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This Week: Sports

Issue 15

From the Oconee to the Apalachee

Volume 11

Thursday, April 14, 2016

North Oconee continues its winning ways

Story, page 4

Oconee County takes on Hart County Sports, page 5

In brief Business Expo a huge success

The 26th Annual Oconee Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo, sponsored by Athens Ford, was the largest attended show yet. There were 74 local businesses who participated in the Expo sharing information with the community about their services and products. With 14 extra booths spaces added this year, and 29 new exhibitors, the Expo was a sellout. Those who attended made their way through the venue and spoke with the exhibitors, signing up for give-aways, enjoying food samples from several restaurants and caterers. They were also given free neck/back massages, eye screenings, hearing screenings, and enjoyed many more services that were demonstrated by the participating exhibitors.

Oconee Chamber golf tournament set for April 21

The 2016 Oconee Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is at Lane Creek Golf Club on Thursday April 21. The competition is set up in teams of four in a scramble format, $500 per Team ($125 per player), which includes two mulligans and one raffle ticket. There will be prizes for first, second and third place as well as closest to the pin, straightest drive and longest drive. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. with shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Box lunch provided on carts and beverages available to purchase on the course during the tournament. For more information, visit www.oconeechamber.org.

Email editor@theoconeeleader. com

Twitter @TheOconeeLeader

ROB PEECHER/Oconee Leader

Mary Gilbert (left) joined Joy People and her daughter Amelia for strawberry picking Saturday morning at Washington Farms. The berries are ripening earlier this year than they usually do.

Business picking up Strawberry picking begins early this year at Washington Farms By Rob Peecher

TheOconeeLeader.com

With the opening last week of strawberry picking season at Washington Farms, it’s the return of a favorite annual tradition in Oconee County, but this year the strawberry picking has started earlier than it typically does. Even with cooler temperatures and a breeze blowing on Saturday morning, there were dozens of people out picking strawberries. Brian and Micah Ballew were helping their mom Alyssa Ballew and their grandmother pick strawberries. “There’s nothing better than fresh strawberries,” Brian’s grandmother promised him. “If you help me get a bucketful, we can make strawberry jam on Monday.” Alyssa said she’d seen a posting about an event at Washington Farms and that was how she found out about the farm, and they drove from Cobb County Saturday morning to pick strawberries. The strawberry season typically begins in mid-April and lasts until early June, but Donna Washington – who owns the farm with her husband John – said this year the berries are

in earlier than usual. “We think it’s because of those days we had a few weeks ago that were 85 degrees,” Donna said. “We have a lot of berries in Watkinsville right now but not as many at our farm in Loganville. Every year is just a little different, and I’ve learned to just go with it. I’m just real thankful for all the berries we have now.” Mary Gilbert joined Joy People and Joy’s 2-year-old daughter Amelia at the farm, but it certainly wasn’t their first visit to Washington Farms, nor was it their first time picking strawberries. “We used to work at the farm,” Joy explained. “We were farm managers out here. But this is our first time picking for fun.” “We were just saying we were having a hard time not picking too quickly,” Mary said. “We used to do pre-picks when we worked here, and doing pre-picks you have to go fast.” Donna Washington said the warmer temperatures earlier in the spring probably sped up the ripening process, but cooler temperatures over the weekend had them worried. “It reached down to freezing last night, and so John was up all night,” Donna said. “Last night was tricky. We did frost protection and

Oconee Candidate Forum held today at Veterans Park By Staff Reports

TheOconeeLeader.com

Candidates for Oconee County offices who will meet in the May 24 Republican primary participate in a Candidate Forum from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Community Center in Veterans Park, 3500 Hog Mountain Road. Included are the candidates for the two posts on the Board of Commissioners, the chairman position on the Board of Education, the office of coroner, and the office of sheriff. In addition, the candidates seeking the Republican party nomination for the state Senate from the 46th District, which includes Oconee County, are scheduled to appear. Citizens Russ Page and Lee Becker have organized the Candidate Forum. They have held similar forums in elections in the past. The format is simple. Page and Becker will recognize citizens, who will ask the questions themselves. Page and Becker will keep time so each candidate has an equal opportunity to speak,. Page and Becker are encouraging everyone to come to the forum and ask questions of the candidates.

stuff like that.” Strawberry picking at Washington Farms is not just a favorite annual event for folks in Oconee County. Mary Gilbert visited the farm from Athens, and Joy People brought her daughter from Madison County. And Sarah Bryan and Avery Moon were at the farm from Walton County. “We love picking strawberries,” Sara said. Strawberry picking is how the Washingtons got started at the farm. They planted their first plants in the spring of 1993 and the first year they were open for picking was in the spring of 1994. For three years, all they had were strawberries before eventually adding pumpkins and blackberries and blueberries and, later, the corn maze and other farm activities. If visitors pick their own strawberries, they cost $12 a gallon. If they buy pre-picked strawberries they are $14 a gallon. Donna said visitors to the farm have to use the Washington Farms picking buckets, and those cost $1 but can be reused with every visit to the farm. “We’re open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but the one caveat is sometimes we have to close early or close for the day for ripening, so it’s always best to call before you drive out here to make sure we’re open,” she said.

