Otmj Thursday, August 27, 2015
social
over the mountain journal ❖ otmj.com
sports
Still Super Sullivan Treasures Relationships the Most
By Lee Davis
‘There’s that special bond among my teammates and coaches that’s most important, and it lasts even today. That feeling extends to the guys we played against too. The friendships stay with you forever.’
Pat Sullivan earned a lot of hardware in
Photos courtesy Auburn Universtiy and Samford University
his days as a star Auburn University quarterback and later as a coach. Sullivan won the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s outstanding college football player in 1971. In the 1980s, he directed the Tigers’ offense as Auburn won three consecutive Southeastern Conference championships. But his most prized awards from athletics can’t be put on a mantle or in a glass case. “The best memories aren’t specific games or victories,” Sullivan said. “What I treasure the most are the relationships. There’s that special bond among my teammates and coaches that’s most important, and it lasts even today. That feeling extends to the guys we played against, too. The friendships stay with you forever.” An outstanding athlete from the time of his childhood in the late 1950s, Sullivan first gathered public attention as a brilliant quarterback at John Carroll. By the time of his senior season in 1967, he was being heavily recruited by major colleges across the county. Sullivan said the recruiting process – and the hype around it – was very different in the 1960s than it is today. “Recruiting of course was very important but it had a much lower profile back then,” Sullivan recalled. “At the time, I had a standing time to meet with the Auburn and Alabama coaches who were recruiting and then with the coaches from the other schools that were recruiting me. There wasn’t all the rating services and internet stuff that goes with it today.” Alabama and Notre Dame recruited Sullivan dili-
Pat Sullivan won the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s outstanding college football player in 1971. He piloted Samford University to the Southern Conference title in 2013.
See sullivan, page 25
inside over the mountain journal h thursday, august 27, 2015
team profiles key players schedules rosters
touchdown fashion! Show support for your favorite team and dress like a winner every game. Fall fashion Page 17
2015 otm high school
football preview
carson Journal file photo by Bryan Bunch
Late-nights
Homewood QB Has High Expectations for 2015 Season See Story Page 4
Briarwood Page 6
Fighting Childhood Cancer Advocates give families tools to take on disease. life page 10
homewood Page 8
hoover Page 10
john carroll Page 12
mountain Brook Page 14
oak mountain
40th anniversary
Green and Golden Spartans Climb to Top in 1975 See Story Page 2
Page 16
spain park Page 18
vestavia hills Page 20
otm high school football preview Team profiles, schedules, rosters, key players to watch and more. Plus, a look back at Mountain Brook High schools1975 state championhip season. 24-page pullout
2 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
Opinion/Contents
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
murphy’s law Journal file photo by Lee Walls Jr.
High Finance Football
A Day of Remembrance
Homewood will host the annual Over the Mountain 9/11 Remembrance Day and Patriot Day ceremony this year in SoHo Square. This annual event is a joint effort between Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to honor first responders and those who are serving or have served in the U.S. military. This year, Captain Christopher H. Tanner, U.S. Army Infantry and Mountain Brook resident will speak at 9 a.m. Captain Tanner has been recognized for leading one of the most successful tactical campaigns to destroy and shut down large information movements of enemy fighters during the bloodiest time period of Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition, the Homewood High School Show Choir will perform along with fifth grade students from all three of Homewood’s elementary schools. Hoover will host its own ceremony at Fire Station 2 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Former representative Spencer Bachus will speak and a reception will follow.
in this issue About Town 4 people 6 news 8 social 10
fashion 17 business 20 schools 22 28 sports
On otmj.com
There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.
Farmer’s Market Finds
The fruits and veggies at farmers markets look so appealing that it seems positively churlish not to go home loaded down with bags of fresh stuff. But what to do with all the goodies after you plop them down on your kitchen counter? Vestavia Hills native Ashley Tarver wields a deft spatula when it comes to recipes using seasonal produce. Check out “Farmers Market Finds,” her new column, on our website, www.otmj.com.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
JOU RNAL
over the Mountain Views
What’s the best way to keep cool during the Dog Days of summer?
August 27, 2015
Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Features Writer & Copy Editor Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Kaitlin Candelaria, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch, Liz Ellaby Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Tyler Waldrep Vol. 25, No. 16
Speaking of moves, no footI was musing the other day (I do ball would mean no dance team, that), and a terrible thought came to me: no majorettes, no flag squad, NO With budget cuts running rampant, what CHEERLEADERS. (Hundreds of if someone decided to get rid of high moms just went into a dead faint.) school football? But enough about the emotional Now, I haven’t been to a high school fallout, let’s talk dollars. All of those football game in years. But back when football pads and helmets? Somebody my daughters were teenagers, Friday makes those for a living, you know. The night football kicked off every fall Friday night lightbulbs, the line chalk, weekend. My daughters were in the the whistles for the referees? Cancel band and, despite the fact that there those orders. And if no-football ever were only enough musicians to form becomes a reality, I’d sell my Gatorade one big letter, watching those brave stock quickly. few march around at halftime made this There would be no need for a mom extra proud. concession stand. Imagine the dip in Football programs can be a drain Sue Murphy wholesale popcorn sales. No Raisinets, on a school’s resources, what with all no Milk Duds. And who’s going to of those helmets and shoulder pads make up for all that lost nacho cheese and properly inflated balls to be purrevenue? See, the repercussions go a chased. I get that. Watching football lot further than you think. isn’t cheap, either. There are tickets to Just for the sake of Plume-hatted uniforms? buy and seat cushions and ads in the argument, however, I Instrument rental? Tiny little pieces program. Football is a major financial wonder if anyone has of sheet music? Don’t need them. outlay on both sides of the ball. Just for the sake of argument, crunched the numbers Flags for the flag squad? Sparkly outfor the dance team? Spanx? All however, I wonder if anyone has on what it would cost fits gone. There would be no bus rental, crunched the numbers on what it to not play football. no car washes, no chocolate bar sales, would cost to not play football. My because there’d be no competition guess (to borrow a line from Chico trips to Disneyworld. Would you do Marx) is, “You couldn’t afford it.” that to Mickey? Let’s say the proverbial “they” No football would mean no Homecoming, meaning made the dreaded announcement: Sorry, folks, no more no photographers, no DJ’s, no floats, which is practicalhigh school football. (I suspect the announcement would ly the only reason crepe paper streamers are produced. be made at a safe distance from an undisclosed location.) The local restaurants would lose a zillion dollars in After the wailing and gnashing of teeth subsided, parent-credit card revenue. The losses at the florists and the fallout would be tremendous. First, there would be a fancy dress stores would trickle down to greenhouse string of coaches forced to seek jobs in Florida, and no keepers and garment workers. Tack on a couple points one wants that. The assistants would follow, along with to the national unemployment rate, why don’t you? the trainers and the announcers and the guy who paints Face it. Cancelling high school football would be the stripes on the field, the whole lot of them headed fiscally irresponsible, but I don’t think we have to down I-75 looking for a place to settle in. worry about that ever really happening. I mean, what The marching band would never get a chance to do would be next, getting rid of college football? Wait a the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade because the scouts minute… ❖ wouldn’t have a chance to check out their moves.
Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2015 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.
“I like to lay on the AC vents...do you have central air conditioning at your house?” Majestic
“Playing with the hose always does it for me. You’ve got to bite at the water to show it who’s boss.” Pablo
“I love to take a car ride with the windows down and feel the wind on my face. Very cool!”
“I like to go for a swim. If you don’t have a pool, a water bowl will work just fine!”
Sylvie
Wishbone
These dogs are four of many at Liberty Animal Hospital who are looking for forever homes.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Opinion
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 3
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4 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Backing the Maestro’s Ball
By Donna Cornelius C.T. and Kelley Fitzpatrick have been supporters of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra since 2008. This year, the Mountain Brook couple is taking that support to a new level by serving as hosts of the ASO’s Maestro’s Ball. The ball is the organization’s largest fundraising event. It raises money for the ASO’s artistic, educational and outreach programs. This year’s event will be Sept. 11 at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. It begins at 6 p.m. with a champagne reception in the lobby followed by a 7 p.m. concert in the Jemison Concert Hall. Carlos Izcaray, leading his inaugural concert as ASO music director, will conduct the ball. The new maestro has chosen a program of passionate music with a sultry Latin dance theme. Music will include Aaron Copland’s “Three Latin American Sketches,” Astor Piazzolla’s “Tangazo” and Paul Desenne’s “Palenkumbe,” an overture by the ASO’s 2015-16 sound investment composer. After the concert, dinner at 8 p.m. on the Stephens Center grounds will be catered by Idie and Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club with decorations by Sybil Sylvester of Wildflower Designs. For information about attending the Maestro’s Ball, call Ashley Blomeyer at 314-6917.
Get your game day on!
Ponchos available in red, black, orange and blue!
2406 Canterbury road Mtn. brook Village 879.2730
About the Hosts
C.T. Fitzpatrick is the founder and chief executive officer of Vulcan Value Partners, a Birmingham company with clients and investments all over the world. With more than $12 billion under management, VVP is in the top 1 percent of its peers in every strategy it manages and is closed to new investors, he said. The Montgomery native has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and earned an MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management. He is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club and Society of International Business Fellows. He serves on the board of directors of The Bell Center and the Greater Alabama Council of Boy Scouts. Fitzpatrick is the founder and a board member of Bridge Builders of Central Alabama and the founder and chairman of Explorefaith.org. He also serves on the University of Alabama’s President’s Cabinet and on the Culverhouse College of Commerce board of visitors Kelley Manderson Fitzpatrick, a Tuscaloosa native, majored in economics/business management at Sweet Briar College and is a former Wall Street Trader. She has worked in social services benefiting the elderly and volunteered with the Junior League of Memphis. She has served on several nonprofit boards, including two terms each with the ASO and the YWCA of Central Alabama. She led a successful grassroots campaign to stop the operation of a nuclear waste incinerator in her community. She is the president of her family foundation, which makes grants to education, environmental issues and the promotion of mental and spiritual well-being. Through the foundation, she and her husband recently endowed the Value Investing Program, research library and trading room at the University of Alabama. The Manderson family endowed the graduate business school at the University of Alabama. The couple has two sons, college students Tranum and Lewis. The family attends St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook. How did you first become involved with the ASO?
C.T.: We went to one of the first, if not the first, Maestro’s Balls in 2007. We were blown away by the performance and the event. Charlie Perry invited us to that event, and we became involved shortly thereafter because we thought it was a world-class symphony and was worthy of our support. Kelley: I was asked to join the board in 2008. I have served two terms on the ASO board. Do you come from homes where music was appreciated?
C.T.: Yes! My parents listened to classical music, outlaw country (Johnny Cash) and some rock ‘n’ roll. Our immediate family is very musically
appreciative. Our oldest son, Tranum, is a talented guitar player. Kelley and I just returned from hearing the Los Angeles Philharmonic play “2001: A Space Odyssey” at the Hollywood Bowl. Kelley: My parents were very hip; my mother played The Beatles on piano, and I learned growing up all the words to all Johnny Cash’s songs. Today our family travels together to music festivals such as Outside Lands in San Francisco, and we are regulars at our great Birmingham venues like WorkPlay, Iron City and the Alabama Theatre. We mourn the closing of Bottletree and look forward to the opening of the renovated Lyric Theatre, which will be a fantastic music intimate venue.
Why is it important for a city like Birmingham to have a vital symphony?
C.T.: Birmingham is an amazing city. It has so many things going for it. I think we are in a place in our development as a community that we can attract more businesses with higher skill levels and higher-paying jobs. We have beautiful surroundings; great people; recreation; great restaurants; a vibrant, supportive business community; many topnotch schools; sports; and a great museum. Having a world-class symphony is a key asset for us to retain the talent we have and to attract new talent to our community. The ASO is an important recruiting tool for our company, Vulcan Value Partners. Also, I really enjoy the music. Kelley: Richard Florida has written a lot about what he calls the “creative class” and the importance of a vibrant art scene. For a city to really thrive, it needs to attract creative, educated people who contribute to the innovation and health of a city. To attract and retain them, we must have the arts. And music transcends society’s barriers; it is something everyone can relate to, and it elevates us as a society.
Other than attending concerts, what are some ways that the average person can support the ASO?
C.T.: I would love to see the ASO get younger people involved in something like Art on The Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of Art. I would like to see the ASO create an opportunity for younger folks to form an organization that revolves around introducing other folks to the ASO. Kelley: Attend a youth orchestra concert. Use social media to spread the word about our fabulous new maestro, Carlos Izcaray. What are your responsibilities as Maestro’s Ball hosts?
C.T.: The most important thing we did was getting Jesse Vogtle to chair the table committee. Thanks to his leadership and the committee that we put together, the ASO has broken all fundraising records for this event. We also have worked closely with Chris Hastings and Ashley Blomeyer at the ASO to build on lessons learned from
Photo special to the Journal
Symphony Support Strikes a Chord with Kelley and C.T. Fitzpatrick
C.T. and Kelley Fitzpatrick will be serving as hosts of the ASO’s Maestro’s Ball Sept. 11 at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center.
past events to ensure that this year’s is the best ever. Lines will be shorter, there will be more servers, and we are having an “after party” for younger attendees who are not yet active in the ASO for the first time ever. We hope that the evening will be so fantastic that everyone attending will want to get more involved with the ASO. Kelley: C.T. says it all: Jesse Vogtle, Chris and Idie Hastings at Hot and Hot Fish Club, Sybil Sylvester at Wildflower Designs, Ashley Blomeyer at the ASO and Angela Darden at Vulcan Value Partners did all the work. It is a well-oiled machine! What have been some of your favorite ASO concerts or other events over the past few years?
C.T.: We love the Classical Edge program. I have also enjoyed learning about the not as obvious composers such as Grieg and Nilsson. I loved “Carmina Burana” by Orff performed by the ASO with a full choir. In terms of the more obvious composers, we have enjoyed Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Bach. Kelley: My favorite is the Classical Edge program. Did you know that the ASO has won national awards for inventive and new programming? I always like the new, innovative, edgy programming. What do you see in the future for the ASO?
C.T.: I see an organization attracting younger listeners by providing a better experience for everyone. I see the ASO learning from other successful organizations here in Birmingham like the Birmingham Museum of Art and from around the world. They really do things right in London. They create an overall experience that attracts a wide audience and results in greater attendance. They make it easy to get a cocktail at intermission by allowing patrons to reserve refreshments in advance, and this increases revenue. It is a more relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. When we start doing the same things, it will increase attendance by multiples. Kelley: I see growth in the Youth Orchestra and bringing in younger audi-
ences. Our new maestro, Carlos Izcaray, is young and energetic with great ideas, and I think he will attract a younger audience who will support the ASO in the future.
What should those who are attending the Maestro’s Ball for the first time -- or who may want to consider going this year -- expect from the evening?
C.T.: Great music, champagne, great food, great drinks, short lines and great service. Thank you to Susan and Tom Curtin of DuMOL Winery, longtime ASO supporters who generously donate exceptionally good wine to the ball. Expect a huge celebration of Carlos, our new maestro, and of Birmingham. Kelley: You will enjoy an hour of beautiful music and then a beautiful meal by the amazing Chris and Idie Hastings. Sybil Sylvester’s flowers are always thrilling. Can’t get any better! Both of you seem to be extremely civic-minded. Why is it important to you to donate your time to the ASO and other causes?
C.T.: Birmingham has been very good to us and our family. Our wonderful community did not become this way by accident. We are in awe of the leadership that has turned Birmingham into a world-class city. We hope to build upon our collective successes and make Birmingham an even better place for future generations. Kelley: You have to help create the community you want to live in. And in Birmingham, we stand on the shoulders of giants who came before us, and we must do our part to continue that vision. You’re extremely busy people. When you do have down time, how do you most like to spend it?
C.T.: We try to follow the ancient tradition of keeping the Sabbath. That means that we really try to take one day and be total introverts. We do not want to go anywhere or see anybody for one day a week. We just want to recharge. It seems to work for us. Kelley: I am actually quite introverted, so I need “alone time” to recharge, and I find walking and working in my art studio to be indispensable. ❖
Aug. 28 - Sept. 10 Fri., Aug. 28 BIRMINGHAM
Chirps and Chips Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Alabama Wildlife Center junior board hosts a casino-themed fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. The event features music, a silent auction and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, visit www.awrc.org or call 663-7930.
Sat., Aug. 29
HOMEWOOD
Tailgate Challenge 29th Court South in Homewood The Bell Center will hold its annual tailgate fundraiser from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Each team tent will provide a taste of tailgating food. Celebrity judges will rank each team based on food, team spirit and best all around. To reserve a spot, contact Kelly Peoples at 879-3417 or email kpeoples@thebellcenter.org.
Aug. 28-30
BIRMINGHAM
Sidewalk Film Festival Downtown Birmingham The 17th annual festival will include screenings of over 200 movies, parties, discussion panels, workshops, music and food. Tickets range from $15 to $200 depending on ticketing or pass options. For more information and a full schedule, visit www.sidewalkfest.com or
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 5
About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
call 324-0888.
org or call 919-3821.
HOOVER
BIRMINGHAM
Tues., Sept. 1
Pledge Luncheon Danberry at Inverness Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama will host a pledge luncheon at 11:30 a.m. to raise funds for the Nov. 7 “Walk to Remember.” Each family or organization who makes a pledge will receive a team leader t-shirt. To RSVP for this event, contact vholder@alzca.org or call 8717970.
Thurs., Sept. 3
VESTAVIA HILLS
The Amazing Amazon Library in the Forest Dr. Richard Ryel will present a Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Bonus Program about the Amazon from 1:303 p.m. This event is free and will be held in the community room. For more information, visit www.vestavialibrary.org or call 978-0155.
Sat., Sept. 5
BIRMINGHAM
Kick-Off Party Todd English P.U.B. The Greater Birmingham LSU Alumni Association will host their annual football viewing party at 6 p.m. Free appetizers will be offered for the first hour while guests watch the LSU Tigers play against McNeese State. This event is free. Parking is free with a validated ticket from the restaurant. For more information, visit www.lsubirmingham.
Das Haus Facebook page, visit www. dashausbham.com or call 907-9499.
Thurs., Sept. 10
Fri., Sept. 11
Glow for a Cure Highland Park Golf Course Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama hosts their fourth annual night golf tournament from 4:30-10 p.m. benefiting ACA’s research program. The evening includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, dinner and awards. Registration is $800 per foursome, $200 for single players and $25 for spectators. To register, call Vance Holder at 871-7970 or visit www. alzca.org.
BIRMINGHAM
Music Under the Stars St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
At 6 p.m., St. Mark’s will host an outdoor jazz concert featuring Shaun Pezant, Gary Wheat, Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All-Stars Band. Tickets are $28 in advance or $32 at the door. For more information, visit www.stmarks. dioala.org or call 322-8449.
HOMEWOOD
Hellenic Heartbeat in the Deep South Homewood Library Niki Sepsas will present his book on the history of the Greek community in Birmingham from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This event is free. For more information, visit www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call Leslie West at 332-6620.
Save The date Sept. 10-12 BIRMINGHAM
Date:
Heart of Bluff Park! One Level Home - Priced to Sell $189,900 For more information go to JamesHarwell.com
Oktoberfest 2015 Das Haus FDSK German Culture Club will present the 39th annual event celebrating authentic German cuisine, beer tastings, a dachshund parade and more. Admission is $10 for the live music events on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. For more information, visit the
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6 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
about town/People
Photo special to the Journal
From left: Iberia Bank representative Greg King, gala co-chair Lynn Cassady, honorary chairmen Emily and Bill Bowron, gala co-chair Kathryn Eckert and gala co-chair Lucy Daniel.
Birmingham
ZooGala 2015 Sept. 18, 8.pm. Birmingham Zoo The Zoo will host its largest annual fundraiser, ZooGala, sponsored by Iberia Bank, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. The event will include a dinner with dessert by Kathy G. and
Company and music by Compozitionz. Tickets begin at $250 per couple. Patron tickets can be purchased for an additional cost and include a VIP party beginning at 6 p.m. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Tickets may be purchased at www.birminghamzoo.com. For more information, contact Casey Blighton at cblighton@ birminghamzoo.com or call 397-3861.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
A Giving Life
Goedecke to Chair UWCA Campaign By Kaitlin Candelaria
footsteps. “It’s just always been a part of my life,” she said. “I’ve really never not Most people’s hobbies are things been involved.” like enjoying a good book or cooking Goedecke has been involved with a great meal. But Nancy Goedecke the United Way of Central Alabama isn’t most people. for many years – as were her parGoedecke, a locally renowned ents – but she said it wasn’t until she business woman and philanthropist, accepted the position as the campaign has made a hobby out of helping othchairwoman that she realized the full ers. Like anyone, the Mayer Electric extent that the organization is able to CEO loves spending time with her help the community. family as well as traveling, but within The agency serves more than minutes of meeting her, it’s easy to 800,000 people in five counties and see that her true passion is helping provides funding for more than 80 others. agencies in the area. These agencies “I love people,” Goedecke said. “I address a wide variety of needs in the love feeling like I’m making a differcommunity, covering everything from ence in people’s lives.” special needs to financial The list of nonprofits literacy. Goedecke has worked with “I knew the direct serover the years is exhausvices were important, but tive, and now she may have now I see the impact,” she embraced her biggest chalsaid. “One program that’s lenge yet. really stuck with me is In January, The United the tax prep services The Way of Central Alabama United Way offers. Last announced Goedecke as the year, they offered free tax chairwoman for the organiprep for individuals makzation’s annual fundraising ing under $53,000 and campaign. Nancy Goedecke were able to help 3,400 Goedecke will be the individuals in the area and first female chair in the hisin turn, brought $2.5 million back tory of the 93-year campaign. into the local economy. These people “I’m honored and humbled,” aren’t using their returns to visit the she said. “On one hand, I don’t like Bahamas – they’re buying groceries being singled out for being a woman and paying bills. This upcoming year, because I want people to respect the I’d love to see us help 10,000.” job I do regardless of being a female Goedecke points out that another or not. I hope I have a reputation for working hard and smart and surround- unique feature of United Way is its allocation teams. Consisting of more ing myself with good people and than 600 volunteers, these teams go that’s helped with my success. But I out in groups of 25 to 30 people and think we do hear about the glass ceilevaluate agencies receiving money ing and I do want to help break that. from The United Way. “Not only do I want to do well, I Goedecke herself has participated want to do exceptionally well because in these teams and says it makes a big I think there’s absolutely no reason a difference when it comes to asking for female, CEO or not, couldn’t do what money because she knows the money I’m doing.” is being used correctly. Female or not, Goedecke has her “I want to reach companies and work cut out for her. The campaign, individuals who haven’t necessarily which raised more than $38 million given before and I want to take away dollars last year, is a massive underthe excuse that they’ve never been taking. asked,” she said. “I’m asking now. If “I’m standing on the shoulders of so many giants,” she said. “When you everyone just gave $50 – which is a lot of money for a lot of people – we look at past chairs of the campaign, could make a huge difference. And for they’re really the movers and shakers some people that’s all they can give, of Birmingham and they’ve built an incredible base. I have every intention but for others, I need them to step up of continuing what they’ve done to be to the plate.” This year’s campaign theme is successful.” “Why I Give” and Goedecke’s answer “My MO is that I try to give is that she’s seen the direct difference everything I commit to over 100 perUWCA makes in people’s lives. cent. I give it my all. If I’m going to “Every agency has a story and I put my name on something, I can’t can’t imagine hearing the difference sleep at night without knowing that that the agencies make and not givI’m doing everything I can do to take ing something,” she said. “When you it to the next level.” hear someone say things like, ‘I have Goedecke’s civil servant attitude means and I’d never thought I’d need was ingrained early on. Her parents, The United Way, but thank goodCharles and Patsy Collat, always ness it was there,’ you realize how emphasized the importance of giving important it is. The only way we’re back to the community. going to be able to continue the work “I watched them at first give time that they’re doing is by continuing to and then as they got older, they gave both time and money,” Goedecke said. give.” For more information on this Her mother passed away in January, but she said her father is still tirelessly year’s United Way fundraising campaign, which begins Sept. 10, visit contributing to the community, and she hopes to continue to follow in his www.uwca.org. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
A Courageous Mind
Hodges Publishes His Father’s War Story By Emily Williams When Dr. Andrew G. Hodges Jr. of Mountain Brook isn’t managing his private psychiatric practice or forensic profiling, he is writing. His most recent book, “Behind Nazi Lines: My Father’s Heroic Quest to Save 149 World War II POWs,” Andrew G. was released Hodges Jr. Aug. 4. The non-fiction narrative chronicles the heroic acts of Hodges’ father, Andrew G. Hodges Sr., during his service with the American Red Cross in WWII. After suffering from the prolonged effects of a football injury, Andrew was unable to join the army. Through the Red Cross, he gained the rank of captain for the 94th Infantry Division and field director of the Red Cross’ European Theater of Operations. Through these positions, Andrew was
given the mission of rescuing 149 POWs from a Nazi-occupied camp. Though the book tackles a subject unrelated to his previous seven books, Hodges said it incorporates his continued studies of the unconscious mind. His previous books include political, religious and forensic works that tackle the subject of “deeper intelligence.” “The whole of my work is around what we would call natural law or doing the right thing,” Hodges said. His work on the unconscious mind has led him to the discovery that in all of us there is a built-in moral compass that can be communicated through the stories we tell. Hodges believes that same moral compass can be found in his father’s war stories. “This book is about somebody doing the courageous, right thing at the right time and operating with a definitive, strong moral compass,” Hodges said. “My father could have at many points turned away from his mission.” Growing up, Hodges said he was very familiar with his father’s WWII stories of negotiation, risk and trauma. Through those stories and his father’s letters, he was able to add an aspect of
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 7
people drama and create a narrative. After a documentary was released regarding the POW exchange, three people approached Hodges to publish a book. Hodges chose to write his father’s story with the help of fellow author Denise George, who teaches bookwriting boot camps through Samford’s Beeson Divinity School. “It took a good year and a half and then we had three or four months of editing back and forth,” Hodges said. “Overall about two years.”
