Fall Sports Preview 2019

2019

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

NEW ALBANY | EAST UNION | INGOMAR | MYRTLE | WEST UNION

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

2019 Fall Sports Preview Table of Contents 8 9 11 12 13 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 25 31 32 33 34 35 37 40 41

New Albany Football New Albany Cheer New Albany Band East Union Football East Union Cheer Union County Band Myrtle Football Myrtle Cheer New Albany Volleyball East Union Volleyball Ingomar Volleyball Myrtle Volleyball West Union Volleyball New Albany Cross Country East Union Cross Country Ingomar Cross Country Myrtle Cross Country West Union Cross Country Ingomar Swim Football Schedules Volleyball and Swim Schedules

Special Thanks Cody Stubblefield, Kevin Walton, Jeremy Smithey, Mary Beth Muncie, Ashley Garrett, Pam Bramlitt, David Hopple, Derek Taylor, Lisa Browning Photography, Karen Taylor, Ashley Connolly, Josh Blythe, Andy Wilbanks, Robert Gordon, Lisa Bogue, Alison Laney, Nathan McLellen, Sherrie Little, Chris Greer, J.C. Hayles, Jennifer Pannell and all the athletes from New Albany and Union County High Schools that made this publication possible with their participation.

Table of Content photo: Front - Amiyah Terry. Second row left - Zariah Frazier, Janae Shackleford, Masey Adams. Third row left - Bella Fernando, Hannah Hughes. Fourth row left - Maggie Moore, Alexis Mirfield, Rosalee Roberts. Fifth row left - Greta Blakemore, Endya Worship, Vakeria Jett.

Front cover: The 2019 New Albany, East Union and Myrtle football teams

Articles written by Dennis Clayton, Sports Editor and Gene Phelps. Cover and table of contents photos by Dennis Clayton.

Layout/composition by David Johnson.

Advertising sales by Tracie Callicutt. Ad design by Sonny Harrison.

New Albany Gazette 2019 Fall Sports Preview

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NEW ALBANY FOOTBALL

Bulldogs to run spread offense in 2019 FAST FACTS Division: 1-4A 2018 record: 7-4, 3-2 (Playoffs: lost first round)

3 PLAYERS TO WATCH Charlie Lott, QB (Senior) - Firstyear starter, who was backup last season.

Kalob Adair, WR/DB (Senior) Skilled 5-foot-9, 170 performer with good hands.

Isaiah Cohran, WR/DB (Junior) - Big-play scoring threat when he catches ball in space.

OFFENSE Stubblefield’s spread offensive attack will be under the capable direction of QB Charlie Lott, who played behind 4-year starter Loden Bolen last fall. The coach believes Lott’s spring and 7-on-7 work has prepared the senior to take the snaps.

“That was an obvious concern when you lose a four-year quarterback,” Stubblefield said. “Charlie erased a lot of those concerns after watching him in 7-on-7 and seeing him work.

We feel good about our quarterback.

He does a good job spreading the ball around. He can make all the throws. He’s a leader. He’s driven to succeed.”

Lott will play behind an experienced, talented and deep offensive line. Stubblefield is excited about their potential this season.

T Parker Formsma (Jr.), G Andrew Ellis (Sr.), C/T Adam Conlee (Jr.), T Noah Gray (Sr.), C/G Francisco Guerrero (Sr.), C/G Carson Gault (Jr.) and G Milton Regalado (So.) make up front wall.

“We can now compete up front,” Stubblefield said. “We weren’t consistent enough last season to run the ball. Offensive line is where we’ve grown the most. It was one of our weakest areas last season. We pushed them to get stronger.”

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

The Bulldogs will have a stable of talented wide receivers for targets in: Adair, Cohran, Ramaryon Crawford (Jr.), Cameron Knox (So.), Mason Simmons (Jr.) and C.J. McKinney (Jr.).

Shamarquces Smith (Jr.) is being counted on to log a lot if yards at running back.

“Our skill players are solid,” Stubblefield said. ““We’re not overly big at receiver, but we’re quick and we’re fast. They can do things with the ball after the catch.”

DEFENSE Look for the O-line of Conlee, Ellis, Garcia, Regalado, Formsma, Gray and Gault to see some duty on the D-line, along with former starting linebacker, Jackson Formsma. Formsma will likely join his brother on the O-line when needed.

ILB C.J. Hill (So.) returns after starting last season as a freshman.

Adrian Gracia (Sr.), Hunter Hodges (Sr.), Lewis Creekmore (Jr.), Darnell Riley (Jr.), C.J. Hill (Fr.) and Smith will all see LB duty.

In the secondary, Adair will play CB and Cohran will work at S. Elijah Fleming (So.) will play CB, along with Hickory Flat transfer C.J. McKinney (Jr.) Micah Reed (So.) will play S, along with WRs Simmons and Knox.

“Defensively, it’s about speed.

We’ve put kids with ball skills and kids that can cover ground in the secondary,” Stubblefield said. “Our defensive line is not overly big, but they are athletic and quick. Our linebackers are fast and can fly to the ball.”

SPECIAL TEAMS Caleb McDonald (Jr.) returns to handle all the place-kicking chores.

Look for all the skill players to handle kickoff and punt returns duties. Lott or McDonald will likely be the punter.

Head Coach Cody Stubblefield (second season at New Albany) Assistant Coaches:

Collin Stubblefield, Shane Ard, Todd Lott, Kendall Murphy, Josh Curbow, Buddy Hall, Brad Harris,

Athletic Trainer:

Chase Wilkerson

X-FACTOR Lott’s play at QB will be crucial from the beginning. He’s shown the ability to make all the throws the spread requires. The question will be can the Bulldogs have a more productive run game with the improvement of their offensive line?

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS North Pontotoc joins Corinth, Ripley and Tishomingo County in 1-4A. Non-league games against Amory, Booneville, Itawamba AHS and Pontotoc will be tests. “I feel like we have a shot to compete with everybody on our schedule,” Stubblefield said. The Bulldogs open their season on the road against county foe East Union in the annual EUNA Cup game. New Albany won 42-12 last season.

COACH SPEAK “Running the spread (offense) gives us our best advantage. I hope the growth of our offensive line will bring more balance to our offense.” – Cody Stubblefield.

