Issue 1 August 2018

J A C K S O N

T H E V OL. XLIX, ISSUE 1

P R E P A R A T O R Y

S C H O O L

S E N T RY

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE Paid Jackson, MS Permit #93

A UG U S T 2018

PAST MEETS FUTURE

Each new year at Prep is a time of transition and a new horizon for the entire #PrepFamily, but this year has a special twist. For the first time in the history of Jackson Prep, one of its own is returning to lead it into the future. In June of 2018, Mr. Lawrence Coco, JP Class of 1992, became the - STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 first alumnus to serve as Head of School.

What class are you looking forward to the most this year?

“I’m looking forward to physics” - Ben Johnson, 11th “Kinesiology. I have never taken a class like that before, and I am so excited to be able to learn about topics that I can relate to.” - Elizabeth Speed, 12th “Yearbook, because I am one of the editors this year, and so I’ll get to help tell the story of my senior year.”

- Eliza Burnham, 12th “Greek because I’m looking forward to learning a new language.” - Alex Stradinger, 11th “Latin” - Reece Davis, 12th “Study hall” - Mason Nichols, 10th “The new schedule” - Victoria Chough, 10th “The next summer” - Carson Butler, 10th “I’m excited the most this year about everything! Meeting new people, athletics, academics, clubs, lunch, seeing old friends, pep ralliess, sporting events, and a whole new experience.” - Dax Murphy, 10th “Seeing how everyone adapts to the new schedule and meeting new people.” - Mia Bruce, 10th “I am looking forward to glass design because it will be something different.” - Caroline Dreher, 11th

Sentry Summer Staff John Henry Andress •Payne Bell Camp Carter •Sarah Cory Elizabeth Downing • Preston Dubberly Ford Lange • Tori Newsome • William Fletcher Alex Gibbs • Maclain Kennedy • Mara Liston Mary Patton Murphy • Emory Maxwell Stewart McCullough • Ainsley O’Quinn Hogan Privitt • Cass Rutledge • Anna Stack Charles Stephenson • John Stradinger Chloe Tew • Russ Upton • Steven Wyatt

V I E W S & V O I C E S

What was the highlight of your summer?

“Going to a Zac Brown Band concert” - Will Upton, 8th “Going to the beach with my friends” - Mackensie Shoemaker, 11th “Going to Sharptop Cove for Young Life” - Alice Ann Hollingsworth, 11th “Breaking my nose the week before senior portraits” - Hannah Arnold, 12th “Going to Young Life Capernaum” - Mary Parker Plunkett, 12th “Getting my puppy” - Evie Farrington, 12th “Going to Alpine for a month” - Wilson Cotten, 8th “Going to the beach with friends” - Christian Martin, 10th “My birthday because, I mean, it’s me” - Drea Morgan, 12th

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The Sentry

Welcome Back

Past meets future: Coco takes the reins at Prep sTewarT mccullough [continued from cover] Mr. Coco’s selection was announced by the board in February and became effective June 1.

During his time as a Prep student, Mr. Coco was a standout amongst his peers. He was awarded the American Legion Citizenship Award, was a National Merit semifinalists, played football, ran track, sang in the choir, played a role in the school play, was active in Fielding Christian Athletes, and was an editor of Earthwinds, Prep’s literary magazine.

After his time at Jackson Prep, he attended Ole Miss where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and History.

After teaching for a few years at Prep, Mr. Coco earned his law degree from Ole Miss.

As a litigator, he worked for two large firms, Brunini and Baker Donelson, before joining Carroll, Bufkin & Coco for 8 years. He then moved on to start another firm, which was by

McCraney, Coco & Lee. When asked about what he’ll miss about being in the legal field, Mr. Coco said, “I will miss my two legal partners, who were also my best friends, and the challenges of being an attorney.

However, taking this job has been very exciting so I won’t really miss practicing law because I enjoy doing this so much.”

