SPECIAL NEEDS SPORTS in GWINNETT
路ENTER TO路
w in SPORTS GWINNETT
PHOTO CONTEST
SPORTS GWINNETT
life is active | APRIL 2013
comEback athletes
Tatum * Kaitlin Kinney * Steve * Carter Governale GWINNETT BRINGS HOME FOUR STATE bASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
+ HOW I DO IT [SOCCER] WITH ELLA STEVENS
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MILE
& K TWILIGHT
NIGHT RACE Light up a life! MAY 4, 2013
More information & registration: www.runthecorners.com or visit www.active.com (Light Up The Corners) or register at the Fowler YMCA It's more than a race, it's a glowing, blinking, shining, flashing 4 mile moving party! Whether you are a competitive runner, a weekend jogger, or a casual walker you will not want to miss this race!
IGNlow W est
B tume Cos
EVENT DETAILS 1k Twilight Trot @ 8:00 PM 4 Miler @ 9:00 PM After-party celebration Costume Contest! Awards, Food & Drink
PARTICIPANTS RECIEVE: * a cool, reflective, technical t-shirt (4m & 1K) * Lots of glowing BLING! * Over $25 in offers * The Night to REMEMBER
www.Facebook.com/ lightupthecorners
SPONSORS Belk at The Forum, Pediatric Associates of North Atlanta, Relationship Recovery Center, Nancy Minor Realty,Trader Joe's, Ted's Montana Grill, Silver Dollar Press, Peachmac, Nix Bryson & Associates, P.C., Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia, Sports Gwinnett Magazine
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SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
Stay Active. Have Fun. This Summer.
with My Sport Camps
My Sport Summer Camp at Suwanee Sports Academy gives kids an opportunity to experience a variety of sports and activities in a fun and safe environment - with nearly 100,000 square feet of indoor recreational space. Sign up for one week or all ten weeks of summer. Each week is different. Grades K - 6th. Register Online
Camp Activities Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Floor Hockey, Wiffle Ball, Kickball, PE Activities & More
Field Trips to SkyZone, LEGOLAND, Adrenaline Climbing, Laser Quest, Gwinnett Braves and More
Find out more: www.ssasports.com or call (770) 614-6686
Some Tasty Feedback About Eating Healthy Atlanta Bread named one of
Atlanta Bread named one of
Health Magazine’s
Parents Magazine’s
Fast Food Restaurants
Fast Casual Restaurants
Top Ten Healthiest
Ten Best
Atlanta Bread Company at The Forum
4880 Peachtree Corners Circle, Norcross, GA 30092 770-662-0900 Mon=Fri 7am-9pm Sat 8am-9pm Sun 8am-8pm
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CONTENT 8
FIRST UP Happenings in the next 45 days
10 YOUTH Youth Athletic Leagues, Clubs and
Achievements
15 MOVE 5K, 10K, marathons, cycling, walking
and moving
26 NOURISH Great places to eat and meet friends
[12] GwINNETT’S MANY OPPORUTNITIES FOR SPECIALNEEDS SPORTS Athletes with special needs have many opportunities in Gwinnett’s schools, athletic clubs and programs.
BACK [16] COME ATHLETES
[22] gwinnett takes four state basketball championships
Norcross Boys and Girls, Greater Atlanta Christian Boys and Wesleyan Girls prove themselves.
[31] how i do it
Three athletes who have persevered and returned to sports are our focus this issue.
and meet your teammates
28 GRIZZLIES Georgia Gwinnett College Athletics 29 PARKS Highlighted events and happenings at
Gwinnett County Parks
32 best seat in the house Highlighting the past month in pictures. 34 TEAM MOM & DADS Tips, recommendations and advice.
This month Grayson Soccer player Ella Stevens shares how she does it.
COVER CREDIT Photography by Kate Awtrey Pictured on the cover and on this page is comeback athlete, and volleyball player, Kaitlin Tatum of Buford High School. The photo was shot at Buford High School. More pictures from that photo shoot are online at sportsgwinnett.com
SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND ENTER OUR ONLINE CONTESTS! To get the app reader (i.e. ScanLife), visit your phone’s app store and search QR Code readers.
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SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
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·ENTER TO·
w i n SPORTS GWINNETT
GIVEAWAyS
From the courts, down the muddy cross country trails, to the fields of play, we want the thrills, the suspense, the agony, the up and comers and the veterans of the game. SHOW US WHAT YOU HAVE...
The Best Seat in the House
IT’S yOUR CALL! SPORTS GWINNETT
PHOTO CONTEST
Visit www..sportsgwinnett.com/itsyourcall for more information on prizes, contest rules and deadlines. First Place Prizes for Amateurs and Professionals. SUBMIT ENTRIES MARCH 15 - JUNE 10, 2013
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS
CONTRIBUTORS kATE AWTREY
Director of Photography Kate Awtrey is a professional photographer and owner of Gwinnett Event Photography. She was born and raised in Gwinnett County and enjoys taking photographs of interesting people, places and things.
JOEL HILLSMAN
Joel Hillsman a native of Athens, GA is a sports media freelancer covering high school and pro sports since 2009. He is play-by-play announcer for high school football and basketball for iBN Sports covering the southeast and produces game highlights for NBATV and Turner Sports.
Stan Awtrey
has been a sports writer for 30 years and spent many of those covering Gwinnett County.
ABBY WILKERSON
Rico Figliolini and Clint Conley Co-Publishers
C
lint and I would like to thank everyone for their support, kind words and enthusiasm for the future of the magazine. We’ve met so many good people along the way. It’s only going to get better.
We have some great stories in this issue told by some great writers and accompanied by some great photography. Thank you Kate! Some more freelancers have joined our team, including a new photographer Kat Goduco. We’ve also developed an awesome infographic about sports and recreation in Gwinnett Parks – created for us by DUBELYOO the ARTIST. Our writing staff of freelancers has grown and now includes: Abby Wilkerson, Matthew Quinn, Joel Hillsman, Reg L Carver and Stan Awtrey who have all done some fantastic features in this issue. Thank you also to Amanda Helmstetter a Duluth mom who has contributed to this issue and another “team mom” Sydney Sattler who began with us last issue. With our second issue we’ve broadened our coverage and will continue to seek out great compelling stories to tell. Stay Active,
Rico & Clint
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SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
Abby Wilkerson, born in Dalton, Georgia, lived Athens, and began her lifelong love of University of Georgia sports. Country girl at heart but now metro Atlanta girl by address, Abby is a pop culture lover, breaks for yard sales, and an unashamed basher of all non-SEC conferences. She works in sports marketing and communications.
MATTHEW QUINN
Matthew W. Quinn is a freelance writer from Marietta, Ga. He is also associate editor of The Roswell Current and has edited a weekly newspaper and reported for a daily. An aspiring novelist, he has a book under consideration with two publishers.
AMANDA HELMSTETTER
Amanda Helmstetter is the mother of two youth athletes – a son who plays baseball and lacrosse for Duluth and a daughter who plays softball and basketball for Norcross. She and her “Coach” husband have lived in Peachtree Corners for 14 years and is the Principal Engagement Manager for The SAS Institute.
TORI VOGT
Tori Vogt MBA is a professional writer and marketing executive based in Peachtree Corners.
BOYS AND GIRLS LACROSSE
SPORTS GWINNETT
C0-PUBLISHERS
Rico Figliolini EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Kate Awtrey PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stan Awtrey Joel Hillsman Abby Wilkerson Matthew Quinn Amanda Helmstetter Tori Vogt Reg L. Carver Sydney Sattler
SUMMER CLUB LAX
Clint Conley and Rico Figliolini
Gwinnett · North Fulton · Sandy Springs · DeKalb
¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥
Dynamic practices & challenging tournaments Learning and reÞning core fundamentals Developing team concepts and game IQ Building team chemistry Elevating decision-making abilities
www.thunderbirdlacrosse.com 678-876-0042 Storm the Field with Thunderbird this summer and elevate your game to the next level!
Learn lacrosse from coaches who have been in your shoes
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate Awtrey Photography Kat Goduco CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Rico Figliolini ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Tom Ball tom@sportsgwinnett.com
Patti Leach patti@sportsgwinnett.com
SPORTS360GROUP LLC 4305 River Stream Circle, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 678.358.7858 www.sportsgwinnett.com
We want to share the inspirational stories; to improve lives, and the world around us, through the passion of sports. Sports Gwinnett Magazine is published once a month by SPORTS360GROUP LLC. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publishers, editor or Sports Gwinnett. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. ©2013 SPORTS360GROUP LLC.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND WE’LL LIKE yOU BACK!
Ann Bishoff Price
Every Monday from March 18 to April 29 we’ll be giving away prizes to our fans on FB. GiftCards, Dinner, tickets to sporting events. So keep an eye out and help us notice you on Facebook.
Agent
3150 Main Street, Suite 102 Duluth, GA 30096 Call 770.623.0817 Fax 770.623.8258 ann.bishoffprice.cp6a@statefarm.com www.annbishoff.com SPORTS GWINNETT
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The editors welcome submissions and photogrpahy. Please direct them to editor@sportsgwinnett.com.
