Black & Gold Sports Publication Fall 2023

BLACK GOLD

ATHENS CITY SCHOOLS ATHLETICS SPORTS FAN PUBLICATION

FALL SPORTS 2023 ISSUE 003

DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 003

IN THIS ISSUE A MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Athletics is a very integral part of the middle and high school experience here at Athens. The athletic programs within the ACS school district could not be where they are without the dedication, hard work, discipline, and support from the players, coaches, teachers, administrators, superintendent, board members, families, and the community. Each team is growing and gaining more skill development within their specific sport. Our athletes continue to work hard to be competitive on the playing field. Come out and support all athletics at Athens High School and Athens Middle School!

Linda Moore Athletic Director Athens High School and Athens Middle School

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Page 3 Football Page 15 Football Review/ Johnson Speegle Page 18 Volleyball Page 31 Cross Country Page 37 Catherine Johnstone Page 39 Swim Page 45 Powder Puff Page 54 Black Light Pep Rally Page 67 Coach’s Corner Page 68 AMS Spotlight Page 85 Through the lens Page 86 Caroline Roberts Page 88 Blackwood & Henson Page 89 The Follow-Through: Chloe Jackson

JOHNSON SPEEGLE

"It was always a privilege to put on those pads for Athens. I loved every second of it because everyone bought in for the season. I will always be thankful for my teammates and coaches. I made a lifetime of memories under the Friday night lights."

-JOHNSON SPEEGLE

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ATHENS HIGH FOOTBALL YEAR IN REVIEW & JOHNSON SPEEGLE WIDE RECEIVER

BY ADAM DODSON, 256 SPORTS RADIO FOLLOW ADAM @256SPORTSRADIO ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK

The 2023 High School Football season for Athens was a year where Head Coach Cody Gross and his hard-working staff steered the ship to an 8-3 season that spread positive vibes around their community, after the talented group of players and coaches went 5-5 the year before. The regular season started with spinach, and lots of it. The Golden Eagles had to endure the blazing heat index to begin the year that seemed unusually high, even for Alabama.

Coach Gross, taking on the PopEye approach, would turn to spinach to remedy his worries of player dehydration. Whatever works, even if the players don’t like their greens.

The regular season ended with fireworks, and plenty of them.

Athens, in their continued effort to make the final stretch of the regular season as entertaining as possible, played in a classic against Coach Chris Elmore and the Fort Payne Wildcats game JOHNSON SPEEGLE, where Coach Gross would turn to unorthodox methods even more ATHENS WIDE RECEIVER uncommon than the aforementioned spinach.

His approach, along with the open minds of his staff, and solid execution from his players, yielded a road victory in the final seconds of a Wildcats venue that does not drop many in front of their home crowd. However, to look at the success of this year’s team, the beginning of the story actually takes place during the 2022 season – specifically the second half of the campaign. The Golden Eagles would miss the playoffs, due to their 2-5 record through 7 games. However, they were able to rally to 3 straight wins, send the seniors off with fond memories of electric games, and added another level to their confidence that there -CONT. BLACK & GOLD | 15

were more good things to come for Athens Football in 2023. This was proven true. AHS would make the playoffs following their 8-2 regular season. They defeated opponents such as Bob Jones, Decatur, and Cullman – teams who secured victories over Athens the previous year.

They defeated rivals such as East Limestone, in the two schools’ ongoing initiative across multiple sports to rekindle the Athens-East bragging rights.

Athens also had talent at multiple positions, with multiple players impacting their units. This was true for wide receiver as well, where Johnson Speegle would use his length and reliable hands to serve as a consistent target Brogan could count on to do his part. Johnson was joined by Houston commit JayShon Ridge, breakout player John McIntyre, and fellow receiving threat Caiden Dumas as a variety of passing options that made Brogan highly thankful on a regular week-to-week basis.

Johnson is forever grateful of the role he played on the team, and how players such as JayShon, John, Caiden and Brogan brought out the best of his potential.

“JayShon had multiple offers. John had multiple offers. Caiden was our WR3 or WR4 option, which is crazy to me. We were all four on the field at the same time a lot. We could all get open pretty easily, and Brogan is slinging it,” Johnson said.

