Sports Gwinnett December/January 2014 by Sports Gwinnett

football GHSA State championship [PHOTOS] ■ Youth Sports Expo Sat., Feb 1 ► Take One, It's FREE ► SportsGwinnett.com

life is active | dec/jan '14

miracle

what almost was

SURVEY

best of sports and Recreation

superbowl:

where to watch superbowl XLVIII Baseball/Softball registration

Atlanta, GA Permit #2883

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: Gwinnett Rugby

PAID

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE

CONTENT 5

First UP Events, Races and Programs in

the Next 45 Days

19 GRIZZLIES Georgia Gwinnett College Athletics 20 Nourish Great Places to Eat and Meet

Friends and Teammates

22 PARKS Highlighted events and happenings

24 best seat in the house Highlighting the past month in pictures.

[ 8 ] what almost was [12] THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED GRITS WITH GRIT

football GhSa State championShip [photoS] ■ youth SportS expo Sat., feb 1 ► Take One, It's FREE ► SportsGwinnett.com

Bound by the Sport of Rugby

Keynote Speaker for Gwinnett's Youth Sports Expo 2014

[24] Ga State Football Champions

miracle

what i almoSt waS

SG50/13:

beSt of SportS and recreation

Superbowl:

where to watch Superbowl xlvii PAID

The Best of Sports and Rec Baseball/Softball REgistration where to watch super bowl XLVIII Brian jordanthe power of passion

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE

life is active | dec/jan '14

Atlanta, GA Permit #2883

[14] [17] [20] [22]

at Gwinnett County Parks

the road leSS traveled: Gwinnett ruGby

COVER CREDIT Cover: Photographed on the cover are The Dinsmore kids (Brooke Dinsmore, Madison Dinsmore, Drew Dinsmore and Brandon Dinsmore) and mom Connie Dinsmore, center. Photography by Jeannine Smith, PortraitSnap This page's feature image is of players from Norcross High School Blue Devils winners of back-to-back state AAAAAA football championships. Photography by Sonny Kennedy

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SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

CONTRIBUTORS SPORTS GWINNETT

Clint Conley and Rico Figliolini C0-PUBLISHERS

Rico Figliolini EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Reg L. Carver ASSOCIATE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Reg L. Carver Joel Hillsman Matthew Quinn Tori Vogt Abby Wilkerson

REG L. CARVER

Reg is a freelance writer and photographer from Johns Creek, Georgia. He is the author of Jazz Profiles: The Spirit of the Nineties (Billboard Books 1998), which was nominated for the Ralph J. Gleason Award for excellence in music writing. He is also the author of Walking Up Lombard: My Long Journey Home (AuthorHouse 2012), a memoir of his journey through major depression and healing. You can find him at www.reglcarver.com.

MATTHEW QUINN

Matthew W. Quinn is a freelance writer from Marietta, Ga. He is also associate editor of The Roswell Current and has edited a weekly newspaper and reported for a daily. An aspiring novelist, he has a book under consideration with two publishers.

STEVE HAMPTON

Owner and partner of H & H Multimedia sports photography, Steve has nearly a decade of experience capturing youth, collegiate, and professional sports.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jonathan Phillips Kat Goduco Kathryn Nee Jeannine Smith CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rico Figliolini Advertising Sales

TORI VOGT

Tori Vogt MBA is a professional writer and marketing executive based in Peachtree Corners.

Patti Leach patti@sportsgwinnett.com Website Assistant

Katherine Macmanus Website Intern

Kara Jones SPORTS360GROUP LLC 4305 River Stream Circle, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 678.358.7858 www.sportsgwinnett.com Sports Gwinnett Magazine is published once a month by SPORTS360GROUP LLC. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publishers, editor or Sports Gwinnett. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

JONATHAN PHILLIPS

Jonathan Phillips has been a professional, award-winning photojournalist for the past 13 years and the owner of JTPhotography . Jonathan was born and raised in Gwinnett County and has seen it change and grow into the bustling metropolitan area that it is today. You can visit his website at www.capturelifethroughthelens.com

KATHRYN NEE

Kathryn is a photographer and owner of Kathryn Nee Photography. An Atlanta area native, Kathryn has been photographing life as art for over fifteen years. Her portfolio can be viewed at www.KathrynNee.com

JOEL HILLSMAN

Joel is a sports media freelancer covering high school and pro sports since 2009. He is play-by-play announcer and show host for high school football and basketball on NFHS Network covering the southeast and produces game highlights for NBA TV and Turner Sports.

KATHERINE MACMANUS

Katherine is an IB Diploma student at Norcross High School. She is a member of the NHS Marching Band and Relay for Life Team.

ABBY WILKERSON

A country girl at heart but metro Atlanta by address, Abby cultivated a lifelong love of sports and writing at the University of Georgia before moving to Gwinnett upon graduation. Abby is a pop culture lover, brakes for yard sales, and an unashamed basher of all non-SEC conferences.

KARA JONES

Kara Jones is a North Gwinnett High School senior. She is an officer of National English Honor Society and the author of the novel Heavensent. In the spring, she also plays Varsity Lacrosse.

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Coming Issues: FEBRUARY 2014 Ad & Editorial Deadline: January 24, 2014

• SPORTS DAY CAMP GUIDE MARCH 2014 Ad & Editorial Deadline: February 24, 2014

• 18 UNDER 18 • SPORTS AWAY CAMP GUIDE APRIL 2014

Ad & Editorial Deadline: March 24, 2014

• GUIDE TO SPORTS MEDICINE

Rico Figliolini and Clint Conley Co-Publishers

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

• Please email editor@sportsgwinnett.com about advertising deadlines and editorial considerations.

SCHEDULES Sports, Speed, Agility Strength Training Private Instruction Team Training

Thursday, January 02, 2014 2:05 PM vs. South Carolina Special Matinee Game

Cage and Facility Rental Youth or Corporate.

Saturday, January 04, 2014 7:05 PM vs. Florida Promotion: Elvis Birthday Bash Friday, January 10, 2014 7:05 PM vs. Orlando

Norcross Sports Training Academy 4825 S. Old Peachtree Road ■ Suite 1100 ■ Norcross, Georgia 30071 770-559-0083 ■ www.nsta.net

Promotion: Friendly Friday AD_NorcrossSportsTrainingAcademy-THIRD.indd 1

Saturday, January 11, 2014 7:05 PM vs. Orlando Promotion: $5 Frenzy Night - Fleece Blanket Monday, January 20, 2014

10/7/2013 4:58:19 PM

Serving families, small business, and professionals for their insurance needs since 1986.

The Most Competitive Rates & Best Service Type of insurance: Life, Health, Disability, Long Term Care, Vision, Dental

12:30 PM vs. Wheeling Promotion: MLK Kids Day Out Thursday, January 30, 2014 7:05 PM vs. Orlando Promotion: College Student Night Saturday, February 01, 2014 7:05 PM vs. Orlando Promotion: Teddy Bear Toss

SDK & Associates Insurance Service Our motto is that good service is good business.

www.sdkinsurance.com ■ 678.521.8484 sunil@sdkinsurance.com Mr. Sunil Sachdeva An Atlanta resident since 1970

Arena at Gwinnett Center 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097 770-497-5100, www.gwinnettgladiators.com

AIG, Guardian, Banner, Mass Mutual, Transamerica, Nationwide, Hartford, John Hancock, SBLI, Protective, United of Omaha, Prudential Kaiser, Bluecross, Atena, Cigna, Humana, Assurant, United Health Care, Coventry

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

FIRST UP

Events, Races and Programs in the Next 45 Days

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

January 18 – 19, 2014

Professional Bull Ultimate Fighting Riders Built Ford Championship Tough Series Arena at Gwinnett Center 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway Duluth, GA 30097 Check out www.gwinnettcenter. com for more information. The first bout starts at 3:30 P.M., prelims start at 5:00 P.M. and the main card will begin at 7:00 P.M.

