TALLASSEE CELEBRATES GRADUATION
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
he Tallassee High School
TClass of 2024 is unique. The group of 111 graduates are the first class to roam the halls of the new high school. The race for valedictorian was close. Even down to five decimal points Brady Mason and Jacqueline Sanchez were tied so both were declared top of the class.
Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin took over issuing one diploma — to his daughter Avery.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The competition for the Tallassee High School Class of 2024 valedictorian was fierce. Brady Mason and Jacqueline Sanchez have spent years studying and in the last week, their final grades matched down to five decimal places.
“It was a tie,” assistant
principal Brooke Barron said.
“We have two valedictorians this year.” It didn’t deter either of them. Mason and Sanchez both reminisced on memories of school and life with their families and offered advice for everyone. It was advice anyone could use to better themselves and the world around them.
“When you have success
people look up to you,” Mason said. “It is important to always set a good example for others. You never know who is watching. It could be people older than you or some that are younger. You have to always behave in a way that is appropriate for others. ” Mason admitted he
Mt. Vernon marquee comes back to life
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There is a red and green cast in downtown Tallassee. It’s not from traffic lights or emergency vehicles. The Mt. Vernon neon marque is drawing people in again.
“It’s glowing for the first time in over four years,” Tallassee Redevelopment Authority’s Dr. Steve Burak said. “It’s an indication that things are happening in downtown Tallassee.”
A group of volunteers were successful in reopening the theater about seven years ago after years of efforts to renovate it. Multiple fundraisers were held but the costs were high.
The Mt. Vernon Theater Group tried to raise nearly $1 million to make necessary repairs and renovations to the theater that closed in 1968. A decision was made to seek out a construction loan and use pledges and proceeds to go forward. Then the COVID19 pandemic struck and events were soon halted.
The lights including the marque were turned off.
Over the last year the redevelopment authority has sought to bring more life to the areas close to
downtown. It has taken interest in possibly creating a Main Street organization. The authority also identified the sign as way to signify downtown Tallassee is alive.
Board members thought simply lighting the sign might help the theater find new life and give attention to downtown Tallassee.
“We want to thank our local banks CB&S and First Community Bank of Central Alabama, the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Power and University Electric for making this possible,” Burak said. “We believe it is a sign of exciting things to come for downtown Tallassee to compliment the new streetscape the City of Tallassee funded through grants.”
The Mt. Vernon Theater opened in 1935 and was part of the facilities Mt. Vernon Mills built downtown. It was almost 50 years after the theater’s closure a group of local volunteers began the restoration process in 2009 by establishing the Mt. Vernon Theater Group. When Mt. Vernon reopened, it hosted numerous productions and films until audiences were limited during the pandemic.
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Humane Society of Elmore County News
Even animals contributed in times of war
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Memorial Day is a time to pause and reflect about all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live free. While many are focusing on time off and starting on summer fun please take a bit of time to give thanks for their lives given to us for eternity.
While we can never fully honor the memories of so many thousands of men and women who gave their lives for our country, lest not forget that alongside them also died animals in huge numbers. Horses, donkeys, mules, dogs, cats, pigeons, elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, bats, dolphins, whales, canaries, etc. — all contributed their unique talents and their lives in times of war and conflict,
Our American Civil War took the lives of over one million horses and mules while the First World War resulted in the deaths of an estimated 8-10 million horses, mules and donkeys. During WWII the Soviets used three-million horses & mules, and the Germans 2 ½ million. More than 100,000 pigeons served Britain in the First World War and 200,000 in World War II.
During the Korean War, one
mule, deserted by Communists and picked up by the Americans was found to be a US Army Mule (due to its brand) that started its service in WWII in the China-Burma-India Theater in 1944. It was apparently taken by Red Chinese Army at the end of the War and then brought to Korea during the Korean War. Mules were quite valuable as pack animals in the Korean Theater, though the US Army never formally recognized their use sadly.
Of course, dogs have figured in warfare alongside humans back to ancient times as the Greeks, Persians, Britons, Egyptians & Romans used dogs as sentries and then in battle. Dogs have helped humans in war in roles such as guarding, as sentries, casualty/rescue, communication messengers, transport & haulage, in medical research, as ‘weapons,’ tracking and detection, scouting, and as companions and mascots. Over 20,000 dogs served in WWII, about 5000 dogs served in the Vietnam War, and 2500 in the Afghanistan War. And yes, cats, have also contributed in warfare on land and on the sea as vermin control. Sailors often saw cats as good luck as the worked to keep vermin from running food stores while also being a companion to the crew. It was
Pet of the Week — Sydney
estimated that over half-a-million cats were brought to the European trenches of WWI as vermin-hunters but also beloved pets. So while we all should certainly stop to give our thanks to all of the brave men and women who have died in service to our country, perhaps also pay a bit of respect to the millions of animals who gave their lives in that same service, as willing, or unwilling participants.
To help us continue to care for those dogs and cats that come into our care, our volunteers will be at the Wetumpka Walmart from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to gather donated food and supplies. They will have paper wish lists to hand out but suffice to say dog and cat food, cat litter, bleach, Fabuloso, liquid dishwashing detergent, ammonia, large trash bags, dog and cat toys are all most welcome. Your donations of these goods help us use financial donations to help injured or ill pets who need ‘more’ than just basic care. Thank you to our volunteer crew who will be receiving items and all who do some shopping and donate to help our animals.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Sydney is 9-year-old, male Terrier mix who weighs only 18 pounds. He was found as a stray and the owner never responded. He may be housetrained and is good with children and dogs. Sadly he was also heartworm positive when he came to us but completed his treatment in April so all ready to find a family with a spot on the couch to call his own.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-5673377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-5673377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MAY 19
• MAY 23
• A suspicious person was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Central Boulevard.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Main Street.
