Birmingham Booster by Birmingham Booster Magazine

Vol 1 : March 2011 : Get on with it! : $4:00

Super-Man

Leeds Star Steals Spotlight at Super Six.

Upset City Jordan-Hare Jitters for B’ham Favorites

HappyHow Place Echols Moves Mountains

Shot Clock Who’s headed to the Final 48? CONCUSSIONS BRANDON HAZOURIS CHARDONNEA FUQUA FINAL 48 CHIP LINDSEY TONY RUSSELL

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March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 3

:cover Rose to the occasion

In a year of outstanding sports players, he stands head and shoulders above his peers. He’s ranked 3rd in the nation in his position, 3A Champion, Super Six MVP, Alabama All-Star, and rostered in the Army All-American.

Joe Bludsworth joeb@birminghambooster.com

:columns

Photographers

viewpoints:

Like this! Adamson Ford, Booster, Outside Mag, Cabelas, and NFHS

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Late news, last minute additions and amendments.

:features

Sideline Banter

Wrap-up of the 2010 football season for Birmingham’s top teams

It’s Birmingham’s Biggest High School Sports Event - with 48 teams fighting for state honors in Basketball.

theplaybook:

Shaken, Not Stirred: A dummies guide to diagnosis and treatment of sports concussions.

scorecard:

ones2watch:

hotdates:

Chardonea Fuqua, Brandon Hazouri, Coach Craddock, plus more outstanding athletes

onthebench: 26

A soccer mishap turns into a life lesson on humility and grace.

23 The Happy Place

Coach Echols reveals secrets which made Mountain Brook cross country the team to beat.

Consulting Editor: John Twigg john@birminghambooster.com

Stephanie Williams Kathryn Cline

Contributors:: Ben Bludsworth, Alan Henderson, Rakau, Matt Palco, David Sharp, Alan Blalock, Duncan Hamilton

Business Development Manager: Ben Bludsworth benb@birminghambooster.com

Design&Layout: Alan Henderson alanh@birminghambooster.com

Round-up of news and events from schools

Winter sports wrap-ups, plus the openers for most spring sports.

Big News

EDITORIAL Managing Editor:

midsection

Emerging talent in the middle schools.

respawn:

28 31

Adamson Ford’s GM, Tony Russell almost made it to pro football. But when he realized he was not going to get there, he turned his talents to the auto industry.

endzone:

Odds and Ends from the world of sports. Review: Death to the BCS.

Published by: Birmingham Booster Publishing. 4816 Bridgewater Rd Birmingham, AL 35243 www.birminghambooster.com

Printed by: Shelby Printing Tel: 205-664-3390

Published under license of: Booster USA 3505 Heatherbrook Pkwy Birminghal, AL 35242 Tel: 205-202-0801 ISSN: 2159-8398 © copyright 2011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used in any form of media without prior consent of the publishers.

contents:

4 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

I used to think being good was enough until I learned that I could be great. Today, I realize I can choose to... BE LEGENDARY.

Celebrate Black History with Coca-Cola visit www.mycokerewards.com/blackhistory

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 5

country. Their page is full of training tips and advice on how you should train. It’s aimed at coaches, so you can see if yours is ‘up to par’. If you wonder d what h b boosters If you’re in to sports, then this do in their spare time, check site will keep you healthy and out our Facebook faves for the playing longer. month… o t

Like Here! Like Now!

1. Adamson Ford: A

4. Outside Magazine

very g n a r l y site which covers just about every sport you can think of., and Hello and welcome to the very first issue of everything you wanted Birmingham Booster – Birmingham’s own to buy (but Dicks’s didn’t dedicated high school sports magazine. 2. Birmingham Booster stock). Big following and lots As a proud parent myself, it is a pleasure to of fan pix and stories be able to present you with these profiles and We’re not biased to give you ideas for backgrounds on our top players and teams. – honest! If you your next vacation. Throughout the year we will bring you glossy, REALLY want to Very cool! professional, entertaining news and insights keep up with what’s into our sports development programs. In the going on in our 5. Cabela’s process we’ll help your school build recognition schools, then check Is hunting sports? in the community and even earn a little money us out. There’s extra editorial out-takes, Heck yeah! Check out for the schools we’re covering. and tweets of results Cabela’s for hunting, fishing, camping stuff Since this is our first issue, and hot gossip. And if which you can’t get we’re doing a double whammy you post your pictures - January and February, and comments we might just at Dick’s. Post pics of your so we can bring you all the publish them in the next issue. camping trips, or that 10 point buck you just hammered. highlights from the Fall sports playoffs. Save up all your pocket money and go buy a ‘stang! These guys lurve their sports and will lurve u - seems like half their staff played in the SEC. They’re always doing promo’s and you can get some pretty cool sports stuff on their page – like signed memorabilia.

We look at how all the Birmingham football teams went in the play-offs, and we go indepth on the star of the Leeds team. We also uncover some of the magic behind the Mountain Brok track team, and we preview the upcoming “Final 48” Basketball, Please come and check us out on facebook. With so much happening, we’ll be tweeting in between issues, to keep you up on the plays.

3. NFHS

The National Federation of State High School Associations, coordinate High School sports across the

“When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become.” - Louis Pasteur

Get on with it! - Coach Joe.

viewpoints:

6 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

Crossing State Lines. Jags to a semi-final spot College signing day has come and gone, and many of Birmingham’s top athletes have been snapped up. Auburn signed 10 in-state players including our cover boy Jonathan Rose (DT) from 3A champions Leeds. They also picked up Jaylon Denson (WR) from 6A finalists Hoover, and the gargantuan Reese Dismukes (6’4”, 240, C) from 5A champions Spanish Fort. A l a b a m a picked up five in-state players, including Wilson Love (DT, Mountain Brook), and Christion Jones (CB, Minor). Other Birmingham commits include Kameron Wood (DE, John Carroll) to Ole Miss, and Dallas Tidwell (QB, Gardendale) and Tyler Roberts (OLB, Hoover) to Troy.

