April 2015 South Georgia Edition by ITG Next Magazine

Contents

April 2015

www.inthegamemagazine.com

10 Luukas Alakulppi

Region 1-6A Golf

South Georgia Edition

Valdosta High School

09 Still In the Game: Kaleb Cowart Class of 2009

Cook County High School

12 Packer Park The Heart of Moultrie Athletics 16 Fitzgerald Track Chandler Eckler & Trey Graham Help Lead ‘Canes’ Track Resurrgence

22 Facts & Figures Haylee Gordon Lands Scholarship in Miami

34 Erin Moss Valwood Excellence

Also Inside:

44 Andy Harden Colquitt County Unity Powers Harden’s Mentoring

Valwood Wrestling State Champs.....09 Best Post-Workout Foods..................15 My Years in Coaching........................21 Xbox Fitness......................................25 GHSA 2015 Basketball Results..........29 Thinking About Buying a Car.............39 April: Timeless Moments in Sports...41 NCAA Eligibility Changes..................43

Valwood School

Lowndes High School

26 Desmond Relaford From baseball to hip-hop, Desi does it all Sandalwood High School

Colquitt County High School

49 10 Questions Anna Grier

30 Parker Hardigree Diving State Champion

Tift County High School

Colquitt County High School

Fitzgerald High School

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From the

www.inthegamemagazine.com

Publisher As the Post Season Nears, South Georgia Golf is Looking Strong

South Georgia Edition

Baseball playoffs. The soccer postseason. Track and golf championships. We’re getting close, though at the time I’m writing this it certainly doesn’t seem like it. It’s late February, and the spring campaigns are just getting underway. But from the time I’m writing this letter until the time it reaches your hands, a lot will have happened. The postseason picture for all of our spring sports will be coming into focus, and hopefully we’ll have a few teams and individuals in the hunt for champion-

Contributors 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 Sarah Turner Feature Writers Robert Preston Jr. Jon Nelson James Washington Christopher Webb Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Rachel Thrasher rachel@inthegamemagazine.com

ship trophies. When it comes to winning spring state titles, golf may be South Georgia’s best bet. We have a few teams and players who are legitimate threats to win championships. Two of them are featured on our pages this month: Valdosta High’s Luukas Alakulppi and Tift’s Anna Greer. Luukas is a junior and formerly the subject of a Freshman Focus spotlight in a previous issue. When we visited with Luukas two years ago, he was getting ready to play in the Region 1-6A championship tournament. He had hoped to win low medalist and then make a run at state. He didn’t win the medalist award that year, but he did end up finishing second in the state. A year later, he did win low medalist at region. This year, he hopes to build on the success he enjoyed last season. Anna is one of the top female golfers in the area and would like to repeat as low medalist for the region again this year. Tift also won the region in 2014, and she hopes to help her team to a second consecutive region title. Both of these golfers will play in college and have bright futures ahead of them. We also spent a few minutes with a former Major Leaguer and who we hope will be a Major Leaguer in the near future – Desi Relaford and Kaleb Cowart, respectively. Desi was born in Valdosta but played his high school ball at Sandalwood High in Jacksonville. He played in the majors from 1996 to 2007 with seven different big league teams. Cook’s Kaleb Cowart, whom we covered extensively during his senior year (2010) with the Hornets, was a first-round draft pick out of high school and has been in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s minor league system ever since. Kaleb is still rated as one of the Angels’ top prospects and will hopefully get an oppor-

tunity with the big league team soon. In addition, we have stories on Erin Moss, a three-sport eighth-grader from Valwood; Haylee Gordon, a soccer player from Lowndes; Fitzgerald High’s track and field program; and Andy Harden, Colquitt’s boys’ basketball coach. We are speeding toward the end of the school year, and hopefully we’ll have a few championships to cover next month. We’ll also have spring football underway, and that means it will be time to start looking ahead to our preseason gridiron outlooks. That, however, is still a ways off. In the meantime, enjoy the spring weather, the approaching spring sports postseason, and the final run to the end of the school year.

April 2015 In the Game Commentary: James Washington Feature Writer Copy Editor

“High school sports are valuable because they help teach time management, respect, and the importance of a strong work ethic. They also help shape attitude and create bonds that can last a lifetime.”

Tell us your thoughts! Email us at info@inthegamemagazine.com to let us know what you thought of the March edition of In the Game!

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

Website Manager Sarah Turner 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.

STILL IN THE GAME: KALEB COWART COOK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Last featured June 2009

congrats 2015 Wrestling State Champions Valwood school

Gahnon Byington 195-pound

State Records: Pitching ERA (Career): 0.83 (2007-2010) Strikeouts (Career): 415 (2007-2010) Batting Hits (Season): 70 (2010) Hits (Career): 216 (2007-2010) Doubles (Career): 54 (2007-2010)

outh Georgia baseball fans donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to think hard to remember the accomplishments of Kaleb Cowart. Born and raised in Adel, he made his name on the diamond, earning the Gatorade High School Baseball Player of the Year Award in 2010. His talent did not go unnoticed, either. Cowart originally committed to play collegiate baseball for the Florida State University Seminoles, but his plans quickly changed after he was drafted in the first

round (18th overall) of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Since being drafted, Cowart has played for various Angels affiliates, including the Arkansas Travelers, which he has dressed out for since 2013. While he may no longer wear the uniform of the Hornets, fans are still reminded of Cowartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments any time they take a look at the high school record books. He graduated in 2010, but he still holds various batting and pitching state records to this day.

Miles Parramore 106-pound

Luukas Alakulppi’s work ethic extends beyond the golf course and into the classroom. Of course if he’s ranked seventh in his class, it stands to reason that he puts out a lot of effort when it comes to schoolwork. He hopes to one day get a shot to play on the PGA Tour, but he isn’t putting all of his eggs into that basket. Alakulppi begins college classes next year while he finishes up at Valdosta High, and he plans to major in something related to business, finance, or economics when he gets to the college of his choice. He maintains his class ranking while practicing golf every day and traveling the country playing tournaments on a regular basis. “School work always comes first. When I’m done with that, then I go out to the course and practice,”

Valdosta High School

LUUKAS ALAKULPPI Now a junior, Luukas Alakulppi remains at the top of the Region 1-6A golf heap

W by Robert Preston Jr.