School days in Oconee, page 3

Page 2

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Watkinsville author signs book one of local trilogy at history on the lawn three different centuries (White, 1920; Widow, During Oconee County 1870; and Witch, 1790) that they learn to apply to Historical Society’s their own lives and comHistory on the Lawn on munity. Meanwhile, one April 17, Watkinsville buried mystery threatens author Denise Weimer their redemption, as a will sign copies of rash of strange her locally set latest accidents hint that novel, “White: Book someone doesn’t One of The Restorawant them working tion Trilogy.” The on the property. event takes places Set among a Weimer at Ashford Manor, cast of endearing Watkinsville, from 1 characters in the fictional to 5 p.m. Hermon community of In the novels, brooding Oglethorpe County, Georbachelor Michael Johnson gia, Weimer says, “The inherits a historic docRestoration Trilogy melds tor’s house, apothecary humor and heartache shop and log cabin with to show how only God, limited knowledge of The Master Renovator, his own family history. can heal our most broken He hires recent historic places.” preservation graduThe real-life restoraate Jennifer Rushmore tion Weimer’s parents are to oversee the restoracompleting of a histion project. Jennifer is toric doctor’s house and determined to fulfill her apothecary inspired The first professional position Restoration Trilogy. Upon even if her employer lacks purchasing the country a proper appreciation of history. Both guarded and home, the couple learned the property belonged to wounded from their own pasts, with the restoration a long line of regionally famous doctors tracing of each building, they back to Revolutionary uncover three lessons War days. Along with of heart healing from By Staff Reports

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Contributed In center is Anthony Zuniga, playing Frank Abagnale Jr. Clockwise from his top right: Sydney Sims, Ellen Pauloski, Anna Beth Dyar, Miranda Pickens, Noelle Beussee, Jocie Beussee, Paige Smart, Lauren Ball, Laura Brannon, Lindsey Dyar

Cornerstone wants you to ‘Catch Me If You Can’ By Mike Sprayberry TheOconeeLeader.com

Local non-profit theater company Cornerstone Productions presents a musical adaptation of “Catch Me If You Can” Saturday, April 23 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 24 at 230 p.m. at the Oconee County Civic Center. “Catch Me If You Can” Director Leia Boone offered a preview of the company’s spring show dramatizing the life of Frank Abagnale, Jr., the con artist portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2002 film who, between the ages of 15 and 21, committed various acts of fraud and forgery before famously eluding authorities and impersonating a Pan Am airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer. “The musical ‘Catch Me If You Can’ is based off the movie, though the ending is different and earlier,” said Boone. “The movie is based off the book, which is an autobiography of Frank Abagnale, Jr. There are more differences from the book to the movie than from the movie to the musical. Still, the conning is the same while the details are not. “The music is by the same guys who did ‘Hairspray.’ It’s upbeat and driving, and this score is so jazzy. It’s a fantastic score.” In its ninth year, Cornerstone was founded by Justin and Sharon Carter as a family-oriented community theater initially focusing on annual Christmas shows. The company soon added a musical revue as a fundraiser and now produces up to eight shows per year. Of this year’s eight shows, the selection of “Catch Me If You Can” was one of the most difficult, said Boone. “We had a really hard time choosing our big spring show this year. It was the last one we picked and we went back and forth a lot. We looked at several shows, but none of them seemed right for this year. When I looked more into ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ I fell in love with it. I knew it was the show I would spend hundreds of hours with. I’m not tired of it yet and I know I won’t be. “It’s a riveting show with a phenomenal cast. It’s also probably the hardest material of any show I’ve ever been a part of. The dance is just plain tough, the music

is tricky and the story moves quickly-which is great for the audience, but makes backstage chaotic, at best.” Boone could not speak highly enough of the approximately 50 cast members, 20-person crew and five-piece jazz band featured in Cornerstone’s spring production. “I can’t emphasize how good the cast is,” she said. “The script, the songs and the story itself are fantastic and this cast brings it to a whole new level. The amount of energy it takes to do this show is incredible. Several cast members were required to do weekly workout sessions just to make sure to keep their stamina up and their muscles flexible and strong. “Our ‘Frank Abagnale, Jr.’ is incredible; he can sing, he can dance, he can act. I think the audience will be charmed by him as much as people were charmed by the real one, except ours won’t con anyone. Our Frank, Sr. reaches such emotional depth that you can’t help but love and pity him. Our Hanratty is so good that you’ll be happy when he finally catches Frank, Jr. Our Brenda is so sweet and lovable that you’ll understand why Frank, Jr. gives it all up for her.” In addition to the main characters, Boone touted the work of the supporting cast and found inspiration in their efforts. “The real gems of the show are the Frank Abagnale Junior Singers and Dancers,” said Boone. “I call them ‘Frankies.’ These ladies play several different roles and are on stage a good portion of the show. They help tell the story and move the action forward. “It’s like having ten leading ladies all in an extremely strong ensemble. They love each other, support each other, help each other and make each other look good. ‘The Frankies’ are an inspiration and treat each other how people should always treat each other. I’ve become a better person by working with them and I am grateful for that.” Cornerstone Productions’ “Catch Me If You Can” will be at the Oconee County Civic Center Saturday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 24 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Visit www.cornerstoneathens.com for more information or call 706-705-2599.

copious research, Weimer consulted local experts on topics relevant to the story. Weimer also authored the four-book Georgia Gold Series (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright as Gold), historical romance set in Northeast Georgia and Savannah from the time of the Georgia Gold Rush to The Civil War. Before the release of that series, she penned magazine articles about Georgia and worked in public relations at University of North Georgia, Dahlonega. She holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University.

