‘Everybody knows him’
Family shares who missing Tallassee man is
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It has been two and half weeks since the family of Michael Randall Thompson has seen him, and
it has them worried. Thompson, 60, of Tallassee, is never far from home and never out of contact with family for more than a few hours. “He doesn’t stay away from
home like that,” sister Felicia Thompson said. “He will be home. If he was out somewhere he would call no matter what.”
1982 GRADUATE SWORN INTO THE TALLASSEE
HALL OF PRIDE
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Susan Schonberger Swagler got her first taste of the library and writing in Tallassee. The skills she learned there have served her well since graduating in 1982 as an accomplished writer and humanitarian.
Swagler was honored last month by being inducted into the Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride.
“I have spent most of my adult life trying to make my little part
of the world better in whatever way I could in trying to spotlight other people in Alabama who were doing amazing things,” Swagler said. “That’s what I love to do.”
Swagler spent her time at Tallassee not only as a student but as a cheerleader, a member of the National Honor Society and on the staff of the yearbook and student newspaper. She developed a love of words and libraries in Tallassee. “I’m thankful to the librarians,” Swagler said. “For the
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
librarians and for the English teachers who taught me the importance of words and who showed me that I could make a living with words.” She graduated from Auburn University Montgomery with a degree in English. Her first job out of college was at the Montgomery Journal. Swagler went to the Tampa Tribune only to return to Alabama and the Birmingham News in 1996. She wrote about food and books.
See PRIDE, Page A8
Susan Schönberger Swagler, left, a 1982 graduate of Tallassee High School was recently inducted in the alumni association’s Hall of Pride. Swagler left Tallassee and was a reporter for several newspapers across the Southeast. She is currently a food and lifestyle contributor to WBRC in Birmingham.
Lewis honors past with oath of office
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The future lies ahead for Judge Bill Lewis after he was sworn into the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals on Thursday.
Lewis acknowledged his past in his investiture service in front of the appellate courts of Alabama, including the state’s supreme court. Lewis is the fourth Black individual to serve as a judge in the appellate courts and first on the court of civil appeals.
“I have witnessed the development and growth of Judge Bill Lewis,” civil rights attorney Fred Gray said. “I serve without reservation, he is well qualified to serve in that position.”
Lewis and Gray share a history of respect and admiration. Lewis invited
Gray to his investiture in 2016 as Lewis was elected to the bench as a circuit court judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit serving Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties. In 2018 Lewis introduced Gray at the Wetumpka Black History Program. Gray said Lewis may go on to bigger things from the court of civil appeals — higher courts and more.
Lewis was the valedictorian of Wetumpka in 1996. He gave credit for his academic success and more to his parents Dorthy and Bill Lewis while joking about possible legal ramifications.
“If I had known about DHR when she was pushing me to get that last math problem or read that book in not so nice ways, I would have called them
SUBMITTED TPI
Michael Randall Thompson has been missing since April 21.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Alabama Supreme Court associate justice William B. Sellers, administers the oath of office to Judge Bill Lewis as his wife Jenna, mother Dorothy and son Billy look on.
See MISSING, Page A3
Another prison smuggling attempt thwarted
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
Nearly three kilograms of marijuana and 30 cellphones were seized before they were introduced to state prisons over the weekend.
A K9 team from Staton Correctional Facility located Keante Jamal Shipp, 21, of Montgomery near neighboring Elmore Correctional Facility about 9:24 p.m. Saturday.
“Once on the scene the team
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MAY 5
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Riverside Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• An animal bite was reported on Riverside Avenue.
• A disorderly subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A disorderly subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Adams Street.
nue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
MAY 3
• Assistance was given to another agency on Kent Road.
• Theft was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A fight was reported on First Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Sims Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Riverside Drive.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Laurel Street.
• Livestock was reported in the roadway on Cherokee Trail.
• An animal bite was reported on Third Street.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Property damage was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Property damage was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
MAY 4
• A Black male was arrested on Freeman Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Hillcrest Street.
• A white female was arrested during a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.
• A fight was reported on Wall Street.
• Property damage was reported on Little Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Livestock was reported in the roadway on Cherokee Trail.
• A suspicious person was reported on Washington Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Freeman Avenue.
• A civil dispute was reported on Second Ave-
located and detained the suspect,” an Alabama Department of Corrections release said. “Tracking dogs were then deployed to backtrack the suspect’s tack and located multiple packages wrapped in duct tape.” Court records state the packages contained 2,290 kilograms of marijuana, 99 grams of cathinone, 30
• A welfare check was conducted on Dolan Road.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Powers Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A white male was arrested on Industrial Parkway.
• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A domestic dispute was arrested on Notasulga Road.
• Theft was reported on Third Street.
• A Black male was arrested on Freeman Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Camellia Drive.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.
• Animal control was requested on Quail Run Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
cellphones, 24 charging cords, 17 charging blocks and a digital scale. Shipp was taken to the Elmore County Jail and charged with two counts of trafficking, two counts of promoting prison contraband and criminal trespassing.
Shipp posted a $3,036,000 bond Tuesday and was released from the Elmore County Jail. ADOC said the incident is still under investigation and additional charges may be pending.
MAY 2
• An arrest was made during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on Redden Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Adams Street.
• A juvenile complaint was filed on Central Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Freeman Avenue.
• A fight in progress was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Sims and Gilmer avenues and Barnett Boulevard.
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A white female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on Joy Street.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• An animal complaint was reported on Joy Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Menacing was reported on McNeal Street.
• A verbal altercation was reported on Hickory Street.
• Gunfire was reported on Poplar Street. MAY 1
• Theft was reported on Sims Street.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Stroud Street.