Neil down and pray! Everyone knows who Wes Byrum is. His page in the record books is already written as the guy who’s peerless place-kick won Auburn their second National title. But Birminghammers should make sure everyone knows he was only half the equation on that game-winning kick – the other half of that equation was Spain Park’s stand-out QB Neil Caudle, who helped the

in the 2009 state championship. Under immense pressure, in front of a national TV audience, with the fortunes of his entire team resting on the freshman’s shoulders, Neil calmly collected the snap, and placed it perfectly in Byrum’s path. Not a bad effort at all for someone more accustomed to the Friday-night lights on Jaguar Drive. Any of you seniors want that kind of season next year? Waaaarrrrrrr Eagle!

Coaches Corner

Four – Oh – Oh! the GA state quarter-fi-

Congratulations to Coach Jim Brown who celebrated his 400th win as Briarwood Girls Basketball head coach last month. His record-run of 400-252 started before most of his current team were born, which is testament to his loyalty and commitment to the school and the program.

nals last year. For his efforts at Lassiter he was recognized as Marietta Coach of the Year, and Atlanta Falcons 5A Coach of the Year.

weapon as they prepare for the 2011 football season. It comes in the form First Annual Polar Bear of an aggressive new head Plunge. But few tolerated coah – Chip Lindsey, who the frigid waters for long brings an enviable record enough to swim to the ‘of- of success from his more ficial line’ (a rope about than 10 year coaching ca25 yards offshore). Or- reer. ganized by the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch During his previous stint Run, the event raised as head coach at Lassiter $8,000 for the benefit of High School in Marietta, Alabama’s Special Olym- GA., he turned the team pics program. We take our around from consecutive hats off to our uniformed losing seasons to post a friends, and maybe we’ll 21-4 record over three don our speedos for next seasons, and a perfect years event. 10-0 season and a trip to

Pope Falls from Grace

He had a brief stint at Troy University this year as quarterback coach. His season culminated last month when his protege, Corey Robinson, threw New Reign in Spain for 387 yards and four touchdowns to hand Troy Zero Tolerance… The Spain Park Jaguars a historic 48-21 win over will have a new secret Ohio. Mother nature smiled over Oak Mountain State Fairer Shores Park, serving up summery temperatures, for Congratulations also to the handful of hardy hanoutgoing Jag’s coach kerers who braved the David Shores who takes up his new role as head football coach at Pell City High School. We’ll be looking out for his lads in the playoffs in December. The Kingwood boys basketball coach resigned in December following an incident involving his son who was a pupil at the school, over an alleged incident involving drug paraphernalia in his car. James Pope alleges the search was illegal, but apparently Law Enforcement, was not involved and there has been no residual action from either party. Take note kids - drugs ruin careers - not just yours, but others too.

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March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 7

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SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

Considering what we know about head injuries in football, why is it that rules on concussion are still so vague?

In December ESPN polled 300 players, and surprisingly more than half of them thought it was ok for a kid to play

with a concussion. Yet research shows that if the blow is violent enough, a force of close to 100g can be exerted - which sends a shock wave through the brain exceeding the cushioning effect of the cranial fluid, and causing the delicate organ to bang against the skull. And worse, the effects of blows to the brain are cumulative.

serious about knocks? It may surprise you to know that most states, including alabama have a very explicit written policy.

Here’s the official word from the AHSAA. “Any student athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be removed from the contest and shall not return to play until a medical release is issued by a medical doctor.” They also recommend that coaches take a free on-line course available at www. nfhs.org. I recommend it for players and parents too! www.nfhs.org

Are they serious in the pros? The NFL is starting to notice helmet-to-helmet tackles. They fined Bears defensive end Julius Peppers $10,000 for this hit on Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in the NFC Championship game in Chicago last month. Jay Cutler controversially took himself out of the AFC final, to protect a knee injury and allow him to prolong his career. But A-Rod, who was dazed and bleeding from the mouth, continued the game and played again in the Superbowl two weeks later, where he took something like 26 hits on his way to being named MVP. Can you blame him for playing and for the glory of the moment? We’re liars if we say we wish that wasn’t us. But his superbowl ring probably cost him a few years of his career, and his quality-of-life in old age. With so much still to play for, that’s a heavy cost in my books.

You can’t blame the kids for wanting to play on. No one wants to watch someone else play their posi- Even coaches are under pressure from parents, boosters and schools to get results. So in reality we all need to get on the case. If there’s a mandatory rest Other sports in other period, then noone will countries are very firm have the finger pointed at about it. The Internathem for pulling a player. tional Rugby Board says: ‘A player who has suffered a Here’s a guide on what to definite concussion should not look for if you’re a player, participate in any match or coach or parent. As well as training session for a period of the obvious signs, such as at least three weeks from the tion. And they certainly dizziness, blurred vision, time of injury, and then only don’t want to draw the nausea or disorientation, subject to being cleared by a kind of negative reaction being unaware of what neurological examination.’ that Jay Cutler did in the happened, even for a few AFC championship this moments at the time of the So why aren’t we more year. injury is the most consis-

tent sign that the player is or has been concussed. So if this sounds like you, get yourself off the field, and consider a trip to the doc in the near future. If you’ve want to toss about your thoughts on concussions, visit our Facebook forum. And remember... Few prize fighters can read and write when they start - and fewer still can when they finish. ~Martin H. Fischer

theplaybook:

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 9

Fall back. Spring forward. It’s more than just a way to remember how daylight savings works. It’s a relection on our sports year. Fall pickings were slim for Birmingham, despite strong showings in all sports. Upsets marked the two biggest footbal matches on our calendar, and the Oak Mountain volleyball juggernaut was slain in the Chamionship finals. But as the Winter season draws to an end, we’ll be hoping for some strong performances from our Birmingham brethren. State Cross Country Championships 6A Boys Girls 1. Brandon Hazouri Spain Park 2. Caroline Kennedy Mountain Brook 2. Jack Morgan, Mountain Brook 4. Mary Grace Stozier Pelham 6. Steven Crain Spain Park 5. Emily Bedell Mountain Brook

5A 2. Griffin Lee, John Carroll 3. Ramsay Ritchie, Briarwood 20. Trey Long, Briarwood

1. Rachel Roberts, John Carroll 6. Mallory Mathias, Briarwood 13. Cheyenne Thompson, Chelsea

1&2A 6. Adam Dunkerley, Westminster 20. Morgan Reynolds, Westminster

Fall and Winter Sports Round-up While our Scorecard is really to give coverage to the athletes and teams who have enjoyed success over the past month, for our inaugural issue we’re casting out nets back to capture the highlights of the Fall and Winter seasons in this our inaugural issue. If there’s any events we missed, or if you have photos you’d like us to publish, please upload them to our facebook page, or contact us as below:

Email to: editor@ birminghambooster.com Subject: Scorecard

Cross Country With six consecutive titles leading into this season Mountain Brook girls were the team to beat, and they didn’t disappoint. Despite one of the youngest teams, with two eighth graders and two ninth graders competing, MBHS scored a measly 30 points – 58 clear of second place McGill-Toolen (Mobile). Mountain Brook also swept the boys title with a 2nd in the individuals for Jack Morgan. Other notable team showings were from John Carroll and Briarwood in the 5A division, and Westminster in the 1&2A. The best individual finishes by Birmingham are posted top right.