hen we last met with Luukas Alakulppi, he was a 14-year-old freshman beginning his high school golf career at Valdosta High School. His career with the Wildcats started with a bang; he let everyone know early on that he was one of the golfers in Region 1-6A to beat. When he and I spoke back then, he was on the eve of the region tournament, where he hoped to win the low medalist award. Alakulppi won three tournaments as a freshman but he didn’t win the low medalist at region. He did, however, qualify for the state tournament, which was played at Springhill Country Club in Tifton, where he eventually finished second with a 71. Now a junior, Alakulppi finally won a low medalist award at region last year; he fired a 67, again at Springhill in Tifton. “I love that course,” he said with a laugh. At the state tournament, he triple bogeyed the second hole, which put his back against the wall for the entire round. Alakulppi escaped with a 73, good enough for a seventh-place finish. Top 10 in the state is impressive for any golfer, but Alakulppi knows he can do better. When he and I spoke this year, the sea-

photography by Micki K Photography

son had just begun. Alakulppi wanted to improve upon last year’s showing all the way around. He wanted to shoot par or better in each match or tournament, and he wanted his team to win the region championship, which will be held at Valdosta Country Club. “We have a shot at the region title. We need the rest of the scores to be in the high 70s or low 80s. If we can do that, we can win it,” he said. Of course, Alakulppi would like to win his second consecutive low medalist award as well. In 2014, Alakulppi reached another milestone when he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur tournament, which took place at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. The junior amateur is a difficult tournament – the course is long, the weather brutal, the stakes high. Alakulppi missed the cut by three strokes but came away from the tournament with a new appreciation for what he needed to do in order to compete with the best golfers in the country. “It was a great experience. I just need to work on not making mistakes on the course. If I can play consistently and limit my mistakes, I will be fine,” he said. At this stage of Alakulppi’s career, things are moving along according to plan. He has

remained healthy and still loves getting on the course every day. His grades are among the best in his class – he is ranked seventh among the Class of 2016 – and he has a number of Division I schools pursuing him. “I’m where I want to be. I’m really happy to get to play in a few national level tournaments. I love getting out on the course every day and working. After all these years, it’s still a lot of fun,” he said. ITG

ITG Places to be Colquitt County beams with pride. The fans are loyal, and the studentathletes are strongly driven by success. It is that same pride and perseverance that has manifested itself in the grounds of Packer Park.

The Heart of Moultrie Athletics

Moultrie, Ga. Photography by Micki K Photography

Moultrie, Georgia, is the tight-knit community that sits in the heart of Colquitt County. And, in an area that is reaching statewide (and even national) prominence, a steady heartbeat runs through the veins of Packer Park. First opened in 2007, Packer Park serves a variety of purposes. Since its opening, it has been a cornerstone of Colquitt County High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s varsity, junior varsity, and ninth-grade baseball teams. Currently, softball, soccer, track, and tennis have taken their action to the park as well. It also has played host to various tournaments, including the 2014 Region 1-AAAAAA Cross Country meet in October, as well as summer USTA (United States Tennis Association) tournaments. The field has also seen renovations in order to accommodate for area middle school baseball teams. As fans in South Georgia have grown accustomed to, the park also carries its fair share of recognition. It has earned two Georgia Dugout Club Field of the Year awards, one for the baseball field in 2012 and the other for the softball field in 2011. The baseball field is special in another right. Named Ike Aultman Field, it holds the namesake of the former longtime principal of Colquitt County (and formerly Moultrie) High School. Colquitt County beams with pride. The fans are loyal, and the student-athletes are strongly driven by success. It is that same pride and perseverance that has manifested itself in the grounds of Packer Park.

any people see a good workout as an excuse to reward themselves with a “cheat” meal. They feel so good about a job well done that a nice cheeseburger doesn’t feel like a big problem. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Quite the contrary, what you eat after a workout may just be the most important food that you consume that day.

Your muscles store glycogen and protein, and when you work out, your body may begin to break the stored energy down within your muscles. This causes your muscles to break down. In order to keep your energy and muscle mass steady, it is best to eat within a 45minute window after completing your workout.

The Best

PostWorkout Foods by James Washington

Below are a few snacks that can quickly help replenish what you lose:

Fruit Salad

Greek Yogurt Contains twice the amount of protein of regular yogurt, and is a great source of carbohydrates. For added variety, mix with cereal or fruit.

Fruit is loaded with carbohydrates, and most of them also contain enzymes that help your body break down nutrients faster for delivery to your muscles. Particularly, pineapple is known to have antiinflammatory properties (to help with muscle soreness), and kiwi aids in digestion and helps break down amino acids. Many fruits also contain antioxidants.

Whole Grain Breakfast Cereal Cereal is a great option. It’s quick, it’s good any time of the day, and certain cereals are high in protein and fiber. These can help restore muscle energy, especially if you eat them with milk or yogurt.

Sandwich Wraps A great option for the person on the go, wholegrain wraps are portable and loaded with carbohydrates. Excellent meat ideas for your wraps include turkey and chicken.

Eckler, Graham help lead ‘Canes’ track resurgence by Robert Preston Jr.

Fitzgeral

ld Track

photography by Micki K Photography

A quarter-century ago, the Fitzgerald High School Purple Hurricanes had the best 2A track team in the state. They won four straight state titles and sent a number of athletes to college on track scholarships, including several to Division-I programs.

After that last state championship team, in 1990, Fitzgerald never brought home another state trophy until last year, when the 2014 ‘Canes won fourth as a team. It was a step in the right direction, but it wasn’t what head coach Randall Schultz and the rest of the team wanted. They want a first place trophy, not fourth place. And if they’re going to win a state title, Chandler Eckler and Trey Graham will have to lead the way. Chandler Eckler is a junior pole vaulter who has studied for three years under Charlie Polhamus, a Fitzgerald resident who coaches pole vaulting in his backyard and has trained numerous champions. Eckler started vaulting because, as he put it, “I’ve always liked jumping over things and going high. My grandfather was a pole vaulter and I guess that made me want to try it. I did, and I liked it.” He picked up the sport quickly. He showed some natural talent but he is also a very coachable young man. Eckler listed to Polhamus and Cliff Ward, an assistant pole vaulting coach at Fitzgerald. “Coach Charlie

is tough, but he gets results. He expects a lot out of his athletes,” said Eckler. Since he began vaulting, Eckler has improved about a foot each year. He started out at 12’. His best is 13’, which

he’s done in competition. The school record of 14’ 4” is very much a possibility and a benchmark he would like to set before he graduates. At the rate at which he is improving, that is well within reach if

he keeps working and remains healthy. The last two years, Eckler has won the region pole vaulting championship and has placed in the top eight in the state. He would also like to win

“I feel good about this year. I feel pretty confident about where we are.”