• An arrest was made during a domestic incident on West James Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious person
was reported on Hillcrest Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Joy Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Third Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Roberts Street.
• Menacing was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Animal control was requested on Joy Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Duke Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Marvin Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Hull Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on East Patton Street. APRIL 30
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Sims Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Redden Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on North Ann Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Sims Avenue.
• Property damage was reported on Joy Street.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.
• A domestic dispute was reported on McNeal Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Redden Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Central Boulevard. See REPORTS, Page A3
SHIPP
MISSING
Continued from A1
Sunday, April 21 was the last time anyone saw Micahel Thompson. He was at his sister’s home on Fleahop Road near Eclectic.
“He came down in his truck,” Joanne Wright said. “We had some friends here and were barbecuing. He was talking. He was fine.” Thompson told his sisters he was headed home that Sunday. He hung around a few minutes speaking with friends and family before finally leaving. Everyone thought he was headed to his home in Tallassee.
The next morning the family noticed Thompson’s truck wasn’t at his home. They thought
Continued from A1
maybe Thompson went somewhere. Later Monday, the truck was still missing and by Tuesday morning the family’s worries grew.
“[Wright] called me and said something wasn’t right,” Thompson said. “We looked after inquiring about a missing person report.”
The family also noticed Thompson’s wallet and cellphone were at his home.
“That was another alarm,” Thompson said. “He doesn’t go anywhere without them.”
The sisters said Thompson had two wallets and a phone at the gathering on Sunday.
On April 24 they started the formal process of filing a missing person’s report with the Tallassee Police Department. That is when the family saw
and now be in Tennessee or somewhere else,” Lewis said. “I realize the reason she pushed me was because she knew we had to fill all of our potential.”
Lewis attended the University of the South in Sewanee and went on to Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham. He came back to Wetumpka in August 2003 to work as a law clerk for 19th Judicial Circuit Court Court Judge John Bush. Lewis’ law career almost ended just as it started. He was running with Bush across the circuit learning everything he could on handling criminal, civil and domestic relations cases.
“We got to December and (the office of courts) told me I had to fire him because we couldn’t have law clerks anymore,” Bush said with emotion. “It was one of the most unpleasant things I have ever had to do in my life.”
But Lewis quickly landed in the district attorney’s office where now Elmore County District Court Judge Glen Goggans was working as an assistant DA. Goggans is also an ordained Baptist minister added to the slightly less formalness of the proceedings..
“I did a funeral (Wednesday), but this is special as I get to say something good about them when they are alive,” Goggans said. “I think the world of him and his family.”
Lewis became Goggans’ boss of sorts when Lewis was appointed circuit court judge in 2016. In Feb-
levard.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Hillcrest Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.
APRIL 29
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Ice Plant Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Jefferson Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Sims Avenue.
• Menacing was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• A civil disturbance was reported on Washington Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Harassment was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Burglary was reported on Grimes Street.
• Harassment was reported on Barnett Bou-
blood on Thompson’s front porch.
Later that day his vehicle was found near the Franklin-Tuskegee exit for Interstate 85, which is a place his family said he never goes alone. The sisters said his driving is limited mainly between Tallassee and Eclectic. He will sometimes go to Montgomery for doctors appointments. Whenever he travels to Macon County, Tuskegee or further, Thompson always contacts and rides with family.
The Tallassee Police Department was aided in searching the area near where Thompson’s vehicle was found. Officers from the Franklin Police Department, the Macon County Sheriff’s Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. A helicopter searched
ruary 2017 Lewis made the trip to governor’s office in Montgomery to swear in Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.
“I will always remember his smile as he walked into the governor’s office to greet me on a day that forever changed my life,” Marshall said. “It was an act of kindness and grace that I have not and will not forget.”
Marshall travels the state trying cases in front of numerous judges, all of whom admire his tenacity.
“He has praise across the state especially among fellow trial judges,” Marshall said. “He is trusted and respected by all. His decisions on the trial bench reflect bias to no party.”
Lewis is the first Black Republican to serve in Alabama’s appellate courts. Alabama political columnist Steve Flowers said Lewis has been a lifelong Republican.
“It was a brilliant appointment by Gov. (Kay) Ivey, not just officially because of his qualifications but it does show there is room for African Americans in the Republican Party,” Flowers said. “He is not Johnny come lately. I think it is a good day for Alabama. It shows promise for the Republican Party.”
Lewis showed what was most valuable to him just as his investiture started Thursday.
“To the extent you can judge a man by his raising, we saw that as he got his momma and family into the courtroom,” Marshall said.
Lewis asked Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker for a moment to help escort his mother who was being pushed in a wheelchair by his wife Jenna and
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
APRIL 28
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Gunfire was reported on Rickey Lane.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Highway 14.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Central Boulevard.
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
MAY 2
• Domestic violence was reported on Pemrose Lane.
MAY 1
• Domestic violence was reported on Govern-
reported on
from overhead.
“They were looking for any anomalies,” Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said. “There were also four different tracking canines. We have followed all the leads we have had so far.”
Thompson said the family hasn’t given up on finding Thompson.
“When we started to put the flyers up, everybody had a story,” Thompson said. “That is Mr. Mike. He knew everybody around the area. He talked a lot.”
Wright said her brother was slightly disabled and was always willing to lend a help hand.
“He was the type of person to help,” Wright said. “He was always saying he was a hustler and do this or that. He would talk to people. He was a good person.”
son Billy. They took a seat beside Lewis and stood with him as he placed a hand on the Lewis family Bible with a candle lit beside a photograph of Lewis’ father Bill who died about 20 years ago.
Lewis is usually unfazed ruling from the bench, but emotion slowed him some as he took the oath of office from Alabama Supreme Court Justice William Sellers.
