball as long as he can – however long that may be – then become a teacher and baseball coach. He’s the kind of player who would make a great coach – the kid with a shortage of natural talent but exceptional work ethic who through sheer determination becomes one of the best players in the league. “He’s a leader on his team, in church, everywhere. He works with younger kids at church and on the baseball field. Hunter is just a fun young man to have on a team and around the house,” says Jeff. ITG 37
ughextremely active thro is e Sh . ys jo en n so a John e only things Ricarsh participated in Delta th s ’t ha en d ar an , ol ee ho itt sc m d m an co book Basketball ore, and junior years. r of FCCLA, the year be om ph em m so , a an is d hm an es fr ity r e he out the commun Johnson also finds ecoming representativ n. om ee H e Qu th g in so al om ec as w om n H title of Debutante. Johnso ren aged 3-5 who g Court and won the in ild ch om e ec th om H ith w to s lp ed he rn she ent This year, she retu in Thomasville, where CA YM on ilt y is something differ M da t y et er er Ev Ev . e ds th ki e at th k or king with time to w s. “I really enjoy wor m ra og pr s Y’ e th in participate ys. just precious,” she sa e ar ey Th . em th ith w
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Thomasville point guard finds motivation and a future career through injury by Robert Preston, Jr.
photography by Micki K Photography
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ast year was supposed to be another excellent season for Ricarsha Johnson, the Thomasville Lady Bulldogs’ point/shooting guard. A varsity starter since her ninth-grade year, the former Phenomenal Freshman helped lead Thomasville to a region championship and the Final Four as a sophomore. It was supposed to be a steppingstone to something even greater. Then, last year, the unthinkable happened. Against Brooks County, Johnson landed on her leg wrong and tore an ACL. Just like that, her season was over. Instead of sitting around and crying about her misfortune, Johnson went to work almost immediately, working out and rehabbing the bad knee until she was ready to play again. During the rehabilitation process, Johnson found much more than motivation and inspiration – she may have also found her future career. Ricarsha Johnson began playing basketball because, quite simply, she grew up around the game. During her formative years, it was all she knew. Her father played in a local league in Tallahassee, and she was always in the gym, watching him play and hanging out on the sidelines. Johnson may have started because
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Superhero: Batman
Sport you wish you could play: Soccer
Person to meet: K. Michelle
she watched her father, but she kept playing because it was fun and because she was good at it. “It’s a unique game. It became more fun the more advanced I got. Then when the points started coming, it was even more fun. Defense came after that,” she says. Johnson has made a name for herself by looking after her teammates, moving the ball around, playing solid defense, and scoring when the opportunity arose. Johnson averages about 11 points per game and is obviously an integral component in Thomasville’s game plan. Which made it all the more difficult when she injured her knee. Once she was diagnosed with a torn ACL, she immediately went to work. Johnson still had some unfinished business on the court, and she did not want to miss her senior year. “At first, the rehab was really tough. But once I started getting some strength back in my muscles, it started getting easier. I wanted to get back on the court badly,” she says. Johnson worked through the spring, summer, and fall. Finally, on October 26, right before tryouts, doctors cleared her to play. For the 2014-2015 season, Johnson wanted to pick up where she left off the previous year. “I want to lead my team and at the same time take care of my knee. I want to be the player I was before I was hurt. The injury has definitely made me stronger,” she says. When I spoke with Johnson, it appeared as though she was on track to accomplish her objectives. She was once again one of the best players on the floor, and she was doing exactly what she did in previous years. With the region tournament looming, the Lady Bulldogs were in a great spot – third in the standings, ready for the tournament, and looking forward
to getting back to the state playoffs. “I think we’ve accomplished what we wanted to so far. We’ll accomplish the rest from here on out,” states Johnson confidently. Johnson’s injury has certainly been a major event for her basketball career. It may also figure prominently in her plans after graduation. During the rehabilitation, the work that her trainer did grabbed her attention. Her trainer made a tremendous difference in keeping her focused and working toward getting back on the basketball court. She liked the rapport they developed and began thinking about athletic training as a potential career. “I was very close with my trainer. I enjoy helping people, and my ACL injury helped me realize that I could help others as well.” Getting into an athletic training program ought not to be too difficult for Johnson. She is an excellent student on pace to graduate with honors. School has always come naturally to her, and she loves math and science. “They are my favorite subjects. They combine in a way and together explain a lot about the world we live in. Plus I like the knowledge I get from studying math and science,” she says. Johnson plans to study athletic training while she is playing four more years of basketball. She has at least one offer on the table, but she’s holding out for an opportunity to play at Valdosta State University. “I like VSU. It’s a great academic school, and it’s close to home. I feel like I could have a great college experience there and not be too far from my family,” she says. ITG
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What to do if you have made purchases from a business that has been hacked
MAKE A CALL: If you have shopped or made payments to a company that has been hacked, call your credit card company, financial institution, or the company itself and tell them that. You’ll find the toll-free number to call on the back of your card. It’s even quite possible that they offer a free creditmonitoring service that will watch your account for suspicious activity.