Wrestling Competition is in the home stretch for the 2010/11 season, as teams fight for position in the state finals coming up on Feb 17th – 19th at the Vaun Braun Center in Huntsville. Thompson could be the team to beat after their victory in the Alabama Duals in late Decem-

10 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

Left: Mountain Brook celebrates after winning both boys and girls X-C. Hoover’s Chardonea Fuqua rises over the opposition.

Below: Hoover wrestler Carl Brown is unbeaten in state competition this year.

ber, defeating all of the major Birmingham team in the process. But they have been less dominant in the regular season losing 8 and drawing 1 of their 14 matches. Gardendale, Mortimer Jordan and Clay-Chalkville also captured Duals titles, but are all batting less than .50 in the regular season. Other teams staking their claim in the title race are Homewood (14-2), Mountain Brook (14-4), and Oak Mountain (10-5-1).

Basketball At press time, the sub-regional results were in, and Birmingham as expected had a strong showing in all divisions. In 6A Vestavia Hills is looking promising with wins to both girls (over Oak Mountain) and Boys (over Hoover. Hoover girls advance after outscoring the much-

score

Basketball Sub-Regionals. Girls 6A: Vestavia Hills 43, Oak Mountain 37 Hoover 70, Mountain Brook 35 5A: Briarwood Christian 43, Valley 40 Paul Bryant 66, Pleasant Grove 48 4A: Midfield 64, Greene County 42 3A: Leeds 43, Central-Coosa 42 Sumter County 62, Montevallo 19 2A: Woodland 62, Altamont 58 Ranburne 59, Vincent 35 1A: Winterboro 45, Shades Mountain 42 Boys: 6A: Spain Park 48, Pelham 38 Vestavia Hills 53, Hoover 46 5A: Pleasant Grove 50, Paul Bryant 27 Brookwood 71, Fairfield 63 4A: Calera 83, Livingston 73 Midfield 71, Holt 69 3A: Central-Coosa 48, Leeds 39 2A: Vincent 83, Woodland 40 1A: Holy Spirit 57, Al Sch Deaf 53 (OT) hyped Mountain Brook by 7035. Briarwood girls and Plesant Grove boys both booked their berths in the 5A Regionals, while Pleasant Grove girls and Fairfield boys were defeated.

Above: Soccer Johnathan Rose goes for Vestavia Hills drew first blood the extra yards in the Boys season, defeating

Left: Altamont’s Jamal Taylor tore apart the Indian Springs

Hoover 2-1 in the season-opening Lakeshore shootout on Feb 19th. Hoover’s loss could be attributed to a hard-fought battle with Oak Mountain in the semis, while Vestavia cruised to a 4-0 win over Huntsville’s Sparkman High School.

Volleyball A relatively lightweight year for Birmingham, with only six teams making the quarter final stage, and two making the finals. Both Oak Mountain and Briarwood lost their finals (see results inset below).

Football AHSAA Championship results from December 2010 are presented below right. Congratulations to the following Birmingham teams and their best placing.

Midfield boys and girls advance in 4A, along with Calera boys. In 3A Leeds girls advance, while the Boys team lost, along with the Montevallo girls. Vincent boys advance, while the girls team heads home.

card:

Alabama State Football Champions 3A

Leeds

15-0

6A 5A

Hoover 14-1 Briarwood 13-2

6A 5A

Mountain Brook McAdory

6A 5A

Clay-Chalkville Hueytown

Spain Park Hewitt-Trussville Vestavia Hills Pleasant Grove Westminster Christian

Finalists Semi-Finalists Quarter-Finalists 2nd Round

5A 2A

1st Round 6A 5A

4A 1A

Gardendale Mortimer Jordan Pinson Valley Chelsea Fairfield Tarrant Calera Vincent

Volleyball State Championsip 2010 Birmingham Teams Finals 6A 5A

Huntsville (47-5) 3, Oak Mountain (57-19) 1 St. Paul’s (45-14) 3, Briarwood (22-18) 0

6A 2A

Huntsville (46-5) 3, Vestavia Hills (34-18) 1 Cottage Hill (39-14) 3, Westminster (32-8) 1

5A 1A

Briarwood Chr. (21-17) 3, John Carroll (16-24) 0 Athens Bible (36-13) 3, Parkway (25-17) 0

Semi Finals Quarterfinals (Scores courtesy of AHSAA.com)

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 11

Sideline Banter... Adamson #2 Despite a dominance in most aspects of the playoffs, perhaps the least flattering statistic relating to our efforts is the number of championship titles we secured. Although heavily favored in 6A and 5A, it was left to our 3A powerhouse to secure for us our only championship. Photos by Stephanie Williams.

12 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

Leeds, who started the 3A season ranked at best 3rd in region 6, had a phenomenal run, blindsiding all opponents to lift the championship with a 15-0 season. This shouldn’t have surprised anyone, since it’s their second state championship in the past three years, and the team (and the coach) were disappointed that it wasn’t three in a row.

march to the final. Neither Spain Park nor Clay-Chalkville scored a point against them, while the Buc’s junior running back Justin MacArthur lifted his touchdown tally to 28 for the season. But their 21game winning streak came screeching to a halt in the finals, The Hoover Buccaneers in what was almost a carbon crushed the hopes of three copy of their shock defeat in Birmingham teams in their the 2008 championship game. Coach Etheredge worked wonders with a small talent pool, which runs deep in football tradition. So despite losing several of his key players in 2011 it’s unlikely anyone will take them lightly in the coming season.

feature1:

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 13

Leeds Championship run in 3A was made easy thanks to #1, Johnathon Rose who is featured later in this issue. Photos courtesy of Stephanie Williams. who outscored them 44 – 20 to clinch their spot in the championship match. The McAdory Yellow Jackets are always strong into the playoffs and have spawned several professional careers including that of Bo Jackson who played for Auburn then the Raiders and the Buccaneers. They had a stellar run through the 5A roster, only to be denied in the semifinals by eventual winners Spanish Fort. A lackluster performance by the Bucs offence capped by an uncharacteristic ‘offday’ for their talented kicker Larsen Real, who shanked a last-minute 22 yard field goal attempt, handed a 7-6 victory to a surprised and delighted Daphne team. Despite this loss, Coach Josh Nesbitt will take heart in the fact that the Bucs start almost every year as the team to beat in 6A, and next year will no doubt be more of the same.

