Southeast Georgia March 2018 Edition

Wainwright Field Open for Business Glynn Academy

No Off Days Chandler Davenport, Jeff Davis Co High School

Focused.Dayle Finished.

First.

McCallar, Bradwell Institute

Spring

GAME SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

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IN THE

March 2018

The Boys of

In The Game | 1

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In

e u s s I s i h tT 8

16 12 22 28

25 28 35 38

The Boys of Spring Focused. Finished. First.

Dayle McCallar, Bradwell Institute

From Pom-Poms to the Pitch Malaya Porter, Waycross Middle School

2018 Signees

Embracing the Process Jamie Ammons, Ware Co. High

Wainwright Field Open for Business Glynn Academy

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Ware Sends 6 to the Next Level Ware Co. High School

3 Bears Make Final Commitment Pierce Co. High School

Raiders Baseball Rebuilding Bacon Co. High School

32 No Off Days

Chandler Davenport Jeff Davis Co High School

In The Game | 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

25`

TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS!

Email us at info@itgnext.com to let us know what you thought of the February edition of ITG!

Spring is upon us here in Southeast Georgia, made evident by the pair of shorts next to the heavy winter coat laying on the back seat of my truck. One day it’s 85 degrees, and then 55 degrees the next, but it’s great to be outdoors.

Baseball is in full swing with loads of talent here in SEGA. Several teams are ranked in the state’s top 10 in almost all classifications.

We had three play for state titles last year with Jeff Davis County winning it all and again ranked No. 1 in the state.

Track meets are being hosted almost every weekend all over SEGA; Ware hosted their annual Swamp Relays and had 24 teams on hand from three different states. Tennis matches, soccer games, and golf tournaments are in order as well at venues across SEGA. Do yourself a favor and get outdoors to support these hard-working student-athletes as they compete this spring.

SEGA is rich in baseball talent, but 2018 may be a banner year for the area. We chose five of the brightest stars for the March issue, but we could have chosen 50. We have baseball players signed to play at Division I schools like Georgia, North Carolina, and Mercer, not to mention a host of Division II schools. We have pitchers, fielders, and big bats looking to make their marks at the next level, and these five guys are leading the way.

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One of the most coveted baseball coaching positions in SEGA became available in 2018, and the Ware County Gators got their man, Jamie Ammons. This will be Ammons’ first head job after learning from two of the best in SEGA. First he was an assistant under Greg Gay of Pierce for several deep playoff runs. Ammons moved back to his alma mater, Appling County, to be an assistant for state title winner Jeremy Smith. Ammons brings experience, a fire to win, and a complete team-building process to get the Gators back on top.

The University of Georgia is getting a good one in the fall. No, Kirby Smart did not land another prize recruit for football, but UGA did snag another potential valedictorian for its incoming freshman class. Dayle McCallar, senior at Bradwell Institute, is quite the shining star wherever she goes.

Whether it’s in cheerleading, soccer, or the classroom, McCaller is at the top of her class. She’ll be the fifth generation of her family to graduate from Bradwell, and she could do so with its highest honor of valedictorian all while playing sports and taking several AP classes. Final grades are not in, so we won’t know if she’ll be valedictorian yet, but I’m sure rooting for her.

The great thing about winning a state title as a junior is you have a chance to win two! That is the exact goal of Jeff Davis County senior Chandler Davenport. Coach Paul Glass has Davenport playing first base this season but will rely on him from the mound as well.

“Skoggin,” as his teammates refer to him, is a two-sport star who helps the Yellow Jackets on the

hardwood as well. Davenport still remembers the joy of the fans after they won the state title in 2017 and wants that experience again in 2018.

Cheerleading and soccer seem to be a theme in this issue of ITG. Waycross Middle School standout and two-sport star Malaya “Lay Lay” Porter is a base on the cheer squad and a center forward on the soccer team. Porter is also a star in the classroom sporting a 4.0 GPA. She hopes to one day receive a scholarship to the University of Georgia or Stanford; after listening to her coaches talk about her dedication in the classroom and on practice field, I can see that happening.

We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We are always open to suggestions as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our website at www.itgnext.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/itgnext.

Follow us on Twitter @SEGAInTheGame and on Instagram at inthegamesega. Keep a look out for some exciting news coming soon on new online programming via our online radio station. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.

Contributors

Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Michael Brinson Feature Photography Michael Brinson Charles E. Smith Debra Tanner Jennifer Carter Johnson Chelsea Brantley Feature Writers Rob Asbell W. John Wood John DuPont Shawn Smoak Jaron Raulerson Copy Editors Anna Limoges Alex Dunn Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 Waycross, Ga. | 31502 Corporate Office: Dykes Media Group LLC P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Ga. | 31603 In the Game is published monthly (excluding July).

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group, LLC 2018 makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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The Boys of

They are among the elite

pring Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

in Georgia high school baseball. Recruited by major colleges to don their teams' colors next spring, these five players will represent Southeast Georgia from Macon to Chapel Hill. Four of this month’s cover athletes have already signed with major college programs; one will play in the Southeastern Conference, and another will be in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

These athletes have five distinct personalities and playing styles, yet they share much in common on and off the baseball diamond.

The rule of thumb in high school baseball is to have your best athletes in the hole at shortstop or on the mound throwing, which is exactly where you will find each of our cover athletes.

They all exude an air of confidence in the way they approach the game of baseball. Each has put in time in the bullpen and batting cage to prepare.

“When a batter steps in the box, I have to know in my head that I am better than he is,” said Jack Gowen, the Charlton County Indians ace right-handed pitcher who is headed to play at the University of Georgia.