• Harassment was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Little Road.
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.
• Menacing was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Drive.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Second Street.
• Assistance was given
to the Tallassee Fire Department on Kent Road.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Noble Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Macedonia Road. MAY 22
• Trespassing was reported on Ransom Drive.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on West Gantts Mill Road.
• Property damage was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Identity theft was reported on East Roosevelt Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Paxton Drive. MAY 21
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint
was reported on Alber Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Evergreen Street.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Barnett Boulevard.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Ice Plant Road.
• Property damage was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue and Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on North Ashurst Avenue. MAY 20
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on Willow Street.
• Theft was reported on Carter Ridge.
• Assistance was
given to a motorist on Tallassee Highway.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.
• An intoxicated driver was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on James Street, Central Boulevard, Riverside Avenue and South Ashurst Avenue.
• A Black female was arrested on Hickory Street.
• Animal control was requested on James Street, Cliff Street, Freeman Avenue, Central Boulevard, Riverside Avenue and South Ashurst Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive. MAY 19
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested during an abandoned vehicle call on South Tallassee Drive.
GRADUATES CARRY ON
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
hile Reeltown High School
Wstays in the heart of many, the Class of 2024 graduated from RHS Friday night.
The 50 seniors each walked up to get their diploma, passing off a can of Diet Coke as they shook principal Audrey Stockdale’s hand and took their diploma. Giving the salutatorian address, Raylee Newman spoke to her overcoming the challenges dyslexia presented as she worked through her academic journey.
“Each and every single one of us struggles in a different way, but it’s the failure that we go through that sets us up for success.” she said. “Always remember that we cannot succeed without failure.”
Valedictorian Jake Hornsby highlighted Reeltown as a community and the true importance of the phrase: once a Rebel, always a Rebel.
“I credit our success to many people who have influenced our lives, but ultimately we owe it to this school and to this community,” Hornsby said. “We truly are one big family.”
‘ONCE A REBEL, ALWAYS A REBEL’ Hornsby scores as valedictorian
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
While known as the star quarterback for Reeltown, Jake Hornsby is also the Class of 2024’s valedictorian.
Hornsby said a former coach once told him, “If you aim for perfection, you will reach excellence,” and Hornsby has applied that motto beyond the sports arena. He said he has been working toward valedictorian status for much of his schooling years.
His parents always encouraged him to strive for all A’s and with two older sisters, who both graduated as Reeltown valedictorians, the pressure was on. Hornsby
put in hard work to be accomplished in academics and athletics.
He played football, basketball and baseball while at RHS.
Hornsby will continue to play baseball at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College while pursuing a twoyear degree. After that, he plans to go to a fouryear college to pursue engineering.
“Honestly, it’s kind of scary to become an adult, but after graduation I’m really going forward to getting my degree, settling down and starting a family. I think just starting a family and raising a kid — trying to be somebody who someone else
would look up to.”
Leaving RHS, Hornsby said he knows he will miss Reeltown football games, the teachers and the coaches. He said football has taught him a lot about being a good person and student. Regardless, he knows Reeltown will always be a home for him.
“I was told a long time ago, anything that’s easy isn’t worth doing,” he said.
“School is by no means easy, whether it’s elementary, when you are young, high school or going into college. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s 100% worth the journey, worth the hard work.”
Our View Opinion
Remember our fallen heroes
On Monday, the country observed Memorial Day — a federal holiday recognizing those who died while serving in the
Nationally, America tends to be very active on Veterans Day, but with Memorial Day beginning around summer vacation, this is one observance day that can be left in the dust.
And we need to do better.
Memorial Day can be a day of gathering with loved ones, from BBQs to beach vacations to hours at the pool, but we also must take time for reflection. It’s more than just another day and it’s more than just a day off. It’s a day of remembrance.
As Ronald Regan said in 1982 overlooking the Arlington National Cemetery: “Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: the United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom [for] which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost. It imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we — in a less final, less heroic way — be willing to give of ourselves.”
We at Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. encourage our fellow community members to take some time to remember the lives lost while serving this country.
Starting at 9 a.m., American Legion Post 143 had a Memorial Day wreath laying at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse. Bill Nicholas Veterans Home hosted a Memorial Day Celebration at 10 a.m. Another opportunity is heading down to Pennington Park any time before Tuesday to see the over 2,000 flags laid out in remembrance.
Regardless of your schedule or where you might be, take a few moments to remember our fallen heroes and thank them for the freedoms for which they fought.
Malcolm Simmons is the epitome of a freak of nature when it comes to athletics.
The Benjamin Russell graduate is a Division I bound football player, a state-record holding track and field athlete and a 1,000-point scorer on the basketball court. He’s cleared 7 feet on the high jump and he’s as much of a coach as any player could be.
He absolutely crushed our sports editor Henry Zimmer in a mano e mano race, to be sure. But none of that is what’s most impressive to me about Malcolm.
What impressed me most about Malcolm was a small moment that happened on the practice field while Malcolm and Henry were filming their video. We were gathered near the 40-yard line setting up for the next race when Malcolm realized he needed his cleats, which were across the field back in the other end zone. It was hot, and poor Henry was giving it all he could. We were all pouring sweat.
Malcolm sauntered across the field to grab his cleats while Henry, Abigail and I chatted about our next shots. Suddenly I looked up and across the field at Malcolm, and he
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
Obituaries:
.jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.
didn’t just have his cleats in his hand. He had also grabbed my purse and our tripod from across the field, so we didn’t have to walk.
It was the smallest of gestures, but it was one that really stood out. You know that phrase, “Do your best when no one is looking.”
