HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
®
In This Issue:
South Georgia
11 Winnersville Classic
11
OCTOBER 2014
17 Academic Athlete Austin Cain Deerfield-Windsor Academy
CONTENTS
25 Player Spotlight
37
45
17
Brian Bell & Nate Brantley
Lowndes High School
31 Inspirational:
Mason Gann
Tift County High School
37 Coach’s Corner
Andy Rykard
Hahira Middle School
41 Cross Country Star Chase Harris
41 25
Bainbridge High School
45 Travel Baseball
Nick Herndon
Thomas County Middle School
48 Coach’s Corner
Also Inside Should State Title Games Leave Atlanta?
Edgar Denton
J.L. Newbern Middle School
52 In the Stands
31 55
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Don’t Get Zapped by Utility Bill Scams
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Thomasville Triathlete “Just Felt Like Running”
21
Timeless Moments in Sports
29
The Weight Room: What Works for You?
35
Irwin County High School
51
Diet Applications: Are They Necessary?
59
Fitzgerald High School
61
FCA
62
On the Cover:
48
55 Rising Star
Rylin Hedgecock
Hahira Middle School
52 Read. Subscribe. Share.
Nick Hart, Lowndes High School and Terrell Roundtree, Valdosta High School 4
www.inthegamemagazine.com
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
®
South Georgia
OCTOBER 2014
From the Publisher What a first half of the fall sports season has it been! Of course, football is on everyone’s mind right now, and this year hasn’t disappointed. At the time I’m writing this, all of our Region 1-6A teams are undefeated, and the region schedule has several teams on crash courses with each other. The impact will surely be tremendous!
Publisher Mark Dykes
Editor Mark Dykes Sarah Turner
Graphics Jennifer Alexander
Cover Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography
Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Mike McGuire
Feature Writers Robert Preston, Jr. James Washington Sarah Turner
Copy Editor James Washington
Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Mike McGuire mike@inthegamemagazine.com Hannah Mitchell hannah@inthegamemagazine.com
Website Manager Sarah Turner
All eyes are on Colquitt County – and rightly so. At the moment, the Packers are the #1 team in the state, a top-20 team in the country, and are stronger than they’ve ever been. Colquitt looks like a top team, not only in Georgia, but in Alabama as well, having defeated both Hoover and Enterprise already this season. But while everyone is watching Colquitt, Lowndes, Valdosta, and Camden are all putting together solid seasons, and region newcomer Lee County is also undefeated. Aside from the successes of these teams, however, the story of the season thus far could be the Tift County Blue Devils. It has taken some time, but head coach John Reid has steadily and methodically turned that program around. The Blue Devils are good – really good – and they’re going to hurt somebody’s feelings before the year ends. We have two Player Spotlight features in Lowndes’s Brian Bell and Nate Brantley, our Academic Athlete is Deerfield-Windsor’s Austin Cain, and we have a special feature on Tift County’s punter, Mason Gann, who has overcome clubfoot to become an excellent punter. In addition to our football coverage this month, we also take a look at athletes from several other fall sports. We have a special feature on Chase Harris, a cross country runner from Bainbridge; a Rising Star feature on Rylin Hedgecock, a fantastic softball player at Hahira Middle School; and another special feature on Melissa Thompson, a mother of two who works at Thomas County Central High School and is one of the top triathletes in the Southeast. In an interesting twist, our Coach’s Corner this month features two coaches from the middle school level in Valdosta-Lowndes County. One is a Lowndes Viking who now coaches in the Valdosta city system, and the other is a Valdosta Wildcat who coaches in the Lowndes system. Interestingly, both won state championships for their respective programs when they were playing.
Contributors
Robert Preston, Jr.,
Features & Commentary
Sarah Turner Editor
Football is indeed front and center, but there is also a lot more going on around the area. We remain committed to bringing you the very best coverage of high school athletics in South Georgia, regardless of sport. The days are getting shorter, and so are the seasons. The playoff pictures are emerging and a lot of our teams are getting ready for the postseason. We are confident our South Georgia teams will do very well this postseason, and we look forward to keeping you informed with everything our programs are doing.
For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, GA 31603
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In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly excluding July. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.
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Should State Title Games Leave Atlanta? by Robert Preston, Jr.
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he Georgia Dome is a fantastic facility. It is the premier athletic venue in Georgia, and playing on its turf is a privilege few athletes in the state will ever enjoy, which is why many look forward to the state championship football games each year. To many, it makes sense that the biggest high school games of the year are played in the most prominent stadium in the state. I, however, am not one of those individuals. The allure of the Georgia Dome certainly is appealing. But I think pulling the state title games away from the communities that are represented in the games takes away from the game itself. The first issue to me comes down to travel. The logistics of getting a football team from South Georgia to Atlanta is costly. Yes, the Georgia High School Association pays some of the travel expenses of traveling to the Dome, but its stipend doesn’t come close to covering the costs of travel. The GHSA also splits the gate among the schools that play in the various state championship games. The payout can be significant; however, there is more to the equation than just money. I started thinking about this when I was on the sidelines at the Erk Russell Classic back in August. The Coffee Trojans were playing North Oconee at Georgia Southern’s Paulson Stadium. It was pretty cool playing in a college stadium. As I stood there on the sidelines looking around, I realized that there was a fairly large crowd at the game. But you couldn’t tell it because the stadium was so large.
It was opening weekend of football season. There should have been some electricity in the air. Excitement. Energy. But there was nothing but . . . emptiness. I sense the same thing when I look at the state title games on television. The atmosphere at a state championship game is special, and not even the emptiness of the Georgia Dome can completely diminish that electricity. However, I maintain that returning the state title games to at least one of the communities represented in the game adds to the urgency and the specialness of the occasion. There is nothing like cramming several thousand fans into a small stadium for the biggest game of the year. The kids will play in front of more of their fans, there is a potential for a greater take from the gate, travel expenses would be significantly reduced, and more fans would have an opportunity to see their teams play for a title. Even if the GHSA wanted to remove the home field advantage and play on a neutral site, a smaller venue more centrally located in the state would be a better option than the Georgia Dome. Of course, one could rather successfully argue that removing home field advantage has little to do with why games are played in the Dome; for the metro area schools, it’s basically a home game anyway. I understand why the GHSA wants to play the state title games in the Dome. But I’d like to see the games return to the communities represented by the teams in the games. I think it would provide a better experience for both the players and the fans. ITG
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Winnersville Classic 2014
by Robert Preston, Jr.
O
ct. 31, 2014. All Hallow’s Eve. Halloween Night. The Winnersville Classic. Valdosta fans hope the ghosts that inhabit the aptly-titled Death Valley will be out in full force. Lowndes fans would like for them to be occupied with other Halloween activities. For on that night, the Lowndes Vikings will make the short trip across town to face the Valdosta High Wildcats in the Wildcats’ fabled – and some believe haunted – stadium. The Winnersville Classic – the annual showdown between Valdosta and Lowndes – remains one of the most significant football games in the state. In the past, it almost always decided the region championship. The Camden County Wildcats have changed that over the last two years; since they came into the region, they’ve won the championship. The year before they arrived, though, Valdosta defeated Lowndes 21-14 and won the region title. In 2010, Lowndes defeated Valdosta and took the region title back across town. Though it may not pave the way for a region championship the way it used to, the team that wins the game often keeps
photography by Micki K Photography
its region championship hopes alive. The loser? They’re usually looking at one of the other three playoff spots. Either way, it remains an important game as far as the playoffs go. As far as local pride is concerned, however, it is much more significant. In fact, its importance cannot be overstated. For the Valdosta-Lowndes County community, it is THE game of the year. And this season, it takes place in the next to the last week of the year. Nearly an entire season’s worth of anticipation will build for the 2014 Winnersville Classic. For much of the rivalry’s history, Valdosta has dominated the series. The Wildcats have won 34 times to Lowndes’s 18. Recently, however, the tables have turned. Over the last decade, Lowndes has won nine out of 10 Winnersville games. Valdosta won in 2011; since then, Lowndes has won two in a row. The games have been close – very close. The last two have been decided by just six points, including a 3-0 win by Lowndes last year that in all honesty, the Vikings were lucky to win. Valdosta dominated Lowndes for much of the game, 11
but the Vikings’ defense held when they needed to. It was the lowest scoring Winnersville game in the history of the rivalry and sets the tone for another classic this year. At the time of this writing, both Lowndes and Valdosta are undefeated. They are talented. They are motivated, and they both have a lot on the line. The Vikings would like to continue their dominance over the storied Wildcats program, while Valdosta would like to reassert itself as the premier team in
the county. Once again, the quiet Valdosta-Lowndes County community will be turned upside down during Winnersville Week. The fact that the game will take place on Halloween will only add to the mystique of the contest. Will Valdosta receive help from the supernatural, or will Lowndes exorcise the specters one more time? We will find out in just a few short weeks. ITG
Winnersville Classic Facts
• The cross-town rivalry game began in 1968. • Valdosta High dominated the early part of the series and won the first nine games. • From 1977-80, Lowndes High beat Valdosta High in four regular-season meetings.