NEW ALBANY FOOTBALL Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 New Albany Bulldogs Football: Zac Clay, Jareil Bowling, Mack Cheairs, Jayden Richardson, Jesse Nicholson, James Ellis, A’Quan McDonald, Cole Roberts, John Stacks, Tylan Foster, Jacobe Jones, Kody Atkinson, Dawson Boyd, Latterian Cameron, Peyton Rodgers, Elijah Chapman, Aistin Hall, Roger Mazuca, Patrick Gibbs, Monatvio Sullivan, Owen Everrett, Mickey Woods, Steven Coltharp, Jakeb Adair, Matthew Harris, Landon York, Bradley Robbins, Rodney Campbell, Ethan Conlee, Avery Carter, Kalob Adair, Cameron Knox, EJ Buchanan, Hunter Hodges, CJ Hill, Darnell Riley, Micah Reed, Orlando Gates, Arlando Gates, CJ McKinney, Mason Simmons, Ramaryon Crawford, Elijah Fleming, Isaiah Cohran, Charlie Lott, Shamarquces Smith, Daniel Bullock, Gavin Crumpton, Damarko Smith, Sean Mardis, Adrian Garcia, Jordan Kelly, Chance Roberts, Ben Jenkins, Dontae Little, Caleb McDonald, Lewis Creekmore, Caleb Melson, Chris Brennan, Nathan Wilson, Carson Gault, Noah Gray, Kylein Mullins, Adam Conlee, Andrew Ellis, Francisco Guerrero, Jason Taylor, Elijah Gray, Jackson Formsma, Tre Dean, Kerrion Bolden, Parker Formsma, Elijah Cobb, Tyler Elias, Michael Roby, Milton Regalado, Kai Davis, Jordan Vaughn, Nicholas Cathey

New Albany Cheerleaders Photo by Lisa Browning Photography

2019 New Albany Football Cheerleaders - Front left - Laura Ruth Welborn, Gracie Stanford.

Second row left - Charlsie Stacks, Cassidy Ketchum, Peyton Henry, Anna Tarrant. Third row left - Madeline Blackburn, Heaven Freeman, Chloe Cobb, Bailey Robertson, Jodi Parks. Back row - Sarah Robbins, Natalie Creekmore, Gracie Mason, Molly Keener, Leah Robbins, Annalyn Hogue. Not pictured - Chloe Amos, Maggie Scott, Justise Hawkins.

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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NEW ALBANY SENIORS

Bulldogs Class of 2019

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

Bulldogs Class of 2019: Front left- Annalyn Hogue, Chloe Cobb, Heaven Freeman, Cassidy Ketchum. Back left - Darnell Riley, Hunter Hodges, Francisco Guerrero, Adrian Garcia, Andrew Ellis, Noah Gray, Charlie Lott, Kylein Mullins, Kalob Adair, Jordan Kelly.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Pride of New Albany Seniors: First row, from left are Madison Cotten, Nayely Urzua, Janiya Rutherford - Drum Major (not a senior), Claudia Jeter and Allison Villanueva; Second row, from left, are Crystal Calvin, Ashanti Jones, Elizabeth Whitten, Hailey Hogue and Lindsay Delashmit; Third row, from left, are Ashley Payne, Roxana Guzman, Miranda Maldanado, Ruth Montgomery, Anna Austin - Guard Captain; Fourth Row, from left, are Taylor Vaughn, Haley Holston, Logan Henry, Jonathan Pegues - Percussion Captain and Drew Darling; Fifth row, from left, are Aaron Scales and Hayes Richey.

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

PRIDE OF NEW ALBANY

Pride of New Albany High School Band

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Pride of New Albany Band Members: Flute - Lillie Faith Childs, Amariz Tellez, Elly Strockbine, Crystal Calvin, Dayla Brennan, Sophia Taylor, Roxana Guzman, Kyleigh Gibbs, Autumn Baukman, Alison Villanueva; Clarinet - Kailyn Cotten, Caitlyn Coleman, Ashanti Jones, Juan Luna, Sophie Chen, Anadelia Tirado, Rebecca Coltharp, Shomai Barry, Catherine Vasquez, Emma Buskirk, Jana Cornelius, Alyssa Garcia, Claudia Jeter, Jaklyn Ledbetter, Sara Beth Black, Christiana Rowan, Amber Joiner, Kiana Rogers, Taylor Vaughn, Laken Fooshee; Alto - Logan Henry, Erick Florez, Ashley Payne, Analisa Cheairs, Zayden Quinn, Emma Kate Young, Nathan Wilson, Miranda Maldanado; Horn - Madison Cotten, Kathryn Torres, Kaleigh Mason, Pacey Kelly, Summer Whiteside; Trumpet - Grant Richey, Jake Moore, Conner Mathis, Hayes Richey, Shelby Bolen, Haley Holston, Matthew White, Sarah Simpson, Elizabeth Whitten, Jake Leach, Adam Graham, Jessie Nicholson, Nayley Urzua, Jackson Thompson, Cora Tellez, Jacob Wilson, Gerald Torres; Trombone - Drew Darling, Hayes Hemby, Owen Cotten, Jasmine Sanders, Amber Baranski, Aaron Scales, Randy Trullet, Mekelah Jones, Chance Roberts, Lige Foster, Dillon Richey, Ben Jenkins; Baritone - Annea Scales, Dawson Boyd; Tuba - Francisco Rivera, Braden Robinson, Joshua Paul, Eder Guevara; Percussion - Jonathan Pegues, Ruth Montgomery, Eli Young, Steven Coltharp, Colby Elder, Elliot Pullman, Trevor Roaton, Lelan Boulden, Charlie Crews, Laura Grace Hardy, Micah House, Collin Hughes, Ryan Magill, Lucy Morris, Collin Paul, Desean Pullman, Whit Robbins, Trey Roten, Jacob Whit, Mentora Woods; Guard - Anna Austin, Lindsey Delashmit, Breana Elder, Katie Evans, Haley Hogue, Meredith Ohler, Jaylee Ragsdale, Bailey Robertson, Hailee Rutledge, Alexis Shackleford, Layla Stewart, Catherine Truemper, Gia Vainise, Grace Wages, Marlie Williams, Nicole Young; Janiya Rutherford - Drum Major.

2019 Halftime Show

Music from Aladdin

Arabian Nights Proud of Your Boy (from the musical)/ A Whole New World (medley) Friend Like Me

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Pride of New Albany Drum Major - Janiya Rutherford

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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EAST UNION FOOTBALL

East Union Urchins go to Air on Offense FAST FACTS Division: 2-1A 2018 record: 7-4, 4-0 (Playoffs: lost first round)

3 PLAYERS TO WATCH Ty Walton, QB/DB (Sophomore) - Passed for more than 1,000 yards, 10 TDs last season.

Micah Ellis, LB/WR (Senior) Averaged 10 tackles per game to lead Urchins.