Mark Cunningham named Lower School director at Athens Academy By Staff Reports

TheOconeeLeader.com

Athens Academy announced Mark Cunningham is joining the administration this fall as director of the Lower School. Cunningham previously served as director of the Lower School and instructional technology at Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “I was impressed by the quality of the students, faculty, and administrators I met at Athens Academy,” Cunningham said. “The school values learning and a quality experience for each student, which closely aligns with my own educational philosophy. I strongly believe the Lower School years are an essential part of an independent school education and Athens Academy is providing that value.” Cunningham takes over direction of the Lower School from current Pre/ Lower School Director Melton Weekley, who plans to focus her energies on the preschool next year as preschool direc-

tor. “Mark’s energy and enthusiasm to work with young people was palpable,” said Head of School John Thorsen. “He was quick to sit on the floor and engage our students at their level. We are excited to welcome such a talented school person to Cunningham our team.” Before spending 11 years at Cape Henry Collegiate, Cunningham was the Lower School director at Hamden Hall Country Day School (Connecticut) and held a variety of roles at Louisville Collegiate School (Kentucky). He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State and a Master of Education degree from the University of Louisville. He was honored with an endowed teaching chair at both Louisville Collegiate and Cape Henry. Cunningham also participated in the Peabody Professional Institute for Independent School Leadership at Vanderbilt University in 2014.

Oconee County calendar Exhibit — Figures, Florals and Fabulous Celestials: Oconee County Library. Free. Open through April 30. For more, call (706) 769-3950. Baby Music Jam: 10:30 a.m. today, Oconee County Library. Free. (706) 769-3950 or visit www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee. Baby/Toddler Open Playtime: 4 p.m. Thursday, Oconee County Library. Free. For more information, please call (706) 769-3950 or visit www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee. TOPS weight loss: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Government Annex Building, Highway 15, Watkinsville. Meetings are held each Thursday. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a nonprofit support group for weight loss. (800) 932-8677 or www.tops.org. Shakespeare 400 Film Screening: West Side Story (1961): 3 p.m. Friday, Oconee County Library. This week we will be showing the classic adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” “West Side Story.” Run time is 2 hours and 32 minutes and the film is unrated. Free. (706) 769-3950 or visit www.athenslibrary.org/oconee. Oconee Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oconee County Courthouse, 23 N Main Street. The market is open rain-or-shine on Saturdays through the last Saturday in November. Your Library @ the Oconee Farmers Market!: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oconee County Library. The library will be present the third Saturday of each month at the Oconee Farmers Market.

Join us for a fun activity – April we provide supplies to make shaker eggs. There will also be a “pop-up” library. Toy Swap at the Oconee County Library: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Drop off 10 a.m. to noon; swap from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Swap out gently-used toys for some new-to-you toys at our free Toy Swap event. Bring a toy, take a toy. All left over toys will be donated to a local charity. Free. (706) 769-3950 or visit www.athenslibrary.org/oconee. Read to Rover with Star and Comet: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oconee County Library. Drop-in program, no registration required. Free. (706) 769-3950 or visit www.athenslibrary.org/oconee. Class — Intro to Excel 2010: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Oconee County Library. Learn basics of using Excel, the parts of an Excel Window, creating a spreadsheet, using basic formulas, and more. Limited to 5 participants. Registration required. Free. (706) 769-3950 or visit www.athenslibrary.org/oconee. Broad Minds — Poetry Month: 6 p.m. Monday, Oconee County Library. We will discuss the legendary AfricanAmerican poet, Maya Angelou, and her book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Free. (706) 769-3950 or visit www.athenslibrary.org/oconee. ¡Aprende Español! Semana Uno: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oconee County Library. An eight-week Spanish course for beginners. Registration required. Free. 706-769-3950 or visit www.athenslibrary.org/oconee.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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School days in Oconee County

Oconee County Primary School congratulates Lila Wiltshire, Mattie Kane Rozar and Daniel Stephens — their writing won at the school level for the Young Georgia Author competition.

The Kindergarten Barn Dance at High Shoals Elementary School.

Rocky Branch Elementary School congratulates its Science Olympiad Team for winning first place out of 22 teams at the Science Olympiad Region Competition. At left: A reading reward skate night for students at Malcom Bridge Elementary School. Congrats to everyone who met their reading goal. On front page: Colham Ferry Elementary students have another great session at Literature Day with its Lego Room, where kids created a fairy tale to go along with their creation.

