ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS, AND ATTITUDE: IRWIN JUNIOR HAS ALL AROUND PERFECT RECORD HANNAH CLAYTON Irwin County High School
CALHOUN BASKETBALL PLAYER KNOWN FOR HIS DRIVE HAS DIVISION 1 OPTION RASUN WILLIAMS
Calhoun County High School
GOLFER TEES OFF IN HOPES OF ANOTHER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP NOLAN MILLER
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History of their own:
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17. CARVER BASEBALL TEAM CARRYING ON COACH’S LEGACY
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48. 3RD GENERATION RED JACKET LOOKING FOR BIG SEASON HUNNER BOSWELL 53. ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS, AND ATTITUDE: IRWIN JUNIOR HAS ALL AROUND PERFECT RECORD HANNAH CLAYTON
51. REPEAT CHAMPIONSHIP IS HIGH ON GOLFER’S LIST EVANS COPELAND 57. SENIORS LOOKING FOR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CODY RUSSELL AND JON JON BROWN
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As the Super Bowl marks the official finale of the 2016-17 football season, this special edition of In the Game South Georgia’s magazine could be considered the encore. While the season may have ended for all playing levels, the marks made in the history books are still very much alive. Either Tom Brady’s Patriots or Matt Ryan’s Falcons will be making history on Feb. 5, albeit for opposite reasons. The Clemson Tigers upset the seemingly unstoppable Crimson Tide for the NCAA title. And yes, the Valdosta Wildcats are once again state champions; balance has been restored to the world. So with this magazine, we are saying goodbye to football for a while, but not without congratulating the Wildcat players, coaches, and fans on an incredible season, headlined by the man on the cover, head coach Alan Rodemaker. We also selected our 2016
All In the Game Team across all classifications, analyzed the top 10 recruits who will be playing at the next level, and more. But it isn’t just about football. Winter sports are in full swing, and spring sports are kicking off, so these pages are packed with captivating, inspirational stories of remarkable student-athletes. These stories, and more, pack the pages of this February-March 2017 edition of our In the Game South Georgia magazine. We thank you for your continued support of your local athletic programs and In the Game Sports Network. Our mission is simple: to inspire your inner athlete toward the passionate pursuit of excellence, on and off the field. So if you know of a player, coach, or fan deserving of recognition, head to our website and officially nominate that story! We are looking for people who understand what it means to passionately persevere, inspire, and strive for greatness in all areas of life. In short, we are looking for people who understand what it means to BE In the Game. So the question is: Are you in?
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Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Cole Parker Graphics Brittany K. Wyche Cover Photography Micki Krzynski Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography George McDuffie Jerry Christenson Emmanuel Magbanua Feature Writers Zach Pine Beth Welch Cole Parker Sarah Turner Jon Nelson Lambert Bales Copy Editors Cole Parker Anna Limoges Beth Welch Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Miranda Moore miranda@itgsportsnetwork.com Cole Parker cole@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker
In The Game | 9
Contributors
Mark Dykes
Cole Parker
Miranda Moore
Courtney Wagner
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Accounts Executive
Jacksonville Area Director
Founder and CEO Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivalled commitment towards high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game Sports Network.
As a recent Cornell University graduate, Cole dove head first into the working world by taking on a leadership position with In the Game. As the Chief Operations Officer, he has come on board to manage all business operations, digital development, and company expansion. Combining his experience in entrepreneurship and marketing with his extensive sports background, Cole is looking forward to further establishing and growing In the Game Sports Network.
Miranda joined the ITG team in late 2016, bringing to the team a professional background of sales, marketing, and account management. Her primary focus is on developing and fostering symbiotic partnerships with businesses in South Georgia. Additionally, Miranda plays a key role in event planning and execution, primarily by way of sponsorship procurement.
Courtney is an established professional in the world of communications, sports, marketing, and digital media. She received her degree from Florida State University while studying communications and business. Courtney is the Director of ITG for the North Florida region and is in charge of all operations, focusing on producing the magazine and TV show. She is a strong reporter for the show and writer for the magazine. Her positive attitude, work ethic, and experience make her an ideal Director.
Brittany k. Wyche
Mandy Douthit
Sarah Turner
Lambert Bales
Magazine director
Graphic Designer
Contributing Writer
Contributing writer
It takes a lot of talent and drive to handle the graphic design workload here at ITG, but we found the perfect fit in Brittany. Starting her collegiate career as a soccer player at ABAC, she decided to transfer to Wiregrass in order to study Design and Media Production. Since then, she purchased her own design computer for freelance, but ITG has provided her the perfect opportunity to combine her love for sports and art.
Mandy recently made the move from Pine Mountain, Georgia, to Valdosta in order to join the ITG corporate team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, and now she will be bringing those skills to In the Game.
After receiving an English degree from Valdosta State University, Sarah worked at ITG for two years before moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee. She believes sports shape the lives of young people and enjoys interviewing the featured athletes. Sarah ran competitively in high school and at VSU, and she still runs today. She is now the sales coordinator at Porsche of Chattanooga and is chasing after a B.S. in nursing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The Atlanta native and VSU alumnus has played a role within In the Game since 2015. Beginning as a marketing intern, Lambert’s main tasks were to keep all digital platforms active and up to date. As his responsibilities began to increase, he was given the opportunity to lead the way on numerous assignments across the entire scope of operations. He has continued to show his versatility by producing fresh, stimulating content for the South Georgia magazine.
Micki Krzynski
Marque Milla Reese
George McDuffie
Jerry Christenson
Contributing Photographer
Contributing Photographer
Contributing Photographer
Contributing Photographer
When it comes to loyalty to In the Game, it is hard to top Micki. Since the very beginning of In the Game Magazine, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/ assistant, Jake, have become our goto photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG’s photography forward.
Marque “Milla” Reese was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always had a vision to see things differently than others as he drew out his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer. With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka Reese, Milla is living out that dream as a key member of ITG.
George may have retired from the Muscogee County School system in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t staying busy. With a background in Business Management, a love for the Auburn Tigers, and knack for photography, George has been able to capture amazing sports shots for our Columbus Valley schools. We are always excited to have George’s photos featured in our magazines!
In an area as expansive as the Chattahoochee Valley, covering it with great stories and photography is no easy task. Thanks to Jerry, however, In the Game continues to be able to do each story justice. Teaming up with Beth Welch, the Area Editor, he is part of the tag team that makes it all happen. Jerry’s experience in photography and familiarity with the local sports scene make him a vital piece of the ITG puzzle.
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What to look forward to: VHS SENIOR
SPENDS SEMESTER
TIMOTHY HUFF
| VALDOSTA
TRAINING, PLAYING
HIGH SCHOOL
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
JORDAN
SOCCER
CONNOR THOMAS
ATHLETE
WALDO REGION TITLE EDWARDS
Year In Review Pierce
SOCCER IN SPAIN
10 QUESTIONS WITH
ENDURANCE KEITH SEIFERT PAYS TONY MORALES OFF FOR STATE WRESTLING | CENTRAL HIGH CHAMP SCHOOL
S MAKE
SEASON First AND ANDRES GOAL Win Fuels ESPINOZA Desire For More Rivals United Geisle Valdos r Lownd ta and Dameo es High n’s Dameon
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Remembering Colton Shaw
School
PLUS The Great
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Never
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Lowndes Told BasketbalHigh Women’s l
Sig g Day Lovnin e Gam e
Davis Stewart
A
| Lowndes
High School
Anna is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major at Valdosta State University. She started working with In the Game Sports Network in early 2016 and lends her editorial eye to the words that grace ITG’s pages. She enjoys the meticulous process of copy editing and plays an important role in making each story and magazine the best it can be.
Zack Pine
Jon Nelson
Contributing Writer
Contributing Writer
In May of 2016, Zack Pine received his B.A. in History and joined our staff at In the Game. After graduation, Zack decided to stay in Valdosta to pursue his M.A. in teaching and to write for our South Georgia region. He hopes to use his time at ITG to focus not just on athletics itself but also the bigger picture issues in athletics. We look forward to his interesting writing for South Georgia.
Jon Nelson has been in TV for 27 years based in Atlanta. He graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in political science. Twenty-four of those years have been at GPB as a host and Senior Correspondent- writing five books with more on the way! He is blessed with a far-morepretty wife, Patty, and his two furry children- a Pekingese named Trooper and a cat that acts more like a dog, Trouble.
Hahira
april 2016
Beth has been a part of the ITG Team since 2009 when she began writing for the Columbus Valley edition of In the Game. Now, she heads up all of the Chattahoochee Valley content as Area Editor. Having children who participated in sports in local high schools and later were collegiate athletes, Beth has been involved in athletics in the area for many years, making her the perfect fit for her current role.
The Helping
Georgia Allen of Dylan Jarvis for South Amanda Lee the Sport High School Buford
Four Young
Runners
Who Could
rifle Al Shuette gymnast Parker County the state: Khloe
Tift Countyimpact: immediate
coaches in Change veteran three U.S. Navy team to top
makes
y
Worth Count senior is
headed to
AUBURN Anfernee
McLemore
Making Waves
Michael Weatherby
Lowndes High
School
Third Generation
Alexis Burns
Bearcats
3
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
VALWOOD, COLQUITT,
CLINCH
| Carver High
Athlete
School
Senior tyree Crump Commits to The Bulldogs | Bainbridge High School A Mountain
2016
BARNES, MANAC TO IN THE GAME LIFE OF A COACH’S STAY WITH GEORGIA REBRANDING WIFE: MELISSA HOLLAND IN THE GAME’S SOUTH GEORGIA FOOTBALL AWARDS BANQUET
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To Climb
| Valwood School
Viking Duo
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PLAYING IN MEMORY: DEANDRE PIERCE
The Wildcat
Tradition:
It’s All About The Black and Gold
NEWEST MEMBE R OF THE LOS ANGELE S ANGELS
Kaleb Cowart
JUNE 2016
Copy editor
with:
Athlete:
February
aNNA Limoges
Columbus Area Editor
Questions
10 May 2016
Beth WElch
Middle School
Figures: Tydreke Thomas School Facts & Hand Middle
March 2016
KCAB2BACK
January 2016
June - July 2017 2016-2017 Year In Review Edition In June, In the Game will be cover all of favorite stories from 2016.
Your High School Gridiron Guide
10
South Georgia’s Top Players to Watch
10
Columbus Valley’s Top players to Watch
Play Our ITG Pick’Em Challenge!
GHSA Appears Strong on a National Scale By the Numbers: North Georgia vs South Georgia
Find Your Team’s Preview Inside!
August 2016
SOUTH GEORGIA
August - September 2017 Preseason Football Edition
Daniel Horne
Vince Jupiter
Lead videographer
videography Intern
Daniel joined the ITG Team as an intern in August of 2015, but due to his clear drive to better himself as a professional, he worked his way into a full time position by January 2016. Since then, he has used his passion and talents to lead our videography department; so when you see our ITG videos on TV, DVD, or social media, you can thank Daniel for that.
The Lee County alumnus and current Valdosta State Mass Media major joined our intern team back in the summer of 2016, and Vince has since proven himself to be a talented and trustworthy addition to the staff. As one of the most senior interns, he has become just as much a member of the ITG Team as any, despite the unfortunate fact that he is an avid LSU and Saints fan.
In the Game covers all of the schools in south Georgia, with stats and articles on what to look forward too with each football team.