a state title, which is another very attainable goal. To get on the podium at the state meet, he needs to jump 12 feet. It’s probably going to take 14 feet to win state. He all but has a podium spot locked up; he still has some work to do to be in contention for a state title. “He’s a really good pole vaulter. We’re counting on Chandler to score a lot of points for us at the state meet. He’s a great student and overall a really great kid,” Coach Shultz said. “I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family, and all my coaches. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. They deserve all the credit for the success I’ve had,” Eckler said. Where Chandler Eckler is a one-sport track athlete, Trey Graham, a 5’11”, 168pound senior, can do just about any event on the track and do it well. He competes in the 110 hurdles, the 300 hurdles, the 4x100 relay, the 4x400 relay, and the triple jump. He’s also a wide receiver on the football team and totaled over 900 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, and 10 rushing touchdowns on Fitzgerald’s 12-2 team this season. Graham comes from an athletic family, and he’s taken his natural ability, added tremendous work ethic into the mix, and he’s come out an absolutely fantastic athlete. On last year’s fourthplace team, Graham finished second in the state in the 110 and 300 hurdles. “The hurdles are my favorite,” he says. “I love the hurdles.” He also qualified for state in the triple jump and both relays. “Trey can be a really prolific track athlete for us. Honestly, we could put him in just about any event, and he would compete near the top. He could be a sub-50 second 400 meter guy if we needed him. The same goes for football – the sky’s the limit with him,” Coach Shultz said. This year, Graham says he would like to win state titles

in all of his events. At the time of this writing, the state meet is a long way off, but he’s already made a strong early-season statement. At Fitzgerald’s first meet of the year, in dreadful weather conditions, he placed first in both hurdles and the 4x100 relay. There were no field events at the meet, so he didn’t have the opportunity to triple jump. Should Graham make it to state with his 4x100 relay team, it will be a family affair for the Grahams. His brother, James, a freshman, is also on that relay team. “You can’t tell he’s my younger brother. He’s a lot bigger than me, but I’m faster. If we race, I win hands down,” he said with a laugh. Graham has schools looking at him for both football and track. The leader at the time of this writing was Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Should he decide to attend Mars Hill, he would have the opportunity to play football and run track. At the moment, though, he’s more worried about leading Fitzgerald to a state track title. “I feel good about this year. I feel pretty confident about where we are,” he said. ITG “I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family, and all my coaches. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. They deserve all the credit for the success I’ve had.”

A reason to celebrate In March, Fitzgerald recognized that 1990 team at its home invitational. It was a fitting tribute to the last of a truly great chapter in Purple Hurricanes’ athletic history.

Since Randall Schultz began coaching track at Fitzgerald seven years ago, it has been his goal to return the Purple Hurricanes to the top of the state track heap.

his year marks the 25th anniversary of the last of four consecutive 2A state track championships, and Schultz would like nothing more than to celebrate the anniversary with a state title of his own. From 1987-1990, the ‘Canes were unbeatable in track. Those athletes dominated every event and set state records, at least one of which still stands. Cory Holland, who went on to run track at Mississippi State, set the state triple jump record of 48’ 11 ½”, which has yet to be broken. Fitzgerald’s 4x100 relay team set a state record that was only broken a few years ago and remains the third-fastest 4x100 time in 2A history. One member of that team, Earl Brown, coaches at Fitzgerald today; he turned his talent on the track into a college education at Fort Valley State. “Those guys who are still around Fitzgerald are still involved in the program. They stop by and see our current team members when they can,” Coach Schultz said. In addition to celebrating those state championship teams, this year is a landmark year for Fitzgerald track for another reason. The Purple

Hurricanes will host the 2015 Sectionals meet, which the team is able to in large part because of the fantastic track facilities Fitzgerald now has. The track features a world-class surface, a timing shed, and bleachers that seat 1,000 spectators. “It’s a great facility for a small school in South Georgia,” Coach Schultz said. Sectionals will bring in 2A track teams from all over the area, and it will be a time for Fitzgerald to showcase not only its top notch facilities but also its potential state championship track talent. “Our goal was to win at the region level. We’ve done that – our men have won two out of the last three region titles and our girls won region in 2011 and 2013. We’ve got all of our point scorers back from last year but one. We’ve won region; now we want to win state,” Coach Shultz said. ITG 19

Remembering my years in coaching by Robert Preston Jr.

Coaching isn’t easy. It’s hard work. It’s time consuming. It certainly isn’t glamorous. But it is one of the best ways to positively impact kids.

n late February, my family and I saw McFarland, USA. When the movie first came out, I didn’t think I would watch it. I’m not much of a movie fan and, at 2:08, I didn’t see myself sitting in a theater that long with Kevin Costner playing the lead. One Saturday night, however, we were bored. So off to the theater we went. All in all, it wasn’t a bad film. It broke no new cinematic ground and stuck to a tried-and-true formula. But it worked and made for an enjoyable evening. It also made me reflect on the five and a half years that I coached cross country at South Georgia State College.

We interview coaches every month on the pages of this magazine. Most knew they wanted to coach for as long as they could remember. They were usually pretty good players themselves who played for as long as they possibly could. When their playing days ended, they moved into coaching. That’s not the path I took. I was a terrible athlete in high school. In fact, you couldn’t even call me an athlete. I was a participant – and I was a bad one at that. Coaching never crossed my mind. What would I coach? Tennis? I played, but I was bad. Golf? My family has some good golfers, but I am not one of them. Football was out of the question. I had some familiarity with baseball but, pardon my use of the vernacular here, I ain’t no baseball coach. Nope. Coaching wasn’t for me. In 2008, I went to work at what was then South Georgia College (thanks to a merger with Waycross College, it is now South Georgia State College). The college was starting a cross country program then and needed a coach. I was a runner – not particularly fast but I knew

how to get faster. I was given the job, not only of coaching, but of building a program from scratch. It was a daunting challenge but one that I accepted. I certainly wasn’t the best coach in the country, but I wanted a program the college could be proud of. I also wanted as many kids as possible to come from the South Georgia area. During the time I coached, we had some success. We finished second in the conference a few times, attended three national meets (two cross country, one half marathon), and we had one runner, Wayne County’s Charley Harrison, win an individual conference championship. Over a year has passed since I last coached. I had forgotten those early morning practices. Scripting, re-scripting, and sometimes re-re-scripting workouts. The travel. The late night phone calls from public safety letting me know someone had done something dumb. I had also forgotten the feeling of watching a bunch of scared high school kids turn themselves into responsible young adults. And that’s what makes coaching fun. Winning

is incredible, no doubt about it. But watching the kids grow and mature, and seeing them experience success is even better. That’s what keeps coaches coming back year after year. It’s not the money. It’s not the recognition. It’s not the attention. Most coaches are never in the spotlight. They don’t have journalists calling them and asking for feature stories. Some don’t even get paid. But all of them make a positive impact on the kids they coach. Things have been hectic for me since my coaching days ended. It has seemingly been one rat race after another. In the process, I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed coaching, being around the kids, and helping them achieve their goals. Those were good times. It is amazing how easy it is to forget. It’s also amazing what triggers those memories. Coaching isn’t easy. It’s hard work. It’s time consuming. It certainly isn’t glamorous. But it is one of the best ways to positively impact kids. Tell the coaches who work with your kids that you appreciate them. It may be the only recognition they receive. ITG

