GAME DAY Youth Sports Magazine
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Coweta’s Courageous Champions! Georgia Female & Male Athlete of the Year, Both from Coweta County!
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June/July 2012
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Letter from the Publisher
Youth Sports Magazine
I am very happy to publish Game Day™ Magazine for the youth athletes and families in Coweta County. Game Day™ is a community based publication that will focus on the youth athletes in our county, from our recreational leagues, middle school programs, as well as all 6 local high schools. I have been involved in youth sports since the age of five. My experience in sports are as a player, a parent, recreational coach, travel team coach, high school coach as well as running youth sports programs for a non-for profit for over 15 years. Growing up in Western New York, I played many organized team sports such as baseball, soccer, golf, skiing, football, and lacrosse. I have coached high school lacrosse as well as youth soccer, basketball, baseball, and football. I live in Newnan with my beautiful wife Kelly and our three boys Jay, Brian, and Owen. Our boys stay busy throughout the year playing youth football, high school lacrosse and now our son Jay is playing Division I college lacrosse for Mercer University. We have some very skilled and talented youth athletes here in Coweta County and I am very excited to highlight many of them throughout the year. Game Day Magazine is a local publication relying solely on sponsorships and advertising for publication costs. Game Day™ is available free of charge each month at numerous locations throughout the county.
To m D e B o l e SUBMISSIONS Readers are encouraged to send in photos, stories, upcoming sporting events, and any other submission you would like to see on the pages of this magazine. cowetagameday@yahoo.com PHOTOS Send action shots or “fans in the stands’” to cowetagameday@yahoo.com. Note what the photos cover and provide names if you would like. STORIES Do you have a story idea? Send story ideas or written stories to cowetagameday@yahoo.com. Story possibilities include: Inspirational stories The story behind an athlete A “where are they now?” Coach’s corner Stories on healthy living and active lifestyles
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PUBLISHER Tom DeBole cowetagameday@yahoo.com 770-683-1142 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ryan Post Ryan Gloer Ragan Whitlock Jherine Wilkerson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom DeBole Susan Crutchfield Stephanie Weston ADVERTISING Kelly DeBole Brian Wilson CONTACT GAME DAY 3159 East Highway 34 Suite 209 PMB#119 Newnan, GA 30265 770-683-1142 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 2012 Game Day Youth Sports Magazine is published 11 times a year. 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.
STUDENT SUMISSIONS Player Talk – Students can submit stories from their point of view as an athlete. These personal essays can tell of a sports memory, describe what you have learned playing a sport, or any humorous, inspirational or fun sports related story. Include name, age and school you attend. cowetagameday@yahoo.com CLIPBOARD EVENTS Send upcoming events in Coweta County, sign-ups for recreational leagues, fundraising/charitable events or other programs of interest to youth athletes. Must be sent at least one month prior to the date of event to cowetagameday@yahoo.com
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Coweta’s Courageous Champions “The only disability in life is a bad attitude,” says Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold Medalist. He captured the Gold Medal in Men’s Figure Skating in 1984. He is known around the world for his charismatic attitude on and off the ice. Hamilton has daringly performed back-flips and entertained millions with his unforgettable performances on the ice.
President Ronald Reagan awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for her dedicated service to others.