Page 3

A lost, hungry dog finds a new home I called the house and gave Robert a pretty precise list of instructions. Put our dogs in the house. Unlock the back gate so I can get into the backyard. Put a bowl of dog food on the back porch. Don’t do anything that’s going to make your mom suspicious or make her freak out. “What’s going on?” Robert asked. “Dude, nothing is going on. Just do these things I’ve asked you to do, and don’t freak out your mother.” “But what’s going on?” Robert asked. “Nothing is going on. Just do what I asked and don’t make your mom suspicious.” “But tell me what’s going on.” “I’ll be home in five minutes and I’ll tell you then. Go do what I asked you to do, and don’t make your mom suspicious.” When Nathan and I got home, Robert and Jean were standing in the driveway waiting for us. Jean looked very suspicious, and I could tell she could easily be pushed over the edge to a full freak out. “So much for not making your mom suspicious,” I muttered to Nate. Robert thought I was bringing home a new canoe, which I guess is a reasonable assumption for him to make. Jean, though, had already figured out that Nate and I had a dog in the car. “We’re not taking in another dog,” Jean said. We only have two dogs, but they are rescue dogs we got from the pound and they were abused before we got them. One of them does nothing except shiver and cower. He is afraid of everything. The other one, his sister, is probably brain damaged. If you walk out of the room and turn around and walk back into the room, she will start barking at you like she’s never seen you before. She’s spoiled rotten and demands to be the center of attention. Neither one of them are what you would call a “good dog,” but they are our dogs. Nate and I were at my parents’ house, and this pretty black Labrador mix wandered up to Nate. She knows a sucker when she sees one. I was inside talking to my parents and Nathan came in the house. “There’s a dog out here,” he said. “She looks like she’s hungry and she’s got ticks all over her.” I went out to investigate, and found both were gross understatements. The poor dog had dozens of ticks on her, and she was so skinny her ribs were showing. “She knows ‘sit’ and ‘shake,’” Nate told us, and then proved it. My mom got some leftover ham to the feed the dog. She was very friendly. Obviously this was someone’s dog, and obviously she’d been on her own for a long time. It was Friday afternoon, and the weekend was supposed to be cold. When I walked over to

the car, the dog followed me. When I opened up the back door, she waited for permission to jump in. “Hop in,” I said, and the dog jumped into the back seat. “You’re taking her home?” my mom asked. “Without asking Jean?” “I’m a grown man,” I said. “I can take a dog home if I want. I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission.” I called Robert so that he could get our dogs inside and get some dog food in a bowl out in the back yard. “Don’t make your mother suspicious,” I told him. The dog stayed in our backyard over the weekend. We posted her picture on social media and had lots of people share it, and we’re hoping her owner will claim her. She’s lonely and sad, and she wants to be back with whatever human belongs to her. We’re taking her to a vet on Monday, and after that my parents are going to keep her. If her owner shows up, great. If not, my parents – who said they would never have another dog – will have a new dog. She already is following my dad around, so it’s probably a good fit. Jean was not particularly mad, but as the weekend wore on she was increasingly giving me frustrated glares. Our brain damaged dogs are anti-social and do not play well with others, and so when our dogs needed to go outside to the backyard, it was a three-ring circus. Periodically, Dixie would see the new dog through a window and start barking like the house was being invaded by a platoon of UPS drivers. The ironically named Courage mostly just cowered and shook. To read the full column, go to TheOconeeLeader.com

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This Week: Warriors

WARRIORS l TITANS l SPARTANS l WOLVERINES l LIONS

Titans rising

April 14, 2016

Baseball

Home vs. Hart Page 5

Spartans

The Titans wrap up batting practice prior to last Wednesday’s win against Monroe Area.

Football

Baxley signs Page 6

Online

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

North Oconee wins seventh straight game By Matthew Caldwell TheOconeeLeader.com

After sweeping Monroe Area, the North Oconee Titans went on the road to Danielsville last Friday for a Region 8-AAAA contest with Madison County between two of the top four teams in the region. The Titans came away with a 5-2 victory to improve to 12-7 overall and 9-2 in the region. Madison County dropped to 18-4 overall and 9-4 in the region. The two teams faced off against each other in the series finale earlier this week. It was the seventh straight win for the Titans. Kumar Rocker got the win on the mound. He gave up three hits and no runs with three strikeouts in five innings pitched. Tristan Thompson pitched the final two innings. He allowed two earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts. Tanner Green had three hits, including a home run, and three RBI. His two-run home run came in the top of the first inning. He added an RBI-single in the top of the fourth inning. Rocker had two RBI. A seven-run first inning helped propel the Titans to their sixth straight win last Wednesday evening at Olympus Park. The Titans defeated Monroe Area 11-7 for their 11 overall victory and eighth region victory. “Guys were taking good swings and hitting the ball where it needed to go,” said head coach Jay Lasley. “The big thing is getting in good hitting counts and taking advantage of fastballs. That’s what we did.” th

Photo gallery

Athens Academy vs. ACS baseball theoconeeleader.com

Please see ‘North Oconee baseball’

Page 7

Wolverines sweep Towns County

Online

Photo gallery

OCHS baseball theoconeeleader.com

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

North Oconee’s Chase Maughon gets airborne trying to avoid a tag at the plate in last Wednesday’s win againt Monroe Area. For more photos of the game, see theoconeeleader.com.

Prince Avenue Christian swept Towns County on Friday in a Region 8-A doubleheader. The Wolverines won the first game 2-1 and the second game 11-3. The sweep followed a pair of losses to George Walton last week. The Bulldogs won the first game last Tuesday 9-4 and won the series finale last Thursday 6-1. The Wolverines entered this week with a 13-9 overall record and a 7-5 region record. They were ranked ninth in the GHSA power ratings last week. The current ratings came out earlier this week. The Wolverines host Providence Christian today (April 14) and close the regular season April 19 and April 21 against Lakeview.