Colton Plunk, WR/RB/OLB (Junior) - The 6-3, 215-pound back was team’s long distance rushing threat.

OFFENSE It all starts with the younger Walton as the trigger man. He’s worked all spring and summer preparing for the spread passing attack.

“Our offense will be ready to go,” Ty Walton said. “We’ve worked really hard on this. We can still go to our old power running plays if we need to.”

The Urchins dropped the veer in midseason of 2018 and went to the spread.

“Ty got his feet wet with the spread last season. He loves what we’re doing,” Kevin Walton said. “The spread’s worked well. The fact that we already knew about it helped us in the spring. We’ve participated in more 7-on-7 camps during the summer than we normally have. The players have a good understanding of what we want to do.”

His targets will be speedy DeJuan Hubbard (Sr.), 6-3 Colton Plunk (Jr.), 6-4 Gage Fellows (So.), Hayden Roberts (So.), Jessie Crump (Sr.), Collin Stephens (So.), Thad Bell (So.) and Micah Ellis (Sr.), the team’s top returning defender at LB. “We want to make sure DeJuan and Colton touch the ball every game,” Kevin Walton said. “We’ll have packages where Colton will run the football. He’s too much of a threat running not to get the ball.

“DeJuan is our go-to guy. He’s

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

good in space. He’s a key to what we’re doing. I’m looking for him to have a really good year.”

Plunk was a long-distance threat last season with three 70-plus yard runs. His first carry last year went for a 76-yard TD against Falkner.

The O-line will be young, but experienced. G Eli Hodges (Sr.), T Josh Duley (So.), C Alejandro Velles (So.), G Parker Rogers (So.) return.

One starter, T Bryce McLellen (So.), is out for the season with a knee injury. Kolby Gray (Sr.) will also see O-line duty. Eli Pannell (Jr.) and Nick Lamontagne (So.) from the defensive side will be asked to help along the O-line.

Micah Fulgham (Jr.), Sam Murray (Jr.), along with Plunk, will play running back, where the Urchins lost 6,000-yard career rusher Joel Wilkinson. Plunk and Fellows will get carries, too.

DEFENSE Ellis will be a team captain and the defensive unit’s leader at MLB. He’s been a starter since his freshman season.

“Micah has been here all summer and worked in the weight room,” Walton said. “He’s excited about the season. His leadership on defense is key. We expect a big season from him.”

He’ll be joined at LB by Conner Timms (Fr.) and Edgar Zapata (Jr.).

Zach Rhodes (Sr.) and Lamontagne (So.) Up front, DE Fellows, T Conner Johnson (Sr.), T Pannell (Jr.) and T/ LB/DE Chase Brown (Sr.) return.

Brown impressed the coaches with his spring/summer work.

Wilkinson’s loss will be felt in the secondary as well. Plunk, Hubbard, Fulgham and Roberts will play in defensive back roles.

SPECIAL TEAMS Ellis is the place-kicker, Brown the punter, and Hubbard and Roberts will

Head Coach Kevin Walton (fifth season at East Union) Assistant Coaches:

Stephen Basil, Brandon Cherry, Scott Duley, Chris Lucuis,

Athletic Trainer:

Jeremy Dorrough

handle the return game chores.

X-FACTOR A lack of depth is a concern at some key positions. Walton says once the season kicks off, the hitting will cease. Remaining healthy is crucial.

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS The defending champion Urchins lost two division opponents – Bruce moved to Division 2-2A, Baldwyn dropped down to 1A. Mantachie and Potts Camp join Strayhorn and Walnut in league play. Back-to-back tough opponents open the season – 4A New Albany and 1A new county rival Myrtle.

“I think the Mantachie game will be a fun rivalry,” Walton said. “We didn’t play last year, but we have in previous years. Potts Camp will be athletic and tough to handle.”

COACH SPEAK “We’re going with the spread, but we are committed to running the ball, too. We’re going to do what it takes to win the game.” – Kevin Walton.

EAST UNION FOOTBALL Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 East Union Urchins Football: Colton Plunk, DeJuan Hubbard, Eli Pannell, Chase Brown, Zach Rhodes, Ty Walton, Thad Bell, Collin Stephens, Sam Murry, Micah Ellis, Hayden Roberts, Tay Vance, Edgar Zapata, Micah Fulgham, Jesse Crump, Peyton Parker, Ethan Brooks, Cole Nichols, Connor Timms, Ethan Bruce, Kayla Hooper, Caleb Bishop, Tay Isby, Josh Duley, Kolby Gray, Nick Lamontagne, Eli Hodges, Conner Johnson, Luke Laird, James Compton, Jackson Hill, Alejandro Valles, Parker Rogers, Bryce McLellen, Gage Fellows.

East Union Cheerleaders

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 East Union Urchins Cheerleaders: Front row left - Kylie Rackley, Karley Conwill, Jesley Wages, Abbie Nieminem, Mary Herod, Cierra Goad. Middle row left - Annalise Bailey, Laura Cobb, Kiersten Hitt, Brooklyn Shelton, Kaitlyn Watson, Anna Liz Ray, Taylor Oliver, Tristan Dye, Whitney Grimes, Peyton Wages. Back row left - Tyler Chadwick, Brooklyn Goad, Katie Gentry, Jessie Roberts, Savannah Greer, Anna Mims, Mary Kate Nobles, Isaiah Sheffield.

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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EAST UNION SENIORS

Urchins Class of 2019

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

Urchins Class of 2019: Front row left - Anna Mims, Katie Gentry, Jessie Roberts, Savannah Greer, Brooklyn Goad, Mary Kate Nobles. Second row left - Tyler Chadwick, Zack Rhodes, Tay Vance, Chase Brown, Isaiah Sheffield. Back row left Jessie Crump, Kolby Gray, Eli Hodges, Connor Johnson, Micah Ellis, DeJuan Hubbard.

Union County Band Class of 2019

David Johnson/Gazette Staff

Union County Band Seniors, from left, are Molly Porter, Sarah Porch, Emily Richey, Haley Grubbs, Savannah Fryar, Cade Crane.

