Nov 2011_Gwinnett Game Day by Upstate Game Day youth sports magazine

GAME DAY Youth Sports Magazine

Gwinnett County Edition

We’ve Got Spirit Yes We Do!

November 2011

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GAME DAY • November 2011

Leading Off 8

HS Athletes of the Month

Junior League Golf World Series

Athletes in Action Abigail Grace Tournament

High Five

Plus: GFL Cheer Off Athletes in Action, The Next Level, Fans in the Stands, and more GAME DAY â&#x20AC;˘ November 2011

Letter from the Publisher

GAME DAY

Hello friends,

PUBLISHER Stacey Chastain staceychastain@gwinnettgameday.com

I am amazed that it has been a month since our debut issue of Game Day! I want to express a heartfelt thank you for all the kind words we received about our first issue. We have been working hard to bring you this second issue, and I hope that you enjoy it as well. Our feature story this month focuses on 10 Atlanta area youth golfers and their historic win at the first-ever Junior League Golf World Series. Celebrating our daughters’ first The young team comprised of boys and girls place win! ages 13 and under swept three head-to-head competitions to win the tournament hosted at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth this past September. The Atlanta team competed against other young teams from Tampa, Dallas, and San Diego.

Youth Sports Magazine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stacey Chastain Alex DeJoy Stephanie Dixon Cooper Kostel CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Stacey Chastain Mike Dixon Sonya Vaverek INTERNS Cooper Kostel Stephanie Dixon

We also explore the controversial idea of whether or not competitive cheerleading should be considered a sport. This controversy was pushed into the spotlight this summer when U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill ruled that a university in Connecticut could not receive federal funds for the cheerleading team under the Title IX regulations.

CONTACT GAME DAY 2700 Braselton Hwy. Suite 10-131 Dacula, GA 30019 770-680-5971

With football seasons coming to an end, we hope that you will consider participating in the Abigail Grace Chambers Memorial Football Tournament. This wonderful tournament helps to support the Dream House for Medically Fragile Children and the Gwinnett Medical NICU. The tournament will be held November 17-20.

ADVERTISING 770-680-5971 Scott Chastain scottchastain@gwinnettgameday.com

This month we added an extra section of Athletes in Action just for the 2011 GFL Cheer Off. All photos can be found at www.paparazzipictures.smugmug.com. Enter coupon Code GAME DAY and receive 10% off your order!

TO SUBSCRIBE Mail check in the amount of $22.95 to Home Team Publications, LLC 2700 Braselton Hwy. Suite 10-131 Dacula, GA 30019

Much of what you see in Game Day comes from you – the readers! We welcome the submission of photos, story ideas, new tips, tournament results, and other newsworthy achievements. PLEASE send us your PHOTOS and story ideas! As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I am reminded about the many blessings I have received, and I am thankful for each one! I am especially thankful for my wonderful family who brings me such joy and happiness. I hope that this Thanksgiving you take the time to remember the little things in life that make you happy.

Game Day™ Youth Sports Magazine is not responsible for the return of submitted photography, artwork, or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. © Game Day™ Youth Sports Magazine 2011

See you at that the ball park!

Stacey

Become a friend of Gwinnett Game Day on Facebook! Thank you to Sonya Vaverek for contributing the cover photo for the October issue. The November cover photo is courtesy of Mike Dixon - Paparazzi Pictures. 4

GAME DAY • November 2011

Game Day™ Youth Sports Magazine is published 11 times a year by Home Team Publications, LLC. All contents are copyrighted by Game Day™ Youth Sports Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine, including publisherdesigned advertisements, may be copied, scanned, or reproduced in any manner without prior consent from the publisher. Unauthorized user will be billed appropriately for such use.

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NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE LOCAL SPORTS SCENE

Win for Wyn Night at Sky Zone Atlanta The Win for Wyn Foundation will be hosting a “Win for Wyn” Night at Sky Zone Atlanta in Suwanee on December 7th. A portion of the proceeds will be donated back to the Win for Wyn Scholarship. The Win for Wyn Foundation rewards “strength, determination, and character” by offering College Scholarships annually to high achieving Mill Creek and other Gwinnett County High School Football Seniors. For more information visit the Win for Wyn Foundation or Sky Zone Atlanta Facebook pages.