All of them started playing baseball as soon as they could walk. The sport has become part of their lives as they play year-round in travel leagues during the summer.

Each of them also shares unique characteristics off the field: specifically, a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Baseball, after all, is a thinking man’s game. As one of our featured players said, baseball is 90-percent in a player’s head.

“It’s a game of mental toughness, and the only way to become a better player is to advance your knowledge of the game,” said Cody Williams, Pierce County Bears pitcher who will be wearing the Tar Heel blue for the University of North Carolina next spring.

Baseball has offered them amazing opportunities to travel and have experiences they might not otherwise have shared.

“I’ve been blessed by the grace of God to be able to experience the recruiting process with some of the best baseball programs in the country,” said Williams, who was recruited by Georgia Tech, Clemson, Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State, and Liberty College before committing to North Carolina.

All five of these players strive for excellence on and off the baseball diamond.

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THE FUTURE: Paulk plans to attend the University of Georgia to become a dermatologist. However, if the opportunity presents itself to go to college on a baseball scholarship, he would definitely consider it.

THE PAST: Paulk started playing baseball as soon as he was walking.

“Baseball has been a huge part of me my whole life,” he said.

He also played other sports and was the quarterback of the Gators football team last fall.

COOL FACT: Paulk got his nickname, “B Rabbit,” after Eminem's character in the movie “8 Mile.”

“I busted my ear drum in ninth grade and came to practice with a beanie on that made me look similar to B Rabbit off the movie '8 mile,'” Paulk said.

FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING BASEBALL: “My favorite part of the game is being able to play with my friends and being able to compete to reach a goal,” he said.

COACH’S VIEW: “Acy is the kind of player you want in your program,” said Jamie Ammons, Ware County head baseball coach. “He does everything you ask him to do. He shows up first and is often the last to leave, which shows great senior leadership. He sets the example of what Gator baseball should be about. He has high expectations for himself, which translates in his hard work ethic in the classroom and on the playing field. He is driven by competitive situations and competes intrinsically with himself and others.”

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN YOU COME TO THE PLATE? “I’m thinking about my approach and what job I need to get done," Paulk said. "Coach Ammons is big on doing a job at the plate, so every at-bat I’m thinking of what my job is.”

WHAT IS ONE COOL THING YOU HAVE DONE? “A cool thing I’ve done that will stay with me my whole life is giving my life to Jesus Christ," Paulk said.

"I’m a happy Christian athlete, and I thank the Lord for every inning I play.”

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ACY PAULK "B Rabbit" Senior Shortstop/Right-handed pitcher Ware County Gators Waycross, Georgia

THE STATS

GPA: 3.8 Hits/throws: L/R Other stats: 33 hits in 31 games last year

THE FUTURE: Bowdoin has already signed a baseball scholarship to Mercer University, where he plans to study law.

THE PAST: Bowdoin started playing football, basketball, and baseball when he was 6 years old. He started playing travel baseball two years later.

“I played all three sports until high school, but baseball was always my favorite, so I decided to focus on baseball in high school,” he said.

COOL FACT: This summer, Bowdoin pitched in the championship game of the 17u Perfect Game BCS finals against a travel team that had six All-Americans.

“My team won 4-2,” he said.

FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING BASEBALL: “Winning,” Bowdoin said.

COACH’S VIEW:

WILL BOWDOIN “Willie B” Senior Right-handed pitcher/shortstop Glynn Academy Red Terrors Brunswick, Georgia

THE STATS

GPA: 4.1 Hits/throws: R/R Batting average: Currently around .500 ERA: Currently 0. 00 Other stats: 25 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched

“The greatest asset Will possesses is his versatility and leadership,” said Trent Mongero, Glynn Academy head baseball coach. “He can play multiple positions, but we have him slotted at shortstop and No. 1 pitcher. He is a team player who competes every day and comes to the park ready to invest in himself and more importantly his teammates. He is a champion, and he has a very bright future in front of him, both on and off the diamond. Will has a bunch of varsity experience, and he knows what it takes to win. He is not fazed by adversity and will find a way to prevail. He is a winner. He is also a top student and a model citizen, which is most important.”

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU WEAR? WHY? “7," Bowdoin said. "It has been my number since I was 8 years old.”

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL PITCHING WIN. “My freshman year, I got to start on the mound for the first time in our fourth game of the season against McIntosh County Academy," he said. "I struck out the first 14 batters I faced, and we won the game."

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN YOU FACE YOUR FIRST BATTER? “I am better than the guy I am facing,” he said.

In The Game | 11

THE FUTURE: In November, Gowen signed a baseball scholarship to attend the University of Georgia. While in Athens, he plans on majoring in physical therapy and sports medicine.

THE PAST: Gowen started playing baseball as a 3-year-old in the yard with his brothers. He played baseball, football, and basketball in the recreation leagues and middle school until joining the Charlton County Indians in the ninth grade, where he became a starter on the varsity baseball team.

COOL FACT: Gowen has visited the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame on multiple occasions.

“I’ve been to Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York three times to play and watch baseball,” he said.

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU WEAR? WHY? “No. 9 because I used to be No. 6 and then someone got it before I did, so No. 9 was No. 6 upside down,” Gowen said.

COACH’S VIEW: “Jack is our No. 1 pitcher; he also plays third and first base,” said Thad Marchman, Charlton County Indians head baseball coach. “He plays with passion and can dominate a game. He comes at hitters from all angles, but his best quality is that he has total command of the strike zone with two pitches. That along with really good velocity makes him tough to hit.”

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL PITCHING WIN. Gowen got off to a fast start in high school.