• After 1985’s season, Valdosta won 11 straight Winnersville Classic games and two playoff games, all under Nick Hyder — the winningest coach in the series. • The winning streak changed in 1997, when Lowndes High won 14-7.
• The Vikings won 6-0 against Valdosta in the 1980 region playoffs, then went on to win their first state title.
• The 2011 game ended Valdosta’s seven-game losing streak against the Vikings, making it the Wildcats’ first Winnersville Classic victory since 2003.
• The game got the name “Winnersville Classic” in 1981 from Johnny B. Lastinger and the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.
• Valdosta and Lowndes have combined a total of 26 GHSA titles since 1951.
• In 1985, Lowndes beat Valdosta in both the regular season and region playoffs, which was the only time the Vikings have defeated the Wildcats twice in one season. 13
It can be a shocking experience
Placing A Fraud Alert
Someone claiming to be from your utility company calls and says your bill is overdue … and tells you that if you don’t pay it in the next few hours your service will be cut.
If you’re the victim of identity theft, you need to take action quickly so you can protect yourself from further financial damage.
Then they demand you pay the bill with a prepaid card. Don’t fall for it, because it’s a scam. And you could be out hundreds of dollars if you do what they say. This nationwide scam has targeted both consumers and business owners, and the people behind the hoaxes are even able to make the caller ID on your phone look like it’s actually coming from your utility company. If you get a call like this, it’s important not to panic. Your power or water won’t be cut because the callers have no way to do that. Hang up your phone and follow these steps: • Don’t run out to get a prepaid card. Once you give that card information to a scammer your money is gone … and you won’t get it back. • Call your utility company directly, using the phone number printed on your most recent bill or the one listed on that company’s official website. Tell them what happened and ask them to check your account. • Report the attempted scam to your utility company, local law enforcement, your state Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Trade Commission. When calling, use an official number that you find on your utility bill or on the Internet. Don’t use the number the payment demand came from. It’s also important to know that: • Utility companies won’t call to threaten you like this. • They won’t demand a particular type of payment. • If your payment really is late, you will be sent a reminder bill. • Customers who really are behind on their bill will be sent multiple notices before any service is disconnected. Remember, with a little knowledge, you have the power to shut these scammers down.
You need to place a fraud alert as soon as you are aware that something could be wrong. Placing a fraud alert is free to do, but the protection it provides could be priceless. All you have to do is contact any one of the three major credit-reporting agencies: • Equifax (1-800-525-6285) • Experian (1-888-397-3742) • TransUnion (1-800-680-7289) Tell them that you’re a victim of identity theft – or suspect you could be soon - and that you need to put a fraud alert on your credit file. Make sure to give the reporting agency your current contact information – such as phone number and email address - so they can reach you if necessary.
Financial Facts Fitness
Don’t Get Zapped by Utility Bill Scams
provided by
The agency you call is required to tell the others to set up alerts as well, but ask just to make sure. A fraud alert makes it harder for criminals to open new credit in your name because a business will have to verify your identity before a new account is opened. The fraud alert stays in effect for 90 days and also allows you to get a free credit report from each of the 3 reporting agencies so you can check for irregularities. Use these reports to look for any unexpected credit applications in your name, or problems with bills, payments or personal information. Quickly report any problem you might notice so action can be taken. After 90 days you will have the option to extend the fraud alert, but you’ll need to file an official identity theft report will with the police or a federal agency as well. But it’s important to take the first step to protect yourself quickly. Remember, placing a fraud alert is fast … easy … and free.
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Phoebe Orthopaedic Specialty Group Robert S. Pilcher, M.D., PhD Troy E. Skidmore, DO Nur Nurbhai, DO Kiyoshi Yamazki, MD Brandow Glow, PA-C Augusta E. Soltero, MD
Academic Athlete
Austin Cain
Deerfield-Windsor Knights
Knights Linebacker Leads in Classroom and on Field by Robert Preston, Jr.
S
chool always came a little easy for Austin Cain. He knew he wanted to make good grades, but it was never anything he really had to work that hard to achieve. All Cain had to do was manage his time, make sure he didn’t forget anything, and the grades came pretty easy. He was such a good student that a friend nominated him for a scholarship to Deerfield-Windsor several years ago. After learning of his nomination, Cain took the test and qualified for the scholarship. He was a sophomore when he made the transition, and that is when things began to change. As soon as he set foot on the DeerfieldWindsor campus as a student, the “easy” part of school became a thing of the past. “Once I got to Deerfield-Windsor, I had to develop good study habits,” Cain said. “It was much harder here. It took a few weeks to adjust, but I made it.” The academic environment at DeerfieldWindsor is different – tougher coursework, smaller classes, faster pace, and more individual attention from teachers. It’s a recipe for academic achievement, and one that Cain readily devoured.
photography by Mike McGuire
“It didn’t take long to see that I had to do things differently,” he said. “The teachers move faster, but it’s easier to develop relationships with the teachers because of the smaller classes. But I still knew I had to make some changes.” It didn’t help that Cain plays football in the fall, and he’s on the track team in the spring. With the exception of a few weeks early in the second semester, he plays sports year-round. So, not only does he have to keep up with a demanding academic load, he also has to balance that with a demanding athletic schedule. The Knights have a strong program – they won a state title in 2012 and went to the semifinals last year – so he plays football through most of the first semester. Despite the obvious challenges of attending school at DeerfieldWindsor and maintaining a good grade point average, Cain says it’s not hard to keep everything in balance. “It’s not too difficult. All you have to do is set your priorities and keep them in order,” he said. While he has excelled under Deerfield-Windsor’s academic program, he has done the same thing on the football field. During the state title
run of 2012 – his first year with the Knights – he was primarily a special teams player. Last year, he started at linebacker and totaled 118 tackles, two interceptions, and three sacks on a team that went to the semifinals of the playoffs. This year, he would like to leave Deerfield-Windsor with another state championship. “Every player in Georgia wants to win a state title,” he said. “I’m no different. I got a feel for a championship when I was a sophomore. That feeling never goes away, and I’d like to win one as a senior.” For the 2014 season, Austin Cain is getting to play a little on offense at the fullback position. Linebacker will always be his top position, but he enjoys mixing it up on the offensive side of the ball as well. At the time of this writing (two games into the season) the Knights were 1-1, and Cain had already scored two touchdowns. “They didn’t let me play much offense last year. But I’m getting to this year. I get to play fullback some, and it’s fun,” he said Two years ago, the state title team had tremendous senior leadership. The seniors set a tone for the rest of team, and encouraged the 17
The Knights have a strong program – they won a state title in 2012 and went to the semifinals last year. underclassmen to do their best every practice and every game. Cain wants to be that kind of leader and he knows he – and the rest of the seniors – will have to exhibit those same leadership qualities if they are going to be the last team standing in the GISA’s 3A classification. “It’s going to take that same kind of leadership,” he said. “I want to be a leader like our seniors were two years ago.” When the season ends – whenever that may be – Cain hopes he will get to continue playing in college. He has some aggressive career goals – he plans to major in biology and would like to be an orthopedist – but he would also
like to find time to play football on Saturdays. The 6’0,” 215-pounder has made tremendous progress from a year ago. He has gained 25 pounds and dropped his 40-yard dash time to 4.6 seconds. Cain is eying Georgia Tech; the Jackets haven’t offered him a scholarship, but have encouraged him to attend school as a preferred walk-on. “This is just my third year playing football. When I started playing, I realized just how much I love it, and I don’t want it to stop. I really like Georgia Tech, but I’m still not sure. I would like to play football in college, though,” he said. ITG
Austin’s Favorites: Football player: Patrick Willis Sport you wish you could play: Basketball Super power: Super speed Person to meet: Rev. John MacArthur What animal reminds you most of you: Gorilla Subject: Science Best movie of the last year: When the Game Stands Tall
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Thomasville Triathlete “Just Felt Like Running” by Robert Preston, Jr.