Mr. Coco and his wife, Rebecca, have known eachother since high school, but didn’t

Mr. Lawrence Coco readies for the beginning of school. Photo by Stewart McCullough.

start dating until after college. They have three children - Mary Robinson, a 9th grader at Prep, Thomas, who is a 6th grader at FPDS, and Edward, who is a 2nd grader at FPDS. Inn their free time, Mr. and Mrs. Coco enjoy chasing their kids around town and supporting them in everything they do.

Mr. Coco has thoroughly enjoyed taking on the new Head of School position. He said, “My favorite part about taking this new job is being a part of this great team and this family. Practicing law can be a very solitary existence, but that’s not what this is. This is a part of being a team. We support each other on good days and we support each other even more on bad days. I love being apart of this family.”

He also believes that being apart of the #PrepFamily means more than just a hashtag. “What is wonderful about the Prep Family is that it is a very real thing. It is something that I have felt for a long time because I was a par-

ent, but over the past couple of months, I have experienced it a lot more over the past couple of months. I believe that it embodies encouragement and pride, along with compassion and caring for eachother. It is not something we just put on a tweet, it is tangible,” said Coco.

It is easy to see that Mr. Coco has a real passion for

Jackson Prep. He believes that it is more than a school. It is a calling, a home.

For his first school year as Head of School, Mr. Coco has a primary goal of immersing himself into Prep’s dynamic culture by getting to know the faculty, student, and administration.

During the interview, I had the opportunity to ask Mr. Coco a few random questions.

as Parker Caracci at Ole Miss and Jake Mangum at Mississippi State.

Q: If you were trapped on an island and could only have one TV series, what would it be?

A: Band of Brothers Q: What college team do you pull for?

A: I am a huge Ole Miss fan, which is very humbling. Being an Ole Miss fan, I know how to overcome adversity, but I honestly enjoy seeing any Mississippi team do well. It is also very easy to pull for the teams that Jackson Prep alumni are playing for, such

Q: Bigfoot...real or just myth?

A: I have ridden the expedition ride at Disney World, where they had a lot of compelling evidence of Bigfoot’s existence, however, since most of this information was at Disney World, I would have to say no.

Q: Who is your favorite Marvel superhero?

A: My favorite superhero is The Incredible Hulk. Although he doesn’t embody who I am, I feel like most people would love to Hulk out every once in a while.

Improvements around campus await students Tori Newsome Every summer, Prep makes improvements to the campus that benefit the students. This summer, there have not been as many changes that will be noticed visually as there have been in the past, but they will not go unnoticed when the academic part of the school year begins.

One area to receive a major upgrade was the resource area in the McRae Center. The resource room used to have computer cubbys, but those have been taken out and replaced with tables so that the students will have more room to move around. Also, a wall that was located right next to Ms. Allyn Ray’s desk, has been knocked down. This will make it easier for the resource students and teachers to review tests or work because now, inby

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stead of having to be across the table and look at the material upside down, there is enough room for them to go behind the desk or even pull up a chair and review the work that they need help with.

By the “red slab,” there has been a sidewalk and seating installed. This is beneficial to mostly Junior High students because, when they finish up their lunches, they like to go play basketball on the red slab.

This gives them a walkway to do just that.

Improvements were also made in classrooms over the summer. Twenty-three teacher classrooms have been upgraded with new furniture, and three classrooms replaced the desks with new collaborative student desks. Also, there is a classroom with added tables instead of desks, which makes it easier

for the class to engage in discussion because the students will not have to worry about the person in front or behind of them when speaking. New carpet has also been put in some areas around campus.

The school upgraded its lighting system as well. We now have LED lighting in all buildings, with the exception of the dining commons and the gym.

These new lights have been installed in both the interior and exterior of buildings, which is beneficial because it saves both energy and money.

The library has been the most transformed over the summer. Two collaboration rooms have been installed in the library. These rooms have walls that students can write on, so when they have to write something down or work out a math problem, they can use

these walls. The library also has new tables and seating. Mr. Denny Britt said, “I think that the library will be beneficial to students because I hope that the students will use these resources as a place to collaborate and get work done.” There is also a new painting, dedicated

to Eudora Welty, on the wall by the exit to the front of the McCrae building.