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF In The Game | 15
FAST BREAK
The Silly Season the coaching changes in High school football
Written by: Jon Nelson
Usually, the “Silly Season” term is associated with NASCAR – when drivers play musical chairs and go from ride to ride figuring out their 2017 rides. I don’t know when I started it, but I now use the same term involving all the high school football coaching changes around the state. Somewhere around 18 percent of teams experience that transition on a yearly basis – shockingly, in the 400-plus teams, around 60 coaches get shifted in one form or fashion. This year gave us a few big ones. First up, Camden County is on the board with the moving of Welton Coffey to athletics director, creating the opening in Kingsland. Another that probably garnered national attention was the Buford Wolves job on the board as Jess Simpson moves on to the Georgia State staff as D-line coach. A lot of BIG names, I’m sure, were lobbying to fill the Simpson spot, and there are a lot of dominoes that will fall around the state as Roswell’s John Ford goes home to Gwinnett County. Starting, now, with the Roswell and Jefferson jobs.
Check out what is to come of 2017 College Football With the college football silly season starting off to a new year, there have been nearly two dozen head coaching changes. Below is a chart of the current state of play:
So, Dear Reader, here’s this month’s question:
Team
Baylor Cal Cincinnati Connecticut FAU FIU Fresno State Georgia State Houston Indiana LSU Minnesota Nevada Oregon Purdue San Jose State Temple Texas USF Western Kentucky Western Michigan
Out
Art Briles Sonny Dykes Tommy Tubesville Bob Diaco Charlie Patridge Ton Turner Time DeRuyter Trent Miles Tom Herman Kevin Wilson Les Miles Tracy Claeys Brian Polian Mark Helfrich Darrell Hazell Ron Caragher Matt Rhule Charlie Strong Willie Taggart Jeff Brohm P.J. Fleck
16 | itgsportsnetwork.com
In
Matt Rhule Justin Wilcox Luke Fickell Randy Edsall Lane Kiffin Butch Davis Jeff Tedford Shawn Elliott Major Applewhite Tom Allen Ed Orgeron P.J. Fleck Jay Norvell Willie Taggart Jeff Brohm Brent Brennan Geoff Collins Tom Herman Charlie Strong Mike Sanford Time Lester
What’s the biggest vacancy on the board, and who do you want to fill in the spot for your favorite team? Answer on social media via the In the Game Facebook or Twitter pages. Or you could always give the TV show something to talk about (via email) with your answers as well. So, HAVE AT IT! The one replacement that has been an interesting point of focus in “Silly Season” so far is the hiring of ex-head coach at Valdosta and Peach County (among others) and (most recently) former co-offensive coordinator at Georgia Southern, Rance Gillespie, to Hart County, replacing William Devane. We all know that 1-9 is unacceptable for any fan base or program, and in Hartwell it was the Bulldogs’ worst season since 1990. Now, Gillespie comes in to turn around an offense that was shut out three times last season and scored less than twenty points in nine of their 10 games in 2016. And when I ran in to him at the state championships, we have a bit of a running joke. First thing I do is check his wrist to see how fast his watch is running. Usually it was 10 minutes at the beginning of the year and twice that by the end of the season. It kept him moving forward at the pace required as you get later and later in the season. I can’t do that anymore. His wife got him one of those Apple watches, so he’s stuck being on time right now instead of really early. My guess is he gets one of those old school watches and replaces it soon. At my last bit of math, 31 schools have had vacancies that needed to be filled, and there are some big schools still out there looking for their 2017 seasons with Brunswick and Bradwell Institute still a part of the mix as we all got to change over our calendars.
Play it safe, everyone. I’ll see you soon.
Fourteen wins. Only two losses. Nine hundredth program win. Undefeated region championship. AAAAAA state championship. Nationally televised bowl game. Faith restored and history turned present. Not what you might expect from a first year head coach of the nation’s most historic and prestigious high school football program... On the Cover: VHS Alan Rodemaker led the Valdosta Wildcats to their Football Head Coach, 24th state championship in program history, and you Allan Rodemaker. can read all about it in this magazine: “History of Their Own: Valdosta’s Surge Back to the State Title and National Stage” on page 20.
Carver Baseball Team Carrying on Coach’s Legacy Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie
It is a moment Andy Hicks will likely never forget. Last April, Hicks was called out of his classroom at Carver High School by the school’s assistant principal. Hicks, who was the assistant baseball coach in addition to being a special education teacher, received unbelievable news. “It was about 1:30,” Hicks said. “She told me I needed to do whatever it would take, whatever I needed to do, to get ready for the game with LaGrange that afternoon because David had been in an accident. She said it was bad.” Hicks was referring to David Pollard, head baseball coach for the Carver Tigers. Pollard was preparing for a matchup between his team and LaGrange High School later that afternoon. He had left the campus to purchase chalk from a nearby hardware store to line the baseball field. Pollard, 36, was involved in a three-car accident not far from the school. One of the vehicles was a stolen car. The driver fled the scene and was arrested a few days later. Hicks said he called the coach of the LaGrange team to explain the situation. When the coach asked which hospital Pollard had been taken to, Hicks realized he had not asked and went to find an answer. He was met with the news that Pollard had not survived the crash.
“I guess I was kind of in shock,” Hicks said. “I mean, he had just run to the hardware store. I made that trip before. He made that trip before. It was not anything you ever thought about happening.” Despite the administration’s efforts to keep the school body from learning of Pollard’s death from outside sources, social media alerted students to the tragedy, including members of Pollard’s team.
Hardaway High School. The two teams played against each other numerous times, so Pollard and Hicks were familiar with each other. They graduated the same year from their respective schools. The Shaw High grad took a circuitous route to becoming a teacher, and so did Hicks. Eventually, they landed at local schools as special education teachers and coaches. One day Hicks and Pollard ran into each other at a meeting, and Pollard asked Hicks if he would be interested in helping coach baseball at Carver. The previous year Pollard had done the job all by himself, and he knew he needed help. Hicks was interested and applied for a job. There was an opening, and he was hired. A couple more coaches were added to the mix, and it was beginning to look up for the Tigers baseball program. There were some almost wins against some good teams that gave the baseball team and Pollard reason to believe there was potential to have a good season if not a winning season. Pollard was known for taking his players’ needs to heart. According to everyone who knew him, Pollard was more interested in developing the character of his students and athletes than winning games. He loved baseball, but used the game
“They came out here (to the field) and kept asking me if it was true,” Hicks said. “It was kind of a surreal moment. It kind of hit us all when we were standing there because David was the guy with the keys. Everything was locked, and we didn’t have the keys because he was not there.” The next day was the hardest of all for Hicks. When he gathered with the team the next morning, he was so emotional he couldn’t speak. Pollard wasn’t just a boss or a coach to Hicks; they had become friends over the course of the past school year. Back in high school, Pollard played baseball at Shaw High School. Hicks was a pitcher for In The Game | 17
to build discipline and responsibility concepts in his athletes. His players were loyal to him and felt they knew how he would have wanted them to react in this situation. The 2016 team decided to finish out the season. They had three games left and played two, both of which were against Shaw High School, Pollard’s alma mater. The game with LaGrange was never rescheduled due to region standings. Carver’s first game against Shaw was at Shaw’s field. The Tigers lost but had hopes of defeating the Raiders on their home turf in the next game. On the day of the last game, it was a rainy mess on the Carver field. While Hicks was battling his own emotions over the loss of Pollard, he had also been thrust into the role of head coach and therefore had to manage all the things Pollard had previously done. “It rained,” Hicks said. “We tried to get the field ready. Chad Mathis brought some guys, and Pat McGregor came over to help. We worked on it, and then it rained again. Finally, we were able to get it ready for play.” Mathis is the head baseball coach for Columbus High School, and McGregor is the Shaw head baseball coach. Others also pitched in to get the field in shape, and when Hicks looked around, the stands were overflowing. Local baseball teams
18 | itgsportsnetwork.com
arrived in force and joined the Carver team in solidarity. People from the community as well as those who knew the Pollard family turned out to cheer on the late coach’s team. It was a fitting testimony of a coach who had quietly made his life’s work all about supporting and helping young people achieve success. Then came a moment Hicks will also long remember. When the skies cleared and the Tigers put forth the effort despite their heavy hearts to win their last game, those in attendance were treated to a double rainbow over the playing field.
“It was like something you would see in a movie,” hicks said with a smile. “That rainbow and the win. It was the best sports moment of my life.” Carver High School named Hicks head baseball coach. On Feb. 17 the Carver Tigers will officially begin their season under his direction. He has no plans to do anything much differently than the coach before him. He has the help of three community coaches and will likely field a team of about 15 athletes, all of whom played for Pollard. A few freshmen might show up, but no matter who puts on a uniform, Hicks has the same goal as last season.
“To be the first Carver team to make the state playoffs,” Hicks said. “We have a good group of guys. We have put them in the weight room and worked hard on getting stronger. Some have played in the Wooden Bat League over the summer. We don’t have the facilities and amenities some schools do, but David always expected his players to give it everything they had. That hasn’t changed.” The new coach has been tested and said he never knew all that a head coach was responsible for or had to find the time to do. It has been trial by fire, but Hicks hasn’t shied away from the load. He said he feels like he was put in this time and place for a purpose. Pollard practically hand-picked him for the role. “It’s been a ride, that’s for sure,” Hicks said, locking the field gate using keys that have now been handed down to him. “It’s not anything you would ever want to happen to get a head coaching job. I’ve learned a lot. One thing I have learned for sure it that you never know when something like this can happen. You need to hold your babies tight. Life can be short.”
Where I can participate in sports that allow me to show off my talents. Where I can save money while earning my associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Where even as a Florida, South Carolina, or Alabama resident, I qualify for in-state tuition. Where I can live on campus in a modern residence hall. Where I will get the support I need to build a solid foundation for my future.