Lastly, some things never change. Athens Football, by some force of nature, is always going to have one game towards the end of their schedule that is much more than just highly competitive, but also newsworthy for its unusual happenings, bold decisions, and wacky finishes. Last year, this scenario played out in Game 10, with the Golden Eagles traveling to Russellville to take on Coach John Ritter and his highly successful Golden Tigers 5A program.

Despite being down 28-7 at the half, Athens would rally back in historic fashion to win the game as the final seconds of their 2022 season were winding down. Final score: Athens 32, Russellville 31. The game not only sent the seniors out with a win their final time on the High School gridiron, it created confidence that the group had the grit needed to improve their record and make the playoffs for 2023. They succeeded in their efforts, going 8-2, but had to make sure they had one game where the blood pressure of everyone in the stands, and on the sidelines, was abnormally high. Traveling to Fort Payne for the 9th game of the regular season, Athens would come back and win the game following a successful 2-point conversation off a tipped pass. QB Brogan Gross, the stout offensive line, and rich talent at the skill positions, would put together a touchdown drive with the game clock swiftly approaching 00:00.

However, that is not the unusual part of this game. Athens always finds a way to compete to their highest ability when it matters most in crunch time. The game stands out for what it took to get Athens the ball back for the winning drive, which saw Coach Gross make the tough call to have the defense allow Fort Payne to score a touchdown, as they were near the end zone already. This ensured Athens would get the ball back with a chance to win the game. However, despite it being the right call, it was uncomfortable for Coach Gross to employ this tactic, saying it “goes against everything I believe in.” Regardless of his feelings, Coach Gross made the call to do what is necessary to make sure his players were in the best position possible to succeed. Final score: Athens 29, Fort Payne 28.

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Athens would defeat Russellville in game 10, and would head to Oxford for the first round of the playoffs. Despite Oxford winning the game to move on to the next round, Johnson knows this group was special, and is happy to be one of many reasons why the Golden Eagles returned to their usual involvement in postseason action.“This year, we knew we were going to be good, but it was sort of surreal seeing us beat teams we hadn’t beaten in a while,” Johnson said. “ However, there is one area of improvement that must be made going into 2024 – Coach Gross’s dancing. This was put on display for the world to see following the Fort Payne victory, where Coach Gross was supposed to be attempting a dance in the locker room known as “The Dougie.” However, Johnson has his own opinions on what he witnessed. “I don’t know what he did, but it was not ‘The Dougie,’” Johnson said. “It was the Carlton” – referring to Carlton Banks’ famous dance move on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Congrats to Athens Football on a great season!

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KAMIAH WALKER

“What you get out of something is a result of what you put into it.

Volleyball is a game of errors and momentum. Knowing how to keep both throughout the entire game will always work in your favor. I’m beyond thankful for the bonds that I’ve created with my teammates and coaches and also the lessons that I’ve learned this past season!”

-KAMIAH WALKER

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CATHERINE JOHNSTONE

"This season with my new coach and teammates was amazing! Our girls team qualified for state, placing 4th, and placed 1st at sectionals. Finishing second in the state as an individual is a career highlight!”

-CATHERINE JOHNSTONE

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Catherine Johnstone... ...High Achiever

STANDOUT RUNNER’S COLLEGE DREAMS FUELED BY SENIOR SEASON THAT SHATTERED PERSONAL RECORDS AND TEAM RECORDS ALIKE

BY ADAM DODSON, 256 SPORTS RADIO FOLLOW ADAM @256SPORTSRADIO ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK

Athens High School’s senior leader for Cross Country and Track & Field, Catherine Johnstone, repeatedly showed that records only exist to be broken.

Following a first semester that took the Golden Eagles Cross Country team to new heights, while also continuously raising her own level of excellence, Catherine is already focused on the upcoming Track season – with plenty of optimism surrounding both the program’s success and

her individual accomplishments as well.

For Cross Country, Catherine says she set a new PR (personal record) at every event this season, other than at Sectionals. Her talent and leadership is one of the main reasons the Girls Cross Country team took 1st place at Sectionals and 4th place at State as a team, along with Catherine individually placing 1st at Sectionals and 2nd at State.