The improvements that have been made to the school over the summer will hopefully be put to good use by the students throughout the school year.

The Jackson Prep resource room had a major overall this summer, including the removal of a wall and the replacement of computer cubbies with tables. Photo by Tori Newsome.

The Sentry

Welcome Back New faces, new schedules for the new year

Faculty & Staff Additions School day lengthens by 15 minutes Hogan Privett After much planning, change has come to the Jackson Prep school day. While the junior high schedule has undergone only minor tweaks, Prep has implemented a completely new schedule for the senior high.

Many Prep faculty members, including director of academics Ms. Carolyn Sisk and assistant director Mr. Hunter Upchurch, did extensive research and brought an expert in to ensure the success of the new schedule.

The expert was Mr. Bryan Smyth, a consultant from a company called Independent School Management. He presented the administration with multiple examples of schedules, and Prep chose a modified version of one of his suggestions.

The new schedule rotates between A, B, and C days. On any given day, a senior high student will take four of their six 70-minute classes and end

the day with a single 50-minute class, which will remain constant each day. On A days, students go to carriers 1-4, and the “fixed carrier” at the end.

On B days, they take carriers 5,6,1, and 2. On C days, it’s 3-6.

In two cycles back-to-back, a student will go to to each class four times. Another difference in the new schedule is that students will no longer go to lunch during 4th period. Instead, all senior high students will have 45 minutes starting at 12:25 to eat and do as they please.

Another change in the senior high will be the elimination of most of the bells. Students and faculty will be responsible for starting, ending, and moving between their classes over the course of the day, as they are on a college campus.

One more difference for everyone on campus is that the school day will last 10 minutes longer. It will go to 3:10 pm instead of 3:00 pm.

Counselor Mr. Lee Ozier

rector Colonel William Merrell said, “The main memory is the constant daily adventure of new sights, sounds, and foods never seen before. We were in awe and wonder each minute of the day.”

Food is very important to the Japanese culture. Senior Georgia Perkins most enjoyed

trying the unfamiliar food.The most adventurous of the group for trying new foods were Georgia and fellow classmate Kennedy Marble. Strange foods were served at every corner including whole squid on a stick, fish eyeball, chicken feet, baby octopus salad, and stinky tofu.

Colonel Merrell was very impressed with the students because they were almost always willing to try new kinds of food that came their way.

Next summer, the GLI will sponsor travel to Krakow, Poland; Prague, Czech Republic; Nuremberg, Germany; Munich, Germany; and end in Davos, Switzerland. “Next year, our group will be younger, so it will probably be their first time traveling to Europe. I am looking forward to their expressions and reactions,” said Merrell.

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BACK ROW, L to R: Chance Theriot (Science/Mathematics), Don Regan (Business/Technology), Mariclaire Nix (Athletics), Meagan Vinson (Science), Marcus Canoy (Athletics), Les Triplett (Social Studies/Athletics) FRONT ROW, L to R: Kesha Mabry (Asst. Dir. of Admissions), Ashleigh Bowen (Counseling Office), Mary Catherine Foxhall (Mathematics), Mary Kelly Branning (Social Studies/English) Not pictured: Clay Wooley (Woodworking)

Look for profiles of these and other faculty and staff in weeks to come at

jpsentry.net

Senior High Schedule 2018-2019 TIME

A

B

C

8:10 AM

1

5

3

9:20 AM

2

6

4

10:30 AM

Activity Pd

Activity Pd

Activity Pd

10:50 AM

Advisory or Community Time

Advisory or Community Time

Advisory or Community Time

11:15 AM

3

1

5

12:25 PM

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

1:10 PM

4

2

6

2:20 3:10 PM

Fixed Carrier

Fixed Carrier

Fixed Carrier

said that the main goals are to provide more flexibility to a student’s daily routine and, eventually, to open up more electives.

Counselors and the academic directors encourage students, parents, and faculty to be patient as the inevitable kinks in the new schedule are worked out in the coming weeks and months.