Discouraged with how persons with intellectual disabilities were treated, she grew determined to see all people compete in athletic sport. Despite the turmoil of the late 1960’s, she held a summer day camp in her own Hamilton currently has a new role; backyard to see first-hand the talents he sits on the Board of Directors for of these young people. the Special Olympics. He volunteers with business and sports leaders, On July 20, 1968, just seven weeks professional athletes, educators and after her younger brother, Robert, was experts in the field of intellectual tragically gunned down, a courageous Shriver opened the first Special disabilities from around the world. Olympic Games at Soldier Field in In those few words, he perfectly Chicago, Illinois. describes the founder of the Special Olympics, the late Eunice Kennedy She read these words, “Let me win, Shriver. Shriver, the fifth of nine but it I cannot win, let me brave in children born to Joseph P. Kennedy the attempt.” These words still serve and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy had a as the oath that every athlete speaks close relationship with her older sister today. Her vision was great, her dream Rosemary. Born in 1918, Rosemary beneficial, her work unforgettable and was socially “awkward” and later went her love for people, unwavering. on to become withdrawn from society. Coweta County has seen many of its Shriver continued to advocate for the own athletes compete in the Special intellectually impaired. She received a Olympic Games over the past several Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology years. This year, two of our own from Stanford University in Palo student athletes, received the Games Alto, California. On March 24, 1984, top honor. The 2012 Special Olympic
Georgia Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Montana Bush, a six-teen year old junior from East Coweta High School. Jimpson Rosser, an eight-teen year old senior at Newnan High School, took the Special Olympic Male Athlete of the Year. Kelly Abercrombie, Coweta County Special Olympics Coordinator, nominated these two deserving athletes. “I am extremely proud of Jimpson and Montana for their accomplishments on and off the field. They are shining examples of quality student athletes in Coweta County,” says Associate Superintendent of Coweta County Schools, Dr. Marc Guy.
come,” says her mother.
“One day, while serving chocolate ice cream to her dad, she grunted “Around fifteen months old, her her desire for some. I simply, but limited vocabulary of ‘mama, firmly told her to say “ice cream.” dada, and bye-bye’ ceased almost She refused with an angry grunt. I over- night, “ says Teresa. “I had firmly told her she had to say the never heard the word autism, but words. I was determined that with I became quickly educated and God’s strength she would say the I sought any information on the words I so deeply needed to hear. subject,” she says. She continued to grunt, made Tana continued to grow into a animated gestures, and screamed, beautiful, curly haired toddler, but but I was determined. This had to her communication was limited be the most painful experience of to grunting noises and pointing to my life, but I continued. After she watched me eat almost an entire bowl of ice cream and asking her to say “ice cream” with each spoonful that went to my mouth, she finally screamed...”I want ice cream.”
The past several years “Montana is a high school have seen Tana grow athlete that epitomizes and mature into a the spirit of a true winner competitive, decorated by her willingness athlete. On the state to always give her level, she has received best effort and help two gold medals and 1 others, while displaying silver medal in cycling; outstanding courage and two gold medals and one sportsmanship,” says silver in aquatics; and a Abercrombie. She has gold medal in bowling. trained and competed On the local level, she in track and field, bocce, holds two gold medals basketball skills, softball and three silver medals skills, cycling, bowling, in cheerleading. cheerleading, aquatics Georgia Female Athlete of the Year, Montana “Tana and I have shared and gymnastics. Bush, a junior from East Coweta High many tears of happiness “We named her Montana and sadness in our lives School. after the state where we since that bowl of ice had enjoyed so many what she wanted. cream and it is not uncommon fantastic outdoor activities,” says for me today to shed a tear of her mother, Teresa Bush. Her “I was deeply discouraged happiness when I serve her a big family lovingly calls her , Tana. and exhausted with the daily bowl of her favorite treat.” Teresa requirements of raising an autistic “At six months old, Tana underwent child, but I knew God had a plan,” added surgery to repair three holes in her Teresa remembers. Her trophy case now overflows with heart. We thought this would be the awards and ribbons from various biggest challenge Tana would face, Teresa recalls overcoming an early events including Long Jump, 100 but little did we know what was to obstacle with her daughter.
Meter Dash, Softball Throw, and Basketball. Her coaches have honored her accomplishments by awarding her the 2011 Coaches Award in Cheerleading and the 200910 Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. Tana’s electric smile and bubbly personality make her a favorite among her peers. “If I had to say one thing about Tana, it would be that she is the person who personifies what Special Olympics is all about,” states Abercrombie. Tana clinched the 2nd runner-up title last year competing in the “Miss ECHS Indian Princess Pageant” n a m i n g S p e c i a l Olympics as her charity of choice.
is to come.” “I would like to congratulate Tana and Jimpson on receiving these two honors. Tana and Jimpson are both shining examples of courageous accomplishment in athletics through faith in God, determination, and the support of family. We are all fortunate to have been influenced by their achievements,” says Dr. Steve Barker, Superintendent of Coweta County Schools.
sportsmanship. Jimpson is a leader in the classroom, church and the playing arena,” says Abercrombie. Jimpson, while very competitive, always offers his congratulations to those who have beaten him and offers a “good job” to those who have not. He offers praise and kind words to his fellow athletes and is always willing to aid his teammates whenever needed. Jimpson has competed in a variety of sports on the local and state level. These sports include: track and field, bocce, b o w l i n g , basketball, gymnastics, cycling, and softball skills. He works hard in training and preparing for his sport. He works equally as hard while in the classroom.