“My first varsity win was my freshman year against Lanier County at home," he said. "It was a big region game, and I ended up throwing a one hitter and had 10 strikeouts.”

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN YOU FACE YOUR FIRST BATTER? “I always want to work fast and get ahead in the count," Gowen said. "I try to dominate every at bat and work to where I have control over the batter, not the other way around.”

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JACK GOWEN Senior Right-handed pitcher/3rd base Charlton County Indians Folkston, Georgia

THE STATS

GPA: 3.5 Hits/throws: R/R Batting average: Currently around .300 ERA: Currently.389 Other stats: 122 strikeouts in 72 innings, 9-1 in 2017; 92 strikeouts in 69 innings, 8-1 in 2016

THE FUTURE: A starter for the Bears since his freshman year, Williams has committed to playing baseball at the University of North Carolina next year.

“I plan to go to college to continue my baseball career and to major in the medical field,” he said.

He plans on becoming a physical therapist.

WILLIAMS’ THOUGHTS ON BASEBALL: “It’s the most humbling sport I have ever played," Williams said. "One day you’re Babe Ruth going 4 for 4 at the plate, and the next you could be 0 for 4. It’s 90-percent mental and 10-percent physical. No matter if you’re a five-star athlete or a chump off the block, if you have the right mentality you’ve got a chance.”

COACH’S VIEW: “He adds experience and leadership,” said Andrew Evans, Pierce County baseball coach. “The strongest part of his game is his competitiveness. He is one of the most competitive players I have ever coached or played with. The more he has matured, he has learned how to harness that competitiveness, which just adds to his game. That spills over into multiple facets of the game. It makes him special on the mound, it gives him a presence in box, and it also makes him a threat on the bases.”

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL PITCHING WIN.

CODY WILLIAMS Senior Right-handed pitcher Pierce County Bears Blackshear, Ga

THE STATS

“It feels great to get your first win," Williams said.

"However, you must understand if it wasn’t for the eight guys behind you that it wouldn’t be possible.”

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN FACING A HITTER? “You’ve always got to look at it from this perspective: ‘I know I’ve worked harder than you. I know I put in more time in the weight room than you. I know I’ve worked harder in my bullpens than you. And now I’m going to show you,’" Williams said. "You must say it with confidence, not cockiness. The difference is that confidence wins ballgames. Cockiness just gets you sent home with a loss.”

GPA: 3.86 Hits/throws: R/R ERA: Currently 1.142 Other stats: 122 strikeouts with 24 walks

In The Game | 13

THE FUTURE: Townsend has signed a scholarship to play baseball for the Mercer Bears in Macon starting next year.

While there, he plans to major in electrical engineering.

THE PAST: “I have played baseball ever since I could walk,” Townsend said.

He played recreation league baseball along with travel ball. When he reached sixth grade, he started playing middle school baseball, and he has played varsity all four years with the Wayne County Yellow Jackets.

COOL FACT: “When I was 7 and 8, I won the USSSA World Series and have two rings,” Townsend said.

WHY DO THEY CALL YOU “THE FIREMAN”?

“Everything that I do is at a high level of competitiveness, and I am giving it everything I got,” he said.

FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING BASEBALL: “You do not have to wait a week to play the next game,” he said.

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU WEAR? WHY? Townsend had an easy choice when it came to numbers.

“I wear No. 20 because it is a family tradition," he said.

"Everybody in my family wears it.”

COACH’S VIEW: “Ford is an outstanding leader,” said Justin McDonald, Wayne County head baseball coach. “He brings so many intangible things to our locker room and team. I don’t want to speak on one specific part of his game because he does so many things well. We are very fortunate to have a player of his caliber not only on the field but in the locker room as well.”

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN YOU COME TO THE PLATE? “To beat the person that is standing in my way,” Townsend said.

DESCRIBE HITTING YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL HOME RUN. “My first home run came on a day when we honored a former teammate, JD Paul, who passed away the year before,” he said.

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FORD TOWNSEND “The Fireman” Senior Right-handed pitcher/1st base Wayne County Yellow Jackets Jesup, Georgia

THE STATS

GPA: 4.0 Hits/throws: R/R Batting average: Currently .386 ERA: Currently 2.80 Other stats: Pitching — 14-6, 3 No Hitters, 164 Strikeouts Hitting — 11 home runs

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FIRST. Written by: W. John Wood Photography by: Charles Smith

Not long from now, Bradwell Institute senior Dayle McCallar will take her final steps on Olvey Field in Hinesville, Georgia, with the class of 2018. She will be the fifth generation of her family to graduate from Bradwell Institute. The blades of grass she will walk upon that night have carried her footsteps as a Tigers football cheerleader under the Friday Night Lights and as a soccer player in the spring.

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“She has been one of our team leaders since she was a freshman,” said Scott Akin, Bradwell Lady Tigers head coach. “She has always led with the example of an impeccable work ethic. She has always been a coachable player who has demonstrated a willingness to play any position on the field if it meant that the Lady Tigers had an opportunity to be successful. In fact, over her five years, including her eighth-grade year, Dayle has played every position on the field except keeper.”

McCallar was playing soccer before she started dancing or cheerleading. She started playing at the local YMCA at 3 years old. She continued through the recreation leagues and into middle school. But for McCallar, academics always came first, and athletics second.

Now as her athletic career comes to an end, she can look back on some great memories of how the Lady Tigers became more competitive during her time, but most importantly she’ll remember the locker room, bus rides, and being with her teammates.