Global Leadership Institute takes on Japan Preston Dubberly Every summer, Prep’s Global Leadership Institute takes a group of students to experience a different culture.

Destinations are chosen based off the areas rich in history and culture to help students develop context in their world views.

This summer, the destinations were Japan and Taiwan.

As the students toured these countries, they began to realize how different they were from the United States. In Japan and Taiwan, the streets are kept very clean unlike most American cities.

The trip began in Tokyo, where students saw many famous sites such as Asakusa Kannon Temple, Harajuku Shopping District, Meiji Shinto Shrine, Akihabara District and Tsukiji Fish Market. Students by

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attended a Sumo wrestling class taught by a real wrestler and later watched him in an exhibition match.

They then traveled from Tokyo to Taipei, Taiwan where the group saw Taipei 101, the tallest building in the world, a site known as Taroke George, and the Pacific Beach. GLI di-

Photo courtesy of Georgia Perkins.

Photo to the left: Some of the group stop to pose for a touristy photo Photo above: From left to right, Senior Kennedy Marble, Prep alum Mollie Merrell, Senior Georgia Perkins snap a picture in front of the Asukusa Kannon Temple

The Sentry

Welcome Back

The world comes to Prep Jackson Prep camps flourish Mara Liston Jackson Prep’s International program is a two-week camp that lasted from July 15th to July 29th, that provided students from around the world with opportunities to improve their English, make new friends, and prepare for school in the United States.

It is perfect for families with students who are wondering what it would be like to study in the U.S. and do not want to be committed to living here for a full year. This camp allowed the students to experience the southern region of the United States.

The students underwent both physically and mentally challenging activities such as playing chess, basketball, horse riding, and pottery. Instead of by

remaining on Prep’s campus, the students traveled to different places around the state.

These included visiting a horse farm, local eateries, a Jackson writer’s home, and trips to the Ross Barnett Reservoir and New Orleans, Louisiana.

The students stayed with host families who helped them experience American family home life. Host families include current teachers at Prep. These host families provide housing, transportation, and meals.

The international program summer camp is a great way to experience what it would be like to go to school in the United States. This summer camp provided students with many opportunities to experience new adventures and make friends from around the globe.

in the 2018 summer heat MacLain Kennedy This summer, Jackson Prep outdid what one might expect when hearing the words “summer camp”. With over 60 different camp options, Prep had something for everyone.

Camps were held from June 4th- August 2nd.

Even when school is not in session, the Prep campus is always busy with people. While most schools hold sport-based summer camps, Jackson Prep went above and beyond this stereotype. They offered camps such as Kitchen Science, Lego Robotics, Calligraphy, and so much more.

Cheer camp has been popby

ular among the young girls in the community for years now.

This year’s cheer co-captain, Henley Johnson, enjoyed getting to be apart of the camp.

She said, “I just loved interacting with the kids and playing with them. They were always so happy and loved even the simple things like jumps.”

Jackson Prep summer camps are a great way for students to get involved with their school. If a student plays a sport or participates in an activity that hosts a camp, then helping with that camp allows for the student to teach skills to younger kids who have an interest in that activity. There

are other ways to get plugged into Jackson Prep summer camps besides working a camp.

Senior Gabbi Ferreri worked the cheer camp and the concession stands. “It was so fun to see their sweet faces racing to get a quick snack during their break and then running right back to their camp activities.

They were all so excited to be there.”

If you have any questions about summer camp or how to get plugged in next summer, contact Vicki King, who is the director of summer camps.

International students enjoying all of the activities that the camp has to offer. Photo’s courtesy of Jackson Prep.

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The Sentry

Welcome Back

Ricky Black named High School Coach of the Year Stewart Mccullough On Wednesday, June 27th, longtime Jackson Prep head football coach Ricky Black was named Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.

Coach Black was selected from eight other finalists from around the country. He is the first Jackson Prep head coach and second Mississippian to win this award.

In 37 seasons as a head coach, Black’s teams at Kosciusko, Tupelo and Prep have a record of 371-74. In 21 seasons at Jackson Prep, Black has won 243 games and 10 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools state championships.