Hodges said that the subconscious mind communicates through moral stories, using them as mechanisms to tell the conscious mind what the best option is. He hopes that when people read his father’s story, they become inspired by the courage of his father and everyone who participated in WWII. “Stories are how we live our lives,” Hodges said. “We need, today, stories that build courage. When we read them, we draw on those stories and they become a part of us.” ❖
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Altamont Grad Katherine Clark Pens New Novel Set in Mountain Brook Birmingham native Katherine Clark has released her newest book, one of four novels she has published set in Mountain Brook. The newest book, “The Headmaster’s Darlings,” features a college counselor for an elite private school in Mountain Brook named Norman Laney. Laney and his Katherine Clark students have starred in Clark’s other three novels, as well. “Clark casts a comical eye on southern society and celebrates the power of great teachers and schools to transform the lives of young people
and lift up their communities,” a press release from Story River Books and The University of South Carolina Press said. Clark attended The Altamont School before going on to earn degrees at Harvard and Emory universities, and she based the character of Norman Laney on Martin Hames, former headmaster and English teacher at Altamont. “I focus on Mountain Brook in my writing because of the age-old dictum to write about what you know,” Clark said. “I wanted to write about the South, so I focus on the southern community I am most familiar with.” Clark and New York Times bestselling author Pat Conroy, who runs Story River Books, will be visiting The Altamont School on Sept. 3. Conroy wrote the forward for the novel. Both will be on hand to sign books. For more information on Katherine Clark, visit www.katherineclarkbooks.com. ❖
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Brooke Wahl (far left) with her grandmother Charlotte Donald (seated) and mother Keke Donald, three generations of Realtors now part of the ARC Realty family.
Realtor Brooke Wahl: “I haven’t done any of this on my own.” That Brooke Wahl would succeed as a Realtor doesn’t surprise anyone in her family. “I took her to work with me when she was a little girl,” says Charlotte Donald, Brooke’s grandmother, a second generation Birmingham Realtor, the daughter of Nelson Weaver, an industry pioneer in the 1950s. “At the age of seven, Brooke was answering the phone in our office and transferring calls, riding around town with me and unlocking homes for Open Houses,” says Charlotte. “But her tenacity was most apparent when she grilled me with questions: ‘Why hasn’t this house sold? Why this sales price? Why does this agent have more listings than you?’” Brooke’s mother Keke Donald, also a successful Birmingham Realtor, sees her daughter’s genuine interest in helping others as the key to her growing business. “Brooke’s husband is a UAB surgical resident and so she’s plugged into that community,” says Keke, who supports Brooke with behind-the-scenes details, managing technology and staging homes. “She loves helping new residents discover fun things about our hometown, acting as an ambassador and a concierge.” Clients looking to sell a home throughout the city have also discovered Brooke’s track record. Sold signs go up almost as quickly as for-sale signs. Brooke realizes she’s benefitted from great role models. “My grandparents and my mother have demonstrated how serving others, helping people find a home, is a rewarding career.” Brooke, along with her grandmother and mother, recently joined ARC Realty. Founder and Chairman Tommy Brigham is enthusiastic about what they bring to his company. “In Brooke, I see the best of a new generation of Realtors.” “What else would you do in our family?” asks Charlotte. “This is a new season for us: Brooke is the out-front agent, a natural people-person. Her mother and I get to play supporting roles, which means I have time to play with my great-granddaughter. She’ll probably be answering the phone in our office in a few years, too.”
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
u over the mountain
Officials Examine Dog Legislation After Attacks Some dog owners in Homewood have felt the pressure as the city’s public safety committee deliberated how to address a rise in dog attacks recently. The issue, brought before the committee at a July 20 meeting, was raised by animal control officer Robbie Bagby Hurst. Hurst reported that she had seen a rise in attacks in the city in the past six months, the most notable one taking place in early July in the West Homewood area. After two pit bulls attacked two women on their morning walk, one dog was shot by Homewood police and the other was retained in police custody. The dog’s owner was later arrested. The thought of breed-specific legislation was not one that sat well with the Homewood community, especially those who own pit bulls and other socalled “bully breeds” as pets. Representatives from organizations such as Bama Bully Rescue made their presence known at the Aug. 3 public safety committee meeting along with Homewood-based bully breed owners, who strongly discouraged the committee from creating ordinances that they viewed as unnecessarily prejudiced toward certain breeds of dog. Homewood’s current ordinances don’t address any breeds, but they do include leash laws, the breaking of which are punishable by up to $50 in fines, as well as a tethering law that outlaws owners from tethering their animals inhumanely. There also is an ordinance banning vicious dogs, which includes any dog that is known to have bitten someone. “The current ordinance says you cannot tether a dog inhumanely or tether a dog without a responsible adult at home while the dog is teth-
ered,” said Ward 2 Place 1 representative, Fred Hawkins. “What we’ve discussed now is, what is the appropriate time frame? Because some people are at home all day and leave their dogs tethered all day.” The tether ordinance currently in place for Homewood is unusual. Although Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook all boast similar leash laws and ordinances banning vicious dogs, Homewood is the only city to address tethering. At the end of the committee’s Aug. 17 meeting, the group unanimously passed a motion to limit tethering within the city to no more than one hour. The ordinance will now go before the City Council for approval.
as well as provide them with adequate attention and healthcare.” She says it’s very important to make sure your dog is getting the appropriate amount of attention and activity as dictated by their breed. “Dogs can also develop aggressive tendencies when they are sick and don’t feel well,” Martin said. “Any time there is a bite, it’s good to do your homework and ask yourself if your dog is properly trained, if your dog’s temperament has recently changed, is there any new stimulus in the household such as a new baby or is your dog getting bored? All of these are good points to consider in the unfortunate event that your dog bites someone.”
Chain Reactions
Another way to prevent a dog bite or attack is to steer clear of dogs that are “at large” – or unattended and off a leash. Officer Brian Hale of the Hoover Police Department said that, if you ever see a dog within the city limits that isn’t on a leash, you should call animal control immediately. “If you see something, say something,” Hale said. “If you see a dog at large, go ahead and call our animal patrol number. If the dog looks like it poses a threat, call 911 so our dispatchers can send both animal control and a patrol officer.” Instead of focusing on tethering or breed-specific legislation, Hale said that Hoover focuses more on what owners and individuals can do to prevent an attack. “Our animal control guys – Robert Davis and Danny Wade – are big on education to prevent this kind of stuff from happening,” he said. “They go into schools and do presentations and have a presence at community events.” If you have a dog with aggressive tendencies, Hale encourages you to
The council is focusing its attention on the specifics of the tethering legislation because many organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States, classify tethering as an inhumane practice that can lead to aggressiveness in dogs. “Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals,” their website says. “A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive.” Although other cities in the area don’t have similar ordinances, representatives agree that socialization is an important aspect of a healthy and happy dog. “Make sure that you are a proactive dog owner,” Ashley Martin, animal control officer for Mountain Brook, said. “Make sure that your dog stays well socialized, current on vaccines,
Preventative Measures
Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria
By Kaitlin Candelaria
Ashley Martin, Mountain Brook’s Animal Control officer, brings dogs that are “at large” to Liberty Animal Hospital, where their owners can reclaim them. If no one claims the dog, it will be cared for by the staff at Liberty and put up for adoption.
reevaluate bringing the dog out into public. “If you do bring it in public, consider putting a muzzle on it,” he said. “If you’re on the other side of things, you can’t assume that a dog is trained or that it’s OK to approach it because it’s on a leash. You still always need to ask the owner if it’s okay to approach. Err on the side of caution.”
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Martin said that any time a dog bites someone, it should be reported. “Always do the right thing if your dog bites someone and report it,” she said. “This does not mean you will lose your dog. It means your case will be thoroughly looked at to see what prompted a bite and what possible solutions we could look at to prevent recurring bites.” ❖
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by FunikiJam at 6 p.m. In addition, an all-day celebration will take place Sept. 12 from 9 a.m.5 p.m. with cupcakes and lemonade available for library guests. At 9:30 a.m., Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library will host fine art broker John Jones, who regularly appears as an appraiser on PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow.” During his discussion, Jones will discuss five different audience-submitted items. To be considered for discussion, items must be submitted to the library by Sept. 4. Library Director Sue DeBrecht, right, said the 50th anniversary of Emmet O’Neal Library Sept. 12 is a landmark event for the library and its employees, which include Technical Services Department Head Nancy Sexton, left, employed for 34 years, and the library’s longest-term employee Doris Young, center, employed for 37 years.
To: From:
format the books come in, the community is still reading and the library has done its best to keep up with the changDoris Kearns ing technology. Goodwin “I really have to give a shout-out to our city manager, Sam Gaston, and (director of finance) Steven Boone,” DeBrecht said. “They are the ones who have really been with this library over the last 20 years and they are making sure that we are a well-funded library.” Whether it’s high-speed technology, eBooks or 3D printing, DeBrecht said the library has had the means to keep up with the changing environment due to the work of the city council and the Mountain Brook Library Foundation. DeBrecht said the library soon will be incorporating Hoopla, an online streaming website that allows users to borrow movies, music, books and more with their library card. To kick off the celebratory festivities, the library will host a family night Sept. 11 on the lawn at 5:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a picnic dinner, followed with a musical performance
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Emmet O’Neal Library Celebrates a Golden Anniversary September marks the golden anniversary for Mountain Brook’s Emmet O’Neal Library, which opened its doors Sept. 12, 1965. To celebrate 50 years, the library will host a variety of events for the public. “This September’s 50th birthday celebration is an opportunity to share with the community the library’s commitment to providing quality materials and information services; well-trained, service-oriented and friendly staff; and state-of-the-art technology for lifelong learning opportunities,” Library Director Sue DeBrecht said. DeBrecht began working for the library in the ‘80s, when it was a 17,000-square-foot building, and has watched it grow into a more than 40,000-square-foot Blue Ribbon facility. DeBrecht said her favorite part of her job is seeing the children who once attended her story-time session return. “One of the most rewarding things is that they are now coming back and bringing their own kids to story time,” DeBrecht said. “It’s great to see that the mothers, their children and now their grandchildren are instilling that level of reading and life-long learning.” She said that, regardless of what
To complete the day of celebration, the library will host a reception featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin at 6 p.m. Goodwin will hold a book-signing following the program. Tickets for the book-signing are $50 and can be purchased at the library’s reference desk. For more information, call 445-1121. For more information on antique submissions, contact Katie Moellering at 445-1118 or email kmoellering@ bham.lib.al.us. ❖
POWER TO
u mountain Brook
By Emily Williams
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 9
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Safe, affordable, reliable electricity is one form of power we provide, but not the only one. Meet Terri and Michael Culp. As winners of the Alabama Power-sponsored Fox6 Energy Efficiency Home Makeover competition, we helped the Culps increase the efficiency and value of their house while increasing the comfort of home. With a little help from Alabama Power to make energy efficient upgrades, the Culps are continuing to improve themselves and their home, every day. That’s power to make things better. That’s Power to Alabama.
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life Fighting
10 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
By Kaitlin Candelaria
E
very day in the United States, 720 children are diagnosed with cancer. It is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 15, yet research is consistently underfunded. These statistics led families of children suffering from cancer to push for naming September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In 2008, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution naming Sept. 13 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, a dedication that was solidified in 2012 when President Barack Obama officially signed a proclamation naming September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Right here in the Over the Mountain community, dozens of families are living the nightmare of childhood cancer and finding a way to fight back against this brutal disease.
One in 320 children will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20. Childhood cancer is the number one leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the United States yet it only receives 4% of government funding for cancer research. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and there will many opportunities in the Over the Mountain area to change those statistics by raising awareness of childhood cancer and in turn, helping to find a cure. But for many families, the journey doesn’t end on October 1. Organizations and individuals in the community are working yearround to serve families as they deal with life during and after childhood cancer. For more on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.childrenscancer.org. For more information about events in our area, visit www.otmj.com.
Advocates Give Families Tools to Take on Disease
Photo courtesy of Summer Simpson.
“It’s Never Over When Your Child Has Cancer”
Amanda and Ryan Knerr, pictured above with their three daughters, Emily, Anna and Casey, helped found Hope for Autumn after their daughter was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2009.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Walker Photography
ATeam Ministries starts each week off with a Monday morning prayer. The staff, along with members of the community, gathers at 8 a.m. with a list of children who are battling cancer. “We pray over them so that families know their children were prayed for by name,” Andy Thrower, co-founder, said. “Some families have a desire to be involved in the spiritual aspect of what we do and some don’t.” “We still want to love on them,” his wife, Jan Thrower, ATeam co-founder, added. The Thrower’s world was changed forever in 2009 when their son, Anderson, was diagnosed with leukemia. “Everybody comes here to Birmingham for treatment and we were very fortunate to have family, friends, a church here in Vestavia Hills to help us a good bit with basic things – simple things that people forget about when you’re in the hospital,” Andy said. “That’s how we caught the vision of doing ATeam. So many families who come here for treatment do not have that.” ATeam has a three-pronged mission. It provides spiritual, emotional and financial support to families who are in the Birmingham area with children undergoing treatment. “The programs we offer are all designed around what we’ve seen,” Andy said. “Housing is one of those needs. When children come to Children’s to get a transplant, they have to stay in the hospital for a period of time and after that they’re required to stay in the Birmingham area for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Families are already strapped financially just from the overwhelming costs, so going out and securing a second residence isn’t something most people are able to do.” ATeam has two apartments where families can stay free of charge. Another area they emphasize is helping families spend time together. According to the Throwers, oftentimes when children are hospitalized for long periods of time, families become very broken because they never get to see each other. Through many community partnerships, ATeam has a “Day of the Game” program in which they frequently are able to provide tickets to Alabama and Auburn football games, Braves games and other community events. “Mainly it’s just trying to get the family to do something together so they don’t have to worry about anything to do with cancer during that time,” Jan said. Another aspect of ATeam’s Ministry is pro-
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer
Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria
“We’ve Seen Families Where the Mother Was Living in her Car in the Children’s Parking Deck”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Maisie House, pictured with her father, Blaine, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia five years ago. Now, Maisie’s parents are working to help other people undergoing the same journey.
The Thrower family was inspired to start ATeam Ministries after their son, Anderson, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009.
viding families with financial assistance. “Pediatric cancer doesn’t just happen and it’s over in 10 days after an antibiotic,” Andy said. “Since 2009, we’ve provided over $125,000 in financial grants to families.” A lot of times, these grants are used for basic things such as paying bills or buying groceries Andy said. In some cases, ATeam has even assisted a family with funeral costs after their child passed away. “We’ve seen families where the mother was living in her car in the Children’s parking deck,” Andy said. Although Andy said they all pray for a cure, their organization is focused on meeting the everyday needs of families in the pediatric cancer world. “A cure isn’t going to happen today and
until it does you’ve got people struggling with mortgages and car insurance and all these other things people forget about.” In the next five years, ATeam hopes to construct a multi-unit living facility for families in Homewood while continuing their mission and services to families with children receiving treatment at Children’s of Alabama. “It’s all about word of mouth,” Andy said. “We’re in the process of creating a junior board and we’re really just always focusing on reaching out to new people and seeing new faces.” ATeam will be celebrating next month by helping businesses and schools in the area “Go Gold” for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Football patrons at Hoover High School and Spain Park High School can expect to see banners decorating their football fields.
For Amanda and Ryan Knerr, the world of pediatric cancer is one they know all too well. The family was planning their move back to Birmingham from the Miami area in 2009 when their 6-year-old daughter, Emily, started complaining of stomach aches and leg pain. They took her to the doctor but thought she just was anxious about their impending move. Amanda was traveling to Birmingham to put a contract on their house when things took a turn for the worse. Upon arriving home, Amanda found Emily in so much pain that she rushed her to the emergency room. Doctors, suspecting appendicitis, ordered a sonogram. A labor and delivery nurse by trade, Amanda said she watched in horror as something appeared on the screen. “They started measuring something and I asked them what it was and they told me they didn’t know,” she said. “I knew right then. They did surgery two days later and the doctor came out and said, ‘I don’t know what it is, but it’s cancer and it’s ruptured, so it’s contaminated her entire abdomen.’ Just hearing those words…we were shocked.” The “it” was a 10-centimeter tumor in Emily’s stomach that turned out to be small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type. Amanda said they didn’t know it at the time, but the disease has a 94 percent mortality rate. Ryan and Amanda immediately jumped into action, pushing their move up from several months down the road to 10 days later to start Emily’s treatment at Children’s of Alabama. Emily underwent three major surgeries, six rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, 30 days of radiation, 60 days of Avastin therapy and a stem-cell transplant, which led to major complications, before she was declared cured in January 2011. During the process, the Knerrs were approached by their neighbors, who hosted a crawfish boil in honor of a young Rhode Island girl named Autumn. In 2010, they decided to dedicate the proceeds from the boil to the Knerr family to help cover medical expenses. In 2011, the Knerrs were able to take on a leadership role with the event and it was so successful, they decided to create a foundation. “In 2012, we became the Hope for Autumn Foundation and our mission is to raise funds
for families that are battling childhood cancer but also to give back to Dr. Pressey and the Developmental Therapeutics Program at Children’s,” Amanda said. The Developmental Therapeutics Program, which is now run by Dr. Stu Cramer, seeks new and innovative therapies for children whose cancer is unresponsive to traditional therapies. Proceeds from Hope for Autumn are donated to the program. The foundation also is focused on raising awareness. It is working with Hoover City Schools to have a Give Hope day on Sept. 23, and it has worked with the city of Hoover to issue a proclamation on Sept. 8. “Hope for Autumn is an outlet for me,” Amanda said. “I’ll live and breathe childhood cancer every day and every night for the rest of my life. It’s never over when your child has cancer. I can’t just leave it behind and this is an outlet for me to do my part.” She encourages people in the community to realize that, although hospitals such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital do wonderful work, they aren’t the only face of childhood cancer. “What people fail to realize is that Children’s of Alabama is one of the top hospitals in the country,” she said. “They’re doing some amazing things over there.” Emily is now a typical 12-year-old in most ways. However, Amanda said cancer has robbed her of a lot of her carefree spirit. “She’s much more serious and mature than her peers and she just has a different view,” Amanda said. “She’s a big help at home. She has a big compassion and wants to be a child life specialist when she grows up.” Another way Emily is making an impact in the community is through the “Head Over Teal 5K” presented by the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation each year. Brown died from the same form of cancer Emily had. On Sept. 12, Emily will lead “Team Emily” in the race for the sixth year in a row. In 2010, Emily was the
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 11
life
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
first guest of honor at the inaugural event and has helped start the race each year since. “She’s really risen above everything,” Amanda said. “She’s a quiet leader. She has a determination in her that I’ve never seen with somebody as young as she is.” For more information on Head Over Teal, visit www.thinkoflaura. org. “We Know We Can Enter Back Into This Journey at Any Point”
Blood disorders are often grouped with childhood cancers because they usually have similar pathologies and treatments. At Children’s of Alabama, you’ll find the oncology clinic directly across the hall from the hematology clinic because patients often overlap. The House family of Vestavia Hills never expected to find themselves in either. Parents of four, the two took their oldest, Maisie, to the doctor five years ago because her skin was showing signs of discoloration and bruising. “It was one of those things where you’re sitting there with all of your kids getting ready to go to the grocery store and the doctor comes in and closes the door,” Blaine House, Maisie’s father, said. “It was 3 p.m. and they set us up with a 6 a.m. appointment at Children’s hospital the next day.” After two weeks of extensive testing, the doctors diagnosed Maisie with aplastic anemia, or a total failure of Maisie’s bone marrow. At that point, although cancer was ruled out, Maisie became a patient of the oncology unit at Children’s of Alabama. Her physician decided to treat her illness with a stem-cell transplant. “It was an idiopathic diagnosis which means it was probably related to a virus,” Blaine said. “It was completely random. Transfusions kept her alive for six weeks while she prepared for the transplant.” Maisie’s process was expedited because her parents had saved her umbilical cord blood. Otherwise, the transplant would have taken more
than six months because the physicians would have needed to find a match for Maizie. The Houses also were giving birth to their third daughter during the process. “We were very lucky to live in the Birmingham area and to be able to travel back and forth,” Blaine said. “We had a six- to seven-month run and the staff at Children’s really just became a part of our family. They were our coaches, our teammates and our cheerleaders. We really became immersed in the mission of Children’s and their purpose.” Blaine said he and his wife, Jennifer, had contributed to organizations such as Children’s Harbor for more than a decade before Maisie’s diagnosis. “We were ready to give money and go to BBQs and get our corn hole teams together,” Blaine said. “But one day you’re standing there and your child has a severe lifethreatening diagnosis and you’re personally impacted. You have survivor’s remorse because so many people have struggled longer or their children have passed away. We wanted to take what we have, which is a skill set and knowledge of how the hospital works, and mentor other parents.” The Houses, including many members of their extended family, began working with the hospital’s Hope and Cope Psychosocial Program. “A lot of people come here from out of town and they don’t have the common knowledge of a dentist to go to or somewhere to get their car repaired,” Blaine said. “We want to be on call to where they can seek
us out and receive advice and meet someone else who understands what it’s like to go through this as parents.” Because Maisie didn’t have a straightforward diagnosis at first, Blaine said that he and his family spent a lot of time just trying to find information. “The hospital is great and they will do what they can, but our minds and hearts are driven to help the parents in this journey now and to give them the best information we can to make decisions, because at that point you have to become an advocate for
yourself and your child,” Blaine said. “Once you’re put in that position you become desperate for information and advice so we want to be the family that can help. We could be back there tomorrow and we know that.” Maisie, who turned nine years old last month, hopes to stay involved as she gets older. “When I was in the hospital, there was a lady who came and played the harp for me,” she said. “Since I’m taking piano, I want to keep doing it so I can play ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ and other songs for the children.” ❖
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Hope Gala Goes Greek From left: Alan and Lynlee Palmer, Amy and Keith Richards, Tracey Anderson and Katherine and Forrest DeBuys.
T
Ashley and Ryan Robinett.
Carmen and Randall Morrow.
he 35th annual Hope Gala, benefiting the American Cancer Society was held Aug. 22 at a private club in Birmingham. This year, the honorees of the event were Amy and Keith Richards of Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe. Richards is a constant supporter of the American Cancer Society’s efforts through the Society’s Survivor Dinners, the Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run and Hope Lodge. In addition, Richards was recognized earlier this year by the National Association of People Supporting Employment First’s “Large Employer Award,” for fully integrating individuals with disabilities into their workforce. Gala co-chairs Katherine DeBuys and Tracey Anderson organized both a silent and live auction in a venue decorated with blue and gold accents and flowers by Dorothy McDaniel. With the help of sponsorship chair Alan Palmer, the gala received support from the Herman and Emmie Bolden Foundaiton, the Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation, Alabama Power and many others. Maggie Sumrall served as auction chair, incorporating Jack Granger into the role of auctioneer. Emcee Mike Royer conducted the evening’s events. Before the crowd danced to the sounds of The Schmohawks, cancer survivor Lee Dawkins made a heart-warming speech and guests participated in a paddle raise for the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge. Those in attendance at the Hope Gala included, Lynlee and Alan Palmer, Katherine and Forrest DeBuys, Ginny Tucker, Lee Dawkins, Carmen and Randall Morrow, Sam and Emily Heide, Ashley and Ryan Robinett, Frank and Alanna Caley, David and Susan Brouillette and Jeffrey and Gail Bayer. ❖
Ginny Tucker and Lee Dawkins.
Jeffrey and Gail Bayer.
Sam and Emily Heide.
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Clockwise From Left: Amy Moore, Danielle Yancey, Leah Rice, Jana Rome and Anne Marie Watkins. Anne Schilleci, Jennifer Robertson and Amy Campbell Oliver. Noelle Ward, Helen Rand, Kelley Evers and Ashley Ferguson.
Canapes with Conversation Chi Omegas Gather for Food and Fun
The Birmingham Area Chi Omega Alumnae Association gathered for their ninth annual Summer Soiree June 25. The party was held at the home of Danielle Yancey on Shades Crest Road. Yancey provided a variety of appetizers including skewered anti pasta, smoked salmon canapes and a fresh berry and dessert bar. She also had a trio of herb infused waters that were enhanced with herbs grown in her very own garden. The event was attended by alumni from Auburn University and The University of Alabama, as well as many other schools from around the Southeast. Current active members who were in town for the summer were also in attendance, including: Lucy Ann Link, Lindsey McMahon and Caitlyn Levant. Link is currently the administrative vice president of the Alpha Beta chapter. The current president of The University of Alabama Nu Beta chapter, Katie Plott, was also on-hand to enjoy the festivities. New Beta alums Nancy Faulkner, Kim Cochran, Amy Young, Lani Graphos and Amy Ridgway were able to attend the event. Alpha Beta alums Lindy Walker, Alyssa Belcher, Leigh Ann Smyth and Ashley Ferguson enjoyed the evening visiting with friends and discussing the upcoming rush season. Any alumni in the Birmingham area are invited to attend any of The Birmingham Chi Omega alumni chapter’s future events. The Birmingham chapter publicizes its events using alumnae contact information on file at Chi Omega national headquarters. For more information, or to confirm or update current information, visit www.chiomega.com/everyday. ❖
next day Ring Sizing!
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205-769-6930 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills
205-769-6930 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 13
14 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
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Stallings Salutes Stars
Be ready to go in any weather with a Janska reversible all-weather jacket and Mosey by Baggallini bucket purse
Above: From left: Jana Parker and Josh Randolph. right: Sue Johnson, Gene Stallings and Duane Donner.
The fourth annual “A Night of Big Stars” gala and talent exhibition proved to be a night full of big talent in honor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. Twenty-four “littles” auditioned, composed and rehearsed with their “bigs” in preparation for the Aug. 1 show at the Florentine. Performances ranged from dance or spoken word pieces to skits and music numbers.
74 Church Street • 871-7909 Mon.-Fri. 10-5 & Sat. 10-4 www.townandcountryclothes.com
Smathers & Branson
Peter Millar
Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with passing hors d’oeuvres of pimento cheese and spicy red pepper crostinis and sea scallops wrapped in brown sugared bacon. A seated dinner included the Florentine’s signature salad, a petite filet with grilled shrimp atop a risotto cake, asparagus bundles and a dessert of molten chocolate cake topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.