Lowndes High School

Haylee Gordon

Gordon’s career summarized by

a few key numbers:

431 The number of miles between Valdosta and Johnson and Wales University.

12.5

Hours Gordon practices per week

The total number of championships she has won with the South Georgia United: Athena D, E, and F

Goals in her career, though she is primarily a defensive player

Haley Gordon’s Age

Twenty-five

Gordon’s class in Georgia’s Olympic Development Program. As a member of Georgia ODP 97, Gordon played with and against the best soccer players in the country in her age group. She was one of three Vikettes to play with ODP during her career at Lowndes.

two

Number of region championships Gordon has won with Lowndes. The Vikettes won the region in 2012 and 2013.

Lowndes High Standout Lands Scholarship in Miami

owndes High senior Haylee Gordon is headed to Miami. It’s going to be a few months, but once she finishes her final soccer season with the Vikettes, she will be moving south to what amounts to another world. It’s a land of warm weather, seeming eternal sunshine, year ‘round beaches, and some very good soccer. Gordon ought to fit in nicely at her chosen school, Johnson and Wales University, located in North Miami. She has enjoyed an excellent career at Lowndes, played for the South Georgia United soccer club, and been a member of the Olympic

Development Program. One of her goals to land a college scholarship, which she did when Johnson and Wales came calling. ITG

Last month, we discussed the benefits of taking your exercise routines outdoors. But let’s be real for a moment: It’s not always possible. There are many variables that can factor into having to skip an outdoor workout. The two that stand out are time and weather. We live in a fast-paced society, and fitting in time at the park is not always an option. Furthermore, if you have the time, and the weather decides otherwise, you’re left finding an alternative.

Getting Off the Couch:

Xbox Fitness by James Washington

That being said, there’s a hidden alternative for the gamers of the world...

eleased in 2013, the Xbox One is the latest console in Microsoft’s cuttingedge gaming world. It is built for entertainment, no matter the avenue. It allows you to play video games, watch movies on DVD or Blu-Ray, and even stream the Internet and download viewable content through

services such as Netflix. One of the biggest (and least discussed) features of the system is an application called Xbox Fitness. Once downloaded, the app provides you with a surplus of ways to work out indoors. Popular programs like P90X and Insanity are included, as well as tons of various workouts that can

help you get your daily dose of fitness in 10to 20- minute bites. It also offers instant feedback, and you have the opportunity to earn achievement points based on your accomplishments. (Let’s be real; ALL gamers take pride in their Gamerscore!)

The Xbox O n e is p u t t in g an end to t h e lo n g s t a n d in g myth of v id e o games ma k in g y o u la z y. If y o u o w n one, yo u have n o m o re e xcuses. T he o p t io n s a re t h e re ; take advantag e!

Desmond Relaford

by James Washington

The Early Years Desmond “Desi” Relaford was born in Valdosta, Georgia, where he lived until he was nine years old. His father’s career relocated the family to Jacksonville, Florida, where he eventually became

a member of the baseball team of Sandalwood High School. He was a varsity member during his sophomore, junior, and senior year, and he was a 1991 graduate of SHS. “I gave football a try

photography by Amanda Callender

Professional Career briefly,” Relaford said. “I went to spring football one year, but baseball was my calling. I was being recruited heavily and getting letters every day. It was an easy choice to make.”

After Baseball Relaford retired from professional baseball in 2007 after an 11-year career. He now owns 6 Hole Records, a hip-hop label that he founded in 2001. “I grew up with hiphop,” he said. “It’s my life, my representation. A group of my friends in Jacksonville needed exposure, so I took a chance. They made really positive music and I felt that more people needed to hear and appreciate what they were doing.” Also, after studying Nutrition and Dietetics at the Univer-

sity of North Florida, he went on to create the Desi Relaford Health Alternative, which serves to educate people on health alternatives and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. “I still follow (professional baseball),” he said. “It’s with a much more critical eye now. I’ve been there, and I can read players, know what they’re thinking, expecting, things like that. I’m also interested in, one day, getting into sports radio. I love the game, and I love to talk about it.”

Relaford also gives back to the community through coaching. He has been affiliated with the Big Diamond Elite Academy since 2006, and continues to enrich children’s lives through the game of baseball to this day. Most importantly, Relaford doesn’t forget his roots. He visits Valdosta often; he still has a great deal of family there. “Most of my mom’s side of the family is (in Valdosta),” he said. “I go back as often as I can. It’s another home to me.” ITG

Relaford was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the 1991 MLB draft. He saw success in the minor leagues before being called up to the majors, where he made his professional debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on August 1, 1996. He would go on to play for seven teams in his career as a gifted switch-hitter with an impressive .243 batting average for his career. Defensively, he was known for his versatility. Over his career, he spent time playing every position except for first base and catcher. “Baseball taught me how to deal with failure,” Relaford said. “It’s a daily lesson. No player goes out and performs perfectly all the time. Even players that bat .300 are missing during seven out of ten at-bats. It’s all about how you handle the down times that determines where your success lies.”

Desi Does It All.

The first thing I want to do this time around is congratulate a couple of folks… Calhoun County… you get a tip of the hat from me. After losing to Wilkinson County in the semi-finals last year, the Cougars came back to the finals in 2015 and waited until there were 1.5 seconds left in their game with Greenville to let everyone know who would be champ in the single-A boys championship. DaJohn Williams looked really cool under pressure and hit the game-winning

jumper for the 84-82 win. And, for those of you who may not have known, they finished the season 30-2. For everyone in towns like Edison, Morgan, and Arlington that has the lone stop light in the county, I couldn’t be happier for you. I will add the folks in Taylor County to the mix here as well. The girls team wrapped up a perfect 31-0 season with a 13-point win over Turner County in the last game of the year- and the first game of the weekend in Macon at the Coliseum.