“As a lawyer I don’t get scared speaking in public, but I get nervous in front of you guys,” Lewis said. “It is humbling to see the turnout for this event.”
Lewis follows William Thompson to the bench on the court of civil appeals. Thompson served 27 years on the court, presiding for 17 years. Lewis will hear cases in a courtroom named for Thompson. Marshall called it the year of replacing legends in Alabama.
“I understand what (new Alabama football) coach (Kalen) DeBoer is going through,” Lewis said. “Those are some big shoes to fill. I’m not going to try to fill them. It is impossible to do. I will work to make sure I carry on the integrity and the pride of how he served.”
Most of the Elmore County Bar Association was in attendance of Lewis’ investiture. Lewis reminded the 19th Judicial Circuit “family” he still works for them. Lewis used the group to remind everyone he will not forget Elmore County and its neighbors.
“I may work in Montgomery but the 19th Circuit is home,” Lewis said. “They are family. I still work for you, just added 64 counties.”
LEWIS
Blowout in Tuskegee
As my 28-year teaching career comes to a conclusion this year, I am revisiting some columns that ran in this space over the past 20 years that told stories from our music department at Tallassee High School. This is one of the most-requested tales from the road. This originally appeared in The Tallassee Tribune in 2008.
For the second year in a row, on my way to the press box to announce the “Pride of Tallassee” band at halftime, I have destroyed my pants on a broken fence on the home side of Eagles Stadium in Tuskegee. The fact that it happened once is bad enough, but now it has happened twice.
Talk about a Friday night “blow-out”.
It is embarrassing enough to walk through crowds when you are the visiting team. On some occasions, the crowd can be hostile to the announcer. You have to walk through the fans near the
end of the 2nd quarter, usually a critical time in the game – and if you can imagine a fat boy hanging his rear on a fence struggling to get loose, you can also imagine the hoots and hollers from the fans on the Tuskegee side.
One girl kept talking about it, laughing as loudly as she could. I heard her making fun of me, even as I announced the Tallassee band coming on the field.
I tried not to notice, but it took me back to that day in seventh grade when I fell down the stairs at Goodwyn Jr. High School and landed directly between the science teacher’s legs. In my agony, the teacher couldn’t make much out of my moans and groans amongst all the laughter of my schoolmates. I just recall her leaning down above me and saying, “are you okay?” It all happened in slow-motion. Fat people fall down that way.
See BLOWOUT, Page A8
address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Tallassee Tribune 211 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee, AL 36078 Email: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a
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My husband and I have recently been contemplating the idea of fostering.
As I get older, the possibility of having children of our own seems less and less likely, but I’ve always wanted to be a mother. I have that innate need to take care of people, especially those who need it most.
I was talking to my therapist about this idea and told her I don’t want to live my entire life without being a mother, when she said, “Well, you have been a mother.”
It got me thinking: Mother is a lot of things to a lot of different people.
I never want to take anything away from “true moms,” those who have given birth and raised their children up from babies. But there are a lot of other mothers who should be celebrated as well.
Grandmothers play a crucial role in the upbringing of children. Stepmothers are another type of mom that deserve just as much praise.
We have a saying in our family that we don’t say “step” or “in law.” When you hear me talking about my husband’s siblings, those are my brothers and sisters too. There’s no “in law” in our house, and being married to someone who was raised
Motherhood is
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
by a stepfather he calls Dad, there’s no “step” either. That being said, I was a mother once. I was engaged to a man back in Pennsylvania who had the two best kids you could ask for. We had full custody of his son Lucas, and I loved playing mom to him and his sister Ali. I remember creating a project where we had to make our own box of cereal out of arts and crafts; that was a hoot. Or when Ali came home and said she had to do a poster on what she wanted to be when she grew up and she picked my job, I was more than flattered. I loved taking them to town events or on vacation, and I did everything a mother would do — drove them to school and packed their lunches.
So in many ways, I was a mother for a time.
husband and I have always been drawn to dogs who are really in need. My first dog, Stella, has severe storm anxiety and takes daily medication every 12 hours, and when Charles and I first decid ed to adopt together, we picked Pebbles, who has chronic eye problems and also requires daily medication.
We have two more, Raven and Que, as well as two kittens we rescued from going to the shelter. Those animals are my life, and without my husband and I, who knows where they would be?
That’s definitely parenthood, at least in some sense of the word. it, and there are lots of ways to be a great mom. We’ve been taking care of my nephew while my sister works overnights, and although we’re just the aunt and uncle, it still requires those same instincts. one who considers themselves a mom. You deserve it too. aging
I’ve also been a dog mom — still am, and always will be. Going back to helping those most in need, my
gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.
Senator ‘Coach’ Tuberville quietly effective
As the end of 2023 was approaching, the U.S. Senate had ignored the custom to adjourn around Thanksgiving for a month-long Christmas break. Instead, they were working right up to Christmas. Our Senior Senator Tommy Tuberville was quietly and effectively maneuvering to get things accomplished with an adroitness exhibited by U.S. Senate veterans.
Alabama’s senior United States Senator has become an adept political operator during his three and a half years in the upper chamber of Congress. Political observers did not know what to expect when a man, who prefers the title “Coach” to “Senator” came to Washington, and he has surprised many with his ability to get his priorities accomplished.
A good example of the Coach’s savvy occurred in the days leading up to Christmas, as the Senate worked to craft an end-of-year nominations package. These packages often come together at the close of the year and approve multiple presidential nominees for senior executive branch positions in the final days of the congressional session. Leadership and the Senate’s most senior members control which nominations make it into the package. Sen. Tuberville collaborated with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure his friend and fellow Alabamian, former 11-term Congressman Spencer Bachus, was included in the package in the final hours of the 2023 session. The Senate operates on the rule of unanimous consent, meaning that a single Senator can throw a wrench into its operations and bring the entire body to a standstill. The Coach has established credibility in the Senate, and his colleagues have come to learn
that when he threatens to hold up a legislative package, they had better take him at his word. This credibility has given him the ability to get things done.