Malcolm embodies that, and that’s what impresses me beyond the stats and the freak of nature abilities. He didn’t have to grab my purse, certainly. He’s a 17-, 18-year-old kid walking across the field with a lady’s purse. I just can’t express how much that small gesture meant to me. I would nominate him for our Small Deeds in a Small Town series if I could.
See not every nice gesture or good deed has to be something extravagant. Our pages are often filled with people who are doing above and beyond. Look at the Alpha Group, which started for no reason other than
to help those in need. The Lake Mar tin Civitan Club is one in the same, and the recently formed Lake Martin Animal Advocacy is focused on help ing pets in need.
communities who are going above and beyond the call of duty. We have people who are truly called to help. And it starts with our youngsters. Someone like Malcolm is a true role model, and he’s not the only one. He and Gabe Benton recently signed autographs for a bunch of elemen tary school students, and those are memories those kids are going to keep with them forever.
Then and now
My teaching partner Mrs. Kelley Hill noted recently that we have been caught in the middle of a generational shift, it seems. The golden age of America during the decade or two following World War II was a time of peace and prosperity for the most part. While the seeds of discord were being planted in a thousand different places, most folks in the Baby Boom generation only knew that their lives were going to be better than their parents’ lives: the Greatest Generation had made it so.
The Baby Boom generation gave way to Generation X – my generation. Now we are at retirement age and reflecting upon our particular years of influence.
As my public school teaching career has been concluding, I have been looking back at some of the many changes that have occurred over the past 28 years.
When I came into the profession and listened to the oldsters who had been around 30 or 40 years at that time, they had seen huge changes like integration – which even though it was peaceful for the most part, a lot of schools changed names during that period. They would also tell stories about legends of the school, like coaches whose names were now on the stadium.
The teachers’ lounge was the smoking section. When I first started teaching, I smoked cigarettes, so I got to know the other smokers on campus. A lot of times, it was the older teachers, so I’d listen to their tales of school days past.
“Uncle Bob” Okin was still taking the school pictures. He’d been a photographer since my parents were in
elementary school!
We had a school newspaper as well as a yearbook. The school newspaper was the source of information for all of the students and came out on Fridays, usually. We didn’t have internet yet – well, it was dial-up, and the only computer was in the library. We turned in our grades on handwritten grade sheets, and the office would make the report cards. Teachers also sent attendance cards to the office. We went from that to STI, then I-Now, then PowerSchool. Teachers are now responsible for putting in their own attendance and grades.
Every room had a chalkboard. Later, we had marker boards. Finally, we got smart TVs. On the morning announcements, along with the Pledge of Allegiance, someone would pray.
We didn’t have email when I started teaching. Even when I came to Tallassee, there was a single page, static website for Tallassee City Schools, but the name of the town as well as the word city were both misspelled and nobody here knew how to fix it.
We received paper checks at the end of the month. “Direct deposit” was walking over to the Bank of Tallassee (later Peoples Bank, then BankTrust, now Trustmark) and depositing your check.
There was no in-school suspension (ISS). When I began my career, every teacher had a paddle and that was how just about all disciplinary infractions were handled.
So, 28 years in, are we better or worse?
I keep thinking of what my band
director Dr. Johnny Long would
say. He started teaching in 1949 and didn’t really retire until 2011. He said students haven’t changed since the beginning of time; it’s the adults who changed. And I have found that to be true. Children want expectations and structure. They rebel against it and push back every which way they can, but that’s their nature I suppose. What I have found to be true, however, is how we grownups have behaved in the post-Covid era.
In these past four years, we have allowed things we never would have stood for in the past because – well, Covid. So all of these things have popped up, like students cheating using A.I. or writing papers with ChatGPT; using Google for the answers to literally everything; and allowing TikTok or Snapchat to become as reliable a source as a Funk & Wagnalls encyclopedia in the past.
And who is monitoring this?
That’s right – my generation. We’ve dropped the ball on a lot of these things and I am seeing that the next generation, Gen Z and the Millennials, seem to have a better grasp on a lot of this than my people have. So as I wrap up this part of my life’s work, my reflection would be that the students are just as great as they have ever been. They will rise to whatever challenge they are given. It is shameful for we adults to blame them or say they aren’t as good as they used to be. They are only as good as we’ve allowed them to be.
Michael Bird is a retired music educator in Tallassee.
CELEBRATES
Continued from A1
Many of the graduates left principal Drew Glass with a special gift at the handshake — a custom pair of socks featuring a photograph of the graduate. Some of the graduates will go to college using more than $2 million in scholarships to continue their athletic endeavors or further develop their musical talents. One will be a majorette at Auburn University. Some have already joined the military. They first celebrated with each other before graduation. But all celebrated in front of friends and family at J.E. Hot O'Brien Stadium Friday as they received their diplomas.
CommunityCalendar
THURSDAY,
HONK
JUNE 1 - JUNE 28
NATIONAL EXHIBITION: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts in downtown Wetumpka is hosting the 83rd Annual Watercolor Society of Alabama national exhibition from June 1 to June 28. The juried watercolor competition will feature state and national artists.
each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@aol.com.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.
ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL
Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www.thekelly.org.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE
POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint. info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
JUNE 13-14
PLAY: The Wetumpka Depot Encore Players are presenting Mother Goose State Your Case June 13 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and June 14 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5.
JUNE 17-21
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Grace Baptist Church on Old Montgomery Road in Wetumpka is holding Vacation Bible School 6 to 8 p.m. June 17 - 21. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. each night or by email at wetumpkagrace@gmail.com.
JUNE 23
CONCERT: First Methodist Church Wetumpka is hosting gospel singer Ivan Parker in concert at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 23.