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

UNION COUNTY BAND

Union County Band

David Johnson/Gazette Staff

2019 Union County Band: Guard, from left, are Lizzy Cizowski, Emma Smith, Katie Gullick; First row, from left, are Hunter Stout, Elisabeth Bailey, Logan Pickens, Robin Elgin, Kee-Shun Adams, Clara Short, Savannah Griffin; Second row, from left, are Halei Leahey, Tyler Loague, Haley Grubbs, Levi Pannell, Savannah Fryar, Abigail Fulcher, Elizabeth Hardin, Harley Sullivan; Third row, from left, are Tabitha Hall, Aidan Garrett, Ayden Roberts, Emily Richey, Sarah Porch, Christopher Shaffer, Solomon Cooper, Peyton Foster, Riley Cooper; Fourth row, from left, are Molly Porter, Bradley McBrayer, Cade Crane, Jaxon McDowell, Zoe Grant, Ridge Duke, Olivia Crockett, Konner Little.

2019 Halftime Show

Sounds of Classic Rock

Smoke on the Water Can you Feel the Love Tonight Stairway to Heaven

David Johnson/Gazette Staff

2019 Union County Band Drum Major Haley Grubbs

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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MYRTLE FOOTBALL

hungry Hawks set High Standards for 2019 FAST FACTS Division: 1-1A 2018 record: 7-1 (1st varsity season)

3 PLAYERS TO WATCH A.I. Nugent, RB/LB (Junior) Rushed for 1,851 yards, scored 27 TDs in eight games.

Elijah Thompson, QB/LB (Junior) - Dual threat player who shared QB duties last season.

Andrew Phillips, DE/TE (Junior) - The 6-foot, 195-pound defender is the unit’s leader.

OFFENSE Thompson returns as the starter, but will share time with Jackson Mayer (So.). The Hawks will have special packages for both players. Thompson possesses a strong arm and executes the power and zone reads well. Mayer has a strong and accurate arm.

“We’ll be a power, counter-based team and use RPOs,” Smithey said.

“We’re trying to evolve on offense and be a little more complex.”

Joining the powerful 5-9, 205 Nugent in the backfield will by Ethan Hunt (Jr.), who provides scatback speed. Defenses will have to respect the 1-2 punch of speed and power.

“I hope A.I. is motivated to play even harder. We know our opponents will be keying on him,” Smithey said.

The OL – C Conner Coleman (Jr.), G Trace Thompson (Sr.), G Cameron Thomas (Fr.), T Dylan Byers (Jr.) and T Chris Rocha (Sr.) – averages 235 pounds.

The WRs are Hunter Baggett (Sr.), Luke Gaines (Jr.), Carl Graham (Jr.) and Gage Enis (Sr.). The TEs are J.T. Jones (So.) and Phillips.

Myrtle didn’t get in a lot of 7-on7 offensive work during the summer, but instead concentrated on the weight

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

room and building strength.

DEFENSE Smithey welcomes back 10 of his 11 starters, including the talented Phillips.

Nugent, Thompson and Jones are the LBs. The line will feature T Octavious Godwin (So.) and T Greg Woods (Sr.), along with E Phillips and E Gaines.

Caden Hutchinson (So.), Enis, Graham and Hunt will play in the secondary.

“We’re add a few wrinkles on defense, but we’re not going to get away from he core ideas that made us successful,” Smith said.

One of the things he’d like to do defensively is expand the stop unit’s coverages and blitz packages.

“In the past we kept things fairly simple because we were so young,” Smithey said. “We’re returning 10 players. We want to incorporate more things.”

SPECIAL TEAMS Thompson is scheduled to handle the kicking and punting chores. The kick/punt returners will be determined game to game.

X-FACTOR Smithey wants to see how well his players respond to adversity. Last year’s team lost its opener to TCPS, then won seven straight games to close the season.

Myrtle was supposed to have played a junior varsity schedule in 2018, but was forced to play a varsity schedule as in independent.

Smithey’s goal in his first season at the helm is to keep changes to a minimum. He points to the program’s success.

“I don’t want to change that much offensively and defensively. I’ve seen

Head Coach Jeremy Smithey (first season at Myrtle) Assistant Coaches:

Rob Browning, Michael Kelly, James Baker, Gaylon Jones

Athletic Trainer:

Mandy Wise

what makes us successful,” he said.

“We’ll try to change and tweak a few things, add a few wrinkles.”

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS This first season as a member of MHSAA Division 1-1A will present a tough challenge. Former 2A power Baldwyn, along with Biggersville, Coldwater, Byers, Falkner and Ashland round out the Hawks’ division. Backto-back non-division road games at Vardaman and East Union present an early test.

“Our schedule is going to be a good bit tougher than last year’s,” Smithey said. “We have to get the players to understand that division play is a whole different world.”

COACH SPEAK “I tell the players we can never be satisfied, we have to remain hungry.

We’ve set high standards.” – Jeremy Smithey.

MYRTLE FOOTBALL Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Myrtle Hawks Football: Jackson Mayer, Gabe Medlin, Jacorion Patterson, Gage Enis, A.I. Nugent, Eli Kiddy, Drew Covington, Ethen Hunt, Elijah Thompson, Caden Hutcheson, Elijah Craig, Jacob Holcomb, Hunter Page, Luke Gaines, Carl Graham, Andrew Phillips, Hunter Rarig, JT Jones, Emmanuel Newton, Octavius Godwin, Chris Rocha, Eli Mansell, Jarrett Evans, Cameron Thomas, Greg Woods, Trace Thompson, William Allen, Cayman Hopper, Colt Hall, Dustin McCraw, Dylan Byers, Connor Coleman, Shelton Graves.

Myrtle Cheerleaders

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Myrtle Hawks Cheerleaders: Front row left - Lily Jeter, Olivia Decanter, Sarah Kate Thompson, Rebekah Medlin, Cloe Hogue, Keragen McCullough. Back row left - Cailyn Rape, Kinzie Claire Waits, Alana Holguin, Maggie Moody, Breanna Smith, Kinsley Gordon.

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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MYRTLE SENIORS

Myrtle Class of 2019

Submitted

2019 Myrtle Seniors: Pictured from left - Gage Enis, Greg Woods, Trace Thompson, Chris Rocha.

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

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NEW ALBANY VOLLEYBALL Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Volleyball: Front row left - Hannah Hughes, Shaniah Gill, Julianne Littlejohn, Maggie Moore, Alyssa Newsome, Amanda Gamez, Camryn Rainwater, Erica Cannon, Amiya Terry, Madison Smith. Back row left - Elizabeth Gipson, Molly Keener, Janae Shackleford, Maguire Miskelly, Bella Fernando, Greta Blakemore, Vakeria Jett, Alexis Mirfield, Masey Adams, Alea Hudson, Zariah Frazier, Coach Ashley Connolly. Not pictured - Endya Worship, Laniya Terry, Rosalee Roberts.