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Page 5

Oconee County baseball

Hart County takes two of three from Warriors, who score 32 runs in series By Matthew Caldwell TheOconeeLeader.com

A game-two win by the Oconee County Warriors was sandwiched between a pair of losses to Hart County in last week’s Region 8-AAA series. In game one last Tuesday, Hart County beat the Warriors 11-10. In the second game of the series, and the first game on last Friday’s doubleheader, the Warriors rebounded from an early 3-0 deficit and beat the Bulldogs 16-7 to even the series. In the series finale on Friday night, a five-run fourth inning by Hart County led to a 5-3 win by the Bulldogs over the Warriors. “It wasn’t pretty. The same thing that doomed us the first game is the same thing that doomed us in game three – a lack of defense,” said head coach Tom Gooch. “Game one, they scored 11 unearned runs on seven errors. We hit the ball. We’ve hit the ball the whole series. It’s hard to outhit errors. You can’t give a team four and five outs in an inning. Any team, much less a decent one like Hart, is going to make you pay. That is the story on this series. “We pitched well all three games. We hit well all three games. The difference was the two games we didn’t play defense, we got beat. We have been working on our defense nonstop but when the chips are down and a play needs to be made, we just can’t get over that mental hump to make that play. That’s been the story of our season, we just can’t get over that hump.” The Warriors fell to 7-12 overall and 4-8 in the region. Of their eight region losses, five have been by one run, two have been by two runs and one has been by three runs. “We are probably the best 6-12 team in America but an L is an L and a W is a W,” Gooch said. “We are not doing it consistent enough. That’s the bottom line. That falls on coaching. We will keep coaching and keep coaching because I don’t know any other way to do it but go back to work and try to get better.” The Warriors went into this week with six games left on their schedule – three against Elbert County and three against East Jackson. Elbert County is 15-6 over-

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Cole Tate (pictured above) had three hits, scored three runs and drove in one run in the Warriors’ 16-7 win in the first game of last Friday’s doubleheader. Jacob Epps (below) delivers a pitch in the top of the fifth inning in the first game of Friday’s doubleheader.

all and 8-4 in the region. The Blue Devils play Jefferson (15-6 overall, 11-4 region) to close the regular season. East Jackson is 4-15 overall and 1-11 in the region. “We pretty much have to win out to make the playoffs,” Gooch said. “Three teams have the tiebreaker. Hart, Jefferson and Jackson are all ahead of us and have the tiebreaker. We still have Elbert left and we still have East Jackson left. East Jackson is not in the race at all. “We need to sweep out. Elbert got beat again tonight. Elbert still has Jefferson and us. If we can sweep and Jefferson can sweep, that would put Elbert below us and we would slide into that four hole.”

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Dylan Freeman

Wyman Baxley with family

Baxley, a lifelong Gamecock fan, signs with South Carolina as a preferred walk-on

Athens Academy senior has been long snapping since sophomore year By Matthew Caldwell TheOconeeLeader.com

Athens Academy senior Wyman Baxley is a lifelong fan of the University of South Carolina. This fall when the Gamecocks run out of the tunnel at Williams-Brice Stadium, Baxley will be there. Not in the stands, but on the field. Baxley signed with USC as a preferred walk-on to be the Gamecocks’ longsnapper. “I am excited. I am looking forward to the future and I am also thinking about all of the coaches that have helped me – people, mentors, my parents, my teachers, grateful for all they have given me throughout my high school career,” Baxley said. “I started long snapping my sophomore year in high school and started to develop a passion for it. I have grown up a South Carolina fan. I talked with the coaches at South Carolina and they said they wanted me to have a spot as a walk-on. I couldn’t deny it. It was an awesome experience.” Baxley originally visited South Carolina when Steve Spurrier was the head coach, but Spurrier quit in October. When Will Muschamp was hired as head coach, Baxley went back and met with the new staff. “I was sitting in Coach Muschamp’s office and he

was telling me I had an opportunity. I was wowed by his comments and I am looking forward to getting ready to work in Columbia,” Baxley said. “When Coach Muschamp came, I wanted to visit with them. I took an unofficial visit and met that staff. They are awesome. It’s a new era for Gamecock football. I can feel it.” The Gamecocks have one of the top college football entrances when the team comes running onto the field with the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey being played. “I have witnessed that event since I was 5 years old,” Baxley said. “I am ready to get out there and be in the middle of it and look around and let the emotions sink in. I am excited to see what the future holds.” Baxley started long-snapping when Michael Gunn was head coach of the Spartans. He has been going to camps held by Chris Rubio to get better. “He is the No. 1 by far the best long-snapping teacher out there. He started working with me and I was getting better and getting better. I knew I wanted to do this in my future,” Baxley said. “When Coach Gunn was here, he introduced me to Coach Nealy. He worked with me and it was more of a natural instinct for me. I had to get my techniques down. It took practice and

time and I’m here now.” Baxley found out he was one of 160 students who got accepted into South Carolina’s Honors College and was automatically accepted into the International Business School, one of the nations’ best. “I am grateful for that chance and I am going to hopefully be able to balance a lot of work – balance honors college and football. It will be busy but it will be awesome and fun,” Baxley said. “I was super pumped. I was jumping off the walls for the whole night. Everything I was working for and striving for has come true. If someone is thinking about quitting, don’t quit. Just go through with it and your dreams will come true. Head coach Josh Alexander said Baxley will be hard to replace. “It is great for our school and Wyman. It has been a lifelong dream of his. Anytime a young man can do something like that, we are happy for him and happy for our school. He has worked hard to get to this point and he deserves it,” Alexander said. “He has been great. He was a good defensive player for us and good role player for us on offense. He will be hard to replace on special teams. “His mom and dad are Gamecocks and he loves the school. Anytime you can be go be a part of something you love is great.”