This leadership shown from her is combined with a strong foundation of multiple standout runners from the senior level down to freshman, alongside a head coach investing time and care into Catherine and the entire program, with Lazaro Ramos now the head coach for the Golden Eagles. “We had a great season – I believe we are the first group to get 1st at Sectionals for Athens, so that

was awesome,” Catherine said.

“6A is very competitive, and we have to go up against some really good schools. Coach Ramos is a great coach – he joined us this year, and has been amazing for us.” Setting a new PR seemingly every time Catherine participated in an event is as tough as it sounds, and maybe even tougher than that.

As the PR continues to drop in time, so do the margins in which the new PR can be broken once again. It takes an individual motivated through her own drive to be successful in life, paired with a commitment to having the right mentality in a sport that can be as mentally draining as it is physically exhausting.

“You definitely have to be mentally tough, to be able to push through towards the end of the race. It is challenging, but it is a great sport,” Catherine said.

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“Before races, I make sure I am focused on everything I need to do, and then make sure I stay focused throughout the entire race. When I am running on my own, I like to listen to music.”

And for those curious in her music choice, Catherine is a shameless Swiftie – supporting the one and only pop superstar Taylor Swift.

For now, over Christmas Break, Catherine can take the time to prepare physically and mentally for what she hopes is a Track season that mirrors the success of the Cross Country season. It also gives her time to recharge mentally by spending her time doing other things she enjoys outside of Athens athletics.

For Catherine, this means attending the Rose Bowl Game for the College Football Playoff Semifinal matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines – taking place on New Year’s Day. It is a win-win-win situation for Catherine – her father is originally from Southern California, she gets to root on her beloved Crimson Tide, and she gets to see her grandparents that still live in the SoCal area.

However, attending Football games pales in comparison to the numerous ways Catherine’s parents (Bryan and Jenny Lind) have been there for her throughout her journey finding BLACK & GOLD | 38

her passion, in addition to her friends, teachers, and coaches both current and former.

Catherine has called Athens home her entire life, and participated in multiple sports along the way to finding her calling with running for Cross Country and Track & Field.

Additional sports in her life, such as Soccer, brought Catherine some of her best friends, even if her own path to the future she wants was not necessarily in these sports.

Running competitively is something she genuinely enjoys and is the Athens sport in which she excels to her highest potential.

With one semester left at Athens High, Catherine’s outlook for her immediate future is to continue raising the bar for what she can achieve – with the end goal being the continuance of her running career at the next level – hopefully for an SEC school. “I would love to run in college. That would be a dream for me, for sure,” Catherine said. “I am working really hard to lower my times down to (SEC) standards. I am really excited about the future.”

She thinks she can get there, and she continues to show Athens athletes that the level of success is limitless if you are willing to put in the work, worry about yourself, and stay humble throughout the process.

As Alabama’s Nick Saban says: “High achievers don’t like being around mediocre people, and mediocre people don’t like being around high achievers.”

Congrats to Catherine Johnstone for betting on herself, while showing all athletes what being a high achiever is all about!

SETH HENRY

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 -SETH HENRY

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POWDER PUFF

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BLACK LIGHT PEP RALLY

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“The Athens High School Cross Country girls had a record-breaking season. Our team captain, senior Catherine Johnstone, led our team to a Sectionals win with her individual win. That was the first time we’ve had an individual or team win the 6a Section 6 Meet after multiple runner-up finishes. While the boys team did not get any hardware this season, our veteran runners did a great job showing the ropes to our younger runners—the boys have a lot of returning talent for next year!”

-Lazaro Ramos, Cross Country

"AHS Swim has had an awesome season this year. We didn't finish the season exactly as we had hoped, but I couldn't be more proud of this group of hard working athletes. This group of swimmers have given it their all in and out of the water and I am very fortunate to get to work with such wonderful student athletes."

-Robin Holland, Swim

"The 2023 Football season was one of the most enjoyable seasons I have had in coaching. Our guys loved each other and loved the game. I am proud of the way we competed and the way in which we represented our school and town.”