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FIRST UP
FIRST UP
Whats Happening 45 Days Out
Greater Gwinnett AT TPC Sugarloaf APRIL 15-21
The Greater Gwinnett Championship presented by Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating is an official event on the PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour. This 54-hole stroke play golf tournament will feature 81 Champions Tour professionals competing for a $1.8 million purse this April 15-21, 2013 at the prestigious TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, GA. All three official rounds will be nationally televised on the Golf Channel. The charities who will benefit from the 2013 proceeds include Gwinnett Tech Foundation, Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Gwinnett Public Schools Foundation, and the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter. For more information please visit GreaterGwinnettChampionship.com or call (770) 232 5031 . Two-time U.S. Open Champion Curtis Strange is confirmed to play in the April 15-21 Greater Gwinnett Championship Presented by Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, an official event on the PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour. He will compete alongside fellow World Golf Hall of Fame members Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Bernhard Langer, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite, Sandy Lyle, and Larry Nelson. Other notable professionals playing in the event include Rocco Mediate, Kenny Perry, Mark Calcavecchia, Corey Pavin, John Cook, Fred Funk, Scott Simpson, Bob Tway, and Hal Sutton. More information and tickets can be checked out online at: http://www.greatergwinnettchampionship.com/
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Annual Gwinnett Senior Golden Games April 03 – May 15, 2013
To be held at various Gwinnett County Parks including Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Seniors 50 years of age and older are provided with an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports. Event locations varies throughout all Gwinnett County Parks. Visit gwinnettparks.com for details.
Spring Break at Tree Top Quest April 06 – 14, 2013
Treetop Quest is located at 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford, GA 30519 Treetop Quest will be open every day for Spring Break, from Saturday the 6th of April to Sunday the 14th! Check out www.treetopquest.com for more details.
Family Fun Fridays Guided In-Door Climbing April 12, 2013 (No End Date)
Adrenaline C limbing at 460 Brogdon Rd., Suwanee, GA 30024 Full service, guided indoor rock climbing. Includes harness and free pizza!
NFC Fight Night - In The Cage April 12, 2013
Wild Bill’s Country Music Dance Hall at 2075 Market St., Duluth, GA 30096 NFC Fighting in the cage. More details www.wildbillsatlanta. com
Grand-Am Road Racing April 19 – 20, 2013
Held at Road Atlanta Raceway, 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton, GA 30517 More details www.roadatlanta.com
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
Suwanee’s Super Incredible Race & Concert April 20, 2013
Held at Suwanee Town Center Park, Buford Hwy at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 Bring the family for a super incredible day! Free concert, 5k, kids activities, all set in the beautiful Town Center Park.
2013 Atlantic Sun Men’s Golf Championships April 21 – 23, 2013
Cháteau Élan Golf Club / Legends Course, 5473 Legends Drive, Braselton, GA 30517 For more details www.atlanticsun.org/mgolf/championship
Light Up the Corners May 4, 2013 The two events, the 4 Mile Run and 1k Twilight Trot, will be a one-of-a-kind night time experience that is less about how fast you run or walk and more about much fun you have! The course will be lined with blinking lights to illuminate the way and participants will be given glow sticks, glow bands, reflective tape and stickers to light up the course as you run/ walk. There will be contests for the “glowiest” men, women, boys, girls, and teams. So, strap on as much glowing bling as you can find and come light up the course with your friends and family! Whether you are a fast runner, a weekend jogger, or a casual walker you are invited to be a part of the first annual LIGHT UP THE CORNERS event. All proceeds from the event go to benefit less fortunate children and families in our community who are struggling by giving them the chance to participate in life-enhancing programs and activities at the Fowler YMCA. More details at www.lightupthecorners.com
top sports books sold at gwinnett barnes and noble 30092
Sum It Up: A Thousand and Ninety-Eight Victories, a Couple of Irrelevant Losses, and a Life in Perspective By Pat Summer
Suwanee sports academy events 3640 Burnette Rd., Suwanee, GA 30024
Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court By Jay Bilas
Baseball America 2013 Prospect Handbokk: The 2013 Expert Guide to Baseball Prospects and MLB Organizations By the Editors of Baseball America
It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life By Lance Armstrong
Out of My League: A Rookie’s Survival in the Bigs Dirk Hayhurst
Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies Local college baseball of interest? Check out the Grizzlies at GGC. The following are the BASEBALL homes games: 04/13/13
Emory University
04/16/13
Southern Polytechnic 5:00 p.m. ET
Southern Polytechnic 8:00 p.m. ET
04/17/13
Dawson Jam Memorial Classic April 13 – 14, 2013 Basketball travel teams from across the region will compete in this popular tournament.
Gwinnett Braves vs. Norfolk Tides April 15 – 18, 2013
Gwinnett Braves vs. Charlotte Knights
April 19 – 21, 2013 Basketball travel teams from across the region will compete in this popular tournament.
April 21 – 22, 2013
Coolray Field, One Braves Avenue, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 The Atlanta Braves AAA affiliate, the Gwinnett Braves, plays baseball in their 10,000 seat state-of-the-art Coolray Field on Buford Drive in Lawrenceville, less than 5 minutes from I-85 and the Mall of Georgia.
April 26 – 28, 2013
Basketball travel teams from across the region will compete in this popular tournament.
Tennessee Wesleyan 4:00 p.m. ET
Georgia Gwinnett College is located at 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, accessable from Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Highway 316 and Collins Hill Road.
Peach State Tip-Off Classic
Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions
2:00 p.m. ET
Peach State May Day Challenge May 03 – 05, 2013 Girls basketball 12U-17U
Gwinnett Braves vs. Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders May 2-5, 2013
Have a sports or recreation related event send you brief write-up (not a flyer) along with any pictures or logo to editor@sportsgwinnett.com Please include name of event, date, time, location and 2 line description with website or email address.
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YOUTH
YOUTH
Youth Athletic Leagues, Clubs and Achievements
BASEBALL
DULUTH WILDCATS
Collins Hill High School Baseball’s Diamond Classic Golf Tournament June 1 2013
Scholarships
T
he Duluth Wildcats 12U Travel Team was recently honored as “Anthem Buddies” at the Kennesaw State University baseball game. The Wildcats got to meet the entire KSU baseball team, visit their dugout, walk out on the ball field and stand with their counterpart position for the National Anthem. After the National Anthem, the team stayed to watch the game. During the game, the Wildcat Coaches were overheard in the stands making observations on hitting stance, baseball IQ, defensive prowess and offensive technique to their young ball players. “When you play in the GGBL (The Greater Gwinnett Baseball League) it is easy to forget that our players are still just boys.” Remarked Glen Helmstetter,
Highlights
Above: Matthew Helmstetter (Duluth Wildcats) Brennan Morgan (KSU Owls)
Above: (left to right) Matthew Helmstetter, Catcher; Chris Pfeifer, 1st base; Ryan Donaldson, 3rd base; James Sattler, Pitcher. Top Picture: Duluth Wildcats 12U Travel Team: pictured from left to right (bottom row): Adam Litzenberger, Ryan Donaldson, Chris Pfeifer, Logan Porche,(second row) Matthew Helmstetter, James Sattler, (back row) Matthew McCre
Assistant Coach for the Wildcats. “Watching these young men play ball at the collegiate level and show such charm and deference to our young players was heartwarming. I know this day had quite an impact on my players.” The Duluth Wildcat 12U Travel team (currently 3 -1) is made up of Davis Stewart, Mat-
thew McCree, Logan Porche, Jack Grell, Will Garrison, Cameron Sansone, Ryan Donaldson, Matthew Helmstetter, James Sattler, Chris Pfeifer, Adam Litzenberger and Dohnte Meyers. They are coached by Paul Sansone, Glen Helmstetter, Jon Sattler and Tom Donaldson and play out of Shorty Howell Park in Duluth.
Collins Hill High School Baseball has partnered with Delta Community Credit Union to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network. Participation is open to the 19th Annual Diamond Golf Classic, which will be held Saturday, June 1st, 1pm at the Trophy Club at Apalachee in Dacula. All proceeds will be donated to the Childrens’ Miracle Network and will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Delta Community Credit Union. More information at www.chaasports.com
Atlanta Fire United SA U13Girls Gold-West Finalist At 2013 Vulcan Cup!
The U13 Gold-West team came in second at the Vulcan Cup in Birmingham, AL held March 9-10th. The team beat a strong Knoxville Crush team in the Semi-finals and met a familiar foe, Norcross’ top team, in the finals. The girls fought hard and played exceptionally well for 60 minutes, taking the match into overtime. However, in the first 3 minutes of OT, Norcross was awarded a penalty kick that would prove to be the game deciding goal. A team that had struggled finishing last season was able to find the back of the net 4 times in the weekend, and proved they can and will play up to their competition.
CYCLING
Junior National Champion Cyclist Commits to Knights Local Suwanee, Georgia cyclist Zoe Frazier committed to the Marian University Cycling Team this month. Frazier brings several years of racing experience and a junior national title to the Knights.