GET A NEW CARD: Just when you think you’ve done all the right things to protect your credit or debit card from fraud, it happens. BAM! Another report about a major business getting hacked and private payment information – possibly yours – being stolen. Are your accounts in danger? Maybe. Is there anything you can do? Yes, there is. Here are some important steps you can take to protect yourself:
CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS OFTEN: Look for any charges – big or small – that you don’t recognize. Some thieves try to make major purchases, while others will make small ones that are likely to blend in with your normal purchases. Call your financial institution or credit card company immediately if you notice anything suspicious. With the ability to access your statements online at any time of the day or night, you should be monitoring your accounts frequently. The sooner you spot a problem, the quicker it can be dealt with – and the less hassle it will cause you.
Financial Facts Fitness
Your Plan of Attack After A Hack
If you are concerned about the safety of your account, request a new credit or debit card from the issuer or ask that your PIN number be changed. Once that change has been made, be sure to update any automatic payments you have set up with your new information so those transactions won’t be disrupted.
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SET UP ALERTS: Many financial institutions and credit card companies allow you to set up email or text message alerts that notify you if purchases exceed a certain amount, if they are made on the Internet or internationally, or if your balance reaches a certain level. These alerts can be early warnings that something isn’t right.
BE AWARE: While it’s always important to check your account statements for irregularities, it is especially important to be alert after major hacking incidents. And don’t let your guard down if your account isn’t affected right away – thieves could either try to use your information immediately, or wait for months before doing something when it’s not expected.
Take some time now to read the fine print that is part of your card agreement because credit and debit cards have different requirements and responsibilities in instances of fraudulent purchases.
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BeAle Let’s continue the Lowndes
baseball tradition by Robert Preston, Jr.
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owndes High first-year head baseball coach, Rusty Beale, insists he didn’t come to Valdosta looking for a head coaching job. In fact, he didn’t even come to Valdosta for baseball. He figured he would coach baseball, of course – the son of baseball lifer Chuck Beale, he played in high school, college, and in the pros, and he has coached in high school and college as well – but it was softball that brought him to town. “I came to Lowndes to help with softball,” he says. “Stewart Thomas, Lowndes’s softball coach, and I went to high school together. I came here to work with him. Then Coach Redshaw asked me to help him.” Last year was Beale’s first with the Vikings. It was also Danny Redshaw’s last. The Hall of Famer decided to retire after a career that includes a state title and a ton of postseason appearances. 42
photography by Micki K Photography
And that paved the way for Beale. His baseball experience includes a tremendous career at Dublin High School followed by four more years as a standout infielder at Stetson University. The Cincinnati Reds drafted him out of Stetson, and he played in that organization for one year before going into coaching. Beale spent nine years as an assistant baseball coach: two stints at Tift County, Westside-Macon, Stetson University, and Lowndes. And now, after just one year with Lowndes, he is at the helm. “I want to continue the baseball tradition here at Lowndes. There is a reason why Coach Redshaw is in the Hall of Fame. I’m following one of the greats, and the pressure is on me. I just want to continue what he established here,” says Beale. A disappointing last season may help take a little of that pressure off. Inju-
ries devastated the Vikings last year; their top position player and top pitcher never played an inning all season, and Lowndes couldn’t fill those gaps. For 2015, Beale is getting a new start, and this time, he’s calling the shots. It’s been a transition for him, going from being an assistant to head coach. But Beale learned from one of the best – his father, who was featured in this same space back in 2009. “I learned from him that it’s better to be organized. It doesn’t matter where – the dugout club meetings, meeting with parents, or planning practice. You have to be organized. It’s really helped me, and I’m glad I picked that up.” Coach Beale’s philosophy is a simple, tried-and-true baseball formula: It all comes down to pitching and defense. “If you can do that, you’ll be in the majority of your games,” he says. Offensively, he
states, each year is different. Sometimes a team has power, sometimes it doesn’t. “We’ll adjust our offense to the players we have.” Of course, with the change in bat technology in recent years, “power” has become a relative term. “You’re not going to hit 30 home runs a year anymore,” says Coach Beale. “You will always have to bunt and play small ball. It’s a big difference, and it’s getting
