South Georgia November 2015 Edition by ITG Next Magazine

In this issue November 2015

Fastbreaks:

The Life of a Coach’s Wife Christine Freeman Brooks County High School

11 Limitations Become Inspiration Isaac Lufkin Houlton High School 12 Where Are They Now? Justin Anderson Irwin County High School 14 Former Rising Star Ready for Transition to College Meredith McClendon Valwood School

29 Football: The Newest Athletic Frontier for Women? 65 How to Save and Earn with CDs provided by Colony Bank 66 TiftArea YMCA Fun Mudder 2015 67 The Facts About Concussions provided by SGMC

Sneak Peak Be sure to pick up a copy of our December issue! We will take you back to Homerville’s 1988-89 “Triple Crown” year. The school won a state championship in football, basketball, and baseball.

TCC Softball | 10 Questions with Robyn Trammell Thomas County Central High School

Junior Fullback Leading Explosive Fitzgerald Offense JD King Fitzgerald High School

Lowndes Senior Wrestles in New Zealand, Brings Home Silver Medal Blake Hedgecock Lowndes High School

Valwood Duo Primed for Success After Graduation Tyler Richards & Jack Helms Valwood School

Blakely, Walker Anchor Stingy Colquitt County Defense Ja’Quain Blakely & Dee Walker Colquitt County High School

Cook Senior Refuses to Let Disability Get in Her Way Misty Triggs Cook High School

Lady Blue Devils Don’t Divide the Glory Tift County Girls Cross Country Tift County High School

Athletics, Service to Others Hallmark of VHS Senior Parker Campiglia Valdosta High School

New Runner Leads Viking Cross Country Program to Lofty End of Season Goals Kaleb Wolfenden + An Update on Chance Roe Lowndes High School

Senior Signal-Caller Shines in the Spotlight Seth Shuman Valdosta High School

Success is a Process Carl Parker Lanier County Football

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Read Misty Triggs’ full story on page 50!

Contributors:

From the Publisher

How did our preseason football predictions turn out? By now, you’ll know. The regular season has ended, and the playoff picture is now crystal clear. It’s hard for me to project how things will actually turn out – many schools haven’t even started region play as I type this. We know the storylines, we know what’s on the line, we know the stakes. Last year, we had several South Georgia teams go very deep in the playoffs. Maybe we’ll have even more playing into December in 2015. Football may be the

biggest sport wrapping up its season this month, but it’s not the only one. Cross country, softball, volleyball, and competition cheerleading are all putting the finishing touches on their fall campaigns as well. Like with football, let’s hope we have a number of teams and individual athletes competing at the state level. This month, I believe we have another excellent edition of In the Game. We have trailblazers, inspiring athletes, international travelers, and future Division I players – all from South Georgia. On the trailblazing front, we have Parker Campiglia, whose academics (ranked #1 in his class at Valdosta High) and community service (Eagle Scout and a community service project list a mile long) are enough to set him apart. He is also, however, one of the first two male cheerleaders on Valdosta

High’s co-ed competition cheerleading squad (Parker joined his brother, Will, on the team when he was a freshman). Cheerleading isn’t a popular sport for males in South Georgia, but Parker and his Valdosta High teammates have proven that a co-ed competition squad can compete at a high level. We also interviewed Blake Hedgecock, a Lowndes High wrestler who won a silver medal in an international tournament in New Zealand this summer; Misty Triggs, who despite battling cerebral palsy, is a member of Cook High’s cheerleading team; two unique Valwood football players, Tyler Richards and Jack Helms; and a pair of Division I linebackers in Dee Walker and Ja’Quain Blakely, both of Colquitt County. Of course, we have other features as well

including overviews of Thomas County Central’s softball team and Tift County’s cross country team; Fitzgerald’s stellar junior running back, JD King; Kaleb Wolfendon of Lowndes’s cross country team, and a host of other entertaining and enlightening stories. This is championship season. We have several teams in our area that measure success by region titles and state championships, not simply playoff appearances. We are entering the so-called third season, and it’s the one that counts the most – in all of our sports. Let’s hope we will be recapping fall state titles into the new year!

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 Lindsi Jones Feature Writers Robert Preston Jr. James Washington Sarah Turner Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Rachel Thrasher

rachel@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Cole Parker

Tell us what you thought about the October issue of In the Game! info@inthegamemagazine.com

For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. | P.O. Box 812 | Valdosta, GA | 31603 In the Game 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 Media Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Fastbreaks November 2015

Limitations become inspiration For anyone that has ever been told that they can’t or won’t accomplish something, take this as an opportunity to look to the Northeastern United States for unexpected motivation. BY JAMES WASHINGTON

Isaac Lufkin is a 16-year-old student-athlete in Houlton, Maine. His sport of choice is football, and he competes as a kicker and nose tackle for the Houlton High School Shiretowners. He puts full effort into every down on the field, determined to be the best player possible. Like anyone with a love of the game, he has dreams to be an elite competitor on the collegiate and professional stage in the future. As a member of his freshman football team in 2014 (he attended Classical High School in Providence, Rhode Island), Isaac’s contributions on the gridiron helped lead the team to an undefeated season and a state title. Photography courtesy of Bangor Daily News

So what makes his story different than any other? Nothing, unless you count the fact that Isaac was born with no arms. He has gotten used to doing everything without the aid of prosthetic limbs. Doctors have told him that prosthetic limbs are an option, but, ironically, they could be more of a detriment than a benefit. Adding them could potentially disrupt Isaac’s balance, which, in turn, would affect his kicking. He sets the football on the tee on his own, and during his freshman season, his team led its division in onside kick recoveries. Away from the field, he cooks, cleans, and eats without assistance. Isaac is a big NFL fan, and has set his sights on, one day, being the kicker for his favorite professional team, the Baltimore Ravens. Every student-athlete has obstacles to overcome in order to achieve success. Fear, stature, and many other things will present themselves on the road to the top. But, no matter the obstacle, one thing is for certain. It takes the heart of a champion to be successful. And Isaac Lufkin has more than enough heart to chase his dreams. ITG

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Fastbreaks

Where Are they now? Justin Anderson | Irwin County High School Alumnus by Sarah Turner

Justin Anderson (“Bean”, as they call him), an Ocilla legend, takes determination to a new level. He has tasted success, and plenty of it. The 6’5”, 340-pound offensive lineman went on to be a starter for the University of Georgia and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round (208th Overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. Today, however, he is a free agent looking for another break with a professional team. “I’m 27, I feel good, and I feel like I’ve got some good playing years left in me,” Anderson says. “So, I’ll give it a shot and see what happens.” Anderson was never your typical small town football player; there was more to him than that, literally. Aside from the talent he built as an offensive and defensive linemen in Ocilla, Anderson’s size gave him the one-up he needed to be sought out by Division I schools across the country. He hit a growth spurt in middle school that led to plenty of encouragement from the community for Anderson to pursue football. The rest is history. “It’s a rarity for someone to leave a small town and go off to a major conference school like the University of Georgia to play in the SEC,” says Bobby Conner,

former Irwin County coach and retired superintendent. “He only wanted to play at Georgia, he committed early, and went on to do a great job. He also completed his degree. I’m very proud of Justin; he is a fine young man.” Conner says. After graduating from Irwin County, and spending a short time at Hargrave Military Academy, Anderson indeed went on to do great for the Dawgs. He was named Freshman All-SEC by the league’s coaches and to Phil Steele’s All-Freshman Second Team in 2008. He would start 26 of 40 games, 14 during his senior year (2011), which helped the team to a record of 10-4 and berths in the SEC Championship Game and Outback Bowl. He also received the team’s Most Improved Player Award on offense in 2011. Anderson earned his degree in housing. Post-UGA, Anderson was drafted by the Colts on May 17, 2012. He began his rookie season on the Physically Unable to Perform List and had to sit out the first six games of the season. On November 19, he was placed on the active roster; however, the very next day he was waived by the Colts. The day after that, he was re-signed and placed on the

What’s the most important lesson you learned from playing with the Irwin County Indians? It taught me responsibility, mental toughness, and accountability. Of all your successes at UGA, what makes the top of the list for you? Beating Florida my senior year. Do you have any aspirations that are not related to football? I love drag racing. I hope to pursue it further when I’m older. As far as career, I think about that day in and day out.