Chris Yeager’s Mountain Brook Spartans continue to be strong year after year. Although one of the smaller schools in their classification, they are always in contention for state honors, as they yet again stamped their authority on 6A. The potent QB/WR duo of Edward Aldag and John McCrary supported by an awesome defensive line swept the Spartans to the semis, but they were no match for the Buccaneers

Although being taken to overtime in their victory over Hartselle in the semifinals, coach Yancey was probably expecting his Briarwood team would help him mark his 21st year as Lions head coach with a state championship. But no-one told the Spanish Fort Toros who shut down the much-touted Lions offence while running in a couple of touchdowns to snatch an improbable 14-0 victory in only their 5th season in AHSAA football. But 5A fans be warned – Briarwood has almost all of their starters returning next year and will be looking to make amends. 14 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

“Although one of the smaller schools .... they are always in contention for state honors”

Other notable playoff performances included Clay Chalkville and Hueytown who made it to the quarter finals. Vestavia, Hewitt Trussville, Spain Park and Pleasant Grove all made appearances in the second round. While Gardendale, Mortimer Jordan, Chelsea, Pinson Valley, Fairfield, Tarrant, Calera and Vincent were knocked out in the first round.

of running back Ameer Abdullah who was ranked 17th in the country by Rivals .com, and has now committed to Nebraska. It’ll be several months before the squads start to reform, and the true potential of our teams for the 2011 season becomes evident. But you can bet your last dollar that Birmingham teams will be looking for blood. * Leeds want to turn their winning ways into a tradition;

Both Clay Chalkville and Spain Park are still relatively new to AHSAA football, and arguably are still defining themselves. But what they lack in maturity they more than make up for in the quality of their programs, coaching, facilities and enthusiastic community support.

our teams that Region 6 has earned the reputation as the “region of death” – most of our teams would have qualified for the playoffs had they been competing in other regions.

Hence the playoffs didn’t tell the whole story, and several outstanding programs and individuals were hidden from Over at Vestavia, Buddy the spotlight. Anderson’s Rebels never seem to have a bad year. The Homewood Patriots With an outstanding coaching are always a difficult team to staff, tremendous community beat. They were spurred on by support and a good feeder the stand-out performances system breeding enthusiastic new players, this program will only get stronger as we progress into the future.

* Briarwood wants 5A back; * Hoover wants 6A; and despite it’s hiccup in the final, is still favorite for 2011; but...

In the 6A play-off’s the only Birmingham team to lose to a nonBirmingham team was the eventual runners up - Hoover.

* Half a dozen local teams want to dislodge Hoover’s grasp on the championship. It’s going to be an exciting build up in these ‘quiet’ months, so we will be sniffing around the training camps, and the wrestling programs, looking for the emerging players and the latest gossip.

The Huskies of HewittTrussville had an outstanding season and continue in a tradition that was started many years ago under Coach Jack Wood. These days Coach Hal Riddle continues to produce outstanding teams and quality players from a relatively small community. An interesting side-note is that in the 6A play-off’s the only Birmingham team to lose to a non-Birmingham team was the eventual runners up in 6A - Hoover. Such is the strength and enthusiasm of

The support network behind 3v3 Live not only provides fresh opportunities for smaller clubs to compete successfully with the bigger and better funded clubs, March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 15

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Our look at Who’s in the News? For our inaugural issue we’ve stretched back into the Fall sports, to recognize some outstanding athletic performances from our local schools. There are others, of course, who are well worthy of mention, and hopefully they’ll get their chance in coming issues. In particular we’d like to recognize the performances of Mountain Brook 8th grader Caroline Kennedy, who placed second in the State Cross Country Championships, and was part of the fantastic team which we’ve profiled on P24 of this issue If you want to recommend someone for inclusion in the next issue, you can email us, or post a note on facebook. We aim to see that every outstanding performance gets recognized for what it is.

Booster’s Brightest:

Each month Birmingham Booster selects one athlete who is not only outstanding on the sports fields, but is also an emerging academic. While many may be captains on the sports fields, these will be our future captains of industry.

Jamal Taylor Basketball Altamont

As captain of the Knights Basketball Team, Taylor top-scored for the season with 172 points. And as Treasurer of the Student Government Association, he was recognized as an academic leader. For his exceptional all-round ability Taylor was picked by the AHSAA as one of 48 recipients of the Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete awards. Taylor will play ball for University of Pennsylvania next year.

Samantha Skinner Volleyball, OMHS

Six-foot senior Samantha Skinner led the Oak Mountain Eagles to 2nd place in the State Championships with a stellar streak of 808 kills at an average of 4.5 per game. In the process, Samantha earned honors from both Birmingham News, and South Shelby County Reporter, and secured a scholarship to Alabama - Roll Tide!

Carl Brown Wrestling, Hoover

Leading the Hoover wrestling team, Carl is the returning State Champion. His record this season is 37 wins and 1 loss (to an out of state competitor) and his over all record is 131 win and 28 losses. He is a physical competitor that has a tireless work ethic. His coach maintains “Carl is a great leader as each of our wrestlers tries to follow his example day in and day out.”

Stevie Woods Football, Dora

Although the team went 3-8 for the 2010 season, Stevie Woods wrote his way into the record books when the diminutive 5’10” WR caught 22 receptions in their game against close rivals Oak Grove, edging the 10year record set by Chris Simpson (Lafayette) by 2 receptions. Dora lost 38-35, which makes Woods’ feat even more remarkable. March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 17

march:: Tuesday T u y

Wednesdayy

Q Qualifi ers 99am-9pm: 3A, 4A

State Championships Final 48 @BJCC Arena 9am-9pm: 1A, 2A qualifiers

Thurs

Q Quali 9amFFINAL 44pm-9

BB - M

14-18 BB - J Buccaneer (Hoove SB- Gulf S Invit.