Oconee County grad qualifies for McKenzie Tour of PGA Tour Canada From Staff Reports TheOconeeLeader.com

BRUNSWICK – Dylan Freeman played a major role in getting the College of Coastal Georgia golf program on the fast track to success. A member of the inaugural Coastal Georgia team who finished his career by helping the Mariners to the 2014 NAIA national championship, Freeman will soon become the first Coastal Georgia player to represent the school on a major professional golfing tour. The former All-American and three-time Coastal Georgia Men’s StudentAthlete of the Year has qualified for the McKenzie Tour of PGA Tour Canada, thus fulfilling his boyhood dream to play professional golf on one of the game’s premier circuits. “I’m excited,” said Freeman, a graduate of Oconee County High School. “I’ve been to Canada once. I’m excited about seeing the country and having the chance to go up there and play. It’s all going to be new for me.” Freeman earned a spot on the tour this past weekend by finishing fifth at a qualifying tournament held at Reunion Resort and Spa’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Kissimmee, Fla. Freeman finished tied for fifth at 6-under-par 282 after shooting 73-74-67-68 over the four rounds. With his finish, the former Southern States Athletic Conference Player of the Year earned exempt status through the first four tournaments of the 2016 McKenzie Tour schedule which opens in late May. Seth Reeves, a former All-American at Georgia Tech, won the qualifier and is the only player from last week’s field to earn exempt

status for the full year. Those finishing in the top 11 entered exempt status through the first four tournaments. A total of 41 players qualified for the tour with the rest earning conditional status. There will be three other similar qualifying tournaments before the season-opening event. “I played well,” Freeman said. “The course was tough, and I didn’t hit it all that well the first two days. I putted well the whole time and started hitting it better the last two days. When I did that, I posted the scores I thought I could all four rounds.” Freeman will be in the field at the season-opening Freedom 55 Financial Open at Point Grey Golf and Country Club in Vancouver on May 26-29. He also will compete in the next three events through the end of June. Each of the tournaments carries a $175,000 total purse. Last year, the winners of those tournaments earned $31,500. Freeman’s performance in the first four events will determine his status going forward in the 2016 season. Of course, Freeman’s ultimate goal is to make it to PGA Tour one day. The opportunity that awaits him is a stepping stone toward that final destination. The McKenzie Tour feeds into the Web.com Tour. The top players on the official money list after each competitive season earn status toward the Web. com which is the last step on a golfer’s climb to reach the PGA Tour which is the major leagues of professional golf. “I’ve still got a lot of work to do, but this is a step in the right direction,” Freeman said. Freeman turned profes-

sional last February after finishing his degree in business at Coastal Georgia the previous December. Since turning pro, he has played primarily on the Swing Thought Tour, a developmental series for pro golfers that gives them a place to compete and also play for money. Freeman enjoyed a decorated collegiate career with the Mariners in which he won a record six times while earning several individual superlative awards along the way. Freeman, an Athens native, says his time with the two-time defending national champion Mariners played a significant role in the maturation of his game. “I’ve come a long way in the last five years since coming down here,” he said. “I’ve been able to progress and get better, and all the resources and people in the area who are willing to help definitely make this easier. “Playing at Coastal and playing in a lot of really good tournaments and playing some really good courses have helped, no doubt.” Freeman said he also learned a lot from Mariners’ coach Mike Cook, the NAIA Coach of the Year the last two years, while playing for the Brunswick school. “Cook was really the only swing coach I had when I was in college,” he said. “The biggest thing he helped me with was how to manage my game and play a golf course. He also helped me a lot with my bunker game.” Cook, a Sea Island teaching instructor, was as proud as anyone when he learned over the weekend that Freeman would soon be teeing it up in one of golf’s bigger leagues.

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Page 7

Terry finishes eighth in heptathlon The University of Georgia track and field team hosted the Spec Towns National Team Invitational last weekend. North Oconee graduate Mary Terry (pictured) competed in the heptathlon and finished eighth in the event. Athens Academy graduate Henry Dwyer finished third in the 1500-meter run and North Oconee graduate Tyler Jones finished fourth in the 1500. Jones also finished fifth in the 3000-meter run.

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Connor McCleary fields a ground ball on Thursday against Athens Christian. For more photos of the game, see theoconeeleader.com.

Athens Academy baseball

Spartans take one of two from ACS By Matthew Caldwell TheOconeeLeader.com

Contributed photo by UGA Sports Communication

‘North Oconee baseball’ Going into this week, the Titans are in second place in the region. Buford sits atop the region with a 10-1 record. North Hall is 10-3 in the region. “We will come in tomorrow and start getting ready for Friday. It’s a big series for us. We have to go in and make some noise,” Lasley said. “Madison beat Buford on Monday. That could mean anywhere from we need to split with them or do we need to sweep them to have a chance at that two seed. At this point, there are a lot of things that can happen and we have three series left. It will be interesting how this thing finishes up.” Against Monroe Area, after Thompson walked to score the game’s first run, Evan Meade came up with the bases loaded and connected to send the baseball soaring over the left-field wall for a grand slam and a 5-0 lead. “He had two strikes on me and I was thinking do not strike out because that is the worst possible thing that can happen. I was looking for a base hit to score two runs. He left one up and I got a hold of it,” Meade said. “The one I fouled off (on the pitch just before the grand slam) was inside. That helped me with the timing on the next pitch, which was also inside. I got an idea when to start my load and it worked out pretty good.” Later in the inning, Wes Snyder and Green both drew bases-loaded walks to plate two more runs and take a 7-0 lead. The bases were still loaded with Meade standing in the on-deck circle with two outs. He missed on a chance to hit two grand slams in one inning when Thompson’s flyout to left field ended the inning. In Major League Base-