12 In the Game November 2015

practice squad. On January 7, 2013, he was signed to a reserved/future contract. That August, he was waived/ injured by the Colts, then placed on the Colts’ injured reserve list, and finally on February 10, 2014, he was waived by the Colts indefinitely. Even after injuries and his not so fairy-tale experience with professional football, Anderson kept pushing forward. He was assigned to the Orlando Predators on February 10, 2015. However, Anderson quickly decided arena football was not for him and that he would continue to pray for another shot in the NFL. And that’s where he is today. Staying in shape. Keeping his weight down. Maintaining. “I’ve been trying to move back up ever since,” Anderson says. “I’ve sacrificed a lot; I just don’t want it to be over yet. I train every week, stay in shape, and hopefully, somebody will call.” With his incredible determination and the support of the Irwin County community, Anderson is an athlete to continue to keep an eye on. He is a person who firmly stands beside the phrase “giving up is not an option.” ITG

Fastbreaks Catching Up with Meredith McClendon Valwood School

Former Rising Star Ready for Transition to College

by Carnell Tate | photography courtesy of the McClendon family

Since the age of 9, Meredith McLendon’s career has been running at top speed and has no plan of stopping anytime soon. Inspired by her father’s mutual love for sports, she enjoyed many hobbies growing up. “I am definitely a daddy’s girl,” McClendon says. She’s taken up cheerleading, gymnastics, basketball, and golf over the years, but softball has been her first calling. And today, at 18 years old and standing at 5’7”, the calling has been boldly and proficiently answered. She always wanted to a part of a team. It is a place where she finds the opportunity to focus her hard work and leadership whenever it is needed most. “I’m glad I chose softball, because I know I have an impact on something bigger than myself,” she says.

14 In the Game November 2015

After years of playing in travel circuits year-round and school ball in the fall, McLendon gained regional acclaim and was featured as an In the Game Rising Star during her eighth-grade year in 2011. The previous year was marked by the excellent season of the Hahira Middle School Vikettes, with whom she won a championship. Since then, she has been traveling around the country with the metro-Atlanta-based Georgia Impact and playing ball with Valwood School. Fighting for and striving for success are more than athletic creed she lives by, but throughout her academic career she has consistently put forth an outstanding performance. Having both parents as teachers has greatly influenced her on and off the field. They have always encouraged her to live up to her potential and do better. However, she feels that most people

don’t see how important failures are as well. “What people don’t realize is that you fail so much,” she says. “You can’t get down on yourself, but you must persevere because the mental aspect is the key.” As fiercely competitive as McLendon is, her light-hearted spirit helps keep her and her teammates in a cheerful mood. Their favorite ritual before almost every game is to play the song “Fergalicious” and see who can do the rapping part the best. “Sometimes I get ahead of myself and get upset at my team,” she says. “But everyone is learning, and the end of the day we all have fun, win or lose.” However, losing is more foreign to McLendon than winning. Still, she is humble in her accomplishments. “I have a lot,” she says when asked about her trophy collection. “I haven’t really counted them.” Her longtime goal of earning a softball scholarship to a Division I school was far from humble, but that did not stop her. Earlier in the spring of 2014, several schools were looking to recruit McLendon. She decided to accept a scholarship from Georgia Southern, where she will be attending next fall. The main reasons for her commitment were how welcomed she felt and its proximity to home. She has a big future ahead of her, and she knows that college will be a much more rigorous process. “I want to thank everyone,” she says. “This softball team this year taught me so much, and I want to thank my parents and family; there’s no other place I want to be.” ITG

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16 In the Game November 2015

Thomas County Central High School Softball The Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets softball team finished the 2015 regular season with 23-4 overall mark and a perfect 10-0 region record. At the time of this interview, the girls were getting ready for the region tournament and a potential postseason bid. Over the last few years, under the leadership of former All-ACC written by Robert Preston photography by Lindsi Jones

player Robyn Trammell, the Yellow Jackets have enjoyed a great deal of success. Last year, for example, the girls won region and eventually finished as state runner-up. Coach Trammell answered a few questions for us about the TCC softball program just prior to the start of the region tournament.

10 Questions with Robyn Trammell

What is your current record? Where does the team sit in the region standings, and what is your postseason outlook? 23-4. We finished with a region record of 10-0. We went into the region tournament as the number one seed. We have played very well this season, and all I can do is hope that we continue to play relaxed and confident.

Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been at TCC? What is your prior coaching experience, and how have the Yellow Jackets done under your leadership? I graduated from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Florida. I then went to play softball at Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida. While playing at Gulf Coast, our team won a state championship, and I was selected to the All-State softball team. I then played two years for Florida State University. While playing at FSU, our team won an ACC championship, and I was selected to the All-ACC team, the All-ACC Academic Team, and the First Team NCAA Regional Tournament Team. After graduating from FSU, I played one year of women’s professional softball with a women’s league in Wellington, New Zealand. This is my ninth year teaching with Thomas County Schools and coaching at Thomas County Central High School. After returning from New Zealand, I coached one year at Florida A&M University. I then coached varsity volleyball and softball for four years at Marianna High School in Marianna, Florida. While coaching softball at Marianna High School, we won four district championships, made the playoffs all four years, and made the Sweet Sixteen in 2007. We made the state play-offs in 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014. We also finished in the Sweet Sixteen in 2009; won a region championship in 5A in 2012; won a region championship, made the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, and finished as 4A state runner-up in 2014. What has been the Jackets’ formula for success? What is the personality of the 2015 team? Hard work and teamwork. The players I worked with when I first started coaching at Thomas County, without a doubt, set the standard for hard work. They also set the standard for how we (Thomas County Central softball) would embrace the idea of team. The commitment, dedication, and determination of those young ladies would help steer this program in the right direction with every season. Thomas County Central softball is what it is today because of those players that showed up and worked hard for no other reason but to make themselves, their team, and our program better. Those girls would help put Thomas County Central on the map in 2009 with a Sweet Sixteen finish to the season. With every season that passes, the girls continue to take their

18 In the Game November 2015

hard work and dedication to each other and the program to another level. Who are your key players? Who are the team leaders in the major statistical areas (ERA, batting average, RBI, home runs, number of hits, fielding percentage, etc.)? For the most part, my key players change with each game we play. When my pitcher struggles, my defense picks her up and the offense tries to put more runs up for her. When the offense struggles, my pitcher steps up and tries to keep it close with help from the defense.You would really have to watch a few of our games to understand what I’m saying. It’s truly a team effort. As for our statistical leaders, that’s a tough one. I have a few players that have been neck and neck all season with averages. My leading hitters so far this season are Kenlie Harvey, Larran Carter, Payton Burton, and Katelyn Hobbs. Leading our team in fielding percentage is our catcher, Payton Burton, and first baseman, Emily Greek. As far as on-base percentage and stolen bases go, my slappers are leading the team in those areas. Jamilah Johnson,Victoria Parker and Anna Greek all do a great job finding a way on base, getting into scoring position, and putting pressure on the defense. Larran Carter has done a phenomenal job for us on the mound this season. Her record is 22-2 with 84 strikeouts, and she continues to get better every game. Although averages aren’t figured for the following categories, that does not deem them any less important. Hannah Johnson and Christina Ansley have both come up with clutch game winning hits this season, while Madeline Parker remains solid at shortstop and at the plate. Amanda Dunlap, Kealie Bennett, Leila Hurst, and Caroline Pope are some of my underclassmen that are always willing to contribute any way the team needs them. Whether it’s pitching, catching, pinch hitting, or pinch running these kids get it done. Last, but certainly not least, junior Danielle Lee plays the most important role in our team’s success. Danielle’s attitude and heart constantly keep our team moving in the right direction. All my girls “lead” in some capacity, and there’s not enough room on this page to explain how important each girl is to me or the program. What makes softball unique? Softball is a unique sport because it teaches life lessons with every practice and game. Every player gets a chance