JUNE 24-29
THEATRE CAMP: The Stanhope Elmore Mustang Players are hosting a theater camp for students in the Millbrook area from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 24-29 at Stanhope Elmore High School School and will close out with performances. The cost is $100.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
MEN’S CONFERENCE: Village Church of Wetumpka is hosting a men’s conference. The keynote speaker is Rick Burgess of Rick and Bubba.
ONGOING SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m.
MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.
NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.
OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.
RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB
MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.
MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH OF
CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025
LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in
SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christcentered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist.org.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/ Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.
AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka.
RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.
MASTER GARDENER
HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-2524769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.
CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.
Johnson follows in family footsteps at Boys State
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter
Cruise Johnson is carrying on a family tradition.
The oldest of Reeltown athletic director, football and baseball coach Matt Johnson’s sons, Cruise was selected to the 87th Alabama Boys State through The American Legion.
Boys State is one of the top honors forAlabama high school students. Students are selected under the criteria of leadership, hard work, morals and motivation in school and community activities. As a student-athlete and member of the broader Reeltown community, Cruise will be headed to Boys State to represent his school like his father and grandfather did before him.
“It makes you proud,” Matt Johnson said. “He is making the right decisions and doing things the right way. It is a big accomplishment.”
Boys State introduces young men to the importance of politics and the political processes of the country. The American Legion rests its ideals on instilling the importance and understanding of the American government.
The camp is one week long, and this year will be hosted on the
grounds of Troy University. Those attending will hear speeches from prominent political figures from across Alabama and the country and partake in classes to further their academic and extracurricular skill sets.
“It is a good experience, you learn a lot,” Matt Johnson said. “I am very proud of him.”
For Cruise, he is the latest in a legacy of Johnson men to go to Boys State, while hopefully not the last.
“It means a whole lot and I am honored to be selected to represent my school and community at Boys State,” Cruise Johnson said. “Going to Boys State makes me feel like I fulfilled that legacy that so many of my family members have made before (me).”
There will be no rest of Cruise this summer, because as soon as Boys State ends on June 1, he will be right back into playing football under his father for the Rebels.
While at Boys State though, Cruise will look to refine his characteristics that made him an excellent candidate for the camp in the first place.
“(My family) going really made me set the bar high for my goals and standards in life,” Cruise said. “Going to Boys State (is) one of them.”
“Make a difference in the community,” she said. “It speaks to the nature of living a fulfilling and purposeful life.
admired people who fit both categories. Sanchez defined success beyond financial or political power.
We cannot be just preoccupied with our career aspirations. Each of us holds the power to create change. Small actions
have profound impacts.”
Sancez said it’s easy to be preoccupied with career aspirations and professional goals.
“True fulfillment comes from understanding and nurturing the person that you are becoming,” Sanchez said. “Let
us strive to be individuals of character who lead with compassion, courage and authenticity in all that we do.”
Mason spent his entire academic career in Tallassee City Schools. He learned the people close to you can be the biggest
influences.
“You have to have people around you that are very important — family, friends,” Mason said. “It is a big reason for your success. A lot of the credit goes to the people around you.”
Sanchez believes
everyone is capable of being an influential person.
“Let’s commit to the change we wish to see,” she said. “Together our small acts become ripples that create waves of transformation in our world.”
The lesser of two evils?
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. I pray the blessings of the Memorial Day holiday are lingering for everyone reading this week’s column. The holiday certainly provides a significant reminder of all we have to be thankful for.
It is hard to think of lives lost in active military service as something to be thankful for. Most often, conflicts that cost human lives could have been avoided. This applies to conflict at every level. No one ever actually needs to die in order for conflict to be resolved.
Memorial Day is the national holiday for remembering those who lost their lives in active military service. Each
of those lives was lost because of conflict resolution failure. Regardless of who started it, wars exist because conflicts persist. The holiday does not celebrate conflict, nor does it celebrate whatever resolution occurred. It celebrates the lives of all who sacrificed self in the name of a perceived greater good. That sacrifice might have been a choice, a consequence, or simply the spoils of war. The circumstance is secondary to the sacrifice itself. Our nation is careening towards a crash of epic proportion. There is conflict in our midst. Registered voters in these great United States are about to be forced to make a choice, and the choice is being
presented by many as choosing “the lesser of two evils”. Simply put, progressives are preaching that Biden is a lesser evil than Trump. Likewise, conservatives preach that Trump is a lesser evil than Biden. The good news, or the bad news depending on your perspective, is that both are wrong. Typically, whenever we find ourselves in the position of choosing between the lesser of two evils, it means we are in a lose / lose proposition. Lesser of two evils thinking manifest itself as the possibility of utilization of nuclear weapons arose during the second world war. The catastrophic damage and loss of life from a nuclear bomb detonation was lifted up as the lesser of two evils.
Tallassee Churches
It was speculated that fewer lives would be lost if nuclear weapons were deployed in the name of ending the war. What would the people we celebrated on Memorial Day think about the upcoming presidential election? I don’t know about you, but I believe most of them would be utterly disgusted. I do not think many of them would be disgusted with one candidate or party or the other necessarily. I think they would be disgusted with the whole mess. If the general public allows the talking heads of our two-party system to continue to lead us down the path of choosing the lesser of two evils at election time, we all lose. Adopting an “It is what it is” approach to our current
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
political reality is what has allowed dysfunction to spread and prosper. Fortunately, there is something we can all do to remedy the situation. We can pray. No, I am not talking about the garden variety “Out thoughts and prayers are with you” kind of prayer. I am talking about prayer asking God to open the hearts of those willing to serve others and not serve self. We know how to come together as a nation in the name of pursuing a greater good. We just have to do it.