Connolly takes over New Albany program

A

shley Connolly will assume the coaching mantel at New Albany for the 2019 season and she is looking forward to the prospects of another successful season and hopes to make a deep run in the newly aligned 4A division.

“Comparing this to the other schools that I have been to, this is the first time that I get to come into a program that has already been built, but the girls on this team, I have coached before,” Connolly said.

“I’ve coached almost half of them in club and so they already know me and I know them. So coming in, it’s an easier process because they know what to expect from me and I know what they are capable of doing. It is a little bit easier on that end.”

The Lady Bulldogs return a host of experienced players from 2018 including Greta Blakemore, Maggie Moore, Janae Shackleford, Vakeria Jett, Bella Fernando and Rosalee Roberts.

Blakemore led the team in kills (262) and blocks (98) while Moore

led the team in digs (330) and service aces (98).

Fernando was tops in the assists category with 327 and was responsible for 242 service points to lead New Albany.

Shackleford had 96 kills while Jett recorded 92 blocks on the front line for the 2018 campaign.

“The majority of the varsity is back, they were nearly all starters last year and I’ve got some other ones filling in some shoes from the seniors that left last year,” Connolly said. “What I think the difference is going to be is I feel like they are learning how to play together better. They know what to do and they trust each other.

“Communication is a huge key. With girls sports especially, communication is huge because they can be mad at each other, but as long as we communicate, it will still be okay on the court. If we don’t communicate, it’s just all going to fall apart.”

Connolly has a huge class of younger players coming in and she is

looking forward to developing them into future leaders of the program.

“We have 15 freshmen on our team and I like to get those freshmen so then I get to teach them my way of doing things, Connolly said. “There’s not one certain way of doing things, but they are not coming in with bad habits.”

New Albany will compete in Division 1-4A with Corinth, North Pontotoc, Ripley and Tishomingo County. All of the teams except North Pontotoc were in the same division the previous two years which has been won by the Lady Bulldogs for two consecutive years.

“I always feel that the better teams that you play, the better you will be,” Connolly said of the Lady Bulldogs tough non-division schedule. “To make it to the next level, we still have to work hard and do everything to improve. I feel our schedule has a lot of competitive teams that will push us.”

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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EAST UNION VOLLEYBALL

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 East Union Lady Urchins Volleyball: Front row left - Anna Liz Ray, Olivia Elder, Emma Akins, Emily Herrod, Harleigh Wheelington, Lucy Haynes, Eliza Whitenton, Carrie Wilkinson, Memorie Easterling. Back row left - Abby Patterson, Jorja Roberson, Rachel Gentry, Maggie McVey, Mia Hutcheson, Avalee Stephenson, Jessica Henderson, Emma Boatner, Faith Kimpkin. Not pictured - Hannah White, Bethany Hazel, Peyton Wildman, Hanna Martin, Hope Robbins, Dakota Hines, Sydney Stanford, Alyse Backlin, Olivia Butler.

East Union embraces new sport of volleyball

O

K, they’re going to miss slowpitch softball at East Union this fall, but the Lady Urchins have fully embraced a new sport – volleyball.

Hannah White, a senior who started last season when the Lady Urchins won a state championship in slowpitch, welcomed Union County’s district-wide switch to volleyball.

“I’ll miss slow-pitch a lot,” she said.

“At least we won a state championship last year. That was a good way to end it.”

She continued, “I’ve played volleyball before at church camp.

Volleyball this summer has been a good experience. We all have a lot to learn, but with the players we have, we can do it.”

East Union’s volleyball coach is former slow-pitch coach Josh Blythe. He will be assisted by Kalicia

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

Henderson, whose seventh grade daughter, Jessica, is expected to play junior varsity and varsity this season.

The Lady Urchins are diving in head first in their inaugural season.

They will play in MHSAA Class I, Region 2 along with county rival Ingomar.

“The excitement is here,” Blythe said. “We’re embracing it. It’s an exciting time.”

The coach made sure his players participated in camps during the summer. It was a needed experience for the team and its coach.

“We want our kids to be prepared,” Blythe said. “There will be a learning curve for me and the players.”

On the advice of experienced area coaches, Blythe says the Urchins will run a 5-1 offensive set this season, which means they’ll have one setter

and five hitters.

“You want to attack in volleyball,” he said. “We want to put pressure on the other team, offensively and defensively.”

East Union, thanks with the help of the camps, found their setter early. She is sophomore Harleigh Wheelington.

“The camp coaches liked her high sets,” Blythe said. “That gives our players the best chance of hitting.”

Wheelington is looking forward to the challenge.

“I caught on to setting quick,” she said. “You have to be ready to move.

There’s still a lot to learn.”

Joining Henderson, Wheelington and White on the roster are: Emma Boatner, Mia Hutchinson, Maggie McVey, Hope Robbins, Jorja Robertson, Peyton Wildman and Carrie Wilkinson.

INGOMAR VOLLEYBALL Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Ingomar Volleyball: Front row left - Natalie Holcomb, Emma Holloway, Ella Swords, Miley Roberts, Eve Cooper, Reese Haynie, Jaci Hallman, Jaida Latsady, Emma Hill. Second row left - Jalazja McDonald, Savannah Goins, Molly Grace Sheffield, Madeline Whisenant, Chloe Phillips, Madison Phillips, Allyson Beard, Taylor Stout, Anna Lauren Glasson. Third row left - Olivia Robbins, Cadie Jo Byrd, Macie Phifer, Kathryn Smith, Lindsey Dillard, Brooklyn, Wicker, Kaily Edwards, Says Browning, T’nya Jones. Back row left - Lexi Campbell, Ansley Ladner, Camleigh Ball, Riley Ozbirn, Sanaa Finley, Owen Grace Swords, Katie Beth Hall, Audrey Maupin.

Ingomar excited about new challenge

V

olleyball is the new kid on the block this fall in Union County, but Ingomar’s Lady Falcons are ready for the challenge.

“People are getting more excited as the season gets closer,” said sophomore Rylie Ozbirn, who has junior high and club level experience.

“I’m really excited. It was tough getting started, but we’ve shown a lot of improvement.”

Ingomar’s volleyball coach is former slow-pitch coach Andy Wilbanks. He will be assisted by Megan Handler, an Ingomar teacher who has played the sport.

“There’s a lot of excitement about this new sport,” Wilbanks said.

“We’re a very competitive breed here.

It’s just new to us. It’s going to take a little time.”

The Lady Falcons are stepping into the fray in their inaugural season.

They will play in MHSAA Class I, Region 2 along with county rival East Union. Their division mates, along with EU, will be Pine Grove, Potts Camp, Hickory Flat, Holly Springs and H.W. Byers.