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In The Game | 19
2016 AAAAAA State Champions
History of Their Own: Valdosta’s Surge Back to the State Title and National Stage Written by: Cole Parker Photography courtesy of Mike Chapman
“These players have been chasing that ghost that’s known as the Valdosta Wildcats tradition for their entire lives, and now we can all take our small place in that history.” – Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach
It isn’t easy being born into the Wildcat tradition, and it certainly isn’t easy earning your keep. The players know it, the coaches know it, and the fans know it: The nation’s most prestigious high school football program is expected to not only win games, but win championships. Any team that walks onto that storied field in that historic stadium walks in the shadow of giants. Trophies, rings, records, names all loom on the walls and in the memories of the Wildcat faithful. But for the 2016 Wildcats, it wasn’t about past history; it was about making their own. “These players weren’t even born yet when the last championship was won for Valdosta 18 years ago, yet these kids have been compared to those teams since they first started playing at 5 years old,” head coach Alan Rodemaker said. “And they had never really measured up; our coaching staff never really measured up. Yet here we are. We did measure up, and I just want to recognize these kids for what they did and how they did it.” Tides of Change
“Not everyone in the state was raising their hand wanting to be Valdosta’s head coach.” – Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach
The future looked uncertain for the Valdosta Wildcats following the 2015 season. The statistical and emotional leadership of the likes of Seth Shuman and Todd Bradley had graduated. Reclassification rippled unfamiliarity throughout the state. Coach Rance Gillespie created one of the most difficult regular season schedules in the entire state 20 | itgsportsnetwork.com
2016
Schedule and Results
Regular Season Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 26 Sep 02 Sep 09 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 30 Oct 07 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28 Nov 04
Cairo (Scrimmage) Lowndes Woodland, Stockbridge @Wayne County @Tift County @Thomas County Central Colquitt County Open Northside* Open @Lee County* Coffee County* @Houston County*
Playoffs Round 1: Round 2: Round 3: Round 4:
Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 Dec 02
8:00PM 8:00PM 8:00PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 8:00PM
T, 22-22 W, 38-13 W, 51-12 W, 28-0 W,42-13 W, 56-39 L, 24-45
8:00PM W, 14-6 7:30PM W, 27-7 8:00PM W, 15-10 7:30PM W, 28-24
Lakeside (Evans) Northgate Stephenson Dalton
W, 69-14 W, 35-0 W, 31-21 W, 27-6
State 6A Championship: December 9th, 2016 vs Tucker @ The Georgia Dome W, 17-7 GEICO State Champions Bowl Series Dec 22 Chandler 6:00PM L, 44-24
In The Game | 21
of Georgia. Then, of course, it came to pass that there would be a vacancy in the head coaching position that was to address all of this head on. Controversy followed, skepticism ensued, and challenges were apparent, but the man selected to sit at the helm of the program was ready for it all – and more. “Since I had been here and knew what was expected, I didn’t really feel much pressure, even though a lot of people were scared of this job,” Rodemaker said. “But for me, I want the biggest challenge I can get in this sport, and to me, this is the best job in the world. I want to be at the high school level. That’s where my ministry is, and I want to be at Valdosta High.” His wish was granted. After serving as the defensive coordinator under Rance Gillespie for six years, Alan Rodemaker was appointed as the head coach of Valdosta’s football program. Knowing full well what the job entailed, he immediately went 22 | itgsportsnetwork.com
to work, on and off the field, turning skeptics into believers. Despite the changes in players, staff, and schedule, the mission for the 2016 ‘Cats never changed. The Process and the Players
“We talk about history a lot, but we don’t talk about championships. We never do. We talk about what’s been done, the great teams, the great relationships, but not region or state championships. The only time we did was the week before each championship game. We really talked more about being champions than we talked about championships. Daily champions. Winning that day.” –
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Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach
With a team that wasn’t going to be known for it’s raw talent or athleticism, the defining tenants of their philosophy became discipline, fundamentals, toughness, execution, and – most of all – heart. “We didn’t have the super
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In The Game | 23
Battling Against South Georgia’s Best “What made this group of players and coaches so special was the four letter word ‘grit.’ Grit helped us through the
24 | itgsportsnetwork.com
First Year Coaches at Valdosta High School Year Coach
Win Losses Ties Win Pct
2016 Rodemaker, Alan
14
2
0
88%
2006 Tomberlin, Rick
1
9
0
10%
2010 Gillespie, Rance
11
2003 Darlington, Rick
11
1974 Hyder, Nick
3
1996 O’Brien, Mike
season as we faced opponents that could 1972 Greene, Charlie possibly defeat us, but we held our own 1946 Bazemore, Wright behind that word.” – Antwon Kincade, Senior OLB, SS
1943 Thomas, Buck
Combining those threats with regimented discipline, the Wildcats quickly silenced any doubt that they were legitimate contenders. Game 1 of 2016: The Winnersville Classic. “Nine hundredth win, new coach, first game… I had to shrink the game for our coaches, players, and fans,” Rodemaker said with a chuckle. “I told them that there will be life after this game if we win or if we lose. With that said, it turned out to be a big night for us and for me. After that game, people trusted me with the program. Our kids believed, I believed in the kids even more, and it instilled a lot of trust into the program.” Riding the momentum from that classic rivalry and assertive, historic victory, the Wildcats rolled into their non-region schedule. Woodland, Wayne County, Tift County, and Thomas County Central all faced fates similar to Lowndes’s. Consecutive dominant victories proved that the Winnersville win was not a fluke, but an indicator. Then their only blemish came in a disappointing fourth quarter loss to rival Colquitt County Packers. After gaining and holding the lead for the majority of the game, big plays within the final minutes propelled the Pack to a victory over the ‘Cats. “The loss to Colquitt was an important loss to us,” Rodemaker said. “Although
1932 Hooks, Bobby
1941 Bazemore, Wright
13 9 8 2 9 9 6
1924 Herndon, Mike
2
1922 Parks, MM Jr
6
1920 Cox, Arthur
1919 Newbern, JL
1917 Rockwell, Turner 1916 Stevens, Robert
1913 Rockwell, Turner
7 6 7 3
2 4 2 7 1 3 7 2 1 0 3 1 0 1 2 1
85%
0
73%
0
87%
0
30%
0
90%
0
73%
0
25%
1
82%
0
90%
0
83%
3
43%
2
86%
0
94%
1
86%
0
78%
0
67%
2
Overall Record:
14-2(4-0) Alan Rodemaker
stars,” offensive coordinator Tucker Pruitt said. “I remember one time we asked the offensive players to raise their hands if they had a scholarship offer, and no hands went up. It showed them that we couldn’t just be the team that shows up and expect to ball on these teams. If we are going to have a chance, it’s going to have to do with our execution. We have to do the little things: be tougher, play together more, improve every week, and find different ways to win. We all bought into that.” And it wasn’t as if they weren’t talented. The Wildcats put their talents on display each and every week, but that wasn’t going to win them football games on its own. DeMario Jones, defensive line coach and Director of Football Operations, was one of the many staff members who understood and relayed this concept. “We used to tell the kids that they’re going to be bigger than you, faster than you, stronger than you, but you are going to put that gold hat on them in a minute, and that’s the great equalizer,” Jones said. “Being a ‘collision expert,’ as Coach Hyder used to say back in the day, will equalize anything.” The likes of Antwon Kincade, Devonnsha Maxwell, and Zakoby McClain anchored a stifling defense that was the great equalizer. Then, the quarterback duo of Josh Belton and Hunter Holt found their stride behind the strength of three, three-year starting offensive linemen – Jared Allen, Aaron Graham, and Zack Lloyd – as J.R. Ingram and Jontae Baker emerged as decisive playmakers and point-scorers. All the while, versatile athletes such as Jayce Rogers and James Bushware impressively led in multiple facets of the game. Talent wasn’t lacking.
Valdosta 13+ Win Coaching History Year 2016 2001 1998 1996 1994 1992 1990 1989 1988 1987 1978 1977 1971 1969 1968 1962 1961 1960 1957 1956 1953 1952 1947 1940
Coach Rodemaker, Alan O’Brien, Mike O’Brien, Mike O’Brien, Mike Hyder, Nick Hyder, Nick Hyder, Nick Hyder, Nick Hyder, Nick Hyder, Nick Hyder, Nick Hyder, Nick Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Bazemore, Wright Hooks, Bobby
Win Percentage
25%
50%
75%
100%
In The Game | 25
I don’t think that you have to lose to learn something, you’ve got to have times where you aren’t successful to teach.” That teaching moment came at just the right time for the Wildcats as they headed into an off week before region competition. After a grueling week of practice and preparation, Valdosta stared down the most feared region in the state of Georgia, regardless of classification. Region 1-6A, consisting of the juggernauts of Valdosta, Northside Warner Robins, Lee County, Coffee County, and Houston County, was going to be battle after battle. Each team spent time as the No. 1 seed in the state, and at one point they were listed as the No. 1 through No. 5 seeds. Now, they were set to face head to head. Valdosta 14, Northside 6. Valdosta 27, Lee County 7. Valdosta 15, Coffee County 10. Valdosta 28, Houston County 24. Clutch defensive stands. Electric special teams play. Systematic offensive possessions. Nail biting victories. And most importantly, undefeated region champions. Whom Shall I Fear?
“We knew the schedule was going to be tough, but once we played through that schedule and got into the playoffs, there just wasn’t anyone that we feared.” – Tucker Pruitt, Offensive Coordinator
After 10 ball games against the best the state had to offer, faith had been restored and excitement began to build on the cusp of the 2016 GHSA state playoffs. The Wildcats developed a clear identity: a resolute defense, special teams that controlled field position, and an offense that didn’t turn the ball over. It was the winning formula that carried them to a 9-1 regular season record, and this tried and true method wouldn’t disappoint them as it became win-or-go-home stakes.
High school football is important here. I don’t care where they go in Texas; it’s not more important than in Valdosta. The people care, and that’s why I’m down here.
- Alan Rodemaker
KEY STATS
OFFENSIVE STATISTICS
34.64 points per game
328.5 155.57 172.93 yards per game
rushing yards passing yards per game per game
KEY STATS
DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
15.00 257.00 128.79 128.21 points allowed yards allowed rushing yards passing yards allowed per game allowed per game per game per game
26 | itgsportsnetwork.com
33 for 435 yards
13.18
yards per return - 3td’s
TOTAL KICKOFF RETURNS
TOTAL PUNT RETURNS
SPECIAL TEAMS STATISTICS
155.57 rushing yards per game (4.96 yards per carry, 26 TDs) 172.93 passing yards per game (66% completion percentage, 11.92 yards per completion, 30 TDs, 8 INTs) 128.79 rushing yards allowed per game (474 carries, 3.8 yards per carry, 14 TD’s) 128.21 passing yards allowed per game (151 of 297 attempts, 11.88 yards per catch, 11 TD’s)
32 for 649 yards
* All stats calculated through 14 games
20.18
yards per return - 1td
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In The Game | 27
Lakeside 14, Valdosta 69. Northgate 0, Valdosta 35. Stephenson 21, Valdosta 31. Dalton 6, Valdosta 27. The Wildcats earned their stripes and gained momentum through their brutal regular season, allowing them to briskly travel the road to the Georgia Dome. And while the team only hit the road twice in the postseason, the fans followed them in full force. “The fan support was unbelievable,” Rodemaker said proudly. “For the Dalton game, you can’t get a school in Georgia that is further away, yet the stands were packed. We had several fan buses, and that was a good trip and a good night for Valdosta High School. Then the Dome was the same thing: The crowd was incredible. It is just special when that many people care.” Regained Glory: Past Turned Present
“Coming out of that tunnel at the Georgia Dome, seeing all of those fans, I didn’t have a sense or feeling of, ‘Wow, it’s here.’ I had a feeling of, ‘This is a great beginning.’”
On the biggest stage in arguably the most competitive high school football state in the country, the Valdosta Wildcats came ready to play. The moment was not too big nor the competition too fierce, and it didn’t take long for it to show. The offense came out firing on all cylinders, jumping to an early 14-0 lead, passing the baton over to the unit that was the strength of their team all season long: their defense. Unsurprisingly, the defense held. Final score: 17-7. The Valdosta Wildcats were state champions again. “As coaches, we don’t really focus on the product; we only focus on the process,” Pruitt said. “But when you send the offense out on the field and it sinks in that there is no more preparation, the season is over, you beat everybody – it’s just a sweet feeling. For me, the team, the coaches, and the fans.” “After scoring on our first two possessions against Tucker, visions of old came rushing back in our voices on the air,” said Monty Long, play-by-play commentator for the Valdosta Wildcat Radio Team. “You could sense that No. 24 was about to be real. Those last two minutes on the air was electric. Dirk, Keith, and myself in the booth were very emotional. Tears of happiness were in our eyes. Then with Dr. Ron and Darren on the field giving us the perspective from players, coaches, and fans… it was priceless for everyone.” “Having my entire family there to join the coaches, players, and administration – those hugs and kisses – those were special moments,” Rodemaker said.