“There is just something about working together, each with an individual responsibility toward the goal of winning a game, that makes you learn to trust and depend on each other,” McCallar said. “This is a very different dynamic than achieving in the classroom. I am solely responsible for my academic success, but with soccer, I need my teammates' help to get the job done.”

Bradwell is in one of the tougher regions in girls soccer, which includes perennial state powers Glynn Academy and Richmond Hill. Playing teams like that have forced the Lady Tigers to be resilient and develop additional mental toughness to stay competitive.

“I try to be a leader especially in these games because it is hard on all of us,” McCallar said. “All we can do is execute the fundamentals, minimize mistakes, and play hard until the final whistle. Giving less than 100 percent is unacceptable, and I have to make sure that I am leading by example in that way.”

McCallar’s athletic achievements are admirable, but what she has done off the field is border-line legendary. This past week, McCallar was named Liberty County’s STAR student with the highest SAT score in the entire school system. It was her latest In The Game | 17

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honor to add to a growing twopage resume of previously earned honors. She remains humble and continues to keep her eye on the next chapter of her life: attending the University of Georgia next fall.

“I have been fortunate to maintain the highest GPA in my graduating class; I am also proud that I was able to maintain my grades while taking the most difficult courses offered,” said McCallar, who took all but two AP courses offered at Bradwell, plus two additional AP courses through the Georgia Virtual School. “When choosing my classes, I focused less on how it would impact my GPA and more on how it would help prepare me for college.”

Since McCallar attended her first Georgia football game, she has had a love and passion for the G. Over the next few years, she hopes to walk through the famous black arches twice, once with a bachelor’s degree in political science and then again with a Georgia law degree. She still recalls the day she was accepted to Georgia.

“It was the best day of my life,” she said. “I felt pretty confident that I would be accepted, but I learned long ago never to count on anything until it happens. I still cried when I saw those fire-works on my computer screen. The big surprise was

learning that I had also been awarded UGA’s Charter Scholarship with my acceptance. I was not expecting that at all.”

From her first day of Pre-K to her final months at Bradwell Institute, McCallar has worked hard, but she has had a network of support that has always been beside her.

“Obviously, my parents are the most influential and important people in my life," she said. "They were my first teachers, and both are strong believers in education. I grew up in a culture of success and high expectations, but my parents are also my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. They attend all of my games and school activities and do anything they can to ensure that I am successful.”

In the final months of her senior year, Dayle McCallar is enjoying her last soccer games, but also still battling through AP classes. Her AP credit before she goes to Athens should be around 33 hours. This is also a time that she can reflect on her accomplishments and what it’s meant.

“If I do end up graduating first in my class, I think that will be the accomplishment I am most proud of,” she said. “It is difficult to set a goal that will take four years to accomplish and stick with that goal when so many things beyond your control can impact the outcome.”

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In The Game | 19

WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WARE SENDS 6 TO THE NEXT LEVEL Written by: Shawn Smoak | Photography courtesy of Shawn Smoak

The year of 2017 saw its fair share of firsts, but none bigger in the college sports world than the early signing period in football. It was the first time in history that college football players had the ability to sign early, and high school athletes all over the country took advantage of the opportunity.

If you were a student-athlete hoping to enroll early at your school of choice, it was a no-brainer to go ahead and sign and get the jump on being on campus early. The Ware County Gators had three such student-athletes who used this early signing period to their advantage. Ernest Jones, middle linebacker, chose the University of South Carolina Gamecocks as his new home. He committed early and never wavered.

“It just felt like home the minute I stepped on campus,” Jones said.

Jalynn Strickland, offensive tackle, was a bit more of a mystery as to where he was going. A lot of people thought he may wind up in Arkansas as a Razorback, but he ultimately decided to go to the ACC to play for the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

Trey Cobb, linebacker and tight end, was another one who chose his school early only to see several other offers

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come his way, but in the end he stuck with his original choice. Trey will be playing in Boone, North Carolina, with the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

Once the dust had settled from the first ever early signing period, there were still slots available for student-athletes to continue their careers at the collegiate level. One statistic said that over 80 percent of college scholarships were signed in the early signing period for football, leaving precious few for the regular signing date in February 2018.

Ware County Gators football head coach Franklin Stephens and his staff were able to help find the correct fit for three Gator student-athletes. Region 2-5A Offensive Player of the Year Raja Bradley will be toting the rock for Lenoir Rhyne next season. Slot receiver and defensive back Jordan Turner will take his talents to LaGrange College and help the Panthers with all his speed. Defensive back Roger Burley will be headed to Middle Georgia to be a shut down corner for the Knights. The Gators will have big shoes to fill after graduating six to play on Saturdays, but that’s why we all love high school football.

Gator Baseball

Catch all the action of Ware County Gator Baseball with legendary Gator Coach James Conoly and In the Game SEGA Publisher Shawn Smoak as they bring you all the action “LIVE”on inthegameradio.com.

Ware County Schedule 3/3 3/6 3/7 3/8 3/10 3/13 3/15 3/19 3/21 3/23 3/26 3/28 4/2 4/6 4/9 4/11 4/13 4/16 4/18 4/20

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PIERCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

3 BEARS MAKE FINAL COMMITMENT Written by: Jaron Raulerson | Photo courtesy of Chandler Watson

Two football players from Pierce County High School signed their letters of intent on National Signing Day. National Signing Day, usually the first Wednesday of February, has traditionally been the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for a collegiate sport with a school.

The first Bear up, Jon Cameron Jordan, announced where he will continue his career in front of his family, coaches, and the few friends that were able to get out of class to watch the signing. Jordan decided to commit to Valdosta State University as a preferred walk-on.