Continued from page 4

ball history, only one player has hit two grand slams in one inning – Fernando Tatis, then playing for St. Louis, accomplished it in 1999 at Dodger Stadium. “I was thinking about (two grand slams in one inning). Me and some friends were talking. I have never heard of anyone hitting two grand slams in one inning of baseball,” Meade said. “I was going to try and do a job. I wasn’t going to try and get too big because that’s when you fail.” Meade led off the bottom of the second inning and hit a deep fly ball to left field. This one stayed in the park but his double helped lead to three more runs. A double by Jacob Odom scored Meade and Josh Farmer for a 9-0 lead. Odom later scored

on a two-out single by Snyder for a 10-0 lead. Monroe Area scored its first run in the top of the third inning and added another run in the top of the fifth inning. The Titans got a run in the bottom of the sixth when Kyle Sherrer scored on a wild pitch. The Titans play at Johnson on April 13 and host Johnson (1-19 overall, 0-10 region) on April 15. They finish the regular season April 18 at North Hall and April 20 at home against North Hall. “It’s a big series. We have to stay on it,” Meade said. “It is spring break and we can’t let bad habits get in this series. It’s a big one. We have been getting information on North Hall. We split with both teams last year. I am hoping to do a little better this year.”

Let us help you find your new career today!

Biotech / R&D / Science

1060

Biotech / R&D / Science

1060

Tissue Culture Technician Georgia Seed Development (GSD) is a quasi-State, non-profit organization that produces Foundation seed and plants of new varieties. We also work with the University of Georgia Research Foundation in the licensing of new varieties into the market place. Our mission is to serve as the bridge between plant breeders and commercial companies by providing genetically pure plant material of new varieties. We supply quality services and support for breeding and research. Position Summary: The Tissue Culture Technician performs duties in all phases of producing tissue culture plant material of new horticultural plants developed by University of Georgia horticultural plant breeders. Duties / Responsibilities: I. Performs duties to receive and maintain newly developed plant cultivars and experimental lines into the laboratory to develop protocols that result in efficient and rapid micro-propagation II. Performs duties to develop tissue culture protocols to efficiently regenerate new cultivars and experimental lines III. Maintains laboratory, laboratory supplies, and current inventory status of plant material IV. Performs general duties as assigned Job Requirements: Education and/or Experience: B.S. degree in a plant science or related discipline (e.g., horticulture, plant science, botany, plant biology, crop science, or a related discipline) and experience in tissue culture or micro-propagation techniques. Other Qualifications: To perform this job successfully an individual should have experience and knowledge in tissue culture or micro-propagation techniques; database software; inventory software; spreadsheet software, and word processing software. Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs. Compensation: $30,000 - $32,000/year depending on experience. Benefits: Paid vacation and sick leave. Twelve paid holidays and benefits package. Please submit resume to: Mrs. Erin Montgomery, Georgia Seed Development Commission, 2420 Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30605 or email to employment@gsdc.com.

Last week started off on a positive note for the Athens Academy Spartans. Left-handed pitcher Cosper Kittrell threw a one-hitter in last Tuesday’s 4-0 win against Athens Christian. The week closed with back-to-back losses s Athens Christian came back and defeated the Spartans 8-5 at Athens Academy on Thursday, and the topranked Hebron Christian Lions came to Athens Academy on Friday and beat the Spartans 10-3. “Cosper pitched a great game for us. We did a good job of getting the runs that we needed across and scored a couple fairly late to help him out a little bit. Mainly, he did a good job with controlling all three of his pitches. We played great defense behind him. We had three diving plays in the outfield. Wyman had two and Anshul (Patel) had one. It was all-around a solid game. It was good to see.” In the second game against Athens Christian, the Eagles got out to an 8-1 lead in the first four innings.

The Spartans cut it to 8-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning on a two-out single by Jack White to score Kittrell. The Spartans went into the bottom of the seventh still trailing 8-2. White led off with a single, his third of the game, and Matthew Mastandrea reached base after he was hit by a pitch. White later scored on an error that allowed Ed Ferguson to reach base. Ben Trimpe, who was running for Mastandrea, scored on a sac fly by Connor McCleary to cut the lead to 8-4. Drew Richardson followed with a double to score Ferguson, but Richardson was left stranded on second when Kittrell flew out to centerfield to end the game. “Our approach was a lot better in the seventh than it was in the previous six innings,” Kane said. “We started hitting better pitches. I like the fact we were aggressive but we didn’t swing at good pitches for the first six innings. Their pitcher did a good job but we can learn from it and take better approaches at the plate. “They did a good job early

on. Jack threw some strikes and they hit them. He maybe left it up a little bit but they got some key hits early on. When they got guys on, they did a good job of plating them. I tip my cap. They did a good job today.” The Spartans didn’t get the leadoff batter on base until the bottom of the sixth inning when Richardson drew a walk. “We didn’t do a good job of getting guys on at the beginning of innings,” Kane said. “We need to do that to give ourselves a chance to score some runs.” The Spartans fell to 8-9 overall and 4-7 in Region 8-A. They were ranked 22 in the GHSA Class A private school power ratings last week. The top 16 teams qualify for the postseason. Last season, the Spartans qualified in the last week and entered as the 16 seed. The Spartans played the series finale against Hebron earlier this week. They host George Walton today (April 14) and play at George Walton on Friday. The seasonfinale series for the Spartans is April 19 and April 21 against Towns County. nd