-Cody Gross, Football

"AHS Volleyball is transitioning into the program that we aim to be. We are building a culture of athletes that are resilient, unselfish, passionate, and hardworking on-and-off the court. With a great coaching staff and players, I am looking forward to the future of our evolution!"

-Whitley Berryhill, Volleyball

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IT IS GREAT TO BE...

A GOLDEN EAGLE.

Through the Lens....

“Someone once told me, 'You spell love T-I-M-E.’”

I

f you think about it, time is the most valuable thing in the world. You can’t buy it; you can’t create it; and you can’t replace it when it’s gone.

Sports photographers are often seen simply as chroniclers at the center of a narrative, with their photos weaving together the tale.

But for me, sports photography has always been a different animal. It’s So, the greatest gift that always simply been a means you can give someone outside to an end. To me, sports of telling them about Jesus is photography is a tool that I your time. can use to build kids up in a world where most pictures they see tear them down. So, To me, sports photography is a it’s not really about sports tool that I can use to build kids up in a world where most pictures and pictures. If I wasn’t a they see tear them down. photographer, I’d be an announcer. If I wasn’t an Someone once told me, announcer, I’d be a referee. “You spell love T-I-M-E.” So If I wasn’t a referee, I’d be it’s really about loving our the garbage man. But kids and gifting them the whatever I was, I’d do it to most valuable thing that I serve Jesus and love our have: time.

-Mr. Josh kids.

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AU FRESHMAN FROM ATHENS FINDS STRIDE AS SPORTSWRITER FOR THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN

CAROLINE ROBERTS - SPORTS JOURNALISM

By Adam Dodson, 256 Sports Radio

ORIGINAL INTERN OF 256 SPORTS RADIO CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

Not really sure where the time went, but it’s been around a year and a half since I had the fortune of Caroline becoming the first student I ever mentored. The first time Caroline ever shadowed me feels like an eternity ago, but it also feels like it was yesterday. It is a paradox I am unsure I can explain effectively. Maybe the reason it feels like a lifetime ago is because we were both living very different lives than we are now. So, in a lot of ways, it really was a lifetime ago. I was working my old job as Sports Editor for the local newspaper, when my boss at the time, Nicolle Sartain, made me aware of a student at Athens who was interested in shadowing me for AthensLimestone County Football games.

Caroline was in her first semester of her Senior year, still trying to figure out what her next move in life was following her High School graduation. We were both trying to figure some things out – wanting Sports Journalism to serve as both our passion and occupation. When I made the decision to leave my old job and start 256 Sports Radio, Caroline was actually the first person I told. It felt wrong for me to not include her. She was making a highly recognizable effort to take initiative over her life by getting involved in Sports Journalism while still in High School. I did something similar. My Junior year of Baseball at Bob Jones, we basically had the entire senior class sign to play at the next level. I was lucky if I even put my mitt on the right way.

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I knew I was not going to play, nor did I deserve to play over the likes of Trey Wingenter, Charlie Weaver, Matt Bolger, Colin Dupree, or the Sanders brothers. So, thanks to a very openminded Head Coach in Jeff Bell (now at Whitesburg as their AD) and another man willing to provide an opportunity to a young adult in John Few with the Madison Record, I began interviewing my talented teammates following our victories. That was a crucial step to getting my foot in the door once arriving at The University of Alabama, and working multiple years for their student newspaper – The Crimson White. With Caroline thriving with her articles at The Auburn Plainsman, I find Caroline reminding me more of myself, as she continues to find her own path to her own goals. She has truthfully provided herself with every opportunity by being driven enough to seek out her career goals and strong-willed enough to earn people’s professional respect the right way. Since her first time writing an article for me in our past lives, she has grown tremendously, and I am very blessed I asked her to continue the mentorship with my new role, as we are both striving every day to live our best lives!

Keep up the great work, Caroline! You continue to impress me on a daily basis. ** This article is written from the first-person perspective of Adam Dodson, owner of 256 Sports Radio. Additionally, this article is a condensed version, with the full version of Caroline’s impact on the show available on our FB page at “256 Sports Radio.”