Renard Matthews, the last Bear to commit on signing day, decided to take his talents to West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Moses Shider, the starting nose guard for the Bears, decided to wait a few more days after signing day to declare. Shider chose to attend Edward Waters College for four more years of football. Waters also hired Greg Ruffin to be the new head coach this offseason after former head coach Alvin Wyatt resigned after four years in charge.

The Tigers joined the Sun Conference last season and finished the season 1-10 with a 0-9 record in conference play.

Matthews, Jordan, and Shider all played vital roles for a young Bears team led by Pierce County’s new head coach Jason Strickland.

Matthews was the anchor for the defense, providing over 50 total tackles during his final season at Pierce County. Matthews and Shider were the leaders on the defensive side of the ball, and with their help the defense drastically improved from the season before. Shider

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P

usually did most of the dirty work in the trenches and often was doubled teamed, yet still averaged 9.3 tackles per game. While Shider and Matthews did their part on defense, Jordan led the way for star running back John Jones on offense. Jordan also occasionally caught passes from freshman quarterback Jermaine Brewton.

Matthews will be playing for Del Smith’s Bobcats next season, a team that went 5-6 last season with a 5-5 conference record. Smith will be entering his 3rd season as head coach of the Bobcats after inheriting the 2-8 football team in 2016. Matthews will be joining an outstanding defensive that finished top four in every major defensive category last season. The defense should be even better than their 2017 campaign, where eight of the defensive starters from last season’s team will be returning from a season where the team led the conference in turnovers and finished second in the conference in red zone defense. With 13 starters returning from last season, and the addition of many new recruits, the Bobcats should make a run for the conference championship.

Jon Cameron will be joining Kerwin Bell's 5-4 Blazers, who finished with an 8-3 record just 2 seasons ago and earned hosting rights for the first round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs. The Blazer’s had a powerful offense that averaged nearly 31 points a game last season.

Jordan will be catching passes from second-year quarterback Rogan Well, who had 20 total touchdowns and an efficiency rating of 125 during his freshman campaign.

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BACON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

RAIDERS BASEBALL REBUILDING Written by: Rob Asbell

| Photography by: Debra Tanner

Just a year after one of the most successful seasons in team history, the Bacon County baseball team finds itself hoping to rebuild.

After making it to the state Final Four last season, the Raiders are looking to fill positions all over the field.

“When you lose seven seniors and about 95 percent of your pitching, you have a lot of spots to fill,” said Derek James, Raiders head baseball coach.

Quick growth will be key in helping a team that was decimated by graduation. Gone are Xavier Hayes, Dawson Dyal, Alex Turner, Klein Nipper, Tyler Altman, Peyton Nobles, and Lane Foster.

The Raiders have a lot of young players working hard to give them a chance, especially on the mound.

“There will be some growing pains, but we are hoping our non-region schedule will help us grow as a team as we get closer to our region schedule,” James said.

The tough non-region opponents this year include Appling, Brantley, Pierce, Treutlen, Coffee, and Cook. Once region play begins, the Raiders will face Bryan County, Metter, Jeff Davis County, Swainsboro, Benedictine/St. Vincents, Vidalia, and Toombs County.

“When you play in a region that sends three teams to the Final Four, they are all tough,” James said.

Last year the Raiders went to the semifinals along with the Toombs County Bulldogs and eventual state champions the Jeff Davis County Yellow Jackets.

Bacon finished 2017 10-4 in region play and had an overall regular season record of 18-10. Bacon County was ranked No. 7 in the state as they entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed from Region 2-2A. In the postseason the Raiders traveled to Harlem High School outside of Augusta for a playoff rematch, then advanced to the second round, where they hosted the Rabun County Wildcats in Alma. The Raiders won and advanced to face Bleckley County in Cochran, Georgia. The win over the Royals put the Raiders into the Final Four, where they fell in three games to eventual state runner-up Elbert County, the state's top-ranked team at the time.

This season, Bacon County has six players returning from last year who saw a lot of varsity time on the trip to the Final Four. The Raiders are hoping those experienced players will waste no time stepping into leadership roles with the new players.

“I think our strength this year will be the fact that we have some 10th- and 11th-graders coming back who saw a lot of time on the field last year,” James said.

He may get his wish early in the year. Just three games into the 2018 baseball season, the Raiders started showing signs of some much-needed maturity. Down three runs going into the final inning against the Coffee County Trojans, Bacon was able to put it all together and post an 8-6 victory over a team from a bigger school.

“We are hoping this win can help this team grow up fast,” James said.

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FROM POM-POMS

TO THE PITCH

Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

FAVORITES:

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Snack: Chocolate covered pretzels.

Food: Lasagna.

Hobby: Going outside and reading.

Pro Team: Orlando Pride.

College Team: Stanford.

Pro Player: Alex Morgan.

TV Show: "The Flash."

Movie: "Clue."

Movie Star: Too many to choose from.

School Subject: English/Language Arts.

Pets: Teacup Yorkie.

Place to travel: The beach.

"My Parents and my big brother; I look up to them for how strong they are and how much they do for our family and for others."

For Waycross Middle Along with soccer, Porter is School’s Malaya Porter, the seaalso part of the Bulldogs cheerson determines whether she leading teams, both sideline and is kicking, catching, tumbling, competition. Porter got her start or helping support her teamin competition gymnastics with mates' weight on her shoulders.

Southeastern Elite throughout elementary school. She started Porter, “Lay Lay” to friends, is a playing soccer the summer betwo sport athlete: A base on the cheerleading team, she is also fore her third-grade year with a center forward for the WMS the Golden Isles United on Jekyll soccer team and plays center Island. forward and goal keeper for her “I played year-round for three years,” she said. travel soccer team.