T
homasville’s Melissa Thompson started running four years ago as a way to lose some weight and get in shape; she had no real training plan or set schedule. “I was kind of like Forrest Gump,” Thompson said. “I started running, and I just ran. It was whatever I felt like doing.” It didn’t take long to see that Thompson was a gifted runner who, with the right training, could really do something in the sport. After completing her first half marathon in one hour and 25 minutes, she began to take running much more seriously, including working her way up to competing in triathlons. Though a triathlon is made up of three sports – swimming, biking, and running – meshed into one, the best triathletes are often the best runners. In fact, the best triathletes are many times runners who can swim or swimmers who can run. The cycling portion is often the easiest of the three to master. It is the least technical and least demanding; most competitors can build bike fitness relatively easily with enough time in the saddle. Unfortunately for Thompson, she wasn’t a very good swimmer; however, she was a good runner who could make up tremendous time on the last leg of the race. For example, in her first triathlon, an Irongirl event in Atlanta, she was one of the last stragglers out of the water, but she posted the fastest run split out of 1,700 competitors. As she learned more about the sport and upped her training regimen, other obstacles began to present themselves. When Thompson was in high school, she tore the ACL in her left knee. She had it repaired, but the old injury resurfaced as her training intensity increased. Thompson favored her right leg, which only exacerbated the problems. To combat the discomfort, she visited her chiropractor twice per week. On the surface, however, things were going well. Thompson was getting faster and faster, and became one of the top triathletes in the area.
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Thompson focused on Olympic-distance and the Half Ironman (also called Ironman 70.3, for the total number of miles the race covers). Olympic distance races are a 1.5K swim (.93 miles), a 40K bike ride (24.8 miles), and a 10K run (6.2 miles), while 70.3s are 1.2-mile swim/56 mile bike/13.1-mile run. In 2013, Thompson qualified for the U.S. Olympic Distance Championships at the HyVee 5150 Triathlon in Des Moines, Iowa, where she placed eighth in her age group with a 2:33:25 time. She also qualified for the Ironman 70.3 world championships at 70.3 Augusta in September of 2013; she didn’t accept the slot because she was already registered for the Ironman Coeur d’Alene (2.4 mile swim/112 mile bike/26.2 mile run). Following the Augusta race, Thompson didn’t take enough time off to properly recover. She went right back to training and promptly tore cartilage in her left knee. Again, she had to undergo surgery to remedy the injury. After surgery, Thompson met Tony Sheffield of Colquitt Regional Medical Center’s Vereen Rehabilitation Center in Moultrie, and he asked her to come in for an evaluation. He thought the Vereen Center could help straighten out the lingering issues from her old high school injury and help her recover from her latest surgery. That began a relationship between Thompson and the Vereen Center that, in many ways, saved her triathlon career. Thompson’ evaluation gave way to an unpleasant discovery: her right leg was found to be two inches longer than her left, which causes all sorts of problems and imbalances. For an athlete of Thompson’s caliber (her goal is to earn a USA Triathlon pro card in the near future), that kind of imbalance can derail a career quickly. Thompson went on to post a turn in a post-surgery 12:48:19 in Coeur d’Alene. She is also spending her time focusing on the 70.3 distance, as she would like to qualify for the world championships again. Now, a wife and mother of two who works full-time at Thomas County Central High School, she wakes up at 3:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She does an indoor bike workout, followed by an outdoor run. By 5:30, she is in the pool and swimming until 6:30. At 7:15, she’s at Thomas County Central High. On Tuesday and Thursday, she does a bike workout with a competitive cyclist. Saturday is a track workout, and Sunday is a long bike ride. “I train seven days a week,” Thompson said. “I don’t take a day off unless my body tells me I need to. If I sleep through my alarm clock one day, that means I needed the rest.” She credits the Vereen Center with helping her get to where she is today. “Now we’re working on building leg strength and strengthening my core, working on those imbalances,” she said. “The Vereen Center really has been a saving grace.” ITG
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Player Spotlight
Brian Bell
Presented by:
Nate Brantley
Lowndes High School 25
Bell and Brantley Anchor a Stingy Lowndes Defense by Robert Preston, Jr.
B
rian Bell and Nate Brantley. These two seniors anchor a Lowndes Vikings’ defense that, at the time of this writing, had only given up 57 points in four games. They are big, strong, and they can contribute in a number of different ways. And they will be key players down the stretch as all of the Region 1-6A teams seem to be on a collision course for an absolutely brutal – yet very exciting – region schedule. Brian Bell can do it all. And against Plant City (Fla.) back in August, he did just that. Playing in front of the home crowd at Martin Stadium, Bell scored two of Lowndes’s three touchdowns, including the eventual game-winner, to give the Vikings a 20-14 win over a tough Plant City team. Bell, a 6’3,” 215-pound four-star linebacker/ fullback who is headed to Florida State, scored a special teams touchdown and punched in Lowndes’ final score at the end of the game in what was almost a one-man show. After he had recovered the ball in the end zone on a bad snap during a punt attempt, he found himself front and center with the game on the line. Primarily a defensive specialist, Bell has played some on offense this season. On Lowndes’s final drive, he ended up being the featured back in a bruising march to the end zone. “Coach McPherson just threw me in the game, and I scored,” he
photography by Micki K Photography
said. With about two minutes left, Bell entered the game at fullback. He got the ball and ripped off a solid run. He got the ball a second time and did the same thing. He was reeling off yards in chunks of five, six, seven at a time. So Coach McPherson kept calling his number. Bell drove down the field, dragging Plant City defenders with him all the way. He carried the ball eight times and, on his final carry, he punched it into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. “It was pretty awesome to score like that,” he said. With that kind of running ability, it can be easy to forget that Bell is an even better defensive player. He plays hard on every play, and it’s his goal to inflict as much punishment as he possibly can on opposing offenses. He’s big, he’s strong, and he’s tough. “I love hitting. That takes care of everything. Every person respects pain. And you’ve got to hit them before they hit you,” he said. In 2013, he forced two fumbles, had one interception and recorded over 70 solo tackles. At the time In the Game spoke with Bell, he was leading the Vikings’ defense with over 20 tackles. Bell started getting college offers when he was a sophomore. Cincinnati offered him first. From there, the offers rolled in. Finally, he got the one he wanted – the Florida State Seminoles came to the table. “My dad is from Tallahassee. My mom works out of Tallahassee, and I’ve got a lot
of family down there. They just won a national title. It’s hard to beat that. I love the coaches down there. It’s a great opportunity. I’d love to be down there right now,” he said. Bell’s partner on defense, Nate Brantley, is also a brother in the backfield. Brantley, a 5’11,” 210-pound linebacker, also spends some time at running back. The two form a lethal combination on defense and are equally formidable on offense. Brantley was a latecomer to football. He didn’t start playing until he was 10 years old, when his family moved to Valdosta. The son of military parents, Brantley lived all over the place until he was in the fifth grade. “I heard football was big down here. I wasn’t sure if I would like it. I started playing and found out I was pretty good at it,” he said. Brantley isn’t as in-your-face as Bell. But that doesn’t mean he’s soft at all. He pursues opposing ball carriers relentlessly. When he carries the ball, he makes defenders pay if they get in his way. Brantley knows he must be a leader on the team, and it’s a job he takes very seriously. “I want to motivate others and lead both by example and with my words. I want to be a leader on and off the field. We’ve got to get better every day at practice and at every game. I want to do what I can to help us do that,” he said. Brantley got his opportunity to play when he
Nate’s Favorites Sport you wish you could play: Golf Subject: Weightlifting and general medicine classes Least favorite: Math Last book: The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Person to meet: President Barack Obama Superhero: Captain America Place to travel: Hawaii 26
was a sophomore. Tre Jackson, who is now at Georgia Tech, went down with an injury. Brantley was next in line, and he got the start against Newton. “I was nervous. Really nervous. I went out there and did what I had to do. I ended up leading the defense in tackles that game,” he said. It was the start of an excellent career that has only gotten better each and every year. And this year, he can add running back to his gridiron resume. “I’ve always been a defensive player. I played a little offense last year, but I have a bigger role on that side of the ball now. I love touching the ball. On defense, we don’t get to touch the ball very much. We all want the ball in our hands. We get the ball, we can make plays,” Brantley said. Like Bell, Brantley will one day play in college; however, he doesn’t know exactly where he will play. He has a few offers, but he’s waiting to see what happens the rest of the season. Brantley is keeping his cards close to his vest; all he will say is he has some interest