Wilbanks made sure during the summer his team was going to be prepared. They worked on drills and fundamentals and participated in a Blue Mountain College camp, along with a camp instructed by coach Kacie Hengler of the Oxford Volleyball Club.

“It’s a learning process for us,” Wilbanks said. “You can see the progression, but there’s a big learning curve. We have to be patient and continue to work hard.”

Ingomar’s team will have some crossover players from the school’s highly-successful basketball program.

“Coach (Trent) Adair has encouraged his basketball players to play,” Wilbanks said. “When you’re a small school you get players for everything. Volleyball helps basketball with its vertical jumping.”

Joining Ozbirn in the Ingomar lineup this season will be junior Kaily Edwards and sophomores Lexie Campbell, Katie Beth Hall, Camleigh Ball and Kathryn Smith, who is expected to play setter.

“We’re going to rotate players and let them play every position,” Wilbanks said. “We had six to eight players who’ve picked up on the game. Some of the older girls are stronger and more athletic.

“We’ll throw a group out there who has a chance to get the ball over the net,” Wilbanks added, then smiled.

2019 Fall Sports Preview

23

MYRTLE VOLLEYBALL

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Myrtle Lady Hawks Volleyball: Front row left - Kierstyn Shoops, Madisyn Hall, Elly Gaines, Emma Speck, Cora Kelly, Sarah Kate Thompson, Kinsley Gordon, Mollie Moody, Harleigh Herring, Kylee Hudson, Victoria Mejia. Back row left - Emma Mayer, Kinzie Claire Waits, Maggie Moody, Tre’Miyah Gray, Amanda Watkins, Charlize Williams, Lexi Hutcheson, Alana Holguin, Kelly Smith, Te’Kyra Gray, Breanna Lewis.

Myrtle working hard on its volleyball game

H

ead coach Robert Gordon and his assistant, wife Brooke Gordon, didn’t know what to expect when they signed up to coach Myrtle volleyball, a first-year sport.

They’ve enjoyed the experience.

“I have to say every day, ‘Me and my wife are going home. Y’all are going to have to go.’ They just want to keep working,” Gordon said, while watching the team practice. “It’s a fun group. They’ve been very responsive and respectful. They are fully focused.

I can’t complain. We want to keep working hard every day and keep pushing.”

Two sophomores – Kinsley Gordon and Charlize Williams – are being counted on early. Gordon, the coach’s daughter, is versatile. Williams gives the team needed height.

Three juniors are also in the mix: Lexi Hutcheson, Sarah Kate

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

Thompson and Amanda Watkins.

Other sophomores are Maggie Moody, Kelly Smith and Kinzie Claire Waits.

Eighth grader Kierstyn Shoops has volleyball experience.

“I’m pleased with their effort,” Gordon said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge. The excitement’s there.

The technique’s not great, but we’re getting there. Every day I tell them we’ve got to push each other to get better.”

Gordon will limit substitution with his varsity lineup. He plans on playing as many as eight.

“That’s why we’re playing junior high and junior varsity,” he said. “I want to play everybody I can.”

Myrtle made its debut with one win and one loss in the New Albany preseason jamboree. The Lady Hawks defeated East Union, another firstyear program, 2-0. They lost 2-0 to an

experienced Baldwyn club.

“I was very pleased with how they looked,” Gordon said. “I thought we served the ball pretty decent. We made good digs. We didn’t pass the ball very well. We had a lot of good volleys.”

Baldwyn’s coach complimented the Lady Hawks on how aggressive they played.

“We’re trying to get more aggressive,” Gordon said. “We’re trying to set the ball closer to the net and have someone take an offensive swing at it. Our serving was better than I thought it was going to be.

We’ve really worked hard on our serving game.”

Myrtle will play as an MHSAA independent this first season. Gordon is also the baseball coach and his assistant, Brooke Gordon, is the fastpitch softball coach.

WEST UNION VOLLEYBALL Courtesy of Karen Taylor

2019 West Union Lady Eagles Volleyball: Front row left - Maggie Baird, Gracie Woolam, Cailin Walls, Mallie Morris, Rylee Farr, Kaylie Jourdan, Miriam Whaley, Kylee Anne Jumper. Back row left - Josie Baird, Anna Carwyle, Emma Carwyle, Bella Brock, Sydney Sanders, Emma Howard, Isabella Evans, Abby Clark, Sydney Coffey, Zoey Wright, Laina Corder, Lena Gowdy.

West Union to get basics down in volleyball

J

osie Baird will miss playing slowpitch softball this fall, but the West Union sophomore is eager to play volleyball.

“It’s a new sport for us,” said the Lady Eagles’ 5-foot-8 outside hitter.

“We’re all learning about the sport together. It’s going to be a little odd having never played, but I like it.”

Baird attended a summer camp at Blue Mountain College to learn the basics of volleyball. Her West Union team has practiced and scrimmaged against South Pontotoc.

“South Pontotoc worked with us, helped us and showed us some drills,” West Union coach Lisa Bogue said. “We volleyed well in our scrimmage. The team chemistry and communication has been very good.

We lost most of our points on our serves. That’s definitely something we’re working on.”

The coach believes Baird is the player most prepared for this inaugural season.

“She is by far the most knowledgable and confident in knowing her role,” Bogue said. “She’s helped the others come along. We’re all here to learn the game. The kids all have great attitudes about it. They’re excited about it.”

Sophomore twins Anna and Emma Carwyle will be middle blockers.

A freshman, Bella Brock, adds some height to the lineup. Another freshman, Sydney Sanders, will play libero. Emma Howard, a freshman, is also slated for varsity action.

“We just want them all to settle

in and keep learning,” Bogue said.

“We’re still looking for a setter. Right now we’re trying to get the basics down. We’re still learning the rotation rule. We’ll see how it goes.”

The junior varsity team will also participate in varsity action to help with depth. Abby Clark, a sophomore, freshmen Isabella Evans, Sydney Coffey and Lena Gowdy, along with eighth graders Laina Corder and Zoey Wright make up the roster.

“We’ve had some good practices, but nothing is going to beat game experience,” Bogue said. “That’s what it’s going to take. As long as they keep their heads up and keep their good attitudes, we’ll be fine.”

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

NEW ALBANY CROSS COUNTRY Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 New Albany Bulldogs Cross Country: Front left - Abby Laney, Emma Laney. Back left - Dawson Boyd, Logan Blakemore, Collin Paul, Joshua Paul, Isaac Vega, Jamien Terry, Jake Moore, Thomas Floyd, Trey Roten. Not pictured Julienne Hogue, Jodi Parks, Rosa Lopez.