to grow and learn with every play and at bat. Although softball is a team sport, it also offers a personal accountability. When a player makes an error or strikes out, she has nowhere to look but at herself. Players are forced to learn how to persevere through those failures. Softball also teaches young girls how to be a part of a team and how to interact with each other and with coaches. What does it take to be a good softball player? What skills do you value? It takes hard work, a great attitude, the ability to be coached, and being a good teammate. Additionally, it helps if you can field, throw, and hit pretty well. All the skills I mentioned in the prior question can be repeated here. I value hard work, a great attitude, being coachable, and being a good teammate. In my experience, if a player possesses these skills then the throwing, fielding, and hitting will ALMOST be a breeze to master. Is travel ball necessary? Absolutely. Travel ball is great because it provides players with more offensive and defensive chances. Depending on the level of competition, travel ball can serve as an incredible tool to help players gain experience and improve their level of play. With that being said, I believe travel ball has slowly transitioned into more of a money-making industry rather than a helpful tool to improve the play of young athletes. In the past 14 years, I have seen too many players get caught up in the illusion and prestige of travel ball, losing sight of what’s truly important. It can be so frustrating to see all the wasted money, miles, and time that young players and parents are expending on the star struck quest for a big-time college softball scholarship offer. It’s my hope that kids will get back to enjoying the actual game of softball and learn to appreciate and enjoy being “in the now.” If used correctly, travel ball has it benefits, as does school ball. School ball provides such a special and unique experience for young athletes. School ball offers the chance for kids to play ball with childhood friends, those who have grown up together playing ball. School ball also provides athletes the opportunity to play for their high school, their hometown and to play for a high school state championship. There are so many different travel ball organizations and classifications and, with that, a thousand different chances to win nationals, World Series tournaments, etc., but there can only be one GHSA

4A state champion. Does it take playing year round to be an elite player in our area? No. Although I believe that travel ball is necessary, I do not think that kids should be playing softball every month of the year. I think they need a few months off to enjoy family, friends, and just being a kid. What is the state of the sport of softball in South Georgia? How have you seen it grow since you’ve been coaching here? South Georgia softball is alive and well. There are several strong and competitive high school softball teams in South Georgia, and it’s great to see and be a part of that. With every year, the level of softball improves in South Georgia, and I am proud to coach with and against all the coaches and teams we play in our area. I strongly believe that South Georgia softball is making a strong and respectable name for itself. Tell us about the biggest moment your team has experienced thus far in 2015? In my opinion, the biggest game we have played so far this season would be when we beat Kennesaw Mountain. It was such an intense game where the girls battled back from behind and really showed a lot of character, never quitting. That was a good win for us on so many levels, but most importantly, that game helped with our team confidence. The first thing that comes to my mind this year is resilience. We had such a phenomenal 2014 season, and coming back after a season like that can be tough. Also, we graduated two seniors (Emily Corbitt and Erika Greek) last year who played a huge part in last year’s success. It was unclear how the girls would handle that change, but they have not missed a beat. What does the future look like for TCC softball? The future looks amazing. We have great kids, from the sixth grade all the way up through the 12th, with tremendous potential. I am so blessed to be able to have such a special group of young girls to work with, and I’m so excited to see how much they will continue to improve. We have really worked hard to build a solid program, and our goal is to get better each year. We are blessed to have an administration that takes such a vested interest in supporting the girls, coaches, and program; a hardworking and positive parent base; and kids that are eager to work hard and get better. ITG

Blake Hedgecock Lowndes senior wrestles in New Zealand, brings home silver medal by Robert Preston | photography by Micki K Photography

When Lowndes High senior Blake Hedgecock began wrestling in the eighth grade, he had no idea the sport would one day take him to the other side of the world. His father, Ray Hedgecock, had wrestled in high school, and he wanted his son to give the sport a try. So the younger Hedgecock joined Lowndes’s local wrestling club, the Devil Dogs. With instruction he received with the Devil Dogs, and a little help from his father, Hedgecock started winning matches. “I just kept winning, getting better, and I realized I really enjoyed the sport,” he says. When Hedgecock reached high school, he joined the Vikings’ wrestling team and has done well over the last three years. Last season, Hedgecock qualified for the state meet but saw his meet end a little earlier than he wanted it to. “I almost placed, but I came up a little short,” he says.

Earlier this year, Hedgecock received a letter saying that he was one of 108 American wrestlers who were being invited to the Down Under International Games in New Zealand. The international competition features athletes in a variety of sports from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa. All the American wrestlers who received invitations were state qualifiers, and only three were from Georgia. “I was surprised,” he says. “But it made me realize that all the hard work over the years has been worth it.” The trip consisted of three and a half days of training in Australia, another three and a half days in New Zealand (competing in two different tournaments), and three days of unwinding in Hawaii. The first day of wrestling in New Zealand featured an individual tournament. Hedgecock, wrestling in the 138-pound class, squared off against James Scanlan of American Samoa in his first match. He won, and then he proceeded through

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the bracket to the championship match, defeating David Maldonado of Kentucky, and Dillon Muchmore of Nebraska. Finally, he faced Zack Hanson of Washington in the gold medal match. Hedgecock lost the match to Hanson and came away with a silver medal. “The American wrestlers were more talented,” he says. “In the later rounds, all the wrestlers left were Americans.” The second day was a team competition. Hedgecock’s team featured eight wrestlers. There were, however, 14 weight classes; with only eight wrestlers, Hedgecock’s team had to forfeit six matches. “In the matches we wrestled, we won more than we lost,” he says. After competing, the team stopped off for a few days in Hawaii, where Hedgecock spent a little time surfing Hawaii’s legendary waves (he also surfed and went skydiving in Australia). “I’ve always wakeboarded and I’ve done some snowboarding,” he says. “I just picked up surfing along the way. My family is really into watersports and things like that.” “This whole experience was a real confidence booster,” he says of his trip. “I now know I can wrestle with the best in the nation. The extra mat time this summer

was something that you really can’t measure. I was able to spend a lot of time wrestling this summer that I wouldn’t have had if I had been back home.” As for the upcoming season, Hedgecock would like to return to state and bring home a championship. He also has some interest from college wrestling programs. “I don’t know if I will wrestle in college,” he says. “It would have to be a full scholarship offer. When I get to school, I think I want to focus on my education and getting my degree.” ITG

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Blakely, Walker anchor stingy Colquitt County defense by Robert Preston | photography by Micki K Photography

I spoke with Ja’Quain Blakely and Dee Walker, two Colquitt County linebackers, on Friday, Oct. 2. It was not only game day, but the opening game of the region schedule. The Packers were traveling a short distance to I-75, where they would face the Lowndes High Vikings in Martin Stadium. I don’t like to interview players or coaches on game day. There is much more to do with a game a few hours away than talk to me. In this instance, however, that’s the way things worked out. I spoke with Blakely first, then I called Walker. As we were wrapping up, I had one more question for Walker. “I’m sorry, sir, but I’ve got to go. We’re having a team meeting,” he said abruptly. And just like that, the line fell silent. He was gone and there would be no getting him back. To be honest, the sudden end to our conversation wasn’t a surprise. And it didn’t bother me at all. I laughed as I disconnected my technology, shaking my head at the dedication of not only these two young men but the Colquitt County Packers in general. They are still hungry, still motivated, still at the top of their game. And nothing comes before their team. Blakely and Walker exemplify the aforementioned qualities. They’ve grown up in Moultrie, are products of the Colquitt County Middle School program, and, under the guidance of head coach Rush Propst and his staff, have become two of the best linebackers in the state. Both are big, strong, fast, and love the challenge each Friday night brings. Dubbed the Twin Towers, they play well together and are at times insurmountable obstacles on Colquitt’s defensive unit. Primarily an out24 In the Game November 2015

side linebacker, Blakely, 6’3” and 220 pounds, is a three-star recruit who has committed to play for the Tennessee Volunteers. He’s been a football player for as long as he can remember, and it’s just about all he’s ever wanted to do. Blakely has not only become a football player, but he’s become one of the best in the state. Blakely, who is also a center on the Packers’ basketball team, is a complete player. He has tremendous athleticism and can help his team in a multiple of ways. He’s good against the run, is a great pass rusher, and loves to hit. Blakely is also excellent on special teams and makes significant contributions in that facet of the game. “I love the physicality of playing defense. It feels really good to lay somebody out,” he laughs. Through the early portion of the year, maxpreps.com reports that Blakely had 14 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Throughout the first half of the 2015 season, things have gone exactly how Blakely thought they would. He and his teammates are not tired of winning and have no intentions of making things easier for their region opponents. “This season is what I thought it would be. We knew we would get everybody’s best, and I think we’ve performed well. We just want to work hard. We’re humble kids, and we don’t let the hype get to us. We just want to play the game and enjoy what we do,” he says. Dee Walker feels the same way. The 6’2”, 210-pound outside linebacker is a lightning bolt of a football player – big, fast, strong, intense, relentless. Grow-