“As the local coordinator “Tana and I are it has been proud of her a joy to see him mature and grow into a fine young Georgia Male Athlete of the Year, Jimpson Rosser, a senior man as well as from Newnan High School. a good athlete,” accomplishments. We thank adds Abercrombie. Coweta County Special Olympics Receiving the 2012 Special for giving her this honor.” Teresa Olympic Male Athlete of the Jimpson recently competed in willingly shares her story with Year, Jimpson Rosser is an the 2012 State Summer Games anyone who may ask. She offers accomplished athlete. He has at Emory University. On Friday this advice, “ Know that through been a registered athlete with evening, Jimpson greeted the law God, all things are possible. Know Coweta County Special Olympics enforcement officers at their official your child. Be strong for them, since he became eligible while in Torch Run Dinner. stand up for them, speak for them, elementary school. but most importantly, teach them. “He gives his best while displaying “Special Olympics has taught me so much and given me the chance We cherish the precious gift of outstanding courage and to do so many things,” Jimpson Tana and we look forward to what
told the officers. While at the games, Jimpson competed in the 100 Meter Dash and the Running Long Jump. Among his many accomplishments, Jimpson became a licensed driver this year. He can now drive himself to his events. His grandmother, Martha Houston, has always been a constant in his life. She has led him to a close relationship with God and nurtured his musical talents. He sings and plays the keyboard at his church as well as at special events. Her dedication to Jimpson is evident on and off the field. He has grown into an accomplished young man.
Distinguished Service Award. This group of volunteers has gone above and beyond the call of your average volunteer group as they have provided outstanding yearround support to the Coweta County Special Olympics,” Abercrombie proudly adds.
While the main focus of the Special Olympics remain on the athletes, there are many people involved in making dreams come true for these exceptional young men and women.
This group of young at heart gentlemen have made Special Olympics a priority on their list of volunteer activities. They have participated on every level, spreading compassion and humor to all they meet.
“The Knights of Columbus Organization #6622 was nominated for the Special Olympics Georgia
“They dedicate their time and energy to make our program
a success each Abercrombie.
year,”
says
Volunteers, educators, teachers, parents and students come out to support these talented athletes. Kelly Abercrombie, Coweta County’s local Coordinator, says she is overwhelmed with the support for her local athletes. A vision that started with one woman, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, has grown into a reality for many young men and women eager to compete as equals on the field of competition. Their dedication to training is evident from the sweat on their brow and their desire to win is reflected in their eyes as they focus on the prize. Eager to have the chance to share their skill, compete with their peers and challenge themselves, they are athletes. Win or lose, they give their best to their sport, honoring those who have helped make their Olympic dreams come true.