As a result of Sen. Tuberville’s efforts, Congressman Bachus was included in the yearend package and confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate for a second term on the Board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Originally appointed by President Trump, Bachus’ senior leadership role at America’s leading Development finance bank has allowed him to provide financing to strategically important United State companies and industries to ensure the United States remains competitive with adversaries like China.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed supply chain vulnerabilities in the United States, and the Export-Import Bank has played a key role in helping to fortify domestic supply lines for industries vital to national security. Thanks to Sen. Tuberville’s efforts, Alabama will continue to have a voice at this powerful federal agency in Spencer Bachus.
This yearend coup by Sen. Tuberville, to get the revered Jefferson County, former Congressman Spencer Bachus reappointed to the Export-Import Bank, was expedited with the assistance of Coach’s brilliant young assistant Emory Cox. Folks should not underestimate Coach Tuberville. He is used to
working in the trenches.
Alabamians should also not underestimate how close Senator “Coach” Tuberville and former President Donald Trump are. If Trump is reelected, Tuberville will be Trump’s closest ally and friend in the U.S. Senate. Alabama will be in the catbird seat in a Trump administration because of Tuberville.
Former Congressman Spencer Bachus had a successful 22-year run as the 6th district’s congressman. However, his successor, Gary Palmer is doing a Yeoman’s job in this seat. The 6th congressional district is an affluent district, which includes the upscale suburbs of Jefferson County as well as burgeoning upscale Shelby County.
Congressman Gary Palmer is beginning his 11th year in the U.S. Congress. He disposed of two opponents in the just ended March GOP Primary and should have clear sailing for as long as he wants to stay in this 6th congressional district seat.
Palmer has become a player among the Republican congressional ranks. Prior to going to congress, he founded and ran the very conservative “think tank” – The Alabama Policy Institute. Therefore, he is viewed as an expert on policy issues. He is a leader in the GOP steering committee that sets policy and the agenda for the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also serves on the very important House Energy and Transportation Committee.
Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@steveflowers.us.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Page A6 • Wednesday, May 8, 2024 www.TallasseeTribune.com
Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Not Mine
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! Happy May Day to everyone! For the first time in a long time, it seems, we are actually enjoying actual spring weather here in the river region. It has been a pleasant departure from our typical cycle of winter – tornados –scorching summer heat.
One of the treasured hymns of the mainline church is Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine. The words of the first verse make it easy to understand why.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
The repeated refrain provides a powerful statement of praise.
This is my story; this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; Fanny Jane Crosby wrote the words to this beloved hymn in 1873. Her words capture the
glory of accepting God’s gift of salvation. In the second and third verses, she speaks of perfect submission and perfect delight. It is impossible to sing the hymn without acknowledging the blessing of belonging to God.
Theologians of every variety have debated the concept of claiming belonging to God. On the one hand, the word of God consistently declares that all are children of God, which solidifies the fact that every human creation is claimed by God. On the other, the Bible also consistently reflects what happens when children of God try and take ownership of belonging to God.
Salvation is a gift, not a possession. It is given by God. It is not earned through any means of human activity. Recognition of that gift only comes through living in faith, but recognition and possession are not the same thing. Is it possible to truly embody
REV.
JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
God’s amazing gift of salvation without having to possess it? I don’t know about you, but I have always believed it to be completely possible. The determining factor, it seems, is the measure of control we have over it.
First, there must be awareness that each and every child of God has complete control over acceptance of God’s grace and mercy. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “We are convinced that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.”(Romans 8:39) Paul dismisses every vestige of human authority and power and renders them powerless over God’s gift of salvation. Second, there must be aware-
Tallassee Churches
One of the treasured hymns of the mainline church is Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine. The words of the first verse make it easy to understand why.
ness that no human being controls God’s grace and mercy. While we may want to determine who is worthy to receive it and who is not, we do not have that authority. Again, in keeping with the proclamation of Romans 8, no human being can separate another human being from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
When we stand and sing Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine, what do we think that means? Are we celebrating being heirs of salvation? We certainly should be. Are we claiming Jesus as dying for our sins but not the sins of others?
I hope not.
The inability to control God’s gift of salvation is a gift in and of itself. It means, among many things, that no child of God ever needs to wonder what to say to or pray for sisters and brothers in any setting or circumstance. Claiming blessed assurance in belonging to God in Jesus Christ is empowering. Proclaiming God’s universal offering of salvation to all is life changing.
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
Surrounding Area Churches
Tallassee ends season in 5A quarterfinals
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
Tallassee saw its baseball season come to a quick end Wednesday afternoon.
The Tigers hit the road and were swept by Mobile Christian, 7-1 and 13-1, in the AHSAA Class 5A Elite Eight. Tallassee (20-10) ends its season in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016.
The Tigers were out-hit, 20-9, in the doubleheader while they only had one pitcher last longer than two innings on the mound.
“Our biggest thing was that our pitchers never could get comfortable,” Tigers coach John Goodman said. “It wasn’t just one guy. It was basically everybody. That was the difference in the ballgame. They worked hard and did everything we asked them to do. It just turned out that way.”
Mobile hit its way to a five-run lead in just the bottom of the first inning of Game 1. Against Brady Mason, leadoff hitter Damien Gatson hit a solo home run and was followed by four singles and a walk, leading to a 5-0 lead. The Leopards
added one run in the bottom of the second and third and never looked back.