ing up, he tried to play just about every sport he could. Nothing fit his personality except football. “It’s all I could play. I even tried golf. But I’m not patient enough. I want to go get it. I’m a very physical player,” he says. Walker remains focused by blocking out all distractions. He doesn’t pay attention to social media and tries to stay out of the spotlight. “I try to keep that stuff to a minimum. As a team, we talk to each other, stay humble, and stay out of trouble. We really don’t have time to get in trouble. We’re here at the fieldhouse almost every day of the week,” he says. According to maxpreps.com, Walker has totaled 12 tackles and three sacks through the first part of the 2015 season. He’s the kind of player who offenses can’t ignore; paired with Blakely, the two are nearly immovable. Walker credits his success to an unlikely source – the

film room. “We spend so much time watching film. When an offense lines up, we know what play they’re going to run before the ball is even snapped. That gives us a big advantage,” he says. Like Blakely, Walker has nearly two dozen offers from all over the country. He’s considering several schools and says he plans to make a decision soon. He likes Kentucky but is also interested in Florida State, Missouri, Florida,

and others. “I want to go wherever I see myself playing and fitting in,” he says. Walker maintains that when he entered high school, he had no idea his career would turn out like this. “We’ve always been good. But the last four or five years, we’ve been really good. When I got in high school, I thought I would play four years and that’s it. But it’s become a lot more than that,” he says. ITG

It’s always interesting when players talk about state championships with confidence.The Packers, however, are in an even more unique position than that. Both Walker and Blakely talked about their goals for this season – to outperform their 2014 campaigns, stay focused, win a title. But Blakely mentioned something else. “I would love for us to win a national championship.We have a chance to do that.That would be another goal of mine,” he says.

Not only are Ja’Quain Blakely and Dee Walker best friends, they’re also cousins who have grown up together. They love playing together, and there’s nothing more they would rather be doing than being on the field with each other. “It feels really good to be out there with my cousin. It’s a great feeling. I know he’s got my back, and I’ve got his,” says Blakely. As for what Walker thinks about Blakely – that I didn’t find out. Before Walker could answer, Coach Propst called a team meeting. And when Propst calls, Walker and his teammates answer. Ultimately, that kind of dedication is why Walker, Blakely, and the rest of the Packers are among the best in the state.

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This year, a larger than usual group of senior girls is toeing the line. Most of these runners have been competing together since their middle school racing years.

“I can’t imagine the void our team will have next year as they move on to college,” Honeycutt says. “I can only hope that XC and running has made as much a mark on their lives as they

Lady Blue Devils Don’t Divide the Glory

by Sarah Turner | photography by Micki K Photography

If you think the best way to win a cross country meet is to send each runner out and tell them to run their hardest as individuals, you have no business being a cross country coach.Teams that train together throughout the year tend to have better success. And although there is opportunity to have a runner excel at the state level without a team behind them, most coaches will agree that a team championship means more to a school than an individual one. The Tift County High School girls cross country team is a prime example of a group who may not have the fastest individual runner, but can take the gold as a team. They took the crown last season in Moultrie, Ga., by winning the 1-AAAAAA Championship.They expect no less in the 2015 season and expect to continue to dominate the region while creating a threat at the state championship in Carrollton, Ga. “Everyone of the girls who scored in last year’s region championship meet are returning this year, and I have a few new strong faces that we recruited from other sorts,” head coach Marci Honeycutt says. “Minus a couple of injuries that are on the mend, we are poised to go for our second-straight region championship.” Besides their strong team tradition and former successes, the program has also recently added another secret weapon to the mix. A running legend in the Tifton community, Mike Beeman, took over a coaching position

have made on mine.” This year’s seniors include: Madison Honeycutt, Bethanni Carroll, Davah Mullis, Haley Burgess, Victoria Ponder, and Jordan Hill.

2015 Cross Country State Championship Schedule

November 7th

with the Blue Devils cross country teams. “Beeman is the best thing our cross country team has had in years,” Honeycutt says. “He brings to the table of wealth of running knowledge and coaching experience, as well as a love for the kids. He also brings a male perspective to the boys’ team and is able to challenge them to get to the next level.” Beeman, featured in the November 2014 issue of In the Game, has completed 39 Boston Marathons and holds the eighth spot for most consecutive BMs. “The team has heart and tradition.They also have expectations of themselves; that are not spoken but are obviously on display when they run,” Beeman says. “I think they appreciate me being out there sweating and swatting gnats with them.” At the time of this writing, the Lady Blue Devils are running strong and maintaining an average finishing time of around 23:40, but they will have to continue to lower that average to hang on to their region title another year, as Lee County High School and Lowndes High School are making the competition tight. By the time this issue is printed, there will be a 1-AAAAAA champion. No matter the outcome, it seems to hold true that the terrain in Carrollton will shake things up for these South Georgia girls. Follow us on Facebook to hear how your favorite South Georgia team is holding up at the state meet. ITG

7:45 a.m. Boys A Private 8:25 a.m. Girls A Private 9:10 a.m. Boys AAAAA 9:50 a.m. Girls AAAAA 10:35 a.m. Boys AAA 11:15 a.m. Girls AAA 12 noon Boys AAAA 12:40 p.m. Girls AAAA 1:25 p.m. Boys AA 2:05 p.m. Girls AA 2:50 p.m. Boys AAAAAA 3:30 p.m. Girls AAAAAA 4:15 p.m. Boys A (public) 4:55 p.m. Girls A (public)

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I have been accused of being a retro-grouch, and with good reason. I don’t like change. I resist as much as possible. However, I’ve always said that if women are good enough to make the team, and they can handle the punishment that comes with playing football, they should be allowed to play. I don’t have a problem with it at all.

In the Game Opinions by Robert Preston

Football: The newest athletic frontier for women?

Women playing football. It’s not totally unheard of. Every so often, a young lady makes headlines by making her local football team. Most of the time, it’s as a placekicker. Soccer has helped forge some strong and accurate legs, both for males and females alike, and it’s not terribly uncommon for a few ladies a year to give placekicking a try. While I had heard of this in the past, I had never seen it myself. Until Friday, Sept. 25th of this year. I was on the sidelines at the Coffee / Effingham County game, in my usual spot taking pictures. Effingham, rather surprisingly, scored first. When the Rebels’ extra point unit came onto the field, someone standing next to me – I forget whom – said, “You know, their field goal kicker is a girl.” I did not know that. I had no reason to even consider

such. When I looked on the field, nothing about the way #21, who I later found out was McKenzie Stewart, carried herself telegraphed that she was, well, a “she”. When Stewart lined up for her kick, I could see that a long, braided ponytail hung from under her helmet. I had seen long hair on football players. Dreads aren’t uncommon at all. But mid-back braided ponytails are. When the center sent the ball to her holder, Stewart approached

flawlessly and drilled the extra point to give the Rebels a 7-0 lead. In the second half, she had another opportunity to show her skills. Late in the fourth quarter, Coffee had a 20-7 advantage. The Rebels scored on a six-yard run with 2:46 left in the game to get within seven. Stewart ran back onto the field for another point-after. For those who are familiar with Jardine Stadium, she was kicking into the north end zone, the

end of the field where the Coffee fieldhouse sits. She drained the kick again, this time sending the ball through the uprights and over the Trojan fieldhouse. Stewart is accurate, precise, and surprisingly strong. I attempted to look up more information on Stewart. I couldn’t find a lot and was unable to find any season statistics. I do know that she was two-for-two on extra points against Coffee on that September night. Earlier in the year, she drained a 28-yard field goal against Bluffton, South Carolina. It’s clear that Stewart isn’t a novelty – she’s a valued, important, and talented member of the Rebels’ squad. I did a little more research – which consisted mostly of checking Wikipedia – and I discovered that a surprising number of females have played football at the high school, college, and professional level. Most have been kickers, but there have been a few who played other positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, running back, linebacker, and on the line. I have been accused of being a retro-grouch, and with good reason. I don’t like change. I resist as much as possible. However, I’ve always said that if women are good enough to make the team, and they can handle the punishment that comes with playing football, they should be allowed to play. I don’t have a problem with it at all. It’s clear that McKenzie Stewart is tough enough. She is making a solid contribution each and every Friday night at the varsity level. I wonder how long it will be before a female in our area does the same. ITG

30 In the Game November 2015

Parker Campiglia Valdosta High School

Athletics, service to others hallmark of VHS senior

by Robert Preston | photography by Micki K Photography

From an early age, Parker Campiglia knew, at least in a general sense, what path he would follow. His family emphasized three seemingly unrelated pursuits: Community service, athletics, and academics. Within the realm of athletics, he and his siblings were encouraged to play both a team sport and an individual sport. Campiglia didn’t waste any time honoring his family’s wishes. When he was a preschooler, he was already playing soccer and involved in gymnastics. Though too young to initiate a project of his own, he followed his family on various service projects around the Lowndes County community. “It’s amazing how you can become so connected with your community, learn from such a variety of people, and access an array of opportunities from just getting out and getting involved,” he says. Campiglia’s involvement with cheerleading happened almost by accident. He says he started gymnastics as a way of preparing for other sports. He trained and competed with his older brother, Will. “The Valdosta YMCA became like a second home for us,” he says.