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka.
Surrounding Area Churches
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Holtville’s Barrett shines all over the field
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Drey Barrett has been producing for the Holtville baseball team for years.
Barrett has been named to numerous All-County teams as well as named First Team AllState and an AHSAA North/ South All-Star following his junior season. He also helped lead Holtville to its first state championship in 40 years when the Bulldogs won it in 2023, but he saved his best season for his last.
The Southern Miss signee turned in a monstrous 2024 campaign. Barrett finished the year with a .398 batting average with 43 hits, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 33 runs scored, 36 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. On the mound, he had a 5-3 record with a 1.83 earned run average and 81 strikeouts in 49 ⅔ innings. When he wasn’t on the mound, he was at
Dismukes helps Wetumpka break
32-year drought
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
The 2024 Wetumpka baseball team will be remembered for a long time.
After losing four college-bound seniors to graduation a year ago, Wetumpka looked to take the field in a rebuilding year with a handful of underclassmen starting for the Indians.
Somebody forgot to tell Wetumpka that.
The Indians turned a mid-season hot streak into an undefeated Class 6A, Area 3 championship for the first time since 2022.
After hosting a first round playoff game, Wetumpka’s team put itself in rare company.
The Indians reached the third round of the Class 6A playoffs, the Elite Eight, for the first time since 1992.
For his team’s success and breaking a 32-year drought, Michael Dismukes is the 2024 Elmore County Baseball Coach of the Year.
“This was such a great year,” Dismukes said. “We went through our ups and downs, but this group of guys consistently came in and did their work and never wavered, never lost confidence in what they could do. They believed in themselves and made a run that made everything special for us. It was an unbelievable season.”
Wetumpka wasn’t always winning this year.
The Indians started hot, winning five in a row against teams like Shades Valley, Pike Road and Andalusia.
But on February 23, the
season shifted the other way for Wetumpka.
The Indians dropped back-to-back games to Marbury and LAMP before beating Montgomery Catholic. That was Wetumpka’s last win for nearly three weeks.
Wetumpka lost seven in a row and nine of its next 10 games.
On March 18, the Indians had a 7-10 overall record and were about to start area play. Trying not to hit the panic button, Dismukes turned ownership over to the senior leaders and saw his team make a run for the ages.
“We turned to the experienced players, the guys who have been in the program and seen success at this level,” Dismukes said. “They took ownership over what had been going on.
So we continued to lean on those guys and they put the team on their backs and took it for a ride. They gained more confidence as they started winning and never quit.”
Wetumpka swept Carver by a combined score of 37-8 to open area play with a 2-0 record, then extended its win streak to five with wins over Pike Road, Benjamin Russell and Chilton County.
The Indians moved to 4-0 in area play with a sweep over Lanier, then entered their final area series, the championship against Stanhope Elmore, having won 11 of their last 13 games.
Wetumpka swept Stanhope Elmore, 5-3 and 6-4, and clinched the area championship with an undefeated
COUNTY
BASEBALL TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The 2024 baseball season has come to an end in Elmore County, and this season proved to be one of the best in recent history. While there were no championships to celebrate, there was plenty of postseason success. Four teams in Elmore County reached the third round of the playoffs.
Holtville, Tallassee and Wetumpka all reached the Elite Eight while Edgewood Academy reached the state championship series.
The 2024 All-Elmore County Baseball Team is headlined by Coach of the Year Michael Dismukes, who led the Indians to the third round for the first time in 32 years. The Player of the Year is Holtville senior Drey Barrett, who hit .398 with four home runs.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE REST OF THE TEAM HERE:
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Drey Barrett, Holtville senior Barrett, a Southern Miss signee, lived up to his Top 5 ranking in Alabama’s class of 2024. The Holtville shortstop and pitcher capped off a stellar preps career with a .398 batting average. Barrett had 43 hits, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 30 walks and 33 RBIs. He was a threat on the basepaths with 12 stolen bases and 36 runs scored. On the mound, he finished the year with a 5-3 record with a 1.83 earned run average with 81 strikeouts in 49 ⅔ innings.
FIRST TEAM SHEA DARNELL, ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR
Darnell was the top hitter in the county this season as he racked up a .522 batting average with 48 total hits and zero strikeouts. He showcased gap-to-gap power with 10 doubles and 4 triples. When he was on the bases, he stole 23 and scored 36 runs. He played both catcher and shortstop and made only six errors in 145 chances, good for a .959 fielding percentage. He was named an AHSAA North/ South All-Star.
JADEN EASON, ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR Eason was dominant on both the mound and at the plate this season. The junior pitcher and first baseman hit .375 with 27 hits, 9 doubles, 1 home run and 27 RBIs, second best on the team. He was just as impressive on the mound as he recorded a 5-1 record with a 1.33 ERA. He struck out 57 batters in 42 innings of work and tossed four complete games.
ETHAN EVANS, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY JUNIOR Evans was one of the biggest keys to Edgewood Academy reaching the Class AA state championship series this season. The junior infielder and pitcher hit .387 with 41 hits, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 30 RBIs. On the mound, he cemented himself as the team’s ace with a 2.05 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 54 ⅔ innings of work.
LOGAN FAWCETT, WETUMPKA SOPHOMORE Fawcett jumped onto the scene as a freshman in 2023, and he continued his offensive showing as a sophomore this season. The catcher hit a team-best .352 with 43 hits, 11 doubles, 2 home runs, 28 RBIs and 27 runs scored. Behind the plate, he made only 7 errors and had a .968 fielding percentage in 203 chances. He threw out 11 base runners attempting to steal.