GAME DAY • November 2011

The Gwinnett Parks 5K Road Race The Gwinnett Parks Foundation will hold its annual 5K Road Race on November 5, 2011. The race will be held at Tribble Mill Park. Proceeds from the race benefit the Gwinnett Parks Foundation, a non-profit group of volunteers that work to support and expand programs in Gwinnett County parks. Registration information can be found at http://www.gwinnettparksfoundation.org/5k.html. Celebrity Softball Game to Benefit the Rally Foundation The 3rd Annual Brian McCann Rally Celebrity Softball Game to benefit the Rally Foundation will be held on Friday, November 11, 2011 at the Gwinnett Braves Stadium. The Rally Foundation works to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Gates will open at 6:00 PM. For more information, please visit the Rally Foundation website and search for the Brian McCann Rally Celebrity Softball Game under events.

Join the team! Be a part of the team that covers Gwinnett County youth leagues and school sports! Game Day™ Youth Sports Magazine is a free monthly magazine publication that highlights youth athletics and encourages active, healthy lifestyles. Game Day™ gives advertisers an unrivaled opportunity to reach Gwinnett County’s passionate sports fans and athletes through direct distribution at local sporting events, subscriptions, and on-site distribution at family friendly retail outlets and businesses. For more information on how to advertise in Game Day™ Youth Sports magazine, please contact advertising@gwinnettgameday.com.

GAME DAY Game Day™ Youth Sports Magazine 2700 Braselton Highway, Ste. 10-131 Dacula, Georgia 30019 770-680-5971 GAME DAY • November 2011

High School Athletes of the Month Derrick A. Parker II Archer High School

Derrick Parker started participating in football at the age of 6 in Greenville, South Carolina. Now 11 years later as a senior at Archer High School, Derrick has gained a great deal from playing football. “I’ve learned sportsmanship, discipline, and how to be a team player,” says Derrick. In addition to the lessons he has learned, Derrick has created memories and relationships through football. One such relationship is with Archer coach Brad Williams. “We went through a lot together over that last four years and have become very close,” explains Derrick. Derrick is proud of the accomplishments of his team and how they have come together and improved since the beginning of the season. Although the football season is almost over, Derrick hopes to continue playing the sport that he loves in college. “I just love the GAME! I love the passion and second family I have gained,” adds Derrick.

Kara Hembree

Central Gwinnett High School

Growing up in a family full of ball players, Central Gwinnett senior Kara Hembree was destined to play sports. A four year varsity starter for the school’s softball team, Kara knows that to be successful you must be committed to the sport. “It takes hard work and dedication to succeed in the sport. There’s no such thing as too much practice. Practice prepares you for the games,” says Kara. And Kara’s practice has paid off. She has earned numerous awards and recognition through the years, still her biggest motivation to do well is her mother and father. “My father has always pushed me to make me a better athlete and helped me succeed in softball. He would do whatever it takes to make me better no matter how long we would be on the field,” explains Kara. “I also look up to my mother because she played two sports in high school, kept up with her grades, and had two full ride scholarships for both sports.” Next fall, Kara hopes to play collegiate softball and pursue a career in physical therapy or athletic training.

Taryn Anthony Dacula High School

Dacula senior Taryn Anthony understands that being successful doesn’t come easily. “It takes a lot of time, hard work, self-motivation, and dedication to become better,” says Taryn. Since the age of 5, Taryn has used this understanding to not only gain success in softball and basketball, but also her academics. She has earned the Scholar Athlete Award for softball and basketball every year since her freshman year. Taryn draws her motivation for success from her father. “My hero in my life is my Dad. My dad is the hardest working person I know, and his work ethic inspires me every day in the classroom and on the field. I look up to him for everything he has accomplished and worked for and I hope someday I will be just as successful,” says Taryn. After high school, Taryn would like to continue playing softball in college while majoring in either Veterinary Medicine or Physical Therapy.

GAME DAY • November 2011

Athletes of the Month are chosen by each individual high school. Every month athletes from diffferent Gwinnett County high schools will be representeded.