January 15 – February 9, 2014

Lombardi

Arena at Gwinnett Center 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway Duluth, GA 30097 www.pbr.com Every event begins with pyrotechnics, explosions, and flames. Then the excitement really begins when the Top 35 bull riders in the world compete against the fiercest bucking bulls on the planet, providing two hours of thrills and spills guaranteed to keep you on the edge-of-your-seat and your heart pounding.

January 24 – 26, 2014

Great American Motorcycle Show Aurora Theatre 128 Pike Street Lawrenceville, GA 30045 www.auroratheatre.com Although football's Super Bowl trophy is named for him, few know the real story of Vince Lombardi-his inspirations, his passions and his ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible. Diligent young reporter Michael McCormick takes us inside the life of this legendary icon. Featuring Bart Hansard as Coach Lombardi. *February 5: Wednesday Discount Matinee, 10am, tickets $16. No Wednesday evening performance on this date.

North Atlanta Trade Center 1700 Jeurgens Court Norcross, GA 30093 www.greatamericanmotorcycle show.com

Great American Motorcycle Show North Atlanta Trade Center January 24-26, 2014 Going strong since 1992! Over 3 1/2 Football Fields full of new foreign and domestic motorcycles. One of a kind custom rides, sport bikes, touring, choppers, trailers, parts, apparel and anything you need to ride. Over 120,000 s.f. of bikes and accessories – All at discount Show Prices! NEW ENTERTAINMENT THIS YEAR FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY from vintage bikes to live music TICKETS: Buy online at www.greatamericanmotor... Visit Website

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

January 12, 2014 - vs. Auburn January 26, 2014 - vs. Mississippi State January 30, 2014 - vs. South Carolina January 31, 2014 - vs. Florida State Atlanta Ice Forum 2300 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA 30097 For more information check out georgia.sechchockey.com The University of Georgia Ice Dogs compete against other college teams. (non-varsity)

Race Calendar January 11, 2014, 8:30 am

North Gwinnett Soccer Sprint 5K

Suwanee Town Center Park, Buford Hwy at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, GA 30024. www.nghssoccer.wix.com/2012 The race starts at City Hall, turns on Savannah Square, left on Suwanee Ave. Right on Portland Trail to the pedestrian bridge. Crosses over Martins Farm Road, goes to Annandale Lane for the turn around and heads back the same way with the finish behind City Hall. Saturday, February 1, 2014, 8:00 am

3rd Annual Lace Up & Livestrong 5K

North Gwinnett Church, Suwanee. Contact Rob Goldsmith fundracers5k@gmail.com or (678) 985-3921 Saturday, February 8, 2014, 8:00 am

Stampede In the Park 5K Trail Run &1K Fun Run

Yellow River Park, Stone Mountain. Contact Aimee Walthall stampedeinthepark@gmail.com or 404-274-1553 Sunday, February 9, 8:00 am

Valentine's Day Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Tribble Mill Park 2125 Tribble Mill Parkway Lawrenceville , GA 30045 www.deborahmontgomeryracing.com

4th Annual Norcross High Blue Devils Run:

This Year a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier

WWW.GWINNETTPEDS.COM

Special for Sports Gwinnett his year’s 4th Annual Norcross Blue Devils Run is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier! On February 8, 2014, the race will be held at Pinckneyville Middle School in Peachtree Corners. The 5K race will start at 8 a.m. with a 1 mile fun race held after.

The race will feature a t-shirt, age level awards, prizes for all fun run participants, raffle prizes (all runners are eligible to enter), and best of all-indoor bathrooms (no port-a-potties) and a heated gym. Among this year’s business sponsors are SunTrust, New Balance, the YMCA, Peachtree Corners Dental Associates, Pediatric Associates of North Atlanta, Imagix, Sears Pool Management, Bardi Heating and Air, BravePoint, Eye Level Learning, Global Furniture Installation, and Nancy Minor Real Estate. Raffle prizes include gift cards from running stores and restaurants, items from Barnes & Noble, Mori Luggage, Trader Joe’s, and other area businesses. Jason’s Deli will again provide snacks and water for our runners.

GWINNETT PEDIATRICS COMPLETES YOUR

SPORTS FORM FREE

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Warm up exercises and music will precede the 5K. Expect a special visit by the Chickfil-a cow! Games inside the gym will again be provided by the YMCA. The race was founded by a Norcross High School student athlete in 2011, Amelia Watson. In 2012, Norcross student athlete Eliza Antonowich began preparations as race director for the 2013 race. Eliza, now a 15 year old sophomore and varsity runner for the cross country and track & field teams, states “through the race, the money raised helps pay for new uniforms, meet fees, travel expenses to and from the meets, track & field equipment and supplies, and opportunities to participate in out-of-state competitions.” This year, she is trying to build a larger running/walking community in the Peachtree Corners/Norcross area so kids and adults can partake in a healthy activity. “By building community spirit and helping support the runners at my high school, this race is fun for all ages and builds an energetic vibe all over.” The 2013 race was the biggest yet with close to 340 participants. The team is continuing to seek sponsors. For small businesses or those with personal services who would like to advertise, different levels of sponsorship are available. Sponsors’ names/logos are placed on the race t-shirt, website, Facebook page, and receive race day recognition. For those unable to attend the race, but would like to help, become a phantom runner (includes a t-shirt for pick-up on race day) or simply make a donation! For race details such as registration and contribution/sponsorship forms, please visit www.bluedevilsrun.wix.com/blue-devils-run. In addition, join the online community of runners at thesmartrunner.blog.com with information regarding nutrition, injury prevention, race days, and motivation to help runners in the Peachtree Corners community.

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Tumbling, Dance, After school care

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Camps 3145 Northwoods Pkwy, Suite 100 Peachtree Corners, GA 30071

(404) 803-1218

www.topnotchtrainingcenter.org SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

What Almost Was Connie Dinsmore's story of trust, belief, and faith - and the four miracles that shouldn't be here.

by ABBY WILKERSON photography by jeannine smith of PortraitSnap

he old maxim “If at first you don’t succeed – try, try again” only marginally elucidates the story of Brad and Connie Dinsmore. The couple

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

had been married for a few years, and were naturally ready to take the next step and add to their family…which did not come as easily as they had hoped.