from a few schools. Other than that, he would like to focus on finishing out his senior year and hopefully adding another championship to Lowndes’s trophy case. Both Bell and Brantley want to win a region and state championship in their final season. The Vikings are always right there in the mix, but haven’t won a championship of any kind in a while. Camden has dominated the region standings, and while the Vikings have made some good playoff runs lately, they haven’t played for a state title in a while. Both of these young men would like to change that. “We’ve had some talent the last few years, but we didn’t get better each week like we needed to. This year, we’re working hard and we’re getting better. We’re deep, and we’re talented,” Bell said. Brantley agrees. “My goal is to win region then state. To do that, we’ve got to improve throughout the year,” he said. “I don’t ever want to get complacent or take anything for granted. We’ve got to get better every day.” ITG
Brian’s Favorites Player: Calvin Johnson Sport you wish you could play: Hockey What animal reminds you of you: White tiger Best movie in the last year: Let’s Be Cops Super power: Fly Place to travel: Australia Person to meet: Ray Lewis 27
Timeless Moments in Sports
October 10.1.1975
10.6.2009
Boxing greats Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier clashed for the third and final time, fighting for Ali’s WBC/ WBA Heavyweight Championship. Taking place in Quezon City (Metro Manila), Philippines, the third and final match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier came down to a 14th-round TKO when Frazier’s corner threw in the towel. It is hailed by many as one of the greatest matches in boxing history.
In his first game against his former team, Brett Favre of the Minnesota Vikings became the first quarterback to defeat all 32 teams in the NFL. He passed for 271 yards and three touchdowns as the Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers 30-23.
The Thrilla in Manila
They All Fall Down
October Birthdays Anquan Boldin – October 3, 1980 (Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers)
10.7.2012
It’s a “Brees” Connecting on a 40-yard score to wide receiver Devery Henderson, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees set a new record by throwing at least one touchdown in 48 consecutive games, surpassing Johnny Unitas’s 52-year-old record. His streak would eventually end at 54 games against the Atlanta Falcons.
10.26.1984
The Debut NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan made his professional debut with the Chicago Bulls in a 109-93 win over the Washington Bullets. He would go on to become the first rookie to lead his team in four statistical categories over a season (points, rebounds, assists, and steals), a distinction that he solely owns to this day.
Derrick Rose – October 4, 1988 (Point Guard, Chicago Bulls)
Brittney Griner – October 10, 1990 (Center, Phoenix Mercury)
Bryce Harper – October 16, 1992 (Outfielder, Washington Nationals)
Nick Saban – October 31, 1951
(Head Coach, University of Alabama)
10.27.2004
Curse Reversed After coming back from an 0-3 deficit to defeat the New York Yankees in the ALCS, the Boston Red Sox captured their first World Series title since 1918, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals four games to none. The title lifted what had been referred to as the “Curse of the Bambino,” which Red Sox fans supposed was caused when Boston sold baseball legend Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919. 29
Mason Gann Tift County High School
Tift County Punter Overcomes the Odds to Earn a Starting Spot by Robert Preston, Jr.
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ason Gann, the Tift County Blue Devils’ 5’10,” 155-pound punter, has played football all his life. In fact, he says he can’t remember a time when he didn’t play. It’s something that has been with him his whole life and one of his true passions. Every time he steps on the field, he enjoys the moment, maybe more than anyone else out there. It’s something he doesn’t take for granted, and he wants to do whatever he can to help his team win. Mason Gann isn’t supposed to be playing football. He’s lucky to be walking, much less running and, of all things, kicking. Gann was born with a right clubfoot. The outside of his foot was facing downward and the bottom was turned in, almost like the face of a golf club. Clubfoot is one of the most common birth defects and is usually treated fairly successfully. But playing sports? Kicking?
photography by Micki K Photography
Mason Gann was born just after 11 a.m. He was met with all the fanfare that comes with being the first born. It didn’t take long, however, for everyone in the room to notice that something was dreadfully wrong with his right foot. Everyone, that is, except for his mother, Amelia. Gann’s foot was turned 90 degrees to his leg. There was obviously something wrong with it, but Amelia didn’t notice it until about 4 p.m. “There was the initial shock of ‘there’s something wrong with my baby and nobody told me.’ But we weren’t going to let it be a deterrent to anything he wanted to do,” she said. Almost immediately, doctors went to work. Dr. Robert Tuten was Gann’s primary physician, and to this day, though he now lives in Virginia, he still sees Gann on a regular basis. At four months old, doctors stretched Gann’s foot and placed him in a foot to hip cast for
five months. “It was tough watching him suffer when they did that,” said Amelia Gann. “That wasn’t easy.” After six months in the cast, doctors gave Gann a one-month respite. Then he underwent an operation to further correct the abnormality. Gann was back in a cast until he was two years old. “My mom kept him when he was a baby, and she carried him as much as she could. But he learned to crawl, dragging that cast behind him,” Amelia said. The Ganns were told not to place any restrictions on their son and to let him do whatever he wanted to. Dr. Tuten told them to let him try whatever he wanted to try. If it became uncomfortable, he would stop. If he enjoyed it, he would keep pursuing whatever activity it was. Gann grew up playing just about everything he could. Though he was under constant doctor’s care, the foot never kept him from playing any sport. 31
Gann eventually settled upon soccer. That was his sport of choice for many years. In middle school, when he went out for the football team, he wasn’t the biggest or most physical kid on the field. He knew he would have to find a niche to make the team. As luck would have it, the team needed a punter. “Because of soccer, I always gravitated toward the kicking game. I really wanted to be a place kicker, but I found out I was better at punting,” he said. But just because Gann seemingly overcame his abnormality early in life doesn’t mean that everything went off without a hitch. He still had obstacles to overcome. For instance, punters kick with their kicking foot extended. Gann, however, can’t extend his right foot – the one with which he punts. He is a very flexible young man, but his right foot is extremely inflexible. Gann had to make several adjustments in his technique to be able to punt. A number of coaches and instructors have helped him over the years, most notably Andy Gibbs, a former punter at Valdosta State University and owner of Top Recruit Kicking. Kohl’s Kicking Camp has also been instrumental in helping develop Gann’s unique style. “My coaches have worked with me on my grip and how I drop the ball. I have to hold the ball flat when I let it go,” he said. “It’s taken a lot of work over the years and a lot of tweaking to find a technique that works.” And does it ever work. Gann has earned the respect of his coaches and his teammates because, quite simply, he can punt. Last year, he
averaged 40 yards per punt with a 3.8 to 4.1 second hang time. And in the last game of the 2013 season against Brunswick, he boomed a 59-yarder late in the game. This year, he’s
averaging over 43 yards per punt for the Blue Devils and, at the time of this writing, has one 50-yarder to his credit. In addition, Gann is an excellent student. He holds a 3.89 grade point average and is ranked 17th in his graduating class. Gann is a Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient and plans to become a civil engineer. That is, after he plays a few years of college football. “I’d love to play in college. If I don’t get to, I’ll go to ABAC and then transfer after two years. But I’ve visited Mercer, and I’ve talked to Kennesaw State. Maybe it will happen,” he said. No matter what happens, he won’t let his foot get in the way of his future plans. Sure, it hurts some days after practice. But he’s never made any excuses and he won’t make any going forward. “My parents didn’t know what to expect when they saw it. But it’s never been in the way, and I’ve never thought I was different at all,” he said. Mason Gann has done everything any “normal” teenager would do. Looking at him, you would never know the problems he has had with his foot. But when he trots on the field, if you listen closely to the student section, you might figure out something about him is different. Gann’s friends call him Gimp, and when he runs out on the field to kick, he is greeted with shouts of “Gimp! Gimp! Gimp!” from the student section. “Yeah, that’s what they call me,” he laughs. “It doesn’t bother me. I embrace it.” ITG
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What Works for You?