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Frazier has been racing bikes since 2005, and she’ll join the Knights in the fall as a track, road, and cyclocross racer. “We’re glad that Zoe has decided on Marian - many collegiate programs would have been lucky to have her,” said Head Coach Dean Peterson. “She comes from a cycling family, has been in the sport a long time, and I am confident she will grow as a cyclist and person
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
while a student-athlete here.” Frazier won the road race National Championship as a 13-14 junior at Road Nationals in 2009, and placed third in the criterium at Nationals the same year. She placed top 15 in the time trial, road race and criterium at Nationals last summer, 2012, in the 17-18 division. “I’m very excited to join Marian’s cycling team because I’ve only
heard great things about it. They have some of the strongest riders in the nation, and many schools have a great deal of respect for them,” Frazier said. Off the bike, Frazier is an honor roll student at Collins Hill High School and intends to major in sports marketing at Marian.
Pinecrest Academy Senior Signed with GCSU to Play Soccer
Cayce Hamilton, a senior at Pinecrest Academy and Duluth resident, has signed to play soccer for Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. Cayce has been a member of the Atlanta Fire United soccer club for over nine years, playing under the direction of Coach Mark MacKain for the last three years. Throughout her years with the Atlanta Fire, she has played in all field positions, most notably as a center mid. Pictured L-R (seated): Cayce Hamilton and Anne Hamilton (mother), and (standing) Logan Hamilton (brother), and David Hamilton (father)
Italy comes to Georgia FC Milan Junior Camp - June 10-14, 2013
Selection into the program not only holds in store a great soccer experience but an education and cultural experience that is currently unmatched by most professional clubs. Camp registration is open and players between 6 and 17 are eligible to participate. To register, please visit www.milanjuniorcamp.us; select the camps tab and then select Atlanta. http://gs-gfcmilan.sportsaffinity.com/reg/index. asp?sessionguid= Should you have any questions or problems with the registration process please contact Kim Bowen at kbowen@milanjuniorcamp.us or by phone at 770-309-8893 or feel free to contact me.
Norcross Soccer Academy Camps INTENSE TRAINING CAMP U8 - U13 May 21 - 23, 2013, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - $99
INTENSE TRAINING CAMP U14 - U19
SOCCER/SWIM SUPER CAMP - JUNE
SOCCER/SWIM SUPER CAMP - JULY
June 17 - 21, 2013 June 24 - 28, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon - $99 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - $175
May 31 - June 1, 2013, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - $99
July 8 - 12, 2013 July 15 - 19, 2013 July 22 - 26, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon - $99 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - $175
BLAZE SPORTS CAMP Hosted by Norcross Soccer Academy & Challenger Sports July 22 - 26, 2013 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon for and 6-12 and 13-18 - $120 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for ages 6-12 and 13-18 - $120 Please check SportsGwinnett.com for the complete list of youth associations. Please check the individual websites for accuracy. Information may have changed since publication. Want to be included here? Stories, photos, achievements and registration information? Send your complete information to editor@sportsgwinnett.com
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Gwinnett’s many opportunities for special-needs sports Athletes with special needs have many opportunities for recreation in Gwinnett County. Among these opportunities are two branches of the Special Olympics, the school system’s adaptive sports program, and one of the park athletic associations. by MATTHEW W. QUINN photos supplied by Gwinnett Masters Special Olympics Those looking for sports for their children with special needs — or for adult family members with special needs — have many options in Gwinnett County. Gwinnett County Special Olympics
Lynnette Swanson, the Special Olympics coordinator for Gwinnett County Schools, said the program has been in place for at least 25 years. “During the school day, we offer about 45 to 50 competitions for different special-needs levels of proficiency,” she said. All grade levels have self-contained classes as well as after-school activities at different school gyms. The summer sports are soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and track and field programs. In the fall are bocce, softball, and long-distance walking and running. In the winter are basketball, floor hockey, artistic gymnastics, and bowling. The most popular programs are track and field, basketball, and bowling. The latter attracts some of the more severely and profoundly disabled participants since a ramp can be used to send the ball down the lane. The demand for the program has grown considerably over the years. Ten years ago, there were only 800 athletes on the roster. Now there are over 3,000. The swimming program alone has grown so popular that aspiring participants needed to be put on a waiting list. The programs accommodate all skill levels. The recent “Developmental Days” event included 14 events like swinging a bat or tossing a ball so that more severely disabled students could play. On the other end of the spectrum, some of the program’s basketball teams could compete against students without disabilities. Swanson said many parents are inter-
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ested in getting their special-needs children involved in sports, often because a brother or sister is already playing. They often take time off from work to watch their kids play during the day. In order to participate, all one needs to do is fill out a Special Olympics medical form, which they can get from Swanson herself or the Gwinnett County Schools’ website.
Gwinnett HEAT
For students whose disabilities are physical rather than cognitive, there’s Gwinnett HEAT, overseen by Adaptive Sports Coordinator Mike Phillips. “We fill three teams,” he said. “They all play in a sports wheelchair.” Participants include students who have suffered spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries or conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or hearing and balance issues. They need to have at least some physical ability — although a paraplegic with use of their arms could participate, a quadriplegic paralyzed from the neck down could not. In the fall, participants play wheelchair handball, in the winter wheelchair basketball, and in the spring, wheelchair football. All sports are played on a basketball court; Phillips compared wheelchair football to arena football and wheelchair handball to hockey. Both practices and games are held at the Monarch School in Duluth. Each season has six games, culminating in a state tournament. Wheelchair football and handball have 14 players per team, while wheelchair basketball has 12. Team sizes are limited by the mandatory coach-student ratio and the requirement that all students play in all parts of the game. This year’s participation is the highest yet — 14 total participants, some of whom play multiple sports, so each team has 12 players.
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
continued on page 14
Athlete Pori celebrating her teams Gold Medal Winning Softball @ State Games 2011
SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS Gwinnett Masters Special Olympics GMSOga.org coordinator@gmsoga.org 404-625-3988 Special Populations Program, Grayson Athletic Association Gaasports.org gaaspecialpopulations@gmail.com Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association http://www.pryaa.com/site/ContactInformation/SpecialNeedsDirector/tabid/206/ Default.aspx specialneeds@pryaa.com Gwinnett County Schools Special Olympics http://www.gwinnettcountyspecialolympics.org/ lynnette_swanson@gwinnett.k12.ga.us Gwinnett HEAT http://gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps-mainweb01. nsf/pages/GCPSAdaptedSportsProgram mike_phillips@gwinnett.k12.ga.us Exceptional Kids Athletics https://www.exceptionalkidsathletics.org/ Home_YZUA.php 678-664-4249 https://www.exceptionalkidsathletics.org/ Contact_Us.html
Above: GMSO athletes hosted by Gw County Sherriff at County Jail, Lawrenceville, Ga Below: Go Getters Soccer gold medal winners Summer Games 2012 Bottom row: (left) O’Connell - Area 18 Track & Field competition accompanied by Parkview HS color guard 2012 (middle) Softball Mavricks , Fall Games 2012 (right) Cardinals Softball team Fall Games 2012
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continued from page 12 Phillips said his goal is to give participants the opportunity to be part of interscholastic athletics and learn things like teamwork, sacrifice, hard work, and determination that come from being part of a team.
Gwinnett Masters Special Olympics
For older people, there’s the Gwinnett Masters Special Olympics, overseen by Coordinator Michael O’Connell. O’Connell said when a special-needs child is out of school, their opportunities for socializing are greatly limited. The Gwinnett Masters program picks up where the school leaves off, providing opportunities for Olympic-style sports for older people with special needs. The program began in 2009 with 100 athletes in three sports. There are now over 400 athletes in 15 sports, including bocce, skiing, floor hockey, and soccer. Participants play at Gwinnett County field and gymnasiums or churches with gyms if those are not available. The program’s goal is that at the end of the season, everyone can participate in the Special Olympics state games that take place three times per year. The summer games, which consist of volleyball, soccer, track and field, and swimming, will take place in May at Emory University. 115 athletes are slated to attend the games, which will attract around 2,000 participants from all over the state. “It’s a sought-after kind of weekend for those kids that wouldn’t ordinarily have a chance to do that,” he said. The demand for particular sports reflects Gwinnett County’s population — since Gwinnett schools have good programs for autistic children, more with autism-spectrum disorders seek to participate. Many autistic children are high-energy, but others are more intellectually-inclined. “We don’t deny anyone as long as it’s a safe environment for them,” he said. Someone with limited vision would not be suitable for softball, but bocce would be a different story. Change in the program occurs rapidly. Each high school graduating class results in another 10 athletes who need to be placed on a team, and each team needs three more coaches. “Our kids never grow out of the Special Olympics program,” he said. There are members of the bowling program who are 59 and 60. AS long as they can physically play the sport, they can continue to participate.