I just want my players to walk out of my program as better people. I want them to be better Christians; I’m not shy about saying that. I want them to live a life that they’ll be proud of. - Alan Rodemaker
2016-2017 Varsity Football Cheerleaders:
- DeMario Jones, Defensive Line Coach, Director of Football Operations
Coach Donna Hall, Rochelle Owens, Cayonia Roberts, Kiana Simpson, Dawson West, Amia Bell, Sala Boyd, Lilly Crawford, Je’Keeysiah Davis, Valencia Davis, Yu’Shanti Dunbar, Jackie Escalera, Kaley Folsom, Tamaya Graddy, Yetierius Harris, Haley Hogan, Larisse Hogans, Arica Jackson, Isabella Jackson, Cloey Mulgrew, Emily Kate Reagin, Sara Beth Rountree, Abbie Sherwood, Mya Sturgis, Skylar Swofford
VESPYs Award Winners Nick Hyder Memorial Offensive MVP Award - J.R. Ingram Best Offensive Lineman Award – Jared Allen Best Offensive Back – Tevin Gray Best Receiver – Damarrias Morrow Wright Bazemore Defensive MVP Award – James Bushware Best Linebacker – Zakoby McClain Best Defensive Back – Antwon Kincade Best Defensive Lineman - Devonnsha Maxwell Special Teams Award – Jayce Roger Nick Hyder Foundation Scholarship Award - Aaron Graham David and Sharon Waller Scholarship Award – Jontae Baker Wright Bazemore Scholarship – Wesley Veal Mark Stevens Memorial Sportsmanship Award – Tyler Blue&Jaelyn Temple Dynamite Goodloe Memorial Most Improved Offensive Award – Hunter Holt Most Improved Defensive Award – Jalen Everett Julian Lefiles Memorial Spirit Award – Justin Carter Super Skinner Award – Kimba Kimble and Marvens Cherelus Most Loyal Award – Zach Lloyd Coaches Award – Jeremiah Williams James Eunice Character Award – Thomas Eager Hall of Fame Inductees – Mike O’Brien and Willie Lewis
28 | itgsportsnetwork.com
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With that, the Wildcats returned the trophy down I-75, and all was right in the world. The Wildcats were Winnersville champions, region champions, and state champions, all under a first-year head coach and an unproven team. Yet despite those disadvantages, perhaps even because of them, the ‘Cats had undeniable grit, relentless determination, and championship mentality from start to finish. “I hope that people remember that we represented Valdosta well,” Rodemaker said confidently. “At no point in the season did we embarrass the people of Valdosta. I think we made them proud. The kids conducted themselves the way that they should.” The legacy of these 2016 Wildcats will undoubtedly be cemented in the trophy cases of the David S. Waller, Sr. Valdosta Wildcat Museum at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, but Rodemaker forecasted a much more significant sentiment.
Coach of the Year – Alan Rodemaker*** Antwon Kincade* Devonnsha Maxwell – DL* Zakoby McClain – LB** Jayce Rogers - CB** James Bushware – P** J.R. Ingram – WR** Jontae Baker – TE** Jayce Rogers – DB* (Honorable Mention)
*** Both
– Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach
All - State Honors
** RecruitGeorgia.com
“We have a lot to be proud of, and I just want their kids not to say that this is the 24th state championship, but this is their first.”
“We get our rings on March 3, and those rings will bind them together for the rest of their lives,” Rodemaker said with a smile. “It shows that at one point, on Dec. 9, 2016, they were the best in the state, and nobody can ever take that away from them. They will have a bond with any of the 100-plus people that were on this team, and that bond will last a lifetime.”
* Atlanta Journal Constitution
Relief, Rings, and Remembering
All - Region Honors On the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series Back on top, the Valdosta Wildcats were presented with a unique opportunity: to travel all the way to Texas to play against a state champion from another state. “Luckily the seniors voted to do it,” Rodemaker said. “If they’d have said ‘No,’ we’d have just gone and had Christmas, but I think they recognized that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it truly was a life changing experience for those kids.” “The trip was great for all but about 2 ½ hours of it,” Rodemaker said jokingly. “We were on national TV, and a lot of good things came out and will continue to come out of Valdosta football being back on a big stage.” “Chandler (Arizona) was really good, and we didn’t play well, plain and simple,” Rodemaker said. “However, I think that it taught our kids that I don’t care what you won, you have to play well.”
Overall Coach of the Year – Alan Rodemaker Jayce Rogers – Athlete of the Year Special Teams Player of the Year – James Bushware Offense J.R. Ingram (61 catches, 1053 yards, 17 TDs) Jontae Baker (30 catches, 394 yards, 3 TDs) Aaron Graham Defense James Bushware (129 tackles, 20 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) Devonnsha Maxwell (69 tackles, 10TFL, 5.5 sacks) Zakoby McClain (123 tackles, 20 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) Antwon Kincade (90 tackles, 9 TFL, 1 INT) Jalen Everett (64 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 recovered fumbles) 2nd Team Honors
Eric Simmons – DL (46 tackles, 11 TFL, 1 forced fumble) Jaelyn Temple – DB (38 tackles, 4 INTs) Tevin Gray – RB (637 yards, 6 TDs) Wesley Veal – WR (27 catches, 322 yards, 4 TDs Zach Lloyd and Jared Allen – OL Josh Belton and Hunter Holt – QBs (2445 yards passing, 32 TDs, 9 INTs, 1106 yards rushing, 12 TDs)
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In The Game | 31
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In The Game | 33
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Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie
Columbus Valley
“Basketball. Yes, basketball. Home is the basketball court.”
- Williams
to set the example.” Already this season Williams has proven valuable to her team. During a recent game against Shaw High School, Williams scored 18 points, one of which was a 3-point shot. It was an unusual occurrence for Williams, and she still smiles when she recalls the feeling of realizing she made the basket. The Lady Greenwaves lost to the Lady Raiders despite Williams’s outstanding scoring, but it was a memorable game for her, nevertheless. A few schools expressed an interest in Williams coming to play basketball for them after she graduates from Spencer. Before she makes a decision, she has one more sport to finish up. Williams will move off the court and outdoors for track and field, but she will still put that desire to move to good use. She has been a track athlete for many years, even going back to middle school. Currently she participates in both the 800-meter and 400-meter races while also being a member of the 4x400-meter and 4x100-meter relay teams. She runs the last leg of the 4x100 but is the third runner in the 4x400. She said she enjoys that position because she especially likes to run “catch up” for her team. Last year Williams went to state in three events, the 800m and the two relay events. Spencer’s relay teams placed third in the 4x400 and seventh in the 4x100, while Williams placed seventh in the 800m. Williams seems to be designed to be a threesport athlete. Weighing in at 106 pounds, she uses her complete skillset of height, speed, and agility to get the job done no matter which sport she undertakes. It’s going to be a close race to see which sport wins out with the right offer for college, and Williams is setting her sights for the best option whether it’s volleyball, basketball, or track. She said she will be equally happy whatever sport wins out, but one is pretty close to her heart. “Basketball,” she said, smiling. “Yes, basketball. Home to me is the basketball court.”
STARTERS
Ask La’Daisha Williams which class or subject she most enjoys, and the senior at Spencer High School doesn’t hesitate. “I really just want to be in the gym,” Williams said with a smile. “I like my classes ok, but I just prefer to be playing something in the gym.” The 5’8” athlete does spend a lot of time in the school gym. She plays three sports at Spencer, two of which are court sports. In the fall Williams played her last season of volleyball for the Greenwaves, and she is currently in the second half of the school’s schedule for the girls basketball team. Williams didn’t even try basketball until she was an eighth grader at Eddy Middle School. Her experience with the sport in middle school led her to believe she would be able to contribute to a high school team. She played various positions, but since she made the team at Spencer, Williams has primarily been a post player. “I guess I prefer small forward because I like to shoot, but really I am better at post, going up for layouts,” she said. “I can jump pretty high. It’s one of the things I can do.” For three of the past four fall seasons at Spencer, Williams started her sports schedule with volleyball. She credited the skills she gained on the volleyball court with helping her take her basketball game literally a jump ahead. “I think one of the reasons I am able to jump and get to the ball comes from playing right at the net in volleyball,” Williams said. “There are some really tall volleyball players, and you have to be able to get up there to get to the ball.” The senior said she enjoys playing volleyball and would consider a college scholarship to play the sport. Basketball, however, is her passion, and she just can’t seem to get enough of it. In fact, as a freshman at Spencer, Williams played on three basketball teams at once. After her first year in high school, Williams decided to change-up her routine. Thinking she would branch out and try something different, Williams played softball instead of volleyball. She was a left-fielder for the team, and although she said it wasn’t a bad experience, she didn’t feel like it was a fit for her. For one thing, Williams is geared for constant motion. “That’s the main reason my mother wanted me to try basketball,” she said with a smile. “She knew I was always moving, and because she played basketball, she thought it might be a good sport for me.” After her sophomore year experiment with softball, Williams went back to the tried and true gym sport of volleyball and then moved into basketball season. She had a good 2015-16 basketball season but said she always feels as if she can improve. Some of her improvement came from attending basketball camps at Auburn University and Columbus State. Another source of input about her game comes from someone much closer to home: her mother. “She will get out there and teach me post moves; she played at Carver,” Williams said. “I can hear her when I am playing. Always yelling at me. Not about what I shouldn’t have done but what I need to do. I listen.” As the only senior on the Lady Greenwaves team this season, Williams feels a real responsibility and takes her role as a team captain seriously. “I try to encourage them to be better,” she said. “We need to be working hard all the time, and I try
EASTERN CONFERENCE Giannis Antetokounmpo Jimmy Butler LeBron James DeMar DeRozan Kyrie Irving WESTERN CONFERENCE Anthony Davis Kevin Durant Kawhi Leonard Stephen Curry James Harden
SLAM DUNK CONTEST
In 2016 one of the best dunk contest in recent history, Minnesota’s Zach LaVine won his second-straight dunk title after an epic showdown with Orlando’s Aaron Gordon. Will he continue the streak?
THREE-POINT SHOOTOUT
Klay Thompson scored the final round last year, too much for fellow Splash Brother, reigning 2015 champion Stephen Curry. Will Thompson hold on to the title?
SKILLS CHALLENGE
Since Williams prefers to spend her time in the gym playing sports, it doesn’t come as a surprise she is entertaining the idea of seeking a vocation along those same lines. She hopes to get a degree in exercise science following high school and would like to become a coach.
2016 Rookie of the year Karl-Anthony Towns won the Skills Challenge after topping Celtics’ point guard Thomas in big upset. Will Towns defend his title?
In The Game | 35
Calhoun Basketball Player Known for His Drive Has Division I Option Written by: Sarah Turner Photos courtesy of Calhoun High School
Rashun Williams, junior at Calhoun County High School, is making big things happen right from his small town in Edison, Georgia. While at the time of this writing he was still undecided, Williams has received official offers to play college basketball at Division I schools including Mercer University, Georgia Southern University, Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Technological University. “I’m looking to learn a lot of new things about the game of basketball,” Williams said. “I look forward to working with the coaches and being a little bit away from home but not too far.” No matter where he decides to continue playing basketball, there’s one thing Williams wants to make sure happens – and that’s progression. “For me one of my goals is to make it to college and actually develop,” Williams said. “I don’t want to be one of those guys who are just satisfied with making it to college. I want to make it, play hard while I’m there, and keep the production up.” If the past is any indication, Williams should have no problem improving his game during his time in college and for the rest of his junior and senior seasons with the Cougars. Thus far, he’s gotten better every day since he decided basketball would most certainly be his thing. With his mom being a coach, Williams wasn’t far into life at all before he found an attraction to the game. He played a ton of AAU travel ball on top of his school seasons, and through it all he never seemed to lose sight of his passion for the game. Williams is now 6’6”, and although he will likely play a guard position when he heads to college, he plays just a little bit of everything at CCHS. Williams is notorious for getting to the goal, whether that means scoring or drawing a foul and knocking down free throws. However, skill and drive can only get players so far. Sometimes it’s the team mentality that takes a talented player and makes him an all-around valuable player. When asked how being on the court makes Williams feel, there wasn’t a whole lot of simple “self-motivators,” but rather a sense of responsibility. “When I’m on the court, I believe I should make myself ready to help put my team in a position to win whether that’s by scoring, rebounding, blocking shots, and so on.” Williams said. Williams and the rest of the Calhoun Cougars have a history of knowing how to work together, and they have a winning record to prove it. During Williams’s freshman year, the Cougars won a GHSA Michael Jordan wasn’t a No. 1 pick in 1984. In fact, he was passed over by the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Chicago Bulls finally picked him at No. 3. Charles Barkley went that same year at No. 5 to the Philadelphia 76ers.