He would often go to the Y after school; then, a couple of hours later, he would head to soccer – his preferred team sport. In middle school, Will was invited to try out for a co-ed competition cheerleading team at Valdosta Middle School. From there, Will became involved with All-Star Cheer through Azalea Cheer Extreme. At the time, Parker was spending his weekends traveling with the South Georgia United soccer club (now United Futbol Academy South Georgia). One weekend, however, he wasn’t playing soccer, and one of the Azalea Cheer Extreme’s squad members suffered an injury. The team needed someone to step up and fill in, and Parker was available. And that’s how his cheerleading career began; Parker later joined the Valdosta Middle School squad and Azalea Cheer Extreme. When he entered high school, Will was a senior. He had been in VHS cheerleading coach Jana Whitehead’s tumbling class and had expressed interest in joining the Valdosta High cheerleading team. Every time Will asked, Coach Whitehead had resisted. The logistical challenges of going co-ed, along with the commitment required, made things a little difficult. Finally, Coach Whitehead told Will if he could find another male cheerleader, she would make the VHS team co-ed. Will enlisted Parker, and together, the

two made the Wildcats’ cheerleading team a co-ed squad. “Going co-ed means your team competes in a different class,” says Parker, who serves as captain for the 2015 co-ed competition squad. “It can be harder and more competitive. You have to do co-ed stunting, and each male on the floor has specific stunts that they have to do. It’s different than competing with an all-girls squad.” Since Parker joined the team, Valdosta has earned trips to Sectionals on two occasions. However, the ‘Cats missed going to state by one place each time. At the time of this writing, Valdosta had competed one time and finished second. So what has Parker learned during his time as a male cheerleader? “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” he says. “Originally, I was scared to go out for cheerleading in middle school. But my mom encouraged me to do it. It was good to step out of my comfort zone. I was very content where I was. I needed to step out.” While he was getting out of his comfort zone through cheering, his soccer career was taking off. Parker had been playing soccer since he was three years old. He was also playing baseball at the time, but it didn’t take him long to realize that he loved soccer more than baseball. When he was seven years old, Parker started playing

So what does it take to be a good cheerleader? “Lots of versatility,” Parker says. “You have to do a lot of things well.” When Parker started cheerleading, his gymnastics background made him a decent tumbler. But he wasn’t very big or strong. Since a lot of what he does involves lifting the female members of the squad, he had to get bigger and stronger while maintaining his tumbling ability. “I’ve had to go to the gym on my own and work out,” he says. “I’ve gained about 30 pounds since my freshman year. I put on a lot of weight this summer just by going to the gym.”

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club soccer with the then-South Georgia United. “It’s relaxing, and it’s a good way of letting off stress,” he says. “Plus, you have multiple chances at success in soccer.” Over the years, Parker has forged a rather decorated soccer career. While the Valdosta High soccer team hasn’t been much of a factor in the postseason, Parker has been named All-Region twice (Second Team as a sophomore, First Team as a junior), was named the Wildcats’ Defensive Player of the Year in 2014, and won the Coach’s Award in 2013. Additionally, he has been a fixture on the United Futbol Academy’s travel teams since he joined the program and has traveled to both Brazil and England with the academy. As if all of this isn’t enough of a commitment, Parker is also ranked first in the VHS Class of 2016, and he is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate and AP Scholar. The discussion we’ve had thus far doesn’t do Parker’s obligations justice. If you could see his entire resume, you would realize just how impressive his top ranking is. In spite of everything he does outside of the classroom, Parker manages to stay on top of his grades. He does it by time management, not procrastinating, and simply refusing to neglect his studies. “It’s difficult but I’ve been doing it forever,” he says. “It’s always been expected of me. Now I have an ‘I’m going to get it done’ attitude. I have the confidence to know that I’ll get all my work done. I try to always do the best I can and get my assignments done quickly.” ITG

This story barely scratches the surface of what Parker Campiglia is involved in. He is an Eagle Scout with Troop 415 and led a project that planned, designed, funded, and created a sensory room for children with autism at Rite Care, Scottish Rite Speech Therapy Clinic. He also led a similar project with Lowndes Youth Leadership League that created a sensory room for children with disabilities at Valdosta Middle School. Parker has participated

in HOBY (Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership) for the last two years and created fleece blankets for hospitalized children as a service project. Parker has also served as a literacy volunteer at WG Nunn Elementary. These are but a few highlights of Parker’s community service projects. We didn’t even get into his academic awards, which, as you might imagine, would take up the next three pages of this magazine.

Christine Freeman:

‘I’m involved as much as he needs me involved’ “Maurice and I worked together at Southwest High in Macon. I knew he was a coach, but I didn’t deal with him very much. We started dating when he left to go to Brunswick. We had a long distance relationship for a few years. I had an idea of what I was getting into. But there are some things you just don’t know until you get married,” laughs Christine Freeman, the wife of Brooks County High head football coach Maurice Freeman. by Robert Preston | photography by Lindsi Jones

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Christine and Maurice dated for two years – one year while she was in Macon and he was in Brunswick, and another year while both were in Brunswick. After dating for two years, she and Maurice married. Between the two of them, they brought five children into the marriage – three belonged to Maurice while two were Christine’s. Ten years later, all the kids are out of the house except for Christine’s 16-year-old daughter, who plays softball at Brooks County High. Once the Freemans moved to Quitman, Christine gained a new perspective on the life of a coach’s wife. At Brunswick, Maurice had experienced a degree of success: six total seasons, five of which were winning seasons, and four playoff appearances. At Brooks, however, Maurice elevated the Trojans’ program into a perennial state power. “The demands on his time changed for the better when we came to Brooks County. Quitman is his home, and the support he gets from the community is beyond what he received in Brunswick,” she says. Being the wife of a head coach is always easier when the team is winning. And the Brooks County Trojans have certainly won a lot of games since Maurice returned to Quitman in 2008. “It’s always interesting to me that people know me but I don’t know them. I’ve gotten used to that. The downside is when

you’re in the stands. I try to sit away from the crowd and the negativity if we aren’t playing well. Of course, it hasn’t been as bad at Brooks County because Maurice has had a lot of success here,” states Christine. The biggest challenge of being a coach’s wife is, of course, the busyness of football season. Time is at a premium, and football coaches just aren’t around as much as they would like to be. Because her daughter plays softball in the fall and her husband coaches football during the same time of the year, things can get hectic – and lonely – for Christine. “He’s not available for a lot of things. Over the years, I’ve learned not to get caught up in all of that. August and September are very long for me. I try to attend as many of my daughter’s games as I can, and I also go to his games.You do what you have to do,” she says. Christine takes a conservative approach to her involvement with the football team. Some coaches’ wives are very involved in the team, others are not. Christine says she gets as involved as Coach Freeman needs her to. “He’s doing his job, and if he needs me for something, he’ll let me know. I’m there to support him any way he needs me to. I’m involved, but I also try to stay out of the way,” she states. ITG

So what advice would Christine Freeman give to a young coach’s wife? “Get used to him being gone during the football season. It’s become a year-round sport. There are lots of long days, early mornings, and late nights. They break down film on the weekend and stay very busy. Also, always attend the games and support your husband as much as you can. You have to make the time to be there. That’s when you spend a lot of time together, when you’re at the games watching him on the field.”