22 Soccer - Metro Tournament Girls (22-24)

23 Soccer - Metro Tournament Girls (22-24)

ARE WE MISSING YOUR SCHOOL SPORTS EVENTS? Call the editor on 205-910 6592, or email: editor@birminghambooster.com or upload to our facebook page: Birmingham Booster 18 : Birmingham Booster : January 2011

Soccer - Metro T Girls (22-24) Boys (24-26)

sponsored by:

sdayy

Saturdayy

Fridayy

ifiers -2pm LS 9pm: 1A Boys, 2A

Metro Tourny

Qualifiers 9am-2pm FINALS 4pm-9pm: 1A Girls, 4A BB - Metro Tourny SB - Jaguar Classic TF - King of the Mountain

FFINALS 9am-7pm 3A, 5A, 6A

BBB - Metro Tourny SB - Jaguar Classic TF - King of the Mountain

11 SB - Jaguar Classic TF - OMHS Icebreaker Invit. SB - Cleburne County Tourny

Sunday

SB - Jaguar Classic TF - OMHS Icebreaker Invit. SB - Cleburne County Tourny

8: JV Classic er) Shores .

Tournament

Soccer - Metro Tournament Boys (24-26) SBHartsell Tourny (25-26)

TF Homewood Invit. (26)

January 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 19

20 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

MVP honors and a spot in the Alabama All-Star game against Mississippi. And to cap off the season, he was ranked #3 cornerback in the country by Rivals.com, and he was the only Birmingham player in the Army All-American game played in San Antonio earlier this year. Jonathan places a lot of the credit at the feet of his team mates. He grew up in Leeds, playing Metro-ball with most of them since he was six, but the team had to clear a couple of hurdles in their return to form. For starters, they were still adjusting to their new campus, and the 4-mile hike to the practice fields, And at the start of 2010 they had were By any other name - his record would be as sweet. re-zoned into the southern draw, which meant stronger Birmingham Booster took a time-out last month to talk to one of the rising competition and more travel more expenditure and stars in High School Football, and was blown away by this soft-spoken (so fatigue). But the team stepped juggernaut. If you didn’t already know it, we can say without a doubt he’s our up, and with the support of undisputed 2010 Player of the Year. the school and the community, When Hoover and Briarwood and 5 interceptions, including did what it takes to get back “tripped at the altar” during another two touchdowns. to the top. the Super Six in Auburn last month, they threw the local But it was his special teams Jonathan also highlighted the spotlight deservingly on the performances which everyone role coach Keith Etheredge Leeds Green Waves who is talking about. His balance played in preparing them for capped their 14 and 0 season and vision propelled him the season and for their next (outscoring their opponents 5 through lines of defenders big step into College Ball. If points to 1) with a victory in for an average of almost 52 kids were dropping behind in the 3A State Championship. yards on his 9 Punt returns, class, the coach would bench While it would be doing the notching up another couple of them until they were cleared by team an injustice to say they 6-pointers along the way. their teachers. Etheredge said owed this to any one person, he only had to discipline one there was an individual who His performance in the kid for “lacking character in sent shivers up the spines of Championship earned him the classroom”, and within the opposition coaches every time he took the field. Because Jonathan Rose dominates every aspect of the game.

A Star ROSE in Alabama!

At six foot two inches, and 180 pounds, he’s not the biggest kid out there, but his explosive turn of pace made him devastating both sides of the ball. As a receiver he sent 5 of his 16 receptions to the end zone. And he scored another two rushing, averaging over 10 yards a carry. As a defensive corner he amassed 73 tackles March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 21

following week the teachers were asking what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d done to turn the kid around. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noone likes to see someone else play their position â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great motivatorâ&#x20AC;? coach said with a wry smile. The team chemistry which had been missing in 2009, when they relinquished their 3A Champions crown, was back in force in 2010 as they rallied to secure their moment of glory in the Jordan Hare stadium. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These guys are like familyâ&#x20AC;? Jonathan alludes to their spirit on and off the field, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll miss them when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m goneâ&#x20AC;?. And gone he most certainly is! By the time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re reading this Jonathan will be settling into life on the Auburn Campus, sorting out his academic program and hitting the weight-room â&#x20AC;&#x201C; preparing his body for the ramped-up intensity of the college game.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;...his explosive turn of pace made him devastating both sides of the ball...â&#x20AC;?

Few who know Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s background will be surprised that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heading to Gene Chizikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stable. His father Charles was a safety for the Tigers in the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. And although Jonathan kept his options open until heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d made several visits to clinics and camps at both Auburn and Alabama, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d already committed to the Tigers before he took the field for his senior year with Leeds. Thanks to coach Etheredge, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maintained a 3.5 GPA, and qualified for Auburn with Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s en-route to what he hopes will be a degree in Physical Therapy or Sportss Medicine.

War Eagles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the best, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll play like the bestâ&#x20AC;? he says, and adds â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going down there to be a starting freshman.â&#x20AC;? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just one more question on his bucket-list as he starts out on his post-high-school career, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who will be the Tigers quarterback next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see an NFL lock-out, and the chance that Cam might elect to stay another yearâ&#x20AC;? he chuckles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yeah, right! Like thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll happenâ&#x20AC;? we muttered as he waved us farewell and disappeared down the corridor towards the weig ght-room. ď ś weight-room.

Now heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tasted the thrilll m of leading his Leeds team from the locker-room to thee hallowed turf of Jordan-Hare,, Jonathan hopes it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bee too long before heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back outt there in the Blue and Orangee d in front of eighty-six thousand

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In reality, the challenge started when the Basketball season opened on Oct.18. Because to qualify for a shot at the playoffs, the teams have to qualify in the top four in their area.

ash Sixty-four teams in total compete in the various Area Tournaments, and only 32 proceed to the Sub-Regionals. A win It’s the biggest High School sports here is important, since that event in Birmingham, as the State gives you a draw against a secChampionship Final 48 descends ond placed team from another on the BJCC Arena. region in the next round. tning fl It’s a ligh

Booster takes a time out to show you just what it takes for these 48 teams to make it this far, and why it means so much to so many people.