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1-A state championship, and they are on track to potentially make it happen again this season. At the time of this writing, they are 14-1 overall and 9-0 in their region. “We can easily contend for the state championship,” Williams said “We’re one of the best teams; we just have to play like it.” As he hopes to major in mechanical engineering later in college, ability in the classroom is imperative for Williams, but again, a good GPA is something Williams is no stranger to upholding. And maybe he’s had a little motivation. “Growing up, my parents always taught me that if I didn’t have my grades up, I couldn’t play basketball,” Williams said. “So it became one (a motivation) to be just as good in the classroom as I was on the court.” Williams is a member of the National Senior Beta Club, which requires members to maintain an A average. He also participates on the track team by competing in the long jump, high jump, and triple jump. Williams gave a ton of credit to his parents for making him the athlete and student he is today. He has also always taken advantage of watching players older than him. “During my underclassmen years, I spent a lot of time watching the seniors on my team,” Williams said. “They taught me that I didn’t have to be scared of anyone on the court and to just play my own game.” Williams is undoubtedly an exciting player to watch. He’s a contender. He’s a leader. And he has a need to get better. Muggsy Bogues was just 5’3” and the shortest player to ever play in the NBA , but he was still a first-round pick by the Washington Bullets in the 1987 draft. During the 1987-88 season, he played with the tallest man to ever appear in the NBA, Manute Bol, who stood at 7’7”.
Charles Barkley didn’t make his high school basketball team his freshman or sophomore years. He made the reserve varsity team when he was a 5’10”, 220-pound junior, but it wasn’t until he grew to 6’4” the summer after his junior year that he finally earned a starting position on the varsity team his senior year.
This information is courtesy of http://www.rantsports.com
t’s not a particularly long list, but when Jaxon Kite names the sports he has tried and given up, there seems to be a few. As the junior at Harris County High School searched for a sport, he discovered each time that they all had one common denominator. “I wasn’t good at anything,” he said with a slight smile. Kite tried karate, baseball, and wrestling in hopes of finding something to occupy his time and to excel at. Each time produced failure in his opinion, and it wasn’t until his mother suggested swimming that Kite saw his perseverance pay off. The 5’9” swim athlete started out as a member of local swim club the Columbus Hurricanes. He was 11-years-old when he began competition swimming, and Kite said he immediately knew he had at long last found a sport where success and passion combined. “I had always had a connection to the water,” Kite said. “I loved swimming from an early age, but I wasn’t thinking about it as something I could do to compete. When I first started swimming with the Hurricanes, I learned quickly I was good at it and that I had a competitive drive.” For Kite, swimming was transformative, literally. The lean, strong swimmer’s body Kite now possesses was once “chunky.” The more he swam, the more he slimmed down and the faster he became in the water. Eventually, Kite settled into swimming events for the club that proved successful for him. When it came time to start high school, Kite joined the Harris County High School Tigers swim team. He continued to swim with the Hurricanes while also establishing himself as one of the school’s top swimmers as a freshman. That year, Kite swam the 100-yard butterfly event and the 200-yard individual medley. In the 200 IM, an athlete swims 50 yards each of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. HCHS swim coach Mindy Johnson has been coaching the team for the past 15 years and finds Kite to be an impressive swim athlete. “An athlete is someone who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games
By the Numbers
Perseverance Key to Swimmer’s Success
Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie
Last season Region Champion 50 yard freestyle with a time of 24.19 Region Runner-Up 100 yard fly with a time of 1:00.21 In The Game | 37
requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina,” Johnson said. “To me, this describes Jaxon. He is good at whatever he is doing whether it’s swimming or lifting weights or doing an ab video. He has the ability to execute any skill well.” Last swim season Kite was the region champion in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 24.19. He was also the region runner-up in the 100-yard fly with a time of 1:00.21. Not willing to rest on past laurels, Kite literally came off the block this season with a plan to better last
Benefits of Swimming 1. CARDIO AND STRENGTH TRAINING In swimming, you aren’t moving constantly to stay afloat. Plus, water is about 800 times denser than air, so your muscles are under constant resistance.
2. easy impact The low impact workout is great for injured athletes who need to take it easy on their joints. Research in the International Journal of Sports Medicine shows swimming is better than straight-up rest for exercise recovery.
3. Great for your lungs When your face is under water, oxygen is at a premium. In turn, your body adapts to use oxygen more efficiently. Plus, it learns to take in more fresh air with every breath and expel more carbon dioxide with every exhalation. A study in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology even found that swimmers had better tidal volume (the amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs during relaxed breathing) compared to runners.
4. Makes you a better runner By increasing your ability to take in and effectively use oxygen, swimming increases your endurance capacity. You can also run faster mile after mile without getting winded.
5. Stress relief While exercise-induced endorphins will do wonders for your stress levels, getting in the water for your workout may have its own special brand of mood-boosting benefits. Researchers found that regular flotation tank sessions were effective at relieving symptoms in patients suffering from conditions related to chronic stress. No wonder you love soaking in the bathtub.
6. increase blood flow Blood flow to the brain increased by up to 14 percent when men submerged themselves in water up to their hearts, according to a Journal of Physiology study. Researchers believe water’s pressure on the chest cavity may have something to do with it, and they are now studying whether water-based workouts improve blood flow to the brain better than landbased ones. Stay tuned. This information is courtesy of http://www.fitnessmagazine.com
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year’s times and performances. Back in December, Kite’s 200 freestyle relay team qualified for the state meet with a time of 1:39.95. The junior is the anchor for the relay team. By that time in the season, he was already close to qualifying for the state meet in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. Kite participates in only one other event, the 200 medley relay in which he swims the butterfly, and he hopes to continue to improve his time there as well. “Jaxon never wants to stop improving,” Johnson said about Kite’s desire to make improvements. “He trains consistently. He is not afraid to try new techniques to get better. If he sees something is not working, he will try a new method. He focuses on every aspect of his events from the start, to breathing, to turns, and to finishes. He studies what he is doing from every angle and puts a plan into action.” One of Kite’s best traits as a member of any swim team is his sincere yearning for his teammates to do well in competition. Johnson said Kite works to bring fellow swimmers to a higher level and enjoys teaching less experienced swimmers techniques to help them succeed. While Kite does have a benevolent spirit and encouraging personality, he did admit that helping his peers also works in his favor. “If they get better, then they are better competitors in the water against me,” Kite said. “That pushes me. I want to be the best; therefore, I want to compete against the very
best so that I know I earned my place at the top. Of course, the team improves when we each get better, too.” It’s not hard to imagine Kite moving into next season with a plan to up his game so that he garners the attention of college scouts. He would like to attend Auburn University and has attended several swim camps there. However, Kite is keeping his options open for the time being. In the meantime, the passionate swimmer continues to pursue a life almost totally geared toward swimming as a year round sport. He swims with the Hurricanes in addition to the Harris County team, which causes the high school athlete to put in approximately 20 hours a week in practices and swim prep. Kite’s regimen extends to his diet, which includes no junk food, drinking water and no other beverages, and eating as healthily as possible. One other side note about his sincerity for the sport: Kite uses prescription goggles when he swims. He admits that without them he would be sort of “swimming blind.” Kite made the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer’s All Bi-City Swim Team last year as a sophomore and hopes to do well enough to make the list two more times. Regardless of what success Kite achieves, the swim athlete feels his perseverance to find the right sport for him paid off. “My only regret is that I didn’t start earlier,” Kite said.
Recruiting on the
Home Front
Written by: Lambert Bales
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wo of the primary disappointments that highlighted the tail end of the Mark Richt era at Georgia were his inability to reel in some of the big in-state fish and to effectively groom the ones he did sign. It may still be too early to tell if successor Kirby Smart can develop that talent, but there is no denying that he has started building a wall around the state to keep that talent. Going back to his days at Alabama, Smart played a pivotal role in getting top recruits to stay home and away from the likes of bitter rivals Auburn and LSU. During his short time with the Bulldogs, he has already locked up the majority of the top 20 in-state prospects for the class of 2017, including five-star prospect Richard LeCounte from Liberty County and Houston County signal-caller Jake Fromm. While Smart has already put Georgia in contention to land some blue-chippers for 2018, the question still remains: Can he maintain this success?
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Eliminate the Opposition Other than the big three of Florida, California, and Texas, Georgia produces more FBS talent than any other state. What makes Georgia unique from the former three is the presence of one true powerhouse program, the University of Georgia. Yes, Georgia Tech does compete in a Power 5 Conference, but an outdated offensive attack coupled with demanding academic requirements make it a struggle for the Yellow Jackets to consistently go head-to-head for high quality players. It seems like a no-brainer for kids to stay home, but with talent diffused all throughout the state, schools from the outside have continually enticed recruits elsewhere. Smart can use proximity as an advantage over the competition in two ways. First, strong relationships have always existed between Bulldog coaches and local high school coaches. Smart has already used this as a plus, and he continues to strengthen those bonds. The coaches have seen their players develop over the course of four years, and in most cases the last thing they want is to guide a student-athlete in the wrong direction. Second, Smart is making a diligent effort to not let Auburn, Florida State, or Florida poach his highly prioritized recruits from South Georgia. In 2016, Chauncey Manac and Chris Barnes stayed. This year, it was LeCounte and highly touted linebacker Nate McBride from Vidalia. Being able to garner interest year in and year out from the local recruits will go a long way toward revitalizing the Georgia brand. Building an Offensive Identity Kirby Smart possesses one of the most brilliant defensive minds in today’s college game. Recruits are well aware of the names he developed while with the Crimson Tide; from safeties Landon Collins and Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix to Reggie Ragland and Marcel Dareus in the front seven, the list
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Most In-State ESPN 300 Recruits This Year
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goes on and on. What Smart must now do is successfully sell prospects on the other side of the ball by showing that offensive coordinator Jim Chaney’s offense works. Chaney did not get off to the flying start many fans envisioned. For starters, Chaney had an in-season meeting with star running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel during which the two voiced their displeasure with the offensive play calling. Meanwhile, suspect offensive line play and inconsistency from the receiver position made Jacob Eason’s development quite the rollercoaster ride. Smart turned those shortcomings into positives on the recruiting trail by capturing the signatures of athletes from Metro Atlanta. Wideouts Jeremiah Holloman (Newton) and Trey Blount (Pace) will bring playmaking ability to a position group in severe need of it, while offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (Pace) should add much needed depth in the trenches. Is Continued Success Realistic? The question remains: Can Kirby Smart maintain his successful in-state recruiting? In short, I believe he can. It may sound cliché, but if you win, they will come. Having been part of four national championship teams, Smart has proven that he is a winner and no stranger to pressure. Fresh off his first year at his alma mater, he was able to lead the Bulldogs to an eight-win campaign and a solid bowl win over TCU, all while starting a true freshman at quarterback. It will take time for Smart to get the right players for his system who will commit to the process laid out. However, returning the two best players on offense (Chubb and Michel) along with outside linebackers Lorenzo Carter and Davin Bellamy will make the transition into year two a lot smoother. Getting those upperclassmen to stay and believe as well as adding the fresh faces of the 2017 cycle into the mix could be a recipe for success, and sooner rather than later. Smart has not only positioned Georgia as the early SEC East favorite for next season, but he has shed light on what the program’s future could have in store for upcoming in-state recruits.