An Evening for Woodlawn
Southern Tide
Foundation Celebrates Successful Campaign
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The Woodlawn Foundation celebrated the launch of The Woodlawn Effect: The Campaign for Woodlawn at Iron City Aug. 11. It was announced at the event that funds from the $7.1 Date: million campaign will be used to support the construction of the James Rushton Early Learning and Family Success This is your ad proof for the OTMJ for the Aug. 27 20154issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon Innovation as possibleNetwork, to Center, the Woodlawn an in-school approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246. cradle-to-college career education initiative, and housing and community wellness efforts. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! National empowerment activist, speaker and author John Hope Bryant presented his economic justice mesPlease initial and fax back within 24 hours. sage to the attendants. This fall, Bryant will launch HOPE If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, Business your ad will as is. in arun Box, a new “Shark Tank” style program for youth entrepreneurs in schools in Woodlawn. Thank you for your prompt attention. Notable persons involved in the campaign included the Foundation’s Executive Director Sally Mackin; campaign co-chairs Kate Cotton and Steve Spencer; and honorary campaign chairs Mike and Gillian Goodrich and Deak and Gail Rushton. Also honored were members of the Friends of Woodlawn Foundation Beau Byrd, David Germany, Donna Hall, Lehman Harris, Wayne Honeycutt, Waymond Jackson, Natalie Kelly, Atticus Rominger, Chad Steppe and Pardis Stitt. More than 200 guests attended the event, including Kathryn and Raymond Harbert, The SummiT • 123 SummiT boulevard Tom Schulz, Emmett 977-5512 • remonsclothier.com McClain, Nelson Bean, Mary Boehm, Beth Smathers & Branson Peter Millar Southern Tide
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A speech by special guest Gene Stallings, former head football coach for the University of Alabama, concluded the event. The event raised more than $147,000 which will help support the organization’s work, matching mentors with children facing adversity. Currently, BBBS has 229 children on the waiting list to be matched with a “big.” ❖
and Brian Bucher, Kate Cotton, Ann Forney, Kathy and Beau Byrd, Susan and Rick Swagler, Ann Marie Corgill, Stewart Dansby, Mallie Ireland, Suzanne Durham, Braxton Goodrich, Richard Hydinger, Gaines and William Kohn, Mary Virginia and Josh Mandell, Peggy and Michael Balliet, Karyl and Henry Panion, Paul Carruthers, Marquita and Michael Davis, Marcella Roberts, Becky and Bill Rumer, Beth Wilder, Missy Burchart, Chip Brantley, Selena Florence, Evelyn Puckett, Mike Royer and Bridget and Glenn Drennen. ❖
From left: Allen Pair, Becky Rumer, Darryl Ward, William Kohn, Theresa Campbell, Nelson Bean and Gaines Kohn.
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BBBS ‘Littles’ and ‘Bigs’ Shine at the Florentine
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 15
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From left: Kelley Olis, Mindy Wald, Shelly McCarty, Santa, Emily Bridges and Abby Poole.
Yuletide Giving
Devotion for Friends, Children and Love for Christmas Inspiration for Event Santa traded in his red suit for a Hawaiian shirt for the inaugural “Sturrock’s Christmas in July” at Old Car Heaven July 25. The event, benefitting Children’s of Alabama’s Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center, honored Emily Sturrock who, at the age of 37, suffered a fatal heart attack caused by an undetected congenital heart defect. “(Sturrock’s) devotion to her friends, children and love for
Running to Retirement Mattingly Says Farewell to VCC Fitness
Members and staff of Vestavia Country Club gathered July 30 to give a proper goodbye to Mary Remke Mattingly as she retired her position as childcare and fitness director. Thirty years ago, Mary was hired by Robert Carr, VCC Chief Operating Officer, because they both agreed that fitness was not a passing
Christmas is what drove me to create the event Sturrock’s Christmas in July,” Long-time friend Carla Lagace said. “I know without a doubt that she would have loved it.” Dr. Robert Dabal, chief of the section of neonatal cardiac surgery at UAB, spoke to the crowd on congenital heart defects. Amongst the Christmas-themed decor, guests enjoyed a photo booth where guests posed with Santa and a trend but a lifestyle that was here to stay. They built the department from scratch, and created one of the strongest amenities Vestavia Country Club has to offer. Those who helped plan the event include: Carr, Clubhouse Manager Michael Murray, Special Events Coordinator Eve Toomey, member relations director Katy Williams and Club president Robert Cook. Carr gave a speech in honor of Mattingly and their journey in creating the VCC’s fitness program. “We are indebted to her vision and commitment for propelling us to our present, commanding and cuttingedge position in the country club industry,” Carr said. Though his main reason for origi-
selection of Yuletide props. A silent auction included offerings such as a sailing weekend on the Alabama coast, jewelry from Diamonds Direct and various date nights around Birmingham. Dinner was provided by Ashley Mac’s, Babalu, Bar 31, Little Italy Pies and Pints, Magic City Sweet Ice and NOLA Bloody Mary Mix Company. Tables were decorated with glass cylinders filled with Christmas ornaments, resting on a bed of sand. The event concluded with musical performances by the Beavers Brothers, Justin Gannon and Kendrick Wallace, Suburban Love Junkies and the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band. ❖ nally joining the club was golf, Cook credited Mary for being a large part of why he and his wife joined. Since Mattingly and her husband Gary are planning on traveling during her retirement, VCC presented her with a set of Club Glove travel luggage, including a large duffle, a carry-on and an organizer, along with brass nametags for each. The three items represented each decade of her VCC career. The following week after the party, Carr and his wife Nita held a dinner at their home and invited Mattingly, her husband and the VCC senior staff and their spouses. They all pitched in to give Mary a Yeti cooler to take with her on her travels. They made sure the cooler was her favorite color, ice blue. After the dinner, the VCC senior staff spent the rest of the night telling stories about Mattingly, VCC, fitness and anecdotes from their weekly Thursday morning meetings. ❖ Robert Carr with Mary and Gary Mattingly.
Tracey Alvey, Artistic Director
AT HOME
Alabama Ballet Center for Dance September 25 - October 4, 2015
AMERICAN HORROR STORIES Alabama School of Fine Arts October 29 - November 1, 2015
SNOW WHITE
Alabama School of Fine Arts October 30, 2015
GEORGE BALANCHINE’S
THE NUTCRACKERTM
Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center at Samford University December 11 - December 20, 2015
DON QUIXOTE
Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center at Samford University February 19 - February 21, 2016
COPPÉLIA AND THE TOYMAKER
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Alabama School of Fine Arts April 8 - April 10, 2016
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next day Ring Sizing!
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205-769-6930 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills
205-769-6930 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills
205-769-6930 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills
2015 2016
Tickets can be purchased by calling 205-202-8142 or visiting alabamaballet.org. Photo Credit: Arik Sokol Alabama Ballet is a 501(c)(3) organization
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From left: Ann Reich, Don Lupo and Mayor Butch and Diane Zaragoza.
Journal photos by Emily Willliams
16 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
Rubbing Elbows for Autism Star-studded Ball Spells Success for Kulture City
Local Luxury Easter Seals Auction Exotic Vacations for Familiar Cause
2423 Canterbury Rd • Mtn. Brook Village • 205.871.6611
The Easter Seals of Birmingham held the fourth annual Fenders and Fireflies benefit Aug. 6 at Old Car Heaven. Guests mingled amongst vintage vehicles while sampling food provided by Cocina Superior and enjoying live music from The Old Paints. A live auction was the centerpiece of the evening, featuring luxury trips to Antigua and Tuscany. The event raised over $41,000 to benefit adult and pediatric facilities in Birmingham that cater to individuals
Michele Maha and Jacqueline Laurita.
Hollis and Robin Jackson.
d’oeuvres and sipped wine, Michele Maha welcomed the honored guests before giving the floor to advocate and actress Dahn Dior Ballard who gave an opening speech about her experience with Kulture City. Kulture City staff members Jenifer Gallini, parent advocate; Dr. Silpa Gadiraju, international outreach advocate; and Diane Zaragoza, community outreach and education, presented the 2015 Advocacy Awards. Award winners include Tiki
Barber and Traci Lynn Johnson, Kristine Barnett, Dawn Neufeld, Chris and Jacqueline Laurita, Laura Kasbar, Patrick Whaley, Rupert Isaacson, Michael Miller and the Birmingham Zoo. The Advocacy Awards honored members of the Kulture City community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to bring autism awareness to their surrounding community through their various platforms. ❖
with special needs. All proceeds are raised on a local level and stay local, directly benefitting members of the community.
To get involved with the Easter Seals of Birmingham, contact Allison Nichols at anichols@eastersealsbham. org or call 314-2187. ❖
Photo special to the Journal
The second annual KultureBall raised over $100,000 to benefit the non-profit organization Kulture City’s mission to create a world in which individuals with autism and their families are accepted and treated equally by their community. The gala took place in the Sheraton Birmingham Grand Ballroom Aug. 14. Celebrities and community members enjoyed both a live and silent auction and an elegant dinner featuring carving stations and hors d’oeuvres. At the event, Kulture City unveiled a new promotional video for the organization and actor Alimi Ballard gave an opening speech welcoming guests. The crowd also heard from philanthropist and model Traci Lynn Johnson and Kulture City co-founders Michele and Julian Maha. Throughout the evening, guests were invited to experience the LifeWALK, where emcees recognized them for their contribution to Kulture City as they crossed the catwalk. Prior to the ball, 35 celebrities and guests gathered at the Clubhouse on Highland for the first annual Kulture City Advocacy Awards luncheon. After guests sampled hors
From left: Junior board members Trey Caldwell, Jennifer Majewski, Richie Spatz, Bibba Croft, Sellers McCurdy, Pamela White, Michael Thomason, Chris Smith, Anne Wallace and Lorri Hunt.
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Ashley DeRamus’ role as a Down syndrome advocate takes her all over the country and the world. During her recent visit to India, Ashley spent time volunteering before accepting an award for Advocate of the Year 2015 by Down Syndrome International. When DeRamus isn’t traveling the globe to advocate for people with Down syndrome, she is the face of and brains behind her clothing line, Ashley by Design, which caters to women with Down syndrome.
Ashley By Design
Hoover Woman Designs Clothing and Advocates for Women With Down Syndrome By Emily Williams
I
n June 2012, a dream came true for Hoover resident Ashley DeRamus and her mother and business partner Connie DeRamus. At the National Down Syndrome Congress’ annual convention in Denver, Colorado, the creation of Ashley’s clothing line, Ashley by Design, was announced. Ashley has Down syndrome, an aspect of her life that she says does little to confine her. But because of the physical effects of Down syndrome, Ashley always struggled to find clothing that would fit well in its original form. “Clothing she found would most often need many alterations,” Connie said. With Ashley by Design, Ashley has created a line of clothing that is tailored to perfectly fit the body of a female with Down syndrome. Not only are the pieces she sells a good fit for her body, they are a good fit for her taste, as well. “My personal style is fashionable but casual and the style of the line is Bohemian,” Ashley said. “We have partnered with Adorn Fashion to help us create some of the looks.” Ashley’s clothing line is filled with long and loose-fitting sweaters and blouses, colorful tunics and flowy dresses. Though Adorn takes credit for a few looks, Ashley’s designs fill the pages of the website. The Rebecca Top, which sells for $39, is a striped, V-neck tunic with loose-fitting short sleeves and can be worn over pants or leggings. Ashley also designed two dresses, the Claudene and the Eliza. Both are sleeveless and loose fitting, and she uses the layering of the fabric to create a more flattering silhouette. Ashley does not limit herself to one certain style icon, but gathers inspiration for her designs from many sources. “I do watch all of the fashion shows like ‘What Not to Wear’ and ‘Project
Runway,’” Ashley said. When it comes to taking a new design from concept to construction, she said the process can get lengthy. “It takes lots of time, research and money before an article can be sold,” Ashley said. Ashley’s buyers can be found all over the world, a result of her constant travels. Her non-profit organization, The Ashley DeRamus Foundation, sends her around the country to advocate and share her personal success. “My favorite memories come from traveling, making new friends and being an entrepreneur with Down syndrome,”
she said. Though her clothes cater to women with special needs, she said she has found that women of all mental and physical states purchase her products. “We have all ladies – young and old,” she said. “Since we travel the country, we have many loyal customers both with and without special needs.” What began with a few articles of clothing has grown and, with the help of Adorn, Ashley now offers clothing for children and a selection of accessories. The money she makes with her business directly supports her non-profit organization. By traveling to special events around the country and maintaining an online storefront, Ashley is able to fund her foundation and continue advocating for people with special needs. When her fans and customers see her success, Ashley said she hopes they become inspired. “They are supporting a Down syndrome advocate,” Ashley said. Her success is not limited to her foundation or her clothing. When Ashley isn’t designing and advocating, she involves herself in a variety of hobbies. Now retired, in her hey-day Ashley was an avid swimmer and has earned 43 medals through the Special Olympics. Ashley said she spends a lot of her free time with her piano, making up songs and singing gospel tunes, and regularly performs the National Anthem when she travels. Most recently, Ashley was named Advocate of the Year 2015 by Down Syndrome International. She traveled to India Aug. 7-22, spending time traveling and volunteering with children before accepting her award on Aug. 21. In all of her endeavors, Ashley said she lives by a motto she gleaned from one of her close friends, which drives her in her faith and business. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do,” Ashley said. “Show them what you can do.” ❖
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 17
Ready to Rumble
Delta Zeta Hosts Gameday Fashion Show By Emily Williams The ladies of the Delta Zeta Birmingham Alumnae Chapter will showcase their game day best Aug. 29 at the annual Make Some Noise Gameday Fashion Show and Silent Auction. Items up for auction include a Big Green Egg donated by AllSouth Appliance, tickets to the Alabama 500, a football signed by Nick Saban and a guitar signed by American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. While guests peruse a variety of items up for auction, models will take to the catwalk in dresses, tunics, T-shirts and more. Gameday Girl Stuff owner Shena Birdsong of Homewood will be providing fashions for the show, featuring clothing with color combinations that show off school spirit while remaining fashionable. “I do all of the SEC schools color combinations,” Birdsong said. “So you won’t just be seeing Alabama and Auburn.” When Delta Zeta Alumnae President Glenda Lott explained the football-themed event to her, Birdsong said she jumped at the chance to get involved. “I’m really looking forward to dressing the models and talking about my line,” Birdsong said. “My favorite part of Game Day Girl Stuff is getting to dress people. I’ve already had some of the DZ ladies over for fittings.” Birdsong said that her pieces are up-to-date on the latest Southern fashion trends including palazzo pants, high-low tops, aztec prints and more. “A lot of the pieces have big lace accents,” Birdsong said. “Also, we have a printed kimono and a solid kimono that you can throw over a dress or a jumper.” One of Birdsong’s favorite pieces is her “tailgater tunic,” a one-size-fits-all piece that is lightweight and loose fitting for maximum comfort during the hotter side of football season. “All of my pieces are things that can be taken throughout the See fashion show, page 19
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The Make Some Noise Gameday Fashion Show Aug. 29 features Gameday Girl Stuff clothing in a variety of collegiate color combinations. Proceeds from the show, as well as a portion of Gameday Girl Stuff’s profits, will benefit the Alabama Ear Institute.
18 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
fall Fashion
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2 3 1 4
Fall Fa Some of Our Favorite Shops Show
Journal photos
1 Margaret Davidson is wearing a 525 America cable crop sweater in white cap, $82, DL 1961 Emma black skinny jeans, $168 and Splendid Lakota suede booties in nutmeg, $158. Her tassel necklace is by Susan Shaw, $65, and she is carrying a GiGi New York Uber clutch in python print leather, $170. Alyssa Jackson is wearing a Susana Monaco tea dress with pockets in scarlet, $198, Sam Edelman Louie shoes in tan suede, $140, a Jen Boaz necklace, $107, and GiGi New York fold over clutch in python print leather, with a removable shoulder strap, $175. Monkee’s of Mountain Brook, 783-1240. 2 Natalie Boyd is wearing an Olian maternity maxi dress, $44, retails for
$158. Kahterine Pierce is wearing an Alice Kathleen & Co. dress $24, retails for $58, and Charlie Scott is wearing an Alice Kathleen & Co. 2 piece, $24, retails for $74. Little Lavender, 803-3958.
3 Jan Denaburg is wearing the Janska tie button jacket in ocean, $178, and Sympli black narrow pant long, $124. Town & Country Clothes, 8717909.
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4 Elliot Harrison is wearing ruby corduroy pants, $74, a ruby, blue, and white plaid shirt, $92, and a reversible red to grey sweater, $62. His boots are navy soft leather $74. Christine’s Across the Street, 871-6611. 5 Johnny Castro is wearing the Vented Noreaster Vest, $135, Slim Fit Tucker
Shirt Bradey Gingham in Aquamarine, $115, and Garment Dyed Slim Fit Breaker Pant in Deep Bay $98.50. Katelyn Daughtry is wearing the Stow and Go Rain Coat in Vineyard Navy, $165, Quarter Zip Sweater in Marshmallow, $135, Oxford Stripe Button Down in Marlin, $88, and Colored Skinny Jeans in Cameo Pink, $98.50. Vineyard Vines, 970-9758.
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6 Vaneli Shoes, Gana in camel jag hair and black suede, $150, Gaenor in amaranto suede, $150, Kandee in fango suede print, $225, and Reetta in black nappa and camel hair $250. Sesto Meucci 1528 black calf boot $395. Marmi, 298-7633. 7 Hope Livingstone is wearing a mauve hi-low tee, $39, with olive jeans, $65, and a multi colored cardi, $116. Cari Cline is wearing an olive colored swing dress, $39, layered with a fringe jacket, $56, and textured tights, $12. The Pink Tulip, Homewood, 870-7258, Cahaba Village, 637-5390, Patton Creek, 560-0355.
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 19
Fall Fashion
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
fashion show, From page 18
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day,” Birdsong said. “You can wear them to the football game and then go to a party afterwards.” According to Birdsong, many women wear T-shirts to the football game and end up having to go home and change before moving on to their next event. Her clothing is designed to be comfortable enough for tailgating and fashionable enough for a night out. The clothing is also versatile. Many of the pieces include features that allow the wearer to change up the colors and make the piece every-day appropriate. “Our touchstone top comes with a tank top and a dolman overlay,” Birdsong said. “The overlay is crimson and the tank top is gray. So, if you wanted to make it look less ‘game day,’ you could change the color of the tank underneath.” A selection of Birdsong’s Gameday Girl Stuff pieces will be available for purchase at the fashion show. All of the pieces are USA-made and a portion of the fashion show sales will be donated to Delta Zeta’s philanthropic efforts. General admission to the fashion show is $40. Ticket prices include valet parking and lunch. Tables also are available for purchase. Each table seats 8 people and includes a bottle of champagne and swag bags for each guest. As is their mission, proceeds from the fashion show will benefit the Alabama Ear Institute, particularly the Alabama School for Hearing. ❖
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shion
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Off What’s New for the Season
by Marsha Perry
Boots, Class
8 Bryton Williams is wearing a Southern Tide, blue plaid
dress shirt, $99.50, and Peter millar khaki trousers $125. Hunter Williams is wearing a Peter Millar long sleeve button down shirt, $120, and Southern Tide, khaki pants, $125. Remon’s Clothier, 977-5512.
and
A Li'L Sass
9 Patra Trammell is wearing a Meesh Collection hunter green high-low tank, $165, hunter green jacket, sheer from bodice down, $215, Et Lois Modal drape detail pants, $86, and a Gypsy Collection necklace, $450, made with a turquoise and freshwater pearl tassel. Jezebels Homewood, 502-7669.
10 Ann Evans is wearing J Brand jeans, $45, a Tucker
blouse, $35, and a Belle Fare fur vest, $68. She is carrying a Cynthia Rowley purse, $58, and wearing a Mark Edge necklace, $149, Mark Edge mercury dime earrings, $108, and various wooden bangles, from $10 to $12. Second Hand Rose, Valleydale Road, 9877027, Cahaba Heights, 970-7997.
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11 Chandler Whidden only has a few days left to
decide who he’ll be rooting for this season! With two great but very different looks from Alumni Hall, it might be a tough choice. The Crimson Tide look features the latest from Nike - 2015 coaches polo in crimson, $75, mesh back swoosh hat, $26, football, $35, and a Jack Mason watch, $94.99. The Auburn look features a Cutter & Buck button-down, $70, paired with Pennington and Bailes stadium shorts, $100, and a Zep-pro concho logo belt, $39.99. He has accessorized with a Jack Mason sports watch, $94.99 and a shaker, $1.99. ALUMNI HALL, 972-9098.
12 Volatile, marko, taupe, $84.99, Blowfish, tomer,
brown texas, $49.99, and Dr. Scholl’s, harlow, taupe $89.99. Flip Flops & What Nots, 967-7429.
13 Beth McMillan is wearing a dress by Dolce and
Gabbana, $249, retails for $1100. Shoes by Christian Louboutin, $324, retail for $1075, and a Prada wallet, $198, retails for $595. Lilla, 423-5855.
12 Photo special to the Journal
4137 White Oak Drive, Cahaba heights Mon.-Sat. 10am - 6pm www.flipflopsandwhatnots.com
205.967.7429
Business
20 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
Mike’s Message
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
business briefs
Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria
Royer Brings Laughter, Tears to Hoover Chamber Luncheon By Kaitlin Candelaria
‘And I sound a little old and fuddy-duddy when I say we still need to do stories about everyday people. I think once in a while – while the Middle East is on fire and it’s hard to find national politicians you can believe – that we need good stories to remind us that there are a lot of really good people out there doing really good things.’ Mike Royer
more memorable interviewees, including former President Jimmy Carter and Paul Tibbets, a pilot of the Enola Gay plane, which dropped
Hatton Smith spoke at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce luncheon in August as a part of the kick off for the UAB Athletics Campaign. Smith is chairing the campaign.
Former CEO Heading Up UAB Athletics Campaign
Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria
Mike Royer brought on laughter and tears at this month’s Hoover Chamber Luncheon, at which he was the featured speaker. Royer, a prolific Birmingham newscaster, left his position at NBC 13 in June. He is now honoring the six-month no-compete clause of his contract, during which he is fulfilling speaking engagements. Although Royer has said not to rule him out of television completely, he also warned the audience not to assume he would come back. “Lately, I’ve been finding several things to do that maybe don’t make as much money as a news anchor makes, but maybe enough to do those things and to do some significant things and do some things for no money at all just because it’s a good thing to do,” Royer said. “Forty years of television may be enough for me and enough for viewers, too.” The theme of significance presented itself throughout his speech. He recounted some of his
Mike Royer with Hoover Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Powell
the Little Boy atomic bomb on Hiroshima during World War II. Royer said that, although he would not trade interviews like that for anything, those weren’t really the ones that made a big difference in his life. “The people who challenged me and touched me the most weren’t the celebrities,” Royer said. “I met people while doing those feature stories who changed me and challenged me and ultimately made me think better and think more about other people and their needs.” The feature stories Royer referred to were part of his “Spirit of Alabama” program, which aired for almost 20 years on NBC 13. However, when the channel changed hands in January, all features, including Royer’s program ,were cut. “The people at my channel are not bad people and they’re trying to do what’s best for that station,” Royer said. “And I sound a little old and fuddy-duddy when I say we still need to do stories about everyday people. I think once in a while – while the Middle East is on fire and it’s hard to find national politicians you can believe
– that we need good stories to remind us that there are a lot of really good people out there doing really good things.” Royer discussed his last conversation with his close friend, Lou Wheeler, who lost his battle to cancer more than a decade ago. The last thing he asked Royer was whether he knew the difference between success and significance. “He told me ‘Mike, I want you to think about moving from success to significance,’” Royer said. “Success is easy. What kind of car do you drive? What’s your best vacation? What size is your 401K? That’s success. But Lou reminded me that when you die, there isn’t a word in your obituary about how much money you had saved up or what kind of boat you had. It won’t make the paper. It doesn’t make any difference. That’s success and it’s fine, but maybe, just maybe, there will be something in your obituary about something you did to make life better for someone else.” Royer received a standing ovation at the end of his speech. ❖
Sooudi, Named 2015 Dentist of the Year, Returns to UAB
Photo special to the Journal
National Retail Group Honors Hoover’s Wrapsody Terry Shea, co-owner and vice president of Wrapsody in Hoover and Auburn, was recognized by the National Retail Federation during the Retail Advocates Summit July 28-29. According to a press release, Shea, along with others, was recognized for her engagement in grassroots and advocacy efforts on local, state and federal issues affecting the retail industry. Shea was among 50 invited to attend this year’s Summit. She and coowner Sarah Brown founded Wrapsody in 2004. Collectively the two gift stores employ 43 people. Shea and Brown won the 2011 Silver Alabama Retailer of the Year in the $1million-$5 million annual sales category. Wrapsody has been an Alabama Retail Association member since 2005. The America’s Retail Champions program honors retailers who make their mark on public policy debates. More than 100 retailers from across the nation, online sellers to mid-size and small retail store owners, were nominated by state retail associations, small business retailers and their peers based on their engagement in public policy discussions on issues ranging from online sales tax to data security.
Hatton Smith is hyped up and it isn’t just the coffee talking. The former Royal Cup CEO and chairman of the UAB Athletics Campaign helped launch the school’s latest initiative to revamp its football program on Aug. 18 by addressing many groups, including the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at its monthly luncheon. After introducing himself personally to each attendee, Smith launched into an energized speech about the future of the UAB football program. Smith discussed how he sat down with several other local business leaders at the Country Club of Birmingham earlier in the summer and pledged $4 million to fill the deficit and revitalize the football program. “It still wasn’t enough, so this is how bold we were,” Smith said. “We decided to guarantee the deficit to bring UAB football back.” Now, Smith and a committee of more than 50 other Birmingham heavy-hitters are spearheading a fundraising campaign to not only bring the football program back, but to completely revitalize the college’s athletic facilities, including a new track, new practice fields and a new football stadium. “You know why I’m doing this?” Smith said. “You think I’m a big UAB football fan? No. I’m doing this for Birmingham. This is for Birmingham. What’s good for UAB is good for Birmingham.” UAB football is set to resume a normal season schedule in fall 2017.
From left: Ricky Bromberg, Rick Brown, George Wilder, Robert Aderhold, Jacob Shevin, Alison Hosp and Terry Shea.