After a period of time trying the old fashioned way, the Dinsmores turned to a more modern approach, seeking the help of a fertility doctor. Their doctor eventually advised the couple that in vitro fertilization would be their only hope of conceiving a child. Brad and Connie attempted the process as often as medically possible, each time being disappointed at the outcome. After six months

CONNIE DINSMORE (opposite page) This page: Brooke Dinsmore, Madison Dinsmore, Drew Dinsmore and Brandon Dinsmore photography by Jeannine Smith, PortraitSnap)

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

enduring this complex and expensive procedure, the couple decided they needed a break. “We were living in California at the time, and had a wonderful summer planned, including a fabulous wedding in Napa,” remembered Connie. “We decided to take the summer off, really enjoy ourselves, and revisit the process in the fall.” But in the middle of the blissful summer vacation, the Dinsmores received a bittersweet phone call from Brad’s younger brother – stating that he and his new wife were pregnant. “I felt so incredibly selfish.” “I was just devastated; it was a total shock

to my system,” said Connie. “They were newlyweds, not even trying! His brother already had a child from a previous relationship – everything seemed so unfair at that moment. I felt so incredibly selfish, but it seemed like my world was collapsing in on me.”

Still on her knees, Connie looked down, and immediately spotted three four-leaf clovers – and knew she had her sign.

Connie went to a local park and broke down crying. On her knees in the grass, she prayed to God for a sign, any sign at all, for what He wanted from her.

“I picked all three clovers, ran home to Brad, and told him that we had to do in vitro again because we were going to have triplets,” she said. “I told him the whole story, and he agreed to give it another shot.”

“I was on the ground just begging God,” she said. “I told Him I would do whatever He wanted – trying in vitro again, adopting, whatever it took. I just wanted a child so badly. I wanted Him to tell me what to do, to know His will for me and Brad.”

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

Opened Eyes

“Although he looked at me like I was crazy.” Connie took the clovers up to their room and opened her Bible. She found a forgotten

doctor immediately suspected twins. That is, until her check-up the next month – when her hCG levels had tripled. “My first ultrasound was the next appointment, which is the first that Brad was able to attend with me. We looked at the monitor screen, and the doctor just started counting…,” said Connie. The Odds Were Astounding Not quite the triplets Connie had predicted that fateful day in the park. The Dinsmores were going to be the proud parents of quadruplets, which included a set of identical twins. Roughly two percent of all pregnancies result in one set of identical twins (when one fertilized egg splits into two embryos). The odds of conceiving quadruplets are estimated at one in 571,787 pregnancies. The chance of conceiving quadruplets with one set of identical twins is…rare. So rare, and dangerous, that Connie’s fertility doctor wanted to reduce the pregnancy. Based on the number of fetuses, the doctor warned her that she would likely give birth to four mentally handicapped children. His suggestion: take the twins. Connie refused, but her doctor continued to advise her down that path at each subsequent visit. “Because of the high risk factor of the pregnancy, I was going for an ultrasound every week. I would walk into my doctor’s office elated to see my babies again, but always left depressed over this agonizing decision,” she said. “After all that we had been through just to get pregnant, I just couldn’t imagine voluntarily taking any of them.”

prayer in the pages that her grandfather had once given her. She remembered that her grandfather had warned her to be careful what you asked for with this prayer – in his experience, God had always honored it. On her knees again, Connie prayed a prayer of thanksgiving: for her two boys and her two girls. “I prayed for my two boys and two girls – I wanted God to always be in control of how many of each. I was just so grateful and sure in that moment.” Connie’s instincts did not fail her. After another round of in vitro, she became pregnant the very next month. Based on her human chorionic gonadotropin levels (or hCG: the cells that form the placenta), her fertility

The Sign…again. “I turned to God again and prayed for His guidance. He caused the egg to split; He knew what He was doing. That night, Brad and I went to dinner and saw a woman with a set of identical twins at the restaurant. I went right up to her and asked her if she had done in vitro – as you can imagine, she was pretty shocked by the frankness of my question.” “I explained that I was pregnant with quadruplets, which included identical twins, and that my doctor wanted to reduce the pregnancy. She looked shocked again – and told me that she had been pregnant with quadruplets. She chose to reduce the pregnancy, and not a day goes by when she doesn’t think about her other two babies.”

As Bill Engvall would say…there’s your sign. The Luck of the Irish That fall, Brad’s job transferred him from California to Kentucky. Connie researched and found one of the best perinatologists in the Southeast. Her new doctor agreed to help her keep all four babies. At 28 weeks, Connie checked into the hospital and delivered two girls and two identical twin boys…on St. Patrick’s Day (and two days before her aforementioned sister-in-law delivered their new niece!). And as for the possibility of four mentally handicapped children? All four Dinsmore quadruplets – Brandon, Brooke, Drew, and Madison – are straight A students in all honors classes as freshmen at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Brooke and Madison are JV cheerleaders, interested in playing lacrosse this spring, and extremely talented artists. “They want to live in New York City, work in the fashion industry. They already have a fashion blog, and I frequently ask them to put together my outfits! Such creativity – I have no idea where they get it,” gushed Connie about her girls. Connie describes her boys – “the twins that aren’t supposed to be here” – as the two hardest working, driven people she has ever known. Both played football, basketball, and baseball in 7th and 8th grades, but have chosen to focus on one sport in high school: baseball for Brandon, and football for Drew. “Drew has said that he was going to be a quarterback from the day he could talk. And Brandon wants to be a pitcher like his Dad – Brad played at California Polytechnic State University. And I know they’ll do it. I think they work so hard at everything to prove that they’re supposed to be here. They are the constant reassurance of my decision.” Both boys work with private coaches for their positions in the off season, and live at the gym. At 6’3” (Drew) and 6’4” (Brandon), the boys are undoubtedly built for college athletics. “My children are such miracles, such gifts…we are just so blessed,” said Connie. “God loves to hear a mother’s prayers, and He has literally answered every prayer I have prayed. He is so faithful, so good, so awesome.”

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

column

THE road less traveled GRITS WITH GRIT Bound By The Sport Of Rugby by Reg L. Carver photography courtesy of GRITS This is the third installment of a new and regular column, The Road Less Traveled. Here, we will take a look at individuals and sports/recreation that are often overlooked by most mainstream sports magazines. We hope you enjoy our detours.

"Rugby is great. The players don’t wear helmets or padding; they just beat the living daylights out of each other and then go for a beer. I love that." – Joe Theismann

But despite its modest following in the US, the sport of rugby enjoys more devotees than you might think. And rugby has become increasingly popular in the US in recent years. According to USA Rugby (the governing body of US rugby), in 2009, rugby returned to the Olympic movement, and in 2011, USA Rugby became a full sport of the United States Olympic Committee. The sport will return to the Olympic Games in both 2016 and 2020.

ost Americans have a vague notion of rugby. We know it is a game similar to American football. We know a rugby ball looks very much like an American football. And we know that, with no helmets, no pads – virtually no protection at all – the players engage in a form of tackle football. Given what we know of the game, Americans are also pretty confident that those who play rugby are, in fact, a little nuts. This is the extent of what most Americans think about rugby. Truth is, Americans actually know very little about the sport from which the American form of football derived. And much of what we think we know is inaccurate. Unfortunately, our lack of knowledge keeps most of us from ever inquiring about the sport, much less playing it.