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Lanier County head football coach Carl Parker is all about experience. And with good reason. After his playing career at Lowndes High School (Valdosta, Ga.) and Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tenn.), he spent time in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

40 In the Game November 2015

Carl Parker: In Lanier County, Success is a Process by James Washington | photography by Lindsi Jones

November 2015 south georgia edition 41

>> But once his playing days were over, he had the opportunity to experience the world of athletics from every possible vantage point, and his journey has brought him to the helm of Bulldog Country in Lakeland, Ga. “I look at high school sports from every angle,” Coach Parker says. “I’ve been a player, and I’ve been a coach for the last 16 years. But I am also parent. My wife and I have four children that are all involved in sports in some capacity.” Though only in his first season over the Lanier County football program, Coach Parker has already begun to instill a powerful ideal. While wearing multiple hats for the program (he is also the athletic director, as well as the director of athletic development), he instills in his student-athletes the value and importance of hard work and dedication. “So many people get wrapped up in the final score, the overall record,” he says. “Don’t get me wrong, win-

ning is great. But what we’re trying to teach these studentathletes here is that the real ‘success’ is in the process. Winners are built in practice and in the weight room. You have to want to win before you can make it happen. The process is what matters.” Coach Parker is wellversed in the art of training and motivation. Prior to coming on board at Lanier County, he was part of the team that opened the Kinetix Sports Performance facility in Valdosta. Since its inception, the facility’s staff has trained some of the area’s most wellknown athletes and continues to set a standard in the training community. “Things have changed,” he says. “Because of the Internet, we probably have more information regarding physical training from the last 10 years than from the previous 50 years combined.” No matter the venue, Coach Parker believes that student-athletes deserve the same attention. That goes for their sport, their training, and

most of all, paying attention to them as individuals. “You have to know how to reach out to them,” he says. “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Lanier County has found a quality leader in Carl Parker. His vast knowledge and experience will be sure to benefit the Bulldog community for years to come. And most importantly, he wants to ensure that all of his student-athletes understand that high school sports go far past the final buzzer. “I want the young men and women of our athletic programs to know that it goes deeper than sports,” he says. “Sure, they’re getting a chance to play a sport. But what’s more important is that they are building relationships and experience. The moments that they share with their teammates, their coaches, and the community will never be forgotten. That’s what I want all of these kids to take from their time as Bulldogs.” ITG

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Junior fullback leading explosive Fitzgerald offense by Robert Preston | photography by Micki K Photography

JD King The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes are off to another great start. By the time you read this, the playoff picture will be much clearer. As I write this, however, the season is just at its midpoint. The ‘Canes are 5-0 and haven’t really been tested. They’ve outscored their opponents 199-80 and already have one region win under their belts. And a big reason for their success has been junior fullback JD King.

Along with quarterback James Graham, King is the featured back in Fitzgerald’s hybrid Wing-T attack. Halfway through the season, the 5’10”, 196-pounder has already rushed for 917 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s big, he’s fast, and he’s very coachable. King is also an unselfish player who is more concerned about the success of his teammates than he is about his own statistics.

44 In the Game November 2015

“When I was in middle school, I used to set stat goals for myself,” King says. “But that made me selfish. My uncle talked to me about that. I quit worrying about myself and started focusing on my teammates. I really started getting better when I did that.” An All-Region selection last year, King spent most of the year playing in the shadow of quarterback Gerald Morgan, who was the Region Player of the Year. While Morgan was grabbing all the headlines, King rushed for over 1,500 yards and built a solid resume that made everyone take notice. As his statistics for this year already attest, last season was the foundation for bigger and better things to come. Given the success that Fitzgerald has enjoyed and King’s quick start, you would think that he would have a hard time staying focused. That, however, isn’t the case. “You’re really the first person who’s called me for an interview,” he says.

“But staying focused isn’t hard. It’s all about who I hang out with and listening to my coaches. I’m not really a social person. I just hang out with two or three people. If I’m not with them, I’m at the gym trying to get better at football,” he says. King is more than a great athlete; he’s a great student as well. He holds a 3.1 grade point average, something that makes him all the more attractive to the dozens of colleges that have expressed interest in having him join their programs two years from now. “My grades are good, but I know I can do better. I just need to focus more,” he says. Currently, King has one scholarship offer on the table – from Georgia Southern University. “I’m getting invited to visit a lot of different schools,” he says. “But I’m not worried about that right now. My coaches are telling me not to worry about that just yet. We’ll worry about it after the season ends.” ITG

JD King is also a member of the Fitzgerald track team. He has competed in the long jump, the 100-meters, 200-meters, and the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams. Last year, the 4x100 team finished second in the state. King was also second in the state in the long jump. The Purple Hurricanes came in second in the state, behind Greater Atlanta Christian. King plans to run track again this year.

Coach Henderson’s Take: “Tyler Richards is the third of three brothers that have played at Valwood. He is a two-sport athlete, all while holding down a super GPA. He’s a dominant linebacker who works just as hard in the weight room as he does on the playing field.” “Jack Helms goes 100 miles an hour in everything that he does. I remember my first workout we had when I first came to Valwood; he was in eighth grade and was out-working the seniors. He is a role model on and off the field; he is everything that is good about Valwood.”

Valwood Duo Primed for Success After Graduation

by James Washington | photography by Lindsi Jones

Tyler Richards 5’11”, 180 lbs. Linebacker/Fullback Parents: Tony and Kathy Richards

For those in South Georgia that are familiar with Valwood School, one thing is for certain. Whether on the gridiron, the courts, or in the classroom, being a Valiant is synonymous with being a winner. The preparation that goes into a Valwood education is second-to-none, and their high standards of excellence shine in their students, staff, faculty, and alumni. What makes Valwood such a respectable school to attend, however, is that the transition between the venues is seamless. You may approach an All-State athlete, and, through conversation, discover that he or she is also very active in the community. Or, you may talk to a class president with a perfect grade point average and find out that he or she is also the star of a particular team or club. The ideal at Valwood is excellence. There are no exceptions. The school prides itself on shining across all platforms. These two young men are prime examples of what the Valwood community produces. While making their name in athletics, their accomplishments away from the field are just as impressive. Their hard work, selfless attitudes, and commitment to excellence are the epitome of what Valiants should strive to reach.

When speaking to Tyler, the first thing that one will notice is that that he is very team-oriented. He never takes credit for himself; everything is done for the greater good. “I love the environment here (at Valwood),” Tyler says. “We’re one unit. The team, the students, the teachers; we’re all in this together. Everybody just loves seeing others succeed.” For the last three years, Tyler has been a strong presence on the Valiants’ varsity football team. He began playing the game around the age of 5, and has played every year since (with the exception of his freshman year of high school). He is an invaluable part of a team that (as of this writing) has gone 26-4 since 2013. They have also remained undefeated in region

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games during the stretch (they are currently 12-0 in region contests since 2013). “We strive to get better everyday,” he says. “(Head football) Coach (Ashley) Henderson always tells us to stay humble. We’re blessed to be where we are, and we never take it for granted. We just take things one step at a time. We don’t skip ahead, and we don’t get comfortable where we are.” As with many Valwood students, Tyler’s talents are widespread. He is also a member of the varsity baseball team, and has been contributing as a pitcher and third baseman since his sophomore year. But perhaps his greatest

accomplishment as a Valiant comes away from the athletic realm. Tyler will also graduate with the honor of being named the Vice President of the Class of 2016. Aside from his duties as Vice President, he is also a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After graduating, Tyler plans to remain in Georgia for college. He has not made a decision as to which institution he will attend (he has narrowed his choices down to Mercer, LaGrange, and Valdosta State University), but he knows that he will major in biology. He would like to pursue a career in the medical field.

“Last season (2014), we were looked at as a tremendous underdog going up against North Florida Christian. And we gave it our all. We didn’t win the game, but we only lost by one point (35-34). Win or lose, we fight. And I was definitely proud to be a Valiant that night.”

