MORE THAN SPORTS

Featured: BASEBALL ATTITUDE: Clarke Central High School senior and varsity baseball player Cameron Stokes sits in the CCHS baseball dugout on Jan. 25. Cameron believes that mindset plays a big part in his athletic success. “Attitude plays a big factor in sports. If you don’t have that dog mentality, then you won’t play as good as somebody else. But if you have that dog mentality and say you’re going to win this game, (if you say) you’re going to do this and do that, then you could do that. But if you don’t have that dog (mentality) then you can’t do it,” Cameron said. Photo by Krista Shumaker

GRAND SLAM CAM

Featured: SHOOTING HOOPS: Clarke Central High School senior Cameron Stokes plays basketball against Cedar Shoals High School on Jan. 25. Cameron plays both varsity basketball and baseball for the school and enjoys the hard work he puts in for both sports. “My favorite aspect (of playing two sports) is that it’s something different. Going from basketball and right into baseball is something most people can’t do or don’t do. It’s pretty fun because after basketball you’re tired and stuff, but once you go into something new, you’ll get more into it and it’ll get more fun,” Cameron said. Photo by Krista Shumaker

Clarke Central High School senior Cameron Stokes is a stand-out basketball and baseball player with a story that is bigger than just athletics.

He won’t be outworked.

He’ll do that one last set. That one last rep. That one last mile. He refuses to give up. Students at Clarke Central High School see his life from the outside looking in. They look at him and see the starting varsity shooting guard that made the all-star basketball team. They look at him and see the starting designated hitter for the varsity baseball team. But CCHS senior Cameron Stokes is more than just numbers on a stat sheet. Cameron’s story of success starts before he even touched a basketball or baseball.

It starts with his mother, Latrena Artist. “(My biggest role model) in life is my mom. Growing up, I really didn’t have my father with me because they divorced when I was young. My mom always taught me to keep going and don’t ever quit. She was always the one to push me, and she still pushes me harder to this day,” Cameron said.

As a single mother, Artist took on the responsibility of raising both Cameron and his younger brother, CCHS freshman Jeremy Stokes, on her own.

“(It was a) struggle of just having one income. I mean, we made it work, but I’m sure there were things at times that Cameron probably wanted or his brother wanted that, when you’re only living off of one income, it’s not as easily BY ANDREW ROBINSON Sports Staffer

done. But we survived,” Artist said.

Although Cameron and Jeremy didn’t have their father around, they found solace in their church.

“The church I (currently) go to is Miracle House in Bogart, Georgia. It impacted me a lot because there were a lot of male role models that I looked up to. I didn’t really have my dad, so they took me in and gave me little tips and things about what to do and what not to do. They just led me down the right road,” Cameron said.

Seeing his mother work hard to support his family inspired Cameron to work harder on his own. He applied this inspiration by working hard while playing his two favorite sports: basketball and baseball.

“I’ve always liked basketball. I think I started when I was about five or six. I started (playing) at a church called Beech Haven. Ever since then, I just fell in love with it,” Cameron said.

It was clear that Cameron’s relationship with basketball was love at first sight, but the same can’t be said for his experience with baseball.

“To be honest, I didn’t even want to play baseball at first. My mom made me play when I was in kindergarten,” Cameron said. “But when she made me play, I was actually one of the best hitters out there on the field. So, ever since then, I kept playing. Then I started to be on all-star teams, and I just fell in love with it.”

“(My biggest role model) in life is my mom. Growing up, I really didn’t have my father with me because they divorced when I was young. My mom always taught me to keep going and don’t ever quit. She was always the one to push me, and she still pushes me harder to this day.”

-- CAMERON STOKES, CCHS varsity basketball and baseball player Artist recognized Cameron’s athletic potential at an early age and made sure he stuck with his commitments. When Cameron wanted to quit his youth baseball team, Artist would not allow it.

“(Cameron) really has just a natural talent for sports, period. So if I have to pay for (him) to participate in any sport, being off one income, (he’s) going to see it through for at least that season,” Artist said.

As the years progressed, Cameron continued to improve at both baseball and basketball. Although he was starting to become a stand-out athlete, his mother always made sure he prioritized academics over his athletic career.

“Schoolwork is number one. My mom always told me if you can’t keep your grades to all A’s and B’s, then you can’t play sports. So, she really, not threatens, but stays on me about my schoolwork,” Cameron said.

Cameron’s brother Jeremy thinks that competing together over the years has helped both of them become better athletes.

“Growing up, (Cameron and I) were always competitive with each other. We always would say, ‘I bet you can’t beat me in this or that.’ It just made me want to go harder into any sport I play,” Jeremy said. “It made me have that sense of ‘I gotta be better than him.’ It’s impacted me a lot. To see what he can do on the court inspires me to do better.” Cameron’s training and effort has shaped him into an incredible high school athlete, but Cameron doesn’t want to stop there. He wants more. He wants to be a collegiate athlete. “I want to continue to play both sports during college,” Cameron said. “(I don’t have any college offers) yet, but I think I have a few looks from Division III schools with basketball. I’m not sure about baseball yet.”