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Golden Eagles Marching Band & Girls Soccer Athens Drum Major power couple undeterred by 1-year age difference, nor the miles of Interstate between Athens and Birmingham

By Adam Dodson, 256 Sports Radio

BLACKWOOD & HENSON

Very similar in their passions, the past two AHS Drum Majors are a longtime couple – as Claudia Henson and Jonah Blackwood are supportive of each others’ own ways of showing leadership, and caring more about the other feeling appreciated for the impact of their time at Athens.

For Claudia Henson, her time as Drum Major of the Golden Eagles Marching Band was one that brought her great joy – as it also did for Jonah and Claudia’s mother, Karla Henson. Serving the role at Athens for her senior year in 2022, Claudia took her honored role very seriously, treating it with the professional respect the honor of being drum major deserves. Earning the drum major role meant a lot to Claudia, and she always made sure to live in the present and cherish the memories once her time is up.

Then, Claudia got to watch someone she cares about in Jonah receive the honor of drum major the following year – 2023 has

provided many opportunities to receive honors such as drum major, and Jonah considers it a very high honor. For Claudia, she is highly mindful of making sure Jonah’s accomplishments stand on their own. For Jonah, he simply wants Claudia to be happy at her new school in UAB, and is looking forward to cutting down the current distance that stands between them.

Thank you to Claudia and Jonah for handling yourselves with a high level of maturity! ** Full article available on the 256 Sports Radio Facebook page December 29!

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THE

FOLLOW-

THROUGH

By Adam Dodson, 256 Sports Radio

Competitive Greatness Chloe Jackson finds home at Wallace State, where she is deeply appreciated by one of the greatest coaches in the state’s history.

Chloe Jackson, formerly of Athens High School Volleyball, is now with the decorated

WallaceState

Volleyball

program in Hanceville – where she quickly settled in, found her role as a significant contributor on the team, and

continues

bolstering

her

reputation as a vocal leader with an innate

ability

to

positively

impact

others’ lives though her good-vibes mentality.

The transition to college is tough for many kids entering the next phase of their lives and formative years of their future. However, Chloe fit the Wallace State Volleyball tradition like a glove from the moment

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she joined the program as an early enrollee. “I don’t think I could have asked for a better group of teammates with transition to college fromhigh school,” Chloe said. “The college experience has things you aren’t used to, but they arealways people I will appreciate and look up to because of what they have done for me.” Chloe is described by the longtime Wallace St. Head Coach, Randy Daniel, as being a key reason for their recent victory in the title game for the Alabama Community College Conference tournament.

While her play on the floor is a large reason for the conference title victory, which included her direct involvement in the final point of the final set which would win them the title, Coach Daniel recognizes to a high degree that Chloe possesses traits that leave a lasting impact on those around her. “Chloe helps us tremendously with her energy,” Coach Daniel said. “She is probably one of the most energetic kid I have ever been around – never in a bad mood, always very positive. Her effort and attitude is just amazing.” This is not praise that is taken lightly, due to the track record of success Coach Daniel has with the Volleyball program, where he has shown tireless commitment to their athletic and academic success dating back to the mid2000s.

Coach Daniel won his 600th game earlier this season, is a multi-time conference champion, has made it to Nationals beyond a dozen times, and also possesses a stat as rare as it comes – he has an active win streak of home Conference

standing

at

135

games.Chloe and Coach Daniel are also like-minded individuals equally driven by

success

and

developing

relationships.

They both understand the importance of a strong support system around them. Coach Daniel has been very open about the importance of family being around the program, and is a strong factor as to why he recruits locally and state-wide, but rarely beyond that. He wants the players to have their loved ones nearby. Naturally, this includes Chloe’s mom Tara Jackson, who has been there every step of the way during her Athens-to-Hanceville transition, and is described by Coach Daniel as “amazing.” This is a word Chloe uses frequently to describe her family, including her largest supporter in Tara – who also serves as a de facto sports reporter of Wallace State Volleyball on Facebook. They both aren’t afraid of the work that is required to be the best version of themselves, which comes to lights when it matters most – such as the final set of a conference title match, butinstead are drawn to the hard work due to their desire to never be viewed as average.