RUGBY’S US HISTORY Rugby was created in 1823 at Rugby School in the relatively small town of Rugby, England (about 74 miles north of London). The first game played on American soil was 51 years later (1874) in Cambridge, Massachusetts when Harvard hosted Montreal’s McGill University. Young Americans went wild for the game and it spread rapidly on US college campuses. With both European and American teams enjoying ever-increasing popularity, rugby

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

was made an Olympic sport in 1900, and it was played in the Olympic Games again in 1908, 1920, and 1924. But since 1924, rugby has not been included in the Olympics. (As noted, however, it will return in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.) Given Americans’ proclivity for invention and innovation, US players started making changes to rugby as early as 1880, just six years after first being played in the US. The first change was brought about at Yale University where an orderly line of scrimmage replaced less organized scrum. And in 1906, the forward pass was introduced (adding to rugby’s lateral- or backwardspassing only rule). With the American innovations and the cessation of Olympic play, Americans further refined its own style of football. Indeed, traditional rugby was all but forgotten in the United States from 1924 to 1975, a span of half a century. REBIRTH IN US After 50 years, interest in more than one type of football began to surge. Like soccer, rugby once again began to make a stronger hold on Americans. On January 1, 1975, the United States of America Rugby Football Union (now USA Rugby) was formed. And exactly one year to the day later, the US fielded its first national team.

Currently, USA Rugby governs competition for over 700 senior club teams, 900 college teams, 1200 high school teams, and 400 youth teams. The US has four national teams, two of which will compete in the 2016 Olympic Games. There is even serious talk of professional rugby as soon as 2014. RUGBY IN GWINNETT COUNTY With a county that is not one to leave any sport untried, co-founders Keith Strellis and Gavin Pickens (former coaches of Brookwood and Parkview rugby teams) formed GRITS (Gwinnett Rugby International Touring Side). A USA Rugby Division 3 team, GRITS focuses “on the camaraderie of the game” with a desire to teach rugby “in a positive way.” According to its website, GRITS’ stated goal is to “have an established men’s club while also nurturing a women’s side and youth development. Our recruits range from 13 to 50+ years old. [The club has no expectation for recruits] to have knowledge of the sport and physical abilities; come as you are. We welcome [all] from any background and culture.” The team

is currently 32 members strong, including the two coaches. It has built a reputation “as being a friendly club that plays tough and fair.” www. gwinnettrugby.org/ THE HEART OF GRITS – SPORT, SAFETY, AND FUN GRITS has two core values – safety and fun. No matter your age, knowledge, or ability, if you want to get involved in rugby, GRITS is open for you. The team’s first goal will be to teach you the rules and safety precautions of the game. You will be allowed to play in a game only when the coaches are confident you will not put yourself or another player in danger. Like any sport, there can be injuries, but as team member Cristian “Moose” Petersen states, “the most common injury in rugby is bruised ribs – stuff you can walk away from – as opposed to American football where injuries require months of rehab.” And notes team captain Ben Robinson, “if it’s played right, you don’t get many injuries. For example, without helmets, you can’t hit with your head. If you

know how to tackle properly, you don’t get injured.” And it is true that camaraderie is a big part of the sport. Robinson, a native of England who just moved to the United States in October 2012, joined GRITS to meet people, and says, “now I’ve got 30 guys who are my closest friends. We’re a family, we all know each other on such a personal level, and I love that. Even with the guys on opposing teams – they’ll get rough and tackle me, and then we’ll go have a beer and a hug. It’s unlike any other sport I’ve played.” He sums up the sport in his quintessential British manner, “Rugby is a hooligan’s sport played by gentlemen. It’s absolutely true.” GRITS practices and plays its home games at the Rhodes Jordan Park Soccer Pitch. For more information, you may contact the team at info@gwinnettrugby.org Source material for the history of rugby included www.usarugby.org. Reg L. Carver is a freelance writer and photographer in Johns Creek. You may find him at www.reglcarver.com.

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

BEST OF SPORTS AND RECREATION 2013

Compiled through Sports Gwinnett's Online Survey of Readers

Dominoes

GEAR, APPAREL AND RETAIL Best Bike Shop ► Suwanee Creek Bicycle

Cycle Works Bicycle Wheel

Best Sports Gear and Apparel Store ► Titan Team Sports

Dick’s Sporting Academy

Best Day Trip (Wet) ► Lake Lanier

Best Day Trip (Dry) ► Stone Mountain

Helen, GA Best Sports Portrait Photographer

Enjoy!

J.R. Loghouse Panera Bread

► Sonny Kennedy

PortraitSnap

Best Gwinnett City for Active Living ► Suwanee

Buford Peachtree Corners

FOOD

Best Caterer ► Shane’s Rib Shack

Best After the Game Restaurant (Family)

Best Ski Resort (Southeast) ► Sugar Mountain

Best Vacation Resort for an Active Family (Southeast) ► Disney World

St George Island Panama City

HEALTH AND FITNESS Best Soorts Medical Practice ► Sports Medicine of the South

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Gwinnett Medical Center Best Hospital for Sports Injuries

► Taco Mac

► Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth

Best Annual Sporting Event

Best After the Game Restaurant (Adults)

Best Sports Doctor

► Duluth Fall Festival 5K

► Marlow’s Tavern

Best Corporate Sponsor ► Gwinnett Medical Center

Run the Reagan GHSA Football Championships

Buffaloes Shane’s Rib Shack

Taco Mac Three Dollar Cafe Best Sports Bar ► Taco Mac

Hail Mary (Grayson)

► Johnny’s Pizza

Cool River Tubing (Helen, GA)

K, this was our first ever Best of Sports and Recreation in Gwinnett. We're not even a year old yet and realized some of our questions were stumping many of our over 3,000 readers who visited the page - not all the survey questions were answered. We promise to do better next year. In the meantime we hope you enjoy the results of this abridged version of the survey - each category has top choice (and in some cases the top 3 choices.)

ACTIVE LIVING

Best Place to Order Pool side Food

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Eastside Medical Center

► Dr. Gary Levengood Dr. Maurice Jove (Ga Knee & Sports

Medicince, Decatur)

Best Sports Eyecare Practice ► Gwinnett Eyecare

Best Personal Fitness Trainer

Best Sports Program for Kids (13+)

Best Baseball Fields

► China and Peter Zimmerman

► Mill Creek Athletic Association

► Bogan Park

Best Youth Athletic Association

Best Skate Park

► Mill Creek Athletic Association

► Duncan Creek Park

Best Gym or Fitness Center ► Z Fitness Studio

Fitness 19 Gold’s Gym (Lawrenceville)

ACTIVE RECREATION Best Bike Route

Gwinnett Soccer Association Frazier Cycling

Archer Athletic Association Mountain View Athletic Association

SCHOOL ATHLETICS

► Ken Parker (Mill Creek)

Little Mulberry Park Best Climbing Experience

Best Summer Sports Day Camps

► Stone Mountain Park

Adrenaline Climbing

Best Outdoor Sports Event ► Gwinnett Braves

Best Fishing Spot

Best High School Athlete (Male)

► Suwanee Sports Academy

► Connor Redman (Football, TightEnd,

Archer High School, Lawrenceville)

Camp All American Bogan Park Camp Programs

Coray Keel (Football, Wide Receiver, S. Gwinnett HS, Snellville)

Best Summer Sports Camp (Away)

Best High School Athlete (Female)

► UGA Football Camp

► Addy Lippitt (PRHS, Cross Country)

Best High School Sports Team

► Buford Dam near Lake Lanier on the

Chattahoochee River Jones Bridge Park Little Mulberry Park Piers

Hamilton Mill Pinckneyville Park

Best Private Coach for Kids Ralph Frazier Clint Conley

► Tribble Mill Park

George Pierce Park Rhodes Jordan Park

► Archer High School Football ► Major Tae Kwon Do

Best Walking/Hiking Trail

Mill Creek Football PRHS Cross Country Team Parkview High School Baseball

Best Gymnastics Gym

Best High School Coach (Male)