There is a great deal of work that goes into being an athlete. Early morning practices, late night games, and countless hours of training in between are commonplace for anyone training to become the best in their realm of the athletic world.
Athletes require a tremendous amount of poise, focus, and determination. These are all mental attributes that can take an individual to the top, but the value of physical prowess cannot be overlooked. The weight room often serves as a second home to players and competitors trying to perfect their bodies for battle. However, results are far from general. Some athletes may leave the weight room looking slim and trim, while others come out looking like Adrian Peterson’s lost sibling. Common weightlifting tips lean towards two major routines: high-repetition/low-weight and low-repetition/high-weight lifting. The high-rep/lowweight routine tends to help build endurance and tone muscle while enhancing overall work capacity, while the low-rep/high-weight selection yields faster weight and mass gain. From training the the aerodynamic cross country athletes at Valdosta State University in years past to now managing the strength and conditioning for the Lowndes High School football team, Kevin Wisham is no stranger to the weight room. “The “high-weight/low-rep” method is what we traditionally use when we are looking to build strength,” Wisham said. “This type of training will illicit a growth of the actual contractile unit of the muscle, also known as myofibril hypertrophy.” During a standard workout, a low-rep routine typically stays under six to eight reps per set, while workouts that are more endurance-driven will usually see sets exceed 15. “Muscle growth is most easily explained as a physiological response to stress,” Wisham said. “The
body is in a constant state of adaptation to become more efficient. The response to external loading or physical stress is bigger and/or stronger muscles. This response comes in reply to the micro tears in the muscle that occur as a result of the aforementioned physical stress.” While a combination of the two can be beneficial in any sport, it is common to stick with a highweight/low-rep routine for sports that require more strength (such as football), and a low-weight/ high-rep workout for sports that require more endurance (such as cross country). A recent University of Florida study shows that those on a high-weight routine will continue to build muscle over time, while individuals on a high-rep routine will eventually reach a plateau at which a few extra reps may not make a significant difference. High reps are also valuable to individuals that are new to weightlifting as well. A high-rep workout can help a person to get familiar with proper technique and movement. The most important rule in weightlifting is that you cater to your body’s ability. It is key that you don’t push your body to unnecessary limits. During a workout, rest is just as important as the actual exercise. Overexertion can lead to common negative side effects, such as dehydration and muscle injury. It is important to learn your own limits and be careful not to go beyond what you are physically capable of doing. In the end, each person’s body is different. There is a myriad of options that lie within the weight room.
Fitness
The Weight Room:
by James Washington
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Coach’s Corner
Andy Rykard hahira Middle School
Former Varsity Head Coach Makes Adjustment to Middle School Football by Robert Preston, Jr.
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ndy Rykard, athletic director and head football coach at Hahira Middle School, spent 19 years coaching football at the varsity level, including three as a head coach. For the last two years, however, he has been at Hahira Middle School. A demotion? Not at all. He’s there by his own choice, and he absolutely loves what he’s doing. Rykard graduated from Valdosta High School, where he played football and baseball. His sophomore year, the Wildcats won a state and national title in football. He was a pitcher and infielder for the baseball team, and used his talents there to earn a scholarship at Valdosta State University. Rykard grew up playing just about everything he could, and he knew
photography by Micki K Photography
that he would play sports for as long as he could. When his playing days were over, he would go into coaching. “I love athletics, and I’ve always wanted to be around sports for as long as I can remember. There are so many correlations between athletics and life,” he said. “I want to help kids be successful. That’s what teaching and coaching are all about.” During his 21 years in coaching, Rykard has been at Clinch County, Jeff Davis, Lanier, and Cook. He has also coached baseball along the way, including a stint coaching middle school baseball. But he had never coached middle school football until he went to Hahira. At the time, his wife, Amy, who also teaches at Hahira
Middle, was in the Lowndes County system. Rykard, however, was teaching and coaching in Cook County. “I wanted to get into the same system as Amy,” he said. I had talked to Coach Randy McPherson before and nothing had opened up. Then the Hahira job came available. Amy and I talked. I talked to Coach Mac again. I felt like this was a good opportunity.” Coach Rykard got the job, and went from being an offensive coordinator and offensive line coach with the Cook Hornets to overseeing the athletic program at Hahira Middle. The schedule was less demanding. He had more time with his family, and for the first time in years, he could enjoy most of the summer. But coach37
ing middle school is not without its own unique challenges. “Middle school kids seem to be less focused than kids in high school,” he said. “It’s just the age they’re at. It’s not like it used to be. There are a lot of distractions, and there’s a lot more to do than there was when I was growing up. It takes hard work to get better, hard work every day. The kids don’t always understand it. But we’ve got a great group of players who are working hard each day.” The objective of the middle school program is different as well. Everyone wants to win, and Rykard is always going to do everything he can to win as many games as possible. But the goal of the middle school program, especially in a system like Lowndes that has multiple middle schools, isn’t necessarily to win a lot of games. Instead, it’s to prepare the kids to play at the high school level. “We teach them the basics of the high school program,” he said. “We want them to get better every day. We work towards the future and
teach them what they need to know on the field and in the classroom.” Right now, numbers are a little low at Hahira, which makes things difficult from an athletics standpoint. When Pine Grove Elementary opened, it pulled kids from Hahira Middle, which dropped participation numbers in all activities across the board. “We’ve got 25-29 kids on each team,” Rykard said. “That’s not a lot of players, but they work hard. We tell them they’re working toward the future, and when they reach high school and all three middle schools come together, that’s when they’ll be rewarded for all their work.” So does Andy Rykard ever see the day when he moves up to the varsity level again? Not if he has anything to say about it. “We enjoyed almost the whole summer this year,” he said. “I was able to see my daughters Elizabeth and Abby a lot more. There are way more positives than negatives. I absolutely love it here at Hahira Middle, and I plan to stay here until I retire.” ITG
“I love athletics, and I’ve always wanted to be around sports for as long as I can remember. There are so many correlations between athletics and life,” Coach Rykard said.
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Metro Atlanta teams often steal the show when it comes to Georgia High School Cross Country. However, Bainbrige High School senior Chase Harris begs to differ. After a successful 2014 track season and logging loads of miles during the preseason, Chase plans to make a name for South Georgia running this year. While recovering from illness, Chase finished 17th at state last year. Nine of the young men who finished ahead of him graduated. This kid will be something to watch folks! That is, if your eyes can keep up.