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Spine & Nerve Injuries in Sports. Dr. Chad Kessler M.D. Georgia Bone and Joint While most nerve injuries that are sports related occur in contact sports, all types of athletes are at risk. The most common areas involved are the neck and shoulder regions. Spinal cord injuries must be differentiated from nerve injuries, also known as burners or stingers that involve brachial plexus (the collection of nerves in the upper shoulder region, near the neck). The need for immediate evaluation and treatment varies greatly between these two entities. The “stinger” or “burner” was named for the pain, tingling and burning that are experienced in an athlete’s arm after a traumatic event that
usually involved a strike to the head by another player, a wall or a mat. The strike to the head causes a sudden lateral movement that stretches the nerves and nerve roots of the brachial plexus. Immediate or delayed weakness can occur but is usually temporary. The athlete can only return to competition after an evaluation by a qualified trainer or physician has determined that all
symptoms have resolved. Continued tingling, weakness or pain with range of motion in the neck or arm signal a need for further evaluation and the athlete should not return to play at that time. Treatment involves initial rest followed by appropriately directed physical therapy until resolution of all symptoms. Most stingers are experienced by high school football players. Prevention is difficult but involves a neck/trapezial strengthening program, proper tackling techniques and supportive neck and shoulder gear (i.e. cowboy collar). Athletes that experience recurrent stingers should have a MRI of the cervical spine to demonstrate if any significant abnormalities exist. Significant degenerative changes or stenosis may require permanent removal from participation in contact sports. Stingers by definition are unilateral in nature and involve only one extremity. They must be differentiated from much more serious injuries involving the spinal cord. Athletes who present with bilateral upper or lower extremity symptoms are more likely to have sustained an injury to the spinal cord. Neck tenderness or severe pain and spasm that are accompanied by numbness or weakness in the extremities require immediate immobilization with a cervical collar and backboard along with transportation to a hospital emergency room for imaging studies and evaluation. Cervical spine injuries are actually quite common in high school sports and range from cervical sprains to
catastrophic complete spinal cord injuries. Specific conditions include stenosis (small spinal canal), herniated disc, fractures and transient quadriplegia. Stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal can predispose an athlete to permanent spinal cord injury and requires a careful evaluation and counseling with the athlete and family to assess risks of continued participation in sports. A herniated disc is rare in this age population but can also lead to neurologic deficits if not treated appropriately. Fractures of the spine are also rare but are such a devastating injury that the rules of tackling in football have been changed in an attempt to reduce the risk of fractures. The use of a player’s helmet to tackle has been outlawed. Transient quadriplegia is characterized by burning, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs with associated weakness. Symptoms usually resolve in 10 to 15 minutes but can last up to 48 hours in rare instances. Detailed evaluation including an MRI scan should be undertaken before return to competition is allowed. The incidence of true spinal cord injury in the high school age population is about 1 in 100,000. Most of these injuries are incomplete with preservation of some degree of neurologic function. Brachial plexus injuries are more common but usually result in a full recovery. It is imperative to distinguish between these two distinct entities and an evaluation by a qualified spine specialist is needed if any questions exist regarding an athlete’s ability to safely return to play.
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Coweta’s Houston Kessler, Headed to University of Georiga to play Basketball.
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What are you looking forward to Q &A most this summer??
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Brent age 10 I can’t wait to spend the 4th of July with my cousins.
Tyler age 10
Ryan age 13
Josh age 18
I am looking forward to hanging out with my cousins this summer. They are a lot of fun.
I am going to ride my dirt bike everyday this summer.
I am looking forward to graduation, a week at the beach with my girl friend and going in the army…in that order.
Raven age 5
Alex age 6 1/2
Jake age 10
Mason age 10
I am going to Texas and I am going to ride a horse with my mommy.
I can’t wait to go to California with just my grandma. Just the two of us are going.
This summer I am going to become a certified Tae Kwan Do National Master.
I am going camping and I love camping. I am going fishing too. I also got a new go cart and can’t wait to ride this summer.
Baileigh age 9
Luke age 14
Mayleigh age 9
Owen age 11
I am looking forward to going to the beach a lot. We go to Panama Beach every summer.
I am hanging out with my friends all summer. We are staying up all night.
Mostly I am looking forward to going to Buffalo NY. We are moving there soon.
Going whitewater rafting and mt. biking in Colorodo.