► Little Mulberry Park

► TNT

► Andy Dyer

Stone Mountain Park Tribble Mill Park Best Gun Range

Best Martial Arts

Altanta JayHawks Gwinnett Gymnastics Center

► Range, Guns and Safe (2 locations)

(Archer HS Football Head Coach) Keith Maloof (Norcross HS Football Head Coach) John Small (South Gwinnett HS Football Head Coach)

Main Street Guns (Lilburn) Trigger Time (Flowery Branch)

PARKS AND FACILITIES

Best Dog Hike

Best Aquatic Center

Best School (Athletics Program)

► Little Mulberry Park

► Bogan Park Aquatic Center

► Archer High School

Harbins Park Suwanee Greenway

Mountain Park Aquatic Center West Gwinnett Aquatic Center

Best Tennis Courts

Best Soccer Fields

► Stone Mountain Tennis Center

► Pinckneyville Soccer Complex

Hudlow Tennis Center Collins Hill Athletic Club

Mill Creek High School Parkview High School Peachtree Ridge High School

Mountain View Park Harmony Grove Soccer Complex Best Basketball Courts

KIDS AND YOUTH Best Sports Program for Kids (under 12)

► Duncan Creek Park

Bryson park Robert D. Fowler YMCA

► Mill Creek Athletic Association

Gwinnett Soccer Association North Gwinnett Athletic Association

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

SPIRIT

Youth, Sports Leagues, Clubs and Achievements

baseball & softball

Registration is Open

ost of the Gwinnett Park leagues begin their online registration January 1 for the Spring 2014 season. Some leagues will range in age from 3 and 4 years (rookie) and T-Ball (5 and 6) on up to Pony (ages 13 and 14) and Seniors (ages 15-18). The bracketed age ranges will differ among the associations, as will the fees. Fees can range from $80 for the younger kids on up to $176 for seniors in baseball and varies for softball. Each association will have its own specific deadlines, rules, qualifications and information that you should check out on their individual websites. Some associations offer muli-player family discounts. Some associations have adopted a No Refund policy, others may charge an administrative fee for the refund. When registering, please be certain to view the Concussion Awareness Information Sheet as part of many of the association’s commitment to Georgia's "Return to Play Act of 2013". Some of the sites have links to the PDF, or visit http://bit.ly/197JTpJ online and download the advisement.

Check the website www.gaasports.org and click on the baseball tab for information. If you have any further questions please email us at graysonbaseball@gmail.com.

Mill Creek Athletic Association, Bogan Park, Buford, GA Online registration begins January 4, 2014 www.millcreekaa.net

Collins Hill Athletic Association, Collins Hill Park, Lawrenceville, GA Registration is open now for players and coaches. The Association has adopted a NO REFUND POLICY, as have many of the other associations. www.chaasports.com

Brookwood, Bethesda Park, Lawrenceville, Ga

Dacula Athletic Association, Dacula Park

Online Registration Open through January 31, 2014

Baseball Spring 2014 Season Dates (All dates are tentative and subject to change): Registration ends 1/26/14 Online Registration is Now Open www.dacula.com

Online registration for Brookwood spring baseball and softball is currently open. The deadline for online registration is January 31st. There will be a $25 late fee for registrations after the deadline. There will be a walkup registration for those families who do not have an Internet connection on Saturday, January 25th, from 9 am to 1 pm. at Grace Fellowship Church, 1400 Dogwood Road, Snellville, GA 30078. www.baabonline.com

Grayson Athletic Association Bay Creek Park, Loganville, GA 30052 Registration ends January 31, 2014

Program accepts registration for its 2014 Spring Baseball Season for children ages 3 - 18 years of age. Online registration will be available until January 31st for baseball.

The Grayson Athletic Association's Baseball

1/8/2014: Walk-up registration @ Dacula High School commons area. Checks or cash payments accepted. Fee: $110 until January 10th 2/1/2014: Registration ends www.dacula.com/

North Gwinnett Baseball and Softball Association, George Pierce Park, Suwanee, GA Opens Saturday January 4, 2014 at 10:00am, and continues until each league becomes full, or the season begins. WALK-UP registration is ONLY on Saturday January 4th, from 10:00am until 2:00pm at North Gwinnett High School.. www.ngbsa.org. Please contact registrar@ ngbsa.org for any question.

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

Shiloh Athletic Association Lenora Park, Snellville, GA Check the website for additional information www.saa-youth.org

Greater Lilburn Athletic Association, Lions Club Park, Lilburn, GA Check the website for additional information www.eteamz.com/glaa

Mountain Park Athletic Association, Mountain Park Park, Mountain Park, GA Check the website for additional information www.mpaa-dev.com

Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association, Peachtree Ridge Park, Suwanee, GA Rec Baseball 2014 - pryaa.sportssignup.com Registration fee is $180.00 per player. Evaluations and walk-up registration occur at Peachtree Ridge Park on February 1, 2014. Late fee – $20 per player applies for players signing up after February 2, 2014. Registration closes – February 8, 2014. If you have any questions regarding registration, please send them to pryaabaseballreg@gmail. com. www.pryaabaseball.com. Spring Softball Registration is OPEN. Email them at softball@pryaa.com if you need more information. January 18th – Registration Closes

Norcross Youth Baseball/ Softball, Pinckneyville Park, Norcross, GA Registration is opened through Saturday, January 25, 2014. A late fee of $25 will be assessed after January 25, 2014. Evaluations will be Saturday, February 1st and 8th. Questions: Bill Grogan, NYBSA Player Agent, coachgrogan@live. com www.norcrossbaseballsoftball.com

Lawrenceville Youth Athletic Association, Rhodes Jordan Park, Lawrenceville, GA Check the website for additional information www.lyasports.com

Duluth Athletic Association, Shorty Howell Park, Duluth, GA Online Registration Ends February 6, 2014 Register online: www.signupanytime.com/ dybsa/events.html Walk-up Registration and Uniform Fitting February 1, 2014, 10am - 2pm All recreational leagues evaluation February 8, 2014, 10am - 2pm

South Gwinnett Athletic Association, South Gwinnett Park, Snellville, GA Check the website for additional information www.sgaasports.com

Lanier Athletic Association, Sugar Hill Area Check the website for additional information www.lanieraa.com

TENNIS EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

8U Future Stars

Spring Registration - www.atlanta.usta.com/10andundertennis All you need is 6 players, boys or girls, Play is 4 lines of singles co-ed tennis. About 20 Minutes per match and a whole lot of fun. Registration Begins: February 24, 2014, Closes: March 14, 2014 Play Begins: March 22, Saturday at 1pm. End of Season Party for all players TBD.

USTA Junior Team Tennis USTA Junior Team Tennis - Summer Registration Registration Opens: March 17, 2014 Registration Closes: April 14, 2014 Play begins: May 24, 2014 Saturday at 1pm

Sets in the City Sets in the City registration opens January 6! Visit www.setsinthecityatlanta.com to register!

Play Days and Tennis Festivals

Check out www.youthtennis.com for all updated information on Play Days and Tennis Festivals in your area.