“My first In sixth big play was in grade she startabout the fourth ed playing for grade," she said.

Waycross Middle School. By "It was against a travel team in seventh grade, Jacksonville, she had addFlorida. It was ed travel socmy first time cer back to her playing a posischedule. tion other than “I started goalie during back playing a game. When travel for South— Malaya Porter I was allowed ern Soccer to play the cenAcademy out of ter-forward position, I scored my Jekyll Island,” she said.

Her most memorable game first ever two goals, and that was when I fell in love with being a occurred this spring when the center-forward.”

Bulldogs took on Long County Middle School.

Now she prefers to run and “They were a good defensive take shots on goal from her ofteam," Porter said. "Their center fensive position. She has great ball control and a powerful leg. back was good and their outside She is also experienced from backs wouldn't give up without having played the game from a fight. Not only was it our first an early age. It gives her an unovertime game, but double overtime.” derstanding of different aspects of the game. Coupled with her With three minutes remaingreat athletic ability, it gives ing on the clock, the ball was Waycross Middle an explosive passed to Porter, who had a deplayer capable of scoring at any fender coming right at her. She beat the first defender with a time.

“She is a great leader and quick move, but two other deworks hard in the weight room,” fenders suddenly appeared. said Kevin Stevenson, Waycross “I started telling myself that I could take them and that it was Middle School soccer coach and for my team,” she said. athletic director.

"When I was allowed to play the center-forward position, I scored my first ever two goals, and that was when I fell in love with being a center-forward.”

In The Game | 25

WAYCROSS 2003 Alice St. Ste A Waycross, GA 31501 Phone: 912-285-0053

Porter kicked the ball ahead and then raced to retrieve it as the two Long County players came closing in.

“I barreled through them like I was a linebacker, upped my speed, and kicked the goal that we needed to win,” she said.

Meanwhile, she has also been involved in competition cheer and sideline cheerleading for WMS. She hopes to move on and play on the next level at Ware County High School.

“Especially if I give it everything that I have and keep a positive mind set,” she said.

For now she works hard to improve by practicing harder and working to correct her mistakes.

“She comes to practice every day to work and get better,” Stevenson said. “She will be a very good player at the high school level. I see her playing as a freshman and making an impact.”

Each time she takes the pitch, Porter considers what she will need to do to help her team be victorious.

“What angle my body needs to be at for my kicks, what is the best option when it comes to having more than one defender on me, when is the 26 | itgnext.com

right time to run, and what we practiced or learned at practice the previous day,” Porter said.

She credits her family and mentors for helping her improve through the years.

“My parents, my big brother, and my coaches; they push me to become better and they believe in what I do,” she said.

The daughter of Mesiah and Shelonda Porter, Malaya carries a perfect 4.0 GPA in the classroom and enjoys English and Language Arts. When she is not on the field or in the classroom, Porter likes to read. She would like to become a neurosurgeon or a pediatric surgeon.

Of course, she would like to continue her athletic career.

“My ultimate sports dream is to receive a scholarship to the University of Georgia or Stanford University," Porter said. "Once past the college level, I would love to become a professional player and be on the National Women's Soccer Team.”

She could make it to the U.S. team one day. She is a dedicated and skilled soccer player and a 4.0 student.

“Academics are very important to her,” Stevenson said. “She has her priorities in order.”

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SIGNING DAY 2018 SIGNING DAY 2018 SIGNING DAY 2018 SIGNING D

Sharrod Frazier Kam Futch DJ Whitfield Aubrey Williams Alonzo Brown Jaylen Jackson Jamarius Stevens

BRUNSWICK PIRATE FOOTBALL

Marshall University Of West Georgia Valdosta State University Navy University Of Virginia's College At Wise Georgia Tech Hocking College

Rudy Nixon Tevin Small Ty Hinson John Cano Maliek Alston George Mincey

Asa Miami Junior College Valdosta State University Valdosta State University Reinhardt University Highlands Community College Valdosta State University

Photo courtesy of Michael Brinson

APPLING COUNTY PIRATES

Greg Dixon

Valdosta State University

Photo courtesy of Appling County High School

BACON COUNTY RAIDERS

Jesus Brown KJ Brown

Albany State Guilford College

Photo courtesy of Bacon County High School

GLYNN ACADEMY RED TERRORS Cameron McClellan Hunter Hall Shaun Bravo Caine Crews Marvin Dallas

Florida Institute of Technology University of West Georgia Eastern Arizona College Lenoir-Rhyne University Georgia Military College

Photo courtesy of Michael Brinson

28 | itgnext.com

DAY 2018 SIGNING DAY 2018 SIGNING DAY 2018 SIGNING DAY 2018

BRADWELL INSTITUTE TIGERS

KJ Milner

Western Carolina

CHARLTON COUNTY INDIANS

AJ Bell Kyree Williams

Lenoir Rhyne Valdosta State

Photo courtesy of Bradwell Institute Photo courtesy of Charlton County High School

LIBERTY COUNTY PANTHERS

Tramel Walthour

University of Georgia

Photo courtesy of W. John Wood

LONG COUNTY BLUE TIDE

Christian Bass

Carson-Newman University

Photo courtesy of Long County High School

RICHMOND HILL WILDCATS Justin Jeffery Andrew Purcell Deandre Joyce Sam James Joseph Petrino