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A Word from Gloer Totally Committed “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” [Romans 12:2]
coming to a close, an adult leader stepped up and explained that he was going to pass around an offering bucket. A little bit out of the ordinary for a student ministry event, however, they responded The New Year has finally arrived! with a fervent attitude. I We all have resolutions that we stood in the back and are eager to put into action. But, watched from a distance. what is going to keep you from Multiple students were fulfilling that commitment this yanking out their wallets and year? Time and time again, year throwing in a few dollars here after year, people have shared and one dollar bills there. As with me numerous accounts of this was taking place, a student how things were going so well, with special needs was patting yet something somehow stepped down his pockets searching for in and sidetracked them. something to give. He pulled This seems to be a common out a few pennies from his shirt issue in the life of a Christian. So pocket. He held them in his hand many times we say one thing, but and intentionally stared at them our actions prove otherwise. God for a few minutes. I could tell that calls us to live at a much higher he was thinking hard about it. He standard. Chip Ingram once walked over and placed his coins said, “TOTAL COMMITMENT is in the bucket. It occurred to me the channel through which God’s that this kid just gave everything biggest and best blessings flow.” he had. What a powerful truth. When we The Lord shared with me a perfect fully commit ourselves to Him and picture of his love as I watched His purposes, we will experience this student selflessly give to the the fullness and abundance of his point that it hurt. Jesus Christ plan. was willing to lay down his life at Last year I spoke to a group all costs. His level of commitment of high school students about was and is the perfect example of the whole idea of being totally what it means to fully surrender committed. When the night was yourself for a greater cause. Christians are called to “not
Ryan Gloer is the Campus Director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes
conform any longer to the pattern of this world”. We can fill our minds with the world, whose temptations so easily ensnare us, or we can fill our mind with the Word, which transforms every aspect of our lives. If you want to see the results you hoped for, it’s going to cost you something. “I think that the good and the great are only separated by the willingness to sacrifice.” [Kareem Abdul Jabbar]. In 2011, you can be good or great; the choice is yours. What sacrifices are you willing to make?
The Cosby Team wishes to thank and As a long time all resident volunteer coaches, for congratulate thoseand volunteers, SummerGrove, I focus a great dealofofour my rich time Coweta players, and other supporters and energy on our wonderful community. County athletic programs. I welcome any opportunity to work with you in selling, leasing, short selling, or just advising you on your home.
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“ E n v i s i o n i n g Yo u r ( P e r f e c t ) G a m e” By Ryan Post “Practice makes perfect,” or as some may say, “perfect practice makes perfect.” How athletes prepare for sports, both physically and mentally, helps to determine their overall achievement in the sport.
strategy is indispensable. Yogi Berra said it best when he said, “Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical.”
The long-jumper closes his eyes just before he begins his run and makes the jump in his own mind. The U.S. Olympic Committee has The wrestler sees himself taking a commercial that is airing now the perfect shot for a takedown. with a voice-over from the athletes How many times do you think as they talk about “seeing” the gymnast thinks about hitting themselves winning. Whether the springboard perfectly on the it’s the gymnast, swimmer, vault? wrestler, or sprinter, each of these athletes understands the What each of these athletes has importance of taking the time to in common is that when they focus on the mental aspect of the envision themselves performing, sport. Envisioning yourself doing what they visualize is perfect. those things that are necessary The long-jumper doesn’t scratch, to win as part of your preparation the wrestler shoots deep and keeps his head up preventing the
sprawl, and the gymnast hits the springboard perfectly and sticks the landing. These are perfect repetitions. This is practicing to be perfect. The mental repetition is not a replacement for traditional practice. I don’t care how many times a person mentally practices an athletic feat, if the action is never attempted, he or she will not get any better. Mentally practicing, however, removes many variables from the action itself like aerobic conditioning, weather, noise, visual distractions, and stress on the body. It is because of these variables that physical practice is necessary, but the mental rep enables the athlete to focus what he or she does in a perfect scenario. The Navy’s Blue Angels take mental reps as a group. Their “Zen Flight” has each member of the team sitting around a conference table with their eyes closed as they go through pre-flight checks, in flight communication for maneuvers, and finishes when they have “completed” the flight in the their landing sequence. This is done prior to every training flight and exhibition to ensure the success of the team. The process of creating a positive image of one’s self accomplishing