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In The Game | 39
2017 FOOTBALL RECRUITS
Aubrey Solomon Lee County Defensive Tackle Ht 6-3
Wt 288
Class of 17 Composite Stars
GA ranking 3
Position ranking 2
Top Five Offers Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Ole Miss, Clemson Signed with Michigan
Jake Fromm Houston County Quarterback Ht 6-2
Wt 224
Class of 17
Composite Stars
GA ranking 5
Position ranking 3
Top Five Offers Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, USC, Clemson Signed with Georgia
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Markaviest Bryant Crisp County Defensive End Ht 6-4
Wt 226
Class of 17
Composite Stars
GA ranking 18
Position ranking 14
Top Five Offers Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Clemson Signed with Auburn
Walter Grant Cairo Outside Linebacker Ht 6-4
Wt 236
Class of 17 Composite Stars
GA ranking 21
Position ranking 11
Top Five Offers Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State Signed with Georgia
Tamorrion Terry Turner County Wide Receiver Ht 6-4
Wt 208
Class of 17
Composite Stars
GA ranking 35
Position ranking 51
Top Five Offers Florida State, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss Signed with Florida State In The Game | 41
Xavier Jenkins Lowndes Wide Receiver Ht 6-3
Wt 195
Class of 17
Composite Stars
GA ranking 81
Position ranking 114
Top Offers Georgia, Mississippi State, Louisville Signed with Uncommitted
JD King Fitzgerald Running Back Ht 5-11
Wt 205
Class of 17 Composite Stars
GA ranking 88
Position ranking 43
Top Five Offers Oklahoma State, Cincinatti, Minnesota, UCF, NC State Signed with Oklahoma State
Lecitus Smith Fitzgerald Tight End Ht 6-4
Wt 255
Class of 17
Composite Stars
GA ranking 97
Position ranking 43
Top Five Offers Virginia Tech, Louisville, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati
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Signed with Virginia Tech
Shawn Shamburger Colquitt County Cornerback Ht 5-11
Wt 189
Class of 17
Composite Stars
GA ranking 104
Position ranking 111
Top Five Offers Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, Alabama, Florida Signed with Tennessee
Tory Carter Lee County Fullback Ht 6-2
Wt 255
Class of 17 Composite Stars
GA ranking 119
Position ranking 3
Top Five Offers LSU, Michigan, Clemson, Georgia, Auburn Signed with LSU
2017 FOOTBALL RECRUITS *All rankings, statistics, and commitments are courtesy of 247sports.com
In The Game | 43
Offense
QB Michael Barrett RB Brandon Doe WR J.R. Ingram WR Tamorrion Terry TE John Shenker OL Quan Stokes OL Tucker Barnes OL Caleb Kelly OL Trey Hill ATH Tobias Oliver ATH Jayce Rogers K Cole Phillips
Lowndes Cook Valdosta Turner County Colquitt County Colquitt County Lowndes Northside Houston County Northside Valdosta Cairo
Defense
LB Markaviest Bryant Crisp County LB Walter Grant Cairo LB Akileis Leroy Lee Couty DL Aubrey Solomon Lee County DL Derick Newton Coffee County DL Devon Holmes Lowndes DL Devonnsha Maxwell Valdosta DB Antwon Kincade Valdosta DB Shawn Shamburger Colquitt County DB Otis Reese Lee County DB Tirise Barge Colquitt County Coach Alan Rodemaker Valdosta
QB Jake Fromm RB J.D. King WR Amari Colbert WR Travis Tisdale TE Lecitus Smith OL Bryan Manuel OL Tristan Billingsley OL Aaron Graham OL Antonio Addie ATH Kelias Williams ATH Trezman Marshall K James Bushware
Defense
Houston County Fitzgerald Houston County Lowndes Fitzgerald Worth County Irwin County Valdosta Crisp County TCC Clinch County Valdosta
LB Zakoby McClain Valdosta LB Quay Walker Crisp County LB J.J. Peterson Colquitt County DL Marlon Jackson Fitzgerald DL Earnest Carter Valwood DL John Mincey Clinch County DL Cameron McCook Deerfield-Windsor DB Isaiah Nelson Northside DB Montreal Henry Tift County DB Charlie Thomas Thomasville DB Machari Bighams Clinch County Coach Shelton Felton Crisp County
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Third TEAM
FIRST TEAM
Offense
Second TEAM
Our 2016 All-ITG Football Team Offense QB Max Hughes RB Dameon Pierce WR Tory Ponder WR Rashod Bateman TE Fred Lloyd OL Ryan Wade OL Malik High OL Kymele Hart OL Montravius Richardson ATH Alfonzo Spencer ATH Cam Walker Defense
Coffee County Bainbridge Colquitt County Tift County Tift County Brooks County Turner County Tiftarea Westover Brookwood Valwood
LB Octavius Morris Clinch County LB Jeff Davis Lowndes LB James Bushware Valdosta DL Jerrell Woodson Brooks County DL Octavius Morris Clinch County DL William Green Westover DL Brandon Toomer Worth County DB Jalen Everett Valdosta DB Tae Daley Northside DB Alfonzo Spencer Brookwood DB Ontaria Wilson Turner County Coach Zach Grage Thomasville
Senior Cairo High School Golfer Takes Shot at National Competition, Plans for Many More Rounds in College
Written by: Sarah Turner | Photography by: Emmanuel Magbanua
The Press Thornton Future Masters Golf Tournament hosts top caliber 14to 18-year-old players from around the globe, making it a world-wide showcase for junior golfers. For the past five years, Cairo High School’s Hunter Courtney has been among the lineup, but now he is looking to take his game to the next level. Graduation is just around the corner for this senior, and he already has several collegiate golf offers on the table. “I’m looking at a couple colleges,” Courtney said. “I don’t want to men-
tion the names of the schools just yet, though. I’m trying to keep it under the hat right now. I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully, I’ll get on a good team and try to run for a national title while I’m there.” Courtney has been around golf his entire life. When his dad helped out at a local golf course on the weekends, he would always tag along as a child. He picked up his first golf club when he was eight and fell in love with the sport more and more as he grew up.
In The Game | 45
I just like going out there and having fun. I love a really close golf match with somebody that’s right on my tail, or I’m trying to chase somebody for the win. Although he has been involved with the sport for the majority of his life, Courtney was only able to play two years on the Cairo High School team. During his freshman year, Courtney decided to attend Thomas County Central High School, but since he lived in Cairo, he was ineligible to play. During his 10th grade year, he made the decision to attend Cairo High School so that he would be united with friends he had always attended school with, but the way it played out, he wasn’t able to compete at CHS until his junior year. “When my 11th grade year rolled around, I knew we had something in the hat because we had three good golfers, but we missed winning the region title by five shots last year, I believe,” Courtney said. Courtney still earned the low medalist title for the region, and his team ended up invited to the state sectionals in Dahlonega, Georgia. Although his team didn’t quite make the cut in sectionals, Courtney got to play at the state level as an individual, but unfortunately his game was off during the match. “With golf you’re going to have your good days and your
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bad days,” Courtney said. Courtney’s understanding and ability to not get discouraged over his not-so-good days certainly create even more opportunities for him to excel when the good days roll around. Courtney played some excellent matches during his years participating in the Future Masters. The tournament is one of the most traditionally rich junior tournaments in the world and has an impressive list of former tournament competitors including past U.S. Open champions Hubert Green and Jerry Pate; Masters winners Bubba Watson and Larry Mize; PGA champions Bob Tway, Mark Brooks, and Shawn Micheel; and British Open winner Ben Curtis. According to Courtney, his short game always seems to shine through more than any other of his abilities on the golf course. “Anybody can make it on the green, but you have to make it in the hole once you get to the green,” Courtney said. “That’s what counts in golf. If you don’t have good short game, you won’t usually score good.” Courtney has a ton of skill and more importantly a great attitude. He’s positive, focused, and isn’t afraid to put in the work to become an exceptional golfer. Whether it’s this spring or during the many seasons he has ahead in college, Courtney is a young man to watch on whatever golf course he tees off on. However, even with all of his self-motivation and talent, Courtney couldn’t let the opportunity pass without mentioning three men who have guided him throughout the years: “My role models are my dad, my swing coach Bill Connally, and coach Holland at TCCHS.”
Hard Work. Dedication. Passion. Succeed in Sports – and Life. The Colony team is behind you.
You belong here. www.colonybank.com | Member FDIC
In The Game | 47
B
oswell has one main goal for his senior season: to help his team get out of the first round of playoffs. Before that effort is made, Boswell will be finishing up another sport he has undertaken at Jordan. The school just began a swimming program, and Boswell is part of the inaugural swim team. He swims the freestyle and breaststroke events and has already proven his talent for speed works on land or in water.
3rd Generation Red Jacket Looking for Big Season
MLB baseball players recognized for their skill on the field.
Nolan Arenado
The barehanded assist
Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie
It’s not often that a student can claim to be the third generation to attend a high school. Hunner Boswell, 18, is the third generation of his family to walk the halls of Jordan Vocational High School. Both his parents and one set of grandparents graduated from Jordan, but Boswell’s time as a Red Jacket almost didn’t happen. The 5’11” centerfielder for the Jordan Red Jackets baseball team started his freshman year at another local high school because of his interest in its engineering emphasis. Boswell, who
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Cable Row
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Lateral Lunge Forward Lunge
Elbow-to-Instep
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has played baseball since the age of 5, loves everything about the game and felt he would be able to continue his preferred sport there as a freshman, too. Somewhere along the way, Boswell realized he just didn’t feel like he was where he needed to be. Long story short, the athlete transferred to Jordan after just a few months. The decision, while right for Boswell, had one major drawback. “I couldn’t play on the varsity team that year because I was ineligible due
to the transfer,” said Boswell, now a senior at JVHS. “It just about killed me to not be able to play.” Jordan’s baseball program has a rich history and a long tradition of producing good athletes. Head coach Tony Dimitri, now in his sixth season with the Red Jackets, is also a third generation Jordan graduate and actually played baseball at the school under the direction of his father, Anthony. Boswell’s mother attended JVHS at the same time as Tony Dimitri. When Boswell made the decision to come to Jordan, Dimitri
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was pleased to add him to the junior varsity roster with the anticipation of Boswell contributing at the varsity level later. While Boswell was frustrated about his inability to be a member of the school’s varsity team for the 2014 season, he soon discovered another benefit of attending Jordan: the school’s vocational programs. In fact, Boswell knew his interests in engineering and architectural drawing could be developed in some ways at Jordan, but eventually he experienced a new field that completely captured his attention. “Metals,” he said. “When I started working with metals, I fell in love with it. It’s hands on and something I found to be not only interesting but something I am good at doing.” As part of the SkillsUSA program at Jordan, Boswell has done well. He place second his freshman year and first the last two years in the Perry National Fairgrounds for the program. His composition was the SkillsUSA Georgia Recruitment display. He went to Atlanta to compete in the state SkillsUSA architecture design contest and placed in the Top 10. In some ways, Boswell sees baseball and the vocational studies as being similar. Both use concepts that are hands on and require discipline. He also feels being able to see something before it becomes a reality is useful whether on the baseball field or working with metals. Boswell has a sense of confidence in his abilities that doesn’t come across as bragging but as someone who is just comfortable as an athlete and craftsman. This confidence combined with true athleticism enabled Boswell to be a varsity starter for the past three seasons. He has exceptional speed in the outfield and described his own strength as being able to provide the mental stability needed for true teamwork to succeed. “It’s not about you,” Boswell said. “It’s about doing your job well enough that it benefits the team, and maybe in the long run, that benefits you.” His coach nodded in agreement.