Grayson Athletic Association
Some of the local park associations provide special-needs opportunities. Cathy Smith is the founder and direction of the special
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populations program at the Grayson Athletic Association, which also runs a program at Bay Creek Park. Baseball takes place at Bay Creek Park, while basketball, bocce, and cheerleading take place at local gyms. Smith started the program because she had a son with special needs who wanted to play sports like other children. The program accommodates those with both physical and cognitive disabilities — there are participants with autism, as well as participants who use wheelchairs. Baseball has 150 participants, while basketball typically has between 125 to 150, cheerleaders 25, and bocce 15. Basketball and baseball are divided into four different leagues, with an “anything goes” league for those who just want to have fun, two “friendly competition” leagues with modified rules, and “big league” that plays with standard rules. The “anything goes” league features “buddies” from the standard leagues who assist the players. Cheerleading is divided by age if there are enough participants. Smith said the program’s purpose is to provide children and adults with disabilities
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
Clockwise from top: 1 - Athletes participating in a 2012 Ernie Haase Concert Benefit for Special Olympics, Snellville, 2- Athlete Volley Ball Summer Games 2012 3- Antoinne @ Gwinnett County Sherrif’s Tour County Jail facility, Lawrenceville 4- Cheerleader Squad at 2013 State Winter Games, Marietta, Ga.
a chance to benefit from recreational and organized sports. There is no age limit — participants range from ages 5 to 50. They can play with their peers and have something to talk about at school, while those who are no longer in school will have the chance to participate in a sport. The Peachtree Ridge Athletic Association also has opportunities for those with special needs. Although a representative from the organization could not be reached as of press time, the association offers a program called INSPIRE. Matthew W. Quinn is a freelance writer and editor from Marietta, Ga.
MOVE
MOVE
5k, 10k, Marathons, Cycling, Walking and Moving
CALENDAR OF RACES
Gwinnett Children’s Shelter Run for Hope Saturday, April 20, 2013 Braselton, GA The Gwinnett Children’s Shelter Legends Run for Hope will host a 10.2K, 5K and 1K Tot Trot starting and ending at the beautiful Chateau Élan Winery.
Trot to Clot Walk and Run
Please come out and join us for our 4th annual Bear Tear 5K and Cub Run. It is a great community event around our Mountain View High School campus! T-SHIRTS Quality short sleeved race shirt for all pre-registered participants. Race Day registration available at Mountain View Stadium 7-7:45 am SEVERE WEATHER In the event of severe weather, please check our website for race updates www.mtnviewcrosscountry.com
Five Points of Life Kids Marathon
Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Mountain View Bear Tear 5K Run/Walk Saturday, April 20, 2013, 8:00 AM Lawrenceville , GA Mountain View High School Stadium, 2351 Sunny Hill Road Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Dare to Dash 5K
Saturday, April 27, 2013 9:00 AM Gwinnett Braves, Coolray Field One Braves Avenue Lawrenceville, GA www.fivepointsoflife.org Fees: Free until March 15, $5 until April 26, $10 on April 27 Registration Closing Date Friday, April 26, 2013 at 8:59 PM PST
Grayson Elementary School 460 Grayson Parkway Grayson, Georgia 30017
Light Up the Corners
Held at Thrasher Park, Thrasher Street, Norcross, GA 30071
FODAC Run Walk ‘N Roll Saturday, May 4, 7 a.m. to 12:01 p.m.
A free event for all ages. Run, Walk ‘N Roll, benefiting the Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), is a five mile race (two mile walk) routing through Stone Mountain Park. Participants can walk or roll through the course; wheelchairs, strollers and walkers are all welcome. Race-only registration is $25; $50 registration includes a race t-shirt and one-day pass to Stone Mountain. (Children 5 and under are free.) Registration and details at http://www.fodac.org/ events/.
Grayson Days Road 3rd Annual Race 5K Scamper against & 1 Mile Cancer Saturday, April 27, 2013 7:30 AM
Coolray Field will host to the Third Annual Scamper against Cancer 5k and Fun Run at 8 a.m. on May 4 at 2500 Buford Dr. in Lawrenceville. For more information visit, www.scamperagainstcancer.com.
April 27, 2013
Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain
Saturday, April 20, 2013
The Trot to Clot Walk and Run is a fun, family-centered event that raises money to fund Camp Wannaklot, the only camp in Georgia that provides children who have hemophilia or other inherited bleeding disorders the opportunity to enjoy a traditional camp experience.
Come join the Grayson Rams XC Team in a fun filled 5K and & 1 mile on April 27th to help support the GHS Cross Country team! Times: 6:30 AM - Packet pick-up & registration opens 7:30 AM - 1 Mile Fun Run Start 8:00 AM - 5K Race Start www.graysondayroadrace.com
Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m.
CoolRay Field Cost: $25 - $30 buy tickets, all ages welcomed
May 4, 2013
4 Mile Race & 1K Twilight Trot The two events, the 4 Mile Run and 1k Twilight Trot, will be a one-of-a-kind night time experience that is less about how fast you run or walk and more about much fun you have! For more details visit www.runthecorners.com
OUTSIDE GWINNETT
Zombie Stomp Obstacle Mud Run Saturday, April 20, 2013 Dalton, Georgia
Silver Shoe Ranch Adventure Race : Obstacle Mud Run Visit: http://www. zombiestomprace.com/
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BACK COME ATHLET
THE BIONIC WOMAN
Buford High’s Kaitlin Tatum received a second chance at the sport she loves, thanks to her completely rebuilt ankle.
by abby wilkerson photograph by KATE Awtrey
B
uford volleyball fans who have witnessed Kaitlin Tatum’s domination on the court would never guess what she has been through for her
sport. At 6’2”, the senior middle hitter/blocker can dig, dive, bump, hit, and put general fear into the hearts of her opponents. You would never know this was the same little girl who had to have four surgeries over the course of 12 years for what seemed like a simple ankle roll. After Tatum rolled her right ankle chasing a friend in her backyard, Kina Alarcon-Tatum took her five-year-old daughter to see a general orthopedist, after the pain and swelling lasted longer than normal. After spending time in a cast and on crutches – but seeing little improvement – Tatum was referred to a specialist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “I remember being anxious and nervous because it took so long to diagnose,” said Tatum. “I just wanted to know what was wrong.” Almost a year after her initial injury, Tatum was diagnosed with Trevor’s disease, a congenital bone disorder that caused a benign tumor to attach to the growth plate in her ankle. “So the tumor basically grows with me,” she said. “As I grew up, every couple of years, when it really started to hurt me, I had to have surgery to clean out the tumor as it grew.” Between December 2001 and May 2009, Kaitlin had to have three surgeries at Children’s—two arthroscopic and one open—to clean out her ankle.
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“The recoveries were always tough, but physical therapy was fun when I was little,” she said. “There was a padded jungle gym – it was more like play time. Later therapies were designed more specifically for volleyball, to make sure that I could jump and land properly.” “Her recovery was very difficult,” Kina said. “I don’t think we realized the type of severity that was going on in her ankle.” Despite the surgeries, Tatum grew into an active, healthy teenager, joining the Buford High School volleyball and basketball teams, and competing in Miss Georgia Teen USA pageants – and has placed in the top five of her last two pageants. “My weekends are consumed with tournaments and pageants,” Tatum laughed. “My Mom wanted me to be put together and know how to carry myself. Both sports and pageants have transformed me into who I am. Pageants are like another sport – I have a coach, I train, and it’s competitive!” In 2011, it was decided that Tatum would have a fourth and final surgery to remove the tumor and fix her ankle for good. After surgery on May 20, 2011, Tatum’s recovery process included months of physical therapy that forced Kaitlin to miss her entire junior volleyball and basketball seasons. “I was really nervous going into this surgery,” said Tatum. “It was more extensive, and my senior volleyball season was riding on it.” “This one was essentially to remove as much of the cartilage overgrowth as possible,” said Dr. Jorge Fabregas, Tatum’s pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Children’s Healthcare. “In order to do that, we had to
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
de-stabilize her ankle and then stabilize it again by reconstructing her ligaments.” “You name it, and I have it in my ankle,” laughed Tatum. “They basically tore it apart and put it back together again. I have a bionic ankle.” The final surgery was successful, completely removing the tumor, rebuilding her ankle, and ridding Tatum of Trevor’s disease for good. However, the extensive recovery and physical therapy caused Tatum to miss her junior volleyball and basketball seasons entirely – and jeopardized her chance to play the sport she loved on a collegiate level. “It did cross my mind that she might never walk again. Kaitlin’s first step was the happiest moment for me because I knew how badly she wanted to walk,” said Alarcon-Tatum. “Sometimes I felt like I would never get to where I needed to be,” Tatum said. “There was very little time to get to where I needed to be for college. It was a make-or-break moment. It was hard because I didn’t want to mess up all the hard work the doctors had put into me and all the physical therapy I had put in. It really took everything I had to go through and do it the right way.” After a year of healing and therapy, Tatum was able to return for a successful senior volleyball season, leading the Lady Wolves to the quarterfinals of the Class AAA state tournament and earning a scholarship to play at Columbus State University, where she is considering majoring in nursing, thanks to time caring for her grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. “To be able to play a sport I love and get a college scholarship totally changed my outlook on life. It’s really given me the confidence that I can conquer anything I put my mind to.”