a goal or visualizing with the purpose of improving one’s ability is referred to as “visuo-motor behavior rehearsal.” This is training the mind to “know” what a perfect repetition of a movement looks like, and it reaffirms the ability within the athlete to build confidence. Basically, it is the mind telling the body what it can do. The process of using “mind over body” is not a new concept. Mental toughness is a term often used to describe an innate ability to show disregard for external stimuli. A Navy Seal may be considered mentally tough because of the ability to handle stressful situations – basically any situation encountered during the group’s infamous “Hell Week.” Each candidate is put through exercises that push the limits of the mind and body to develop a higher level of confidence for dealing with stress in the future. Repetition in the training triggers a mental response by the candidate as he enters into a higher consciousness, gaining control over his will. Training
the
mind
without
of “mind over body” control. A cancer patient may be taught to envision each white blood cell as
a tiny “Pac Man” eating the bad cancerous cells in the body. The application of this research in the realm of sports has brought about the establishment of Sports Psychology. “Golf is Not a Game of Perfect,” by Dr. Bob Rotella, is a classic book for avid golfers who strive to improve their golf game. Dr. Rotella focuses on the development of a more positive and confident outlook by the golfer to improve his game. This can be accomplished in golf, just like any sport, by removing the performance anxiety. When you
Psychoneuroimmunology: The Science Connecting Body and Mind the physical stimulus has also been studied with a slightly different expectation. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a branch of medical science that researches the link between the nervous system and health. Can a person “think” themselves back to health? The study of PNI has included attempts to get patients to focus on a type
step to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, with two outs, and the bases are loaded, if you haven’t been there before you will have a high chance of folding under the pressure. When you envision your perfect game, you imagine everything you will do up to and including the moment you hit the ball. It’s less stressful because you have
already stepped into the box, dug your cleats in, tapped the plate, taken your practice swings, and hit the ball out of the park. Of course, you have done this in your mind prior to that first time, but the confidence level is dependent upon the physical preparation of batting practice. Imagine you have three groups of basketball players whose ability to shoot free-throws you are testing. The first group does not practice. The second group is allowed to practice for a short period of time, and the third group practices mental repetitions only. When tested, which group do you think would shoot with the highest shot percentage? A similar, but more complicated, test was conducted at the University of South Carolina with 48 male athletes. The use of Visuo-Motor Behavior Rehearsal resulted in a 6% improvement in the ability of these athletes to shoot free throws. The increase in shot efficiency is significant due to the fact that the subjects were highly competitive collegiate athletes. To an athlete, VMBR is like pinching pennies is to a miser. It allows the athlete to squeeze every ounce of talent he has to make him a better competitor. Gaining control of the mental game is an important aspect to consider if an athlete wants to take his game to the next level. Ryan Post is in entering his fourth year as a coach at East Coweta High School. He has been a high school coach since 1991 in both Florida and Georgia and is currently the Head 9th Grade Football Coach at east Coweta High School. ”
Coweta County U14 Boys Select Team Goes Undefeated
The 2012 U14 Boys Select Team of the Southern Soccer Association, led by Coach Jordan Davis, went undefeated this year winning their division. The team finished with 8 wins, 3 ties, no losses and a total of 46 points, beating the competition and winning by a landslide. Team goalie, Cooper Morrison, had 4 shutout games and led all keepers with only 11 goals against. Coweta County soccer has gone through several changes over the past couple of years. Originally restricted to players in Coweta County, teams were known as the Cannons. A couple of years ago, in order to keep up with the larger merging Atlanta leagues, Coweta County merged with Carroll and Douglass County to form the West Georgia Soccer Association. This expanded the talent of the team to include players from the tri-county area. This
past year we merged again with Cobb County and created the Southern Soccer Association. Though the majority of the team is still from Coweta, the additional talent from the other counties and tremendous leadership and training provided by Coach Davis, the team finished first. Photo of winning team includes (from back row left to right) Trent Harper (Coweta), Conner Oot (Coweta), Austin Cosby (Coweta), Alan Howie, Collin Gwinn (Coweta), Bryan Girard, Cole Egan (Coweta), Daniel Rodas, and Cole Chahalis, (front row left to right) Miguel Fonseca, Enoch Sarfo, Keeper Cooper Morrison (Coweta), Montana Lewis (Coweta), Zach Jones (Coweta), David Ahn (Coweta), and Jabari Wolffe. Congratulations!