Chase Harris
Bainbridge High School
Bainbridge Runner Has Big End-of-Season Goals by Sarah Tuner
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mall town Bainbridge, Georgia doesn’t necessarily produce small runners, and the town has their eye on one runner in particular this fall. Midway through his senior cross country season, Chase Harris has his eye on a cool November morning in Carrolton, Georgia with the best runners in the state. Last season, Chase won the Region 1-AAAAA Championship and went on to finish 17th at the
photography by Micki K Photography
2013 GHSA State Cross Country Championship. Chase was pleased with the season, but had a setback. “I was just coming out of the flu whenever I was at state and wasn’t able to go out like I wanted to,” Chase said. “It was good, but it wasn’t as good as I was hoping.” A few weeks after last year’s state meet, Chase ran a 16:04 at the Foot Locker South Regional, placing sixth—a time that would have gotten him
first place at state. Courses vary, yielding faster and slower times, but with three races in the low 16-minute range last season, Chase’s goal this season is definitely reachable. “I want to go under 16; I’ve been close about three times, but I’ve never gone under, and that is my goal this year,” Chase said. Chase is off to a good start so far. He placed first at the Pelham Hornet Invitational with a 16:50. 41
Unfortunately with all distance runners, it is a task to keep their immune system strong throughout the season. Chase faces the same hurdle with his running. “It is just one of those things that has always been there as a deterrent to my peaks,” Chase said. “It’s just something I’ve gotten used to having to overcome.” Chase has proven his toughness throughout his running career, and that mindset won’t fade this season, or any season, for that matter. Chase is already being looked at by a handful of colleges, including: Maryville University in St. Lewis, Belmont University in Nashville, and Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Higher education won’t only promise Chase four more years of competitive running, but also the opportunity to study photojournalism. Chase hopes to one day work
for National Geographic. Even with all of his track and cross country success, Chase remains humble. Despite the grueling heat, Chase is thankful to run for a South Georgia town that has a friendly and inviting community towards running. “In a bigger community, you may never meet half the runners, but since Bainbridge is so small, if someone runs, they’re usually running with you,” Chase said. “Everyone can get together on a Sunday morning and go on a run.” Whether he is a high school coach or a running club instructor, Chase sees himself running in the future as far forward in time as he can remember running in his past. “I’ve been running since I could walk; it wasn’t recently that I started running,” he said. iTG
Getting to know Chase:
What is your pre-race meal? I don’t eat before a race; it’ s my superstition. However, between track even ts, I always eat two Snickers. What is your go-to running shoe? I’ve never bought the same shoe twice. I’m not picky. If it looks cool, I’ll wear it. Who is your favorite athlete? Galen Rupp What is your favorite movie ? The Land Before Time What is your favorite book? The Giving Tree
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Thomas County’s Herndon Gets the Job Done by James Washington
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o only be an eighth-grader at Thomas County Middle School, Nick Herndon is far from average. Just ask Rachel Robinson, the widow of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson. During his Thanksgiving holiday in 2013, Nick was able to fly to Cooperstown, New York, for a once in a lifetime opportunity. After corresponding through emails and phone calls with appropriate connections, he finally reached Mrs. Robinson’s personal secretary and, shortly after, was face-to-face with Mrs. Robinson for an interview. “It was something that I’ll never forget,” Herndon said. “She was very friendly and eager to talk to me.” An interview with someone connected so closely to such a remarkable figure in American history is an accomplishment that most only dream to achieve. Herndon landed the interview for the National History Day academic project themed “Turning Points in History.” For an individual as driven as Herndon , this milestone can easily be credited to the proper support. “I just thank God that I was able to do it,” he said. “I know that I can’t accomplish anything without His blessings over me. I pray every day that my actions are carried out to God’s will, because without Him none of this would be possible.” It’s only fitting that the Robinson interview be granted to someone of Nick’s caliber. He’s quite the baseball player himself. A former member of the Thomasville Attack (Thomasville, Georgia) and Sport Specific (Albany, Georgia), Herndon is currently a utility player for the Georgia Batmen, a traveling baseball team out of Valdosta, Georgia. Being a utility man means that Herndon can comfortably and effectively play numerous positions on the field. While he is talented enough to play all over, his preferred positions to play are middle infield (meaning either shortstop or second base) and corner outfield (meaning left or right
photography by Micki K Photography
field). The Batmen are rather successful in their own right. In 2013, the team placed 33rd out of 105 teams in Cooperstown, New York at the annual invitational tournament at Cooperstown Dreams Park. “Playing travel baseball is so much fun,” Herndon said. “You get to go so many places and meet some awesome people. During one of our trips I got to meet (Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Braves’ pitcher) Tom Glavine and play against his son.” Herndon will be playing in his fourth season with the Batmen and looks forward to the upcoming challenges. “I just love the game,” Herndon said. “I plan to play as long as I can. I just want to continue to grow and get better, because it’s something that I love to do.” According to Herndon’s mother, Frances, his natural poise and determination shine through, regardless of any obstacles he faces. “Nick has tremendous vision,” Mrs. Herndon said. “His desire comes from having a strong vision of his ultimate goal. He does nothing without God’s favor, and he understands that fully.” Herndon’s father, Joey, also sees that Nick’s maturity reaches far beyond his years. “He never gives up,” Mr. Herndon said. “I remember one game his team was down in the final inning. Herndon had a chance to set the team up for the win, and that’s exactly what he did. He’s able to stay cool and get the job done. His calm demeanor helps him to be successful in high-pressure situations, and that attitude rubs off on his teammates.” Herndon’s athletic talents are just the tip of the iceberg. He is also a stellar student and a standout member of TCMS’s MERIT Program (which stands for Maximizing Education to Realize Intellectual Transformation). The program, which focuses on the development and enrichment of gifted and high-achieving students in grades 5-12, is a perfect fit for Herndon .
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“MERIT challenges me to get better at my schoolwork,” he said. “I enjoy being able to dig deep when I’m doing projects and research papers. Plus, I’m a very ‘hands-on’ learner and the program lets us use the science lab a lot. Overall, the program just keeps me really focused.” While he thoroughly enjoys the academic advantages of TCMS, his love for the school is widespread. “I’ve always loved the (TMCS) Yellow Jackets even before I started going there,” Herndon said. “Education is a big deal to me, but a big reason that I wanted to be a Yellow Jacket was because of their baseball program as well. I play with some really great guys that are my friends, both at school and with the Batmen.” When he isn’t handling his business on the
field or in the classroom, Herndon still has plenty of ways to keep himself busy. A lover of Christian music, he has been playing the drums since the age of four, and looks forward to joining the praise team at First Baptist Church. Aside from his love of music, he also spends time building and crafting with his father. The two have constructed a boat together, as well as many other projects. “Nick doesn’t waste his day cooped up inside with video games,” Mr. Herndon said. “He’s a very active kid, and he’s got a ton of common sense. There’s a lot to be said about that.” It seems like no matter where he goes, young Nick Herndon leaves a lasting reminder of his talent and ability. He is the epitome of a utility player, on the baseball field as well as in life. ITG
Getting to know Nick:
Age: 14 Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, playing music Favorite Sports Teams: Florida Gators, Atlanta Braves Favorite Player: Andrelton Simmons (Shortstop, Atlanta Braves) Sport That You Don’t Play, But Wish You Could: Cricket Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Tim Tebow Favorite Subject(s): Math, science
Coach’s Corner Former Viking Heads Newbern’s Football Program by Robert Preston, Jr.