In Game 2, Mobile scored five runs in both the second and third innings and led, 11-0, before Tallassee was able to get on the board via a Thomas Lemmond bases loaded walk.
“Mobile really swung the bats well and that was the difference in the game,” Goodman said.
Tallassee losing ends a run for the ages by the Tigers. After starting the season with just a 13-8 record, Tallassee knocked off three-consecutive opponents that were ranked higher than itself.
The Tigers beat Elmore County, taking two of three on the road, and were named area champions for the first time since 2017. They then hosted Marbury in the first round of the playoffs, a team ranked in the Top 10 all season and was ranked No. 1 just weeks before their matchup. In the second round, Tallassee knocked off the 5A south favorite in Gulf Shores, which was ranked No. 3 in the state.
See ENDS, Page A8
Reeltown boys finish runner-up at state
By TPI STAFF Staff Report
The Reeltown Rebels’ boys track and field team claimed second place over the weekend at the 2A state meet in Cullman. Led by a first place finish in the 110 hurdles by senior JJ Kendrick and a first place finish by the 4x100 relay team, the Rebels scored 60 team points to edge Holly Pond by just two points for second place. Kendrick was the only individual winner for Reeltown, putting up a season best time of 14.99 in the finals. The senior shaved down his time by almost half a second from prelims to finals, placing second in the preliminary round with a time of 15.35. Fellow senior Arthur Woods finished the hurdles in second place in 15.19. Jaedon Brooks finished in sixth place with a time of
HEADED TO HUNTSVILLE
Tallassee books trip to first Final Four
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Tallassee boys soccer team just keeps winning.
For the first time in program history, the Tigers are headed to the AHSAA Class 5A Final Four. Tallassee (20-4-4) beat Brewbaker Tech, 4-2, in the quarterfinals round Friday night.
The Tigers now advance to play Gulf Shores at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Huntsville Soccer Complex at John Hunt Park.
“This team has so much heart,” Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley said. “All year we’ve been talking about how we wanted to take this trip to Huntsville together. We want the opportunity to play the best team in the state, no matter who it is. We want that chance and want to see how we stack up against them. I like our chances.”
The two teams went backand-forth for the first 25
minutes without either team getting any quality looks at the goal. But with 12 minutes left in the first half, Tallassee used its height to its advantage.
On the first corner kick of the game, Irvin Delfin kicked a pass to the middle of the defensive box where Alec Carswell headed the ball into the back of the net. Carswell, who usually plays defense, was part of the attacking set due to his height.
“We have some tall boys on our team,” Tarpley said.
“We try to get Yuren (Rodriguez), Ricky (Murillo) and Alec all bunched together on that back post. All three are over 6-feet tall. We’re pretty good at converting set pieces.”
Five minutes later, the state’s leading goal scorer made it a two-goal game. Irvin Delfin outran the entire Brew Tech defense and kicked an easy goal to go up, 2-0, right before halftime.
Not even a minute out of the half, Delfin scored again. He kicked the ball from 35 yards out and it just went in over the outstretched hand of the Brew Tech goalkeeper. His second goal gave him 64 goals on the season, good for fifth all-time in AHSAA history.
With just over 20 minutes left in the game, Brew Tech reminded the Tallassee fans why the Rams were also in the second round. They scored back-to-back goals within 45 seconds of game time and cut the lead to 3-2. Following that, however, the Tallassee defense locked in and Rodriguez put the game out of reach just 14 minutes later.
Delfin was running down the left side of the field when he was tackled just inside the box. The Tigers were awarded a penalty kick and Rodriguez drained the shot in the left side of the net.
Tallassee’s Alec Carswell
and the Tigers beat Brewbaker
after scoring the first goal of
advance to the program’s first Final Four.
Tallassee track finishes Top 25 in state meet
finished in their respective events.
The Tallassee track and field team earned a top 25 finish in Gulf Shores this week.
The Tigers raced in the Class 5A state championship meet and had two runners finish in the Top 8, earning five total points for the 25th placed team. Overall, five other participants
The top two finishers were Tra’Mel McCoy (110 hurdles) and Marquese Griffin (400 meters). McCoy earned a sixthplace finish in the hurdles with a time of 16.00 flat, earning three points for the team. In the 400 meter, Griffin placed seventh with a time of 51.67 for two points.
The two racers also ran in the
300-hurdle, with Griffin finishing in 19th place and McCoy just one second behind him at 22nd place. McCoy also participated in the triple jump, placing 17th with a distance of 39-09.25. Teammate Rowen Thornton finished 29th in the triple jump, jumping 38-10.25. Jay Terry was the only other Tiger to finish his event as he placed 17th in the long jump.
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
celebrates
the game. Carswell
Tech, 4-2, to
Tallassee’s Thomas Lemmond throws across the diamond against Elmore County. Lemmond and the Tigers fell in the third round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs.
Reeltown’s boys track and field unit finished runner-up at the 2A state finals in Cullman over the weekend. Senior JJ Kendrick claimed an individual state title in the 110 meter hurdles, and also helped the 4x100 relay team to a first overall finish.
“This has been so great,” Goodman said. “This has brought back so many memories, it’s unbelievable. From the way it used to be with people coming to the ballpark and everybody wants to be a part of it. It’s been phenomenal. Now they understand what kind of recognition you get and what comes along with winning with Tallassee baseball.”
The Tigers only lose one senior from the 2024 team. Mason, who is the Tigers’ Game 1 starter, is headed to Huntingdon to continue his baseball career at the college level.