back to old-time baseball.” Making the adjustment from assistant to head coach hasn’t been the leap Beale might have expected. He was at Lowndes last year, and everyone, from the kids and administrators to the parents, has been easy to work with. “This is one of the best school systems you could ever work in. The kids are great. Our administrators support us. It hasn’t been
a real big challenge yet. I know the kids, and they know me. Following Coach Redshaw isn’t easy, because he was so successful. But being here at Lowndes has been great,” he says. ITG
Jessi, aching at Lowndes. His wife, Rusty isn’t the only Beale co des High – and that means the wn is also a softball coach at Lo e fall. He just laughs when asked in th two of them coach together table cussions around the dinner dis d ate he y an to ds lea at if th leave work at the field we at th t en em re ag an ve e at night. “We ha e helps me with baseball. Th sh d an all ftb so th wi lp he I ievery day. t fundamentally it’s very sim bu t, en fer dif is all ftb so of strategy d catch,” he says. lar. You still have to throw an
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COOK County HORNETS
HORNETS TENNIS TEAM READY TO COMPETE AT NEW LEVEL The Cook County Hornets Tennis team is extremely eager to get into the swing of their season this year. The girls and boys varsity teams, under the leadership of Coach John Smith, have been bursting with anticipation to get back on the courts. This year, the Hornets are faced with a new set of challenges. Moving up a region is both an exciting and a daunting task. The first week of practice was comprised solely of conditioning and agilities. Coach Smith assured his team, “We will not be outworked.” The team this year consists of four seniors who have played under Coach Smith for several years, and they all fill a special role within the powerhouse that is the Hornets team. The seniors this year include Lacey Hester, Nick Rosatti, Jay Smith, and Tristan Walk. Last year, both teams advanced to the Round of 16 in the AA State Playoffs. The boys fell to Bleckley County, and the girls lost to St. Vincent’s in Savannah. As the 2015 season makes its grand and much anticipated entrance, the Hornets are ready to begin match play. The seniors of the 2015 team are an interesting collection with various experiences. Lacey Hester, Nick Rosatti, and Tristan Walk’s tennis careers began in middle school, and Jay Smith started out as a sophomore in high school. Jay has played a key role in the success of the
Hornets football team, but also enjoys a change of pace on the courts in the spring. When asked what interests him most about tennis, he said, “It was a challenge, it was something new, completely different from any other sport I had done—both mentally and physically.” Nick Rosatti is also a dedicated player who contributes greatly to the team; he shared his thoughts on this year’s season: “As I enter my last season as a Hornets tennis player, I want nothing more than to bring another region championship to this program. Our mindsets are set and focused, because we know jumping two classifications in a year is huge leap. However, we have the talent, determination, and hustle to achieve anything.” Lacey Hester also talked about the challenges that face the Hornets, but did not back down from the competition she and her team may face. “Each year our team comes together to set certain goals we hope to reach, and we have never been more focused than we are this year. Both teams are working hard to prepare for the new level of competition we are expecting to face. I believe that we have the skill and determination to reach every expectation we have for ourselves.” Tristan Walk concluded with a positive outlook on the season and encouragement from his coach saying, “I am very excited about this season. We have
a lot of great teams to play against and lot of potential to go very far. Our coach, John Smith, always says, ‘Iron sharpens iron,’ as a reminder to encourage us and help us at the same time. I hope to do well in region, in order to advance to the state playoffs. I know that this will be a great final season for me and all of my other senior team mates.” All four of the leaders have a seasoned understanding of what it takes to have a successful team, and they all have the positive attitude necessary to make it happen. They are proactive and diligent at practice, and they all look to encourage one another and to make their team better every day. Coach Smith has also encouraged his team by continuing to remind them of what his coach, Frankie Cowan, told his players in high school, “You’re only as good as your weakest player.” In order to have a prosperous season, these leaders know they must take advantage of every opportunity to make progress. These seniors are the united body of leaders who are hoping to make one last proud stand for Cook High School, the home of the Hornets.
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O N S A H E DESIR
E L U D E SCH
however, In one particular yard, ence of the early sunrise, sil the ing rc pie s st kid t It’s five in the morning. Mo ar the crack of an Easton ba he n ca u yo up their are fast asleep, dreaming of with baseballs as they are g tin ec nn co for t ar, ea cage. coming day; what they will we flying from a tee in a batting nt se breakfast, or do after school. by James Washingotn photos by Sarah Turner
an Goff g o L , g in p ee sl re a s er th o While is progressing.