Shea was accompanied in her travels to Washington, D.C., by fellow Birmingham business-owner Ricky Bromberg, who serves as the vice chairman of the ARA executive committee, as well as ARA member George Wilder and ARA Executive Committee Designee Jacob Shevin. While in Washington, the Alabama Retail Association’s members met with members of the Alabama congressional delegations over two days. ❖
Dr. Iradj Sooudi of Vestavia Hills has joined the UAB Department of Restorative Sciences as an adjunct associate professor. Sooudi was also recently named the 2015 Dentist of the Year by the Birmingham District Dental Society. Sooudi, who provides expertise in the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Clinic at UAB, received his DDS degree from Tehran University in 1962. He also is a 1975 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. He has had academic appointments at UAB School of Dentistry, from 1969 to 1975, as well as in the maxillofacial prosthetics program at the Center for Craniofacial Anomalies in Chicago, from 1967 to 1969, as an assistant professor and prosthodontist-in-charge. Sooudi has maintained a private practice since
Robinson Named One of America’s Top 1,000 Real Estate Pros Stephanie Robinson of RealtySouth’s Mountain Brook office was named one of America’s top real estate professionals by Real Trends, as advertised in The Wall Street Journal. Robinson is now a member of “The Thousand Top Real Estate Professionals,” a national awards ranking sponsored annually by the two publications. She is now ranked in the top onehalf of one percent of the more than 1,100,000 real estate professionals nationwide. “Becoming a member of such an elite group as The Thousand is an incredible accomplishment in any market, but what (Robinson) did during these challenging times is impressive on so many levels,” said Marti Gallardo, vice-president of classified advertising for The Wall Street Journal. According to The Thousand, Robinson had a total sales volume of $72,656,081, ranking her 231 in the nation in sales volume. “The best individual agents and teams – including (Robinson’s) awardwinning efforts – were nothing short of phenomenal considering the recovering real estate market,” Real Trends founder Steve Murray said. Robinson’s manager, John McGill,
Mayor Butch Zaragoza will discuss the State of the City. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. at Vestavia Country Club and the luncheon will start at noon. To make a reservation, visit www.vestaviahills.org.
OTM Area Chambers Plan September Luncheons The Homewood Chamber of Commerce will hold a membership luncheon on Sept. 15 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the state rooms at The Club. The featured Chris Stewart speaker will be Chuck Stark, CEO of Brookwood Medical Center. To register, visit www. homewoodchamber.org. The Hoover Chamber will hold a luncheon at the Hoover Country Club on Sept. 17 at 11:15 a.m. Crimson Tide Sports Network sportscaster Chris Stewart. Kent Stewart Reservations can be made at www.hooverchamber.org. Kent Stewart with be the guest speaker for the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s Sept. 15 Luncheon. The event will be held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and doors open at 11 a.m. Reservations Butch Zaragoza can be made online at www. welcometomountainbrook.com. At the Vestavia Hills Chamber Luncheon Sept. 9, said he’s proud she has received this recognition for her hard work and client service. “The national recognition mirrors what her clients have known,” McGill said. “They recognize her ethics, knowledge and professionalism daily by referring her to others.” “It is extraordinary to see Stephanie’s work not only exceed beyond the local realm, but nationally,” RealtySouth CEO Richard Grimes said. “(Robinson’s) determination to be deeply involved both personally and professionally in each step of the process with regard to each transaction are what make her unique. RealtySouth is fortunate to have such a dynamic person in the family.”
Superman Helps PFI Celebrate Five Years Positively Funny Inc. celebrated its five-year anniversary Aug. 1. The professional improvisation company
Alan’s Express Jewelry Repair and to Hold Ribbon Cutting in Vestavia The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting for the new Alan’s Express Jewelry Repair from 5-7 Jewels by Rose owner Donna Jowers with Alan Thompson of p.m. Aug. 27. Alan’s Express Jewelry Repair. Master jeweler Alan Thompson will use his 30 years of experience in his new store, which is in a shared space with Jewels By Rose, where he has been jeweler for the past 15 years. Alan’s is a family-owned and -operated business. Thompson will work on all repairs and designs while his wife, Robbi, and his two daughters, Brooke and Ashley, are available to answer questions regarding store services. Alan’s is open Mondays through Saturdays and offers a four- to five-day turn around on all standard repairs, such as ring sizing and chain soldering. In
takes the stage weekly at both the Rare Martini in Lakeview and the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Winfrey Hotel in Hoover. Positively Funny Inc. was founded with the purpose of making a positive difference in the lives of youth and teens across the region. On July 28, PFI’s eighth graduating class took the stage to perform for family, friends and the public at the Rare Martini. One of the graduates was a 19-year-old man known as Superman. Superman is autistic and, according to PFI officials, taking to the stage with his fellow classmates was a milestone that his mother, Melissa, never saw coming. “Superman earned the right to be on stage with our ensemble cast,” PFI and Perform-4A-Purpose founder David Grissom said. “He had the audience, including me, rolling in the aisles with his wit.” According to a press release, by the graduation performance, Superman had
addition, express same-day and next-day repairs are available, a service that is not widely available in Birmingham. All repairs are done on-site by Thompson. The staff said that they guarantee that jewelry will never be sent to a centralized jewelry repair shop out of town. Alan’s also offers a variety of services in addition to repairs and design, including: sizing rings, tightening stones, shortening chains, adding charms, replacing watch batteries, cleaning and polishing.
Sprout Flower Market Hosting Ribbon Cutting in Homewood Sprout Flower Market will be hosting a ribbon cutting Aug. 28. The florist, which opened its doors earlier this year, is owned by Faye Wolfe. The business offers a full-service flower market, including delivery and a gift line for a wide range of occasions. The ribbon cutting will take place from 3-5 p.m. and will include free refreshments provided by Urban Cookhouse. Door prizes will include a $25, $50, $75 and $100 arrangement. “We’re doing pretty good,” Wolfe said. “Homewood has really just welcomed us with open arms. As a business owner, you always want to push to do better, but I’m grateful for what we’ve been able to do.” For more information, visit www.sproutbirmingham. com. ❖
said. “The supportive environment been through three, 8-week rounds of provided by their fellow students is a key classes. In that time, he did an audition, part of their success.” took in an all-day cram session and Positively Funny Inc. teaches classes performed on stage with his classmates. day isRinginSizing! next day Ring improvisation, comedy writing, “Our sole purposeSame as a company stand-up comedy and digital comedy 205-769-693 to help make a difference in the205-769-6930 lives video shorts. about PFI’s of young people,” Grissom said. “Our hwy, vestavia 619 Montgomery hills To learn more619 Montgomery hwy, v classes, visit www.positivelyfunnyinc. classes are an excellent example of com. ❖ how we achieve our vision.” Superman is not the first special needs student in the ranks of PFI Students. PFI has had other students with special needs and each has found their own success through a curriculum that offers encouragement and teaches all students to “know no fear.” “Through compassionate and talented Remount youR diamondS! instructors such as Ty Malugani, who taught Superman, we are thrilled with 205-769-6930 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills the progress of each student,” Grissom
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1975 and has more than 40 years of private practice experience in general dentistry and maxillofacial prosthetics. “(Sooudi’s) unique clinical skills will strengthen our ability to continue to provide services to special needs patients in maxillofacial prosthetics and will also allow us to collaborate on these patient treatments with our Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and the Department of Surgery in the School of Medicine,” said Dr. Perng-Ru Liu, professor and chair of the Department of Restorative Sciences.
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 21
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
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22 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
schools
By Kaitlin Candelaria
Big Band Music
VHEC Student Aids Principal in Time of Need
Homewood Boasts Largest Band in State, and It’s Growing
Freshman Mary Eliza Beaumont rehearses during summer band camp. She is one of more than 300 students in the Homewood High School band.
Photo courtesy of Brian Collins
During Ron Pence’s 20-year tenure as the Homewood High band director, the band has continued its tradition of excellence. The largest high school band in the state, it has won countless awards, marched for millions across the country and swelled its ranks to unprecedented levels. In the past year alone, band members have traveled to Pasadena, California, to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade, as well as to Orlando, Florida, to march in the Magic Music Days Parade in Walt Disney World. This year, Pence says he’s just trying to catch his breath. According to Pence, an average high school has 8 percent to 10 percent of its students enrolled in band. Homewood High School, with about 1,100 students, has an astounding 37 percent of the student body enrolled in band. This year, 165 eighth-grade students enrolled in band at Homewood Middle School. Pence said he expects 90 percent of those students to continue on the band path when they enter high school next year. Homewood High School could have almost half of its student population joining the band next year. “I think it’s our enthusiasm and our traditions that attract students,” Pence said. “The arts are very important to the Homewood community. When you read our mission statement, you see that we’re here to help each student reach his or her unique potential.” Pence said reaching that potential means not forcing students to choose between activities they want to do. Pence and other teachers have worked diligently to create schedules that allow students to focus on academics, athletics and the arts, he said. “Why do kids have to pick?” he asked. “I think it was something that was really strong in my heart because growing up you had to choose and by forcing them to choose, we’re separating the children from each other. How can we reach their unique potential when we’re telling them they can’t be a part of something? Why can’t they all be a part of everything and be a part of the school?” His band includes varsity football players, cheerleaders, volleyball players and more.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
“The toughest part for me now that the band is so large is getting to know each kid personally,” Pence said. Pence’s oldest son also is a member of the band and plays trumpet. His younger son is in seventh grade at Homewood Middle and is a member of the drumline. Another way the school system
makes band available for all students is by keeping band fees low. “We increased band fees for the first time in 10 years this year to offset costs as we move forward,” Pence said. “We still have some of the cheapest fees in the state and even in the country and that’s on purpose because we want to include as many students as possible and we don’t
want money to be an issue.” He credits the school system as a whole with the success the band program has been able to achieve. “Everyone from the board to the superintendents have been instrumental in helping us dream a dream of having the largest, most well-known and most well-traveled band in the state,” Pence said. ❖
Leadership Mountain Brook Introduces New Members
Altamont’s Denniston Scores Perfectly on ACT
Photo special to the Journal
Leadership Mountain Brook will have a few new faces this school year as it adds 20 members. The service group participates in a one-credit course during the school year, taught by Amber Benson, in which the students learn skills necessary to organize, develop, create and present project proposals for the community of Mountain Brook. Leadership Mountain Brook partners with the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and the City of Mountain Brook in various community projects.❖
When he heard the news that his principal and her family lost many of their possessions and their home in a fire, Vestavia Hills Elementary Central student Luke Higginbotham decided to help in any way he could. Luke donated a portion of his savings that he earned mowing neighbors lawns during the summer. “Luke has been around gasoline and Luke Higginbotham motors all of his life,” Lee Higginbotham said. Lee said he had his son son riding four-wheelers by the time he was 39 months old, so when Luke asked his father to teach him to mow lawns, Lee was happy to oblige. Once his father was confident enough in his ability to operate the lawn mower, Luke spent the summer mowing a few neighbors lawns for money. A fire at the Liberty Park home of VHEC Principal Marian Humphries on the morning of August 10 took the work of both Mountain Brook and Cahaba Heights firefighters to extinguish. Though there were no injuries, due to the severity of the flames, Humphries’ home was declared a total loss. Community support for Humphries and her family began almost immediately. Lee said that when his wife Dawn showed Luke the news article about Humphries’ home, his first response was to say, “Well, I want to go give her some money.” So, Luke wrote a note, put some of his earnings in an envelope and visited VHEC to leave his gift for Humphries with the assistant principal. The next day, Lee said Humphries called and left a message thanking Luke for his generosity. “It makes us so proud to see the kind of boy he is becoming and the heart he has,” Lee said. In a statement issued on Aug. 21, Humphries thanked the community for its support. “Last week was one of the most disruptive in our lives, but through it we have seen the goodness and kindness of our community,” Humphries said. “Friends, neighbors and total strangers came forward to help us in ways that filled us with warmth and gratitude. We will be forever thankful for their generosity.”
The 2015-2016 new members of Leadership Mountain Brook members are, from left, front: Anne Raines Doidge, Lindsey Brakefield, Virginia Beasley, Annie Hughes, Mary Margaret Grammas, Kate Dodson and Sarah Tate Kelly. Middle: Henry Kilpatrick, Ansley Balough, Patrick Trammell, Harris McCullough, Creagh Goings, Anne Marie Perri, Mary Margaret De La Torre, Hadley Hitson and Sarah Beth Daniel. Back: Harris Crews, Murphy Barze and Drew White.
Robert Denniston, Altamont class of 2016, earned a top composite score of 36 on a recent ACT test. On average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students in the nation who take the ACT earn the top score. Among test takers in the high school Robert Denniston graduating
Three Cheers for Homewood
class of 2014, only 1,407 of nearly 1.85 million students earned a composite score of 36. Denniston is a member of Altamont’s cross country team, the indoor track team and the track and field team. He has served as captain of the cross country and indoor teams since sophomore year. Denniston is president of the National Honor Society and the Altamont Honor Court and has been a member of the court for the past two years. He also serves as captain of the varsity Scholars Bowl team as well as the French Scholars Bowl team. He is a member of the C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center at Altamont and received the 2015 Margaret Matthews Gage Prize in American History. Robert is the son of Christine and Mike Denniston of Birmingham.
MBHS Students Win Two BAM Publishing Contests Mountain Brook High School students took second and third places in a statewide publishing contest sponsored by Books-A-Million. “The second and third place books were immensely enjoyable to read,” Espresso Book Machine Coordinator for Books-A-Million Joyce McKinnon said. “There is definitely some real literary talent at Mountain Brook High School.” Senior Jennifer Lauriello, student of Peter Perez, won second place with her novel “Eliza,” written during National Novel Writing Month in November. Lauriello’s novel follows the character Charlotte Jennings, whose sister disappears one night during an intense thunderstorm.
The girls agree. “It’s definitely more convenient with all three of us cheering,” Sammey said. Sidney has big plans to attend Auburn University after graduating in the spring. Although Perry said she’s focusing on getting through high
in show choir and is a member of organizations such as The Network and Student Activism for Women, opted not to cheer her sophomore and junior years. However, she made the “I’ve been interested in writing since I was in elementary school, but I followed through with this story because my friend William Scott suggested I participate in (National Novel Writing Month),” Lauriello said. The staff for MBHS’ the Muse literary magazine won third-place with a collection of their work edited by recent graduate Cat Schultz and senior Adelaide Kimberly. The collection includes poetry, fiction, Jennifer Lauriello nonfiction, photography and art created by the literary staff. While the Muse literary staff publishes an annual collection of school-wide writing and art, only the staff is represented in the collection. “The March deadline prevented us from soliciting school-wide material, but our online magazine is now live on www.scribd.com, and it includes over 100 pages of the best writing and art from our school,” Muse sponsor Denise Trimm said. Books-A-Million will host a book signing at the Brookwood Village store on Sept 5, from 1-3 p.m.
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decision to rejoin the squad to cheer with her sisters. “They’ve always put each other first,” Lee said. “It’s something they do together that still brings them closer.”
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Bumpus Principal Tamala Maddox Takes Reins of State Association 2011 tenth-page BSC ad_OTMJ.indd
R.F. Bumpus Middle School Principal Dr. Tamala Maddox has been named president of the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals, an affiliate organization of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. As president, Maddox will facilitate positive educational leadership and help be a voice for middle school principals across Alabama. “As president, I am responsible for coordinating meetings with our executive board,” Maddox said. “I find that this meeting hierarchy is an outstanding way to have our message reach members on a more personal level. I attend the CLAS Board meetings as a non-voting member then share that knowledge with our executive board.” AAMSP has more than 400 members in schools of various configurations, including K-8, K-12 and 7-8. Maddox has been a member of AAMSP since 2003. She has served in various roles for the organization, including treasurer, vice president and president-elect. Dr. Tamala Maddox has a career in education spanning back to 1991. She came to Hoover in 2000 and was named principal of R.F. Bumpus Middle School in 2011. ❖
—Kaitlin Candelaria
Lessons are available in piano, voice, violin, guitar, band and much more. Preschool Music Classes are available for 15-month to 5-year-olds.
From left: Sisters Sammey, Perry and Sidney Steed all three will be cheering for the Homewood High School Patriots this year.
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school right now, she will most likely once again follow in her older sister’s footsteps. “We’re really proud of them,” Lee said. “They’ve always been talented and athletic and really put their hearts and souls into everything.”
Open their world to the Arts!
Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria
It’s a special year for Sidney Steed. The 17-year-old recently kicked off her senior year at Homewood High School. Not only is this the only year she and her two younger sisters, Sammey and Perry, will all be at the same school, they also all three will be donning red and blue cheerleading uniforms. “I think it’s really special because it’s the first and only year they’ll all have to be in high school together,” their father, Lee Steed said. “They’ve really pulled together and become closer and supported each other through tryouts and now cheering together.” Perry is entering as a freshman and will be cheering on the junior varsity squad, while Sammey, a junior, will be cheering with her sister on the varsity cheer team. Sidney, who also plays on the varsity soccer team, participates
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 23
schools
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
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Contact your AAA Travel Agent today! CALL: 205-978-7030 1-877-319-1054 call: VISIT: Your visit: AAA, local 2400 AAA Actonbranch Rd, BiRminghAm Airfare, taxes, surcharges, gratuities, transfers, and excursions are additional unless otherwise indicated. Fuel surcharges, government taxes, other surcharges and deposit, payment and cancellation terms/conditions are subject to change without notice at any time. Rates, terms, conditions, availability and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefits and savings. Member Benefits may vary based on departure date. Rates are accurate at time of printing and are subject to availability and change. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Your local AAA club acts only as an agent for Disney. CTR #1016202-80. Copyright © 2015 Auto Club Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
24 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
Michelson-Bornstein
Recently engaged or married? Let us help you spread the word of your good news!
Dr. and Mrs. Marc Alan Michelson of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. Jennifer Leigh Michelson, to Dr. Joseph Ewing Bornstein, son of Ms. Cynthia Callachan Ewing of Branford, Connecticut, and Dr. and Mrs. Harold Nelson Bornstein of Scarsdale, N.Y. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Professor and Mrs. Alfred Gessow of Bethesda, Maryland, and Mrs. Harold Michelson and the late Mr. Michelson of Decatur. Dr. Michelson is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a cum laude graduate of Tufts
Weddings & Engagements
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
University, where she was co-captain of the cheerleading squad. She was a member of Chi Omega social sorority as well as Psi Chi honor society. Dr. Michelson received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and is currently an ophthalmology resident at Montefiore Medical Center-Albert Einstein in New York City. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Callachan of Branford, Connecticut, and the late Dr. and Mrs. Jacob Bornstein of New York City. Dr. Bornstein is a graduate of Scarsdale High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Tufts University. He was president of Alpha Epsilon Pi social fraternity and a member or Tau Beta Pi honor society. Dr. Bornstein received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine with a combined master’s degree in business administration. He completed his general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School in Boston and his Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Dr. Bornstein is a colon and rectal surgeon at Providence Hospital in Mobile. The wedding will be Oct. 10 in Birmingham.
and pearl accessories. Her ivory veil was fingertip-length of illusion edged with coordinating Alencon lace. The bride was attended by Aubrey Kate DeGuenther of Birmingham as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Leslie Ralls Allen, Marla Ann Kornegay, Rebecca Lynn O’Neal and Brittany Lee Ross, all of Birmingham; Amanda Lynne Cisko and Brittany Alyssa Conyers of Atlanta; Anne Johnson Poundstone of Montgomery; Elizabeth Anne Robbins of Nashville, Tenneessee; and Jenna Ilisa Roth of Boca Raton, Florida. The flower girl was Olivia Ann Williams, cousin of the groom, of New Orleans. The brother of the groom, David Thomas Simmons of Birmingham was the best man. Groomsmen were Lee Howard Dressler, brother of the bride, John Thomas Markle, Cameron George Pappas and Alexander O’Dell Wiggins, all of Birmingham; John Michael Holtrop and Russell Ferguson Upshaw McClenny of Houston; Dustin Edward Mott of New Orleans; Seth Alexander Neil of Mobile; and Benjamin Daniel Schmidt of Louisville, Kentucky. Scripture readers were Paul Douglas Bagley and Gretchen Guderian Caldwell. Ushers were Warren Benjamin Mott III and Christopher Adam Murphree. Program attendants were Lauren Dawn Sullivan and Chelsea Melissa Brown. Musicians were Jerry Alex Brown, vocalist, Dr. Alan Brent Reeves, organist and Lee Howard Dressler, trumpeter, brother of the bride. After a honeymoon trip to the Maldives, the couple lives in Nashville.
Send your announcement to
Dressler-Simmons
Emily Kathryn Dressler and Paul Vanterpool Simmons were married July 11 at Brookwood Baptist Church. The 6 p.m. ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Thomas Webster Sanders. A reception followed at The Club. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Lee Dressler of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Aubrey Elton Howard and the late Mr. Howard and the late Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hill Dressler Jr., all of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Gary Thomas Simmons of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Mrs. Donald Vanterpool Simmons and the late Mr. Simmons of Memphis, Tennessee, Mrs. Edward John Lovett Sr. and the late Mr. Lovett Sr. as well as the late Mr. Alva Boyd Howell, all of New Orleans. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory Alencon lace gown by Justin Alexander with a sweetheart neckline, lace cap sleeves
England. The bride-elect is the granddaugheditorial@otmj.com ter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert Fulmer Guthrie of Birmingham and or visit the late Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Eladio www.otmj.com Ruiz de Molina Echeverría of Atlanta, and fill out the formerly of Holguín, Cuba. form under Miss Ruiz de Molina is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School. “Forms, Issue She attended Rhodes College and is a and Info” graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was presented at the Chattanooga Cotton Ball and the Ball of Roses and is a member of the Ballet Guild of Birmingham. Miss Ruiz de Molina is pursuing a materials engineering degree at the Ruiz de Molina-Town University of Alabama at Birmingham Mr. and Mrs. Eladio José and completed a National Science Mariano Ruiz de Molina Crespo of Foundation internship in the Czech Birmingham announce the engageRepublic in July. Tue.-Sat. 10-4:30 ment of their daughter, Sara Christina, The prospective groom is the 5620 Cahaba Valley Road to Philip Alexander William Town of grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. 991-6887 Reading, England, son of Mr. Peter Peter Augustus Town of Wycombe, John Town of Syresham, England, England, and the late Mr. and Mrs. and Mrs. Marce Colucci of Reading, Terence Rayner of Bradford, England. Mr. Town is a graduate of The Keller Anniversary Wallingford School and is the manLeland Keller and Marty Binzel Keller of Mountain Brook celebrated their aging director of Thames Valley 50th wedding anniversary on July 24 on a reunion trip in Colorado with their Structural, Ltd. in Reading, England. two children: Helen of Decatur, Georgia, and Leland along with his wife, The wedding is planned for Darlene, and grandchildren Rowan and Kianna of Longmont, Colorado. 10, 2015, at Highlands The happy couple married at South Highland Presbyterian Church, where Same day Ring Sizing! next day Ring October Sizing! CuStom deSign! United Methodist Church. they met in their youth. They continue to attend and serve at the church, which 205-769-6930 205-769-6930 205-769-6930 is thevestavia core of hills their lives and community. 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills 619 Montgomery hwy, Over 40 Years Leland retired from a career with Capstone Development and Raytheon. Marty has worked for the Nature Company and served as president of the Barbara & Buzz Manning board of directors for the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. In recent years, they’ve enjoyed helping to develop the new Living River retreat center for the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley.