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-CONT.

she joined the program as an early enrollee. “I don’t think I could have asked for a better group of teammates with transition to college fromhigh school,” Chloe said. “The college experience has things you aren’t used to, but they arealways people I will appreciate and look up to because of what they have done for me.” Chloe is described by the longtime Wallace St. Head Coach, Randy Daniel, as being a key reason for their recent victory in the title game for the Alabama Community College Conference tournament.

While her play on the floor is a large reason for the conference title victory, which included her direct involvement in the final point of the final set which would win them the title, Coach Daniel recognizes to a high degree that Chloe possesses traits that leave a lasting impact on those around her. “Chloe helps us tremendously with her energy,” Coach Daniel said. “She is probably one of the most energetic kid I have ever been around – never in a bad mood, always very positive. Her effort and attitude is just amazing.” This is not praise that is taken lightly, due to the track record of success Coach Daniel has with the Volleyball program, where he has shown tireless commitment to their athletic and academic success dating back to the mid2000s.

This is something legendary Coach of UCLA Basketball John Wooden refers to as “competitive greatness,” – where the best of an athlete or coach comes out when it is needed the most. Lastly, neither of the two are afraid to look outside

the

box

and

take

on

unorthodox practices that yield success to a high degree. For example, Chloe and Coach Daniel have both said they don’t watch film of their opponents, but rather choose to spend their time focusing on their own needs. While they pay attention to their style of play, the film of other teams takes a backseat to what has led to the success of many individuals and teams over the course of history: the ability to worry about themselves, rather than everyone else. “As far as the teams we are going up against, we don’t have film studies,” Chloe said. “I feel like nothing takes away from our confidence, it doesn’t take a way from how prepared we are. I feel like as long as we want to win as bad as we hate to lose, we will can come out on top.” This high degree of preparedness comes from practicing early and often, including on game days. This, instead of film, is a mantra of success for Coach Daniel.

“You take care of yourself, worry about yourself, and you are going to be okay. We cannot control what the other team does. We can control our energy, our attitude, our effort, so that is my attitude,” Coach Daniel said. “Not everyone has been a part of this tradition. A lot of people sense this tradition and this standard.”

-CONT.

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Coach Daniel is also appreciative of Chloe’s presence in the program for much more than her talent, attitude, and leadership. He also admires Chloe for the degree of effort she puts into everything she does for Volleyball, despite being overlooked, in his eyes, due to certain programs prioritizing certain traits of the “ideal” build for a Volleyball player. “A lot of people overlooked Chloe,” Coach Daniel said. “Coaches nowadays want that 6’3’’ tall player, and who wouldn’t like that? But, someone like Chloe – 5’8’’, 5’9’’ who plays just as hard, those kids kind-of get left out. Chloe is so good for us at her height. Every day, she gives 100 percent effort, if not more. We play against much taller kids, but Chloe being at her height,because of her effort, she outplays them.”

For Chloe, once again focusing on herself and her Wallace family, is not worried about those who did not want her, but about those who opened up their arms to her. This has developed into a mutually beneficial relationship that has led to victories, titles, and a high degree of respect. We applaud Chloe Jackson for being an individual of high character to the degree it has made a lasting impression on one of the most decorated Volleyball coaches in the state’s history. Best of luck to Chloe as she heads to the the next stage of competition to continue her Volleyball season, already rich in success, at Nationals, and best of luck to Morgan Stiles in Starkville and with her Senior season at Athens.

Keep being great! **This article originates from 256 Sports Radio, and has since been edited slightly by owner & editor Adam Dodson to best fit the purpose of Black & Gold Magazine. 256 Sports Radio focuses on standout athletes & coaches in the Northern Alabama area, with their main 3 platforms being Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram.

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SPECIAL THANKS Black & Gold Magazine would like to thank the following people and businesses for their contributions: Josh Dendy, Editor of Black & Gold Magazine Adam Dodson, owner of 256 Sports Radio, for contributing the articles Robin Holland, Swim Coach, for contributing photos for the swim section Beth Patton, Superintendent of Athens City Schools Linda Moore, Athletic Director Willie Moore, Principal of Athens High School Christy Hubbard, Communications for Athens City Schools

...And an extra special thank you to all of the coaches, athletes, and families that put up with Mr. Josh always being everywhere with a camera