Like his teammate, Jack is also a standout on the gridiron for the Valiants. Hailing from Clinch County, he also began playing football around the age of 5. He played in recreational leagues regularly, until making his debut with Valwood in middle school. “I played a little defensive end and receiver when I was coming up in Clinch County,” Jack says. “But eventually I got settled in to running back. I’ve spent time at defensive back, and I’m in a few of our Special Teams packages. I’m the type that will just play where I’m needed. I’m willing to do what’s best for the team.” His talents have come in handy for the Valiants. Whether on the field, in practice, or in the weight room, he is a leader; and his lead-by-example attitude has Valwood sitting at 4-1 on the season (as of this writing). What makes him exemplary, as with many Valwood student-athletes, is his work ethic and dedication to his talents away from the field. While he does participate in other sports (he spent two seasons on the basketball team and five playing soccer for the Valiants), he also excels in academia and beyond. An enthusiast of U.S. Government, he hopes to pursue a degree in either political science or foreign policy in college. This year,

he was named an “AP Scholar with Distinction”, meaning that he earned an average of 3.5 or higher on all AP exams taken, while also earning grades of 3 or higher on five or more exams. But perhaps his most impressive accomplishment as a Valiant has been his contribution to bettering the lives of those around him. Earlier this year, as a part of the Red Cross Student Leadership program, Jack helped organize blood drive in Clinch County, and the results speak for themselves. After the Red Cross was only able to collect 4-5 pints of blood from the area in 2014, this year’s drive managed to bring in about 20. “It’s something I’ve always been interested in,” he says. “There’s always a demand, but in our area, there’s not always a supply. I contacted Red Cross, and they helped me get the event together here.” Jack is also a member of the Mock Trial team, the Dance Marathon Committee (which raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network), and he plans to take part in the inaugural Model UN program this year. Outside of school, he is active in the Boy Scouts; he began as a Tiger in first grade and received the honor of being named an Eagle Scout in January 2013. ITG

Jack Helms 5’10”, 160 lbs. Running Back Parents: Jeff and Cathy Helms

“My freshman year, we were in the semifinals against John Milledge Academy (Milledgeville, Ga.). It was late in the game, and we were only up by three points. They had possession on the last play of the game, and we knew that, if we wanted a shot at a title, we had to hold them. We sacked the quarterback on the final play to win the game. I’ve never seen that many people go that crazy.” (Valwood would go on to win the GISA Class AA State Championship in that year.) November 2015 south georgia edition 49

Misty Triggs Cook senior refuses to let disability get in her way by Robert Preston | photography by Micki K Photography

“I had been talking to a friend of mine a while back and explaining to her that I had always wanted to be a cheerleader, but I didn’t think I could do it. I guess they talked to the cheer coach and made it happen. When I received that uniform, it made me feel really good. I was finally being able to be included in something like this. It made me feel great that they were thinking of me in that way,” says Cook High senior Misty Triggs, who this season is a member of the Hornets’ cheerleading squad. Triggs, who has cerebral

50 In the Game November 2015

palsy, is confined to a wheelchair and has never been able to pursue an activity like cheerleading. The day before school started, Elizabeth McCumber, a Cook cheerleader, came to Triggs’s home. She presented Triggs with the uniform and told her she was on the team. When the shock wore off, Triggs had to get to work. She had never cheered before and had a lot to do. She had practices to attend, cheers to learn, and butterflies to work out. “The first time I came out, I got intimidated. That’s a big crowd out

there. But after a while, everything calmed down,” she says. Triggs’s job on Friday night is the same as any other cheerleader. She is there to encourage the team, entertain the crowd, and make sure the Hornets play their best, no matter what the scoreboard says. “I’m in a wheelchair. That’s the only difference between the rest of the team and me. And that’s what has made this even more special – because of my wheelchair, I never thought I would be able to do anything like this,” states Triggs. When she came

on the field for the first time, she received an incredible response. “The students were happy for me. Some were probably shocked that I was even down there. I know most of the players, and I’m friends with them. They’re very supportive of what the cheerleaders have done for me.” Triggs is in regular classes at Cook High and interacts with the rest of the student body on a daily basis. She knows everyone and communicates well with her peers. She also has limited use of her arms, but that doesn’t get in her way on Friday nights. “My wheelchair is the biggest challenge. I can do a lot of stuff that other kids do. I’m capable of learning just like everyone else,” she says. For Triggs, being able to cheer is something that extends beyond her and her family. “I definitely feel like I’m representing others with disabilities. I know some people with disabilities feel as if they can’t do what others do. We have limitations, and we get told all the time that we can’t do things. In the disabled community, we get put down a lot of the time. It makes it harder for us to prove that we can do certain things. But it also makes us want to prove that we can do these things all the more because we’re being told that we can’t do them. In reality, we can do a lot of things. People are just judging us because of our disabilities,” she says. ITG

After graduation, Misty Triggs plans to attend technical school and study a computer-related field. Her long-term career goals include becoming a writer. Triggs has already started writing a book titled Just Wanting Acceptance. The book is about a young girl with dyslexia who attends private school. Because of her dyslexia, she cannot read or write very well. As a result, she gets picked on and faces tremendous challenges each day. “She’s dealing with a lot of different troubles as she tries to find acceptance from her classmates. My goal is to finish the book and get it published. Who knows where that will lead?” says Triggs.

New Runner Leads Viking Cross Country Program to Lofty End of Season Goals by Sarah Turner | photography by Lindsi Jones

Some athletes succeed because they are destined and some because they are determined. But when you come across an athlete with both characteristics, you really have something special. Kaleb Wolfenden, a.k.a. “Wolf”, is finishing up his first cross country season and has already proven to his coaches, teammates, and fans that he has what it takes to become a very successful runner. “This is his first year running cross country, and he definitely has blended very nicely since he’s been here,” says Martha Mazurkiewicz, head coach of the LHS boys and girls cross country team. “Kaleb is very driven, and it is really a pleasure to coach him. He will take direction; whatever we tell him to do, he will do.” While his current personal record in the 5K sits right at 16 minutes, and his fastest mile time at 4:40, Wolfenden has impressive and realistic goals for the rest of his junior year. “I want to maintain, but at some point this year, I want to break 16 minutes in the 5K,” Wolfenden says. “Hopefully, I can go around 9:30 in the two mile and around 4:20 in the mile. In the 800-meter, I’m trying to break two minutes.” How did “Wolf” find himself in long distance racing in the first place? You may think he had some endurance background; however, he previously played football and basketball. After proving to have some speed on the track, Wolfenden was encouraged by his coaches to join the cross country team. Since then, he hasn’t looked back; only forward to cross a line before anybody else. “His edge is that he’s always striving to do better,” Mazurkiewicz says. “He wants to be the best, and when he races, he races to win—to be number one.” ITG

x 800-meter 2:09.33 1600-meter 4:40.45 3200-meter 9:53.07 5K 16:02.67

Wolf November 2015 south georgia edition 55

Keeping Wolfenden on his toes is his teammate Chance Roe, who was also featured among the pages of In the Game during his junior cross country season. Chance has had an impressive season as well, including a 16:44 finish in Tallahassee, Fla. that featured him stealing second from a competitor in the last 100 meters at the Cougar XC Challenge. Chance also snagged a new PR of 16:27 at the 14th Annual Tift Invitational. Unfortunately, though, Chance had to overcome a loss during the beginning of his season. His friend and former teammate William Wade II passed on August 31, which shook the entire Lowndes community. Wade was a straight-A student who participated on the football and track team. While Wade’s loss affected him deeply this season, Chance found a way to dedicate his season to his friend. “He was a year ahead of me, but he ran with me a lot,” Roe says. It really destroyed my mentality, and I lost a lot of sleep, but I’ve also been pushing myself more at the same time. I work harder and try to beat everybody. That’s what he would want for me. He liked watching me run.” Roe still has one track season ahead of him at LHS; then he hopes to compete at a D-I school for track and cross country while studying civil engineering. Our prayers here at In the Game are with Roe and all other friends and family members of William Wade II. ITG

November 2015 south georgia edition 57

it comes to history, existence is impossible without knowledge. Acknowledging and learning from the past helps us to appreciate the present and plan uforWhenthe future. Valdosta, Georgia, is a city that is rich in heritage and legacy, especially in the world of football. Numerous championships, legendary coaches, and a long-standing, loyal fan base are just a few of things that make â&#x20AC;&#x153;Titletown, USAâ&#x20AC;? such an accurate moniker.

Knowledge is power, and Valdosta High School quarterback Seth Shuman is one powerful individual on the gridiron.