TE: KAITLIN TATUM Trevor’s Disease Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica – also known as Trevor’s disease and Fairbank’s disease – is a rare congenital bone developmental disorder affecting young children. Characterized by an asymmetrical limb deformity due to overgrowth of cartilage, Trevor’s disease is believed to affect the limb bud in early fetal life. The condition occurs mostly in the ankle or knee region and it is always confined to a single limb, usually involving only the lower extremities. The malignant tumor continuously increases in size until skeletal maturity; left untreated, Trevor’s disease could lead to long term pain and arthrosis. Trevor’s disease affects one in one million people, and is three times more common in males than in females.
Adam’s Army Named for Buford High School junior basketball player Adam Smith, Adam’s Army is a cheer section of Buford High School Students who attend sporting events and support Buford athletics. Smith passed away in September 2012 after collapsing while running laps during a pre-season workout for basketball. “He had such a gracious spirit, he just always knew how to light up a room,” said classmate Kaitlin Tatum, who is a member of Adam’s Army. “He was friends with everyone, and supported every sports team. His passing impacted so many people.”
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COME BACK ATHLETE: carter governale by joel hillsman photographs by KATE Awtrey
T
he anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most feared injuries in all of athletics. The surgery, treatment and rehab can be a grinding process that takes anywhere from 8-12 months before an athlete can return to their sport. For Mill Creek running back and safety Carter Governale he knows the injury all to well. Governale tore the ACL in his right knee near the end of his sophomore season, went through the extensive rehab process before tearing the same ACL again in fall practice before his junior season. Now tearing the ACL is tough enough but to do it twice in the same knee within an eight month period will really test ones will and resolve. Governale broke onto the scene during his days standing out in the GFL (Gwinnett Football League) which earned him a selection in the Football University Youth All American Bowl as an 8th grader. The expectations were high for Governale
entering high school and he was beginning to live up to them until the injuries hit. As his teammates made a deep push in the state playoffs last season, Carter was stuck on the sidelines trying to stay as involved as he could be. “It wasn’t hard for me but it wasn’t easy for me having to sit and watch our team win and go to the quarterfinals without me, but it was very encouraging. The coaches had me on the sidelines and signaling in plays or I’d be a decoy. I actually called plays in a couple of games. I know the offense to a tee and can tell you every single play and signal it in. The entire experience has been very humbling”, he said. Governale has stayed focused on his recovery and is determined to be on the field for the Hawks this fall. “I’ve just been working hard. I’ve been working with Scott Courter at Wellness Performance Institute on my speed and agility and just getting back in shape and getting my leg stronger to get it back to where it was”, Governale said. Seven months after the second surgery there was Carter, running in a JV track meet for Mill Creek. Though it was only a JV meet it was much bigger than that for him. Carter went through some light jogging drills and stretching before it was time to run his 100m race. When the gun sounded Governale was out of the blocks and running without signs of an injury and when the race was over he had won with a time of 11.42-his fastest ever. Track is not the sport with all of the cutting and lateral movement required like in football yet it has to be a solid sign for him with a full spring and summer still left to get ready for his senior season of football. “Before, mentally I found myself kind of questioning if I could compete not necessarily with others but with myself. I realize that I’ve still kind of got it and so track, especially today running that time, was very encouraging. It’s an awesome feeling. I’m not working to be a track star but to know that the potential is still there and that the hard work is paying off”, he said. His father, Deric, suffered the dreaded injury as a senior in high school and saw his college options dry up after his injury. Missing the junior year for a football player can really put a damper on the college recruiting process however the younger Governale is not letting that get him down. “I have my senior”, he constantly reminds himself and anybody that ask him about the recruiting process. He will participate in spring football although it will be without contact. ”I still have a lot of work to do. The hamstring is still a little weak. They took the tendon from there and used it in the knee the second time. I still feel that even after two knee surgeries I
can be even better than I was before. It’s only been seven months but I still have plenty of time to get it stronger and get it stronger than it was before so I’m just excited about the opportunity.”, Carter stated with much confidence in his voice. Carter has followed the rehab of professional athletes that have suffered the same injury in recent years including Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings and Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and uses them for encouragement and examples. “Seeing Adrian Peterson succeed it’s been very enlightening. When my rehab may not be going good I do think about him and all the things he went through. It’s not fun but it’ll all be worth it in the end”. With any injury their will come times when the athlete feels they could do more, how does one win the fight to stay the course? Governale summed it up with this, “Watching Derrick Rose, his [injury] is more like a time period thing he’s not rushing he knows his body like me, I know my body better than anyone else does. The doctor could tell me I could go out there and play but I know that waiting a couple more months won’t hurt anything”. As we move closer and closer to the fall and the beginning of the high school football season, let’s keep an eye on Carter Governale to see how much havoc he will wreck on the field in one of the toughest counties in the nation for high school football. “Once I make and take the first hit, participate in full contact drills, cut, plant, change directions, make someone miss, catching a pass and all the other stuff then I know everything will begin to start feeling good, but I’m going to wait until August for that. I’m going to use all the time I can to get back fully healthy. I feel like I’m ready to go now honestly but I don’t see any reason to rush it when I have more time to get back to 100%. Nobody has given up on me. My family and coaches have provided me with a great support system. The only one that can give up on me is me”. In addition Carter will ditch his No.18 jersey for a No.4 jersey for his senior season. “Just to start over. I don’t want to be known as No.18 anymore. No.4 my last year, fourth year, something different and I’m excited about it”.
CARTER GOVERNALE
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COME BACK ATHLETE: STEVE kINNEY by Reg L. Carver photograph by Alice keeney courtesy of Chicago Fire
“P
erseverance, secret of all triumphs,” declared Victor Hugo. Norcross native and MLS player Steven Kinney would undoubtedly agree. Now starting his fourth season with the Chicago Fire, the defender learned this truth firsthand. As a rookie in 2010, a quick as a flash injury set Kinney on an ostensibly unjust course. Over the next 836 days, this secret revealed itself as a profound insight.
Unparalleled Success
Kinney doesn’t recall ever not being a soccer player. He laced his first pair of cleats as a toddler. Ever since, his play has been marked by high achievement and unparalleled success. From his youth leagues, to high school, and through his collegiate seasons, he took to fields where it seemed his only limits were the skies above. During youth league play, his Concorde Fire team won three Region III Premier League titles as well as a Disney Showcase Title. In high school, he steered his Norcross
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High club to a 7AAAAA region title, and he was named All-County as player and scholarathlete his junior and senior years. Tony Annan, Executive Director of the Norcross Soccer Academy, coached Kinney for many of those formative seasons. In addition to being highly skilled, Annan notes Kinney was also a team leader. “He led by his actions and work ethic in training and in games. But he was not a ‘verbal’ leader - no arrogance, no bravado – just honest, hard working, and dedicated. That earned him more respect than any [of my] other players.” He also excelled at the collegiate level, where he played for the Elon University Phoenix. A three-time captain, he was named team MVP his sophomore and senior years. He made First-Team All-Southern Conference his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. In 2008, Elon won its first Southern Conference regular season title, and in Kinney’s senior year, the Phoenix made its first trip to the Southern Conference Tournament championship game. Competing mightily all the way, he was twice honored at Elon with the Robert C. Browne Sportsmanship Award.
2010 MLS Player Combine, SuperDraft, and First Game
Not surprisingly, the beginning of Kinney’s professional career showed abundant promise. He was one of 62 Division I college seniors invited to the 2010 MLS Player Combine. He was drafted by the Chicago Fire as the 45th pick in the SuperDraft. Continuing his tradition of “firsts,” Kinney was the first Elon University player to enter MLS. Kinney’s first major league start came on July 8, 2010. Playing with a veteran’s confidence, he attempted two goals – both hitting the post – missing scores each time by a fraction of an inch. His performance garnered him respect from the coaching staff, and he was given a starter position. Steven Kinney had proven himself at the highest level. He was on his way.
Tragedy Strikes In Last Game
Sometimes life changes in an instant. And so it was for Kinney. In October of that promising rookie season, in Los Angeles, during the season’s last game, he went high for a header and came crashing down. A few days before turning 23, he was facing a badly torn Achilles, surgery and rehab. “I thought I’d be out 6 to 8 months. That’s what I thought I was looking at,” says Kinney. But Kinney’s father warned him the injury could be serious. “My dad told me, ‘some guys don’t come back from this. You’ve got to rehab this the right way.’” Sure enough, 8 months passed and Kinney had not
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
progressed as hoped. More time was needed. He vowed to do whatever it took. As it turned out, Kinney’s sister, Tara, was also injured, and the two wound up in rehab together. Says Tara, “I’ve never seen anyone work as hard as Steven did to get back out there.” Kinney kept training. By summer of 2011, he was hoping to get back in the lineup. But due to his lack of play, his abdominal muscles had weakened. In what Kinney describes as “the toughest time of it all,” he was diagnosed with a sports hernia. More surgery, and more rehab. Once again, Kinney kept a stiff upper lip. “I wanted to make a point to myself - also to my teammates and coaches. I wanted them to see how hard I was training, so they’d know I’d work even harder on the field.”