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Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 25
sports
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Fundraiser Gives Athletes Purpose and Challenge
Sullivan, From page 1
gently. But he chose Auburn. “I really liked the atmosphere of the school and the idea of making Auburn a Southern powerhouse again,” he said. “Alabama and Notre Dame had great programs, but Auburn felt right for me at the time.” But Auburn’s greatest appeal to Sullivan may have been the Tigers’ legendary coach, Ralph “Shug” Jordan. “Coach Jordan was a tremendous influence on my life,” Sullivan said. “He helped me in so many ways. Coach Jordan made me a better football player – and a better man.” Freshmen were ineligible for varsity competition in 1968, so Sullivan played on the Auburn freshman team. He made an immediate impact that actually shifted the course of the AuburnAlabama rivalry. In the final freshman game of the year, the Crimson Tide blasted to a 27-0 lead over Sullivan and his teammates. Sullivan rallied the team to a thrilling 36-27 comeback, giving his class an important psychological edge for the future. “Auburn had lost to Alabama several years in a row, and the fact that we could beat Alabama – even in a freshman game – gave us confidence that we could beat them at the varsity level,” Sullivan recalled. As the 1969 season opened, Tiger fans were excited not only about Sullivan’s varsity debut, but also the arrival of a talented receiver from Montgomery’s Robert E. Lee High School named Terry Beasley. Within three years, the names Sullivan and Beasley would become as much a part of Auburn lore as Toomer’s Corner. Auburn finished the season with an 8-3 record, including a 49-26 rout of Alabama, and Sullivan had established himself as one of college football’s best
Photo special to the Journal
Having someone to walk alongside you during the darkest times of life can make all the difference. That’s the premise behind the Urban Purpose’s mission. “It started out as a homeless outreach ministry and it’s grown into more,” Rachel Coleman, staff member, said. “We want to walk with people where they are, whether that’s struggling with a drug addiction, homelessness, being a single parent – whatever their life looks like, and we want to help them become self-sufficient. We also want to point them towards the Gospel in any way we can during the process because we feel like that’s what Jesus did for us.” Urban Purpose began about six years ago. Jim McFarland and Mark Jenkins, founders, saw a huge need for “caring for the poor and broken in Birmingham” and began serving meals to homeless men in downtown Birmingham. Coleman was hired later on as the organization expanded and began serving more people. “None of us have specific roles in the organization, but I kind of take the lead on the women’s side of things,” Coleman said. “There’s only three of us and we’re close enough as a team that we all can work on a little bit of everything. We all go to meetings and are all very involved with our clients. It’s good to have three sets of ears, three minds and three hearts listening.” That closeness between the three of them
Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria
By Kaitlin Candelaria
Urban Purpose staff member Rachel Coleman, center, with founders Mark Jenkins and Jim McFarland. The third annual Urban Purpose 5K will take place in Vestavia Hills on Aug. 29.
as well as with their clients is what sets Urban Purpose apart, she said. “I love that we do everything as a team and we really get to know the people we work with,” she said. “We know the ins and outs of their stories. Everyone has ups and downs and we try our best to continue walking with people through their mistakes instead of cutting off their progress. We want them to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The fact that the three of us have the same mindset is amazing and it’s wonderful to see how God has formed us.” The triumvirate still hosts meals each Sunday downtown. Many volunteers and groups assist
young quarterbacks. The next year was even better for Sullivan and Auburn. They posted a 9-2 worksheet, including a second consecutive win over the Crimson Tide. The Tigers fell behind 17-0 before Sullivan and Beasley rallied the team to an exciting 33-28 victory. “I think the memory of winning that freshman game two years earlier helped us in 1970,” Sullivan said. “We had come from behind to beat Alabama before and we knew we could do it again.” Sullivan was starting to get more attention from the national media. He led the nation in total offense that season and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting, receiving more votes than any other junior. Some sportswriters gave him the nickname “SuperSully.” Auburn entered the 1971 season as a contender for the national championship. With Sullivan having another outstanding season, the Tigers were 8-0 when they rolled into Athens, Georgia, to face the also-undefeated Bulldogs. In the biggest game of his career, Sullivan was never better, completing 14 of 24 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns as Auburn smashed Georgia 35-20. The four scores gave Sullivan responsibility for 71 touchdowns by either rushing or passing in a career, tying an NCAA record. Two weeks later, Sullivan won the Heisman Trophy. “Winning the Heisman was an incredible honor,” Sullivan said. “But it was more about Auburn than it was me. I wish I could have given a piece of it to every player on the team.” Sullivan, as the first Alabamian ever to win the Heisman Trophy, became a state celebrity. But he never let fame get in his head. Sullivan became active in local charities. He teamed with his close friend and rival, Alabama AllAmerican running back Johnny Musso,
with the meal, and Coleman says that’s where relationships begin to form. “We never end up serving a meal alone,” she said. “Typically, if a volunteer meets someone there and begins to build a relationship, they’ll introduce them to us and we’ll get the ball rolling from there. We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers.” Another way to get involved with the Urban Purpose is coming up Aug. 29. The third annual Urban Purpose 5K will take place at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills. However, this year, the staff has added a unique twist to the event.
to lead a March of Dimes campaign. The Path to Coaching
After his college career ended, Sullivan played five seasons in the National Football League before retiring to enter private business. Although his business ventures were successful, Sullivan developed a strong desire to enter coaching. “That was a time where I really missed Coach Jordan,” Sullivan said. “He passed away in 1980, and I really would have loved to have gotten his advice as far as getting into coaching was concerned.” Sullivan finally got his shot in 1986, when Auburn coach Pat Dye offered him the job of offensive coordinator. Sullivan accepted and helped the Tigers win three consecutive SEC titles from
“We were thinking of ways to make it different from other 5Ks,” she said. “All three of us are involved in gyms and working out is a big part of our life and we know there’s a big following, so we wanted to tap into that.” Their solution? In addition to the 5K, they have added a separate obstacle course. The Team WOD (or workout of the day) event is modeled after a CrossFit-style competition, but is for a wide range of competitors, Coleman said. “There’s all sorts of random things to compete in – three point shooting, a tire pull – we had over 20 obstacles to begin with, but we had to be realistic.” Instead, teams of four will complete in eight different challenges, which also include a wall ball challenge, a rowing challenge and even a mystery WOD. “It’s definitely not just for the person who can lift the most weight,” Coleman said. There will also be a Kid’s MessFest, which includes water games, inflatables and other childfriendly activities. For $10, athletes can leave their children in the care of the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Kid’s Kamp staff at this event while they compete. “It’ll be a really fun way to end the summer,” Coleman said. “We definitely want the whole family to come out and support the organization.” For more information or to register for the Urban Purpose Challenge, visit www.urbanpurpose.org. ❖
1987 to 1989. After six years at Auburn, Sullivan was hired as head coach at TCU in 1992. In 1994, he led the Horned Frogs to their first Southwest Conference championship since 1959. In 1999, Sullivan returned to Birmingham to serve as offensive coordinator at UAB. While at UAB, he was diagnosed with cancer and began a battle with the disease that has inspired people everywhere. In 2007, Sullivan made his final coaching stop, accepting the head coaching position at Samford University. He piloted the Bulldogs to the Southern Conference title in 2013. A year later, Sullivan announced his retirement from coaching because of continuing health problems. Now in retirement, Sullivan still
attends Samford practices and continues to follow the sport he loves. But he has an even greater appreciation of what’s important. “Football is a great game, but what makes it so great is the relationships,” Sullivan said. “When you work and sweat with a group of guys – whether you are a player or coach – you build a bond that lasts. Trophies and honors are nice, but it’s the special people you meet along the process that’s the most important thing of all.” Just like many people his age, Sullivan is reflective when looking at his life. “I’ve been very blessed,” he said. “I’ve got a great family and great friends. What else can a man ask for?” As a community icon since the 1960s, Pat Sullivan has given far more than he has received. ❖
for more information please Call mike wedgworth: 205.365.4344
26 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
sports
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
2015 preview
OTM Volleyball Teams Set for New Season By Tyler Waldrep While football gets most of the attention in Alabama during the fall, it’s not the only sport that launched with the beginning of school. Volleyball teams have been in training and have started their season with the same competitive spirit as their helmeted counterparts. In fact, the Over the Mountain area boasts two state champions, along with a slew of up-and-comers just gunning to take them down. Here’s a rundown of the volleyball programs in the area and their plans for the year: Mountain Brook: Talk of the Town
The whispers around Mountain Brook’s volleyball program have started. They suggest that Mountain Brook has already locked up the championship title. Coach Haven O’Quinn said she has heard the talk. “They just think, we did it once,” O’Quinn said, “Now it’s just supposed to happen.” Last season, Mountain Brook beat Hoover in the Class 7A state championship game to secure the school’s first title in the sport. Now the team will have to Sara Chandler defend that title. Mitchell O’Quinn said she expects this year’s team to look different despite having nine girls return. She believes this team could be even better than last year’s team. “I’ve never been more excited about a team,” O’Quinn said. In a way, this is the end of an era for the program. This is the final season that Sara Carr and Sara Chandler Mitchell will step on the court for Mountain Brook. O’Quinn said those are the first players she has coached all four years of high school. “I have never coached a player who loves the game as much as she (Carr) has,” O’Quinn said. Carr’s success has been well documented, but O’Quinn said she thought Mitchell deserved more credit than she’s gotten. “I think she’s like our silent superstar,” O’Quinn said. “Nine times out of ten she puts the ball exactly where I wanted.” Despite the returning talent, O’Quinn said she doesn’t want the team to think about repeating last year’s feat. “We never talk about a state championship,” she said. “We are just talking about reaching our potential.”
John Carroll: Defending the Title
John Carroll’s volleyball team picked up a secret weapon July 8. The new arrival doesn’t possess game-changing height, a strong serve or even raw athleticism, but the ability to inspire is a powerful thing. Coach Ginny McMillan said her newborn, Jayden, already has found his place on the team.
“The team has decided Jayden is our mascot,” McMillan said. For the first time in almost two decades, the Cavaliers are the defending state champs. McMillan, known as Ginny Massa before her recent wedding, was a member of the ’96 championship team. She said most of last year’s team returned. “The girls and I have already talked about how Mary Catherine Hart it’s tougher to come back after a state championship,” McMillan said. “A lot of people already put a lot of pressure on you.” The presence of John Carroll’s “leader on the court,” Kelsi Hobbs, could be crucial when the going gets tough, but others have to step up, as well. “M.C. Hart and Morgan Adamson both came on very strong at the end of last year,” McMillan said. “I anticipate them continuing to build on where they were progressing.” McMillan said her team has circled Sept. 10 on their calendars, when 6A finals opponent Pelham will attempt to pay the Cavaliers back for the championship game, but John Carroll has something to avenge, too. “Pelham winning our area instead of us was that one missing piece,” she said. McMillan thinks the girls’ experience in big games will help them become successful. “Environment makes a huge difference,” she said.
Briarwood Christian: Growing Up Fast
Coach Robbie Wilson is not ready to take a step back. He had the benefit of coaching a senior-heavy group last year. That experience helped Class 6A Briarwood win its area and region, but ultimately it wasn’t enough. “(We) came within two points of advancing to the Elite Eight,” Wilson said. “This team is completely different from last year’s team.” This year, new faces will be asked to step up into the roles those seniors left behind. Wilson said he’s going to have to keep the offensive game plan simple this year. “We don’t want to put them in a situation where they are making mistakes,” Wilson said. He said he will expand the offense as the season goes along, but it will develop faster if junior Natalie Crumpler can get involved, despite just coming off of a knee brace. Senior leadership from Robbin Reese and Monique Burton will be critical, Wilson said. Their intangibles and maturity can keep the team grounded. Those two will not have to shoulder the burden of leadership alone. Taylor Moore and Sophie Muir-Taylor “contributed a lot last year as freshman,” Wilson said. “They are providing a lot of leadership for us on the court already this year despite their age.”
Wilson said the team is not approaching this season as a lost year. Briarwood might be young, but that doesn’t mean the team lacks talent. He said this team is capable of achieving just as much as last year’s team did, if not more. “Despite the age, we are not going to go out and make excuses,” Wilson said. “We’ll go into every match with a plan to win.”
Homewood: Back for More
Students weren’t the only ones returning to Homewood High School this year. Carol Chesnutt, Homewood’s volleyball coach from 2005-2010, decided to come out of retirement when the position opened up on the Class 6A team over the summer. “I’m the new kid on the block,” Chesnutt said, but she is excited to be doing what she loves. Chesnutt is not the only familiar face returning this year. Homewood’s team is filled with upperclassmen, including six seniors. “I know those seniors are really wanting to leave their legacy,” Chesnutt said. “I think it should provide stability.” One area Chesnutt said she was confident about was Homewood’s defense. She said she expects senior Virginia Estes to take charge from the libero position. “We are usually a strong defensive team,” Chesnutt said. “(It’s) important that she continues to do well and be a strong force on the back row.” While Estes handles the back end of the court, another senior has the opportunity to lead from the front. Chesnutt said Deja Hester Taylor might end up playing middle or could play outside. “(She’s) very quick with a powerful swing,” Chesnutt said. “She’ll have the opportunity to make a difference on the front row.” Chesnutt already has big plans for this team. She said she is placing special emphasis on home games, but she needs everyone on the team to step up. She said the team returns several freshmen who were thrown in the fire last year, and she expects that experience to be beneficial. “Everybody’s got a big role to play,” Chesnutt said. “We have to take advantage of our opportunities.”
Hoover: Aiming to Flip the Script
Chris Camper watched Mountain Brook, the program he had spent eight years coaching, walk away with the Class 7A volleyball state championship last year, but it wasn’t joy he felt as he left the gym. This fall Camper begins his fourth season as Hoover’s coach. He said watching his former team win the state title at the expense of his current team was a surreal experience. Hoover’s volleyball program had never made it to a championship game before last year, but a return trip might be just around the corner. Camper said this team might be better than the one that went last year, but the girls have a
long way to go. “We are not rebuilding. We have five returners that played all the time,” Camper said. “Our bench is pretty good, too.” Camper said that, for the first time in his tenure at Hoover, he will have a returning setter in Jamie Gregg. Camper said other notable returners include senior Ali Lowe, who Camper praises as one Ali Lowe of the state’s top players, and junior Olivia Portera. “I feel like (Portera) is one of the top two or three libero’s in Alabama,” Camper said. In addition to those five, Hoover also gets Erin Test back after an ACL tear took her out of the starting lineup. With that much talent returning, it’s easy to imagine Hoover returning to the title game. Hoover doesn’t want to make the trip back to the title game just to lose to preseason favorite Mountain Brook – again. “We beat them the first two times we played them last year,” Camper said. “They kicked our tails the last two times.” If the two teams meet in the postseason, then perhaps Hoover can benefit from last year’s loss and rewrite the script.
Indian Springs: Back to Fundamentals
Indian Springs coach Tiffany Hunter is new, but she already has big plans for the school’s Class 3A volleyball program. “Coming in brand new, I don’t know what we are facing, but I am a firm believer in, why can’t we win it,” Hunter said. “Those are the types of conversations I’ve had with the girls... it starts now.” This is Hunter’s first season in charge of a high school team -she has worked as a high school assistant in the past, but most of her coaching experience involves club volleyball. Hunter said she has not changed her coaching methods. She will focus on developing the girls’ fundamentals -- passing and defense are two areas she would like the girls to improve. “Our defense is great, and defense wins games,” she said. “I want to frustrate the other team.” Hunter said the defense is going to be a team effort. Senior libero Juli Ann Baker will have a lot of responsibility for the team’s defensive play. “(Baker’s) a very hard worker and I know that she will get that done for us,” Hunter said. Three other seniors – Chloe Yeager, Stella Davis and Margot Balliet – return this year. Two years ago, Indian Springs made it to the Elite Eight. Hunter said this senior class is hungry for a return trip. Returning to the Elite Eight is not
going to be easy. A Sept. 10 date with Homewood will be a good test for her team. She said beating a school three classes higher would give her team a lot of confidence. “I tell the girls we put our shoes on the same way the other girls put their shoes on. There’s no reason we cannot beat anyone that steps on the court with us.”
Oak Mountain: Learning from Every Game
Oak Mountain’s Tim Le has plenty of holes to fill. Five of his team’s players, including three starters, graduated last year. “The biggest thing that we lose from them is their leadership and experience,” Le said. “I only have two seniors.” Le said he will depend on both outside hitter Savannah Francis and middle blocker Kristen West to provide leadership and set the tone for the entire team. Having such a young team provides Le with a chance to preview what he can expect for the next few years. He’s not dwelling on the past or the future. He said he thinks the group is more talented than last year’s team. “We are very athletic and physical,” he said. “I think this is a special group.” Oak Mountain doesn’t get the benefit of easing into the season. The Eagles kick off the year on the road against the defending 7A champs, Mountain Brook, on Aug. 27. Le said Oak Mountain’s mustwin games will come against area opponent Thompson this year. His team hung with area opponent and state runner-up Hoover last year and he would like to see this team continue to push the Bucs in games. Oak Mountain only has to take second place in the area to advance to super regionals, but Le said winning the area would be huge for the team. “If you finish second in our region then you have to play the winner of the Mountain Brook area,” Le said. If Oak Mountain is going to dodge an early post-season rematch with the Spartans, then it might have to overcome a slow start. Le said that, as long as the girls can win half of the first 10 games, then he won’t worry too much. “What they need is experience,” Le said. “We take away and learn something from each match and show improvement in the next match. That’s really what’s most important.”
Spain Park: Shaking Things Up
Coach Kellye Bowen isn’t afraid to make changes. When the chance to leave 4A Saint James for the more competitive 7A class that Spain Park competes in arose in June, she took it and quickly began to play catch-up as most of the valuable off-season already had passed her by. “I do feel we got better as the
See volleyball, page 27
Volleyball, From page 26
season went along,” Bowen said. “I think they really have bought into the program.” While some coaches might have been conservative in that situation, Bowen was experimenting. She moved players around until she discovered the position she felt they should play, and those experiments could pay off. “I think one of their main goals is getting to super regionals and getting to the state tournament,” Bowen said. “If we take care of us, then everything else will fall into place.” She said consistency will be crucial this year. To limit inconsistencies, Bowen has decided to use one setter, junior Ellie Norton, instead of two. “Ellie’s really been working hard,” Bowen said. “(She’s) not an emotional player; she’s very level headed.” Bowen said good play from the outside also will be important to the team’s success, and she is confident the team will get it. Senior outside Jordan DeSantis returns after an ACL injury kept her on the bench last season, and Bowen said she also expects middle Marlee Johnson to move to the outside, where she can make more of a difference for the team. Bowen said she is excited to see something resembling a finished product take the floor this season. “Every game is a dogfight with them,” Bowen said. “After last year I think they are out for blood.”
davis,
From page 28
Anderson said. “Going into the ninth game of the season, there potentially could have been a five way tie for third place. It’s incredible how balanced our region is once you get past Hoover.” Maybe the Bucs and their domination was the only thing that seemed normal in Region 3 in 2014. After suffering two early losses to out-of-state schools, Hoover won 12 consecutive games to take their third consecutive state championship – and first ever in brand-new Class 7A. There seems to be no end to the Bucs’ dynasty, which has posted a 96-8 record since Josh Niblett took command of the program in 2008. In addition to four state championships, Hoover has also claimed three runnerup finishes in that period. Moving to 2015, here’s a look at how the Over the Mountain schools might finish in their respective regions and overall. Hoover (Class 7A Region Three) Once again, all roads lead through the Bucs, as Niblett’s charges are heavy favorites to win their fourth consecutive state championship. Hoover is talented, deep and has the confident swagger that sustained success can breed. Those facts of life don’t mean the Bucs are unbeatable. Vestavia – hosting Hoover on October 16 – may have the best shot at an upset. Remember, no coach in Central or North Alabama has a better record against Hoover than Anderson. Oak Mountain (Class 7A Region
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 27
sports
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Vestavia Hills: Competitive Drive
Ready or not here they come. Vestavia Hills volleyball coach, Jordan Singletary, realized her team was special last spring. Singletary didn’t notice this spirit in the girls at tryouts or in her discussions with the team. Instead, the third-year coach came to her realization during a game of hide and seek. She said she could see a competitive drive in her team and she believes that kind of effort will help the team succeed this year despite the girls having lost roughly twice as many games as they won last year. Manon Burris “They don’t have to have me pushing them … they push themselves,” Singletary said. “It eats them alive to lose.” Singletary said she lost six senior starters last year from the Class 7A team. Losing that much experience might temper most coach’s expectations, but Singletary said she is confident that she has girls that can and will step up. “I’m not worried about who I’m replacing at all,” Singletary said. “I have eight juniors so it just, boom, replaced it.” She said this year’s team understands her expectations better than previous teams, and one of the players who knows exactly what she expects is setter Manon Burris.
Three) Much of the North Shelby County community is still buzzing over the Eagles’ 10-2 mark last season, which included a runner-up finish in the region. Perhaps no coach in Alabama has done a better job of rebuilding a struggling program in a short time than Cris Bell. The question now is can Oak Mountain sustain its success? The Eagles won’t sneak up on anybody this time. Oak Mountain should qualify for the playoffs again, but the Eagles must travel to play both Mountain Brook and Vestavia. Spain Park (Class 7A Region Three). The Jaguars will feature a strong running game that should help them get back into the playoff picture. Head coach Shawn Raney, beginning his third year at the helm at Spain Park, is a former Hoover assistant and understands what is required for the Jags to earn their first ever on-the-field victory over the Bucs. Who knows? Maybe this is the year. Vestavia Hills (Class 7A Region Three) The Rebels suffered through a rare losing season in 2014, but they were arguably five touchdowns away from an 8-2 mark. Vestavia usually follows lackluster seasons with good ones, and 2015 likely will be no exception. If the Rebels can shore up some key positions, they will probably be back in the playoffs. The Vestavia sideline will definitely have a different look: Peter Braasch, the Rebels’ defensive coordinator since 1978, retired after last season. Mountain Brook (Class 7A Region Three) The Spartans were another hard-luck story last season,
“Manon has been on varsity since she was a freshman,” Singletary said. “She’s one of those kids that will do anything I ask of her 100 percent of the time, no questions.” Singletary also has a lot of faith in middle Avery Kampwerth. The combined experience of Kampwerth and Burris could help lead the team to a successful season. A former Rebels player herself, she believes that this team could win the school’s first state title. Last year’s results would suggest that kind of leap is unlikely, but the school appeared in the championship game only two seasons ago. “I’m very excited about this team,” she said. “I think we have the potential to do wonderful things.”
Shades Mountain: Not Playing Around
One year ago, Shades Mountain volleyball coach Peyton Kirk walked in to meet her team, and she was terrified. “It was exciting,” Kirk said. “I knew nothing about coaching. I learned a lot within a week or two.” One change Kirk said she plans on making is increasing the intensity of her practices this year. She said she will not tolerate laziness from her players. A no-nonsense approach probably will be exactly what Kirk’s 1A program needs. Kirk said she has no seniors on the roster this season after having only one last year. She said that lack of senior leadership makes juniors such as Ruth Weaver even more important to the team.
losing three times on the game’s final play. Coach Chris Yeager likes his team’s attitude and expects a better season. Mountain Brook lost a tough 12-0 battle to Hoover last season, and the Bucs must come to Spartan Stadium this year. If star linebacker Joe Donald can stay healthy, Mountain Brook could have one of the area’s best defenses, and that’s always a good place to start. Homewood (Class 6A Region Five) The Patriots are hungry to win their first state title since 2005, and they may have the talent to do it. Coach Ben Berguson’s team fell in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs a year ago, and expects to do better this time around. Homewood’s only serious question mark seems to be the youth of its offensive line. The Patriots probably rank as the favorite to win the region. Briarwood (Class 6A Region Five) The Lions earned a playoff berth last season but would like to make a bigger splash than the 4-7 overall record of 2014. With an improved offense and excellent defense, Briarwood should post a winning record and return to post-season play. Coach Fred Yancey has made the Lions a consistent winner over nearly three decades and that’s not likely to end anytime soon. John Carroll (Class 6A Region Five) Coach Tim Sanders knows he has a long road to hoe at Carroll, but is making steady progress. A young and talented group of transfers from other schools is a sign of hope that Cavalier fans have some better seasons to look forward to in the future. ❖
“She’s wise beyond her years,” she said. “The whole team respects her.” Kirk, who also works a full-time job, said Weaver serves as a sort-of coach in her absence. “I don’t get to practice until sometimes 4:00 and they start at 3:30 on the dot,” Kirk said. “By the time I got there she would have them serving and doing other small drills.” Kirk said sophomore Abby Zigneulle is also providing the team with a good example to follow. She said Zigneulle’s work ethic is what sets her apart. “In the game she’ll fight to the last point,” Zigneulle said. “She’s probably my hardest worker. She loves getting stronger and she loves pushing herself.” Kirk said the team has a long way to go, but they can make strides from
last year if the girls put in the work. “I like to challenge them,” Kirk said. “It’s not just about volleyball. It’s about making them who they want to become.”
Altamont: New Beginnings
Altamont welcomes coach Kasi Selfe to its 2A volleyball team this year. Selfe, who has been coaching club teams and other high school teams for the past nine years, takes the lead of a team that made it to the super regionals in Huntsville and finished the season with a record of 17-7 overall, 3-0 in the area. Returning starters for the team are junior Lucy Pless, senior Lydia Edwards and senior Caroline Plouff. ❖
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Thursday, August 27, 2015
R
achael Reddy was no stranger to success in track and field when she took her mark in the 5,000-meter run at the Pan American Junior Championships in Alberta, Canada, earlier this month. As a star distance runner at Mountain Brook, Reddy helped the Lady Spartans to a Class 6A state championship and two runner-up finishes in four seasons. She closed her high school career by winning the state 3,200-meter title in her senior year and earned a scholarship to the University of Texas. But the Pan Am Games were competition at an entirely new level. Reddy wasn’t just running for herself or her school. She was running for Team USA. And Reddy honestly wasn’t sure what would happen. “I really didn’t know that there was a possibility I could win,” she said, when contacted last week. “My attitude was to enjoy the experience, learn from it, and do the best I could. That’s all.” Reddy’s best turned out to be plenty. She completed the race in a blazing 16:23.35, good enough for first place and the gold medal and easily outdistancing the runner-up by a whopping 12 seconds. “I wasn’t worried about the other runners, I just focused on what I could do,” Reddy said. “I felt pretty good the entire time. It was just the day for me to win.” Reddy said training for a 5,000meter run wasn’t much different from training for the 3,200 distance at which she had excelled in high school. “A 3,200-meter run is two miles, so a 5,000-meter run is a little more than three miles, so you have to take into account that extra mile when you are running,” she explained. “But the principle is basically the same. You have to emphasize endurance and fin-
Reddy, Set, Go
lee davis
Former Spartan Star Wins Junior Pan Am Gold
Rachael Reddy completed the 5,000meter run at the Pan American Junior Championships race in a blazing 16:23.35, good enough for first place and the gold medal, easily outdistancing the runner-up by a whopping 12 seconds.
‘It was absolutely the coolest feeling of my entire life to be accepting the gold medal for first place while the national anthem was playing. I don’t think the impact of winning really sunk in until later.’