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Coweta County Middle School Trophy of Excellence. Lee Middle School was awarded its third consecutive Coweta County Middle School Trophy of Excellence. The award is presented annually to the middle school who accumulates the most points based on how the school placed in volleyball, football, girls’ soccer, boys’ soccer, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, girls’ track, boys’ track, and the county academic bowl competition. The Timberwolves amassed 116 points during the 2011-2012 school year. Lee won The Lee Timberwolves Outstanding Athlete Awards Recipients the Coweta County Front Row: Andrea Williams, Hannah Rubenstein, Mekhia’ Freeman, Katie Jones, Riley Padgett, Ayanna Reid Middle School Athletic Second Row: Carlos Ford, Maddy Kuhne, Elishua Orr, Khalil McCoy, Lindsey Spooner, Alec Jimerson League championships Third Row: Chase Dees, Tariq Muhammad, Grant Horton, Mandrell Parham, Austin Cosby Kyle Feldbauer, in volleyball, girls’ Courtlen Burke basketball, and girls’ track. In addition the basketball was Jared Waggoner and winning the CCMSAL girls› Wolves won the regular season and the boys were coached by Pat West track title. titles in volleyball (tie), football (tie), Harris. The football staff consisted The Arnall Knights finished third in girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, of Adam Daigler, Willems, the standings. The Knights were and the CCMSAL East girls› track Waggoner, and Harris. Bush and title. The school was runner-ups Harris coached the track teams. CCMSAL runner-ups in volleyball, in tournament play in football. In The academic bowl team was girls› soccer, boys› soccer, boys› boys› track and field the Wolves coached by Suzanne Brooks and basketball, and girls› track. Arnall were runner-ups in the CCMSAL Lisa Redmon. Marnie Stephens was the West Georgia RESA academic bowl champions again Meet and the CCMSAL East was the pep squad coach. this year. Meet. Lee›s academic bowl team also finished as runner-ups in the The Madras Eagles ended the year Rounding out the competition county and in the West Georgia as runner-ups as they collected for the year was Evans with 71.5 RESA competition. Both the girls› 97.5 points. The Eagles year was points, Smokey Road with 61.5 and boys› soccer team made the highlighted with CCMSAL regular points, and East Coweta with 25 season and CCMSAL Tournament points. Evans won the CCMSAL CCMSAL Cup semi-finals. Cup championships in both girls› The Lee volleyball coaches and boys› soccer. Madras also Boys’ Basketball and Track were Robert Doyal and Shele won the Coweta County academic Championships while Smokey Ferry. Coaching soccer for the bowl title while finishing as runner- Road won the CCMSAL Football Timberwolves were Brad Willems ups in girls› basketball, regular Championship. and Becky Bush. Coaching girls’ season volleyball co-champions,
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Registration for fall competitive and instructional leagues opening soon. Middle School and Youth Lacrosse. Boys and Girls in grades 1st through 8th in Coweta and Fayette County.
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Running for a Great Cause! Trinity Christian School held its 1st Annual Trinity Trail Trot event on Saturday, May 19th. The event was held at Crossroads Church on Highway 16 and included a 50 yard dash, 1 mile family fun run, and a 5k Trail Trot. Trinity Christian School is growing leaps and bounds. With the addition of new facilities for both academics and a dynamic athletic program, parent volunteers wanted to kick off the expansion project by giving families an opportunity to participate in an event promoting healthy and active lifestyles while supporting the school and vision. The weather could not have been more perfect as hundreds of runners and walkers took to the trails on the 54 acres of land Crossroads Church owns. The Trinity Trail Trot logo was designed by Amy Simonton, TCS Art teacher, and art students. Headmaster Dean Demos lead the way on a bicycle he built just for the big day. Dusty the Clown entertained children and painted faces in between races. Bryan’s Catering sold food and refreshments at the event to help raise money for TCS student, Alex Garrett, who is currently battling cancer. Over $650 was raised to help his family with medical needs. Orlando Burgos, Matthew Miller and Collin Gwinn finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall in the 5k. Saturday’s event was a first of its kind for many families. The race planning team, Anne Taylor, Kim Grady, Samantha DePriest, Melanie Weaver and Rhonda Skinner would like to thank all of the volunteers for their time and energy. Also, many local businesses and sponsors whose support is invaluable, and to all the families who came out and shared in the excitement of an event that will hopefully grow in the years to come. “It was encouraging to see so many families participating in the event and getting fit and healthy together. We hope that next year’s event it even will be even bigger and better than this one and look forward to seeing everyone out there at the 2nd Annual Trinity Trail Trot.”, Anne Taylor - race director.
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