2015

STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT by Jon Nelson

GHSA 2015 State Champions 2014-2015 GHSA Basketball Champions

As adults, we owe it to these students to be an example- a positive example- as to how to act from that moment on the free throw line forward. It’s a learning experience on the floor and a life lesson for sure. It takes a lot of focus to go from one end of the schedule to the other without losing a game. It was the school’s 11th championship in its history and says a lot after the team lost a total of 27 games the last two seasons. But my big thought here comes from the Quad-A girls title game between Carrollton and Buford… If you look at the stats, you’ll see that it was not the prettiest game you’ll ever witness. The shooting percentages were around 30-percent for each team for the contest and, you could tell, jitters were a big part of playing in the last game of the year. I want to salute two class programs and their coaches in Shon Thomaston and Gene Durden. But I want to remind everyone about the ending. The Lady Trojans Erial Daniel was at the line with six-tenths of a second left in regulation and Carrollton down one at 35-34. She missed the first free throw and Coach Durden called time out. Only the coaches and players know what was said in those huddles. But I can imagine that Coach Thomaston was talking about what they’ll do “when Erial makes the free throw” and making sure that, on the other side, that the Buford players were going to box out regardless.

Boys

And it was also done to ice the shooter, no doubt… Daniel missed the second free throw and time ran out… I just want to remind us all that these are young people who are ranging in age from 14-18 when they hit the floor- regardless of the sport we see them play at the time. As adults, we owe it to these students to be an example- a positive example- as to how to act from that moment on the free throw line forward. It’s a learning experience on the floor and a life lesson for sure. But I would ask all of you to make sure it’s the right kind of lesson along the way. Congrats to all the champs in all the classes from the basketball championships around the state and to those who had great runs as well representing your school as best you could… As a plug, be sure to go to the GPB Sports Facebook page and like us to be a part of the conversation there. Follow me on twitter @OSGNelson and @GPBSports. I am on Instagram as well. And download the GPB Sports app for all the info you need about what’s going on in the world… Play it safe, everyone… I will see you soon…

A-Private: St. Francis A-Public: Calhoun County Class AA: Seminole County Class AAA: Jenkins Class AAAA: Jonesboro Class AAAAA: Brunswick Class AAAAAA: Wheeler

Girls

A-Private: St. Francis A-Public: Taylor County Class AA: Wesleyan Class AAA: Laney Class AAAA: Buford Class AAAAA: Stephenson Class AAAAAA: McEachern

2014-2015 GISA Basketball Champions Boys

Class AA: Windsor Academy Class AAA: Deerfield-Windsor

Girls

Class AA: Georgia Christian Class AAA: Bulloch Academy

COLQUITT COUNTY HIGH SCHHOOL

PARKER HARDIGREE by James Washington

Packer Freshman Adds Another Notch to Colquitt’s Title Belt

photography by Micki K Photography

y now, everyone should be well aware of the success taking place in Colquitt County. The community is still riding high from the waves of an undefeated (15-0) 2014

football season that saw the high school’s Packers stake claim to the Class AAAAAA State Championship. Once again, Packer Nation has a reason to celebrate. Away from the gridiron, young

Moss Farms helped me keep my nerves in check.” His victory almost feels as if it could have been written in a storybook: The diver that Hardigree defeated for the title was in a position almost exactly like his just one year ago. While Hardigree is merely a freshman, last year’s champion, Norcross’s Griffin Ramsey, was a sophomore when he defeated an upper classman to take his place at the top of the mountain. “I knew it would be awesome for a freshman to come in and beat the reigning state champion, and I knew that I would make Colquitt County proud,” he said. “I had a feeling the competition was mine after about the eighth round when my name never went out of first place on the leaderboard.” As noted earlier, aside from his talent, his drive, and his work habits, perhaps the biggest thing to fear about Hardigree is the age at which this excellent ability is coming to fruition. “I practice with Moss Farms Diving Tigers in Moultrie,” he said. “However, I go straight to the diving well after school to help coach the younger lesson kids. A typical practice for us starts in our dryland area. We warm up and practice leadups in the pit. Then, we dive outside for about an hour and a half. The last part of practice includes conditioning, ab workouts, and stretching.” Parker Hardigree has a stronghold on the diving world. And from the look of things, that won’t be changing any time soon. ITG

Parker Hardigree is carving his own path into the record books in Moultrie. On February 5, Hardigree took home a title of his own when he captured the Class AAAAAA State Diving Championship at Georgia Tech.

“Going into this meet, I was nervous because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of all my former teammates,” Hardigree said. “However, I think my experience competing at a national level with

“I scored my highest score on my last dive. It was a 5333D, which is a reverse 1 ½ somersault with 1 ½ twists. It had the highest degree of difficulty and I scored mostly eights on it. 521 points is the highest score I have ever received, so I was excited about that.” 31

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I take pride in being persistent. I know that I may not get things done on the first attempt. But I also know that I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quit until I do.â&#x20AC;?

Erin

VALWOOD EXCELLENCE In the dictionary, “valiant” carries multiple definitions. The first says, “marked by, exhibiting, or carried out with courage or determination.” Another reads “possessing or acting with bravery or boldness.” At Valwood School, in Valdosta, Ga., being a Valiant is more than wearing the navy and orange uniforms. It is a way of life; a lifestyle that requires a stern dedication to excellence.

by James Washington

photography by Micki K Photography

ighth-grader Erin Moss is filling the mold to perfection. “Being at Valwood is so encouraging,” she said. “The small environment makes it feel like one big family. I love being a Valiant.” Erin is a proud example of her school, and she displays it in a plethora of areas on campus. In the fall, she is a member of the volleyball team. During the winter, she focuses her attention on the hardwood, where she plays center for the basketball team. Come the spring, Erin heads to the track, where she competes in the high jump, 100-meter, and 50-meter hurdle. “Volleyball is probably my favorite,” she said. “I really enjoy playing.” Enjoying the sport certainly helps. Erin has already used her excitement for volleyball to gain playing time with the varsity team, as well as being named a 2014 All-Region player for Region 2-AAA. And her talent doesn’t stop there; she has also spent time as a member of Valwood’s varsity basketball team, and will be taking a step up to varsity track this season. “Erin is very driven,” said Tara Moss, Erin’s mother. “She

does a great job balancing all of her extracurricular activities. On top of everything else, she also dances year-round. She’s very focused.” Erin’s ability spans much more than the athletic world. Valwood prides itself on its academic prowess, and Erin has absolutely no problem standing out. She is a member of MATHCOUNTS (which is math competition team that competes regionally), she has served as a member of the Student Council, and has also participated in the Science Olympiad. Even with all of this on her plate, Erin still has one more obligation, and this one has helped produce one of her shining moments as a Valiant. “I am also a member of the Quiz Bowl team,” Erin said. “We recently took first place in the region.” It’s only natural that, with being a member of so many teams

Moss

“She’s very committed to academics,” Mrs. Moss said. “It’s natural for Erin to get upset or worried if any of her grades fall below a 95. She’s a terrific student.”