Sub-regional’s offer a second chance to advance for the runners up in each Area Tournament. If they can defeat the winners from another Area, they will advance, which Ask any hoopster which means that a city like Birminggames they want to win most, ham might have two teams adand they’ll answer “the ones in vancing to the regionals in the Birmingham in March”. division. ssame sa me d me iv viissio on. n It’s six agonizing days of sweat and tears in front of an 18,000 capacity crowd, as the 48 teams are whittled down to just 12 teams – one boys, and one girls champion in each of the six divisions – who take home the coveted blue trophy as Alabama State Champions.

Having made it into H Ha ving ving vi ng m top tthe th he to op 2 in the aarea, ar rea re ea, an ea, aand n won the game, ssub-regional su u ubb-re breegi g thre’s thre th ree’ss sstill ti one more ti hurdle hurd hu rd dle le to to clear before fo re yyou o can book yyour yo ur place in tthe final 48 in Birmingin ham. h

The final T hurdle for h hu u our ou ur teams is the th he Central ReBut the challenge ggional gi onaa play-offs on started well before State at Alabama at Ala lab b the the tournament University U Un n niv iiv verrsi sity ty iin ty n Montgombegins on March 1st. ery. This is one of the tougher draws, pitting us against the Those that made it this far best teams have already proven that they are not only superb athletes, The other three regional tourbut exceptionally well pre- naments are pared mentally and physically. * the South Regional at the Because to get here they’ve University of South Alasurvived several weeks of brubama in Mobile; tal back-to-back elimination- * the Northeast Regional at play, where an off-day for Jacksonville State Univera key player could see your sity in Jacksonville; and team’s hopes stomped into the * the Northwest regional in hardwood. Hanceville at Wallace State.

it’s the biggest single sports event on our calendar, with thousands of players, trainers, and parents

The draws are already done for this years final 48. You can see wich Birmingham teams have made it in the “Scorecard” section up front. Or better still, be among the thousands who crowd into BJCC arena for the biggest sports event in Birmingham. The crowds are large and loud. The atmosphere is electric and to some players it can be overwhelming. But to have come this far already speaks volumes for the players and the programs. It is an experience that very few will ever taste, but for those lucky enough… no, good enough… it’s one they will never forget. 

March M Ma arcch 2 20 2011 011 011 1 : Birmingham Birm Bi Birm min ingh g am am B Booster ooost steerr : 2 23 3

This year, when Mountain Brook lifted the coveted 6A state championships in both Boys and Girls Cross Country, many figured it was business as usual for veteran coach Greg Echols. But the truth is, his injury-struck team barely even got out of the starting gates, coughing up three in-state losses in the first four weeks of the season.

The happy place So what is it about Mountain Brook’s Cross Country program that allows Echols to dominate year after year? Booster took to the locker-rooms to find out. Despite winning 14 of the last 20 state championships, and amassing a personal haul of 61 championships in his 31 years as a coach, Greg Echols thought his Girls team were in trouble at the start of this season. His two top players were out early, leaving him with a young team and no proven leadership. He had to rebuild the team chemistry in time for the 2010 state championships.

#1 Find a happy place “The secret is in making running fun for the kids. Our job is to create a culture where (as Happy Gilmore famously said) they find a Happy Place”.

Echols was a stand-out athlete during his time at Mountain Brook. His triple-jump record of 44.0’ remains intact 37 years later, and he’s transBut he had good reason to posed his passion to his pupils have confidence that his pro- ever since. gram would kick in. After all, he’d devoted 34 years of his In his first role as a K-7 PE life to developing it. For us to teacher he would take his try and capture this epic sto- classes out every day to run ry on a single page is tough, a quarter mile (around the but we did identify four rules school). By 4th grade they which underpin his program. were running half a mile a day

24 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

– not because they had to, but because they got a kick out of it. When he moved up to Junior High Track he set about building a feeder program unmatched in any school we know. And when he handed that job off to ex-Berry HS State Champion Mike “Ab” Abercrombie 13 years later, he had established a running creed which stretched deep into the community. With plenty of support from a Principal and a Vice Principal, who were both head track coaches in the past, his sport enjoys a high profile at Mountain Brook. While most schools struggle to field a squad of 60, Echols had 23%

of the junior school turn out for track this year, and his biggest problem was who to cut so he had a manageable squad of just 90.

them occasionally to keep y’all in line”.

#2. Create an environment for your students to grow into.

“It’s about one shared pressure – working together to win.”

#3. Don’t build runners, build teams

Team spirit is fundamental to a winning program. And to build this you need to build confidence and inter-depenTraining is such an immense dency. This shifts the focus part of developing the desire. from being the best on the And Echols understands the team, to being the best team at best way to manage this is to the meet. remain flexible. While he has monthly – even weekly – goals, Among the sophomores he he never posts a workout. tries to identify who will be Over the years he has learned the leaders and give them a what has to be done, so as he little direction. He encouragwalks with the kids from the es them to take an interest in locker room to the track, he the junior high girls – to call assesses the mood and adapts them up during summer and take them for a training run or his session as necessary. even just go get an ice-cream. “If someone has had a big test And give them a ride home that day, or a squabble with from school. It makes both sea friend, it’s all going to come niors and juniors take pride in out at practice because they their place within the team. just don’t have the ability to dig down and find something “They run for each other and extra. I adjust the routine to hurt for each other. They’re all counter this because I’d rather going to be life-long friends” have the girls leave practice Echols says. “You can see it every day feeling good about when they’re out together – themselves and the program.” the way they share their lives and take pride in each other.” He also knows that an outstanding track star is created, #4. Build depth. not born. “Although the young girls stood out at state this year, “Of course you’ll get a few talented athletes who want to they’re a product of the Maggie Carey’s and Annie Newton’s make a name for themselves, but most of the best kids were who taught them how to do it.” of ordinary athletic ability. They ran because they en- Eighth grader Caroline Kenjoyed it, and when they dug nedy, who was second overall deep, they realized that the in State, stepped up from JV more mileage they put in the four weeks before the event. But Echols was quick to point more fluid they became.” out that her presence on the And he’s adamant about self- team was not a knee-jerk reacdiscipline. He tells his kids tion to secure top spot - it was “my job is not to push your part of a carefully contrived buttons every day – that has long-term plan to ensure the to come from within – I’ll push continuity of the program. “My goal is to teach the kids how to find intensity.”