SOCCER REGISTRATION Atlanta Fire United

2014 Spring Recreational Soccer Online Registration Is OPEN - In addition to registering online, you can also attend one of our walk-up registration events: Recreational Soccer online registration: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default. aspx?tabid=236366 January 11 - Spring 2014 Rec Registration at Bunten Road Community Center (3180 Bunten Road NW, Duluth, GA 30096) 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM January 18 - Spring 2014 Rec Registration at George Pierce Park (55 Buford Highway NE, Suwanee, GA 30024) 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Jones Bridge Soccer REGISTER FALL/SPRING SOCCER DIVISIONS: ages 2 - U19 Create an account: www.pbcsports.org Questions: 678-587-8889 Email: soccer@pbcsports.net 4901 East Jones Bridge Road Peachtree Corners 30092

NORCROSS BRANCH 5100 Peachtree Parkway Norcross, GA 30092 770-246-0011; Fax: 770-246-0055

DUNWOODY- LOAN PRODUCTION OFFICE 5496 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Dunwoody, GA 30338 770-392-0900; Fax: 770-392-0912

LAWRENCEVILLE BRANCH 185 Gwinnett Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30046 678-736-6250; Fax: 678-736-6260

OLD PEACHTREE BRANCH 1035 Old Peachtree Road, NW Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678-638-4000; Fax: 678-638-4020

www.piedmontbankonline.com SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

Whether you are young or old, novice or professional, our guides will tailor the hunt to meet your needs Big Red Oak Plantation can provide guns, ammunition, guides, dogs, transportation, and food. The plantation has lodging and there are other local accommodations. View our Website Blog and Events Calendar to keep up with clinics, matches, seminars, workshops, and special occasions.

Big Red Oak Plantation Shooting Preserve 8428 Greenville Street/P.O. Box 247, Gay, GA 30218 90 minutes south of Gwinnett (706) 538-6870 ■ (706) 538-6222 info@bigredoakplantation.com ■ www.bigredoakplantation.com

RANGE, GUNS & SAFES

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WWW.RANGEGUNSANDSAFES.COM SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND WE’LL LIKE YOU BACK! You never know when we will be giving away prizes Matthew W. Quinn tobyour fans on FB. Georgia Gwinnett College’s

new baseball stadium is but the first of this year’s coming improvements. Completed softball stadium and new athletic building are on the agenda, as is preparing for possible post-season play.

So keep an eye out Georgia Gwinnett College and helpofusAthletics noticeDarin Wilson Director andon President Daniel Kaufman you Facebook. took the occasion of the March 9 opening of the college’s new

Matthew W. Quinn is a freelance SPORTS GWINNETT journalist and aspiring novelist from Marietta, Ga.

www.facebook.com/SportsGwinnett

Georgia Gwinnett College Athletics

Baker Becomes GGC’s First Women’s All-American

Midfielder Enang Named GGC’s First NAIA All-American Georgia Gwinnett men’s soccer player Rene Enang has been named the college’s first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American as he earned an honorable mention selection on Monday by the NAIA AllAmerica Committee.

The Skinny

The senior midfielder earned Association of Independent Institutions first team honors in helping guide the Grizzlies to a 15-5 record, the 2013 A.I.I. championship and GGC’s first-ever trip Rene Enang to the national tournament.

Georgia Gwinnett women’s soccer player Jocelyn Baker added to her haul of awards in her final collegiate season by being named a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American honorable mention selection on Thursday. The 2013 Association of Independent Institutions Player of the Year and all-tournament team member led the Grizzlies to a 14-win season and the program’s first postseason berth.

He also was named A.I.I. Championships Most Outstanding Player as the Grizzlies upset national #3 Ashford (Iowa)- an eventual national semifinalist- to claim the college’s first postseason title.

A senior midfielder from Winder, Ga., Baker scored six goals and added a team-high six assists in scoring 18 total points. She was instrumental on the offensive and defensive ends as GGC outscored its opponents for the season, 4815. Baker fired 48 shots during the year, second-most on the team, with 21 on goal. She set the tone by tallying the very first goal of the Grizzlies’ season and later notched a game-winner against in-state foe Georgia Southwestern. She finished with two games of four points each, tied for the team lead. She accomplished all of this after missing the entire

DeCou Named 2013 A.I.I. Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year

GRIZZLIES

Jocleyn Baker 2012 season due to injury. “Jocelyn is very deserving of being recognized as one of the best players in the country,” said Grizzlies head coach Domenic Martelli. “She works harder than anyone else on and off the field, pushing herself to perform as an All-American for our program. This award amounts to a lot more than the statistics you accumulate during the year.”

Baker becomes the first women’s player at GGC to earn All-America status. Men’s soccer player Rene Enang earned the award when the men’s selections were announced Monday evening. The NAIA All-America committee consists of the NAIA-Women’s Soccer Coaches Association officers and seven additional coaches from around the country.

With the Grizzlies capturing the 2013 Association of Independent Institutions Men’s Soccer Championship this fall, Georgia Gwinnett men’s soccer coach Steve DeCou has been named the A.I.I. Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year. DeCou led the Grizzlies to their first-ever NAIA national tournament appearance after the team defeated #3 Ashford (Iowa) to claim the A.I.I. title in Lawrenceville in GGC’s first year of postseason eligibility. The Grizzlies are 30-7-1 over two seasons under DeCou, the program’s first head coach.

A native of Kumba, Cameroon, Enang amassed 18 points this season by scoring a team-high eight goals with two assists. He was a key piece of both the GGC attack and a Grizzly defense that surrendered less than one goal per game. Enang also led the Grizzlies with 45 shots on the season. “We are thrilled for Rene and this outstanding accomplishment,” said head men’s soccer coach Steve DeCou. “He has truly been a leader as we’ve built this program and we are proud to see his hard work as a Grizzly recognized nationally.” The NAIA All-America committee consists of the NAIA-Men’s Soccer Coaches Association Executive Committee, the National Championship Games Committee and four men’s soccer coaches— selected based on geography. Fifty-five players nationwide earned All-America status on Monday. Enang played in 35 games with 32 starts over two seasons in a Grizzly uniform.

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

NOURISH

NOURISH Great Places to Eat and Meet Friends and Teammates

where TO wATCH SUPER BOWL XLVIII

e've rounded out two lists this year that we hope can help you decide where to watch the game or just cater in your food needs. First up some of the best Sports Bars to watch the game with friends. Then check out the list of our favorite places to cater some of the best foods for your next home Super Bowl Party.