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Page 8

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Logistics / Transportation

1320

Northeast Sales Dist., Co. is accepting applications for following positions: • Route Delivery Assistants. Opportunity to obtain CDL is available. • Warehouse labor and forklift operator. Applicants must provide a seven-year MVR and a background check when applying. Work days M-F. Benefits include 401k, health, life, disability, dental, paid vac and more. Apply in person at Northeast Sales 840 Ronald Wood Rd., Winder, GA 30680 M - F 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 678-963-7700.

Medical / Health

1380

Find that new career today!

Logistics / Transportation

Find that new career today!

To Advertise: Phone 706.208.2290

Athens Orthopedic Clinic, the leader in orthopedic care in Athens and the surrounding area, is seeking qualified candidates in our Athens office for the following position: Clinical Staff. Candidates must be either a Certified Athletic Trainer (CAT), Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or an LPN. Must have current certification and/or licensure and current BLS certification. Previous physician office experience is preferred. Apply online at

http://athensorthopedicclinic.com/job-openings/

Let us help find that perfect new employee! Call 706.208.2290 to advertise your job opening in the Oconee Leader.

To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290

PR OFESSIONAL

A Guide to Professional Services in the Oconee County Area To Advertise: Phone 706.549.FAST Home Services

Home Services

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Home Services

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METAL OR SHINGLES • We do ALL the work & repairs: soffit, cornice, fascia & painting

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Home Services

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M.L.W. All Phase Construction & Roofing, LLC Gary F. Scavone 7 0 6 . 2 0 6 . 1 2 2 3  gfscavone@gmail.com  Available 24/7 for Any Emergency   State of Georgia Licensed & Insured  EASE OF MIND: We have an insurance expert on staff with over 30 years of experience adjusting insurance property claims! Looking for a professional service provider? LOOK NO FURTHER!

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Home Services

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www.gbedellconstruction.com

Shopping

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OTHER HOME SERVICES • PAINTING • WOOD REPAIR • LANDSCAPING • PRESSURE WASHING • MULCH, GRAVEL, & PINE NEEDLE SPREADING & HAULING • YARD & LEAF CLEANING

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For ALL Your HOME IMPROVEMENTS, Large Or Small, Call Today For A FREE ESTIMATE

706-202-6066 Call Anytime & Ask for ET Visit our website at www.edtconstruction.com edtconstruction@yahoo.com Serving Athens since 1989

UlmBrothers Tree Service

Local and experienced! We are fully insured and offer Tree removal,Trimming Pruning, Debris Removal, Insurance work, Right of way work, Lot clearing, and Stump Grinding. We pride our self on customer service and satisfaction. Call for a free estimate today. Office: 706-369-5300 Cell: 706-255-4941

Classic Home Repairs “I do the work myself and I guarantee the work I do” • Carpentry Work • Decks & Ramps • Int/Ext Painting • Drywall Repair • Windows & Doors • ROOFING AVAILABLE Kenneth Hightower

770.601.1479

homerepairs02@gmail.com

www.gbedellconstruction.com Health/Medical

MARSHALL’S ROOFING

Shingles, metal, patchwork, any kind of wood repairs or home maintenance. We Do It All! Licensed & Insured 7 Days A Week Senior Citizen Discount Call Today: 706-715-0940

BAT SEASON

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LEAFPROOF

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Peyton Hopkins Call 706-546-7438 AthensExterminating.net PO Box 5772 7080 Smokey Rd. Athens GA 30604 Lic. Trapper #99993

Bickley’s Tree Service f Tree Service f Lawn Maintenance f Stump Grinding f Brush Chipping f Bobcat f Dump Truck Insured

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Queen Pillow Top Mattress Sets $200.00. King Pillow Top Mattress Sets $300.00. 706-347-4814 Financing Available with no credit check Delivery Available 5 states

Health/Medical

3455

ADDICTION CLINIC

Just off 316 (.04 mi.) at 3651 Mars Hill Road in Watkinsville, Georgia

APEX Assisted Recovery of Athens

Office of Dr. William D. Tumlin

Offering:

* Alcohol detox and counseling * Prescription and non-prescription narcotics detox * Detox and counseling for other drugs (Benzos) *Suboxone Maintenance * Counseling for family members of alcoholics and/or addicts

Hours of Business 12 Noon- 4 p.m Monday- Thursday Phone: 678-726-2025 athensdetox.com

Professional Services

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Professional Services

CHUCK HARDY & SONS LLC BRUSH, MULCHING & STUMP GRINDING

u Underbrush Removal u Stump Grinding u Lots Cleared u We grind brush around lakes u Concrete Removal u Demolition of Houses & Mobile Homes

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