“Caroline hadn’t finished in the top 3 in her squad before, and if you look at the state results, there’s less than a minute separating our top 7 girls – any one of them could have won it”

“They run for each other...

...and hurt for each other.

They’re all going to be life-long friends”

Echols step-up process began by consulting with his team. Noone was surprised, as many of them had come up this way. Rather than feel threatened, they feel a sense of pride towards their newest team member. Having positively adjusted the chemistry in the team, the next step was to shift her practices to train with the varsity team. Young recruits can easily be intimidated by the sheer intensity and personal commitment of their new team-mates. But with the encouragement and mentoring of the older girls, Caroline settled quickly and began to mesh with the team. Finally, for her first event they picked an appropriate Varsity meet where they could add extra runners, so she was not under any pressure, and was not disrupting the existing team dynamics. This is the most critical step, because even if she has the pace so many factors can impact the fit: • Does she have the maturity to run with the older girls, or is she better suited to JV? • Can she cope with being less outstanding? • Does she have the right chemistry to fit the team? While some may think they’ve been blessed with great talents, Mountain Brook owes more of it’s success to the vision and execution of it’s coach. He has built a self-sustaining model which continues to renew itself with ‘ordinary athletes’ infused with a passion and commitment to their sport. 

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 25

Getting in Arm’s Way Someone once told me that Soccer has more serious injuries per capita than Football. While I’m still not convinced of this, I do know that accidents can (and usually do) result in life-altering experiences. Ours was no exception.

26 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

It was the end of summer, and the kids had just one more tournament to prepare for – their home tournament in 2 days time. The parents were relaxed and enjoying the weather, and Coach David was readying the pitch leaving the kids to their usual shenanigans prior to the session start. I wasn’t watching the kids, but as soon as the cry went up, I knew it Sam and that it was serious. Turns out he had been hit by a ball struck at close range by a striker, and his arm was broken.

broken limb. Two other parents arrived to help stabilize him - Tammy held him still, and Mark got him focusing on breathing properly – and as a semblance of calm returned we contemplated Ambulances. What would’ve been a simple choice for most people was complicated by our recent financial difficulties. After paying $5,000 in policies over the last year, with nary a claim, the burden had become too much, and 15 days earlier I’d cancelled it. I looked to the coach and mouthed… “we don’t have insurance”. With As I rushed onto the field, Sam the fate of my son resting on sunk to the ground holding his this gamble, I felt completely forearm, which appeared to exposed. have an extra joint above the wrist. I plopped on the ground Coach David said “wait” and beside him, and cradled the backed away from the fracas.

onthe

We were preoccupied with Epilog: stabilizing Sam. Tammy dropped over her son’s splint that evening, so Both Tammy and Mark had thankfully we could replace dealt with broken bones be- the shin-guards before giving fore, and we set about him an advil and sending him immobilizing his arm. to bed. A four-man medical We used his shinteam set Sam’s arm the next guards and an ace morning, and although there bandage which was some concern about had appeared from growth-plates, a week later someone’s car for they confirmed he was well a makeshift splint on the way to a full recovand, with his socks ery. He went from a standard as a sling, we had the cast, to a waterproof cast, to a makings of a pretty removable splint, and barely smart field dressing. missed an Sam was quiet now, hour of and as we escorted school or him to the sideline a soccer coach David rejoined match. us. “I’ve spoken with Dr Ray, from Andrews Clinic, and Sam has an appointment with him in the morning.” He told me in detail what the doctor had said, which was basically not to worry, then he thrust me a phone number and address scribbled on a scrap of paper and added “you don’t have to worry about the cost – this one’s taken care of already.” As Sam and I drove home I contemplated what had happened. We’d both been shown how helpless we were – laid bare to all – but then we’d been shown the grace of God and the fellowship of the community. While many would’ve been traumatized by the events, we were both feeling remarkably upbeat… …then my face paled as I realized I still had to explain everything to his mother. 

bench:

Chronology:

Sam arrives home to Mom with his shin-guard splint on. Tammy arrives with Savvy’s slpint. Although it’s a couple of sizes larger than Sam, it smells better than his shinguards The makeshift cast was actually very effective - Sam is in no discomfort at Andrews the next morning (yet). X-Ray’s confirm Sam’s growth plate has been dislocated (a potentially serious event) The physician has to administer multiple jabs in between the bones to anesatize the injury. The nurses put Sam’s fingers in a trap, then suspend weights from his elbow (to stretch the muscles around the dislocation). After what looked like a fumble recovery, in which four people wrestled with Sam’s arm, the Physician begins to lay the cast. Until the cast sets, the Physician never let’s the bones go (I imagine it’s like holding a spring!) Several weeks later, Sam is back to have his second cast removed, and a removable splint put on. This was his first chance to wiggle his wrist. The final touches go into Sam’s splint, before he’s released “on his own recognizance”

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 27

Mary Grace Strozier Cross Country Riverchase Middle School Running in the colours of Pelham high School, this gritty little 7th grader plucked out fourth place in the AHSAA 6A state final, as well as notching up the fastest 5k run by a 7th grader in Alabama State History. She won two meets at middle school division, and one at Varsity. Her coach, Marty Springfield, says “She is a very talented young athlete, but her dedication and humility are the attributes that will lead to her greatest future successes.”

Landon Crowder Football Pizitz Middle School As starting QB for the 8th grade football team, Landon averaged over 100 yards a game, was second in rushing, and was responsible for 6 passing, and 8 rushing touchdowns. He also played on the All-Metro South Team. He’s an AB honor roll student, and a handy basketballer, leading the team in scoring, and named MVP in Pizitz’s Metro championship win.

28 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

themid

Connor Loveless Wrestling Oak Mountain Middle School Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a natural leader, helping others refine techniques during practices, and generally having fun. But when it comes to competition he focuses and takes care of business. Competing in the 175 lb weight class, Connor went 33-0 for the season, and picked up the Metro South Championship.