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“I love this game,” Logan said. “I’m always looking for ways to improve. My goal is always to push myself to be better than the next player.” An eighth-grader at Lee County Middle School (West Campus), Logan is a perfect example of hard work and dedication in action. He’s currently in his second season playing baseball for the Trojans, and his success comes in humbled silence. For the 2014 season, Logan was one of only four seventh-graders selected to the team. “Not many do that,” he said. “It meant a lot to me because it let me know that my hard work was being noticed.” His head coach, Barrett Powell, does not hesitate to verify Logan’s thoughts. “Logan is extremely dependable,” Coach Powell said. “His commitment, his dedication…he’s a team player. He is constantly working to get better, and he always wants
to see his team get better as well.” Logan spends time at pitcher and catcher during the season. He takes pride in playing both, but the latter gives him a higher satisfaction. “When you’re playing catcher, you have a lot more responsibility,” Logan said. “It’s pretty much like you’re a captain. You have to make a lot of calls and pay really close attention to what’s happening.” The position fits him well, as Logan has established himself as a leader that always puts his team first. “During practice, I don’t talk a lot,” he said. “I just get to work…I do what I need to do.” His focus is apparent to everyone. According to his mother, Crystal, his game face is rather intimidating. Typically a very high-spirited, cheerful person, Logan is known to unleash an “alter-ego,” if you will, when the time is right.
“Once the game starts, (Logan) just goes into a ‘zone’,” she said. “We’ve had other parents ask us if he’s happy, or if he ever smiles, because he gets so focused when it’s game time. It just goes to show how much he is dedicated to what he does. He lets his actions speak for him.“ Logan’s father, Eddie, echoes the same sentiment. “(Logan) has such a strong drive when it comes to the game,” he said. “He is constantly wanting to improve, and he’s always willing to put in the work to get there.” Success is always at the forefront when it comes to sports. Often taking a backseat is the hard work that goes into finding that success. In Logan’s eyes, success is not promised. And he is willing to work hard to make his name in Trojan history, 24 hours a day. ITG
reason, I could trust him ver ate wh for ve, lea to d ha I if r… ye pla “Logan is the type of ndable and committed.” pe de t tha t jus ’s He . me for ce cti pra run to Head Coach Barrett Powell Grade: 8th Parents: Eddie & Crystal Goff Siblings: One older brother (Tyler)
Hobbies: Fishing, hunting Playing baseball since: Age eight Glove: Mizuno (when playing catcher); Rawlings (when fielding) Cleats: New Balance
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Irwin County Indians
Irwin Hosts the Wrestling 2015 Traditional Area Tournament Eight teams competed in the event. Irwin entered the second fewest athletes of any other team in the tournament, but managed to finish in third place with only eight wrestlers. All eight wrestlers qualified for Sectionals next weekend at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon. Seven of Irwin’s wrestlers that qualified are underclassmen. Morgan Mitchell (22-4) finished in first place at 132 lbs. At 145 lbs, DJ Pollard (24-4) won by pin in his finals match against Turner County. Zyon Ross (23-5) at 220 lbs also scored a pin in the finals against Savannah Christian that secured Irwin’s team a third place finish. Nathan Tucker (13-3) finished
in second place at 195 lbs. Tristan Billingsley (15-9) took third place at 285lbs after losing his first match of the day but managed to redeem himself against the same wresstler in the placement match. Thomas Cunningham at 126 lbs, Kyle Jones at 138 lbs, and Kerick Boone at 152 lbs managed to take fourth place in their respective weight classes to qualify for Sectionals. Andrew Marsh took fifth place at 182 lbs and is an alternate for next weekend. Coach Pierce said, “I’m very proud of the way the team competed this weekend. Our backs were against the wall with only
nine wrestlers out of the 14 weight classes filled. We needed to win three out of our four finals matches in order to pass Savannah Christian for third place. The team did what they have been working for….advancing to the next level, the second round of qualifying for the State Tournament.”
The Indians 2015 Area Team Front: Thomas Cunningham (126), Chance Mitchell manager, Zyon Ross (220), and DJ Pollard (145). Middle: Assistant Coaches Jay Durden and Justin Willingham, Tristan Billingsley (285), Andrew Marsh (182), Nathan Tucker (195), Kerick Boone (152), Kyle Jones (138), and Head Coach Ray Pierce. Back: Daniel Yawn (285) and Morgan Mitchell (132).
