WETUMPKA’S HARRIS SIGNS WITH LAGRANGE VOLLEYBALL

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Khloe Harris achieved a life-long dream this month.

Harris, a senior at Wetumpka, signed her National Letter of Intent to play collegiate volleyball at LaGrange University, the oldest private college in the state of Georgia.

“This is a dream come true,” Harris said. “It’s something I’ve imagined since I was a young girl. Having parents who have played at the collegiate level and seeing all the athletes around me going to play, it’s surreal and I’m very excited to go in and showcase my talents in college.”

It was a no-brainer for Harris to pick LaGrange. She had other options, but head coach Moneshia McKenney proved to Harris that she wanted her more than any other school did.

They began talking at the end of her club ball season during Harris’ junior season. Harris put video of her playing on FieldLevel, and McKenney found her through the recruit- ing website. After reaching out to Harris, the two stayed in contact and Harris visited during her junior season.

She made her commitment earlier this season, and put a lot of prayers and thoughts into the right decision for her.

“I was talking to coach McKenney for the longest of any coach that offered me,” Harris said. “I really just liked how comforting she was and how in touch she was with me. She was very open and so were the players. They were very honest and welcoming and I enjoyed the campus feel. It was kind of a no-brainer to go there. I enjoyed it.”

Harris has been a stellar player for Wetumpka during her high school career. She has been named to the All-County team each of the last two seasons, and she was named the 2021 All-County Player of the Year after a season where she recorded 326 kills, 238 digs, and had a 88% serving percentage.

She had another great year as a senior as she recorded a team-high

241 kills, 160 digs, 28 blocks, and 67 service aces.

She helped lead Wetumpka to its fifth-consecutive area championship and a playoff victory in the sub-regional rounds.

Now, she hopes to take her talents to LaGrange and show her teammates why she was recruited.

“For college, I feel like everybody is always on their toes about what the freshman are going to be able to bring the team,” Harris said. “Going back to being an underclassmen again, you’re looking up to other girls so I have to see where I fit in. I think I bring a lot of IQ and just athleticism to the court. I can’t wait to have a new family and branch out and start something new. It’s all going to be fun.”

LaGrange has found some success during the last five seasons, but the Panthers have had a rough last two seasons. They finished the 20212022 season with a 5-18 record and finished this year with a 4-23 record.

Tallassee wrestling opens season with three-match sweep

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Tallassee wrestling team started the season in dominating fashion last week.

Tallassee hosted its annual Jamie Blakely Duals tournament last week and swept through its competition. The Tigers began their season with three wins, one each over Stanhope Elmore, Elmore County, and Reeltown.

Tallassee beat Stanhope Elmore 58-24, beat Elmore County 57-24, and beat Reeltown 63-18.

“We wrestled well and had differ-

Willis compiled a 17-6 record with the Flames, throwing for over 5,000 yards and adding almost 2,000 on the ground before being drafted with the 86th pick in the NFL Draft by the Titans.

No official announcement has been made by either Auburn or Liberty. This story will be updated.