Alex Nickell Wrestling Leeds Middle School As a member of Leeds Wrestling Club (the youth wrestling program), Alex placed 1st in state in 2008, then 2nd in state in 2009 and again in 2010. This was his 1st year to be eligible for the Leeds Varsity Wrestling and he was the first Leeds student ever to win sectionals as a 7th grader. If he places in state he will be the first ever to doso in the history of Leeds High School wrestling.

section:

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 29

30 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

The Drive for Success

respawn:

High School Sports is not only an avenue to the Pros. For the large majority, it’s a way to leverage a career outside of sports. Each month Birmingham Booster profiles a successful high school athlete whose sporting accomplishments have been eclipsed by their professional achievements.

...in a conversation with Adamson President Bill Israel, he said to his boss “one day I will run this place for you”...

As an Ensley High School freshman, Tony Russell fancied himself as a hoopster, but was told he couldn’t play basketball unless he tried out for football. His coaches were obviously on to something, because he lettered in his sophomore year as a Wide Receiver, and played AllMetro and All-State for the next three years. Everyone was talking about his potential in College and the Pros, and Tony was closing in on his dream of playing for Alabama. In fact, he was so focused on the Crimson Tide that he paid scant interest to other offers, and when Alabama stopped returning his calls it almost broke his heart. He eked out a scholarship to Ole Miss, but was not really convinced. So when Pat Dye called and offered him a walk-on spot with the Tigers, and the promise of a scholarship if he proved himself, he took the risk and stayed in-state. It took him six months at Auburn to earn a full scholarship, and he played almost every game for the next 2 ½ years. But in his break-out game against Mississippi State he cracked a bone in his foot. It didn’t keep him from playing the rest of that game, but he was faced with a decision – have it set in plaster now, and blow-off the rest of the season,

or play on, and risk a more His initiation in car sales bepermanent injury. gan in February 2003 with Town & Country Ford, where In what was to be his first ca- he made enough of an impact reer choice, and under advise- in 2 weeks to be transferred to ment from Dr Andrews, he Adamson down town. It didn’t put his health over his foot- take him long to settle in there ball season and opted for “the either, because in 3 months he boot”. He turned his focus to was the top salesman. the classroom, and concen- Three months later, in a contrated on getting his degree. versation with Adamson President Bill Israel, he said to his Tony still dreamed of play- boss “one day I will run this ing Football after college, but place for you”. And so began he never really got his timing a process of grooming. Durback. Besides he didn’t have ing the next four years Tony “enough film” to catch the moved into the back office as eyes of the big NFL teams. Finance Manager, and then He experimented with Ca- back out front as Sales Mannadian Ball and Arena Ball ager, before being appointed before taking a spot in the GM in 2008. Semi-professional Huntsville Invaders, who were hoping to Tony attributes much of his break into the NFL. When the success to the discipline and Invaders started to implode, determination he learned as a he realized his playing days High School footballer. “The were numbered, and returned more effort you make, the betto Birmingham to finish his ter you’ll be”, he quips. On education. the field he developed confidence and leadership abilities In 1993 he joined the work- which are without a doubt the force as a salesman for J- key behind his successful rise Mark Jewelers. Five years through sales into the ranks of later he was district sales management. manager and in another two he had launched his own ven- Tony Russell is living proof ture – Russell Jewellery. After that a commitment in sports a brief stint as his own boss, can lead to a successful career, Tony yearned for the “per- and we can expect many more formance-based sales” atmo- notable drives from the Enssphere, and a friend advised ley Wide Receiver. his to apply his talents to the auto industry.

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 31

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Snow Daze of his team and most parOn behalf of all the kids at school in Alabama I’d like to offer a special vote of thanks to God for giving us ice on Monday 10th of Jan - the day after the BCS Championship. And also to the school boards for using it as anexcuse to push school opening back by two hours the following day. I guess they knew that they were already facing massive absenteeism, so why make the teachers suffer after the game. And since we’re talking about the match, what happened to that relentless Oregon attack? Even though my allegances lie West of Birmingham, I found my self leaping with every Auburn first down. And I took great pleasure in the fact that the Tigers had plenty of gas in the tank at the end, while the Ducks ‘quacked’ under pressure. We also loved the irony that Michael Dyer was unstoppable on a day when traffic was at a standstill in his home town of Little Rock, AR.

Principal Defendant It’s never pretty when the lines between teachers and students are marred by physical contact. It already cost one very fine coach his job this season, despite the full support

ents. And it’s worse when it escalates into the faculty. While it appears as if Calera Principal Richard Bishop was accosted by a Thompson student at a recent sports meet between their schools, his subsequent actions against a Thompson teacher cost him a court date on February 11th at 2pm. And while Booster can only guess what really went down, we wonder what sort of role models our teachers are setting when sports clashes end up getting resolved in court. Booster reckons this is a lesson for all of us – students, faculty and parents. It’s not cool to lose your cool – it never ends well.

Vulcanized Rubber

tO Bowl or not to bowl I am yet to meet a person who thinks the BCS rankings are a good way to decide who is the best college team in the country. Apart from the fact a play-off series would greatly enhance the profits of the schools, the media, and the beer and pretzel companies, it would also give us another month of football to drool over. And most important of all, it would give the true champions undisputed bragging rights. I should probably read this book before commenting on it, but from the marketing blurb we can see they agree with Booster’s considered humble opinion. So if you’re still stuck in Football season, then buy this book and bore your friends with deep thoughts on how to wring the last drips out of the college players.

mouth off about this, let us In our relentless search know on www.birmingof the internet we came hambooster.com and you across a youtube video might just find yourself in of things you probably the pages of next month’s shouldn’t do, but it would Booster magazine. be pretty amazing if you Foul Plays did. Much to my surprise, in the middle of the clip is a dude hoisting a basket- RJ Currie is a very astute ball off our iconic “Vul- sports blogger. His site, can” through a basketball www.sportsdeke.com, is hoop below. What Boost- littered with Dave-Barryish gems like these… er wants to know is: Commenting on • Did this really happen? Stanford quarterback And if so… Andrew Luck’s 63• Who the heck is this? yard run from the If you can answer these pocket against Cal: questions, or just want to

“This is one case where it was good to have your Luck run out.” And on Rafael Nadal’s new $525,000 watch which was a gift from Richard Mille to replace one that was stolen: “Oh well, there’s no present like the time.”

WAR EAGLE!

theendzone:

34 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011

Provided design for over 250 athletic fields or facilities. Design…Construction Management…..Programming ….Installation

March 2011 : Birmingham Booster : 35

36 : Birmingham Booster : March 2011