58 In the Game November 2015

Seth Shuman Senior Signal-Caller Shines in the Spotlight

“I take pride in knowing what’s going on out there,” Seth says. “I know the plays, and I know what to do if things need to change. It’s a good feeling to be able to help the younger guys when things get hectic, or even in practice when they’re trying to get things together.” It is that same knowledge and dedication that has allowed Seth to lead the Wildcats to a current record of 4-1 on the year. The team is firing on all cylinders; their four victories have come by an average of 36 points per game. And while there is a negative mark in the loss column, it was a narrow one. In the opening week,Valdosta fell to Norcross by only three points (34-31). “I’ve learned that, no matter how big or small a defeat is, you can’t let it take your mind away from what needs to be done,” Seth says. “Everybody is going to

by James Washington | photography by Micki K Photography

lose games. Everybody is going to make mistakes. But it’s all about what you do afterwards that defines you. As the leader, I can’t let my teammates see me get rattled if I make a mistake. I own up to it, I set my mind on fixing it, and I move on.” Seth is in the midst of his final season as the quarterback of the Wildcats, and his third as a starter. He has taken the team to impressive heights; in 2014, the Wildcats finished 9-1 on the regular season (their only loss was to the eventual state-champion Colquitt County Packers). And although their championship hopes ended in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAAA State Playoffs in a 27-14 loss to Newton (Covington, Ga.), their nine victories matched their highest regular-season win total since 2010. He is the last link in a family full

of athletic ability and talent. His father, Bart, is currently the head baseball coach, assistant athletic director, and ninth-grade head football coach at Valdosta High. He has a coaching resume that many can only dream to compile; in his 30-plus years as a coach, he has led the Wildcats’ baseball team to three region championships, two state semifinal appearances, and four state quarterfinal appearances. Prior to working at VHS, he served at Berrien High School (Nashville, Ga.), where, in 1988, he led the baseball team to a perfect 31-0 record and a state title. His brother, Scott, is a former Valdosta High and Tift County quarterback; after completing his high school football and baseball careers (he excelled as a shortstop and pitcher), he received a scholarship from Auburn University and was also drafted in the

23rd round of the MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Rounding out the family is their sister, Sloan, who was a cheerleader for Valdosta State University. “He quiet,” says Bart, Seth’s father. “He doesn’t get upset easily. I really admire his composure; he’s tremendous at dealing with pressure. He’s always been that way. I really appreciate his patience; he won’t rush anything that doesn’t require it. He’s takes his time, and he makes sure that things are done the right way.” Just as the Shuman name is synonymous with success in South Georgia, Seth is at the focal point, position-wise, of the most storied high school football program in the nation. And, although he handles the pressure like a champion, he still can’t help but acknowledge the excitement that comes from rivalry games, especially the Winnersville Classic.

November 2015 south georgia edition 59

“My greatest moment as a Wildcat would have to be beating Lowndes (High School) last year,” he says. “We hadn’t beaten them yet in my high school career, and that rivalry is a big deal. There’s much more on the line in that game than a win or loss. Winning a game with that kind of significance is something you’ll remember the rest of your life.” While his senior year is far from over, Seth is the type of young man that understands that

the future is not far away. He is undecided as to which college he will attend, but he is leaning towards a career in education. He has also not ruled out the potential of coaching. But, for now, his focus is geared toward adding to the legacy that is enshrined within the confines of BazemoreHyder Stadium. “There is such a high standard at this school,” he says. “Being a Wildcat is an honor in itself, but to be a football player here,

ll field, Aside from the footba ptional Seth is also an exce the baseball player for gion pitcher Re lAl An Wildcats. tched 61 and infielder, he pi season, innings in his junior ERA (striking accumulating a 2.21 only walking out 71 batters while with a .272 14), while finishing ng with 23 batting average (alo He has not runs and 26 RBIs). he will decided which sport “Education is pursue in college. love both first,” he says. “I have to see sports, but I would the biggest which one brings me offer.”

people just look up to you. People on campus, in the community, everywhere…it’s a terrific feeling, and I just want to make this school, and this city, proud.” If the remainder of his final season is anything like the first half,Valdosta fans should be talking about Seth for years to come. His outstanding ability is enough on its own, but according to the senior under center, the idea of the “team” cannot, and absolutely should not, be ignored simply for

his sake. “I definitely can’t do it alone,” he says. “Credit has to be given where it’s due. My teammates have been exceptional this year, and I really appreciate them for their hard work and dedication to our season. I have to give a special shoutout to my offensive linemen, receivers, and running backs. They have been giving it their all this year, and none of this would be possible without their effort.” ITG

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How to Save and Earn with CDs

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and keep growing until your CD reaches maturity. At maturity, you’ll have the option to let your CD automatically renew for a new term, using the money to open a new CD for a different amount of time, or move the money to one of your other accounts. It’s also good to know that your money is federally insured to the maximum allowable limits. The amount you put into a CD should be money you likely won’t have to withdraw until the term ends. Often, the longer the term you choose, the higher your interest rate will be, and the more

you can earn on your investment. We want you to know that you can remove your money before the investment term ends, but also to be aware that there is an early withdrawal penalty. CDs can be a sound way to save for future needs without putting your money in other risky investments that don’t offer this type of guaranteed return which could actually lose value during difficult times. Stop in or call one of our experts about our CDs and interest rates, and learn how your money is protected. We’re here to help you find a savings plan that works best for you.

in the community

Tiftarea YMCA Puts on Third Annual Fun Mudder photography by Sarah Turner

It was a beautiful October morning for TiftArea YMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third annual Fun Mudder. The four-mile course featured 16 obstacles including a zip

66 In the Game November 2015

line over a lake, a 50-meter tire flip, and an ice plunge. There were four total heats of runners, and the last two heats featured hungry

zombies throughout the course. Proceeds go to the Y programs that support Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

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In 2015, a federal judge approved a settlement that will compensate thousands of former NFL players and their family members for concussions and related injuries. The class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of retired NFL players, who accused the league of failing to protect players from the risk of concussion. The original settlement called for a total payout of more than $870 million and outlined plans for funding medical research and education programs. The NFL takes concussion seriously and as fans, coaches, parents and players, we should too. A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs as a result of rapid acceleration, which causes the brain to bounce off the walls of the skull. The sudden impact causes damage to brain cells, which leaves the injured player more vulnerable to further injury, until fully recovered. Most concussions resolve quickly and without long-term consequences; however, repetitive injury can have serious effects. Repetitive traumatic brain injury has been associated with long-term risk for Parkinson’s disease, ALS and dementia. Concussions may be associated with a “big hit” or loss of consciousness. More often, the signs and symptoms of concussion are less obvious. The athlete may appear dazed, with or without loss of consciousness. He or she may move slowly or have poor balance. He or she may respond slowly to questions, be unable to follow instructions or recall events leading up to or following the play. He or she may report a headache, nausea or blurred vision. Mild symptoms can be monitored while the athlete is resting at home, but more severe or progressive symptoms should prompt an urgent medical evaluation. Once an athlete exhibits the symptoms of concussion, he or she may be at risk for further injury. A safe return can be expected within about one week; however, younger athletes may take longer to recover fully. The focus should be on

The Facts About Concussions increasing the athlete’s activity at a pace that allows return to sport without recurrence of symptoms. As a physician who treats injured athletes, I believe the health benefits gained from sports participation far outweigh the risk for injury. However, we should look for ways to minimize injuries to keep our players safe. Parents and coaches should encourage

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good techniques for blocking and tackling. Athletes should have properly fitted helmets and protective equipment. If there is concern that a concussion may have occurred, the player should be removed from play and return to sport only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Finally, when in doubt, play it safe and sit them out.

Eric C. Stiefel, MD * • Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon affiliated with SGMC • Sports Medicine Physician with Valdosta Orthopedic Associates • Graduate of the Medical College of Georgia • Orthopaedic Internship and Residency at the University of Florida • Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine at the Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center (MSMOC) and Tulane University • Health Policy Fellow of the Arthroscopy Association of North America

* Some or all of the health care professionals performing services in this hospital are independent contractors and are not hospital agents or employees. Independent contractors are responsible for their own actions, and the hospital shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any such independent contractors.

G TEAMS

We Salute All South Georgia Football Teams! High school football is just moments away and we look forward to a great season. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitive play and good sportsmanship that makes a winning team. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to a great season from your friends at Citizens Community Bank, strong, local and dedicated to South Georgia. Go Teams Go! Hahira (229) 794-2111 N. Valdosta (229) 242-2225

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