Lavien Smith Lanier High School

Lavien Smith, a senior at Lanier High School, fell in love with cheerleading in the fourth grade and has been excelling at the sport ever since. “It was the first sport I ever tried, and I fell in love with it!” explains Lavien. Cheering for the varsity team since her freshman year, Lavien has received three All-American awards, Best All Around Cheerleader, and Most Valuable Cheerleader. Her success as an athlete does not stop with cheerleading; she also earned a varsity letter as a freshman for her achievements on the track team. Lavien knows her success is a direct result of her hard work. “I love to compete and see what other teams bring to the table. I like to push myself to the limit and see how far hard work and commitment takes me,” says Lavien. When she is not participating in athletics, Lavien is part of Student Council and Student Leadership where she earned the Student Leadership Achievement Award.

Jacob Wiley

Mill Creek High School

Senior safety Jacob Wiley was first introduced to the sport of football by his father and at the age of six began playing. Through his participation in football, Jacob has acquired a strong work ethic that has helped him be a successful athlete and student. Jacob knows that you should give 100% to everything you do. “On every play give everything you got. Even if you make a mistake make sure you are going full speed,” says Jacob. He is proud of the fact that he did not miss a single practice or summer workout during all four of his years at Mill Creek. His commitment has allowed him to earn several awards and recognitions. “He is one of the best kids I have ever coached,” shares Mill Creek Head Coach Shannon Jarvis. Off the field, Jacob is enrolled in all honor’s classes and maintains an A/B average.

Janet Detweiler

Parkview High School

Following in her older brother’s footsteps, senior Janet Detweiler started running as a freshman at Parkview High School. Janet feels that running has given her given her the ability to push through mental barriers and reach her goals. “It’s a great way to develop important qualities that you can only obtain from running. It teaches you the importance of perseverance and discipline and shows just how far dedication and hard work can take you,” says Janet. Over the years Janet has formed many friendships with her teammates and is motivated by the fact that her best friends are running right beside her. She is also motivated by her coaches. “They always have the perfect encouragement to keep me improving,” adds Janet. Janet has received many awards for her participation on the Cross Country and Track teams, including the Coaches Award, Runner of the Year, and Scholar Athlete. Recently Janet finished 11th overall at the Southeast Showdown in Hoover, Alabama. GAME DAY • November 2011

Local Junior Golfers Accomplish Huge National Feat by Cooper Kostel

GAME DAY â&#x20AC;˘ November 2011

n the outside, it appeared to be just another golf tournament; but to those who competed, the Junior League Golf World Series was so much more. To the forty young golfers aged from nine to thirteen, participating in the event was a glimpse at what may be in store later on in their lives; a preview of the future spoils which will come from present-day hard work and dedication.

“Playing in the World Series was really cool,” twelve year-old golfer Alex Markham said. “It felt like I was in the pros.” The inaugural junior tournament brought together youth golfers from Tampa, San Diego, Dallas, and Atlanta; each city bringing ten of its most esteemed players to compete at the TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia, a golf course which until 2008 played home to the AT&T Classic, a PGA-sponsored event played by the likes of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Beginning with a skills competition on Friday and stretching until the final hole on Sunday night, the World Series was not only a tournament, but also an ever-lasting experience that will forever remain ingrained in the minds of both the competitors and their families. “It was a great experience,” Pete Rodriguez – father of thirteen year-old Jordan Rodriguez – said. “From the dinner, to the ceremonies, to the uniforms, everything was very top notch.” The tournament served a double function: providing the youngsters with a once-in-a-lifetime experience as well as truly validating the great work being done throughout the country by the junior golf program, with the premier example of excellence located right here in Atlanta. “No kid that has graduated high school – that has been a part of this program – is not playing college golf if he or she wanted to play college golf,” Atlanta team coach Chuck Scoggins said. “Everybody’s gotten a scholarship; we’re about one thousand percent on that.”

That statistic is a staggering one, yet one that should not surprise those familiar with the work of Scoggins, who has built a stellar reputation in the art of teaching the intricate game of golf to young people throughout the Atlanta area. A three-time recipient of the Georgia Junior Golf Leadership Award, Scoggins has been a certified golf instructor for twenty years, and was recently named by US Kids Golf as one of the top fifty junior instructors in the United States. “Chuck [Scoggins] is very gifted with kids,” Alex’s father Kevin Markham said. “He certainly understands golf and the golf swing, but he understands how to communicate that to kids, where most professionals cannot do that. He just has a way of getting the best out of kids.” With Scoggins at the head, the junior golf program based out of Atlanta has risen to unimaginable levels of both success and popularity. On any given day, one can find the Hamilton Mill golf course, driving range, and putting green filled with anywhere from forty to seventy kids, looking not to goof around and lackadaisically hit a few golf balls, but instead, truly dedicating themselves to becoming elite golfers. It is this atmosphere, according to Scoggins, that is the true accreditation for GAME DAY • November 2011