Olde Towne Tavern & Grille

The restaurant has been involved in the community for over ten years with donations to dozens of school teams and organizations, leagues, churches and non-profits. The Lawrenceville location has two nice size event and banquet spaces with their own large TV monitors – as does the rest of the restaurant. 835 Lawrenceville/Suwanee Road Lawrenceville Georgia 30043 770--339-0909 www.ottavern.com

Craze Tavern

The site will host parties, has pool tables, live band nights, tons of TVs, include HD BIG SCREEN TVs and game stations. The place features an outdoor patio and on some nights definitely a party atmosphere. Check ahead for any special events going on. 3312 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 869-5508 www.crazetavern.com

Sweetwater Bar and Grill

Sweetwater Bar and Grill was voted Best OTP Music Club by Creative Loafing. It’s known for its live music and quality bands. It is equally as well-known for poker, dart, and billiards tournaments and local televised sports. They feature two bars, ten professional eight-foot pool tables, nine dart boards, and a fullservice kitchen that's open until 1AM (midnight on weekdays). Game fans can jump into Extreme Poker Tour Texas Hold Em tournaments seven nights a week, as well as NFL Package and Buzztime Trivia and Poker. They do an Ultimate SuperBowl Party with specials and giant projector screen. Definitely a party place. 2920 Old Norcross Rd Duluth, GA 30096 (770) 921-5556 www.sweetwaterbarandgrill.com

Hail Mary Sports Pub

Gwinnett magazine voted this place the Best of Gwinnett in 2011. The pub’s winter menu includes its new major and minor league entrees of steak, grouper, pork chops and meatloaf, a reuben sandwich and a chicken finger sub – the standards continue with salads, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and hot dogs. 1950 Grayson Hwy Grayson, GA 30017 (770) 963-0205 www.thehailmarysportspub.com

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

The Comeback Sports Bar and Grill

The Comeback Sports Bar, formerly know as Barlow’s was recently filmed for the hit show Bar Rescue on Spike TV and was given a complete makeover with a new food and drink menu. 2845 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 934-1773

Southern Comfort Bar & Grill

This sports bar serves up a variety of bar and grill food in a friendly environment. There are 20 TVs positioned around the restaurant to make sure you don't miss the big play. The place was recently updated in 2012. 3370 Sugarloaf Pkwy Lawrenceville, GA 30044 (678) 518-4000

The Three Dollar Café

Located in the same shopping center as Dick’s Sporting Goods. This locally owned and operated company has several locations throughout Atlanta. The Peachtree Corners is its latest and has a full bar, 13 big screened TVs and a decent menu with a variety of burger choices, sandwiches and entrees. Definitely sports driven – no matter where you sit you have a good view of the TVs. 6050 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 100 Norcross, Georgia 30092-3337 (770) 441-8520 www.threedollarcafe.com

Taco Mac At Duluth

Taco Mac Sports Grill is a family-friendly casual dining restaurant serving delicious, All-American grill favorites, the largest selection of craft, imported and domestic beers on draft, and the best sports watching environment anywhere. It’s the perfect place to get together with friends and family for a great meal and to watch the game in a lively, casual atmosphere. 3543 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 387-3403 www.tacomac.com

Dave and Buster’s

Yeah, I know. But, really they have some great Game Day specials. You can watch the game on some really big HDTVs, there’s a full bar, and they’re advertising 35 Boneless Buffalo Wings for $19.99. Of course, they have eat and play offers too. Plenty of arcade and gaming going on and the kids will love it too. 4000 Venture Dr, Suite 15 Duluth, GA 30096 (770) 497-1152 www.daveandbusters.com

Front Row Seafood Sports Bar

This site was the old Barnacles Seafood Oysters and Sports and features over 40 flat screen TV's. 6365 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30360 470-299-4136

The best places to cater your next Super Bowl or sports party at home... Shane's Rib Shack 5770 Peachtree Industrial Blvd #111, Norcross, GA 30071 (770) 416-6606 www.shanesribshacknorcross.com J.R.'s Log House Restaurant 6601 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 449-6426 www.jrsloghouse.com Wild Wing Café 1250 Scenic HighwaySuite #1232 Lawrenceville, GA, 30045 (678) 822-WING (9464) www.wildwingcafe.com Texas Roadhouse 1969 Dogwood Road Snellville, GA, 30078-2311 (770) 985-1450 www.texasroadhouse.com

Celebrating 10 Years of Supporting School Sports

Catering parties, sports banquets and events on premise in two event spaces. 835 Lawrenceville/Suwanee Road Lawrenceville Georgia 30043 770-339-0909 www.ottavern. com

Chick-Fil-A 6105 Peachtree Pkwy Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 368-0833 www.chick-fil-a.com Jimmy John's 4850 Sugarloaf Parkway Duluth, GA (678) 985-1717 Larry’s Giant Subs 5270 Peachtree PkwySte 118B Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 300-0804 www.larryssubs.com Firehouse Subs 1830 Scenic Hwy N Snellville, GA,30078 (678) 344-8556 www.firehousesubs.com

A Great Starting Line 4 Great Salads 1/2lb. Burger choiCes The Tender Basket, The Falcon CHeesesteak, Bridges Bourbon Chicken and Gridiron Steak Signature SLiders and the popular chicken wings with your favorite sauces.

Atlanta Bread Company 1708 Scenic Hwy N Snellville, GA ,30078 (678) 344-9099 www.atlantabread.com Atlanta Bread Company at the Forum 4880 Peachtree Corners Cir, Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 662-0900 www.atlantabread-forum.com

Friday Night Live Music, Watch major sports games every night with your friends and family.

2845 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 934-1773

WHERE TO CATER YOUR NEXT SUPER BOWL PARTY

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

PARKS

Highlighted Parks and Recreation Events and Programs

BRIAN JORDAN THE POWER OF PASSION KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR GWINNETT YOUTH SPORTS EXPO

by REG L. CARVER ll sports fans – especially those in Atlanta – know that Brian Jordan is an exceptional and accomplished athlete by any standard. He is a member of the highly exclusive club of those who have played in both the NFL and MLB - including stints with the Atlanta Falcons (where he was selected as an All Pro) and the Atlanta Braves (where he was voted an All Star) - with a professional career spanning 18 years. And while his playing days are now completed, the memories he created are still fresh in the minds and hearts of many. But you would be sorely mistaken if you were under the impression that Jordan is in any sense “retired.” He currently serves as a television sports analyst and commentator (for which he has won an Emmy Award) that includes work for the Atlanta Braves – both MLB and the AAA Gwinnett Braves. He is heavily invested in all aspects of Atlanta life and beyond. Jordan serves on the Board of Directors of the Morehouse College of Medicine, and is an ambassador and advocate for the YMCA, the American Diabetes Association, and the Boy Scouts of America. He privately funded a wellness center for Grady Hospital employees, and also has privately funded full college scholarships for a number of deserving students. And believing to his core that “in every child, there is the potential for excellence,” Jordan is the founder of the Brian Jordan Foundation, which focuses on literacy, health and fitness, and providing educational scholarships. The title of published author can be added as well, as he has written three inspirational children’s books – “I Told You I Can Play,” “Overcoming the Fear of the Baseball,” and “Time Out For Bullies,” all semi-autobiographical and all providing lessons to help children deal with adversity. In short, Brian Jordan is a very busy man, and he is still bringing plenty to the plate. Just now in his mid-forties, he has a lot of years to do a lot more good. To find out more about his many worthy causes (and how you can help), please visit www.brianjordanfoundation.com. PASSION – KEY TO SUCCESS Says Jordan, “My message isn’t limited to sports. I want to encourage kids to dream big,

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

and to never give up on that dream. The same path applies whether you wish to be an athlete, a doctor, a nurse, or a teacher.” “The key is to find your motivator,” notes Jordan. “When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional athlete, and I used to cut out articles on my favorite ones and put them on the wall of my room. Every morning, I would touch that wall – and that kept me motivated, kept me out of trouble, focused on getting good grades, all the things I needed to do to be successful. So, whatever it is that you want to do, you must find that self-motivating tool.” GWINNETT YOUTH SPORTS EXPO On Saturday, February 1, 2014, Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation, in collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, will host the largest sports expo in the State of Georgia at Rhodes Jordan Park. Created for anyone involved in youth sports (players, coaches, team administrators, athletic associations and supporters), there will be new products showcases and demonstrations, an abundance of vendor giveaways, and an impressive silent auction. The day long event will start with an 8:30 AM registration and breakfast, with events going from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission fee is $20/person or $80/ group of five and includes breakfast, lunch and admission to all portions of the event. One of the day’s most impressive components is the host of educational sessions to be provided. Informative seminars include: 1) Child Abuse – Identification and Prevention 2) The Ins and Outs of Running A Non-Profit Organization 3) Marketing Best Practices 4) What’s New with Artificial Turf and Breaking the Myths 5) Healthy Eating for Athletes 6) Field Maintenance 101 7) How to Make a Healthy (and Profitable) Concession Makeover! 8) Concussions and the Return to Play Act of 2013.