NOAH GOLSON, WETUMPKA SENIOR Golson was thrown into the action this year as the Indians’ ace. He did exactly what he was asked of and more as he finished the year with a 5-3 record with a 2.93 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 57 ⅓ innings. At the plate, he led the team with 42 RBIs as he hit .347 with 5 doubles and 1 triple. He helped lead Wetumpka to the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
BRADY MASON, TALLASSEE SENIOR It will be hard to find someone who can do as much as Mason can on the baseball diamond. The Tigers’ lone senior played seemingly every position this year while also fighting injuries. He was the team’s ace on the mound and finished the year with a 5-2 record, a 2.73 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 56 innings. At the plate, he had three extra base hits in
There’s a new spark in Tallassee athletics
There’s a different feel around Tallassee’s athletic programs.
If you went to any games this spring, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
There’s an excitement in the air that hasn’t been there the last few seasons. The fans are out and about. The parking lot is full at Southside Middle School. There are rows of people on the fences sitting in lawn chairs.
At soccer games, the referees were having to get the students to back away from the front of the stands because it was disrupting opposing teams.
Tallassee’s fan support is back.
And the spring sports certainly gave them something to cheer for. Let’s look at some of the success Tallassee had in 2024.
Starting with baseball, John Goodman and his crew have resurrected Tallassee’s program from the dead. Two years ago, this team won
BASEBALL
Continued from B1
limited action.
CARSON MCCUTCHIN, HOLTVILLE JUNIOR McCutchin was one of the most consistent pitchers on any team in the county this season. The Holtville southpaw went undefeated on the mound with a 6-0 record and a 3.10 ERA, including a 2-0 record in the postseason. He struck out 48 batters in 49 innings of work. At the plate, he hit .212 with 18 RBIs.
BRUE MILNER, TALLASSEE FRESHMAN Milner may be just a freshman, but he certainly doesn’t hit like one. The second-year starter for Tallassee was the focal point for the Tigers’ offense. He finished his ninth grade season with a county-high 7 home runs, though he wasn’t just power. He hit a team-best .368 with 32 hits, 48 RBIs and 9 doubles. Behind the plate, he had a .960 fielding percentage with only seven errors.
ETHAN WALLS, STANHOPE ELMORE JUNIOR Walls ended his junior campaign as the Mustangs’ top hitter and top pitcher this spring. Throwing up to 90 MPH, Walls recorded just a 1-2 record but struck out a team-best 58 bat-
BREAK
Continued from B1
That gave Wetumpka a first round home playoff series where it hosted Brookwood. The Indians won in convincing fashion, 6-0 and 6-2, to set up a second round matchup with Ben Russell.
BARRETT
Continued from B1 record.
four games and had a coach quit before the season ended. It was terrible all the way around. But then a state championship winning coach came back around in Goodman and the team immediately reached the second round last season. This year, they took that next step and reached the third round for the first time since 2017. The Tigers won the area championship over rival Elmore County in a heated three-game series, then made a great run in the postseason.
The city of Tallassee lit up in the second round of the playoffs when Brue Milner’s home runs sent the Tigers past previously ranked No. 1-Gulf Shores in a three-game set.
ters in 37 ⅓ innings. At the plate, he hit .372 with 42 hits, 5 doubles, 2 home runs and 31 RBIs. He had 16 more RBI than the next closest Mustang.
BRANDON WHITE, ELMORE COUNTY SENIOR White put together one of the best overall seasons in the county. The Panthers’ ace went 6-2 on the mound with a 2.23 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 47 innings. At the plate, he hit .361 with 30 hits, 5 doubles, 3 triples and 23 RBIs. He struck out only 7 times the entire season and on the basepaths, he stole 15 bases.
BROCK WHITT, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY SOPHOMORE Whitt turned in one of the most impressive hitting seasons in the county. The sophomore slugger showed off his gap-togap power as he hit .392 with 40 hits, 15 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs and a team-best 36 RBIs. He stole 25 bases and excelled on the mound as well with a 1.09 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 19 innings.
SECOND TEAM Drew Allison, Edgewood Academy senior Hayden Anderson, Stanhope Elmore sophomore Chase Chumley, Tallassee junior Shelton Darnell, Elmore County sophomore
“They played every single game pitch-bypitch,” Dismukes said.
“It’s hard to beat a team that never gives up.
That’s a coaching cliche, but this bunch really took it to heart. They found a way to win games, even when they weren’t playing their best.”
A few feet away from the thriving baseball field is the softball field. Tallassee had one of its worst overall softball seasons in a while, and certainly the worst since I’ve been here.
But like coach Pat Love told me at midseason, this team could make some noise if they’re playing well at the right time.
The Tigers did exactly that.
Tallassee entered the area tournament as the No. 3 seed and had to go to No. 1 seed Elmore County to play. After both teams lost their first game, Tallassee clinched its spot in regionals by beating the Panthers on a walkoff hit.
That game not only ended their rival’s season, but sparked momentum into Tallassee. The Tigers rode that momentum and entered the Class 5A Central Regional at Lagoon Park and actually won the first two games they played. That put them in the driver’s seat to the state tournament.
Unfortunately, they came up just short by one run of qualifying for state. For a team that went 14-29 and only had two seniors, coming one run short of the Top 8 teams isn’t a bad feat at all. Now to soccer.
Soccer blew everyone out of the water this season in Tallassee. The Tigers had their best season in program history, finishing 20-5-4 and reaching the Final Four for the first time. There, the Tigers fell just short of their ultimate goal as they lost, 2-1, to the eventual state champion Gulf Shores.
Irvin Delfin stole the spotlight and brought attention from all over the state as he scored 66 goals and led the entire country in goals and points scored. In the middle of their great season, the Tigers also claimed the informal Elmore County championship. Tallassee beat Holtville, Elmore County, Stanhope Elmore and Wetumpka this season, actu -
ally going 5-0 against county teams.