Artist is supportive of Cameron’s collegiate aspirations but wants him to prioritize the educational opportunities offered in college.

“I definitely (think Cameron will) go on to college. He wants to play collegiate sports, and I’m OK with that, but more importantly, I see him graduating with a workable degree that can support him once he’s out of college or on to the (professionals),” Artist said. Head varsity baseball coach Adam Osborne also believes that Cameron could go on to play college sports.

“I think he can do whatever he puts his mind to. It’d be hard for him to (play college) baseball just because I don’t know if he’s ever looked at baseball like that,” Osborne said. “But if he put his mind

to it, and it turns out that that’s something that he wanted to do, he could do it.”

Although succeeding in athletics is important to Cameron, the life-lessons he has learned through playing sports hold an even greater significance.

“It just makes you a better person overall. When you’re an athlete, more people look up to you than when you’re not an athlete, so you have to stand out and do good things instead of doing bad things,” Cameron said.

Not only have sports encouraged Cameron’s personal growth, but they have also pushed him to improve his work ethic.

“Being a sports player in general just pushes you harder. Because once the teachers know about you, they’re gonna expect more from you. So you just gotta work harder and stay focused in the classroom and out on the court and field,” Cameron said.

CCHS junior Rio Foster is a teammate of Cam- eron’s on both the varsity baseball and basketball teams. According to Foster, Cameron tries his best to help his teammates succeed.

“(Cameron) is real uplifting and will help you out a lot,” Foster said. “He tries to help me out all the time with my shot. It’s kind of bad right now. He’s always trying to help me out.”

Head varsity basketball coach Andre McIntyre appreciates the positive impacts Cameron makes on the team.

“Cameron brings a lot of confidence (to) his teammates. He’s an outstanding shooter, (and) he’s a veteran, so he brings some stability for younger kids. Cameron is a person that leads by example. He’s not much of a talker, but he works hard every day,” McIntyre said.

Cameron enjoys helping others in their athletic pursuits, which reflects his greater commitment to his community.

“One word that describes me is kind. I’m kind to everybody. You’ll never see me being mean for no reason. I’m always pretty kind and caring,” Cameron said.

Cameron’s hard work has shaped him into the athlete he is today, but to those who truly know him, it’s not baseball or basketball that defines him. It’s his kindness and positive attitude that makes Cameron who he is.

“Cameron is like a son to me. And, like the rest of the boys, he’s just a genuine person,” McIntyre said. “I love him to death. He’s someone that I love being around. I love talking to him. He has a great personality, and he’s just a great young man.”

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Sports Top right: TEAM PLAYER: Clarke Central High School senior and varsity baseball player Cameron Stokes stands on the field with his baseball team on March 28, 2019. To Cameron, having a good relationship with your teammates is essential for the team’s success. “I feel like (bonding with my teammates) is a big factor. If you don’t have any chemistry, then you won’t know what this person or that person is going to do next. But if you do have chemistry, then you’ll know where your team is going to be and how they’ll play,” Cameron said. Photo by Krista Shumaker Bottom right: HITTING HOME RUNS: Clarke Central High School senior and varsity baseball player Cameron Stokes tosses a baseball on Jan. 25. Cameron plays both varsity basketball and baseball for the school. “My favorite aspect (of playing two sports) is that it’s something different. Going from basketball and right into baseball is something most people can’t do or don’t do,” Cameron said. Photo by Krista Shumaker

Sports Editor Alexander Robinson has grown up with a commitment to athleticism.

I, for the record, don’t hate sports. I hated being forced to play one.

It started off simple enough. As soon as I was eligible, circa 2007, I would often find myself at the YMCA on Hawthorne Ave. My mom always wanted to make sure that my brother and I were staying active, and that meant that we ended up partaking in a number of after school programs over there.

Over the course of my elementary school years, I’d more often than not find myself on the “Y-bus.” Upon arrival, depending on the season, I’d either go to soccer, basketball or taekwondo practice. I enjoyed it back then, having more than enough energy to spend on any number of sports or activities. Soon, however, it got tiring. As middle school began, I failed to see how my physical education BY ALEXANDER ROBINSON Sports Editor

or development could serve me. As my academics got more challenging, I became more and more resistant to the idea of having to play a sport.

My parents, however, saw things differently and continued to mandate that my brother and I stay active. It was always a part of their three-pronged mained steadfast. In fact, now that I am old enough to know of the importance of physical health, I appreciate my parents’ guidance in this area. It has gotten to the point where I have taken things into my own hands, maintaining a daily workout routine that I keep up during the off-season.