and organizations, Erin is extremely selfless. “She’s very team-oriented,” Mrs. Moss said. “What Erin

won’t tell you is that she was the one that gave the winning answer during that Quiz Bowl competition. She’s very humble

and always wants to make sure that her teammates get credit as well.” Being a Valiant fits Erin well; she has a never-say-die attitude that carries from athletics to academics and beyond. “I would say that I’m very persistent,” Erin said. “I know that I may not get things done on the first attempt. But I also know that I won’t quit until I do.” Her fighting spirit is a major reason that she has reached such a high level. “We had to make Erin give sports a try at Valwood,” Mrs. Moss said. “After her first day of basketball, she came home extremely upset. But she pushed herself to go back the next day, and she has played ever since. She’s very determined.” Erin looks forward to continu-

ing her academic and athletic careers as a Valiant. And while she has not narrowed down her choices for college, she knows that two things are certain. She will go to college, and she will continue to play sports when she gets there. And with her outstanding grades, those goals should be much easier to accomplish. “She’s very committed to academics,” Mrs. Moss said. “It’s natural for Erin to get upset or worried if any of her grades fall below a 95. She’s a terrific student.” Erin Moss is on the fast track to success. She has made incredible strides so far at Valwood, and with her level of dedication, it will come as no surprise when her Valiant efforts continue to pay off. ITG

Tanning Salon

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Timeless Moments in Sports

April

4.4.1993 “Swoope”ing into History Former WNBA guard/forward Sheryl Swoopes set an NCAA championship-game record, scoring 47 points in Texas Tech’s victory over Georgia Tech. The record, formerly held by Bill Walton of UCLA, still stands to this day.

4.14.1910

The First “First Pitch” The longstanding tradition of the “first pitch” began when thenPresident William Howard Taft threw the season-opening pitch prior to a matchup between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Athletics. The Nationals won the game by a score of 3-0.

4.21.1996

Unbelieva-Bull With a 103-93 victory over the Washington Bullets, the Chicago Bulls won their 72nd game of the NBA season (against only 10 losses). The Bulls would go on to win a their fourth NBA title, and their 72 wins in a season still remains a league record.

April Birthdays Adrián Beltré – April 7, 1979 (Third Baseman, Texas Rangers)

John Madden – April 10, 1936

(Hall-of-Fame Coach, Oakland Raiders)

Candace Parker – April 19, 1986 (Forward, Los Angeles Sparks)

Carlos Beltrán– April 24, 1977

(Outfielder/Designated Hitter, New York Yankees)

Tim Duncan – April 25, 1976

(Power Forward/Center, San Antonio Spurs)

4.15.1947

Broken Barrier Jackie Robinson became the first AfricanAmerican to play in the modern era of Major League Baseball, starting at first base. Although he went 0-3 at bat, he did manage to score a run in the Brooklyn Dodgers’ 5-3 victory over the Boston Braves.

4.28.1996

The “Red” Era Ends A 95-93 victory over the Lakers in Game Seven of the NBA Finals gave the Boston Celtics an eighth consecutive title and sent their coach into retirement as a champion. Arnold “Red” Auerbach coached Boston from 1950 to 1966 and won nine championships over that span. 4141

Are You Qualified?

Student-athletes in the class of 2016 and beyond will be experiencing many changes to the NCAA academic qualifications. These changes include higher GPA requirements, higher SAT/ACT scores, and CORE course requirements to be completed by the end of the junior year. by Skyler Callender

Tip to stay ahead:

Changes to the NCAA Academic Qualifications

sliding scale) Complete 16 CORE courses and graduate from high school

Full Qualifier

10 CORE classes required before 7th semester of school (Beginning of senior year)

Minimum CORE course 2.3 GPA, increased from 2.0, plus required ACT/SAT scores (See

7 of 10 CORE classes must be in English, math or science

Academic Redshirt Complete 16 CORE courses and graduate high school Minimum CORE course GPA of 2.0

Every semester now counts. A studentathlete must track their progression from the first semester of their freshman year. Previously, students could retake courses during their senior year to improve their GPA, however, the new standard sets benchmarks prior to the seventh semester. Seek out guidance counselors, athletic directors, and prospective colleges for assistance.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It takes a village to raise our children. Without the support of the (Colquitt) community, nothing that we accomplish would be possible.â&#x20AC;?

Colquitt County High School

Colquitt County Unity Powers Harden’s Mentoring by James Washington

or the Packers’ head basketball coach Andy Harden, Colquitt County is more than a community. It is his lifeline. Packer blood runs through his veins. He was born there, grew up there, and was a 1994 graduate of CCHS. Harden played three years of basketball as a Packer. His senior season was the first under former head coach Keith Hall. “When you’ve had so many memories of playing, coaching other Packers means so much more,” Harden said. “To see these young men in the same shoes that I once filled…it’s a honor to be a part of this program.” After spending time as head coach of the Worth County Rams, and as an assistant at CCHS under Coach Hall, Harden was finally given control of the reins in 2013. He also teaches health and physical education. “In our community, it’s so much more than just being a coach,” Harden said. “You want to build relationships with all of the students, athletes or not. The kids need to know that we’re there for them, no matter what.” Even during his time coaching the Rams, Harden says he has always felt the love and

photography by Micki K Photography

appreciation of his hometown. That mutual love eventually led Harden to a position at the Moultrie YMCA, where he was approached by his former coach about a coaching position of his own. “This is home,” Harden said. “You’re never alone here. There is always somebody looking out for you, in both good times and bad.” The unity that makes Colquitt County so special was tragically tested on the morn-

ing of June 26, 2014, when former Packer basketball star Xavier Terry lost his life in a car accident. A 2013-2014 All-Region selection, Terry had just graduated high school a few weeks prior. “The program took a hit,” Harden said. “We lost a fine young man. He was everything that you could ask for. He was dependable, he was a leader…and he got things done, on and off the court.” While the community mourned the

death of one of their own, the loss took an extreme toll on the basketball team, especially Harden. “I almost resigned,” Harden said. “At that point, I didn’t know my future. It was that shocking.” Losing a former player was difficult, but it also led to revelation in Harden’s life that proved to change the future of Packer basketball. One night, while at a local Waffle House with Tift County High