“It’s hard to teach high school players about playing the game,” Dimitri said. “They don’t understand about making plays for the team as opposed to playing for themselves. Play the game.” Because of his speed, Boswell bats first in the Red Jacket lineup. He produces good results as the leadoff batter, and in the words of his coach, Boswell is “able to put a drag down” when it’s needed. Last season his batting average was .325, and he was 25 for 25 in steals and scored 31 runs. These feats helped him to be named to the 1st Team All Region for the 2016 season. He has steadily made progress as an offensive player since joining the Jordan program. “He was always a great outfielder that can run,” Dimitri said. “He has improved in hitting over the last three-and-a-half years. That was an area he struggled with coming into our program. But over time and understanding how to create pressure on the other team, he has become a better offensive player. He is now taking pride on the offensive side of the game also.” Because of his skills on the field and in vocational studies, Boswell is looking at the unique possibility of, upon graduation, attending a technical college where he can play baseball while he pursues his passion of working with metals. He also attracted the attention of some military recruiters as his vocational abilities are much sought after in today’s military. “There is one school I am interested in where I can play baseball and be in a technical program,” Boswell said. “If that doesn’t work out, the Marines are a possibility. The Air Force is another. They have been real interested in what I am doing here.” No matter what happens after his graduation in May, Boswell has no regrets about making the move to Jordan his freshman year. He missed a season of baseball, but in the long run, the senior feels he hit a grand slam. “When I walked into Jordan for the first time, it felt right,” he said sincerely. “It was like I fit. To me, it felt like home.”
America’s Most Wanted Sneakers Nike
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New Balance
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Skechers Converse Under Armour
9.0%
ASICS
8.6%
Puma
8.2%
Timberlands
7.3%
FILA
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14.0%
6.1%
Repeat championship is high on golfer’s list
Why you should wear lifting shoes weightlifting
Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie
Being a member of a state title championship team is the stuff dreams are made of for high school athletes. Brookstone School senior Evans Copeland had that experience last year when the boys golf team captured the state title. Apparently, it was such a memorable event that Copeland wants a repeat performance. “It was awesome,” Copeland, 17, said. “We had been progressing throughout the season to that point. It was very Columbus valley emotional. It would be great to do it again.” junior varsity and varsity golf teams. Although Copeland has That year his average scoring was been golfing since the 90. The next year Copeland whitage of 4, he didn’t get setled his average scoring to 81, and rious about golf as a comhe really began to invest the time petitive sport until about and attention needed to become a-year-and-a-half ago. Up a contender in the sport. A funny until then, he had been an thing happened in Copeland’s life avid golfer as a pastime that literally heightened his ability to due to the influences of compete. those close to him. “I grew,” Copeland said, laughing. “I was swinging a plastic Standing 5’2” as a sophomore, club early,” Copeland Copeland didn’t have the physical said. “It’s a family thing. stature to play the way others his My grandfather went to age played. He experienced a masGeorgia Tech playing golf. sive growth spurt, gaining close to My dad and others play 10 inches on his way to becoming a golf, so it was just kind of junior at Brookstone. Then, Copethe thing for me to do.” land saw his potential as a college He entered his first golf prospect grow too. tournament in the seventh Copeland’s junior year was really grade. As his golf game the breakout year for him. Although improved, Copeland the state tournament was the highplayed for Brookstone’s light, there were other memorable middle school team. His golf moments. freshman year he was a “Evans finished the season on a member of the Cougars
Copeland grew up playing golf with his family members. One of his favorite courses is in North Carolina near where his grandfather lives. Copeland spends a lot time in the summer playing golf with his grandfather there. He said he enjoys the time playing golf with his grandfather, which also has taught him that the sport is a lifelong activity he can play at any age.
very high note,” said Hunter Chapman, Brookstone varsity boys golf coach, about Copeland’s 2016 season. “Throughout the months of April and May, Evans’ tournament scoring average was 72.5 in eight rounds. In area and state, the tournaments that matter most, Evans shot 71 and 73, respectively. He was the low medalist at area and one of the lowest in the field at state. His best tournament of the season came at The Invite in Gainesville. There he went toe-to-toe with some of the best golfers in the state
Weightlifting shoes have a raised heel. This is a massive advantage, as it allows you to squat into a deeper position through increased ankle range of motion. This will help you to improve your overall position too, as you’ll find yourself sitting more upright. A more upright torso means more chance of keeping hold of that barbell and sending it in the right direction - up! This heel also allows you to activate far more of your musculature to send that bar upwards. Weightlifting shoes are also more stable than your typical barefoot or minimalist shoe, not just underfoot, but around your foot. Again this ensures you have a strong and consistent base to land on, push through, and push out into - important for performance and injury prevention in equal measure. And the less you get injured, the more you can train. The more you can train, the more you can increase how much you lift! Also check out Reebok’s CrossFit Lifter!
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In The Game | 51
One of the schools stood out early. After a visit to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, Copeland knew he found the right place. “When I stepped on the campus, I just knew,” Copeland said. “It felt like me. I loved everything about Washington and Lee. The buildings, the environment. It was such a good fit that I would be perfectly fine not playing golf.” In December he made the choice to attend Washington and Lee official. With that decision out of the way, Copeland said he felt free to focus on his senior golf season. The first golf tournaments have started and will culminate with Brookstone’s golf team hosting the A Private Boys and Girls State Tournaments at Green Island County Club in Columbus. The senior is looking forward to making another run at the state title. He will be joined on the Brookstone team by fellow seniors William Reave and Frank Waldrep. Copeland described Reave as a “consistent player” and Waldrep as “very athletic and aggressive.” Com-
“When I stepped on the campus, I just knew. It felt like me. I loved everything about Washington and Lee.The buildings, the environment. It was such a good fit that I would be perfectly fine not playing golf” and shot a 71 (-1) in the first round and a 67 (-5) in the second round for a two-day total of 138 (-6) and a fourth-place individual finish.” In addition, Chapman said that Copeland was the low medalist in the Brookstone Invitational with a score of 74 and that he tied sixth individually at the Hardaway Invitational with a two-day score of 147 (+3). Copeland worked hard, sometimes putting in 30 hours of golf practice or play a week. He attracted the attention of some colleges, so Copeland made a mental list of what he wanted at the next level. 52 | itgsportsnetwork.com
bined with Copeland’s self-described strengths in chipping and putting, the Cougars have a good shot at back-to-back state titles. “We are more mature this time,” Copeland said. “We’re a stronger and deeper team. We have seven solid players who could play well and get there again.” Hosting the state tournament and defending a championship title might be a little daunting to some athletes. Copeland doesn’t see it that way. “I think it will be fun more than anything,” he said. “We will have more people here than the other teams. Every member of our team is very familiar with playing this (Green Island) course.” And just in case the Cougars get to the state tournament and find it to be a greater talent field or more intense than anticipated, Copeland will be in his element. “I like the pressure, the adrenaline rush toward the end of the tournament,” Copeland said.
Academics, Athletics, and Attitude Irwin Junior Has All Around Perfect Record Written by: Sarah Turner Photography by: Emmanuel Magbanua
Scholar-Athlete presented by
Whether its weeks, months, or even entire seasons, a winning streak is always something to be excited about. For Hannah Clayton, junior at Irwin County High School, an “L” hasn’t found a spot on her record for nearly half a decade. Her last loss on the tennis court was during her sixth grade year. With such an incredible record, she has quite the assortment of achievements to show off, including two individual state titles as well as three with the team at ICHS. Her consistency of winning is backed by an equally consistent work ethic. “Tennis is one of those sports where you have to go out all the time, you have to be routine, and you have to be on a schedule,” Clayton said. “I know that if I don’t practice today, then I will suffer the consequences the next day, the next, and maybe even the next In The Game | 53
Adding to a long list of incredible achievements, tennis superstar Serena Williams now owns more victories in Grand Slam matches than anyone in tennis’ Open era with her 308th win at the U.S. Open on Sept. 5, 2016. She surpassed Roger Federer with her 308th win. Sports Illustrated (SI) named Williams 2015 Sportsperson of the Year, Dec. 14, 2015. Considered by many to be the best female tennis player of all time, she beat out stiff competition for the title including Team USA, who achieved the first U.S. hat trick in Women’s World Cup history, and the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, American Pharoah. Williams was honored in 2015 for holding the most major singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles of all active players. With a total of 21 Grand Slam titles, she ranked third on the alltime list behind Margaret Court (24) and Steffi Graff (22). SI honored her for achievements both on and off the court calling her a “difference-maker” when it came to issues such as race and body shaming, transcending sports to be a powerful symbol. Her attempt to achieve tennis history with a calendar Grand Slam -- which would have made her one of only six singles players in tennis history to do so -- captured the attention of the sports world in 2015. In 2016, she tied Steffi Graff for second place for most Grand Slam titles with 22.
because I would have gotten out of my rhythm. I believe one of the things that gets me out there is definitely due to the mechanical side of things.” Hannah played in 27 tournaments during 2016. Do the math, and that’s about one tournament every other week for an entire calendar year. Even with all the long hours of tennis practice and competition, Hannah still maintains high academic standards. She has a 4.0 GPA and is in the top five of her class. She is also a member of show choir, Beta Club, thespians, FFA, and FCA. Hannah has verbally committed to compete at the collegiate level in tennis at Erskine College in South Carolina. Knowing well that an athlete’s junior season is typically the time when recruitment happens, she began researching different programs during her sophomore year. After visiting several schools, Erskine’s campus, courses, and coaching staff all seemed to be exactly what she was looking for; however, she chose to not commit until she had met the team. So, she and her dad went on another visit that allowed her to meet the team and then watch them play in a tournament. “I was sitting there at the tournament, watching a doubles match, eating a Subway sandwich, and all of a sudden I just start bawling my eyes out!” Clayton said. “My dad looks at me and said, ‘What’s wrong?’ And I said, ‘Dad, I know!’ And he said, ‘Well, I guess you should tell the coach.’” She verbally committed in September of 2016. Many students will choose a college on a whim or without fully investigating every detail that will most assuredly affect them for four years of their lives, but Hannah seemed to understand the importance of it. She has a weight off her shoulders knowing she is going to the perfect college of her choice, and now she can focus on the rest of her high school play. Hannah is an outstanding student and
tennis player, and that’s partially thanks to her support system. Hannah said that she has never played a match without a family member there to cheer her on, and she knows how lucky she is for that. She also knows that she isn’t the only one working hard to gain achievement in tennis and academics for herself. “I’d like to give a shout out to my parents,” Clayton said. “I know the one thing probably harder than being
Grand slam prize money comparison in usd AUSTRALIAN TOTAL $37.3 million
This information is courtesy of http://www.cbsnews.com
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FRENCH
WIMBLEDON
US OPEN
$36 million
$41.05 million
$46.3 million
Singles Winners $2.76m
$2.39m
$2.90m
$3.5m
Runner ups $1.42m
$1.14m
$1.45m
$1.75m
Semi-finalist losers $670,000
$568,000
$725,750
$875,000
Quarter-finalists losers $335,000
$312,565
$362,875
$450,000
4th Round losers $165,000
$170,490
$191,598
$235,000
3rd Round losers $95,000
$113,660
$116,120
$140,000
2nd Round losers $60,000
$56,830
$72,575
$77,200
1st Round losers $30,000
$28,500
$42,545
$43,300
a fulltime, year-round athlete is raising one. Hannah’s dad played baseball in college, and while he certainly understood all that goes into being successful as an athlete, he didn’t know a ton about how to get better at tennis specifically. However, Hannah met her individual coach sort of by chance and fortunately, as professional individual tennis coaches aren’t exactly easy to come by in South Georgia. “The private coach I have now is actually from New Jersey,” Clayton said. “I ran into him on the tennis court when my dad and I were practicing; he gave me some pointers, and now I see him probably four days a week. I’ve been with him for the past four years.” With high school practice, private lessons, plenty of tournaments, and hard work in the classroom and other organizations, time for anything else isn’t always available, but Hannah finds that lack of freetime worth it in the end. “It is kind of hard because I haven’t been able to do as much with friends, but now knowing where I am, and having made a decision with a college in South Carolina, it’s totally worth it,” Clayton said.