The Atlanta team receiving their trophy at the first-ever Junior League Golf World Series. Members include: JonErik Alford, Madison Barnett, Conner Conkel, Kevin Cuevas, Luka Karaulic, Alex Kim, A. J. Klabnik, Alex Markham, Jordan Rodriquez, and Austin Stachowski.

the achievements of both the junior golf team as well as the program as a whole. “His [Alex’s] game has improved a lot,” the elder Markham said. “But his love of the game has grown even more, because having friends playing along with him has only increased his appreciation and desire to play the game of golf.” And this is the real goal of the junior program: to interest young boys and girls in a sport that they can participate in for the rest of their lives, unlike basketball or football, in which participation generally ends after high school. Through participation in junior golf, kids can begin mastering – at a young age – one of the world’s most difficult sports, and can also form friendships that may last them a lifetime. “I like everything about it [the junior golf program],” the younger Markham said. “But my favorite part is playing and practicing with my friends.” Whether the question was posed to parents, players, or even Coach Scoggins, the answer remained 12

GAME DAY • November 2011

consistent. The first and foremost goal of the junior golf program is to establish a fun and relaxed atmosphere in which the timeless game of golf can be taught to children. A goal not far second is the earning of the aforementioned, ever-valuable college scholarship, which an astonishing thirty-four graduates of Scoggins’ program have received. And according to the coach, junior golf in Atlanta is reaching its peak with the World Series team. “Our depth overwhelmed Tampa and San Diego [at the World Series]. Our one-player and our ten-player are interchangeable,”

Scoggins said. “On this team alone, you will have eight or nine division one college scholarships if they stay with the program.” If Scoggins’ predictions are accurate, up to ninety percent of the Atlanta Junior Golf team will receive major college scholarships to play golf. To describe that number as impressive would be an understatement; the number is flooring. Athletic scholarships are very rare, and to have such a high rate of kids – bear in mind these children are in either elementary or middle school – on pace to earn one is perhaps the greatest quantitative achievement of the junior golf program. With this statistic in mind, as well as the steadily increasing admission rates for most major universities, one question should move to the forefront of every parent’s thoughts: Why isn’t my child involved? When asked what he would say to those looking to participate, Scoggins gave one, simple piece of advice.

There are so many positives – so many great things – being done by Scoggins and his junior golf program, ranging everywhere from the earning of college scholarships to the creation of everlasting bonds, and to, most notably, one World Series championship. But perhaps the greatest achievement of the junior golf program is the sheer enjoyment that it has provided to so many young people, who can now fully immerse themselves in the game of golf. Though one may struggle to find enough words to describe the success of the junior golf program, thirteen year-old Jordan Rodriguez said it best with just one word. When asked what he did not like about the program, Rodriguez silently contemplated for a moment, before looking up and simply responding: “Nothing.”

“Come,” he said. “Never once have I seen a kid come and not feel welcome. Never once have I seen a kid come and not develop everlasting friendships.”

GAME DAY • November 2011

Athletes in Action

It’s not how big you are, it’s how big you play.

GAME DAY • November 2011

Champions keep playing until they get it right.

GAME DAY â&#x20AC;˘ November 2011

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For Kendrick Adams being average is not an option, in his day to day life at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana he strives to be the best football player possible. A native of Lilburn, Adams has been an avid football player for the past thirteen years. He started playing for the Mountain Park Panthers and continued to play for them throughout elementary and middle school. Adams continued his football career at Parkview High School where he was a huge asset to the Panther’s defensive line during the four years that he played there. After high school, Adams received a full scholarship to continue playing at the collegiate level at Taylor University. Taylor University is a private Christian university, and their football team competes in the Mideast league of the MidStates football association. This season they have won three out of their five games played thus far. Adams has transitioned well into the college atmosphere and has had little difficulty adjusting. “The most difficult thing about being an athlete is learning how to manage your time. Time management is important when trying to balance training, school, and your social life,” Adams said. Football has been rewarding, and Adams has suffered few injuries and hardships. “All athletes tend to have some sort of difficulty, but my biggest difficulties are emotional. I tend to be disappointed in myself when I fail to play to my potential,” Adams said. Football has also had a big impact on the way Adams lives his life. Not only has he grown physically, but he has also learned leadership skills that he can carry through to the rest of his life. Adams has had many people in his life that have helped him to reach this level of success. “My mom plays the biggest influential factor in my life. She works hard every day in whatever she does. That inspires me to endure through difficult task when I’m struggling,” Adams said. Adams’ high school defensive line coach, Dennis Truitt has also given him pieces of advice that have stuck with him. “He told me ‘potential is how good you CAN play, whether or not you decide to meet that potential is up to you’. This quote always reminds me to never be content with being average.” In the future Adams does not plan to pursue football professionally, but if the chance came along he would definitely consider it. For now Adams is trying his best to be the best athlete that he can be. “When my athletic career comes to an end, I want to be able to tell myself that I gave it my all,” Adams said.