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So, what do we take from another National Signing Day? by Jon Nelson, GPB Sports
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ther than, it is a tremendously big deal! And a lot of us, myself included in that mix, have made it a tremendously huge deal… I think the pressure we put on these kids- especially in the public nature of announcing your college preference on NATIONAL TELEVISION- is too much for them to bear in certain situations. All we have to do is mention guys like Byron Cowart, CeCe Jefferson, and Macon County standout Roquan Smith to reinforce that notion. I feel for them, their families, friends, fans, and communities in these days. You’re from a small town, and you’re making one of the biggest decisions of your life- and it all ends up falling down around you because of the pressure of the moment. And I am pulling the school choice aside for a second when talking about this. Seriously, and sadly, what will you remember them for the next year or so until their choices are settle down? Yes, that’s what I thought you would say. And that’s disappointing on a couple of different fronts. I also think that high school seniors are linked to coaches now more than ever as opposed to actual football programs. Coaches change occupation and location, and you see kids flipping at the last minute to another program because of that change of address- and not necessarily where the coach went. The other element that I look at is two-
fold: How many Georgia high school football athletes get chances at the next level, and how many of them get those chances outside the state of Georgia now. I think part of it comes from the national brand the University of Georgia feels it has. I think part of it comes from the idea that in a top-five state for national talent, a lot of the Georgia kids can play now- and they want to play now. And with all the programs all around the country that want Georgia kids, we’re a gold mine for that Class-A talent. And that’s a cool thing to see. Having seen these kids progress from their programs- single-A all the way to 6A- and to see them bring that pride and recognition to their home towns has always been cool. And I hope that the experience isn’t too big for them once they get to their new campus. To see someone from Wilcox County make it to a college football national championship game is cool. To see them make it to the pros and be successful is even cooler. And knowing that I can look at a TV on a Sunday and go: “I covered you. I covered you. And I covered you.” It’s a neat feeling. It also means that I have seen a full generation go through Georgia high school football and the growth they’re all responsible for, to where we are now, is something to take a lot of pride in. All of you… And I hope the growth continues, just not at the expense of those we showcase. Okay, faithful reader, let me know what you think… Write us here at In The Game Magazine, on the website, follow them (and me) on Twitter and Facebook, and make this a two-way conversation. Don’t forget to follow GPB Sports on Twitter and Facebook, as well and download the GPB Sports app to get all the info as we go. Play it safe, everyone. I’ll see you soon. And spring practice is THAT close to being right there with us… ITG
Did you know...
For the fifth year in a row, the University of Alabama managed to gain the Number One recruiting class in the country.
Five Valdosta High School Wildcats officially signed to play football at t
Josh Norwood Ohio State University
Julian Fraser Yale University
the collegiate level on National Signing Day 2015. Go Cats!
Jamari Chisholm Northeast Oklahoma A&M
Tim McClain University Of West Georgia
Tra Barrett Georgia Military College
FCA Banquet A Success!
W
e just finished producing the largest banquet we have ever had in Southeast Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We were able to facilitate the event at the Lowndes High School cafetorium on February 24. Our guest speaker was Mark Richt, head football coach for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, and everyone seemed to enjoy hearing from him. Event Point once again did an excellent job producing the event and making sure the program was seamless. Many of our table sponsors were able to enjoy a private reception with Coach Richt before the evening began. Sponsors had their picture taken with Coach Richt, and SEGA FCA presented them with signed UGA memorabilia. Danny Broyles, Area Director for SEGA FCA, presented a ministry report of the past year, and we were able to hear about
all that God has done through the ministry. He also made “an ask” to the room that was met with generous giving. Thank you to everyone who supported the ministry with your time, prayers, and donations. We appreciate you! We have two exciting events coming up this month. On March 18, we will be hosting our annual Coaches’ Appreciation Dinner at Quail Branch Lodge. Last year, the lodge proved to be an excellent facility with plenty of room for the event. The Coaches’ Appreciation Dinner is for coaches in our area and their spouses to come together and be encouraged. It is a time for us to bless and serve those that do so much for our athletes throughout the year. Coaches will be served a delicious steak dinner with all the trimmings. Our guest speaker will be David Dean, head coach of VSU football who led the
Blazers to two Division II national championships. We look forward to hearing from him! Our Berrien County FCA Banquet will be on March 19 with special guest speaker, Dan Reeves. Coach Reeves is well-known for playing for South Carolina and Dallas in his early years. He also coached for the Dallas Cowboys, the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants, and the Atlanta Falcons during a stellar coaching career. We are excited to hear from him and hope to see you there!