Blessings of Wisdom
With so much time in rehab, Kinney found himself with extra hours. He volunteered at Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. “Seeing what some of those kids were facing, I knew my injuries were nothing in comparison. I realized that, even if I never played another day of soccer, I would still be able to walk. Some of those kids won’t ever get to walk again.” After waiting almost 2 1/2 years, Kinney made his return to the Chicago Fire on March 3 of this year. He has made it back. Now, he’s much wiser. Says Kinney, “I feel blessed by my injuries. I’ve learned patience and perspective. I’m a better person for going through this. I live one day at a time now. I live in the moment.” No one who knows Kinney is surprised at his perseverance, and certainly not Tony Annan. “I am pretty confident he made the grade and was able to be retained as a professional soccer player due to his humble attitude, hard work, and dedication to his craft.” In Annan’s opinion, today’s youth players could learn a lot from Kinney. He sums him up with straightforward and definitive words, noting, “there are not enough Steven Kinneys in the youth game. I would like to see more.” Reg L. Carver is a writer and designer from Johns Creek, Georgia. You can find him at www. reglcarver.com.
STEVE KINNEY
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Gwinnett Takes Four State Basketball Championships features and profiles by STAN AWTREY
T
hey had to go all the way to Middle Georgia to prove it, but four Gwinnett County schools came away with state basketball championships. The Norcross boys and girls (Class AAAAAA), Greater Atlanta Christian boys (Class AA) and Wesleyan girls (Class AA) each finished the season by winning their respective state championship at the Macon Coliseum.
By winning the state championship in boys and girls basketball, Norcross became the first school in the history of the Georgia High School Association to win both basketball championships and the state football championship in the same season. Gwinnett teams won only one title a year ago, but brought home five in 2011 and five in 2010. Gwinnett has won at least one basketball championship each season since 2000.
Norcross boys
The Blue Devils won their fifth state championship over the last eight years and first since 2011. Norcross beat Hillgrove 60-48 in a hard-fought defensive game to complete a 30-4 season. “This year has really been special,” said Norcross boys coach Jessie McMillan. “We felt like as a program we had something to prove. This team has the biggest year that has ever walked through the door.” Brandon Goodwin, one of two seniors on the roster, was the star of the playoffs. He scored 25 points in the semifinal and had a team-high 22 points and seven rebounds in the championship game. Norcross used an 11-3 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead for the final time. There had been two ties and seven lead changes in the second half. “This means a lot, to end our senior year with a state championship,” said Goodwin, while clutching the silver championship trophy. “I
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wasn’t going to leave without getting one.” He still had the trophy when the team was leaving the arena and walking to the bus for the ride back home.
Norcross girls
The Blue Devils were too much for rival North Gwinnett, two teams who compete alongside each other in Region 7-AAAAAA. The two teams split during the regular season and North Gwinnett beat Norcross for the region championship. But when it came to play for all the marbles, it was all Norcross, which trounced the Bulldogs 63-42 in the title game. “They came out and absolutely played a perfect game,” said Norcross coach Angie Hembree. “We had to play with a sense of urgency.” The big one-two punch delivered in a big way in the final. Diamond DeShields, the national high school player of the year who has signed with North Carolina, and Shayla Cooper, a Georgetown signee, were too much for North Gwinnett to handle. Deshields had 24 points and four rebounds and Cooper had 20 points and eight rebounds. North Gwinnett, which had been ranked No.1 going into the playoffs, finished the season 30-2 – both losses to Norcross. The Bulldogs were led by all-state guard Lexie Brown, who has signed with Maryland; she had 20 points and five assists.
Greater Atlanta Christian boys
The Spartans never forgot the feeling of last year’s early exit and used that as motivation to win their sixth state championship. GAC went 29-3 and Bleckley County 69-52 in the championship game and five players scored in double figures. “That’s been the M.O. of this team all year,” said GAC coach Eddie Martin. “Share the ball and play for each other. When you do that, that’s the true sign of a team.” The Spartans remembered the feeling of that shocking second-round loss in 2012 and didn’t want to re-live that feeling. That loss kept them
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
motivated all season. “Everybody had the score of that loss taped on their mirror,” said senior guard Collin Swinton. “So we saw it every day. When we began workouts, we had that in mind, that we were going to do it this year.” The win was the sixth state championship for Martin, who won three at Norcross (2006-08) and two previously at GAC (2010-11). But he deflected any credit that might be coming his way. “This is great and every one of them is special but if you haven’t got players and you haven’t got good assistant coaches, you’re not going to win these things,” Martin said. Martin’s assistant coaches are veteran Joe Marelle and Brent Martin, the son of Eddie and Malinda Martin.
Wesleyan girls
Coach Jan Azar’s club tied a state record by winning its sixth consecutive championship, something that matched the mark for success set by Hart County from 1989-1994. Wesleyan’s girls have won 10 state championships. Wesleyan finished 27-4 and beat previously unbeaten Laney 78-43 in the championship game. The Wolves have now won nine state championships in the last 11 years. The school moved up in classification this year, from Class A to AA, where it was the smallest school in the division. “This doesn’t ever get old,” Azar said. Laney played the Wolves tough for a half and tied the game at 25-25 late in the second period. But Wesleyan regrouped, made a defensive adjustment in the second half and out scored the Wildcats 53-18 the remainder of the game. All-state senior Katie Frerking completed her high school career by getting 28 points, eight rebounds and 11 steals. Point guard Brittany Stevens, Frerking’s best friend and running mate since elementary school, had 14 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. “This is a fun group of girls and I’m excited for them,” Azar said. “Not only are they great players, they’re also role models for my children and for the other children at the school.”
Profile
Diamond DeShields Norcross High School
The state championship had been secured and Diamond DeShields was standing in the bowels of the Macon Coliseum with a pair of basketball shoes hanging around her neck. She had been wearing them in memory of a former teammate’s 13-year-old brother, who died in January during a basketball game. “I wrote his name (Jeremy Nelson) and number on my shoes the night I found out he passed,” she said. “I’ve got holes in them, but I wasn’t going to get a new pair. I feel like they’re supernatural. He was the sweetest
kid. He was like a little brother to me. I feel like I’ve got one of God’s angels with me.” A lot of people may have used the word “supernatural” to describe DeShields this year. She was good enough to be named the Naismith National Girls High School Player of the Year and signed a scholarship with the University of North Carolina. She capped off a senior season by winning her third state championship, missing only a year ago when the Blue Devils lost in the semifinals. “I came here in the ninth grade and knew nothing about anything,” she said. “I never knew what it was like to win a big championship. Now, all the awards I’ve got, all the experiences I’ve had, I couldn’t have gotten
them without coach (Angie) Hembree and without my teammates. I give God all the glory. I’m glad to be a part of it.” Norcross won the championship by taking down No. 1-ranked North Gwinnett, which had beaten the Blue Devils twice, including the Region 7-AAAAAA championship game. Norcross was untouchable in the championship game and DeShields was in the middle of it with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. “My job was to end my legacy on a good note. This is the best way to end,” she said. “There’s no better treat than this, especially with the team we have. This is a genuine family we have at Norcross.”
DIAMOND DESHIELDS Photograph by Kate Awtrey
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Gwinnet Four State B Champio Profile
Collin Swinton
Greater Atlanta Christian School It has been an emotionally trying year for Greater Atlanta Christian senior Collin Swinton. He had to play through the trauma of losing his father in January and helping his basketball team win a state championship. Somehow the senior was able to hold it all together and help his school win its third title in four seasons. “This means so much. I can’t put it into words,” Swinton said. “My dad passed away in January and to get this win to honor him … I can’t describe it.” John Swinton died unexpectedly on Jan. 7. Collin would always look up in the stands at the Long Forum, eyeing the spot where his father would sit. He spent the rest of the season dedicating his effort to the man who bought him his first pair of Air Jordans. “That was such a big blow to him,” said GAC coach Eddie Martin. “His dad was his best friend and losing him gave him something to play for the rest of the season. I think having basketball in his life was a big thing for him.” Swinton isn’t large in stature; he’s only 5-foot-9. But his quickness and floor leadership have been crucial components to the GAC success. “Collin has been such an integral part of our team,” Martin said. Swinton was the first guard off the bench as a sophomore and has started the last two seasons. He’s the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 15 points. In the state championship game, Swinton scored 10 points and had five rebounds. He made 6 of 9 free throws to help give the Spartans a cushion. “Collin has such a calm demeanor,” Martin said. “He has a calming effect on everybody out there. He stepped up and played big.”