In the past 6 seasons, he has put together an impressive 77-5 record in addition to winning 6 consecutive state titles, a Mississippi high school record. Thomas Thornton, a current senior at Jackson Prep, has had the honor of playing for Coach Black for three seasons.

In an interview with Thomas, he mentioned, “What is so impressive with the 6 consecutive state titles is the kind of teams he pulled it off with. We haven’t by

always been the most talented group of guys in our league, but we have been the hardest playing team every year, and that starts with Coach Black. Players buy in to what he tells them to do and he turns potential into greatness better than anyone else can at the high school level.”

Thomas Thornton later added that what makes coach Black so unique is that he genuinely cares about his players, on and off the field. “Coach Black really cares about his players and it shows. If you play another sport, he will show up to your games. He is always checking your grades and making sure you are excelling in the classroom. He has been around the sport for so long and knows so much. It has truly been an honor to play for such an amazing coach and person, and I look forward to having one more year with him.” said Thornton.

Coach Black is also known for increasing his players football IQ and general knowledge.

In a 2017 pre-season interview with 16 WAPT, star runningback Jerrion Ealy made a comment that Coach Black gave

him a lesson during their short car ride about why the interstate system was developed.

Thomas Thornton also added that Coach Black is wonderful with taking complicated things and simplifying them in order to maximize efficiency during practice.

Javon Magee, a current

junior who plays running back, believes Coach Black is truly one of a kind. He went on to say that Black is like a four-leaf clover or a unicorn, because it’s not every day that you find a coach that is always pushing you to be the best human being and football player you can be. Magee said, “the reason

Coach Black, along with his wife, after being named the NHSCA football coach of the year. Photo courtesy of Ricky Black.

Coach Black walks around with a ring for every finger is because he believes in doing the small things right. He believes that character wins championships.”

Athletic Director Will Crosby spoke for the entire Jackson Prep community when he said, “What a well deserved honor for Coach Black. We are so proud of Coach Black and the Prep Family is excited for the rest of the country to know what we’ve known for years: the Ricky Black is one of the best to ever coach the game.”

Head of School Lawrence Coco added, “What an amazing honor for Coach Black. Jackson Prep is lucky to have his leadership and dedication to student athletes for these past 20 years.

We could not be more proud.”

The football program is currently gearing up for their 7th straight championship run, and who better to have at the helm than the national high school coach of the year. Congratulations, Coach Black! ~ Sports Editor Steven Wyatt also contributed to this story

Softball swinging for 3rd straight state title WILLIAM FLETCHER Among all of the exciting things surrounding the beginning of a new school year like football, new classes, and catching up with friends, is the domination of Jackson Prep Softball. Coming off a great championship season last year and a productive offseason, an exciting 2018 season is sure to take place.

This year’s seniors are a talented bunch with lots of potential and drive. They are Shekinah Lumpkin, Drea Morgan, McKinley Weeks, Breley Boykin, and Olivia Powe.

When asked who the team is looking to see the most out of, senior Shekinah Lumpkin said “definitely Breley and Drea because they are very good working together and when one is off, the other one is on”. Last year Boykin was a very big component in the team’s defense as an all-star BY

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Photo to the left: Senior Sheakinah Lumpkin at the plate. Photo by Stewart McCullough Photo below: This year’s senior lady partiots. Photo courtesy Drea Morgan

pitcher.

The seniors are not the only weapons the team has either. There are plenty of talented underclassmen also driving this team towards a successful year. While it is a relatively short season, as many games as possible are packed into these two months and it is always thrilling

to watch and be a part of. The girls opened up the season on August 2nd with a huge 15 - 0 win against rival Jackson Academy, kickstarting the drive for the championship.

With an extremely talented team altogether, this goal is very much possible and will make for an exciting early fall season.

The Sentry

Welcome Back

Senior high football season preview

comes into the season looking to beat his astounding from a year ago. Ealy put up an absurd 2321 all-purpose yards last season, while also scoring 45 total touchdowns.