Photo special to the Journal
By Lee Davis
Sports
Over the Mountain High School Volleyball Preview, Page 26
ishing strong at the end.” As great as Reddy felt after winning the race, she said nothing could compare to the Olympic-style medal ceremony that followed. “It was absolutely the coolest feeling of my entire life to be accepting the gold medal for first place while the national anthem was playing,” she said. “I don’t think the impact of winning really sunk in until later.” Before the Pan Am games, Reddy – who was redshirted in her freshman year at Texas – decided to transfer to the University of Alabama. “Coming home and going to Alabama is just a better fit for me,” she said. “It’s a great school with a great track program so I can still accomplish the things I wanted to do – I’ll just be much closer to home.” Reddy said her success at the Pan Am games gives her a boost as she faces Southeastern Conference competition. “It will give me a lot of confidence,” she said. “Going to Canada and coming home with the gold medal was more than I dreamed was possible. Now I know that if I put my mind to it, anything could be within my grasp.” She will be running cross-country as well as indoor and outdoor track for the Crimson Tide. “I’m going to work to get even faster,” she said. “Maybe I could even make the Olympics. We’ll just have to see what happens.” A devout Christian, Reddy takes comfort in Isaiah 40:31, which she describes as her personal motto: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Reddy said she tries to apply that verse to every aspect of her life. “For me that’s a good verse to live by, whether it’s my education, athletics or life in general,” she said. And those words to live by helped Rachael Reddy earn Pan Am Gold. ❖
Regional Conflicts
A look at How Over the Mountain Teams Might Finish In some ways, the 2014 high school football season was one of the most unusual on record. For one thing, when was the last time that perennial powers Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills both missed the playoffs in the same season? The Spartans were good enough to narrowly defeat the Rebels, and Vestavia was good enough to give Buddy Anderson his recordbreaking 307th victory, but neither team finished high enough in the Class 7A Region 3 standing to advance OTM High into November. School Just as perplexed Football over the prospect of Preview putting the footballs Inside away in November was Coach Shawn Raney of Spain Park. “I’m not an expert on Alabama high school football history,” he said. “But I can’t imagine a team beating both Mountain Brook and Vestavia in the same season and not making the playoffs. That’s exactly what happened to us last year.” The surprising rise of Oak Mountain also played havoc with the eight-team Region 3 race as well. But at the end, it was simply the intensity of the competition that made the difference. “We lost five games by a touchdown or less,” Vestavia’s
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See davis, page 27
over the mountain journal h Thursday, August 27, 2015
team profiles key players schedules rosters
2015 otm high school
football preview
carson Journal file photo by Bryan Bunch
Late-Nights
Homewood QB Has High Expectations for 2015 Season See story page 4
Briarwood Page 6
homewood Page 8
hoover Page 10
john carroll Page 12
mountain Brook Page 14
oak mountain
40th anniversary
Green and Golden Spartans Climb to Top in 1975 See story page 2
Page 16
spain park Page 18
vestavia hills Page 20
2 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
state champions
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
State Champions: FIRST ROW: Billy Morris, Rem Miller, John Whitehead, Gil Rush, Greg Ellis, Stuart Scott, Carl Moss, Ed Bowron, Joe Abbott, Bebo Cole, Ronnie Cofield, Tommy Lister, George Bell -- Mgr. and Richard Rickart -- Mgr. SECOND ROW: John Pasker, Richard Burg, Major Ogilvie, Lang Burroughs, Dale Phillips, Dan Tourtellotte, Pip Mason, Charlie Speake, Rob Thomas, Mat Whatley, Chris Christie, Max Niemann, Bill Kreis and Bob Shoulders. THIRD ROW: Coach Higginbotham, Mike Hilton, Don Smith, Charlie Sharp, Rich Lipscomb, David Kinsey, Scot Cardwell, Doug Walker, Greg McCormick, Keith Bouchillon, George Nakos, Allan Hughes, Sam Price, Mike Mathews, Coach Bradley and Coach Brenner.
ore than 40 years later, Mat Whatley vividly remembers the first time he met Robert Higginbotham. Whatley, a rising sophomore tackle at Mountain Brook, was attending the initial team meeting with Higginbotham, who had just been named the Spartans’ new head coach. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Whatley recalled. “He was all business and didn’t smile a lot. We may have all been a little nervous about what was in front of us.” When Higginbotham met with his team that day, he spoke with authority. He had played for Paul Bryant at the University of Alabama and coached under Banks High School legend Shorty White. But Mountain Brook was a place that few believed could produce a consistent winner in football – much less a state championship. “I was always optimistic that we could have a good team,” Higginbotham said. “When I took the Mountain Brook job, I knew it could be a better situation than most people realized. I wouldn’t have gone there if I didn’t think we could win.” Higginbotham’s confidence was genuine, but perhaps even he and his young staff – Mark Bradley and Marty Brenner – couldn’t have seen how quickly the turnaround would come. His first Spartan team in 1973 won only a single game. A year later, Mountain Brook rose to 7-3. Then, in 1975, Spartan football would reach the pinnacle. Mountain Brook raced to a 13-0 record, with only a handful of close calls along the way, to win its firstever state football crown. “This was just a special group,” Higginbotham said. “We had some great athletes, but we also had a great mix of personalities. We were fortunate to have a lot of guys who really wanted to be successful in football.” Certainly there were plenty of reasons to believe the Spartans would be formidable that fall. A strong senior class was returning along with a talented junior class that had gone undefeated as ninth graders. On top of that, there was a move-in from Vestavia Hills who seemed to have a
Spartans Climb to Top in 1975
lot of potential. He was a rising junior running back named Major Ogilvie. “We thought we were going to be really good,” Higginbotham recalled. “And Major coming to Mountain Brook got us over the hump. I had seen him play at Vestavia and knew what he could do for us.” Richard Burg, who had quarterbacked the undefeated junior high team two years previously, would be the signal-caller in Higginbotham’s veer offense. “We went into the season with very high hopes,” Burg said. “Coach Higginbotham met with us all individually and said that we could be contenders for the state championship. A lot of us had been playing together since we were in fourth or fifth grade, so we believed in each other and that meant a lot.”
The Spartans opened the season with easy wins over Vestavia and John Carroll. From the beginning, the pattern was clear: With Burg at the controls and Billy Morris and Ogilvie running behind an impressive offensive line, Mountain Brook’s
Cavaliers. The Spartans didn’t throw often, but they were effective when they did. In the first two games, Burg completed 10 of only 15 attempts, but two of his completions went for touchdowns. Defensively, Mountain Brook
“This was just a special group. We had some great athletes, but we also had a great mix of personalities. We were fortunate to have a lot of guys who really wanted to be successful in football.” Robert Higginbotham slashing ground game methodically chewed up yardage, averaging more than 270 yards against the Rebels and
physically dominated rival offenses and came up with big plays at crucial times.
Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.
M
Green and Golden
By Lee Davis
Former players and coaches from the 1975 Mountain Brook state 4A championship team still gather from time to time. Pictured are, from left: Don Smith, Bill Kreis, Coach Robert Higginbotham, Robbie Thomas, Scot Cardwell, Richard Burg, Greg McCormick, Dan Roberts, Dan Tourtellotte and Mat Whatley.
After a closer-than-expected win over Hewitt-Trussville and a rout of Erwin brought their record to 4-0, the Spartans faced their biggest test of the year on the road against Coach Bob Finley’s Berry Buccaneers. “Berry had always been Mountain Brook’s Achilles heel,” Burg said. “We had never beaten Berry in the history of the school.” It was even worse than that. The Spartans had only scored nine total points in eight previous meetings between the schools. “Berry was Mountain Brook’s biggest rival at the time and that game meant a lot to our community,” Higginbotham said. “Our guys went into the game very confident and weren’t worried about what had happened in the past.” At the beginning, it appeared that the Spartans might overwhelm their long-time tormentors. Ogilvie dashed 71 yards for a touchdown and Rem Miller booted a 39-yard field goal to give the visitors a 10-0 lead late in the second period. But Berry rallied for two quick touchdowns to take a stunning 12-10 lead at the half. Would this be the point where Mountain Brook’s dream season met reality? If the players were expecting a tongue-lashing from their coaches, they were surprised. “I really thought we’d get chewed on,” Burg said. “But Coach Higginbotham was as calm as I’d ever seen him. He said if we took care of business, everything would be fine.” A key play in the second half may have shifted momentum and defined the season. In the first half, Berry had frequent success with a short pass from quarterback Randy Cook to standout running back David Shepherd. “Berry was gaining five to 15 yards virtually every time it ran the play,” said Dan Tourtellotte, a standout Spartan linebacker. “In the first half my responsibility was to watch Shepherd and their tight end. In the second half, the coaches said forget the tight end and concentrate on Shepherd.” Facing a crucial third down possession call, Berry attempted the short pass again – and Tourtellotte stopped Shepherd for a loss of yardage. See ‘75 State Champs, page 23
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 3
state champions
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
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4 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
2015 high school football preview
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Carson Late-Nights
“We developed a reputation as the ‘Comeback Kids’ because we came from behind so many times last year. It’s great to be able to do that, but I’d like to see us get off to better starts and play a full four quarters.”
Journal file photo by Lee Walls Jr.
Carson Griffis
C
By Lee Davis
arson Griffis can’t believe his senior year at Homewood has finally arrived. “We had a senior meeting yesterday,” Griffis said, when contacted just days before the Patriots’ opener against Decatur. “I think that’s when it hit me for the first time that this will be my final year to play quarterback at Homewood.” Even with his final year ahead of him, Griffis already has built up a career full of highlights. The most notable may have come in last season’s thrilling 37-30 comeback win over Class 6A Region 5 rival Pelham. The Panthers sprinted to an early 15-0 lead before Homewood rallied. Griffis rushed for 287 yards – including an 82-yard touchdown run – and passed for 87 more yards to help spark the victory. “That win was probably my biggest thrill since I’ve been playing,” Griffis said. “It was great to be in a position to help the team win, especially against a strong region opponent such as Pelham.” The Patriots finished the season 9-3 following a second round playoff loss to Gardendale. That would be considered an outstanding year at many schools, but Homewood plays to a higher standard. “We were disappointed not to win the state championship,” he said. “At Homewood, that’s our goal every year. That’s what you sign up for when you come here.” Griffis thinks 2015 could be the Patriots’ year. Derrick Underwood – who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season
– returns as Homewood’s top running back. The defense will be anchored by senior end Griffin Gentry, who made more than 100 tackles last season. “When a team has a great running back and a strong defense, it takes a lot of pressure off the quarterback,” Griffis said. “It helps to know that there are other guys who can get the job done. I just want to do my part.” Griffis said the Patriots are striving for more consistency in the new season. “We developed a reputation as the ‘Comeback Kids’ because we came from behind so many times last year,” he said. “It’s great to be able to do that, but I’d like to see us get off to better starts and play a full four quarters.” Homewood’s trademark as a team that could come back in the clutch was well deserved. The Patriots overcame large fourth quarter deficits to win four games last season. The final comeback was in a 25-21 win over Hartselle in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs. Homewood scored two touchdowns in the final 2:40 of the game. The first score was a 45-yard scoring bomb from Griffis to Maurice Mayo. The pair also connected on a two-point conversion. Griffis later connected to Mayo for a 30-yard gain that set up the winning score. “Those are the kind of games you never forget,” Griffis said. “It shows what happens when you never give up.” Ever the perfectionist, Griffis would also like to improve his own numbers, although by any measuring stick they are very impressive. In 2014, he completed 122 of 207 passes for 1,407 yards with 10 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His completion rate was a stellar 60 percent. On the ground, he rushed for
480 yards on 145 carries for a three yard per carry average. The 480-yard total included his 82-yard scoring sprint against Pelham. “I started off the season with about 300 yards rushing and tailed off some after that,” Griffis said. “I’d like to improve my running game.” Griffis also started at quarterback as a sophomore, passing for more than 1,300 yards and throwing 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for more than 400 yards and nearly a five yard per carry average. Homewood coach Ben Berguson may be his quarterback’s biggest booster. “We have a lot of confidence in Carson,” he said. “He’s been around and helped us win a lot of games. I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.” Berguson is the perfect fit as a coach for Homewood, according to Griffis. “He’s a great coach, who cares about his players,” he said. “Whether a player is a starter or third-stringer, Coach Berguson gets to know us all personally. We’re fortunate to have him.” Griffis – who is also a standout in baseball – isn’t sure about his future beyond high school. “I’d like to play a sport in college, but that’s about as far as I know now,” he said. “At this point I just want to have a great senior year and concentrate on helping Homewood.” One thing is certain. If Homewood is in need of more late night heroics in 2015, Carson Griffis will be there to help provide them. Homewood got the season off to an impressive start beating the Decatur 28-15 last Friday. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
2015 high school football preview
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 5
6 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
Briarwood
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
Members of the 2015 Briarwood Christian High School football team include: Ethan Housel, Sam Sherrod, Luke Miskelley, J.R. Tran-reno, Walker Lott, William Gray, Barrett Tindall, Carter Bankston, Ashton Dominque, David Lowry, Everett Badeaux, Jordan Harmon, R.J. Jennings, Caleb Daniels, J.R. Tomlinson, Blake Armstrong, Wilson Hand, Champ Stewart, Jake Morris, Jonathan McGehee, Luther Ward, Kolby Kwarcinski, Blake Guthrie, Hudson Hartsfield, Carson Eddy, Luke Dyson, James Holladay, Hunter Whatley, Tucker Johnston, Conner Hutson, Nathan Cale, William Earnest, Garrett Bell, Will Halama, Ross Thompson, Daniel Johnston, John David Vaughn, Jack Kriner, Ryan Walker, Sam Parker, David Corbin, J.T. Russell, Will Foust, Bradford Patillo, Samuel Strickland, Cole Steadman, Ben Morton, Chance Beard, Evans Hess, Luke Hess, Max Michel, Michael Hiers, Ryan Westbrook and Trent Causwell.
Early to Rise
More Experienced Lions Look for Improvement in 2015
S
By Lee Davis
ome high school football coaches have decided the way to beat the intense heat of August is to get ahead of it. Briarwood’s Fred Yancey is one of those coaches. The Lions opened their fall twoa-days with morning practices beginning at 6 a.m. “Normally kids don’t like to get up early, but in this case they were OK with it,” Yancey said. “We did most of our contact work in the morning, because there were days that the temperature felt like 100 degrees by eight o’clock.” The practices may be taking place in a cooler environment, but the Lions hope to put more heat on their opponents in 2015. Last year Briarwood posted a 4-7, a sub-par season by Yancey’s lofty standards. Earning a playoff berth put a little salve on the disappointment, but the coach is looking for better things in the new season. “It’s always a goal to make the playoffs, and we did that last year,” Yancey said. “We’ve got some good young players coming in and we’re going to be better defensively.” Offensively, Briarwood looks improved, as well. Junior William Gray, an outstanding passer, will pilot the attack. Sophomore Carson Eddy is expected to be the mainstay of the running game. Eddy rushed for 137 yards in his first start last season before being lost to a collarbone injury. “Carson may be the best running back we’ve had in a while. He has great explosiveness and can hit the holes effectively.”
The Lions receiver corps is deep and talented. Luke Dyson is a returning starter with Luke Miskelley, Kolby Kwarcinski and David Lowrey all in the mix. “William will have some pretty good targets,” Yancey said. Briarwood’s offensive line also should be
a strong point, with several starters from 2014 returning. The center is senior Ross Thompson. Daniel Johnston – a 260-pound giant – returns as left tackle. Hunter Whatley is the left guard. On the right side, Connor Hudson returns at right guard along with senior tackle Max
Briarwood
at a Glance
Head Coach: Fred Yancey Stadium: Lion Pride Field (5,000) Region: Class 6A Region 5: Homewood, Hueytown, Jackson-Olin, John Carroll Catholic, Minor, Pelham, Walker. State Championships: 1977, 1998, 1999, 2003.
Michel. Michel has overcome two shoulder operations to come back to the Lions as a starter. Senior Will Halama and sophomore Garrett Bell will add valuable depth. Perhaps the Lions’ newest offensive threat is kicker Josh Brower, who moved in from Jupiter, Florida. Brower was named Christian Schools of America’s Soccer Player of the Year last season. He will punt and place kick for Briarwood. “Josh will bring a new dimension to our kicking game,” Yancey said. Briarwood’s defense should be one of the best in its region. Everett Badeaux, a senior, and Champ Stewart, a junior, are manning the defensive flanks. Carter Bankston – who earned All-Over the Mountain honors last season – is outstanding as an inside linebacker. Another potential star is outside linebacker Briarwood coach Sam Sherrod, a Fred Yancey with key two-year starter. players, from left: Carter Bankston, Ross Jonathan McGehee Thompson, Luther is solid at middle Ward and Jonathan linebacker. Others McGehee. who will see extensive play-
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
ing time are seniors R.J. Jennings and James Holladay. The Lions’ secondary should be outstanding. Opponent Briarwood 2015 Schedule date
opponent
Aug. 28
at Chelsea
Sept. 3
at Jackson-Olin*
Sept. 11
Homewood*
Sept. 18
at Hueytown*
Sept. 25
Oak Mountain
Oct. 2
Walker*
Oct. 9
at Pelham*
Oct. 16
Minor*
Oct. 23
John Carroll Catholic*
Oct. 30
at Madison Academy
*Region game
AlabamaFord.com GOOD LUCK LIONS and ROLL TIDE!
Eli Gold
Voice of University of Alabama Football
Briarwood Jake Morris, a returning starter, and Bennett Miles are the cornerbacks. Sam Parker and Ethan Housel are the safeties. Carson Donnelly, the son of former University of Alabama star Chris Donnelly, is a sophomore to watch in the defensive backfield. “I think we’ve got reasons to be excited about our season,” Yancey said. The coach is right, but Briarwood competes in Region 5, one of the toughest circuits in Class 6A that features perennial contenders such as Homewood, Minor and Hueytown. “I’d have to rank Homewood and Minor at the top,” Yancey said. “It’s up to the rest of us to fall in line.” Yancey said that the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s new seven-classification alignment probably was a disadvantage to his team last season. “The set-up meant we’d be playing a school larger than us almost every week,” he said. Of even more concern to Yancey is the recent rash of negative publicity regarding footballrelated concussions. “Our roster numbers are down and I think you’re seeing that at a lot of places,” he said. “Kids who are on the fence about whether or not they want to try football are choosing against it because of the concussion issues. But coaches are working hard to make the game as safe as possible and keep injuries to a minimum.” Times change, but Yancey, who has seen a lot in his nearly three decades at Briarwood, said he’s not going anywhere. “I’m blessed,” Yancey said. “This is a great situation. As long as I enjoy it and feel like I’m making a contribution, I’m planning on being here.” If the Lions can avoid the injury bug, those early morning practices might pay off in the form of a championship run. ❖
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 7
8 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
homewood
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Photo special to the Journal
Members of the 2015 Homewood High School Varsity Football Team include: Tobbie Taylor, Larkin Willliams, Derrick Underwood, Ronald Claiborne, Alec Marsch, Fred Williams, Chance Hall, Griffin Walker, Waymon Green, Nick McCoy, Jacob Pendley, Jackson Griggs, Tyler Hatcher, Carson Griffis, Ryan Williams, Roger Castro, Jake Burdeshaw, Kevin Patterson, Brandon Claiborne, Kameron Amerson, Jake Biles, Tyshawn Buckner, Josh Douthit, C.D. Daniels, Patrick Domingo, D.J. Chambers, Kris Wilkins, Antarius Mitchell, Thomas Smith, Aaron Phillips, Jackson Page, Richard DiCarlo, Riley Meeks, Devin Bacchus, Miguel Molina, Nick Dutton, Nick Petras, R.J. Shakir, Cameron Campbell, Wesley Butler, Elliot Yacu, Noah Miller, Sam Garvin, Parker Allen, Javier King, Trent Owens, Owen Watts, Griffin Gentry, Abram Watkins, Dalen Tyler, Isaac Johnson, Jesus Figueroa, Daniel Figueroa, Joseph Ingram, Jabari Blackmon, Bailey Thomas, William Sims, Logan Bales, Joseph Molstead, Harry Moody, Andrew Williams, Brennan Gardner, Malcolm Scott, Marvin Young, Cameron Moody, Kennedy Clark, Mason Thomas, Ethan Sherman, Diego Longinos, Terry James, Sam Ray, Bailey Lapinsky, Andrew Cleveland, Jamyre Morris, Cenius Williams, William Hall, Josh Farrar, Trey Jacka, John Andrew Dill, David Bearden, Armon Williams, Cameron Wood and Wilson McCraw.
patriot power Berguson Has High Expectations for 2015 t most schools, three consecutive 9-1 regular season records would be cause for celebration. Homewood is not most schools. “Yes, it’s great to win nine regular season games,” said Patriot coach Ben Berguson. “But we have high expectations here. We expect to contend for a state championship every season. That’s what we want to do this year.” Homewood reached the second round of the Class 6A playoffs in 2014 before losing to Gardendale for a final mark of 9-3. A similar record – or better – should be well within the reach of the 2015 Patriots. “Our goal is always to make the playoffs, because once you do that, anything can happen,” Berguson said. “Now we’d like to go past the second round.” That should happen. Leading the offense will be senior quarterback Carson Griffis, a threeyear starter who is an effective passer, runner and field general. “We obviously have a lot of confidence in Carson,” Berguson said. “He’s been around and has helped us win a lot of games. I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.” Joining Griffis in the backfield is senior running back Derrick Underwood, who at 5-10, 185 pounds, rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. Homewood will also have fleet corps of receivers in Alec Marsch, Kevin Patterson and Ronald Claiborne. “We’ve got good speed and
height at our wide out positions,” said the coach. “They are all at least 6-2, which makes them good targets.” While the Patriot offense will still primarily focus on the running game, more passing could be on the agenda. “We’re always going to try
Journal photo by Emily Williams
A
By Lee Davis
to run the ball,” Berguson said. “But in certain situations we may rely more on the pass.” Berguson has a bit of rebuilding to do in this offensive line as three starters have graduated. Center Cameron Moody, a 6-2, 250 pounder, is a three-year starter and will be the anchor.
Homewood
at a Glance
Head Coach: Ben Berguson 2014 Record: 9-3 (7-0 in region play) Stadium: Waldrop Stadium (5,000) Region: Class 6A Region 5 — Briarwood Christian, Hueytown, Jackson-Olin, John Carroll Catholic, Minor, Pelham, Walker. State Championships: 1974, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005.
Senior Mason Thomas also returns. Front runners for the other slots are Kennedy Clark and Terry James. Clark and James weigh 255 and 300 pounds, respectively. “I’ll make sure we have a good offensive line,” said Berguson, who coaches the position himself. Cameron Wood will handle placekicking duties for Homewood, while Griffis will be the punter. “Having our quarterback as punter should give our opponents something else to think about,” Berguson said. The Patriots’ greatest strength may be their defensive unit. A man to watch is 265-pound senior Griffin Gentry, who made more than 100 tackles from the defensive end post in 2014. Already committed to Troy University, Gentry will cause a myriad of problems for opposing offenses. Homewood’s other defenders could easily be just Homewood coach as stout. Senior Ben Berguson with Tobbie Taylor and key players, from junior Antarius left: Alec Marsch, Mitchell have star Carson Griffis, Derek quality at outside Underwood and Griffin Gentry. linebacker, and senior Nick Dutton calls the defensive
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
formations from the inside spot. As usual, the Patriot secondary should be experienced and talented. Waymon Green, Opponent Homewood 2015 Schedule date Aug. 21
opponent Homewood 28, Decatur 15
Aug. 28
Vestavia Hills
Sept. 4
Pelham*
Sept. 11
at Briarwood Chr.*
Sept. 18
John Carroll Catholic*
Oct. 2
at Minor*
Oct. 9
at Walker*
Oct. 16
Hueytown*
Oct. 22
at Jackson-Olin*
Oct. 30
at Tuscaloosa Co.
*Region game
AlabamaFord.com GOOD LUCK PATRIOTS and WAR EAGLE!
Stan White
Color Announcer for Auburn University Football
homewood coming off an outstanding spring practice, is projected at cornerback. Griffin Rivers and Jake Burdeshaw could be two of their region’s finest safeties. Berguson thinks his team’s best asset may be intangible. “Our guys all seem to like one another a lot,” he said. “We don’t seem to have any divisions by class or whether they play offense or defense. Everybody looks at the team as if it was a family.” Homewood will begin its second season in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Class 6A Region 5. Berguson said he didn’t see much difference between last year’s new classification and previous seasons. “Perhaps (the new) 6A was a little more competitive,” he said. “But it always looked tough to me.” Patriot fans will learn a lot about their team in the early going. Homewood opens against Class 7A’s Vestavia Hills, a team it hasn’t beaten in a decade. Then the Patriots face key Region 5 rivals Pelham and Briarwood on consecutive Friday nights. An early 2-0 start in region play could put Homewood in the driver’s seat, but don’t tell that to the coach. “In our league, there are no easy games,” he warned. “We have to be ready to play every week. There’s no room for error.” Berguson also believes Homewood’s football tradition – which includes six state championships – is an important part of his team’s makeup. “The kids walk into school every day and see region championship trophies and those six blue state championship trophies,” he said. “They want to be the next part of that success. They want to win because of what’s been done here before.” If everything breaks right, more hardware could be coming to the Patriot trophy case in 2015. ❖
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 9
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Good Luck to All Past, Present and Future Homewood Football Players! 2830 18th Street South • Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-3986 • Mon.-Sat. 9:30 - 5:30
hoover
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Journal photos by Kaitlin Candelaria
10 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
The 2015 Hoover High School varsity football roster includes: C.J. Sturdivant, Micah Littleton, Christopher Vacarella, Cortez Hall, Jaylen Carter, Randy Jenkins, Jonah Wilbanks, Andrew Hawkins, Galien Richardson, Jimmie Johnson, Corwin Russell, Braylon Moss, Tre Copeland, P.J. Hall, Tyler Brown, Tony Bennett, Garrett Farquhar, Trae Anderson, Alex Hill, Richard Mayberry, K.J. Vault, Jimmy Turner, Tim Mauldin, Javan Jackson, Jayden Jordan, Rubin Stinson, Davis Haley, Will Singleton, Aaron Lawler, Darian Johnson, Deshon Moyer, Malachi Herron, Ben Abercrombie, R.J. Randle, Temarcus Bryant, Zach Majors, Taures Payne, Markese Brown, Darnell Lucas, Hayden Haynes, Nathan Merin, Christon Taylor, Bubba Baker, Stockton Ferguson, Dominic Edge, Cameron Chamblin, Tyler Byrd, Ryan Gilbert, Barret Pickering, Jeremiah Moon, Luke Ballard, DeRalphel Smith, Campbell Carden, Kholbe Coleman, Garrett Sager, Brandon Johnson, Trent Whisenant, Jack Colwell, Darren Davis, Taylor Brown, Riley Hendrix, Isaiah Johnson, Caden DeGreen, Tyler Stone, Nick Eldridge, Dalton Nelson, K.D. Hatcher, Dylan Niemoeller, Alex Loukotka, Ben Peterson, Danarious Williams, Austin Carter, Joseph Timpa, Jayson Evans, Drew Jeffers, Austin Harris, Quincy Cox, Jake Carter, Kam Ford, Marcus Hollifield, Bailey Aultman, Darius Smith, Xavier Jones, Nate Perry, Ricky Palao, Christian Edge, Myles Carr and Khamari Brown.
four square Buccaneers Shoot For Fourth Consecutive Title
F
By Lee Davis
or a short time in 2014, Hoover looked to be an average football team. The Bucs lost to an excellent Miami Central team in their season opener. It got even worse the next week when Colquitt County – coached by former Hoover coach Rush Propst – dominated the Bucs 35-14. Was this the end of Hoover’s long reign as the kingpin of high school football in Alabama?
Not exactly; the Bucs stormed back, winning 12 in a row to win the first ever championship of the new Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Class 7A, which also happened to be its third consecutive state title. The 35-21 lacing of Prattville in the state 7A final also gave Hoover its ninth state championship since 2000 and improved its overall record in that period to an eye-popping 196-21. So no, the Orange dynasty isn’t going away any time soon.