Overall, the three sports went 10-6 against county opponents this year. And the fans were there for every single win. Every game I went to at Tallassee this year, I was having to park further away than I have in years past. These kids work hard, and they’re getting supported in droves. Now we’ll have to see how that translates into the fall as Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal tries to turn around a football program that went 1-9 last season.
He’s off to a good start as he has already increased the amount of players by over 10 kids.
If the fall is any indication of the spring, the 2024-2025 sports year for Tallassee is going to be exciting.
Dalton Middleton is the sports editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers.
Austin Davis, Elmore County junior Mason Fuller, Wetumpka junior Jackson Hudson, Edgewood Academy sophomore Jordan Jones, Stanhope Elmore sophomore Braxton Potts, Holtville senior
Jacob Smith, Wetumpka senior Chase Webster, Tallassee junior
HONORABLE MENTION Edgewood Academy: Parker Shaw, Jr., Hamp Woodruff, Sr. Elmore County: Gage
didn’t happen early, but they figured out how to get it done by the end of the year.”
“They made every game count and used their competitiveness to their advantage,” Dismukes said. “They didn’t care how it happened, they just wanted to get dressed and go win. It
Wetumpka beat Ben Russell in the second round, 2-1, after winning Games 1 and 3. The Indians took down the Wildcats in Game 3, despite being outhit 13-2 in the matchup.
utive games. He then flipped back and forth between the two for 10 games and finally found his spot on March 30.
and put together a .983 fielding percentage.
Barrett has been named the 2024 Elmore County Player of the Year.
“It’s always a little different when it’s your senior year,” Barrett said. “You have to go out there and treat every day like it could be your last. I tried to bring a lot of energy and pump up my teammates. I wanted to have the best year I could have and wanted to have the best time I could have with my buddies.”
Barrett always found his name near the top of Holtville’s lineup card, but the lineup did some shuffling before he settled down in the leadoff spot. He hit in the three-hole for the first two games of the season, then shifted down to the two-hole for nine consec-
Facing Ariton, Barrett was put in the leadoff spot and the Bulldogs found a lineup that worked.
Barrett was the spark plug at the top of the order. Over the course of the last 15 games, Barrett finished 17-for-41 with eight extra base hits, 16 runs scored and even drove in 16 RBIs.
More importantly, Holtville went 10-5 in games Barrett led off, including a 4-1 area record and 4-3 playoff record.
“It was definitely a change for me,” Barrett said. “I never really hit leadoff before but I felt like it was something I could adapt to. I really grew to it and loved leading off the games. Whether that was with a home run or a good at-bat, I was just trying to bring some energy to the game and set the tone for the rest of the lineup.”
Now in the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 1992, Wetumpka hit the road and faced Spanish Fort in the Elite Eight. The Indians were swept, 10-3 and 8-5, but were close to advancing. In Game 1, Wetump-
Around the same time, Barrett started to find his power swing. Through the first 23 games of the season, he was having success with extra base hits. He hit seven doubles and a triple during that span and drove in 20 runs.
But as soon as he stepped up to the plate in his first area game, something clicked and Barrett took the next step in his game. Against Jemison, Barrett sent the second pitch he was thrown over the centerfield wall on a line drive. He went 3-for-3 that game with three RBIs. He added three more RBIs in the second game of the doubleheader. In the area championship series against Marbury the following week, Barrett hit two more leadoff home runs in Game 1 and Game 3 as Holtville clinched another area title. In the first round of the
ka led 2-1 in the fifth inning before giving up nine runs in the final two innings. In Game 2, the teams were tied 5-5 in the seventh inning before Spanish Fort broke away with three runs in the final frame.
Despite the abrupt ending to the season, Wetumpka finished the year 24-16 and accomplished more than any
playoffs a week later, he hit a massive grand slam against Elmore County to put the Bulldogs up, 1-0, in the series. All four of his home runs came against area, playoff or rivalry opponents.
During that span as well, Barrett was lights out on the mound. He went 3-0 against Jemison, Marbury and Elmore County while pitching a combined 17 ⅓ innings. He allowed just 12 hits and zero earned runs as he struck out 36 batters.
“I think it was probably something to do with the atmosphere the games were in,” Barrett said. “If you look at them all, they’re all big games and high intensity games. I think that’s just something that subconsciously clicks for me and gets me a little more amped up.”
Barrett and his Holtville team gave it all they could in the Class 5A playoffs. The defending state champions
Indians team had in over three decades. “We didn’t get it done in those games (against Spanish Fort), but we had a chance to win both of them and keep playing,” Dismukes said. “It was wild and they did something nobody’s done in 32 years. This was a special group and they’ll always be dear to my heart.”
were able to make it to the third round of the playoffs where they were beaten by a combined three runs.
But much like they have during this multi-year run, Holtville beat rival Elmore County in the first round and then took down Headland for the fourth-consecutive year.
The Bulldogs may not have made it quite as far as they hoped, but the 2024 class wrapped up an impressive career that contained four Elite Eights, three Final Fours, two state championship appearances and one state championship.
“We didn’t make it as far as we wanted, but I think we just took every game like it could be our last,” Barrett said. “We played for each other and played as a team. I think we really liked being in that situation and playing in those big time games. We liked proving ourselves not only to us but everybody who had doubted us.”
Smith takes reins on Reeltown offense
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter
In the first play of Reeltown’s spring scrimmage, Jamarkius Smith
uncorked a bomb.
Smith hit his brother Tae Martin over the middle of the field, putting about 40 yards under the ball, for Martin to run under it and score.