COLLIN SWINTON Photograph by Kat Goduco
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SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
tt Takes Basketball onships Profile
Katie Frerking Wesleyan School
Katie Frerking has never known anything other than winning state championships during her career at Wesleyan. “It’s a big deal,” Frerking said. “Not a lot of people get to win four state championships. Not a lot of people get to win one. This is really cool.” The 6-foot-1 all-state forward was instrumental in helping the Wolves to their sixth straight title. Frerking didn’t play as a ninth grader because of knee surgery, but she’s been a key player since. “I knew when Katie was in the fifth or sixth grade that she would be this good,” said Wesleyan coach Jan Azar. Frerking plays hard all the time and rarely goes through dry patches, makes few mistakes and contributes points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. In other words, she’s the complete package. Examples? In the semifinal game against Thomasville, Frerking had 29 points, 10 rebounds, six steals, three blocks and two assists. In the state championship game she played 27 minutes, scored 28 points (20 in the second half), had eight rebounds, three assists and 11 steals. “She decided at halftime it was now or never and she decided to bring home a state championship,” Azar said. Frerking had the chance to play her final season with her sister, Lauren, a freshman, who she called “awesome.” He also completed her career alongside point guard Brittany Stevens, a Samford signee who has been her best friend since elementary school. “To be with this group of seniors that’s been playing together since the seventh grade is so cool,” Frerking said. “We wanted to go out with a state championship so bad.” Frerking, a two-time all-state selection, has signed with Auburn.
KATIE FRERKING Photograph by Kat Goduco
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NOURISH
NOURISH GREAT PLACES TO EAT AND MEET FRIENDS AND TEAMMATES
DEEP BLUE thOUGHTS & TOUCHDOWN FOR FOOD
NOW EATING AT
“Better make it four. I don’t think I can eat eight.” - Yogi Berra, asked if he wanted his pizza cut into four or eight slices.
Question & Answer by Tori Vogt
Cheeseburger Bobby’s Peachtree Corners, GA Build your own burger, hot dog and more at this fast enough food restaurant with an upscale flair. Heavy on the customer service, then there’s something for everyone in your group, from fresh-cut fries, hamburgers and veggie burgers to grilled and BBQ chicken sandwiches, along with handspun milkshakes.
Ron and MaryAnne Murray, owners and operators of the Atlanta Bread Company at The Forum in Peachtree Corners, have been deeply involved in giving back to the local community since opening their business in 2002. Norcross High School athletics are among the numerous programs in the neighborhood that have benefited from the Murray family’s generosity. What local causes do you support? We love being part of the Peachtree Corners community. A big part of our calling is to serve others, and we do that by donating food to many area organizations as well as distributing baked goods to local churches each night, which they share with those in need. Our commitment to making a difference continues to extend through our Atlanta Bread Company, a major supporter of Norcross High School’s football, baseball, lacrosse, tennis and track and field teams. We now are at the top sponsorship level for Norcross football through the Touchdown Club. We support the elementary and middle schools in our neighborhood as well as the Robert Fowler YMCA in addition to many other causes. We help a lot of people. How did you get involved sponsoring Norcross Blue Devils athletics?
From the time we opened our doors in 2002, our place -- Atlanta Bread Company -- has been a gathering spot for morning meetings for many people in the Norcross High School community, particularly coaches, parents, boosters and athletes. One of our earliest loyal customers was, at the time, president of the Touchdown Club, and he asked us to
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become a Blue Devils athletics sponsor. We were thrilled to get involved. We receive tremendous exposure for our restaurant by having our logo on the football scoreboard, for example, while also supporting some of the nation’s best sports programs to the youth in our community. Being a good citizen is an important role for any business.
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5270 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 1188, Peachtree Corners | 770-300-0804
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SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
Steverino’s Duluth, GA You’ll love Steverino’s for the pizza and subs, and probably everything else like the organic greens, homemade salad dressing and that fresh marinara source (made from italian plum tomatoes ground on site.) It sits in downtown Duluth, just off the Town Green. Enjoy the food and beer, while the kids take in the park. Waffle House You’re Kidding Right? Waffles or T-Bone steaks, day or night, you can count on Waffle House for “Good Food Fast.” Headquartered right here in Gwinnett County, the door is always open “Under the Yellow Sign,” welcoming you and your entire crew for a made-to-order meal with no surprises.
TO THE
MAX
ADULT LEAGUE & SPORTS
2013 Summer League Baseball · Female Intermediate The WSBL, Women’s Southern Baseball League, according to Yolanda Cox, was created to help women baseball players in the south to network through its organization and team up in various ways in the community. “We are an amateur sports league for women founded in Georgia. The league was created for the mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters that appreciate America’s pastime first hand.” Women’s baseball can be dated back to the early 1940’s and beyond. The WSBL will provide an organized experience to women of different ages and abilities, building discipline, character, sportsmanship, and friendships along the way. For more information visit the website ladiesplayingball.com or email ladiesplayingball@gmail.com, or call 404-348-3903 This is a new league. The league play starts June 1 ’13. Registration has already started. Late registration is welcomed. Games played in Duluth.
TDS Flag Football is a Meetup organization.
Across from Eddie Owen Presents (EOP) in Downtown Duluth Pizza | Appetizers | Calzones | Famous Subs | Burgers | Salads
Real Pizza!
According to the Meetup site, it’s a Men’s (8on8) Pick-Up style (but they have a rented-field & paid-refs), and all jerseys & flags are provided. Ages 18-up, all “level of players” welcome. For fun, exercise & comradery, but it’s EXTREMELY competitive! It’s an all-passing game! All offensive positions are eligible receivers! “We try hard to make sure EVERYBODY gets the ball! No matter what the weather is like, we ALWAYS play one 3-hour game, every-other Sunday, YEAR-ROUND! We haven’t missed a game in over 6 years! We require only a $5 donation per game. 125 Players [in their meetup group]. http://www.meetup.com/TDS_Flag_Football/
WAKA Atlanta Kickball Not in Gwinnett, but registration may is still open. Plays in Smyrna, GA League: GA Thrasher Tuesdays starting April 23 Chuck Camp Park Register now at http://www.kickball.com/kickball/#GA
$
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3117 Main Street Duluth, GA 770-622-2110 steverinosduluth.com
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GRIZZLIES
GRIZZLIES Georgia Gwinnett College Athletics
New stadium only the beginning for GGC sports this year
softball field will be able to seat 500 spectators. The college is also building a 25,000 square foot administration building slated for completion in May. All locker rooms will be there, as well two meeting rooms, a training room, a state of the art weight room, a couple entertainment suites overlooking the baseball and softball fields, and all program offices
The Skinny
“It’ll be the front door of our athletic program,” Wilson said. “It will be a showplace for recruits coming in.”
by Matthew W. Quinn
Georgia Gwinnett College’s new baseball stadium is but the first of this year’s coming improvements. Completed softball stadium and new athletic building are on the agenda, as is preparing for possible post-season play. Georgia Gwinnett College Director of Athletics Darin Wilson and President Daniel Kaufman took the occasion of the March 9 opening of the college’s new baseball stadium to describe their future plans for the school. Wilson explained the stadium had broken ground June 27, 2012. Although rain during the last few months had impeded progress, construction followed “a very aggressive schedule” and so it was completed. The college opened the stadium with a 4 p.m. double-header against Rochester College, a fellow member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Kaufman threw the ceremonial first pitch. Wilson estimated 700 of the 800 seats at the baseball field were occupied. The Grizzlies triumphed in
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The weight room and academic resource center will benefit athletes directly. Coaches will be able to hold team meetings and team review sessions. There will be a whole plethora of activities. Over the coming year, Wilson hopes to maintain a high-quality body of student athletes. The students had outstanding grade point averages last fall and Wilson intends for them to continue. Dr. Darin Wilson with BBC President Daniel Kaufman Photo credit Tom Grason
both games, improving their inaugural season record to 11-6. The Georgia Gwinnett College athletic program has a full plate this year. “This upcoming year, we’ll be eligible for post-season play,” Wilson said. This applies to all six sports— men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, baseball, and softball. NAIA rules require a program play one season before post-season play is permitted. To bring the school teams up to strength for the 2013-2014
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
season, the teams are recruiting heavily both in Gwinnett County, across the wider United States, and internationally. The demographics of each sports team are different—baseball and softball are local, while tennis is predominately international, women’s soccer is primarily local, and men’s soccer is a mix of Georgian and international players. Wilson also hopes to have the softball field completed by early April. Due to the weather, construction was delayed and the softball field fell behind the baseball field. The completed
“All our athletes have been involved in some degree of community service,” he said. “We expect them to continue in the upcoming year.” He also hopes to maintain a winning record. In the fall, the Grizzlies’ men’s soccer team had a 14-2-2 record and the women a 10-7-1. The spring sports like baseball and softball are off to a good start so far. “Our goal is to be the model NAIA program in the country,” he said. Matthew W. Quinn is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist from Marietta, Ga.
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PARKS
PARKS
Highlighted Parks and Recreation Events and Programs
Tavani Soccer Camp
Meteor Madness and Campout
The camps are for boys and girls, ages 7-15. The camp staff is an experienced mix of top club and high school coaches along with college players. All of their college players were once coached by Camp Director and Georgia Coach of the Year, Gregg Tavani, and serve as role models to our young ,aspiring campers. Ages: 7-15, held at Bunten Road Park, Duluth www.tavanasoccer.com
April 20 to April 21
ADULT TENNIS Adult beginner tennis is an introduction to tennis, includes all basic strokes, how to keep score and court positioning (6 week session, beginning April 15th). Also available are Adult Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate classes. Held at Bunten Road Park, Duluth.