The offensive star for the Patriots will, however, not be able to lead the team to their 7th straight state title alone.

He will need the help of his defensive counterparts if he wants to earn his 4th straight

Mary Patton MurPhy Flowood, MS -- After a long summer filled with morning workouts and afternoon practices, the Prep volleyball teams finally played their first games of the season at home on Tuesday, July 31 against Hartfield Academy.

Similar to past years, players are divided into Varsity, Junior Varsity, and two Middle School teams based on grade and skill level. Though there is a small number of seniors, juniors, and sophomores playing volleyball this year, there are over thirty freshmen and middle school athletes participating in the sport, which gives Prep parents and coaches good feelings about the growth of the program in the years to come.

Against Hartfield, Prep’s Varsity team lost their match

0-3, but the Junior Varsity team won with a sweeping 0-2 while the Middle School A team won by a set, 2-3.

For some new Prep players and students, these first games were played against their old teammates. One new #PrepFamily member, Kayleigh Yung, talked about how it felt to finally wear a Prep jersey and play against her former colleagues. She said, “It was kinda weird at first to be playing against them and everything and I will miss them, but I am so thankful for my new teammates and coaches who have been so amazing since I met them.”

Prep volleyball also travelled to Hattiesburg on Thursday, August 2 to play Presbyterian Christian School. The Middle School A team and Junior Varsity team were excited

to take two more wins for Prep in their matches against the Bobcats, but the Varsity team was disappointed to take another loss, with the final score at 1-3.

Though it seems that Varsity has some work to do, Head Coach of the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams Pollyann Watters said that the team has improved already and commented about her players. “They have all worked hard this summer by practicing, participating in camps, and playing in local summer leagues. Through that, they definitely improved their skills and teamwork. We are excited about the upcoming seasons for both JV and Varsity,” she said.

The volleyball season will continue through late September and end with MAIS tournaments for all teams. The Junior

Jackson Prep

fill other spots on the offensive side of the ball, however, with the number of upperclassmen at their disposal they should be able to score the ball with some ease.

Also, the Patriots are returning not only one of the most explosive running backs in the state but also in the country. Senior Jerrion Ealy, the two-sport Under Armour All American for the Patriots,

The offensive line during a grueling day of football practice in preparation for the upcoming season. Photo by Stewart McCullough.

championship ring.

The Patriots defense has many gaps to fill this season, especially in the teams secondary. The team lost their top three leading tacklers and all four defensive members that recorded more than one interception a year ago.

The loss that will haunt the coaching staff the most, however, may be the transfer of linebacker Hayden Hill who made the switch to nearby public school Northwest Rankin for his final season of eligibility.

Hill led Prep in both assisted and solo tackles last year with 121 and 21 respectively.

Though the Patriots have a lot of roles to figure out, it

doesn’t seem as if this team is going to back down from the challenge. When asked about the difficulty of replacing last years star-studded defense, rising senior cornerback and wide receiver Nicholas Sanford said, “We obviously lost a lot of talent in the secondary but we feel we have a pretty talented senior group of defensive backs along with a few good underclassmen and we are ready for the challenge ahead.”

Now, the only thing left for the fans to do is to sit back and wait to see if this years team can continue the winning tradition that has become of Jackson Prep Football.

Jackson Prep

Steven Wyatt Flowood, MS -- August is upon us, and the Jackson Prep Patriots are on the cusp of their 2018 football campaign. This season is not a normal one for the Patriots, seeing as they have several spots on both sides of the ball to fill before they kick off their season at East Rankin on August 17.

The position that is at the forefront of the coaches minds as they go through practice is the quarterback spot. Chance Lovertich, who passed for over 2200 yards and 32 touchdowns through the air just a year ago has since graduated, leaving the Patriots with a difficult decision to make. The leading candidate for the position is rising senior Alex Gibbs. Gibbs was the starting quarterback for the junior high team his ninth grade year, and he will look to regain a starting position for the Patriots once again for his final season.