Despite battling injury throughout most of the season, Mason continued to produce and shine whenever he was needed. He won his matchups against all three opponents — Elmore County, Marbury and Gulf Shores — and finished his senior year with a 5-2 record and a sub-3.00 earned run average.
“Lord knows I wish he wouldn’t have gotten hurt,” Goodman said. “There’s no telling what could have happened if he didn’t. He’s probably been about 75-80% healthy since spring break, and he was out there giving us every single thing he had.”
With eight of the nine starters returning for next season, Tallassee will look to continue this recent run of success as it moves down to Class 4A.
After winning just four games in 2022, Tallassee has improved each of the last two seasons. They reached the second round of the playoffs in 2023 and have now reached the semifinals.
Goodman knows if his team can keep working, the sky’s the limit next season.
“If they improve as much as they did from Year 1 to Year 2, then it’s going to be fun next year,” Goodman said. “We have to get stronger and faster. We have to go out and not take anything for granted and earn everything we get.”
FOUR
Continued from A7
“That goal was huge,” Tarpley said.
“Irvin was in attack mode all night long so for him to go after that ball when we’re up 3-2 says a lot about him. He drew the PK and gave us the goal back and we were much more comfortable with that lead.”
BLOWOUT
Continued from A4
(Years later, when I worked at Robert E. Lee High School and had to visit Goodwyn, I used the same staircase to visit the upstairs bandroom – and experienced a bit of post-traumatic stress disorder.)
The pants-ripping last Friday evening reminded me of some funny stories announcing for the band over the years.
Way back in the Frisco City days, we were once the visiting team at a school in west Alabama. Coach Rodney Dollar
Reeltown falls to defending champs in quarterfinals
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
It’s hard to beat any team with the amount of mistakes Reeltown made on Thursday, but it’s especially hard to beat the defending champions.
Ariton, which claimed the AHSAA Class 2A state title a year ago, made the trip to Reeltown and swept the Rebels, 7-1 and 4-2, in the third round of the 2A playoffs. In the two-game series, the Rebels (23-12) issued 13 walks, 8 hit-by-pitches, 10 wild pitches and 7 errors to the Purple Cats.
“We gave 16 free bases in the first game and you won’t beat an average team like that, much less a really good team like Ariton,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said.
“We gave up too many free bases and with as aggressive as they are on the bases, they get guys on and get them over and get them in.”
Ariton jumped all over
Reeltown starter Brody Smith from the first batter. Smith walked the leadoff hitter on five pitches, then put two on with a hit-bypitch. Lawson Leger then loaded the bases with a sacrifice bunt and Dalton Murphy drove two runs in with a single to left field.
That was all the run support Arition needed in Game 1 as the Rebels put together just one run on six hits. Blake Smith accounted for two of those while Adam Burton, Jamarkius Smith, Hagan Lewis and Jake Hornsby all tallied one each.
“We just didn’t swing the bat well the first game,” Johnson said. “We never put it together offensively in the first game.”
Everything looked to be improved on in Game 2, until it wasn’t.
With Smith on the mound, Reeltown was able to take a 2-0 lead in the second inning and held the lead until the bottom of the fourth inning.
After a single and an error, Brody Smith drove in a run on a groundout and Slade Carleton drove in the second on a double to left field.
Down 2-0, Ariton started the bottom of the second inning with a fly ball to right field. A diving attempt ended in an error after the ball rolled all the way to the fence and ended up with a leadoff runner at third.
After two strikeouts, a wild pitch cut the lead to 2-1.
In the fourth inning, Arition reached base again via error.
After advancing into scoring position on a wild pitch, the Purple Cats tied the game on a single to centerfield.
With two outs in the fifth, Ariton took the lead on Reeltown’s third error of the game, a ground ball that was not picked by the first baseman with a runner on third base.
“We barreled up balls in the second game but they just went right at people,”
Johnson said. “Jamarkius pitched well but we had a couple of key errors that cost us runs. I know we had two that cost two runs and that was the difference in the game.”
It was a disappointing end to a stellar 2023-2024 school year where Reeltown found itself playing for the state championship in football and winning the area title and reaching the third round in baseball, both of which are coached by Johnson.
A new senior class will come up in August, and Johnson knows they have a high bar to reach because of the success of the 2024 class.
“It’s fun coming to work with these guys,” Johnson said. “They’re a great group of young men who work hard and are a joy to be around. We started school in August and I haven’t come to work without coaching yet until tomorrow. That’s because of these seniors.”
Edgewood’s Shaw comes through in the clutch
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There wasn’t a bigger bat across the state than Parker Shaw last week. Shaw, Edgewood Academy’s junior catcher, put on a show for the ages. In the Wildcats’ 2-1 series win over Chambers Academy in the AISA Class AA semifinals, Shaw hit double after double.
He finished the three-game series 7-for-8 at the plate with six doubles and eight RBIs.
He hit a walkoff double in Game 1, a go-ahead two-run double in Game 2 and broke open the game with a two-run double in Game 3.
For his efforts at the plate, Shaw is the Elmore County Player of the Week.
“Parker is seeing the ball really well right now,” Edgewood coach Justin Jones said.
“He’s not chasing bad pitches and he’s putting a good swing on the ball almost every at-bat.
He’s really pacing our lineup and they’re kind of doing the
Swagler still shares the stories of those she encounters as she is a contributor to WBRC and publishes her own blog savor.blog.
Swagler’s most important work is helping others. Retired Southern Living vice president Martha Johnston called her a gardener but not necessarily of vegetables.
same thing he is.”
Edgewood beat Chambers, 16-15, in Game 1. In that game, Shaw was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with four doubles and four RBIs.
No hit was bigger, however, than his last one. With
nity and her state and serving as an inspiration to others along the way.”