In fact it might be better than ever. “It’s all about having great players who are great people,” said Buc coach Josh Niblett. “The expectation level here is high and that’s the way it’s supposed to be at Hoover.” Offensively, Niblett will have plenty of size, experience and speed at his disposal. Battling for playing time at quarterback are senior Chris Vacarella – the son of a former Auburn University star – and junior Garrett Farquhar. Both have the mastery of the Bucs’ sophisticated system required to be successful. Senior Galen Richardson is projected as Hoover’s top running back, with junior C.J. Sturdivant providing a valuable one-two punch from the backfield. Hoover’s offensive line should be among the best in Alabama. Junior Austin Carter anchors the inside at center. Left guard Nick Eldridge is a giant at 6-2, 295 pounds. Dalton Nelson and Alex Loukotka are entrenched in the tackle slots. Garrett Sager and Joseph Timpa strongly fit into the picture. They average just over 250 pounds per man. “We’ve got good depth and size in the offensive line,” Niblett said. The Bucs also have an outstanding crop of receivers. Cortez Hall, Cedric Jackson, Marcus Hollifield, Jimmie Johnson and Kam Ford will all create problems for opposing defensive backfields. Johnson has earned the nickname “Energizer Bunny” for his speed and Hoover coach Josh quickness. Senior Niblett wtih key tight end Quincy players, from left, front: Dominic Edge, Cox will also see Nick Eldridge, and time at split end and Chris Vacarella. H-back. Back: P.J. Hall and “We think we Jeremiah Moon. See Bucs, page 22
Hoover High
at a Glance
Head Coach: Josh Niblett 2014 record: 12-2 (7-0 in region play) Stadium: Buccaneer Stadium (5,000) Hoover Metropolitan Stadium (9,000) Region: Class 7A Region 3 – HewittTrussville, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hills. State Championships: 1977, 1982, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014.
Hoover 2015Opponent Schedule date Aug. 22
opponent Hoover 28, Oakland, TN 7
Aug. 28
Manatee (FL)
Sept. 4
at Mountain Brook*
Sept. 11
at Oak Mountain*
Sept. 18
Thompson*
Oct. 1
Spain Park*
Oct. 9
Tuscaloosa Co.*
Oct. 16
at Vestavia Hills*
Oct. 23
Hewitt-Trussville*
Oct. 29
North Marion (FL)
*Region game
AlabamaFord.com GOOD LUCK BUCS and WAR EAGLE!
Stan White
Color Announcer for Auburn University Football
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
hoover
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 11
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12 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
John Carroll
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
The 2015 John Carroll High School Varsity Roster includes: Alex Mitchell, Ranson Redman, Alex Zimmerman, Dilan Sherrod, Malcolm Russell, Mathew Hector, Chris Burrell, Bailey Mara, Demetrius Battles, Nick Bertani, Zach Elliot, Malik Williams, Dwuan Williams, Conner Bader, William Chamoun, Sam Reed, Jeremy Jones, J.R. Oinos, Michael Hankes, Lucas Strachan, Kenyada Williams, Miller Parker, Christopher Hector, Will Wallace, Harry Tighe, Braydon Bauer, Mick Hagelskamp, Mark Richard, Josh Thomas, Cydrick Walker, Ethan Schultz, Gabe Wood, John Werszner, Reggie Smith, DeQuan Ball, Peyton Harlow, Asad Muhammad, Michael Watts, John Booker, Kobe Howard, Michael McKenna and Joshua Oakeditse.
keeping the faith Sanders Believes Cavaliers Can Succeed
T
By Tyler Waldrep
here might not be a team in Alabama that enjoys halftime as much as John Carroll does. That’s one of the few times John Carroll’s starters can catch their breath during a game. Offense, defense, it makes little difference to a team filled with two-way players. “Last fall we played roughly 17 kids,” said Cavalier coach Tim Sanders. “Well everybody that we are playing is playing about 25 or 30.” Last year that lack of depth caught up to the Cavs, who ended the season with a single win. Despite the adversity, Sanders remains positive. Sanders said lessons can be learned from every loss, but he admits he has learned his fill. John Carroll’s roster is just as thin this year as it was last year, but Sanders has hope that this team can be better. A playoff berth for the Cavaliers seems impossible, but Sanders challenges his players to dream. “If we never dream it, and we never believe it, then that will never come,” Sanders said. Sander’s thinks he can right the ship eventually, and there is reason to believe he is right. No grade has more players on the team than the 10th grade does, and Sanders said that male enrollment is increasing in the middle school grades. “That experience is going to pay dividends for us,” he said. “When you start talking about the foundation for the chance to get back to the playoffs … this bunch right here will really put some cement in.”
Playing guys both ways forces the coaching staff to be creative with rotations and play calls. Even with a thin roster, don’t expect Sanders to make excuses. “It’s like I tell our kids,” he said. “Go put on your big boy britches.”
One position in which the Cavaliers have to be especially careful is running back. Sanders said the team will use a committee approach, with Michael Hankes, Alex Zimmerman and Demetrius Battles receiving a majority of the snaps. He said it’s important none of those three
John Carroll
at a Glance
2014 record: 1-10 Head coach: Tim Sanders Stadium: Carroll Field (4,000) Region: Class 6A, Region 5 — Briarwood Christian, Homewood, Hueytown, Jackson-Olin, Minor, Pelham, Walker. State championships: 1973.
get too many snaps because they also have defensive assignments. If the running backs are going to have success, then the offensive line will have to make some holes for them. Three starters are back on the offensive line – Peyton Harlow, Ethan Schultz and Michael McKenna. Sanders said their experience could make that the strength of the team. “We are going to have to depend on two kids coming in and stepping up to the tempo,” Sanders said. “The ones that have the best chance of doing that are Gabe Wood (and) Michael Watts.” Alex Mitchell and Miller Parker return as fullbacks/tight ends to help the line out, but John Carroll can’t run the ball every play. “I’ve got a little (quarterback) battle going on John Carroll coach between two Tim Sanders with sophomores, key players, from Dilan Sherrod and left: Peyton Harlow, Bailey Mara,” he Braydon Bauer, Alex said. “At some Zimmerman and Nick point, one is going Bertani. to have to step up.”
John Carroll
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Sanders said both candidates have different strengths, and the winner will be the guy who best embodies the philosophy of living to play another Opponent John Carroll 2015 Schedule date
opponent
Aug. 28
at St. Clair County
Sept. 4
at Walker*
Sept. 11
Hueytown*
Sept. 18
at Homewood*
Sept. 25
Mortimer Jordan
Oct. 2
Jackson-Olin*
Oct. 9
at Minor*
Oct. 16
Pelham*
Oct. 23
at Briarwood Chr.*
Oct. 30
at Springville
*Region game
AlabamaFord.com Best Wishes Cavaliers and ROLL TIDE!
Eli Gold
Voice of University of Alabama Football
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 13
down. Regardless of the outcome, Sanders expects both guys to see plenty of snaps on offense. The real question for the offense might be who the quarterback will throw to. Malcolm Russell is a returning starter, as is Mara should he lose the quarterback battle. Sanders said Conner Bader and Chris Burrell also will receive some looks at receiver, but John Carroll could use a few more guys. Don’t expect Sanders to give those two-way players a breather by keeping them off special teams. Whether Will Wallace is kicking off or Lucas Strachan is walking out to punt, the Cavaliers need to provide good coverage. Sanders said the strength of the defense might be the linebackers. Only one starter, Hankes, returns, but Sanders said he is confident that Battles, Mick Hagelskamp and Ranson Redman can also make plays at that position. “It’s like a puzzle. If the front can’t keep them off, the linebackers aren’t going to make a ton of plays,” Sanders said. “If they do their part of the puzzle, then we have linebackers that can run and make some plays.” Only one starter, Jeremy Jones, returns to the defensive line this year, but Sanders said he has not locked up the starting position yet. Other guys likely to start for the Cavaliers up front include Kenyada Williams, Cydrick Walker, Josh Thomas and Asad Muhammad. Sanders said he is confident those guys can get the job done. Sanders said stopping the run will be important for John Carroll. If the front seven can do that, then the spotlight will shift to the secondary, where two starters, cornerback Strachan and safety Nick Bertani, return. Sanders said four other guys will be asked to rotate into the secondary to fill the other two spots. Sanders seems to have confidence in his guys. Time will tell if that faith will be rewarded. “Dare to dream and dare to believe,” Sanders said. ❖
KNOW
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF
S USPECTED
C ONCUSSION A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.
CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion
Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n Should be urgently assessed medically n Should not be left alone n Should not drive a motor vehicle
IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER
14 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Photo special to the Journal
mountain Brook
Members of the 2015 Mountain Brook High School Varsity Roster include: Joey Keating, Sean Elmore, Drew Smith, Aubrey Hart, Walker McCraney, Brinson Reed, McKee Brown, Chandler Cox, Fuller Neil, Harold Joiner, Charles Cobb, Dillon Sullivan, Owen Conzelman, William Garcia, Harrison Pyburn, Tillman Ritchey, Wilson Higgins, Connor Hart, Hamp Sission, Zachary Carroll, J.P. Darnall, Patterson Ware, Mac Campbell, Mason Dillard, Connor Adair, William Gullage, William Powell, Drew McMahon, Michael O’Leary, Bradford Page, Sam Everette, Payne Frost, Claiborne Crommelin, Stav Pappas, Max Sikora, Charlie Fell, Knox Taylor, Will Pardue, Tully Fulmer, Bailey Womack, Will Block, Will Wetzler, Hamilton Hewlett, Henry Barze, Robby Kent, Hill Cater, Isiah Chamoun, Stone Favrot, Perry King, Michael Smith, Harris Jeffords, Conner Bussman, Robert Randolph, Harrison Weaver, Jimmy Pham, Brawner Little, Mac Thomson, Chambers Joyce, Brad Jenkins, Wilson Golden, Will Leitner, Clay Stearns, Tanner Dean, Mabry Crane, Gary Baltz, Wills Taylor, Kemper Sanders, Joe Donald, Bradford Turner, Colton Yeager, Andrew Fuqua, John Lloyd Reed, Alex Pankey, Jack Grant, Jordan Weisberg, Sean Doud, Zach Morris, Bill Miller, Sam Kline, Conner Sorrells, Mickey Nichols, Nick Belt, Rix Curtis, Matthue Thrasher, Price Delk, Whit King, Justin Thompson, Ian Reilly, David Favort, Bond Elliott, Will Carothers, Jack Wilson, Drew Brown, Johnny Leara, Ryan Gaynor, Ford Williams, Mills Lowman, John Pelham, Christian Johnston, Forsyth Elliott, Jack Barron, Duncan Morris, Lawton Sparks, Wilder Williams, Miller Stevens, Reed Campbell, Connor Tierney, Spence Fulmer, Sims Herron, Henry Gaede, Mason Knowles, Harrison Ritchie, Harrison Johnston, Ford Alexander, McKinnon Cox, Sam Colvin, Eland Anthony, Joe Bird, Thomas Byrne, Archie Breland, Keone Gibbons, Will Bennett and Butler Wilbanks.
going forward Spartans Looking Past Disappointments of ’14 ountain Brook coach Chris Yeager insists that he doesn’t dwell on the past, but nobody could blame him for still having nightmares about what happened to his team in 2014. The Spartans lost three times on – literally – the last play of the game on the way to a disappointing 3-7 season. They came within a few minutes of a couple of additional wins. “Last season may be an incentive for our kids, but I try to focus on the here and now,” Yeager said. “We can’t do anything about the past. We’ve had excellent concentration and effort in our off-season work, and I think it’ll pay off for us this time. I don’t go around with a chip on my shoulder. We’re just here to do battle.” Offensively, the Spartans struggled with turnover ratio and third down conversions, and correcting those numbers is a priority as fall practice opens. “Those were not acceptable,” Yeager said. “We’ve got to do a better job of protecting the ball and executing with more consistency on third down. These areas are obtainable places for improvement.” In competition for the starting quarterback position is senior Connor Adair and sophomore Hamp Sission. Adair is a prototypical passer, while Sisson is more dangerous on the run. “We’ll have a good situation at quarterback,” he said. “We can win with either of them.” The lead running back is senior Harrison Pyburn, but the coach would like to see more depth. Owen Conzelman or Clay Sterns, both sophomores, will see action at H-back or tight end.
Either Adair or Sisson will have a fine array of receivers as targets. Senior Dillon Sullivan, juniors J.P. Darnall and Sims Herron and sophomore Sean Elmore have star potential. Yeager has a solid nucleus in the offensive line as three starters return. Senior Rix Curtis is a leader at center and tackles Price Delk and Lawton Sparks are secure in the tackle slots. “We are in search of good guards,” the coach said. In the mix are Drew Brown, Christian
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
M
By Lee Davis
Johnston, Johnny Leara and John Pelham. If Mountain Brook finds itself in many close games this fall, Yeager can feel good about his kicking situation. Senior Harrison Ritchie and junior Mason Dillard have been outstanding in the off-season. Yeager said he thinks Ritchie is more likely to handle extra points and field goals, while Dillard is expected to be the kickoff man. The best news for the Spartans defensively
Mountain Brook
at a Glance
Head Coach: Chris Yeager 2014 Record: 3-7 (3-4 in region play) Stadium: Spartan Stadium: (5,000) Region: Class 7A, Region 3: HewittTrussville, Hoover, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hills. State Championships: 1975, 1976.
is the return of standout linebacker Joe Donald, who was injured much of the season. “Joe is a special player. He has great ability to move from sideline to sideline and mental quickness,” said Yeager. “I wish we had 22 athletes just like him. His presence lifts everyone’s mindset.” That’s not to say that Donald is Mountain Brook’s only defensive asset. “What was impressive was that our defense didn’t collapse when we lost Joe,” he said. “If it had, we wouldn’t have had all those close games in the first place.” The Spartans’ defense looks rugged overall. Sam Colvin and Eland Anthony, both juniors, will be the ends, while sophomore Joe Byrd will get extensive work. Donald is the leader of what should be a promising group of linebackers. Will Wesler, Mabry Crane, and Kemper Sanders Mountain Brook coach will be among Chris Yeager with key players, from left: the inside corps. Lawton Sparks, Joe Mac Campbell, McDonald, Rix Curtis Connor Bussman, and McKinnon Cox. and Tanner Dean are on the outside. “We’ve got some
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
good options at linebacker,” Yeager said. Mountain Brook’s secondary looks solid, and Yeager believes it will improve with experience. Zach Carroll is the free safety, while Opponent Mtn. Brook 2015 Schedule date
opponent
Aug. 28
Huntsville
Sept. 4
Hoover*
Sept. 11
at Thompson*
Sept. 18
Vestavia Hills*
Sept. 25
at James Clemens
Oct. 2
at Tuscaloosa Co.*
Oct. 9
Oak Mountain*
Oct. 16
at Hewitt-Trussville*
Oct. 23
at Spain Park*
Oct. 30
Huffman
*Region game
AlabamaFord.com Best Wishes Spartans and ROLL TIDE!
Eli Gold
Voice of University of Alabama Football
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 15
mountain brook Drew Smith, Chandler Cox and Joey Kennedy battle for the cornerback slots. Junior Michael O’Leary is the safety. “We don’t have a lot of experience in some positions,” Yeager said. “The biggest challenge for young players is to get adjusted to the speed of the game.” The 2014 season marked the creation of the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s 32-team Class 7A, comprised of the state’s largest schools, which included Mountain Brook. Yeager didn’t see much difference from previous years. “There may have been a greater concentration of talent,” he said. “But other than that, our region was just as tough as it has always been.” And for sure 2015 will be no exception. The Spartans will again compete in Class 7A Region 3 with long-time rivals Hoover, Spain Park and Vestavia Hills, in addition to Hewitt-Trussville, Oak Mountain, Thompson and Tuscaloosa County. The good news is that Mountain Brook draws Hoover, Vestavia and Oak Mountain at home. “Sometimes I feel like we are competing in the SEC Western Division,” Yeager said, smiling. “If there’s a tougher region than this, I’d like to see it.” In a division so competitive, the margin of victory or defeat can be tiny, as the Spartans learned so painfully last season. “Most teams now are just separated by shades of gray,” he said. “It’s just a matter of working hard every day to get better.” Yeager is optimistic about the upcoming season, but he tempered his feelings. “I’ve been very pleased with the work ethic and attitude last spring and in the off-season,” he said. “Football is a combative, collision sport. Until you get in real game conditions, it’s like shadow boxing. But I think we’ll be competitive.” If the coach is right, Mountain Brook should be good enough to pull out some last-second victories in 2015. ❖
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Jennifer Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 August 2015 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the August 27, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
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if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
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Oak Mountain
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
16 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
Members of the 2015 Oak Mountain High School Varsity Roster include: Nick Carney, Rob Fuller, Warren Shader, Reid Golson, Gene Hurst, Srini Athan, Noah Egan, Wyatt Legas, Nathan Jones, Avery Holsomback, Mitchell Jones, Logan Webb, Carson Bobo, Jackson Murphy, Connor Webb, Dalton Bradford, Mingyu Le, Thomas Pechman, Payton Youngblood, Hall Morton, Art Smith, J.D. Adams, Ryan Childress, Hunter Martinez, Zach Nelson, Ethan Duncan, William Cline, Daniel Salchert, Cameron Langley, Jaylin Gaines, Jackson Sauers, Justin Evans, Jack Tice, Parker Guyton, Kai Christenberry, Spencer Hughes, Connor Wilson, Coleman Reeves, Jared Buxton, Barrett Blakely, Davis Manning, Zach Pierce, Grayson Alexander, Connor Kelley, Max McGlaughlin, Kolby Tishler, Jacob Jasinski, Will Sayers, Josh Jones, Brett Cruce, Bryson Lamon, AJ Fleet, Justice Hammond, Daniel Perkins, Carey Jackson, William Roberson, Devin Stern, Jordan Davis, Nick Feenker, Ben Wilke, Josh Stanford, Jameson Ellet, Eli Lombardo, Connor Templin, Jacob Feenker, Connor Harkins, Juan Palacios, Ruben Nunez, Jason Vise, Greyson McClain, Isaiah Godwin-Evans, Madden McDougal, Christopher Angus, Fuller Herring, Alex King, Nick Washington, Cole Johnson, Preston Christopher, David Smith, Ben Echols, Ben Handley, Jack Simmons, Matt Piper, Darren Lanier, Matthew Pflaum, Oscar Mercada, Peter Kolar, Trey Meadows, Armond Lloyd, Micah Hayes and Whit Jackson.
do it again
Oak Mountain
Eagles Face Raised Expectations Following Historic Season
H
By Tyler Waldrep
istoric seasons have a way of sneaking up on people. Perhaps that’s what makes them so special. Last year, Oak Mountain’s inclusion in Region 3 of the new Class 7A had some questioning the program’s ability to stay competitive. Coach Cris Bell’s team responded with the school’s second 10-win season. “They have confidence that they can play with anybody,” Bell said. “That’s something that, in the past, I don’t know that that was always the case.” The players aren’t the only ones who gained some confidence last year. Bell said several people have told him they expect good things from this year’s team. “I think our big challenge now is how do we handle outside expectations,” Bell said. There is reason to expect a lot from the Eagles, who return five starters on both sides of the ball, but guys need to step up and fill those vacant spots. Perhaps Oak Mountain’s biggest question mark headed into the season is the offensive line. Second team all-state center Justice Hammond will be tasked with anchoring the line this year. “I wouldn’t trade him for any offensive lineman in the state,” he said. “We’ve gotta find those other four, five, six guys that are going to be able to come in and play with him.” Bell said candidates to join Hammond on the line include sophomore Ben Wilke and a pair of brothers, Jacob and Nick Feenker. Bell said former tight end Alex King also has had a good camp so far, and other players could end up seeing the field plenty when everything is said and done.
Returning tight end Cole Johnson will also be on hand to help the line protect 1,000-yard rusher and passer Warren Shader. Bell said his quarterback is not afraid to make a decision. “He has guts coming out of his ears,” Bell said. “It certainly makes you sleep a whole lot easier when you know you got a guy like that coming back.” Sleeping could become difficult for Bell if his quarterback has to run the ball all the time.
Bell said running backs Daniel Salchert and Coleman Reeves will help Shader keep the offense moving. Salchert got a lot of experience as a back last year, but Bell said the former slot receiver has really grown into his new position. “(Salchert) can make things happen,” Bell said. “He’s a guy we’ll throw to out of the backfield. We’ll line him up out wide and do some stuff with him out there as well.” The Eagles, being an option team, will run
at a Glance
Head Coach: Cris Bell 2014 Record: 10-2 Stadium: Heardmont Park (5,000) Region: Class 7A, Region 3 – Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Tuscaloosa County, HewittTrussville, Mountain Brook, Spain Park, Thompson.
the ball plenty, but Bell said the receivers could be one of the strengths of the offense. A year ago Bell wasn’t sure who Shader was going to throw to, but now guys such as Nathan Jones and Preston Christopher appear able to help senior Reid Golson out. “We really like what he (Golson) brings to the table,” Bell said. “He makes us better by being out there.” If the offense fails to move the ball far enough for either John Carroll transfer Nick Carney or Jackson Murphy to kick the field goal, then Shader will stay on the field to handle the punt. “We are always a threat to fake it,” he said. “We probably have not taken advantage of that threat enough.” Bell might decide to fake it more this season, but he can’t do it every time. The defense is going to have to make stops. Bell said this is not the most physical defense he has ever coached, but he does think it might be the smartest. With Oak Mountain Oak Mountain coach Cris Bell are has at least one key players, from left: returning starter Payton Youngblood, at every level of Armond Lloyd, Justice Hammond and the defense. That Warren Shader. should help the Eagles limit the growing pains
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 17
Oak Mountain
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
that come with breaking in new starters. With two players returning on the line, Bell said that could be a strength of the defense.
Oak Mountain 2015 Schedule Opponent
date
opponent
Aug. 28
Hillcrest
Sept. 4
at Vestavia Hills*
Sept. 11
Hoover*
Sept.18
at Tuscaloosa Co.*
Sept. 25
at Briarwood Chr.
Oct. 2
Hewitt-Trussville*
Oct. 9
at Mountain Brook*
Oct. 16
Spain Park*
Oct. 23
Thompson*
Oct. 30
at Pell City
*Region game
AlabamaFord.com BEST WISHES EAGLES and WAR EAGLE!
Stan White
Photo by Jade Albert
Color Announcer for Auburn University Football
“We’ve got Armond Lloyd and Avery Holsomback,” he said. “Those are two guys you can build around.” Bell said that senior Zach Pierce has made great strides to secure one of the remaining spots on the defensive line. He said a handful of guys are battling to lock up the defensive tackle spot. There is also plenty of experience at linebacker as both Josh Jones and Spencer Hughes saw the field last season. Three upperclassmen are fighting to secure the last spot, alongside them. While the position battles rage up front, only one remains in the secondary. Three guys will compete to claim the starting corner spot opposite senior Mitchell Jones. Two more seniors, Hall Norton and Payton Youngblood, have claimed the starting safety spots. Bell said Youngblood also finds time to be a receiver for the team when he is not playing basketball or throwing the javelin for the school. “He’s the only guy we have right now that we utilize on both sides of the ball,” Bell said. “I think he’s as good a football player that’s out there.” All things considered, Bell said he feels good about the defense. With the opponents Oak Mountain faces this year, anything less than perfect may not be enough. “There is no margin of error,” Bell said. “If you show up and you are less than your best at all, then you will get your brains kicked in in this league.” The tough schedule also gives Oak Mountain a chance to prove it’s the real deal. Another 10-win season could help Oak Mountain establish itself as the powerhouse team that Bell believes it can be. “This group wants to leave a legacy,” he said. “They want to leave this program better than it’s ever been, and they certainly have the opportunity to do that.” ❖
Learn more at
autismspeaks.org/signs Some signs to look for:
No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months
No babbling by 12 months
No words by 16 months
© 2014 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It's time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.
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spain park
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
Members of the 2015 Spain Park High School Varsity Football Team include: Chase Young, Josh Denson, Zach Evans, James Mason, Jaden Jenkins, Wade Streeter, D’arie Johnson, Emmanuel Holsey, Parker Kelley, Jalen McMillan, Perry Young, Braxton Barker, Darrius Stringer, Christian Clay, Joey Beatty, Dylan Adair, Jordan Jolly, Bridge Suber, Isiah Bonilla, Damarius Farmer, Jake Branin, Josh Mosley, Carson Davis, Bryan Sanderson, Hunter Howell, Jake Long, Trey Robinson, Cameron Toyer, Brandon Simmons, Jo Jo Dennis, Carson Hall, Larry Wooden, Logan Shultz, Luke Blackmon, Jack Connell, Nick Dixon, Thomas Jordan, Crosby Gray, Landon Shoemaker, Ronald Carl, Rob Cook, Evan Justin, Deandre Thompkins, Houston Hollis, Peyton Minor, Drew Merrill, Chester Hutcherson, Hayes Cole, Rayfe Ritchie, Josiah Johnson, Omer Angel, Barrett Barnett, Tyler Sumpter, Carmetrius Walker, Luke Silver, Caleb Foster, Zachary Robinson, Nicholas Cotumaccio, Will Mullins, Jonathan Mote, Grey Best, Martin Daugherty, Kesean Bates, Alex Kassouf, Brett Cocke, Bredt Stover, Carson Schweer, Markell Clark, Darrian Stringer, Burrell Boswell, Joshua Foster, David Kimani, David Shannon, Ryan Campbell, Abdul Deeb, Soloman Davidson, Cason Browning, Jalen Johnson, Austin Muir, Kurt Greer, William Mee, Tyrece Mickens, Michael Allen, Justice Canady, Anders Jones, Will Greene, Michael Avery, Will Dailey, Jake Pughsley, Douglas Henze, Jonah Tibbs, Damon Wright, Ike Schulkamp, Kalique Mallard, Jalynn Muhammad, L.J. Murray and Ryan Griffin.
lesson learned Spain Park Hopes to Return to Playoffs
S
By Lee Davis
pain Park probably learned an important lesson about how difficult life can be in Class 7A’s Region 3 last season. “I’m not an expert on the history of high school football in Alabama,” said Shawn Raney the Jaguars’ head coach. “But I couldn’t imagine a team beating Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills in the same season and not making the playoffs. That’s exactly what happened to us last year.” Raney’s point is well taken. The Jags earned victories over the perennially strong region foes the Spartans and Rebels, only to spend November at home in the wake of heartbreaking losses to Hewitt-Trussville and Oak Mountain. The result was a 3-4 region mark on the way to a 6-4 season. “Last year just showed again that there is very little difference between most of the teams in our region,” Raney said. “Almost anybody can make the playoffs and almost anybody can miss out.” Raney is optimistic about 2015. “There are some areas where we are strong and areas where we can improve,” he said. “If we can avoid injuries, we should be in the thick of everything. Our biggest issue is depth. Once we get past our starting 22 players, we are thin in some places.” Spain Park should have an outstanding running attack. Senior Wade Streeter, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, returns as the starting tailback. “Wade is a complete player and a great lead-
er for us,” Raney said. Providing valuable depth is junior Larry Wooden and sophomore D’arie Johnson. “Larry is a great talent who could be a college-type running back,” he said. “And Johnson will be a good one, too.” Joey Beatty, a senior with limited playing
experience, steps in at quarterback. “He has been progressing for us nicely,” Raney said. “Joey is a cerebral guy who will do a good job for us.” Beatty will have a fine choice of receiving targets. Seniors Parker Kelly, Bridge Suber and
Spain Park
at a Glance
Head Coach: Shawn Raney 2014 Record: 6-4 Stadium: Finley Stadium (5,000) Region: Class 7A, Region 3 – HewittTrussville, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hills.