UNC Charlotte LaGrange College LaGrange College West Virginia Maryland

Photo courtesy of Richmond Hill High School

In The Game | 29

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

1701-B Boulevard Square Waycross 912-809-3572 cjeffers@southeasterncu.com

Full Service Pharmacy Most Insurance Accepted Watkins Products School Supplies UGA Gifts Available Altamaha River Trading Company Mellissa and Doug Children Toys Magnolia Lane Collection

Holly Tanner,

Registered Pharmacist

1919 Alice Street Waycross, GA 31501 912.283.5504

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Casey has 14 years of experience in the financial services business including banking and insurance. A Ware Count native and Ware High graduate, she is happily married to Buster and they have two wonderful children, Savannah and Brody. Casey is a positive, engaging, friendly professional with a desire and the experience to help individuals and families. She offers expertise in Retail Lending, Autos, Boats, ATV’s, Home Equity Lines of Credit, Personal lines of credit, Mortgages, and Credit Cards. She looks forward to serving you. Please call her at 912-809-3573.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

New Owners, Same Great Service

Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

The torch has been passed, and a new generation has taken on the banner of customer service. Holly and Matthew Tanner, both doctors of pharmacy, are the proud new owners of Browning’s Pharmacy in Waycross.

For years, people have known it as the drug store by the hospital on Alice Street. Browning's Pharmacy opened its doors in 1964 when Emory Browning Jr. was in business.

Waycross native Kenny McCarthy bought the business in 1988, and it has passed down to the Tanners.

“We want to carry on his traditions and also welcome any suggestions from our customers and from the community on what they would like to see at Browning's,” the Tanners said.

The Tanners say they are honored to take over from McCarthy, who owned the pharmacy until his passing in 2017. McCarthy made Browning’s a family environment for workers and patients. He put a priority on giving back to the community and always put his patient's, employee's, and town's best interests first.

“We hope to build upon these traditions and also move our store into the future with new and exciting offerings,” the

Tanners said.

The new owners have already installed a $4 medication list that will save customers money.

They promise to meet or beat almost any price for patients without insurance and do their best to save you money and time. Browning’s will soon offer Medicare Part-D enrollment assistance to anyone who needs assistance.

“Medicare plans can be very confusing, but we can help pick a plan that saves you money and make sure that they do not force you into mail order,” the Tanners said.

The Tanners will also be offering flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccinations along with Medicare billing for diabetic testing supplies.

“We at Browning's love the opportunity to provide our patients with a stress free pharmacy experience," the Tanners said. "We will solve problems beforehand so you do not have to. This gives us time to get to know every customer on a more personal level.”

Browning’s Pharmacy is always happy to help answer any questions about medications, insurance, and anything healthcare related to anyone who needs help, even if they are not

Browning’s customers.

Stop in and let them help.

The staff at Browning's will always go the extra mile to help people every day.

“We would like to be looked at as a family based pharmacy that's doors are always open to anyone in our community," the Tanners said. "We want to offer you fast, accurate, and friendly service.”

McCarthy was known throughout the area for his unwavering support of the Georgia Bulldogs, and with two University of Georgia graduates at the

helm at Browning’s, nothing will change.

“We are happy to be known as the ‘Georgia’ pharmacy around town,” the Tanners said.

Browning's Pharmacy is in the business of dispensing medications, but also of taking care of people. The local feel, right down to their support of the Ware County Gators, comes from a sincere concern for each patient and the community. While Browning's is a full service pharmacy, you can also find UGA merchandise, Watkins products, Rodan and Fields, the Magnolia

Lane Collection, and Melissa and Doug Children’s Toys.

Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm., Browning's Medical Arts Pharmacy is located at 1919 Alice Street, across the street from Memorial Satilla Health. Call them at (912) 283-5504, like them on Facebook, or find them online at browningsmedicalarts.com. You can even get the Browning’s Rx app.

As Holly, Matthew, and Truett Tanner say: "Our family caring for your family."

In The Game | 31

No Off Days Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Chelsea Brantley

Chandler Davenport is hoping for a repeat of last season. A year ago he was a junior second baseman for the Jeff Davis County Yellow Jackets during a topsy-turvy year that ended in the school’s first-ever state baseball championship. Now, he is looking for a return to the big game.

“There’s no way to describe winning a state title,” Davenport said.

After the final game, he walked through a crowd filled with fans from the Hazlehurst area.

“It's great just seeing the joy we put on their faces,” he said. “It seemed like everybody in Jeff Davis was at the game.”

He is a senior leader on coach Paul Glass’s defending state champion team this year and has transformed into a pitcher and infielder.

“We are looking at him at first base this year,” Glass said. “He did not pitch much for us last year, but coming into this year he expects to be a major factor on the mound.”

Davenport was one of the Yellow Jackets’ top three hitters last year.

“He's one of the best, if not the best, two-hole hitters we have ever had," Glass said. "He had 20 sacrifice bunts last year."

Each time he approaches the plate, Davenport clears his mind and focuses on the ball. He crowds the plate to get in the pitcher’s head. A quiet leader, Davenport has a good feel for the game and the Jeff Davis team.

“He knows when we need the kick in the pants and when we need to be picked up,” Glass said.

Davenport also has amazing hand-eye coordination and would excel in other sports if he tried.

“He could probably go out on the tennis court today and be one of the top three tennis players,” Glass said.

Chandler Davenport, “Skoggin” as he is known to some, is the son of Chris and Michelle Davenport. The Jeff Davis County senior stands 6’4” and weighs 190 pounds, which explains why he spends winters in the gym playing for the Yellow Jackets basketball team. He carries a 3.7 GPA and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

He has excelled in two sports, receiving the coaches award in 10th and 11th grades for basketball. As a freshman, Davenport was the best pitcher on the JV baseball team, and his sophomore year he was named best offensive player on the JV. Then, as a junior, he became a full-time starter on the varsity and was voted Second Team All-Region 2-2A. He went on to be part of the Jackets’ state championship team on that glorious day in May 2017. The Jeff Davis County baseball team made it all the way to the championship round against Elbert County, who boasted ace pitcher Bryce Bowen on the mound for Game 1.