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photography by Micki K Photography
dgar Denton grew up a Viking. A running back in the Lowndes system, he was on the 1999 team that won a state championship. From there, he attended Reedley College in Reedley, California, where his Tigers won a state and a national title. After two years in Reedley, Denton went to Northern Michigan University, where he finished his playing career. Once he graduated, he was ready to come back south and coach the game he loved. “I was ready to go wherever I could. I wanted to help kids in the area I came from,” he said. The only opening he could find was in the Valdosta city system – the very system he spent most of his formative years battling. And the opportunity came from another former Viking. Royce Thomas, who also attended Lowndes, was Newbern’s head coach. He hired Denton as an assistant on the offensive side of the ball. When Thomas left coaching to become an assistant principal, he recommended Denton for the head coaching job. “I wasn’t sure I was ready, but I didn’t want to turn down an opportunity,” he said. After just two years as an assistant, Denton became head coach. Now in his fifth year at the helm of Newbern’s program, Denton has enjoyed every day of his job. With the middle school program falling under the umbrella of the high school team, there isn’t a lot of wiggle room with what schemes the coaches can run. However, under head coach Rance Gillespie, the Valdosta High offense is fairly complicated, which offers Valdosta’s middle schools a little more flexibility than most. “When I came in, I did a lot of what we had been doing. But I made a few changes. I’m able to tailor our system from year to year, depending on the personnel we have. We base everything off what the high school team does, but Coach Gillespie gives us a big window with what we need to run,” he said. Like this month’s other Coach’s Corner feature, Andy Rykard at Hahira Middle, Coach Denton has had to deal with a drop in numbers at Newbern. The first three years he was head coach, numbers were down, which affected how the team performed. Last season, Newbern’s best under Denton, numbers rebounded, and he was able to put 35 kids on the field. 48
“Our eighth grade team won every game but one,” he said. “We lost to Tift by two points. Our seventh graders won four games. We had a lot of kids who could do multiple things and do them well. It was a great season all around.” This year, at the time of this writing, Newbern is 1-1 and Coach Denton is looking forward to getting better as the season progresses. “We have good talent both offensively and defensively,” he said. “We’ve got good numbers and our kids play hard.” Coach Denton and his wife, Sharah, have two children: a son, Jalen, 9, and a daughter, Laila, 5. “It takes a lot of sacrifice to coach. My family, and that includes my parents, have been a great support system. I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing without them,” he said. So what does the future hold for Coach Denton? He’s a young coach at the beginning of his career. Would he one day like to move up to another level? “Yeah, I would like to coach at the varsity level one day. But right now, I have two young children, and I can be there more with them where I am. I still need to learn more about the game, especially defensively. But I’d like to move up. When the time is right, God will lead me there,” he said. The Wildcat Way. The tradition. The championships. The legacy. It’s deeply entrenched in everything in and around Valdosta. That level of play, that rivalry – it was tough when he went to Newbern. “It was awkward at first. But when I bonded with the kids, I got used to it. Some of my old teammates told me I was wearing the wrong colors,” he said with a smile. “But I’m helping kids in my area, and that’s bigger than anything else. I’ve been a Wildcat since 2007.” ITG
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Irwin County Indians Irwin County High School State Champions Honored Irwin County High School
At Irwin’s first home football game ICHS honored their 2014 State Champions with the State Championship Ring Ceremony at Indian Field before supporters, friends, and family. Jakyron Young is Georgia’s 2014 Class A Champion in track’s Triple Jump with a jump of 44 feet and 5 inches; he also is the Region Champion with his 46.07 jump. In State Triple Jump Competition the athlete has 6 jumps to jump his best…Jakyron’s winning jump was his first jump, saving additional distance for next season. Jakyron will be back in 2015 to defend his title for ICHS. His coaches Brian and Leigh Chestnutt presented Jakyron his ring. The 2014 ICHS Lady Indian Tennis Team finished their season with an 18-3 record. The ladies had quite a road to the state championship. They swept through the region tournament, defeating Telfair to make #1 in the Region. With the Region Championship they earned number 1 seed for Region 2 going into the state playoffs. Defeating Mitchell Co. in Round 1 and Commerce in Round 2, Irwin went into the semifinals facing the defending state champions, Baconton Charter. Playing hard, the girls came away with a 3-2 victory. Down 1-2 in the state championship match against Gordon Lee, the ladies rebounded to capture
Ring Ceremony: Coach John Tuggle; Georgia Class A Tennis Coach of the Year Luke Roberts; Lady Indian 2014 Tennis Class A Champions: Madison Carlton, Jordyn Jankiewicz, Jadyn Jankiewicz, Alex Rhodes, Payton Posey, Abi Walker, Rebecca Paulk, and Summer Pridgen; and State Class A Triple Jump Champion Jakyron Young.
the first Girl’s Tennis Team State Championship in Irwin County High School History. Head Coach Luke Roberts and assistant John Tuggle are looking for the 2015 Lady Indians to do well, having lost only one senior, Summer Pridgen from the championship roster. Irwin’s Head Tennis Coach Luke Roberts was named 1-A Girls Tennis Coach of the Year. Coach Luke is well known on Irwin’s fields, courts, and tracks, being a former standout ICHS athlete. He came close several times but a state championship ring eluded his each opportunity. His tennis girls wanted this championship not only for ICHS, but Coach Luke Roberts, also. The girls’ main conversation was, “Play our
BEST for Coach Roberts”. Irwin’s new athletic director Buddy Nobles was ecstatic for the state champions: track, Jakyron Young and the girls’ tennis team, Summer Pridgen, Madison Carlton, Kaley Younghn, Maggie Martin, Jordyn Jankiewicz, Jadyn Jankiewicz, Alex Rhodes, Payton Posey, Abi Walker, and Rebecca Paulk. He also presented Coach Luke Roberts with the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association’s 2014 1-A Girls’ Tennis Coach of the Year Award. A very good beginning at Irwin County High School Coach Roberts, a great start, for a great future!
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Sideline spectators enjoy the game
Fans rise to their feet to show support
These fans are too excited to take a seat
The Wildcat mascots get the crowd fired up
The Wildcats spread out against the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets
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Valdosta’s stands fill up quickly with Wildcat fans
Valdosta’s Marchin’ Cats get ready for their halftime show
The Georgia Bridgemen perform during the Lowndes vs. Rockdale game
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The Wildcat mascot oversees the gam
Valdosta’s Cats regroup for the next play
photos by Rizal Buckingham and Mark Dykes
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Rising Star Presented by:
Rylin Hedgecock Hahira Middle school
For Hahira Eighth Grader, Softball is a Seven-Day-a-Week ‘Hobby’ by Robert Preston, Jr.
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ylin Hedgecock, a 13-year-old pitcher/third baseman for Hahira Middle School, is a big reason why Hahira is undefeated and has held opponents scoreless with three conference games remaining. She made the conference team as a sixthgrader (the only sixth-grader that year to be recognized), and she has been one of Hahira’s best players since. Do not, however, think that softball comes easy to Hedgecock. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. There are two daughters in the Hedgecock
photography by Micki K Photography
family: Rylin and Tori, who is in the sixth grade. Their father, Russ, played baseball at Florida Southern. When the girls were growing up, he steered them in the direction of softball, and the girls took to the sport immediately. Four years ago, after Rylin had already been playing for about four years, she tried out for a travel team. She didn’t make the team, and the news shook her badly. Instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for herself, Hedgecock went to work. “That’s when she got serious,” said her mother, Heather. “She started taking pitching lessons
and hitting lessons. Looking back, she was the weakest player who went out for the team. But getting cut was the best thing that ever happened to her.” Hedgecock may have been the weakest player that year, but she wouldn’t be the weakest player any longer. She has made tremendous progress in four years. She works every day on some aspect of softball – pitching, hitting, fielding, something. “She practices five days a week, and she often plays tournaments on the weekends,” 55
Heather said. “She is literally out there doing something with softball seven days a week.” Her travel team, Southern Pride out of Valdosta, recently qualified for ASA Nationals in Indiana. One of 72 teams, Pride finished ninth. In 35 innings that week, Hedgecock faced 167 batters and walked only two. She also hit .552, slugged 1.172, and posted an on-base percentage of .710. At Hahira Middle, she does the same thing. She is an excellent pitcher, a formidable hitter who can hit for average and power, and she’s a leader on a team on a collision course with a conference championship this year. “I think she’s a really good player,” Heather said. “Of course, I’m ‘Mom’, but she has made tremendous progress. She never gets frustrated, she’s always focused, and she always gets herself out of a jam. I used to worry about her when she was out there on the field but not anymore.” Staying focused isn’t always an easy thing to do, but it’s the only way to handle the stresses of pitching. “I just try to zone everyone out and keep throwing strikes,” Rylin said. “That can be hard to do.” Hedgecock, who has also pitched two games for Lowndes High’s junior varsity team this year, understands her role on the team. Heading into the season, she set a
goal of winning a conference championship. As a sixth-grader, Hahira finished third in the conference. Last year, they came in second. They’ve improved each year; the only spot left is first. “I want to win it this year,” Rylin said. “I know I need to be a leader and a role model for the other girls on the team.” Following in her sister’s footsteps, Rylin’s younger sister Tori is also an up-and-coming threat playing for Hahira Middle. Also a pitcher, Tori often backs up Rylin. And as you might imagine, the two have something of a rivalry with each other. “Sometimes I like playing with Tori; sometimes she aggravates me,” Rylin said. “It’s a friendly rivalry, though. I always try to stay one step ahead of her. I want to strike out more batters than she does or hit better.” Hedgecock never gets burned out, and she never wants to take an off day. She is such a good player because she loves the game and gives the game everything she has. She plans to keep playing for as long as she can, which hopefully will take her to Gainesville and her beloved Florida Gators. “You know, softball doesn’t come easy to her at all,” Heather said. “She works so hard at the game. It’s her life, and it’s our life.” ITG
Rylin’s Favorites: Sport to watch on TV: College football Team: Georgia Bulldogs Sport you wish you could play: Tennis Superhero: Spiderman Superpower: Fly Dogs or cats? Dogs Pepsi or Coke? Coke Person to meet: Peyton Manning
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Are they necessary?