Jackson Prep also has to by

To livestream Prep football --------------------------------------go to www. jacksonprep.live

Varsity volleyball determined as season starts by

August 2018

The girls’ volleyball team huddles up before their game against Hartfield. Photo courtesy of Georgia Perkins.

Varsity tournament will be September 29 at Prep, but Middle School and Varsity tournament dates and locations are to be announced.

Parents, students, and faculty can see the full volleyball schedule and team lists at www.jacksonprep.org/page/

athletics/volleyball and can stay aware of score updates as well as team activities and service by following @prep_volleyball on Instagram or @JPrepVolleyball on Twitter and by liking Jackson Prep Volleyball on Facebook.

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Welcome Back

Prep golfer Simms Abney on summer hot streak emory maxweLL Prep Senior Simms Abney has been on a tear in his summer golf season. He won the Junior PGA qualifier in New Orleans to start the summer, the CCJ Jr Club Championship in July, and ended the summer with two huge wins in by

Simms Abney following his win at the Mississippi Junior Amateur Championships. Photo courtesy of Luke Abney.

one week at the EZ-GO AJGA Open in Augusta, Georgia and the Mississippi State Junior at Reunion in Madison.

The reason for his success, he says, is from working on his mental toughness with some of his coaches and teammates from his future home at the University of Alabama. Right now, Simms is sitting at 171 on the Junior Golf scoreboard of golfers at his age in the world, but hopes his recent success will move him into the top 100 by the time school starts.

Simms is also hoping to continue his success into the school year and the Jackson Prep golf season. With a new head coach in Matt Collins following the departure of Nell Bradford and the departure of several senior players from last year, Simms is going to have to step up and really contribute to the team this year for them

to contend. He says, “Last year we won a state championship and we’ve always been dominant, but losing Parker Daily and Robert Tyson we really gotta step it up. I gotta really contribute more to bring home another state championship for Prep in 2019.”

Besides the Prep golf season, Simms also has a busy schedule with tournament golf for the school year. Simms is playing in the Bobby Chapman Jr. Invitational in Spartanburg, SC in October, the Junior Jones Cup in Sea Island, GA over Christmas, and he has a special invitation to play Augusta National Golf Club in December as well. Simms is hoping his hot streak continues going into the school year, in hopes to bring home another state championship for Prep and to add to his trophy case at home.

and 18. Tryouts consist of two a days; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Leading up to tryouts, practices, and some scrimmages were held to give the players plenty of op-

portunities to show off for Head Coach Jon Marcus Duncan.

July 19 was the first official practice for the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams.

The two teams kicked off their seasons on Saturday, July 21, each having a game against Briarcrest Christian School.

Varsity tied 3-3 and Junior Varsity won 1-0. Senior Anna Minich had some thoughts on the upcoming season. “I am very excited to see our growth as a team and be a leader to the younger girls,” she said.

This coming weekend the Varsity team will be in Collierville, Tennessee, for a tournament. Both teams are looking forward to a strong season, and varsity is hoping to bring back home the state championship.

JV and Varsity Girls’ soccer preview

Sarah Cory Throughout the summer, both the Junior Varsity and Varsity girls soccer teams have been practicing.

Tryouts were held July 17

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Left: The Prep girls’ soccer team during their 2018 team retreat.

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Junior High football preview

Ford Lange School is not the only thing starting up this fall, Junior High football season will be in full blast in a couple weeks with their first game. This team will open up their season in Amite, LA to play Oak Forest Academy. This game is much anticipated since the team has been working all summer with workouts and now two-a-days.

Stepping up to take the new head coaching job is Zander Romano. Coach Romano has been with Prep football and baseball for a few years now.

The Junior High team has had lots of success over the past years, but now it is on these by

9th graders to carry their team.

Coming off an undefeated season, these new 9th graders look to repeat what they did just a year ago.

Junior High football is a big step up from 7th grade, getting to play under the lights in front of what is usually a crowd full of 9th graders. It gives the 9th graders just a little taste of what it is like to play on the varsity team. This Junior High team looks to have a great season with Coach Romano being the new coach and these 9th graders coming back to keep the winning streak going.

Want to see more?

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