“...potential is how good you CAN play, whether or not you decide to meet that potential is up to you.” GAME DAY • November 2011

The Abigail Grace Chambers Memorial Football Tournament November 17 - 20

“As long as I am playing football, I’m playing for Abigail.”

Former Mountain Park Football Director Sam Chambers and his wife Tammy Chambers are the founders of The Abigail Grace Chambers Foundation, a local non-profit foundation committed to raising funds for children with medical needs. The foundation was created in 2010 in loving memory of their daughter, Abigail Grace. Diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, Abigail Grace was born prematurely in 2007. After five brave weeks, Abigail Grace passed away. Prior to the formation of the foundation, Sam and Tammy began hosting the Abigail Grace Chambers Memorial Football Tournament. “We needed a way to keep Abigail’s spirit alive. The support from the Parkview community was so amazing, we knew that we needed to give back,” explains Sam Chambers. The Abigail Grace Chambers Memorial Football Tournament is held each November and offers local and regional football teams the opportunity to showcase their talent while benefitting children that may never get the chance to play. “You are playing for a trophy or a championship, but the kids are really playing for the kids that cannot play,” says Chambers. “All the players that play in the tournament are the true champions.” Starting with just 15 teams in 2008, the tournament has quickly grown in size. This November the tournament will have five host sites and over 40 teams participating. The tournament helps to fund the foundation’s two main beneficiaries - the Dream House for Medically Fragile Children and the Gwinnett Medical Center NICU.

GAME DAY • November 2011

The Abigail Grace Chambers Foundation While the contributions to the Dream House and Gwinnett Medical NICU are extremely important to the Chambers, the proudest moments come from the players and their families. “The look that we see on people’s faces as I tell them Abigail’s story make this all worth it. The parents hold their kids a bit tighter, and the players understand what they are playing for. I have yet to make it through without crying,” says Chambers. For more information about participating in the tournament, please contact Sam Chambers at 770-331-7319 or sam-chambers@comcast.net.

Fans in the Stands Send your fan photos to photos@gwinnettgameday.com

GAME DAY â&#x20AC;˘ November 2011

2011 GFL Cheer Off

GAME DAY • November 2011

A Word from FCA Thanksgiving “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give Thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.” [Psalm 100:1-5] With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, I am reminded of a passage from the book of Psalm that emphasizes the importance of God’s people to exalt, bless, praise, and worship Him with joy. This time of year usually brings two things to mind – turkey and football. Although feasting and tossing pigskin will quickly raise the adrenaline level, I pray we also take time to realize the abundance of what we have in Jesus Christ and in return share that with others. In the beginning of Psalm 100, we are commanded to shout joyfully to the Lord as the psalmist calls for all of the earth to give Him praise. As the people of God, the church has been commissioned to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. It was Israel’s responsibility to introduce the Gentiles to the God of heaven; the charge to make His name known is also extended to each of us. Beyond our joyful shouting, we are instructed to serve Him with gladness. When we learn to take pleasure in obeying the Father, we will begin to serve Him with delight and sincerity rather than out of obligation. In verse three, it says that we are to ‘know that the Lord is God.’ The word “know” literally means to “know by experience”. That in itself is something to be thankful for. We can know and experience the God of the universe in an individual and unique way. The same Lord who made the heavens, all of the starry host, the earth and all that is on it, and the seas and all that is in them wants to know us intimately. My friends, if you have an authentic relationship with Jesus then you have an incredible story to tell. What we have experienced in our lives through the supremacy of Jesus should overflow in praise and declaration! By the time we reach verses four and five, the worshipers erupt into songs of praise and thanksgiving because of the faithfulness, compassion, and goodness of the Lord Most High. If we are truly controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the living and active Word of God, it will become clear to others by the way we worship Him in our lives. Our thankfulness should be a byproduct of His goodness. When we personally ‘taste and see that the Lord is good,’ as it says in Psalm 34:8, we discover how infinitely blessed we are. Experiencing the transformational power of Jesus in our lives should compel us to testify to the world that Jesus lives. An attitude of praise and thanksgiving will develop as we meditate on the glorious work that the Lord has done with us. Do the people around you hear you talk about what Jesus is doing in your life? Have you taken time lately to stop and thank the Lord for what He has done and for what He is going to do? A spirit that is thankful is one that will be victorious. A spirit of thanksgiving will empower us to conquer attitudes of ingratitude. “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving…” [Psalm 147:7]. Ryan Gloer is a Campus Director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