When you have a passion for something then you tend not only to be better at it, but you work harder at it too. – Vera Wang KEYNOTE SPEAKER BRIAN JORDAN Highlighting the expo will be Brian Jordan’s keynote address. After learning about the latest in sports innovation and education, you should make it a point to be present for his inspiring message. Let Jordan show you how to take all you will learn at the expo and couple it with the power of your passion. Come and experience firsthand his power to motivate you, and help you develop your own plan for success.

Mark your calendars now and do not miss this extraordinary event by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation. For more information, please visit www.gwinnettparks.com or call 770.822.8886. Rhodes Jordan Park is located at 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Reg L. Carver is a writer and photographer from Johns Creek. You may find him at www.reglcarver.com.

County Park Facts: Rhodes Jordan Park, Lawrenceville, GA 100 E Crogan St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Phone:(770) 822-5414 Amenities ∙ 162 acres ∙ Community recreation center ∙ Community room with catering kitchen ∙ Classrooms ∙ Dance/aerobics room ∙ Fishing lake ∙ Pavilions ∙ Playgrounds ∙ Seven baseball/softball fields ∙ Football field overlay ∙ Outdoor leisure play pool ∙ Double gym ∙ Tennis center with eight lighted courts ∙ Outdoor basketball court ∙ Outdoor horseshoe court ∙ 1.9mile paved multi-purpose trail ∙ Grill ∙ Restrooms ∙ Soccer complex.

Gym, Info & Rentals: 678.277.0890 Youth Sports Info: 678.277.0855 Adult Sports Info:

678.277.0891

Tennis Info & Tennis Court Rentals: 770.417.2210 Pool & Pool Rental (Summer Only): 678.277.0892 Trails Hotline: 770.978.5270 Horseshoe Court Info & Rental: 678.277.0890 Park Hours: Sunrise until 11:00pm unless posted otherwise

Center and Gym Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:00am-9:00pm; Friday, 10:00am6:00pm; Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm (Open gym hours may be limited, call for specific times.) Check the county website for the Auqatics Center.

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

MOMS & DADS

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE The Passion of Sports and Recreation in Pictures

Buford Wins 10th State Championship Excerpted from Joel Hillsman's full online article at www. sportsgwinnett.com

Despite winning the AAA State Championship Buford (15-0) slipped in the national polls* to No. 44, down from No. 36 last week and finished No.1 in Georgia’s class AAA. The Wolves will make the jump up to Class AAAA next season where they will try and win a title in four different classifications and silence the murmurs of “are they as good as all the titles suggest they are.” If they are never satisfied, and Coach Simpson is on the sidelines, you have to think the Wolves will be contenders as the Buford Wolves are a machine of a program that produces champions year after year. *NationalHSFootball.com Photography by Sonny Kennedy www.sonnykennedyphotography.com

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

Archer's Andy Dyer Named Coach of the Year in Class AAAAAA The Falcons, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and Levy Restaurants, along with Russell Athletic hosted the fifth annual Salute to High School Football Reception for GHSAaffiliated head football coaches on Saturday, December 14. The reception, held in the Owners Club of the Georgia Dome, provided an opportunity for coaches to mingle and offered opportunities to win several prizes. With General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith in attendance, President & CEO Rich McKay presented the 2013 Classification Coach of the Year Awards. Gwinnett's very own Andy Dyer, Archer High School, took the award Class AAAAAA. Photography by: Sonney Kennedy

JONES BRIDGE SOCCER at JONES BRIDGE PARK REGISTER FALL/SPRING SOCCER DIVISIONS: ages 2 - U19

Create an account: www.pbcsports.org Questions: 678-587-8889 Email: soccer@pbcsports.net 4901 East Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners 30092

Jr. MVPs

RIAS U12-U19 and PRE-ACADEMY:

Our Jr. MVP clinics is for preschoolers ages 2-4. Clinics are comprised of fun games that incorporate soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. They maximize touches on the ball and learn to handle the ball with increased dexterity and conﬁdence. All clinics are led by a professional trainer. The Georgia Soccer Recreational Inter-Afﬁliate Scheduling For more details go to our website www.pbcsports.org. (RIAS) Program gives our teams a game schedule with other U6-U10: The program’s main objective is to promote and members of Georgia Soccer. This fun and competitive travel emphasize the skill of dribbling, controlling, passing, shooting, soccer offers players the chance to take their game to the next and decision making in a fun environment. All practices are level and compete with other leagues on a regional basis. led by a professional trainer. Choose 1 or 2 practices/week. Since the club’s inception in 2008 JBS has won 3 Kohl’s Cups, 3 State Championships, and many other tournament titles. Days TBA.

NEW this SEASON Battle of the Schools: form a team in your division U8-U12, and battle it out in an end-of-season tournament to see which team will win (at least 4 teams in each division required). Open to any local school or organization (i.e troop, youth group, etc). Make team requests (list school/organization & friends) in the Comments Box in your online registration. Get your friends and form a team today! All lower division practices are run by a professional trainer. Game day mentoring available for new coaches.

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

MOMS & DADS

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE The Passion of Sports and Recreation in Pictures

Norcross Repeats as AAAAAA State Champions vs North Gwinnett Excerpted from Joel Hillsman's full online article at www. sportsgwinnett.com

Saturday, December 14th was a lot different than August 24th for the Norcross Blue Devils. In August the Blue Devils were learning a tough lesson as the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top-ranked team Booker T. Washington (FL) laid a 55-0 spanking on the Blue Devils at home on national television. Norcross (13-2) finished ranked No.1 in the Georgia 6A poll and is ranked as high as No.16 in the latest national polls*#. The Blue Devils are the first team to repeat as state champions in the highest class since Camden County did it in 2008 and 2009. *NationalHSFootball.com ranks Norcross No. 16. #Max Preps ranks Norcross No. 23 Photography by Sonny Kennedy www.sonnykennedyphotography.com

SPORTS GWINNETT MAGAZINE www.sportsgwinnett.com december/january 2014

Calling all vendors!

in collaboration with

Saturday, February 1 9:00am – 3:00pm Rhodes Jordan Park

100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville

KEYNOTE SPEAKER BRIAN JORDAN • founder of the Brian Jordan Foundation • former Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons player Who Should attend: • • • • • • • • •

Coaches, parents and volunteers Parks and Recreation Departments Private Sports and Rec Centers YMCA’s Boys and Girls Clubs Church Recreation/Athletics Community Youth Sports Associations Program Administrators Students majoring in Sports and Recreation

$20/individual or $80/group of five