With Smith now under center for Reeltown after the departure of senior quarterback Jake Hornsby, things are going to look a tad bit different for the Rebel offense in 2024.
“He is dynamic. He has a skill set that we have to utilize,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said.
Smith debuted himself for Reeltown fans at the team’s spring scrimmage on Tuesday, running the offense and also making some tackles out wide on defense.
Now that Hornsby and running mate Arthur Woods are gone, Reeltown will have to rely on some new faces like Smith to fill the gaps.
Returning to the starting squad are guys like Martin and Dee Brown, along with newly annointed starting running back Traylen Roberts who came along as a freshman last season.
“We have guys, like Tae, and guys on the perimeter that if we can get the ball to them in space, it will be big for us,” Johnson said.
Smith’s untouched athleticism opens a lot of doors for the Reeltown offense as a whole.
Smith is light on his feet and has the strength to put a defender in the dirt. He is learning how to better run the read-option, while also bringing
about a stronger passing game than in years past.
Even still, Johnson doesn’t want to get too far away from the typical Reeltown ground and pound offense. Running behind a lineman like Bowman Brumbeloe or a fullback like Devin Bragg will still be featured plenty as the team goes about its season.
“We still won’t get away from our bread and butter,” Johnson
said. “But that was a goal this spring to get that (passing) system in and get (Smith) used to the reads. I felt like he did a good job.”
Smith’s opening deep ball was also complimented by hitting Brown in the corner of the end zone later in the scrimmage. In the open field, he took a good shot from linebacker Finn Henderson, who too will look to be a
major contributor in his senior year.
Smith dusted himself off after the hit and got right back in the huddle, likely realizing there are plenty of those hits coming his way ahead of his sophomore year and first year as a starter.
After talking with friends and family about his big day postgame, Smith said he is ready to be the leader that his
team needs, much like Hornsby before him.
“I feel good about it,” Smith said. “They all look up to me. I tell everyone to keep their heads up with no bad attitudes, to stay positive.”
Reeltown opens the season at home against T.R. Miller on Aug. 22. A few players at the scrimmage were talking about it, wishing they were hitting the Tigers
instead of themselves.
As summer rolls along ahead of the season opener, it will be Smith’s time to fully grasp his newfound role within the Rebel football program. He wasn’t sure what exactly lay ahead, but knew it’s going to be up to him to stay center, and the rest of the team will follow suit.
“I just have to stay on point,” Smith said.
Tallassee sees new opponents in AHSAA spring realignment
By TPI STAFF Staff Report
The rest of Tallassee’s spring opponents have been revealed.
The AHSAA released its 2024-2026 realignment Thursday for baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, golf and outdoor track and field.
Tallassee, which is making the move from Class 5A to 4A with reclassification, will see itself playing new teams in every sport in the school.
In baseball and softball, Tallassee will be in Class 4A, Area 5 but with slightly different opponents. The baseball team will face Booker T. Washington Tuskegee, LAMP, Montgomery Catholic and Trinity. Trinity is the defending area champions in this group, going 11-0 in area play last season and reaching the third round of the Class 4A playoffs.
Tallassee is also coming off a third round trip and an area title.
In softball, the only difference is Prattville Christian will be in the area instead of Trinity. BTW, LAMP and Montgomery Catholic all remain as well.
Tallassee soccer, coming off its first Final Four appearance in program history, will be in Area 3. The Tigers will face BTW, LAMP, Catholic, St. James and Trinity. The girls team will have its hands full with that area as St. James is the defending Class 1A-3A state champion and is moving up to 4A.
In both golf and track and field, Tallassee will be in Section 2 which spans from Tuskegee to Birmingham. The Tigers do not have a tennis program.
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PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM A. RAMSEY, CASE NO: 2024-107 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
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ELMORE COUNTY’S NEELEY COMMITS TO COASTAL CC GOLF
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Spence Neeley never thought golf would take him to college.
Neeley had never played golf until he was 16-years old. He picked up the sport a year after not playing any other sports. He had previously played baseball and basketball, but those weren’t the sports for him.
He sat out for a year before he decided to pick up a golf club, and then he quickly fell in love with the sport. And now Neeley is going to golf at the next level. He recently committed to golf at Coastal Alabama Community College North in Brewton.
He will sign with the program at 9 a.m. Thursday at Elmore County High School.
“It honestly caught me by surprise because I haven’t been playing golf for a long time,” Neeley said. “I never thought it would bring me this far. But I picked it up and fell in love with the sport. It means a lot to me. It was one of my major goals this year. Honestly, it was probably my biggest goal.”
Neeley’s recruiting process took a different path than most.
He and his family actually called the school to find out who the golf coach was and how to get in contact with the program.
After they reached the coach, a tryout was set up and Neeley stole the show.
“I competed with 20 other golfers for two scholarship openings and it just went my way that day,” Neeley said. “They have a solid golf program that is
scorecard
going to give me a chance to play at the next level after two levels, and they have the degree (forestry) when I transfer to Auburn.” As Neeley grew in the game, he showcased it on the varsity level for Elmore County.
College North.
shooting a 73
The Panthers made a run all the way to sub-state and actually finished in second place in the 5A, Section 1 tournament. During that tournament, Neeley was the team’s leading golfer with a 73 score. It was the second-lowest
score of the entire tournament behind only one Demopolis golfer playing at his home course. Neeley wrapped up his successful varsity career in sub-state, and now he will see his skills transfer to the college level.
SUBMITTED TPI
“Really, my short game is where I’ve practiced a whole lot and it’s helped me,” Neeley said. “Whenever I’m struggling on a round and my iron or driver isn’t working, I can always lean on my short game to still produce a decent round.”