Bulldogs hope to make strides with hard work

N

ew Albany Cross Country coach Alison Laney returns for her second year and although the numbers are not large, she has hopes that the heart and work ethic will be.

Laney will turn to a couple of senior boys to lead the Bulldogs, Jamien Terry and Thomas Floyd. Terry had success for the Bulldogs in 2018 while Floyd, a transfer from Ingomar, won the 2A state title last year.

Floyd won the 2A boys title in 2018 with his time of 18:07.98 which was almost seven second ahead of his second-place challenger.

Terry finished 19th overall last year at the 4A Boys State Championship as he ran a time of 18:58.64.

“I’m hoping that they will set the

standard high enough that the rest of our team will see what can be done with hard work and good work ethic,” Laney said. “They are willing to put in the work and do what is asked.

They push each other and show our team what it takes to improve.”

Qualities that Laney sees in Terry include his hard working demeanor and eagerness to improve.

Floyd compliments with the fact that he has already experienced success with a 2A state title. Plus the Bulldogs will be relying on him to provide leadership as a front runner.

“Dawson Boyd is only a freshman, but is putting in the work to be able to keep up with our top two,” Laney said.

Laney is very familiar with her top

runners for the girls as her daughters Emma and Abby will lead the team.

“Emma is a junior who ran for the first time last year and she has worked hard and has set goals to improve this year,” Coach Laney said. “Emma has pushed herself hard with summer training and hopefully this will pay off for the team. Abby is only a freshman and has lots of potential.”

New Albany will compete in the always tough 4A Division which includes perennial powers Corinth and Pontotoc.

“We need for our leaders to keep improving and our younger runners to step up and push our leaders,” Laney said.

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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EAST UNION CROSS COUNTRY

Submitted

2019 East Union Urchins Cross Country: Front row left - Sara Sumrall, Leighann Briggs, Chance McLellen, Skyler Goolsby, Jeremy Rakestraw, Gabe Rakestraw, Sunshine Fulgham. Middle row left - Karley Conwill, Kirsten Hitt, Mary Kate Nobles, Ella Johnson, Rachel Gentry, Briley Lesley, Daisy Johnson. Back row left - John Briggs, Andrew Pilcher, Brandon Goolsby, Keith Goolsby, Kole Jackson. Photo courtesy of Nathan McLellen.

East Union runs with dedication, toughness

N

athan McLellen enters his 14th season as cross country coach for the East Union Urchins and he hopes his 2019 version with be dedicated to the sport and exhibit a mental toughness.

“Our girls are young, but we have girls that have won a state championship,” McLellen said. “They can show the other girls what it takes to be successful.

“The boys are VERY young, but are as talented group as we’ve had in a while. It’s important that we learn to be dedicated and tough.”

The Urchins will run with three seniors, Mary Kate Nobles, John Briggs and Andrew Pilcher.

“These three athletes have been with us for six years,” McLellen said.

“They know what to expect and what it takes to be successful. I need them to lead by example.”

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

Karley Conwill will be the top returning girls runner while Keith Goolsby is the top boys returner and McLellen is expecting great things from the duo if they will continue to work hard on the course.

“Chance McLellen and Gabe Rakestraw have both had a great summer,” McLellen said. “On the girls side we have a lot of new faces.

We need them to compete in practice and in races.”

McLellen noted some changes in the upcoming season as far as sponsorship of meets and noted a new partnership concerning an invitational as well as changes statewide in cross country.

“We are co hosting the North MS Challenge with Blue Mountain this year,” he said. “I am excited about the new MHSAA Junior Championship this year. We will travel to Choctaw

Trails this October. It is important that we run on that course before the state championship meet.”

East Union is nearing completion of a new building for track and cross country and the coach wanted to be sure to make mention of that as well as those who worked together to see the project through.

“You might be interested in our new XC/TF Fieldhouse. It’s as nice as anything else in the state with 1800 square feet with two dressing rooms (which convert to one visiting football dressing room) with bathrooms, storage, coach’s office and bathroom, visiting football fan bathrooms, and visiting football concessions.

“We are very proud. All East Union coaches helped with it this summer.

Tim McDonald led the construction of the building and East Union XC/ TF are very thankful to him for this.”

Ingomar cross Country under new leadership INGOMAR CROSS COUNTRY Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Ingomar Falcons Cross Country: Front row left - Aidan Holcomb, Matthew Raines, Cadeeana Brown, Dalton Seely, John Robbins. Back row left - Skylar Tucker, Luke Roberts, Ty McDonald, Tristan Sullivan, Caden Morris.

2018

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

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MYRTLE CROSS COUNTRY

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Myrtle Hawks Cross Country: Front row left - Abigail Fulcher, Sydney Turner, Rylie Myer, Cody Adair, Kaleb Thomas, Victoria Mejia, Kaitlyn Fulcher. Middle row left - Brianna Lewis, Dream Carnell, Lexie Senn, Maggie Moody, Karleigh Craig, Kylee Hudson, Morgan Greer. Back row left - Wesley Ash, Gabe Mejia, Charles Hefner, McKinley Lindsey, Blake McNeil, Niko Guzman. Not pictured - Hunter Page.

Myrtle running to improve with each meet

M

yrtle will feature a bit younger look this season which will mark 20 years for Coach Chris Greer, but the veteran coach hopes to see improvement with each meet for his young and inexperienced Hawks.

“We are young and inexperienced, but improving daily,” Greer said. “We have a lot of new young runners who are eager, but do not have a lot of miles under their belt.”

Greer returns two veteran runners, Maggie Moody, who won the 1A state championship in 2017 and Blake McNeal who finished 15th overall in

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

1A boys in 2018.

Other runners that Greer will be looking to make an impact this season include sophomore Charles Hefner and three seventh graders Westlee Ash, Kaleb Thomas and Gabe Mejia.

For the girls, Victoria Mejia, a ninth grader and two eighth graders, Dream Carnell and Lexie Senn, will be counted on to compliment Moody.

“We are looking forward to the new middle school championship and the state championship,” Greer said.

Myrtle is recognized statewide for their success in both girls and boys cross country. The Myrtle girls have

won 10 state championships while the boys team has taken five state titles.

“We need to keep improving every week,” Greer said. “We are going to have a good time and enjoy the ride.

Myrtle will get the cross country action started in North Mississippi as they will host their annual Myrtle Invitational on August 24. Last year over 30 teams ran in the meet which is always one of the top draws for runners. The meet is held at the BNA Bank Tennis Complex and Park Along the River.