School’s head basketball coach, Eric Holland, a major point was brought to the forefront. “We, as coaches, take so much time making our players bigger, faster, stronger,” Harden said, “but we often fail to prepare them for the adversity that they will face in their everyday lives.” A heartfelt conversation with Coach Holland led to the creation of what Harden has named his “Three-Point Triangle.” “The three aspects of the triangle are triangle are physical, mental, and spiritual,” Harden said. “Before we lost Xavier, I would always be caught up in preparing the players to win games. After the accident, I realized that being strong, being able to bench press…that doesn’t help you out of darkness. That does nothing for the pain of losing a loved one. It was then that I understood the importance of support. We have to be there for these kids; we have to prepare them for life.” Harden’s methods are both respected and appreciated in the community. As a team, Colquitt’s basketball players are being molded into much more than successful players; they are being molded into respectable and successful young men that will be pillars of their community. And each day is lived to the fullest in

honor of their fallen comrade. “I try to mention (Xavier) every day,” Harden said. “We don’t forget about him. We hung his jersey in the gym, the players wore memorial patches on their uniforms, and we dedicated our season to him. We coined our own hashtag as well. #BLT. ‘Be Like Terry’. We haven’t gotten over it, and I don’t know if we ever will.” Less than a year removed from tragedy, Packer Nation has not forgotten. But they also have not settled. With people in the community like Coach Harden, Colquitt County will persevere, especially when the process is a team effort. “I want to sincerely thank Mr. Jimmy Heath, our booster club president, for making it possible for us to acquire the resources necessary to help the students in our community,” he said. “I also want to thank Eric for always being there for me. When we lost Xavier, he was the first one that called me. He’s one of my closest friends, and I love him like a brother. And, finally, I need to thank the Colquitt community. It takes a village to raise our children, and without the support of the community, nothing that we accomplish would be possible.” ITG

Ten Questions

Anna Grier with

“One of my mom’s best friends is Nancy Bowen, who won the 1995 Nabisco Dinah Shore. She teaches mental golf, and I’ve attended her classes before. I always try to do what she says: never think about more than two aspects of your swing at a time, and try to take your mind of what you need to score on a particular hole or even in a round. Count pine cones as you walk down the fairway – just do something to help you relax during the round. Focus on each individual shot, and don’t look too far ahead. The hardest part is not focusing on your swing.”

by Robert Preston Jr.

photography by Sarah Turner

he high school golf season isn’t an easy one to begin. It’s cold. It’s wet. It can be one of the dreariest times of the year. But Anna Greer, Tift County High’s number-one female golfer and one of the best in the region, couldn’t be happier to be back on the course. Last year’s Region 1-6A low medalist, Greer watched Tift win a state championship the year before she could join the Blue Devils. Since then, she’s been a part of a region title and has played at the state tournament. The Blue Devils, however, haven’t been able to bring another state trophy back to South Georgia. This year, Greer hopes that will change.

ITG: When did playing golf?

you

start

AG: I really started when I was in the eighth grade. My dad always played, and I went the course with him. Early on, I was a competitive cheerleader. But around the eighth grade, we started thinking about college. Since there aren’t that many girls who play golf, it’s not as difficult to get a college scholarship. We felt like golf might be the ticket to college. ITG: What has kept golf fun all these years? AG: I like being outside. I love the outdoors. It’s also fun getting to know people you play with. When you start out, you may not know the person you’re paired with. But during the round, you get to know them and maybe become friends. I also like golf because it’s an individual sport. The pressure is more individualized, and you don’t play in front of large crowds.

ITG: What’s your score these days?

average

AG: I’m a five handicapper. ITG: Over the last few years, how have you and your team done? AG: We’ve done well. Tift has always had good golf teams. When I was in the eighth grade, Tift won a state golf championship. Last year, we won region, and I was the low medalist with a 77. We went to state, but we didn’t play well. It was one of the most intense golf tournaments I’ve ever played in. We had a good team, and our expectations were high, but we just didn’t play well. ITG: What are your goals for this year? AG: We want to win region again, and I’d like to hold on to the low medalist award that I won last year. We also want to finish in the top three in the state.

ITG: How do you approach the mental side of golf?

ITG: Where do you plan to attend college?

AG: One of my mom’s best friends is Nancy Bowen, who won the 1995 Nabisco Dinah Shore. She teaches mental golf ,and I’ve attended her classes before. I always try to do what she says: never think about more than two aspects of your swing at a time, and try to take your mind of what you need to score on a particular hole or even in a round. Count pine cones as you walk down the fairway – just do something to help you relax during the round. Focus on each individual shot, and don’t look too far ahead. The hardest part is not focusing on your swing. Those two things I think about on my swing – they depend on how I’m hitting that day.

AG: I’m going to the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. I like the team up there, and I love North Georgia. The campus and the area are just beautiful. It’s also a unique campus – it’s part military school, so the buildings on campus surround a large drill field. It’s just a beautiful place.

ITG: How do you make adjustments during a round? AG: Most of the adjustments are mental. I don’t want to mess with my swing during a round. That can take you from bad to worse in a hurry. You have to put bad holes behind you and just try to do better as throughout the round.

ITG: What does the future hold for you? AG: That’s something my parents ask me every day! I’m not sure what I’m going to major in or what I’m going to do. I used to want to be a teacher. From the time I was in the second grade on, I wanted to teach. On career day, I used to dress up as a teacher. But now I’m not sure. ITG: What’s the best piece of golf advice you’ve ever received? AG: Play more than you practice. You can hit range balls all day long, but unless you get on the course, you won’t know how to score. And scoring is the most important aspect of golf.

College: University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Ga.

High School Tift County High School Tifton, Ga.

Recruitment Advice

Where’s the location? Distance - Plays a role in how accessible you are, some athletes don’t want to be too close and some don’t want to be too far in case something happens. Distance should be gauged based on how close you are with your family and friends. If it’s important that your loved ones see you play in person you should stay close to home, it’s nothing like having home away from home while in season. The closer the distance, the less financial strain it’s on your family to get to more games.

How well does my family get along with the coaches? Coaches - How well does your recruiting coach interact with the people important to you? This two-year interview process gives the recruit and the family a chance to look at various schools to evaluate how each school runs their program. The relationship the recruit builds with that recruiting coach is very important. When it’s time to sign the letter of intent, the athlete and family understand the program is now the part of the family he or she will be living with for the next four to five years. The official visit gives the family a chance to connect with the coaching staff on a more personal level outside of sports. That gives the head coach and staff a chance to earn the trust of the recruit and blessings of the family in 48 hours. It’s very important when a recruit is making an official visit to a school they’re serious about attending that they always take someone who’s apart of the decision making process.

Who should I consider? How important are your loved ones to you? Do you look for them during and after games? Have they been to every game since you started playing? Do they support and encourage you both in the game and at home? If your answer is yes to those questions, then your family should play the ultimate role in where you go to college. When being recruited, it’s important to know how your family will be effected by your decision.