Swagler has served on numerous boards helping create better communities through food banks and planning commissions.
the game tied, 15-15, in the bottom of the seventh, Shaw stepped to the plate with runners on first and second and one out.
Chambers fans yelled to their left fielder to back up, but he did not listen. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Shaw belted a double over his out-stretched hand going nearly straight backwards and Brock Whitt scored from second for the walkoff win.
In a back-and-forth affair in Game 2, Shaw gave Edgewood its final lead of the game. Trailing 7-6, Shaw stepped to the plate in the sixth inning and hit a double to center field to score two runs, putting Edgewood up 8-7.
The Wildcats eventually lost by a run, but he did his job
in the game.
In Game 3, he was held to only one hit as the Rebels tried not to pitch to him. When they did throw to him, he made them pay.
Edgewood was leading 3-1 in the third inning when Shaw stepped up again with two runners on base. This time he hit a ground ball to centerfield and both runners came around to score as he ended up on second base. His hit put Edgewood up, 5-1, and the Wildcats then raced to an 11-1 mercy rule win. Shaw and the Wildcats are now playing in the state championship at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Patterson Field in Montgomery. They will face Lakeside Academy in a best-of-three series.
tality. The Birmingham chapter is 10 years old, and in that time, they have awarded nearly $160,000.00 in entrepreneurial grants to women across Alabama to build or expand their culinary-related businesses, and have awarded scholarships to women at four-year universities and community colleges who are pursuing degrees in culinary arts.
“It has been said that a person of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds,” Johnston said. “To know Susan Swagler is to know a beautiful garden. Susan is an active gardener, giving up her time, energy and resources to make a difference in her commu-
In January 2023, Swagler was appointed to the board of trustees for Vestavia Hills Library She has helped craft the library’s policy regarding book challenges, helped fundraise for the summer reading program and organized an event to thank the donors.
Leigh Sloss a director at The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham and LDEI member. Sloss called Swagler a wise, reasonable and fair minded person.
“To do that I had to learn leadership and communication and to learn those things around here,” Swagler said. “I’m grateful. I am grateful for the leadership opportunities I had here.” PRIDE Continued from A1
STATE
Continued from A7
16.76. In the 300 hurdles, Kendrick also placed, this time in third with a time 41.67. This time was also
Swagler is a founding member of the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a worldwide philanthropic and professional organization of women leaders in food and hospi-
a season best. The 4x100 team of Kendrick, Woods, Tae Martin and Alijah Woods finished in first in both the preliminaries and the finals. The unit shaved 0.44 seconds from its prelim time to its finals time, completing the sweep on
(who later came to Tallassee) was furious that the band performed at all – we got the Whippets penalized 15 yards every time we played a note. The officials seemed to be picking on us the whole night; they stopped the band on first downs, timeouts, anything – every time we tried to do our job of supporting the team, we were shut down by the officials and our team received another penalty. I mean, our band was pretty terrible, but so many penalties! Memorably, the concession stand only served soul food choices like mustard greens, pickled pigs feet, chicken wings, and hot peppers. There wasn’t a
“Her caring and commitment to our community’s welfare are inspiring,” Sloss said. “The food bank asked that group to partner with a major fundraiser for them and now they’re sponsoring a college scholarship. Which LDEI awards to a female culinary student. What more can one say about Susan. She is the voice of reason that settles heated discussions.”
the event over the weekend.
Competing in the 100, Woods secured second place followed by Martin just 0.2 seconds behind. Woods ran a 10.92 compared to Martin’s 11.12. Martin also secured a podium placement in the
hamburger nor hot dog in sight.
On my way to the press box, the announcer saw me coming through the crowd and hurled an insult in my direction. Fat shaming might be the right description! Some in the crowd started laughing at me – but, with a stiff upper lip, I approached the press box at the top of their home stands prepared to bring all the excitement and passion to halftime announcing that I possibly could.
Once inside the press box, the announcer seemed friendly enough. I noticed there was a barrel-shaped cooler behind the chairs. I opened it, thinking maybe I could plunder a bottle
Swagler said she was humbled to be a part of the Hall of Pride, recounting all the Class of 2024 went through — overcoming handicaps, integration and inspiring thousands of students into music. Mostly,, Swagler believes Tallassee prepared her and the other inductees to succeed.
200, with a season best time of 22.73. As for the girls, senior field athlete Sandrea Coleman came in second in the shot put. She was the only Lady Rebel to place.
Coleman ended her field career with a 32-9
of water. The cooler was filled with ice-cold cans of beer and malt liquor. I didn’t take anything from the cooler. It was now time for the band to perform, and I grabbed the microphone to work my magic.
Just as I uttered the phrase, “Ladies and Gentlemen,” the press box started shimmying and shaking with the loudest bass notes I’ve heard or felt, ever. Upstairs, the announcer was holding a private halftime gathering and they had a sound system booming out hip-hop. Their music was so loud, it came through the micro-
throw. Her fifth attempt was her furthest, and just three inches ahead of the third place finisher from Sheffield.
Competing in discus, Coleman placed fifth overall with a toss of 92 feet. She finished three feet shy of fourth.
phone and out the speakers as I announced the Mighty Band from Whippet Land, the Big Red Machine.
All these years later, it stands out as one of the most embarrassing moments of Friday night halftimes.