GAME DAY • November 2011

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GAME DAY • November 2011

Competitive Cheerleading: Is it a sport? By: Stephanie Dixon

he fans are cheering. The judges are watching and scrutinizing. The nervous jitters are overwhelming. The music begins, and so does the two minute and thirty second routine of intense athleticism commonly known as cheerleading.

Ranked as one of the fastest growing activities in the United States, cheerleading is gaining popularity each year. “I think the reason so many girls are flocking to cheerleading now is that many of us used to do gymnastics, and once we got tired of that, it was an easy transition to cheerleading,” said Abby Snyder, varsity cheerleader at Grayson High School. But even with its growing popularity, officials still refuse to classify cheerleading as a sport. In June, District Judge Stefan Underhill ruled that cheerleading did not meet the criteria to be defined as a sport under Title IX – the civil rights legislation that requires men and women’s athletic programs to receive equal funding. Judge Underhill went so far as to say that “cheerleading is too underdeveloped and disorganized” to be a sport.

GAME DAY • November 2011

The biggest hurdle that cheerleading faces today is that many people still view it as it first started back in 1898 - a support group who cheers for the sports team and leads the crowd. But like any other sport, cheerleading has advanced and evolved into something much more difficult and skill-based. An evolution that goes beyond making the team based on a popularity vote. So what classifies a sport anyway? The Women’s Sports Foundation lays out several criteria that an activity must meet to be considered a sport. The first principle is that it is a “physical activity which involves propelling a mass through space or overcoming the resistance of a mass.” During their routine, the cheerleaders must throw other cheerleaders in the air and catch them, and also throw themselves around when performing tumbling passes and sequences. To do this, they must not only overcome the resistance of a mass, but also propel a mass (another cheerleader) through space. Another defining factor of a sport is that the players are “contesting or competing against or with an opponent.” Not only does the cheerleading team compete against one opponent, but they can compete against as many other teams as are in their region, making it much harder to win. Competitive cheerleaders go to competitions or meets, similar to gymnastics, and perform their routine in front of a crowd and a panel of judges. They may compete against anywhere from two other teams to twenty-five other teams. But at the end of the day, only one of those teams can come out on top and win first place. A sport must also be “governed by the rules which explicitly define the time, space and purpose of the

contest and the conditions under which a winner is declared.” In cheerleading, the team is allotted exactly two minutes and thirty seconds to perform their routine. If they go over the time, points are deducted from their score. They are required to stay on a mat during their routine and if they step out of the mat’s region, points are deducted. It may seem simple to stay on a mat, but remember that the cheerleaders are hurling their bodies through the air and tumbling upside down, so it’s easy to lose track of where you are. As for the conditions under which a winner is declared, the team with the highest score from the judges wins, just like any other sport. Lastly, to be a sport, it must be true that the “acknowledged primary purpose of the competition is a comparison of the relative skills of the participants.” Each cheerleading team is scored on the difficulty of their routine and skills, the execution of those skills, the creativeness of their routine, and their overall showmanship. So a good routine would mean that every single stunt and pyramid hits flawlessly, and are more difficult, or equally GAME DAY • November 2011

difficult, to the other teams. In addition, every tumbling pass and jump sequence must be perfectly timed and executed with the other cheerleaders on the mat insuring that nobody steps off the mat or hits the ground which can cause deductions. Not to mention every participant on the mat has a smile on their face the entire time. Still the question remains - is cheerleading a sport? Come to a cheerleading competition, watch the routines, and judge for yourself!