What’s the environment like? Your religious beliefs and moral values should play a role in deciding where to spend the next four to five years of your life. A lot of recruits get caught up in the hype of chasing the logo of a program because of its success that it has had before you were even a thought. Winning is good, but what if

the character of the coaches and players doesn’t fit the person you are trying to become? Every athlete is a reflection of their previous program and institution, both on and off the field. College prepares you for life, and it’s the last training you get before on you are on your own and raising a family.

oming off last year’s Elite Eight appearance, Bart Shuman is ready for the 2015 season and his 18th year at the helm for Valdosta High School baseball. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Coach Shuman along with his wife, Becky,

and their three children, Scott, Sloan, and Seth, have all come to settle and fit quite nicely into the winning ways of the small South Georgia town. Shuman, who has been on the diamond and around the game of baseball for as long as he can remember, attributes his early love of the

sport to his father, Cap, who got him involved in organized ball at a young age. With over 30 years of experience as a coach and player, Shuman has had a taste of success everywhere he has been, his championships and personal accolades can speak for themselves.

BART SHUMAN INDUCTED INTO THE GEORGIA DUGOUT CLUB’S HALL OF FAME by Christopher Webb

1976

1981-1982

1983-1991

Graduated from Aucilla High School (Florida) where he was a three-sport letter in baseball, football, and basketball.

Received first head coaching job at Berrien High School after graduating from VSU. At Berrien he would serve as head baseball coach, and assistant football coach as well.

Returned back to Berrien High School, where he would resume his duties as head baseball coach. His second tenure in charge of the Rebels would prove to be a very successful one. After winning region titles in 1986, and 1987, expectations remained high for his 1988 team. Not only did this group live up to their lofty expectations, they exceeded them, finishing the year with a record of 31-0 and winning the AA state championship. Berrien also played and beat every team in region 1-AAAAA that year, an impressive task for any AA school.

1979 Played on Valdosta State University’s National Championship baseball team. The National Championship marked the first title in school history for VSU, which has gone on to win six NCAA championships in three different sports since. Shuman saw time all over the field, serving as a utility player under legendary coach Tommy Thomas. 52

1982-1983 Accepted a graduate assistant coach position at VSU. This provided Shuman with valuable coaching experience while under the wing of his mentor and former coach Tommy Thomas. Shuman credits Thomas with being “the most professional and knowledgeable coach” he has ever been associated with.

2015 Inducted into the Georgia Dugout Club’s Hall of Fame, where he joins his mentor and former coach Tommy Thomas. The GDC is an association for high school and college baseball coaches in the state of Georgia. Hall of fame votes are cast by fellow coaches and GDC members.

1997-Present Accepted the head coaching position at Valdosta High School a job he had always considered a dream. As a kid growing up in North Florida, keeping up with the top high school football programs is a way of life, and Valdosta was always his favorite. Shuman’s return to the Valdosta area was felt immediately. He led the Wildcats to a region title in 1998 followed by a Final Four appearance in 1999, the school’s first trip in baseball since 1982. At a school where football is king, Shuman has done a fantastic job of tapping into the talent he has around him and turning them into winners on the baseball diamond as well. In his 18-year tenure at VHS, his teams have earned three region championships, four elite eight appearances, two final fours, and have qualified 11 times for the state playoffs.

“I knew early in my life that this was what I wanted to do. I have always enjoyed teaching and working with others. My biggest joy in coaching is helping and teaching the athletes while experiencing their success with them on the athletic field. As careers end, I enjoy watching and hearing about young men who have grown into responsible, productive, and successful adults.”

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Southeast Georgia FCA Gains Meaningful Funds Through Meaningful Events

e at the Southeast Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes have been busy these last few months with banquet preparation and production. We started in Valdosta with our largest banquet to date, the SEGA FCA Spring Banquet. Coach Mark Richt did a fantastic job of sharing his testimony, and the evening program was seamless. We took a short break from banquets to host our annual Coaches Appreciation Luncheon. This was the second year we were able to host at the beautiful Quail Branch Lodge in Lake Park, Georgia. The facility provides a large space with plenty of room for seating and serving our coaches. We once again provided a steak dinner with all the trimmings and were honored to hear from Coach David Dean,

head football coach of Valdosta State University. This is one of our favorite events because it gives us a time to encourage the men and women who mentor and lead our young people every day. On March 19, Flat Creek Baptist Church facilitated our Berrien County FCA Banquet and provided space for a full room of community members to come together for dinner and fellowship. Coach Dan Reeves brought the message. He is a legend in the football world and a name easily recognized throughout our region, known for his career as a football player for South Carolina and Dallas. He is also well known for coaching several great National Football League teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants, and the Atlanta Falcons. We enjoyed hearing his testimony

of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grace in his life and of his memorable career. We look ahead to our upcoming Cook County FCA Banquet on April 16 at Lenox Baptist Church in Lenox, Ga. We are anticipating an exciting night of hearing from Coach Bobby Bowden, former head coach for Florida State University. There will be several one-of-a-kind items at our silent auction, including autographed, framed portraits of Mark Richt, Bobby Bowden, and Dan Reeves. We are so thankful to the donors in our seven-county area that provide the resources to fund this ministry. You help enable us to provide counsel, resources, Bibles, scholarships, and awards to area coaches, athletes, and students. We are humbled to serve Jesus Christ through the ministry of the FCA.

Irwin’s vivacious Basketball Cheerleaders are the voice of the Winter Indians! They have what it takes to get the fans enthused about basketball. Since the squad’s origin in 2000, the girls have cheered, chanted, and stepped into the hearts of Irwin Basketball Fans. This year they have an added member: Irwin’s new mascot

“The Indian” and a FANtastic Student Section led by Luke Gamble and Grant Hudson. The spirit and enthusiasm have been off the charts. The cheerleaders are very versatile. Before their cheer season, one may see some cheering on the football sidelines, strutting with Irwin’s Marching Big Red, singing in the Chorus, running on cross

IRWIN BASketball cheerleaders

country courses, or on the softball diamonds. During the season, some of the girls pull double duty, playing for the girls’ basketball team and cheering for the boys. They juggle their practices and events, never missing an opportunity to give their best and represent ICHS with pride. When the cheer season ends, many move on to track and field and others to soccer. There is no judged competition for basketball cheerleading, but Irwin’s girls are known for their spirit and loud cheering.

2015 Georgia Elite High School All-Star Game

Irwins first basketball student section, and it has grown in great numbers.

Irwin ‘s Daniel Smith has been nominated to play in the prestigious 2015 Georgia Elite High School AllStar Basketball Game that will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Darton State College. The games will feature some of the top boys and girls from Georgia. There will be a Three-Point Shootout during halftime of the boys and girls game. The boys’ game will also feature a Dunk Contest. The girls’ game will begin at 7:00 pm. The boys’ game will begin immediately following the completion of the girls contest. College coaches are very excited about the opportunity to evaluate the plethora of talent in Georgia. There will be college recruiters from Division I, Division II, Division III, and the NAIA, as well as Junior College coaches at the event.

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