Will Green, and junior Thomas Jordan will all be in contributing roles. Kelly and Green also will get work at H-back and tight end. The anchor of the Jaguars’ offensive line is senior center Grey Best, a 255-pounder. Junior Brett Stover, a 250-pounder, is at one guard post. Jonathan Mote – who played in the defensive front last season – is moving to an offensive line spot. Spain Park has two excellent kickers in seniors Crosby Gray and Tyler Sumpter. “We have plenty of confidence in both of them,” Raney said. Raney served as Hoover’s defensive coordinator before taking the Jaguar head coaching job in 2013, so he understands what’s required to be successful in Class 7A. “We should have a good defense overall,” he said. “We expect to be very strong upfront and Spain Park coach with our linebackShawn Raney are ers but we’re a key players, from left: little inexperienced Wade Streeter, Grey in the secondary.” Best, Jonah TIbbs and Jalen McMillan. On the front, Spain Park will rotate senior Jonah
spain park
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Tibbs, Douglas Henze, Will Dailey and junior Douglas Henze. Tibbs is the largest of this group, weighing 250 pounds. Markell Clark, Opponent Spain Park 2015 Schedule date Aug 21.
opponent Austin 38, Spain Park 35
Aug. 28
Hueytown
Sept. 4
at Thompson*
Sept. 11
at Tuscaloosa Co.*
Sept. 18
at Hewitt-Trussville*
Oct. 1
Vestavia Hills *
Oct. 9
Hoover
Oct. 16
Oak Mountain*
Oct. 23
Mountain Brook*
Oct. 30
Bessemer City
*Region game
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a recent move-in, will give the line even more beef. Clark weighs 280 pounds. “We’re going to be shifting our guys around to keep them fresh,” he said. “You can’t have too many defensive linemen.” The Jaguar linebacker corps could be among the best in the region. Senior Perry Young – playing outside linebacker – already has several college offers. Senior Chester Hutcherson and junior Houston Hollis are solid and dependable. While Spain Park’s secondary is admittedly short on experience, talent is plentiful. Junior Damarius Farmer, coming off a fine spring practice, will be a starter at cornerback. Chase Young and James Mason will see plenty of action. Senior Bryan Sanderson, a standout on the Jaguar baseball team, will start at a safety slot. Cameron Toyer, Jack Connell, Trey Robinson and Darrius Stringer will also play. As always, Region 3 will be a brutal path. Spain Park faces Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain and Mountain Brook on consecutive Friday nights. “This kind of schedule always motivates our kids,” he said. “Every week is going to be a battle. There are no easy games.” The Jags went to a camp in Mississippi for two-a-day practices earlier this month, and Raney thought the trip built team unity. “We didn’t go (to camp) last year and I think it hurt us,” Raney said. “This year, it really helped our kids to get to know one another. I’ve been very impressed with the work ethic I’ve seen so far.” Raney said the key to a successful season is simple. “It’s all about consistency,” he said. “We had so many close games last year. We want to be able to put ourselves in position to win in those situations. Once you make the playoffs, anything can happen.” And Spain Park is hoping for that opportunity in 2015. ❖
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Park South Plaza • 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111 next to Diplomat Deli in Vestavia Hills Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat. 10-3 • (205) 822-9173
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20 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
vestavia hills
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
The 2015 Vestavia Hills High School football roster includes: Cole Dothard, Everett Shea, Daniel Sims, Travis Saunders, Remington Patterson, Joshua Denney, Bryce Glenn, Brett Jones, Alex Hall, Levi Wiggins, Garret Lee, Charlie Ball, Steadman Gully, Isaiah Flowers, Mitchell Langley, Ray Murphy, Coleman Petway, Sean Smyth, Zach Meadows, Cam Blake, Nathan Turner, Jonathan Hess, Tucker Queen, Jake Hopper, Russell Webb, Collins Dunn, Nolan Turner, Alex Ferguson, Morgan Long, Andrew Knight, Asher Hamilton, Jackson Ewing, Tyric Toodle, Bo Norman, Reid Adams, Ford Waters, Luke Denney, Conner Rohling, William Schaffeld, Cooper Jones, Walker Minor, Steven Thackerson, Robby Flowers, Sam Lawson, Toliver Chatwood, Ethan Guidry, Earl Bradberry, Trip Gurner, Immanuel Johnson, Dixon Jones, Harris Baker, Walt Coker, JoJo Ross, Trey Quin, Parker Hilburn, Jack Strong, Sawyer Dutton, Drew Stockard, Cameron Cacace, John David Adams, Slade Stewart, Reed Stockton, Tommy McKenna, Jack Dunphy, Addison Stewart, Nate Lewis, Tucker Smith, George Dazzio, Jaimel Foy, Walker Padgett, Clay Farris, Dillon Campbell, Will Philpot, Hamilton Haynes, Richmond Maddox, Jack Kyle, Patrick Nuss, James Edwards, Alex Goodwine, Cody Hopper, Grayton Brooks, Stone Brooks, Austin Kelley, Alex Robin, Lamar Swain, Walter Thomas, Drew Gurosky, Garrett Griffin, Whitt Watts, Hayden Haynes, Barrett Striplin, Jacob Edwards, Reed McMahon, Aaron Dixon, Micah Davis, Prescott Gilbert, Michael Schoeder, Jeremiah Smith, Spencer Lawson, Marshall Powell, Jacobi Hudson, Joe Dekle, Jeff Weatherly, Ben Willoughby, Charlie Sharbel, Joseph Travis, Tim Gardner, Davis Gurosky, Stanton Webb, William Jemison, Curry Howard, Miller Shamblin, Davis Bunn, Charlie Dellaccio, Whitt Harrelson, Manraj Singh, William Padgett and Stuart Bradley.
talkin’ football
Vestavia Hills at a Glance
VH
Head Coach: Buddy Anderson 2014 Record: 3-7 Stadium: Thompson Reynolds Stadium at Buddy Anderson Field (5,000) Region: Class 7A, Region 3 – HewittTrussville, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County. State Championships: 1980, 1998
After Controversy, Rebels Ready for Season
By Lee Davis
N
obody can blame Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson for being ready for some football. After a summer of controversy over the Rebels’ mascot, Anderson – and everyone else in the Vestavia football family – is ready to move on.
“All of that is behind us,” Anderson said. “The full focus is on the season ahead.” The Rebels are hoping to bounce back from an uncharacteristic 3-7 season, in which they lost five games by a touchdown or less. “Record-wise the season was a disappointment, but I was pleased with the effort,” Anderson said. “Our guys could have thrown in the towel late in the year, but they never did. We
could easily have finished 8-2.” Anderson is hoping that an added year of experience for his younger charges will get Vestavia back in the playoff picture. A strong point should be the offensive line led by senior center Alex Robin, who earned All-Over the Mountain honors a year ago. Junior Reed McMahon will also see playing time. In the rotation at guard are seniors Aaron Dixon, Whitt Watts, Addison Stewart and Walker Padgett; and juniors Hamilton Haynes and Hayden Haynes. Clayton Farris is a returning starter at tackle. Also working in the rotation are juniors Patrick Nuss and Barrett Striplin. Dixon and Padgett will also get repetitions in the tackle slots. Slade Stewart, recovering from injuries, will also be a factor in the offensive line. Vestavia’s tight end is senior Davis Guroksy, whose father, Scott, was a star Rebel quarterback in the 1980s. Jeremiah Smith and Jack Strong bring depth to the position. Senior Brett Jones returns to quarterback the Rebels. A savvy leader and game manager, Jones has Anderson’s full confidence. Keep your eye on sophomore Coleman Petway, a likely future star. “Brett is our number one guy without a doubt,” Anderson said. “But we have confidence in Vestavia coach Buddy Coleman, too.” Anderson with key players, from left: Sam Either quarterLawson, Remington back should have Patterson, Morgan plenty of quality Long and Alex Robin. targets, although Pictued on the cover is injuries hampered Nolan Turner. See rebels, page 22
Opponent Vestavia Hills 2015 Schedule date
opponent
Aug. 28
at Homewood*
Sept. 4
Oak Mountain*
Sept. 11
Hewitt-Trussville*
Sept. 18
at Mountain Brook*
Sept. 25
Oxford
Oct. 2
at Thompson*
Oct. 9
at Spain Park*
Oct. 16
Hoover*
Oct. 23
at Tuscaloosa Co.*
Oct. 30
Shades Valley*
*Region game
AlabamaFord.com Good Luck Rebels and ROLL TIDE!
Eli Gold
Voice of University of Alabama Football
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 21
vestavia hills
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22 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
2015 high school football preview
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rebels,
From Page 20
several of them. Seniors Josh Denney, Remington Patterson, Nolan Turner and Charlie Sharbel are working at the receiver posts, along with juniors Jacobi Hudson, Mitchell Langley, Connor Rohling and Joseph Travis. In contention at fullback are Morgan Long, Jo Jo Ross, Cooper Jones and Stephen Thackerson. Vestavia has traditionally built much of its offense around the tailback, and senior Walker Minor will carry much of the load in 2015. Others slated to contribute are Toliver Chatwood, Ray Murphy and William Schaffeld. Curry Howard, Jack Strong and Manraj Singh are battling for placekicking duties. Either Howard or Strong will be the punter. Anderson seems to be building depth in the all-important defensive line. Working on the inside are James Edwards, Jacob Edwards, Walter Thomas, Prescott Gilbert, Stone Brooks and Alex Goodwine. Although they are stalwarts in the offensive line, Robin and Gilbert will see time on the defensive side of the ball, as well. The defensive ends are Dillon Campbell and Sam Lawson. Manning the tackle slots are senior Immanuel Johnson, Ray Murphy, Michael Schroeder and promising sophomore Cameron Cacace. As usual, the Rebels have plenty of talent in the linebacker positions. Nate Lewis, George Dazzio, Steadman Gully and Ethan Guidry are all in the mix on the inside. Reid Adams is a leader at outside linebacker, along with Jackson Ewing, Zach Meadows, Bo Norman and Alex Hall. Nolan Turner is a probable starter at safety, with Daniel Sims and Jonathan Hess also seeing action. “Our guys have worked very hard since the spring,” Anderson said. “Now it’s a matter of blending and executing to get where we need to be.” Vestavia will once again play in Class 7A’s Region 3, almost certainly the most difficult division in Alabama high school football. A particularly brutal part of the schedule comes in October, when the Rebels face Spain Park, Hoover,
bucs,
From Page 10
have enough depth to create a lot of mismatches,” Niblett said. “Lots of our guys will get opportunities.” Sophomore Barret Pickering will draw field goal and extra point assignments. Senior Bailey Aultman is the punter. Defensively, only three starters return. That’s a little misleading because Hoover rotates so many players. Taures Payne is an anchor of the front wall, along with Tyler Byrd, Ricky Palao and Khamari Brown. They average nearly 240 pounds apiece. Jeremiah Moon is a leader at linebacker, with Kholbe Coleman and Christon Taylor also expected to be outstanding. As always, the Bucs’ secondary should be fast and hard-hitting. Senior P.J. Hall is an all-star candidate at cornerback. Malachi Herron and Tony Bennett, also seniors, will also play key roles. Junior Ben Abercrombie will be at a safety post. For all the talent at his command, Niblett believes his team’s greatest asset can’t be measured with a scale or a stop watch. “It’s all about the leadership and team unity,” he said. This is about guys working hard to get better. There is such a culture of excellence here that has been built over time. We are the protectors of that tradition.” Hoover will again compete in Class 7A’s Region Three, and will naturally enter the season as a heavy favorite to repeat as league champion.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Tuscaloosa County and non-region rival Shades Valley on consecutive Friday nights. “Our region is incredibly balanced,” Anderson said. “After the ninth week last season, we could have had a five-way tie for third place. Take Hoover out of the equation and it should be the same way this year.” The Rebels open the season with another traditional rival, Homewood. While some schools prefer non-region matches with high-profile, outof-state powers, Anderson believes that the neighborhood rivalries are an important fabric of high school football. “We’ve played Homewood, Mountain Brook, Shades Valley and Berry – or now Hoover – every year since the 1970s,” he said. “These rivalries are important to the players, the student body and the community as a whole. When it looked like we might not be playing Hoover a couple of years ago, kids were literally stopping me in the hallway of the school to say how much that game meant.” Anderson – who has led the Vestavia program since 1978 – became the winningest coach in Alabama high school football history last season. While the world has changed greatly in four decades, he believes the football field is one place where important lessons of life continue to be taught. “The biggest difference now is the technology,” Anderson said. “Everyone wants instant entertainment and instant communication. There’s nothing instant about football. That’s where a kid can learn lessons about the importance of work and sacrifice that a book or a computer can’t teach.” Despite his long tenure, the coach may be getting his second wind. Last spring, Anderson turned over his athletic director duties to former Rebel player and assistant coach Jeff Segars. With those responsibilities off his plate, he can devote even more time to football. “I don’t fish. I don’t hunt. I don’t play golf,” he said. “Coaching football is my hobby.” Anderson said he doesn’t know when he might hang up his whistle forever. “I’m taking it a year at a time,” he said. “The Lord will tell me when it’s time to retire.” But that’s a question for another year. For the moment Buddy Anderson and Vestavia are ready for some football. ❖ But it won’t be easy. The Bucs must travel to Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain and long-time nemesis Vestavia Hills. Additionally, Hoover will face out-of-state powers from Bradenton and Citra, Florida. “I’m excited about where we are right now,” Niblett said. “Every team comes together at a little different pace. These guys have worked so hard. They are determined to be successful.” For a team that appears to have few weaknesses, Niblett said he still has his concerns. “I worry about everything,” he explained. “These players are just like my sons. Nobody wants to receive that phone call in the middle of the night. We are here to make sure that our guys are doing what they are supposed to be doing – and making good decisions, just as any parent would be doing.” Whatever Niblett is doing, it’s working. Since taking over from Propst after the scandal-marred 2007 season, he has gone 96-8 with four state championships and three runner-up finishes. Niblett took one of America’s finest high school programs and made it better than ever. By instilling a new discipline and focus, he picked Hoover football up from the front pages of newspapers and placed it back on the sports pages – and that is a good thing. “Every day, we want to re-invent ourselves a little and get better,” said Niblett. “We want a new version of what we’ve been in the past and do all the things required to keep going.” Hoover’s dynasty will finally end one day. Nobody knows for sure, but it probably won’t be in 2015. ❖
‘75 State Champs, From Page 2
“It wasn’t just me, our whole defense was responsible for that play,” Tourtellotte said. “You could feel the shift back in our direction. We controlled the game after that.” Burg threw a touchdown pass to Pip Mason and Miller added two field goals to give Mountain Brook a 23-12 comeback win. Almost as significantly, the Spartans had physically dominated the Bucs at the line of scrimmage, holding Finley’s usually potent running attack to only 19 yards. “After we beat Berry, we knew we could beat anybody,” Whatley said. Mountain Brook rolled over Banks, Shades Valley, Hueytown, Tuscaloosa County and Homewood – yielding only 19 points in five games – to finish the regular season undefeated. Even on rare nights when the Spartan offense wasn’t clicking on all cylinders, someone always stepped up to bring home the victory. For example, defensive back Scot Cardwell returned a punt for a touchdown and intercepted two passes in a 13-0 win over Shades Valley. “Looking back on it, I don’t think our defense ever got enough credit for our success,” Burg said. “They saved us in a lot of games.” Despite the perfect regular season, Mountain Brook still had its share of doubters in the media and elsewhere. They couldn’t believe that an upscale suburb could produce football players talented and tough enough to win a state championship. “The kids at Mountain Brook were just like kids at every other school I coached,” Higginbotham replied at the time. “Maybe they worked harder than anybody. They want to win more than any I’ve seen.” Under the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s four classifi-
cation format at the time, Mountain Brook, as champion of Region 7, drew a bye for the first round of the playoffs. In the second round, the Spartans faced Tuscaloosa at BryantDenny Stadium. Mountain Brook rolled to a 21-0 lead and withstood a furious Black Bear rally in the fourth quarter to win 21-16. The Spartan offensive machine perhaps was never better than the following week. Overcoming an early 6-0 deficit, Mountain Brook pounded out more than 360 yards in a 50-20 destruction of Coffee at Legion Field. The 50-point total set a state record for most points in a playoff game, as Ogilvie and Morris each rushed for more than 100 yards. With the Spartans appearing to peak at the right time, they were
Thursday, August 27, 2015 • 23
state champions
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
heavy favorites against Dothan in the Class 4A championship final the following Saturday. The Tigers, who had lost to Homewood in the finals the previous season, were led by quarterback Steadman Shealy. The underdogs came close to pulling the big upset. After a see-saw contest through the first three quarters, the Tigers put together an impressive 95-yard touchdown drive to take a 23-21 lead with less than nine minutes to go in the game. “Nobody panicked,” Whatley recalled. “We knew what we had to do.” Taking the ball on its own 20, Mountain Brook put together a drive for the ages. After runs by Morris and Ogilvie to get a first down, Burg passed to Sam Price for 12 yards. With first down at the Spartan 44, Burg connected to Pip Mason for a 37-yard gain to Dothan’s 19 yard line. Five plays later, Burg’s touchdown put Mountain Brook ahead to stay. His two-point conversion pass to Price gave the Spartans a 29-23 lead they would never relinquish. Shealy tried to rally his team. Dothan’s last hope ended with 18 seconds on the clock. “We were a big favorite, but Dothan had a fine team,” Whatley said. “Steadman Shealy was so good that he almost beat us single-handedly.” And Mountain Brook had completed its improbable three year climb to the top. The Spartans naturally dominated the post-season all-star teams. Ogilvie, who rushed for more than 1,300 yards, and Burg were named to all-state honors. Others – including seniors Whatley, Cardwell, defensive end Allen Hughes, linebacker Robbie Thomas, tackle Don Smith and juniors Price and Miller – were named to various other all-area or allindependent squads. “This team wasn’t about all-stars, it was about players and great coaches,” Whatley said. “Somebody was always stepping up to make a big play.” Mountain Brook’s glory run wasn’t finished. Despite heavy graduation losses and the untimely departure of Higginbotham, the Spartans posted a 14-0 mark in 1976 to win their second straight title and extend their winning streak to 27 consecutive games. “Both championships were great, but the first one is always the sweetest,” Burg said. “We expected to win it the second time.” The passing of the decades have only strengthened the ties that were bound in those special years of Mountain Brook football. Whatley organizes periodic lunch reunions for the five classes of former players who felt the reach of Higginbotham and his staff’s influence. “It’s a way for us to have some fun and let the coaches know how much we appreciate all they did for us,” he said. Time marches on, but the accom-
plishments of the 1975 Mountain Brook Spartans football team will forever stand as golden. ❖
With Richard Burg at the controls and Billy Morris and Major Ogilvie running behind an impressive offensive line, Mountain Brook’s slashing ground game methodically chewed up yardage.
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24 • Thursday, August 27, 2015
2015 high school football preview
Sports Vision South
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
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Rogoff Leads Sales at ARC Realty
David M. Dahl of Oak Mountain is an outfielder in the Colorado Rockies organization. He’s pictured using the Dynavision light board at Sports Vision South in Hoover. Sports Vision South’s state-of-the-art technology will pinpoint the deficiencies in the eyes and increase their effectiveness.
EyE on thE Ball New Business Helps Athletes See Better By Lee Davis Good eyesight has played a major role in careers of famous athletes. Baseball legend Babe Ruth’s vision allegedly was so good that he could read the label of a 78 RPM record while it was revolving on a phonograph player. Ted Williams, the last major leaguer to complete a regular season with a batting average higher than .400, claimed that he could follow the ball until it was practically in the catcher’s mitt and still whip his bat around in time to connect. In contrast, Ronald Reagan never played college baseball because his vision was poor. As essential as vision and hand-eye coordination are to success in sports, many assumed for decades that they were essentially God-given traits and comparatively little could be done to improve them. That attitude has greatly changed. A new business, Sports Vision South, located on Lorna Road in Hoover, is a high-performance vision and cognitive training center that helps elite athletes train their eyes for peak proficiency. “Sports Vision is based on the simple but powerful premise that vision is a learned skill and, like any other skill, it can be improved with practice,” said Dr. Dorri Goldschimdt of Sports Vision South. “Elite performers in any endeavor require both finely-honed visual and motor skills, and an essential part of their competitive edge depends on how well they are able to integrate these skills in dynamic situations.” Goldschmidt said the average person uses only 30 percent to 40 percent of their visual potential and, although elite athletes use much more, there is room for improvement. “Research has shown that up to 80 percent of common athletic mistakes can be accounted for by vision errors, but despite this very few coaches or athletes are aware of the benefits of Sports Vision’s training techniques,” said Goldschmidt. The techniques involve a sophisticated program of electronic perception/reaction exercises that can produce dramatic results in eye-hand coordination, peripheral awareness, concentration under stress conditions, speed
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Birmingham native Cathy Rogoff, who has been a realtor for 20 years, is leading in sales with the ARC Realty Company. “Cathy’s dedication to customer service earns her one of the best referral rates in our industry,” ARC President Beau Bevis said. “That’s how she was able to close nearly 30 transactions and more than $13 million last year.” The company, with 160 agents, closed $224 million in sales in 2014. Rogoff is a lifetime member of the Club of Excellence and a certified relocation expert. “I don’t see how it could get much better than to show people around a city I have called home for so many years,” Rogoff said. Before beginning her career as a real estate agent, Cathy worked as an interior decorator for 15 years. A love for decorating houses translated easily into a desire to help find the “perfect” home for clients. “Cathy’s enthusiasm for her work is obvious,” Tommy Brigham, founder of ARC Realty, said. “She is a true professional, but her success is built on her commitment to helping others. That’s what makes her a great realtor.” ARC is the fastest-growing real estate company in central Alabama, with corporate headquarters in Cahaba Heights and branch offices in Inverness, downtown Birmingham and at Smith Lake. ARC agents specialize in residential, commercial, corporate relocation and rental properties. Ranked fifth in sales volume in the Greater Alabama MLS in 2014, the company recently was asked to join Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the world’s largest network of marketleading real estate brands, and Luxury Real Estate, a global source for premiere properties.
tion timing. “The objective is to get eyesight to the highest capacity,” Goldschmidt said. “And you can take that vision awareness and make it an asset in virtually any sport.” Goldschmidt said that the earlier a young athlete develops those vision skills, the more quickly he or she will be ready for competition at a higherwww.sportsvisionsouth.com level. “If kids start at 12 or 13, they will3055 be ahead of othLorna Rd Suite 100 • Hoover, AL 35216 Bryant Named Assistant CEO at ers who have not had the training,” she said. “They will Trinity Medical Center have an advantage when they get to more elite competiJustin Bryant, RN, has been named assistant tion. chief executive officer at Trinity Medical Center. “Whether it’s soccer or football, the training can Before this appointment, Bryant served as an give the athlete better vision of the field of play,” she administrative specialist at continued. “It can help a basketball player improve their ‘Sports Vision Flowers Hospital in Dothan free throw shooting. In ice hockey, Wayne Gretsky’s best and five years in a clinical is based on the asset was his awareness of everything going on around setting as a staff nurse in the him.” simple but powercardiovascular unit. The optometry center of Sports Vision doesn’t conful premise that A Birmingham native, Bryant duct traditional eye exams, instead emphasizing an athgraduated from Hoover High vision is a learned lete’s dynamic visual skills. These skills include accomSchool. He continued his modation, convergence and divergence, anticipation skill and, like any education at Auburn University, timing, concentration, depth perception, reaction time, other skill, it can where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 2005. peripheral awareness, speed and span of recognition and He completed a bachelor’s of science degree in be improved with stress effect. nursing at UAB in 2008, followed by a master’s of This set of skills is identified through a high definipractice.’ business administration degree at UAB in 2013 tion screening process that measures visual acuity, conDr. Dorri Goldschimdt, and a master’s of science in health administration trast visual acuity, refractive error and visual edge evalu- Sports Vision South at UAB in 2014. ation. Sports Vision South’s state-of-the-art technology Bryant is a member of the American College will pinpoint the deficiencies in the eyes and increase of Healthcare Executives and the American their effectiveness. Association of Critical Care Nurses. Goldschmidt, a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Optometry, entered sports vision training by seeking out the top professionals in the field Jewelry Designer Opens New with proven track records of training pro athletes and Store in MountainCall Brook Village even police tactical units and military special forces. 205-490-1063 Nashville jewelry designer Judith Bright will “My goal is to help athletes and individuals perform For a FREE Demonstration open a new store in Mountain Brook Village in at their peak with the most effective services and techSeptember. nology available,” she said. According to Bright, with her flagship store As technology related to sports medicine grows, the located in the 12 South neighborhood of old saying, “Keep your eye on the ball,” is now a meaNashville, a location in Atlanta’s Virginia Highlands surable skill. Sports Vision South hopes to make that neighborhood and her online shop, Birmingham essential part of success in sports better than ever. ❖
www.sportsvisionsouth.com
3055 Lorna Rd Suite 100 • Hoover, AL 35216