WEST UNION CROSS COUNTRY Photo courtesy of Karen Taylor

2019 West Union Eagles Cross Country: Front row left - Anna Carwyle, Kate Bennett, Emma Carwyle. Second row left - Zach Howell, Jonathan Wismer, David Clayton, Bryce Taylor. Back row left - Jon Jackson, Max Smithey, Joseph Treadaway.

West Union to work hard, one meet at a time

W

est Union will not have a large contingent of runners for the 2019 season, but Coach J.C. Hayles plans for his team to work hard throughout the season.

This will be the second season for Hayles to coach the school’s cross country team.

“As far as meets, we want to have a good showing in the county meets as well as the division and state,” Hayles said. “We look at all other meets that we compete in as practice leading up to them.

“We plan to take it meet by meet and practice by practice to get better each time.”

Anna Carwyle will be the runner to watch for the girls in 2019. She

made the All-State team in 2018 with her 13th place finish in a time of 23:10.70.

“Anna Carwyle will only be a sophomore, but she finished very strong for us last year,” Hayles said.

“She will have to carry the load for the girls and continue to improve.”

Hayles will have back his top boys runner, Zach Howell, who finished 19th overall in 1A at the 2018 state championships as a ninth grader.

“Zach will be expected to carry a huge load,” Hayles said. “He greatly improved throughout the season last year and finished with our best times in the last few meets.

“Anna and Zach both had good

seasons last year and are eager to improve and have better showings each meet.”

Another runner for the boys that Hayles will count on is David Clayton, who will provide leadership and consistency for this season.

“We have some kids that work hard and want to compete and as a coach, that is all you can ask for,” Hayles said. “We do not have the numbers, in terms of runners, that many other teams that we will be competing against in both area meet, county and division meets will.

“Therefore, everyone will have to show up and compete each time.

There is not any room for errors.”

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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INGOMAR SWIM Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2019 Ingomar Swim: Front row left - Presley Burton, Sadie Hamm, Chloe Hamm. Second row left - Maggie Roberts, Kyla Parker, Natalie Holcomb, Jaci Catlin, Mary Hannah Whitehead, Hannah McElroy, Bryan McElroy. Third row left - Assistant Coach Sherra McElroy, Nyssa Brown, Aiden Holcomb, John Frank Robbins, Tori Chandler, Whit Everitt, Landen Thrasher, Dalton Seely, Head Coach Jennifer Pannell. Not pictured - Anna Beth Gandy, Savannah Shook, Ansley Thompson, Eve Cooper, Lexi Rasberry.

Ingomar swim making waves with lots of youth

I

ngomar will have a youthful look again in the pool for the 2019 season as the Falcons will have 15 underclassmen hitting the waters.

Coach Jennifer Pannell enters her sixth year as coach and will again be assisted by Sherra McElroy who has been on staff for three seasons.

The Falcons will be led by two seniors, Anna Beth Gandy and Savannah Shook along with junior Tori Chandler. The trio bring a wealth of experience to the team since they have been involved with the program since their junior high days.

“We expect them to be leaders, mentors and encouragers for the younger swimmers joining the team,” said Pannell.

Pannell will look to a couple of

underclassmen to lead her boys, eighth-graders John Frank Robbins and Aidan Holcomb.

The Falcons will be participating in events with schools from 1A though 6A, with the meets being hosted by Starkville, Oxford and Tupelo High Schools.

Pannell has a host of returning swimmers returning from the 2018 season and has hopes this will translate into success.

“This is the first year that we have 10 returning swimmers that have at least one swim season under their belt and they will be able to help with the new swimmers,” Pannell said.

Inexperience will play a factor in the season as the Falcons will have many swimmers that have never

competed in high school swim.

“We have 15 underclassmen, with 10 being in their first year to swim,” Pannell said. “This will be a learning year as we hopefully build our team for future years.”

The Falcons should have a bright future ahead of them with so many young swimmers coming up in the program and Pannell will emphasize teamwork to help the work in progress.

“We need to work together, give 100 percent at every practice, build each other up and be encouraging to each other to create a positive swim experience,” Pannell said. “We need for the older swimmers to step up with leadership for the younger swimmers.”

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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East Union Volleyball

Ingomar Volleyball

August 03 Bulldog Bash 10 @Alcorn Central 13 Caledonia 15 Pontotoc 20 Oxford 22 North Pontotoc 27 @Tishomingo County 29 Lafayette

August 10 @Saltillo Classic 13 @Ingomar 15 Potts Camp 20 @Pine Grove 22 Walnut 24 @Mantachie Tournament 27 Ingomar 29 Pine Grove

August 13 East Union 15 @Pine Grove 20 Walnut 22 Pine Grove 27 @East Union 29 Potts Camp

September 03 @Caledonia 05 @Ripley 10 @Center Hill 12 @Pontotoc 14 @Tupelo Tournament 17 @Corinth 24 @Lafayette 26 Ripley October 01 @North Pontotoc 03 Corinth 08 Tishomingo County 10 @Oxford 15 @Senatobia

September 03 West Union 05 @Pine Grove 10 Hickory Flat 12 @Walnut 17 Ingomar 19 @Potts Camp 24 Holly Springs 26 @HW Byers October 01 @West Union 08 @Myrtle 10 Myrtle

September 03 Pine Grove 05 @Walnut 10 @Potts Camp 12 @Holly Springs 17 @East Union 19 @Hickory Flat 24 HW Byers 26 West Union October 01 Myrtle 03 @Myrtle 08 @West Union

Myrtle Volleyball

West Union Volleyball

Ingomar swim

August 09 @West Union 13 North Pontotoc 15 @North Pontotoc 20 West Union 26 @Baldwyn

August 09 Myrtle 20 @Myrtle 27 @Potts Camp

September 05 @Starkville Meet 12 @Oxford Meet 17 @Tupelo Meet 24 @Tupelo Meet

September 03 @East Union 10 Myrtle 12 Potts Camp 26 @Ingomar

October 08 @Tupelo Meet 19 North Half Meet TBA 26 State Meet (at Tupelo)

September 05 @Falkner 10 @West Union 19 Falkner 24 Pine Grove October 01 @Ingomar 03 Ingomar 08 East Union 10 @East Union 15 @Pine Grove

FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES

New Albany volleyball

October 01 East Union 08 Ingomar

2019 Fall Sports Preview

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Civic Center

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

Mayor Tim Kent & the Board of Aldermen

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2019 Fall Sports Preview

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2019 Fall Sports Preview