280Living.com
February 2017 • A29
Head coach Rick Smith, right, and assistant Joel Gonzales, left, are shown with the 201617 Berry wrestling team. Photo courtesy of Rick Smith.
Berry wrestling team looking for strong finish By KYLE PARMLEY The Berry Middle School wrestling team is nearing the end of what has proven to be a successful season so far. Rick Smith is currently serving in his second season as head coach of the team and is assisted by Joel Gonzales, and Smith credits Spain Park High School coaches Ryan Thompson and Matt Thompson for their efforts in helping to build the program. “We are in the process of building a championship wrestling program both at Berry and Spain Park,” Smith said. Recent results for the Jaguars include a 46-24 win over Oak Mountain on January 5. The win avenged a loss from earlier in the season, in which Oak Mountain won 51-36. The Jags hosted Prattville on January 12 and
posted a convincing 66-6 victory over Prattville before competing in the Buc Brawl at Hoover High School on January 14. In that event, Trent Thompson, Sims Hunter, Gage Hughes and Andrew Moses each placed in the top four of their respective weight classes. Fischer Harrison, Russell Partin, Nicholas Carlisle, Max Milazzo, Gabi Allan, Corrin Tandy, Brandon Fortenberry, Preston Kennedy, Marion Medley, Connor May, Steven Olsen, Kees Hudson, James Broderick, Reuben Morris, Logan Willis, Aiden Garver, Will Harper and Billy Vercher are also members of the team. Berry finished sixth in the Metro South Tournament last season and is hoping to improve that mark this year. This season’s tournament will be held February 3-4 at Vestavia Hills High School.
Opinion My South By Rick Watson
Our tenderhearted pets While packing my bag for were running rings around us a short Valentine getaway, I and barking with pure joy. tripped over our collie, CailOnce outside, I realized one lou, several times. He gets this of our chickens had hopped the look on his face that’s a cross fence and was cruising outside between curiosity and concern. for bugs that had popped out to I got a head start on Jilda and enjoy the sun. had my bags sitting by the door I alerted Jilda, and we were before she started packing. She in the process of herding the collected some things from her chicken back through the bathroom and when she came gate when Caillou realized back into the bedroom, Caillou we might need his assistance. was sitting in her suitcase lookHe charged the chicken as Watson ing at her with his sad face. if he were herding a wanHe has separation issues. dering cow, and the chicken When we headed out to leave, Caillou and freaked. I hollered at Caillou in a tone that Taz were stationed at the door. We petted them was harsher than I had intended. I wanted him up before heading out, but the last thing we to stop chasing the bird. But the tone of my saw before closing the door was the two critters voice broke his heart. looking at us as if we were leaving them at the Without realizing it, I’d crushed the joy of vet’s office for euthanasia. his experience of walking with me. It was only an overnight trip, and we hit the He lowered his head and ran back through road for home before lunch and arrived about the gate and into the doggie door. Dang, I 3 p.m. The dogs were happy to see us, but the thought, that’s not what I had in mind. couch pillows and throws were on the floor, After getting the chicken back in the pen, I which made the living room look as if they’d went inside. He was at the foot of our bed lying partied while we were away. on his mat. I chided myself before sitting on the The miles make us weary, so a nap was the floor beside him. Petting him for a long while first order of business, but after that, we decided and talking in soothing tones, I finally coaxed to walk. Both Jilda and I bought fitness bands him outside, and we finished our walk. By the late last year, and we strive to get 10,000 steps time we got our steps in, he was fine. each day. It’s easy to forget how sensitive animals We’d walked a few steps before we left the can be. Harsh words can cut deep, but they are hotel, but we needed more. quick to forgive, and I’m thankful for that. Both Taz and Caillou were beside themselves. The collie kept barking and pulling my Rick Watson is a columnist and author. His socks off as if that would help me get ready latest book, “Life Changes,” is available on more quickly. Amazon.com. You can contact him via email at As we approached the back gate, both dogs rick@homefolkmedia.com.