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GAME DAY • November 2011

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Would you like to see your athlete or team in Game Day? Email photos to photos@gwinnettgameday.com

We are a full service studio. Screen printing, Trophies, Jersey Lettering, Embroidery, Fan Gear, Coaches Packages Let us help you outfit your team!

Mike Collins CPU ChFC CLU, Agent 3235 Sardis Church Road Suite 107 Buford, GA 30519

Bus: 678-546-1011 Fax: 800-949-1340 www.gowithmike.com Look no further.

Having one special person for your car, home and life insurance lets you get down to business with the rest of your life. It’s what I do. GET TO A BETTER STATE™. CALL ME TODAY. 1101201

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL GAME DAY • November 2011

High Five - Celebrating Athletes

2011 Cheer Off 1st Place Large Group Mill Creek 1st Grade AL North

2011 Cheer Off 2nd Place Large Group Grayson 1st Grade

2011 Cheer Off 1st Place Small Group Archer 1st Grade

2011 Cheer Off 4th Place Large Group North Gwinnett 2nd Grade

2011 Cheer Off 3rd Place Medium Group Duluth 2nd Grade

2011 Cheer Off 1st Place Large Group Grayson 3rd Grade

2011 Cheer Off 1st Place Medium Group North Gwinnett 3rd Grade AL North

2011 Cheer Off 2nd Place Large Group Mill Creek 4th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 3rd Place Large Group Grayson 4th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 1st Place Small Group North Gwinnett 4th Grade AL East

2011 Cheer Off 2nd Place Small Group Lanier 4th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 4th Place Medium Group Lawrenceville 5th Grade

GAME DAY â&#x20AC;˘ November 2011

2011 Cheer Off 1st Place Small Group Loganville 5th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 3rd Place Small Group Collins Hill 5th Grade NL North

2011 Cheer Off 1st Place Medium Group Grayson 6th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 2nd Place Medium Group Buford 6th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 1st Place Small Group Collins Hill 6th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 3rd Place Small Group Grayson 6th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 4th Place Small Group North Gwinnett 6th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 2nd Place Large Group Archer 7th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 4th Place Large Group Grayson 7th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 4th Place Small Group Duluth 7th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 3rd Place X-Large Group Grayson 8th Grade

2011 Cheer Off 3rd Place Small Group Duluth 8th Grade

High Five - Celebrating Athletes

2011 National South Division Champions Mill Creek 9yo HAWKS

2011 10U Phiten Challenge Champions Mill Creek Hawks

2011 Triple Crown Champions 13U Georgia Stars

2011 Throwdown in O-Town Champions Georgia Thunder 98

2011 Waleska Champions 6U Mill Creek All Stars

2011 USA/ASA Nationals 13th Place 10U Easton Elite

If you would like an athlete or team to be featured in High Five, please email a photo and information to photos@gwinnettgameday.com All individuals/teams highlighted in this section are provided by parents and coaches. 2011 Rocket City Lacrosse Champions 13U Hawks Select

GAME DAY â&#x20AC;˘ November 2011

2011 Winder Invitational 2nd Place Dacula Varsity Competition Cheer

THE ULTIMATE 3-D PLAY EXPERIENCE 3-D Dodgeball Birthday Parties TM SkyRobics Fitness Classes Foam Zone Open Jump Corporate & Group Events

ATLANTA K.COM/SKYZONE WWW.FACEBOO

Coming Soon to Atlanta! Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park

560 Old Peachtree Rd. | Suite 300 | Suwanee, GA 30024

www.skyzonesports.com

INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK

The Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park playing courts are protected by United States Patent No. 5,624,122. This Sky Zone location is an independently owned and operated franchise. GAME DAY • November 2011

Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Sports Medicine provides care to patients in need of: • Care for sprains & strains • Osteoarthritis care • Customized orthotics • Joint injections • Simple fracture care NGPG Sports Medicine office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with clinics located at:

• NGPG Sports Medicine Braselton, 770-848-6190 • NGPG Sports Medicine Buford, 678-714-3217

John Alsobrook, MD

Proud to provide sports medicine services for Mill Creek & Buford High Schools!

John Buchanan, DO

Sports Medicine