We use our smart phones for just about everything these days. And now, some of us even monitor the things we digest in an application.
Diet and fitness tracking applications are becoming considerably popular among all ages. Apps such as MyFitness Pal, Lose It, Nutrino, My Diet Coach, to name a few, are being downloaded to health-conscious phone owners across the world. The applications allow users to measure their intake right down to the last teaspoon of coffee creamer. “Most Americans don’t realize what a normal serving size is,” Jeanne-Hope Bradshaw, nutrition professor and dietician, said. “With careful measurement, diet apps can be a great tool for athletes or anyone wanting to monitor intake.” Traditional food logs have always been used, but they were on the demanding side. Who wants to carry around a pen and notebook and ask the waiter for a nutrition run-down while your friends’ stomachs growl at you for holding up their food? Diet applications allow users to log everything at the click of a button. Most restaurant and grocery items are available through the search option. If not, these savvy applications offer a bar code scanner for foods not listed. Users have more control over their diet. The apps give a daily break down of macronutrients including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and some even let you view your intake of certain micronutrients like sodium and iron. The applications give users a set amount of calories per day according to their diet goal, may it be to lose or gain weight at any rate or for those happy with their size, to maintain.
What may come in handy for athletes is the ability to get an estimate of how much they should eat following a workout to replace calories that were used. This is often underestimated. The applications can allow athletes to log the type, time, and intensity of a workout in order get an approximate number of extra calories they should consume. Tracking diet and fitness endeavors on a smar t phone has its cons too. For students, having your phone out in class to log food doesn’t always seem so guiltless. You must log your weight, height, age, and activity level very accurately to get proper feedback. Finally, it is still a hassle to remember to log every item you consume throughout the day. “I think the trackers are a great idea but are only effective if the user is precise with data entry,” Bradshaw said. “Thinner people tend to overestimate dietary intake while heavier people tend to underestimate intake.” In a perfect world, we could still manage our diet just by paying attention to our hunger. However, outside influence and boredom kick in more often—hence America’s obesity rate. Diet applications might just be wor th the download.
Nutrition Fitness
Diet Applications:
by Sarah Turner
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Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes Lady Canes Reaching Team Goals with New Coaches and Strong Seniors by Vonteria Smith and Brianna Wormley Photo by Tiftarea Photography 2014
Our season kicked off with summer practices beginning at 7:30 am coached by Terry Stark of Albany, Georgia. He was very experienced and knew the game of fastpitch softball. He taught many of our players how to slap bunt, bunt and power hit. We worked on many plays to help us during the regular season. As you know, it took a lot of work and dedication to prepare for the season. The Lady Canes have support from the booster club which paid for new equipment, jerseys, team bags, helmets and bats. This season the Lady Canes have four seniors: Skylar Dorough, Kennedy Ingram, Vonteria Smith, and Brianna Wormley. Skylar Dorough is our starting pitcher, Kennedy Ingram is our right fielder, Vonteria Smith is our left fielder, and Brianna Wormley is our catcher. The seniors have already claimed their win in the region and are determined to make it to the state championship. Nothing is stopping or getting in the way of these girls. Skylar Dorough has won All-Region for three years and plans to win Pitcher of the Year. This year the Lady Canes were blessed with two new talented coaches, Coach Michael Heitzman from Jacksonville, Florida and Coach Jeff Kight from
Fitzgerald, Georgia. These coaches have pushed us all summer to help us go further than last year. This year makes four years Coach Kenneth Roiser has been our head coach with Shannon Dorough assisting him. The Canes recently traveled to Atkinson County, defeating the Rebels 20-9. The leading batters were Skylar Dorough, Vonteria Smith, Kennedy Ingram,
and Kasey Kight. Skylar had 5 RBI’s and 1.000 batting average and 2 out-of-the-park home runs. Vonteria Smith had 1.000 batting average and 1 RBI. Also, Kennedy had a .500 batting average and 2 RBI’s, and Kasey finished with .750 batting average and 5 RBI’s. This season has started off with lots of great wins and we plan to continue to reach our team goals of winning region and making it to state.
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Delivering Bibles into the hands of student athletes and coaches has been a passion and goal of Southeast Georgia FCA, and in the last two years the numbers have far exceeded our expectations. Since school began in August, we have delivered over 1,000 Bibles to surrounding schools in all seven counties. We are continually blessed by the stories we hear from those that have received the Bibles. It is making a difference in these communities! Last fall, we started doing FCA Days, a time when we go into different churches, present the ministry of FCA, and ask for their partnership. Danny Broyles, Area Director for SEGA FCA, has been to several churches throughout the surrounding communities, and we are excited to be partnering with each of them. We have been able to raise funds for the ministry and add to our volunteers. We want to thank all of the churches that have participated in FCA Days this year! Bobby Willis, SEGA FCA Area Representative to coaches, has been steadily raising support to keep him stay funded in FCA. Many faithful donors have helped him in this endeavor. He also helped host a breakfast in Lanier County where he was able to raise awareness and support. We are excited over all that Bobby has accomplished in the coaches’ ministry of FCA. We have several upcoming events this month, starting with our Brooks County Banquet on October 9. We are looking forward to hearing from Lindsay Scott, former UGA wide receiver, and we have been steadily selling table sponsorships. We look forward to an evening of sharing the good news of the Gospel and all that FCA is doing in Brooks County.
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Tailgating at the Tabernacle has been moved to Hahira United Methodist Church this year and will be on October 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free lunch will be served after service. We look forward to hearing from our guest band, Soular 7, and our guest speaker, James P. Miller, Chaplain for Valdosta State Prison and Annex. Come join us! On October 29, we will host our community-wide Christ Makes Winners Rally the Wednesday before the big Winnersville Classic game. This rally was created to help bring this community together during a time of heavy rivalry and remind everyone that we are all winners in Christ. Since its start many years ago, the rally has expanded to include all surrounding counties. We encourage youth pastors to bring their youth groups and join us as one for a time of worship. The service will start at 6:30 p.m., but we will be giving away free food to those that come at 5:30. Our guest speaker this year will be Mark Cahill, author of several books including One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven. Mark is a powerful speaker and a bold evangelist. You don’t want to miss hearing him speak! In His Grip, Danny R. Broyles Area Director, Southeast Georgia FCA SEGA FCA Office 229-245-1717 www.segafca.org
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@SEGAFCA
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