YOUTH TENNIS LESSONS
6:00pm to 8:30am. It’s a night under the stars! Enjoy a traditional camp dinner, watch and learn about the Lyrids Meteor Shower, participate in fun activities, plus breakfast in the morning! Bring your own tent and camping gear (no fires allowed). Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. All ages, $8/person or $30/ family of 4. Advanced registration required by April 8. Little Mulberry Park, 3855 Fence Road, Auburn. Contact Kim Shealy 678.277.0850 Little Mulberry Park
Twilight Hike Saturday, May 4
6:00pm to 8:00pm George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center GCPR is teaming up with the President’s Council on Fitness,
Hotdogs and Horseshoes Wednesday, May 8
11:00am to 1:00pm • Bethesda Park Senior Center. It’s an old fashioned picnic of hotdogs and lawn games! Enjoy • this outdoor lunch and fun activities! $5/person, must pre-register by 5/3. Register online at www.gwinnettparks. com with code: BPSC14201 or call 678.277.0179.
Check out our new infographic on sports and recreation in Gwinnett Parks. Visit sportsgwinnett.com
(8-12, Pre-ALTA & ALTA) Learn basic stroke production and how to keep score. This class may be taken by a student several times as lesson plans will change from sessions to session and new skills will be added. One week sessions, starting May 28, June 3, 10, 17 and 24th. Bunten Road and WP Jones Parks in Duluth. More information is available on Duluth Parks at http://www. duluthga.net/department/parksrecreation/
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Sports, & Nutrition in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. During the month of May, we challenge you to include 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Start with enjoying an easy, guided hike featuring the natural world as it settles into evening. Amble through Piedmont Forests and marshlands as dusk turns into night. All ages, $5/person; register online with code GPCC14277 (gwinnettparks. com) or call 678.277.0910.
SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
Therapeutic Sports at Gwinnett County Parks Various Parks
404.625.3988 Special Olympics Georgia-Gwinnett Masters www.gmsoga.org Sports Offered: Track & Field, Swimming, Softball, Bocce, Gymnastics, Bowling, Floor Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball
Bay Creek Park 770.978.5271 Grayson Athletic Association www.gaasports.org Sports Offered: Basketball, Cheerleading, Baseball/Softball
Best Friend Park 770.399.7588 ext. 131 ALTA Tennis www.altatennis.org Sports Offered: Tennis
Peachtree Ridge Park 770.822.8849 Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association www.pryaa.com Sports Offered: Football, Cheerleading,Baseball/Softball
Rabbit Hill Park 678.277.0855 Dacula Soccer Club www.daculasoccer.com Sports Offered: Soccer
how I
DO IT
SOCCER
Ella Stevens Ella Stevens is a midfielder for Grayson High School soccer. Ella plays in the Elite Clubs National League, the top girls club soccer league in the United States and ranks in the top 10 in U-16 for scoring. When did you start playing soccer? Three years old at the YMCA. My mom is a coach so I was always at the soccer fields with a ball. What age did you know that soccer would be the sport that you would be committed to? Soccer has always been my #1 sport since I can remember? I have always seen my future involving soccer. Did you play other sports when you were younger, and did playing these other sports help improve your skills as a soccer player? I did gymnastics when I was little and played basketball and swim team. I believe that they all helped me from foot work to fitness to flexibility. What inspires you to keep playing soccer? Ever since I was little I have wanted to be like Mia Hamm. She inspired me to keep playing and be the best I can be! When I was 9 I told my parents that I wanted to play on the US National team. I am still working toward my goal! What are your pre-game rituals? I have a ritual in which I put my socks, shoes and shin guards on a certain way…. Before games I like to laugh and joke with my teammates to calm my nerves. I also will listen to some music to get pumped up. How do you stay focused? Soccer is my passion! It is easy to stay focused when it is something that you love and have fun doing. What is your proudest soccer moment? When I scored against Germany while playing for the U-17 National team What is your funniest soccer story? Last year in a game a girl accidently pulled my shorts down. What do you do in the “off-season” to stay in top form? There really is no off season. I train year round. What is an important lesson that you have learned through your soccer experience? Teamwork. You can have 11 people on the field but if you don’t work as a team then you will not be successful. How has soccer helped you in other areas of life? Soccer has taught me so many things. Discipline, work ethic, team work. If you work hard enough you can achieve your dreams.
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MOMS & DADS
BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE The Passion of Sports and Recreation in Pictures
Duluth High School Women’s Soccer ‘Tough Girls’ DHS vs North Gwinnett and Norcross 1 -Betsi Zuniga
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2 - Lexie Luther 3- Betsi Zuniga 4- Daniela Diaz 5- Tiffany Sornpao, gk 6 - Klaudia Cancino
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7 -Madison Whitley Thank you to Vince Hayes, Duluth High School, Varsity Women’s Soccer Coach.
5 Please check SportsGwinnett.com for stories and pictures. Want to be here? Send your photos to editor@sportsgwinnett.com with “Best Seat in the House” in the subject line. Include a caption (name of person or people in the picture, team, school, game, etc., photo credit). It needs to be a current photo - meaning for the May issue, it should have happened in April. Deadlines are the 18th of the month prior to publication.
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SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
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MOMS & DADS
TEAM MOMS & DADS
Tips, Recommendations and Advise
them along the way. All kids benefit from park fundraisers, so the more funds that can be raised, the better.
Game Book The home team is responsible for keeping the official “book”, but each team will want to have a record of each game. Help the coach identify a parent or two that will be willing to keep the book each game. Typically it will be the same parent(s) that do Each game, the visiting team this task each time. It is imporis responsible for keeping the tant to have accurate information scoreboard. You can make a schedule for your parents or ask for the umpires to refer to when necessary. if anyone would be interested in performing the task for the season. It is a great view of the game and shaded for when it is really hot!
Scoreboard
Stay organized
everything that you need to Organization Keep bring to the games in one place. could be a tote bag or a in the Dugout This backpack! Be sure to bring the Work with the coach to see how he/she wants the dugout organized. For the younger kids, plastic tubs with their names or numbers on them for them to put their helmets, hats, and other equipment is a good idea. This keeps from getting everything mixed up in the dugout.
roster, game schedule, assignment calendar (snack, scoreboard, dugout, book), pencil/pen, etc. You may want to throw in a few Band-Aids “just in case”.
Sydney Sattler is a mom of 2 boys that have grown up playing baseball in the Duluth Youth Baseball and Softball Association. She has been a Team Mom for both recreational teams Fundraising is an important part and travel teams – from tee ball of participating in sports. Each through majors. She also serves as uniform coordinator for the park (or team if a travel team) will have their own fundraising DYBSA. activities that you will need to promote. Inform your parents as Want to contribute here email soon as possible about any fundeditor@sportsgwinnett.com raising activities and encourage
Fundraising
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SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com | April 2013
Shutterfly: for Your Team Website by Amanda Helmstetter
B
eing the “Team Mom” can be an overwhelming job at times, but it is extremely important to having a well-run team. One of the biggest challenges facing the Team Mom is that of communication. When is the next practice? Where is the next game? How do you get to such and such a park? One of the best tools I’ve found to managing all of the communication for my kid’s teams are Team Web Sites. It is a centralized place for the team roster, game schedule, practice times, and other important information such as a list of e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers for the coaches. Having team website does NOT mean you have to be a web site master! There are a lot of good templates out there that are super-easy to subscribe to and use. My personal favorite is one by Shutterfly. There are predesigned templates for the team roster, kids names, parent’s names and contact information. There is calendar functionality that will allow you to upload all practices, games and other events that the team needs to be kept apprised of. A spectacular feature with Shutterfly web sites are that they make it very easy for anyone who has access to the site to upload pictures. Once uploaded, they can be tagged with player names and an e-mail alert is sent to the parents letting them know that new pictures of their child are now available. Additionally, (because Shutterfly is a photo tool), it is easy to create great photo keep sakes from the mired of pictures collected over the season. These make GREAT coach’s gifts. So go visit www.shutterfly.com and give it a try.
Amanda Helmstetter, mother of two super-star youth athletes who play baseball, lacrosse, softball and basketball; lives with her family live in Peachtree Corners.
We’re just gearing up. We will be introducing an iPad version of the magazine in a few months with an app as well. Become a fan on Facebook for more immediate updates.
SPORTS GWINNETT
www.sportsgwinnett.com | 678.358.7858
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Summer
Camps
Adventure Camps Full day recreation camps with a thematic twist!
Preschool Camps Fun morning camps at select locations.
Special Interest Camps Partial day camps led by specialized instructors.
Register today! www.gwinnettparks.com Top Notch convenient locations
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Buford Bogan Park Community Recreation Center 678.277.0850 Dacula Dacula Park Activity Building 678.277.0850 Duluth Shorty Howell Park Activity Building 770.814.4914 Lawrenceville Rhodes Jordan| Park Recreation Center 678.277.0890 SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com April Community 2013
Lilburn Mountain Park Park Depot Building 678.277.0179 Norcross Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center 678.277.0860 Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center 678.277.0920 Snellville Lenora Park Gymnasium 770.978.5271 Stone Mountain Mountain Park Activity Building 678.277.0179 Suwanee George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center 678.277.0910