As soon as I was eligible circa 2007, I would often find myself at the YMCA on Hawthorne Ave.

approach for our development: do well in school, find a club to devote yourself to and play a sport. As such, I’ve always stuck with it. While the sports have changed, from primarily soccer in middle school to tennis today, my commitment has reIn short, I wasn’t always aware of it, but my parents truly had my best interest at heart when mandating that I continuously play a sport. And, hindsight being 20/20, I am thankful that they fought me those times I wished to quit. O

Above: TRAINING DAY: Sports Editor Alexander Robinson, a senior, practices groundstrokes with his father, Greg Robinson, at Bishop Park on Sept. 2, 2007. Robinson joined the Clarke Central High School varsity tennis team in Jan. 2018. Photo courtesy of Mona Robinson

Star Players0 Star Players0

ODYSSEY Star Players are selected based on their academic standing and commitment to teammates, their sports program and Clarke Central High School. Star Players are written for each issue by the Sports staff based on interviews with players and coaches.

ODYSSEY Star Players

VARSITY TENNIS

ELIOT DANIEL

MICHAEL ROSCH

Grade: 10 GPA: 4.2 Years of experience: Five Game day ritual: I always listen to music before the game to get me hyped up. Favorite memory: When I was eight, I played on a team called H&R Block, and the bases were loaded, 15-12, two outs. I got up to bat and I hit a grand slam to walk it off. Role Model: Probably Ozzie Albies because I play second base, and Ozzie Albies plays second base. What coaches say: “He’s grown a lot this year, which is a good thing for him and us. He is a solid baseball player. He’s got pretty good skill. He’s a good athlete. He’s a hard worker. He does what we ask. He listens.” -- Jeff Finch, head JV baseball coach

ELIOT DANIEL

Grade: 11 GPA: 4.2 Years of experience: Five Game day ritual: I usually listen to music and stretch a lot. I sometimes do sprints to get warmed up. Favorite memory: I can’t remember who we were playing, but I played this girl for two or three hours. I think we were in a tiebreaker, and I won the tiebreaker. Everyone cheered, so that was exciting. Role Model: I usually watch Venus and Serena, so I guess them. What coaches say: “She is a very good (tennis player and student). I’m looking forward to this year because she’s still only a junior and has had two years of being a very important player on the team. I’m looking forward to seeing how that role expands over the next two years. How she does will determine how we do in this season.” --Elliot Slane, head varsity tennis coach

ODYSSEY Star Players

JV BASEBALL

MICHAEL ROSCH

5things to know about GOLF By Andrew dean, as told to gretchen hinger

1. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (Golf is) probably the hardest sport to play. I’ve actually debated that in my head because I’ve played pretty much every sport: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis and golf. (In golf ), the ball just wants to go where the ball wants to go, so it takes a lot of practice. It’s got a lot of weird rules that are not necessarily in the rulebook, so it’s kind of like the etiquette of golf. Just because there’s a lot of rules about how to be polite on the course, and they’re ones that really take a long time to learn. So that’s kind of a unique trade to golf.

2. SOCIAL BENEFITS It’s a sport that can really benefit you both socially and as you move into a professional career. Professionally because, oftentimes, there are charity events that companies put on and you take clients to play golf, and it’s a good way to network and meet people. So, if you can play decently enough, then it’s kind of a good way to help your business career.

3. LEARNING EXPERIENCE Here at Clarke Central, we are a team that is working to be competitive, but I kind of treat it as a way for me to teach the fundamentals of golf and introduce people to the sport because we have a lot of people that come out that have never played before. We need more people to come and try the sport. As of right now, it’s a no-cut sport, so if you come out you’re on the team, and I really need more female golfers so we can build up the women’s program.

4. friendly competition I would say that while the competition can be fierce, most of the time golf matches are very friendly. It’s not like a football or basketball game where you’ll see people going at one another’s throats. People are very happy to see the other person be successful. If you watch a professional golf tournament, oftentimes they’ll interview the people that lost and they will say the nicest things about the person that won.

Above: GOLFING GREEN: Clarke Central High School golf coach Andrew Dean plays golf on Feb. 12. Dean has had a long-held passion for the sport. “(Golf) is a sport that you can play for the rest of your life, and so learning it early kind of can help you get better over the course of time,” Dean said. Photo by Luna Reichert

5. UNIQUE SPORT High school golf is a little bit different than other sports in that there are really only two matches that matter in regards to record. That’s the area tournament, which happens in late April and allows people to qualify for state, and then the state tournament which happens at about the middle of May, which has both team and individual awards, (and it works the) same with area. So all of the matches that we play are, in essence, practice matches. It’s not like you have a region record that qualifies you for area -- everybody goes to area, and then if we hit the right scores, then we can carry some people to state. O

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