When student-athletes are asked to choose a subject in school that they enjoy the most, a positive answer isn’t always the outcome. And there’s no fault there. Like many things in life, school is just something that has to be done, and it’s not necessarily imperative to find it fun as long as you make good grades. However, this wasn’t the case with Hannah. ITG: What’s your favorite subject in school? Hannah: That’s a tough one! ITG: How so? Hannah: There’s just not one specifically. I like them all!
At Erskine, however, Hannah might find herself attracted to the sciences above all else. She plans to major in biology, get on a pre-med track, and then specialize in anesthesiology. In The Game | 55
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Columbus Valley
T
Seniors Looking For First State Championship Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie
They can hardly remember a time when they didn’t know each other. Cody Russell and Jon Jon Brown have been playing baseball since about the age of 3. All through tee-ball, youth leagues, and travel ball, the two either played on the same teams or at the same ballparks. Now, Russell and Brown are both 18-year-old seniors at Calvary Christian School and members of the Knights baseball team. “We played together on some teams, and on C league and even A league we were not on the same team, but for All-Stars we would be on the same team again,” Brown said. “We even played on the same travel ball team.” Because the two athletes have been playing baseball for so long either together or alongside each other, they have a close relationship. Russell has attended Calvary since elementary school, while Brown arrived for his last two years of middle school. With their history, the opportunity to play together for the Knights for all four years of high school has been a unique experience. “It’s been pretty cool to come through high school playing together,” Russell said. Sharing experiences on the baseball field has been a big part of the young athletes’ lives. They have also shared In The Game | 57
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“Oh, we’re best friends. We do everything together. That may change some, but it’s who we are and have been for a long time.” - Russell the same positions on the field. Both Russell and Brown have seen a lot of time playing middle infield positions. Each has the skills to play shortstop, and both are familiar with the view from the pitcher’s mound. The Knights are returning four seniors who are part of the pitching rotation. Russell and Brown are among the starters, which also includes Nick Baker and Chris Wright. Russell, 5’9’” and a right-handed pitcher, claims his favorite pitch in his skillset is a slider. Brown, 5’11” and also right-handed, is partial to his curveball. For the 2017 baseball season, Russell is playing centerfield, and Brown, who had been the starting second baseman since his freshman year, is anchoring the shortstop position. The new centerfielder admitted his favorite position to play is shortstop, but the team make-up changed from last season, allowing for an opening at centerfield. Russell agreed to the change not just to be a team player but also because he is looking beyond his senior year. “I actually played centerfield when I was younger, and that’s what I am trying to play in college,” he said. Calvary baseball coach Steve Smith sees the move to centerfield as a tactical decision that improves team performance while also showcasing Russell’s abilities. “He gets great reads off of the bat and is able to cover both gaps extremely well,” Smith said. “He is just a really good athlete, has great speed and a strong arm, having hit 91 mph multiple times this offseason on run and gun throws. From a run prevention standpoint, with him in center it allows us to form a defense that is best suited for the type of pitching we have. We have a lot of pitchers that pitch to contact and rely on weak fly balls off of their off-speed pitches.” For his part, Brown is good with moving over to become the primary shortstop for the Knights. This season he is also looking forward to pitching. That wasn’t always the case. “I’ve been hesitant when he’s called me ‘cause I thought, ‘I’m not a pitcher,’ but we’ve started a Driveline program which has got my arm a lot stronger, more conditioned,” Brown said. “I’ve started liking pitching a lot more.” Smith said Brown’s improvement came about as the baseball athlete took the coaching staff’s directions for offseason training seriously. “With Jon Jon, two years ago it was to improve his arm strength as a middle infielder,” Smith said. “He really took it to heart and continued to long toss and lift weights through the summer. This season he was part of a group that went through our velocity program following the Driveline protocols with weighted balls and plyo work. His arm strength is now one of his strengths. He has gone from being a low 70s max velo guy in his sophomore year to touching 88 mph multiple times this summer. As a pitcher, Jon has always had a good feel for his offspeed pitches. This year we look for him to build off of his season last year as a pitcher when he was 4-1 with an ERA of 2.19 in 28 innings.” So when you tally up the scores on their lives, the two seniors
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2016 Stats Brown .395 AGV/.461 OBP 12 doubles 31 runs 21 RBI 26 SB Russell .452 AGV/.484 OPB 21 extra base hits 37 runs 25 RBI 18 SB Cody Russell comes into the 2017 season as the all-time Calvary baseball career leader in AVG, hits, runs, RBIs and stolen bases.
have many shared interests and experiences. They have known each other and played sports together for over a decade, attend the same school, and play the same positions. Russell and Brown are also the only two players on the team who have been with the Calvary baseball coach since Smith took over the program four years ago. The Knights have been region champs the past three years. In 2015, the team set a school record for wins (24-7) and was the state runner up. Last season Calvary set another school record in wins (25-8) and made it to the state Final Four. It’s been an impressive run, and it’s not over yet. Still, the significance of the situation is not lost on the Knights coach. “This is a special senior class,” Smith said. “We have four returning seniors; all four are captains this year and are important contributors offensively, defensively, and on the mound. With Jon and Cody, they are the first two players to play for me from their freshman year through their senior season. There has been a personal bond with them, having spent so much time with them the last four years through the seasons and with
what we do in the offseason. It has been a fun ride with them, and I have not given it much thought yet as to what it will be like not having them around every day, but we have unfinished business this year before I need to think about that. You won’t find too many guys that push each other as hard as they do. Watching them both grow as baseball players and young men has been a pleasure to play a small part in.” When baseball season comes to an end and graduation takes place, there may still be another opportunity for the lives of Russell and Brown to coincide. They are hoping to attend college together with the possibility of joining forces again on a baseball field. “There are some schools that are interested,” Brown said. “We would love to go somewhere and play together. Some are taking a look at us together.” Even if things don’t turn out quite like they plan, it would take more than logistics to separate them. “Oh, we’re best friends,” Russel said. “We do everything together. That may change some, but it’s who we are and have been for a long time.” In The Game | 59
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“The feeling you get when you hit a good shot far outweighs the feeling of a bad one. It becomes like an addiction, and you just want to hit another good one.”
Golfer Tees Off In Hopes of Another State Championship
Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie
Nolan Miller hesitated, trying to find the right words to describe his experience last year as part of Columbus High School’s championship golf team. “It was awesome, something I won’t ever forget,” Miller, 17, said. The Columbus High senior went on to explain why the state title meant so much. “You know, we had some ups and downs during the regular season,” he said. “Coach just talked to us right before that tournament and told us to play within ourselves, not to worry about what others did, and we would come out on top. And that is exactly what we did.” The CHS boys golf team won the 2016 5A
Georgia High School State Golf Championship Tournament played at the Bartram Trail Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia. Miller was a junior on the team and the low medalist. His score of 66 was a personal best for the golfer, whose average score for the regular season was 72. “I don’t know why, but everything just clicked,” Miller said with a smile about his golf game that day. His modesty about his abilities is refreshing, but Miller didn’t just happen to show up at the right time with the right tools. The six-foot, right-handed golfer has a lot of natural talent. He also has a lot of experience for someone so young.
“I started swinging a golf club when I was 18 months old,” Miller said, laughing. “It was the little plastic club, and I would hit walnuts with them. I hit so much I put holes in the clubs, and my dad bought me a set of real clubs that were too big for me, and I had to grow into them.” Miller won his first golf tournament at age 8. He played the sport in middle school, during which he realized he had the skills to play competitively at the high school level. He centered his focus on getting into Columbus High School’s magnet program so he could play for the Blue Devils varsity golf team. Once he achieved that goal, Miller set about becoming the best freshman player possible. His
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WORLD GOLF RANKING TOP TEN Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Player name Jason Day Rory Mcllroy Dustin Johnson Henrik Stenson Hideki Matsuyama Jordan Spieth Adam Scott Justin Thomas Patrick Reed Alexander Noren
Events 40 42 50 46 52 52 44 52 52 40
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AVG Points 10.16 9.45 9.01 8.48 7.82 7.82 6.08 5.67 5.31 5.27
Total Points 406.29 396.85 450.62 390.16 406.51 406.40 267.38 294.81 276.31 210.76
purpose was to contribute to his team and participate in a well-respected, established golf program. The result was an average score of 76 for his ninth-grade season, which earned him honors such as being named to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer’s All Bi-City Team as well as the All-State team. Improving his game has always been at the forefront of Miller’s mind. As a sophomore his average scoring was 73. According to his coach, Chris Parker, Miller was the region medalist that year shooting 67 at Maple Ridge Golf Course in Columbus. Other accomplishments include being named to the all-tournament teams at Joe King, MCI, PGA High School Invitational, and The Invite, all of which led to Miller being named the Ledger-Enquirer’s All Bi-City Player of the Year. His junior year was so impressive that Miller was once again named the L-E Player of the Year. The honor was based on Miller’s performance in securing spots on the all-tournament teams at Georgia-South Carolina Challenge, MCI, PGA High School Invitational, Hardaway Invitation, and The Invite. He gained the attention of several colleges and eventually chose Mercer University prior to the beginning of his senior season. “It was a relief,” Miller said. “I’m glad not to have all that pressure. Now I can just enjoy playing and helping my team. I really liked Mercer for a long time, but once I visited it, it just felt right for me.” It’s pretty obvious to anyone who spends three minutes talking golf with Miller that the sport is not just a game to him. His dad started him out early, and a passion for golf grew. Now Miller can be found playing golf somewhere almost every day of the week. It is an extension of who he is at this point in his life. He takes a wedge to the beach on family vacations and hits golf balls in the sand. And, there have been trips just to play golf. Miller also wants others to know the pleasure of playing golf. He works with youngsters at the Godwin Creek Golf Course who are just starting out or have a serious desire to develop their talents further. The talented golfer’s competitive spirit and drive to be successful is balanced by his easy-going and laid-back personality. He admitted Points Lost -36.04 -31.76 -31.44 -25.96 -16.98 -39.39 -17.94 -12.00 -21.09 -9.82
Points Gained 5.75 15.60 34.00 7.50 34.35 35.67 3.77 100.00 13.33 6.48
Country AUS NIR USA SWE JPN USA AUS USA USA SWE
This information is courtesy of http://www.pgatour.com
to some bad days on the course, but he tries to use those experiences for potential growth. “There are always frustrating days when you play golf,” Miller said. “There are bad swings in practically every game you ever play. Golf’s best feature is patience. My best day is when I can limit my mistakes as much as possible.” Maybe Miller talks about his golf game with humility, but his Blue Devils coach knows the senior has abilities that distinguish him on the field of play. “His biggest strengths are his course management and his short game,” Parker said. “Due to his great course management, Nolan rarely ever shoots a bad score. His decision making level is very mature for a player his age. If he gets hot with the putter is when he has the really low 5-, 6-, or 7-under par rounds.” Now that his decision for next year has been made, Miller looks forward to his senior season and another possible state title. The Blue Devils are returning three seniors and have some underclassmen who exhibited great talent last year. To add a little more spice to the mix, Columbus High School will be the host school for the 4A State Championship Tournament in May. The event will be held at the Country Club of Columbus, and Miller feels his team can successfully defend their 2016 title. “We hosted it a few years ago, and I think we kind of expected to win, but we didn’t,” He said. “This time, I think we have the golfers, the experience, and the teamwork to bring home a second state title. We are just going to have to play good golf because any of those teams out there can beat us.” In the end, Miller said he not only wants to play his best for his team but to enjoy golfing as much as he can before he moves to the collegiate level. “I always remember an Arnold Palmer quote,” Miller said. “He said ‘Golf is satisfyingly simple but endlessly complicated.’ So you can make it as simple or as complicated as you can. You can never go out and do the same thing twice in a row. I think that is what is so fun about it. You don’t know what to expect when you go out there.”
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