Except for these past two years at Tuskegee. Last year, I left the press box and sat on the bus the rest of the game. This year, I drove myself home instead. Why? There was less of a draft in my car than on the bus. Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Reeltown’s Adam Burton tags an Ariton baserunner out.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Edgewood Academy’s Parker Shaw hits a walkoff double against Chambers in the Class AA semifinals. Shaw hit six doubles in the series win. PLAYER OF THE WEEK
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C&M is having an auction Auction dates June 5th & June 12 ,2024 @ 8:00 am 104 Caldwell St. Tallassee,AL.36078 2006 Red Chrysler PT Cruiser Vin # 3A4FY58B06T345413
Tallassee Tribune: May 8 and 15, 2024 AV/06 CHRYSLER PUBLIC NOTICE AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
Pursuant to Section 32-131,Code of Alabama (1975), notice is hereby given to owners,lienholders and other interested parties that the following abandoned vehicle will be sold at a sealed bid auction to the highest bidder at 9a.m. on June 05, 2024 at 313 Jordan Avenue, Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama: 2018 Mercedes-Benz Silver E-CLass VIN# WDDZF4JB2JA436900 Seller shall have to right to reject any bid that is unreason-
jy ably low and may postpone the public auction until another expressly reserves the right to bid and purchase at the public auction.
Tallassee Tribune: May 8 and 15, 2024 AV/18 MERCEDES-BENZ PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS H. TAYLOR, CASE NO: 2024-116 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DORIS H. TAYLOR, deceased, having been granted to TONY MITCHELL TAYLOR on April 25, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County. Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
TONY MITCHELL TAYLOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS H. TAYLOR, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal
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Tallassee Tribune: May 1, 8 and 15, 2024 EST/TAYLOR D. PUBLIC NOTICE SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS PAGE COTTEN, SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR Tallapoosa County Schools will destroy all special education records of students who are 21 years of age or older and who exited Tallapoosa County Schools prior to June 2018. Individuals desiring to obtain their special education records may do so by contacting: Tallapoosa County Schools Special
Elmore County’s Orr finishes second in javelin
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Ally Orr has only been throwing a javelin for three months.
But nobody in Gulf Shores would believe that.
Orr, a junior, claimed second place in the Class 5A girls javelin throw in the AHSAA State Championships held at Gulf Shores. She tossed a personal record distance of 124-11, nine feet further than her previous record.
She finished runner-up to Beauregard senior Katie Wilkerson with a distance of 13711.
“It was pretty awesome to see her do that,” Elmore County coach Joe Snelick said. “What’s crazy about the whole thing is she’s only been training for three months. I convinced her to come out and throw and coach (Nathan) Taylor has really been training her hard. She’s long and strong and worked really hard this year. It’s really awesome.”
The last few weeks for Orr have been really impressive. Last week at the sectional meet at Smiths Station, she had already set a personal record with a distance of 115 feet. She’s improved every single time she’s thrown the javelin, and now Snelick wishes his team had another meet to participate in to see if she could get even further.
“She just rose up and was super clutch for us,” Snelick said. “Nothing’s really changed for her. She’s just gotten stronger and started figuring it out more. She’s only had a few meets. The more reps she gets, the better she gets.”
While Orr stole the spotlight, she wasn’t the only Panther to participate in the state meet.
Maddie Clark also participated in the javelin and finished seventh with a distance of 110-07.
The other three participants were all runners. Emily Mason
finished 20th in the 400 meter with a time of 1:03.80. On the boys side, Frankie Mann ran the 800 while Lucas Drost ran the 1600. Mann finished 6th with a time of 2:00.25 while Drost finished 21st with a time of
5:04.29.
“They’ve worked hard all year and I’m glad they got rewarded for it,” Snelick said. “It’s good to see the hard work pay off. It’s a good time down there.”
Most of the state qualifiers
the
return for more seasons with the track team as Mason and Clark are the only seniors. With how successful the teams were, both placing in the Top 30 overall, Snelick hopes to get more participants next season.
for three months.
“I hope this gets other folks' attention at the school,” Snelick said. “If they see we can do damage and we get people to take it seriously, we can build this program up some more. That would be awesome.”
Darnell named North/South All-Star
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Shea Darnell was picked for quite the prestigious event.
Darnell was selected to participate in the AHSAA North/South All-Star baseball game. He will represent the South team alongside the best rising seniors across the entire state.
The Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association, which operates under the auspices of the AHSAA will also host all-star games in basketball, tennis, softball, volleyball, boys’ and girls’ soccer, cross country and golf during the All-Star Week, July 15-19.
“This is such a great recognition and great exposure for Shea,” Elmore County coach Michael Byrd said.
“All of the guys there are going to be highly recruited and are the top players in the state. He’s an elite player and this is going to allow him to get more eyes on him and the program as well. It’s a really big deal for him.”
Darnell will be one of the most versatile players in the event. The junior mostly plays
catcher and shortstop for Elmore County during the season, but he can also be found at third base, second base or any of the outfield spots when called on.
No matter where he plays in the field, he separates himself at the plate. Darnell hit .522 this season with a team-high 48 hits, 10 more than the next closest hitter. He led the team with 23 stolen bases as well but his vision at the plate is what really defined his season. In 92 at-bats, he didn’t strike out a single time.
“Shea is a dominant player,” Byrd said. “His versatility and his competitiveness separates him from other players. I’ve talked with a lot of coaches around the state and they always say they have trouble getting kids excited to play. He’s the opposite. He’s one that you have to reign back sometimes. He likes to compete and bring energy every day.”
Darnell and the Panthers recently wrapped up a 19-11 record and the second-consecutive playoff appearance. During the last two seasons, Darnell has a combined .495 batting average.
SUBMITTED | THE TPI
Elmore County’s Ally Orr placed second in the Class 5A girls javelin championship. Orr has only been throwing
javelin
FILE THE TPI
Elmore County’s Shea Darnell runs the bases against Opelika. Darnell led the Panthers with 23 stolen bases this season.