“I love facing a great pitcher to see how I match up against them,” Davenport said.

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“There is no such thing as an off day in Jeff Davis, that’s for sure.”

— Chandler Davenport

The sun shone bright on a perfect day for baseball and memories. He recalled the fans hanging on every pitch and swing of the bat while he and his teammates stared in awe at the size and spectacle of Savannah’s historic Grayson Stadium. The Yellow Jackets overcame the butterflies and the pitching ace and went on to win the first game 4-1 in the best of three series. The second game was tight, and Elbert County took the lead until Jeff Davis County grabbed the momentum.

“I had a two-out, game-tying RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning in the championship game,” Davenport said. “It tied the game up and gave us a chance to win the game.”

And win they did, taking a 7-6 victory in Game 2 to win the school’s first ever state baseball title.

Now Davenport gets to wear the state champion patch on his letterman jacket and can be found shooting hoops with friends outside of his home. He has always been athletic. He started in middle school playing tennis. He switched to baseball his seventh-grade year and has played ever since. He played basketball throughout middle school but took his freshman year off of the hard wood. He went back to the basketball team his sophomore year and immediately became a starter for the varsity squad.

To continually improve himself, he takes swings in the batting cage whenever he can.

“I love taking ground balls as well,” he said. “Being in the weight room has definitely helped me also.”

He credited Glass for putting them through tough practices that prepare them for big games.

“There is no such thing as an off day in Jeff Davis, that’s for sure,” Davenport said.

He may or may not play baseball in college. In fact, he is still undecided on where he will go or what his major will be. For now, he is enjoying playing for the Yellow Jackets.

“There’s nothing better than being a part of a winning program like we have in Jeff Davis,” he said.

In The Game | 33

Embracing the Process Written by: John DuPont Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Thrice over he has learned from the best. Four of the last six years he has helped coach a region champion.

So when Ware County High tapped Jamie Ammons as head baseball coach this past year, the Gators wound up landing one of the area’s most coveted head coaching prospects.

Sports Coaching Tips 1. Plan.

2. develop communication skills and try to improve them.

3.Learn to effectively utilize the Internet, social media, and email.

4.Never stop learning. Learning is life.

5. Be open minded. Never say never.

6. What you may lack in knowledge, make up for with enthusiasm, desire, and passion.

7. Be a role model for your athletes.

8. Accept constructive criticism as a positive.

Learn from mistakes, take steps to improve from the experience, and move on.

9. Allocate time every day for personal health and fitness.

10. Keep a detailed diary and record work actually done by athletes.

ented coach, from the practice plans to the pitching charts. Jamie will do his homework on the teams he plays. He will always be prepared and have his team prepared.”

Ammons said: “What we want to do now is take the best from each of those men and make it our own. With each new encounter, I fall back to the question of, ‘What do those guys do in those situations?’ Coach Carty and Coach Gay taught me about planning practices and how to be prepared. It might be something we practice a thousand times, but it only needs to come up once for us to be successful. And from Coach Smith I learned how to build relationships with the players and to get the best or most out of each kid.”

“Ware County has really rallied around us, and we are looking to great things,” the new Gators skipper said. “I really appreciate everyone involved with the transition of me becoming the head coach.

Growth can hurt, but we aren’t looking back. We are looking forward to how we are going Successful wherever he has to get there. We want to make something useful today. When gone, Ammons had a front row you embrace the process, the seat for one of the most epic title series in recent memory: the 2012 process embraces you.”

All-Region for Class 2A finals three straight years between Pierce as a player at Appling County and ApCounty High School, “You won’t outwork pling County.

Ammons also played It was truly a him. He is a very at Georgia College house divided detail-oriented coach, and State Universifor Jim and Cathy ty. Upon graduating from the practice Ammons that with a bachelor’s deyear. While their plans to the pitching gree, he stayed on at oldest son stood charts. Jamie will GCSU as a graduate in a coaching box assistant, working undo his homework on wearing blue and der college mentor silver, their middle the teams he plays.

Tom Carty. Ammons son, Jeremy — a He will always be then worked four senior infielder seasons as an assis- prepared and have his for Appling that tant at Pierce County season — wound team prepared.”

High school for Greg up on the winning Gay, the winningest side. Ultimately, — Jeremy Smith head coach in PCHS the Ammons band history. The past two reunited under the seasons have seen Ammons working red and black Pirate flag these past two back at Appling County High under seasons. That opportunity to coach at his his former high school coach, Jeremy alma mater subsequently gave the eldest Smith.

Ammons son a chance to coach his young“Jamie is very well organized and est brother, Jason — a Pirate pitcher. hard working,” Smith said. “You won’t Now that he’s changing his uniform outwork him. He is a very detail-ori- colors to green and gold, Ammons emIn The Game | 35

Let me help You find Your Field of Dreams Call Kim Smoak at Crossway Realty 1701-B Boulevard Square, Waycross 912-809-3572 cjeffers@southeasterncu.com

She’s our new Ware-Pierce County Branch Manager.

Casey has 14 years of experience in the financial services business including banking and insurance. A Ware Count native and Ware High graduate, she is happily married to Buster and they have two wonderful children, Savannah and Brody. Casey is a positive, engaging, friendly professional with a desire and the experience to help individuals and families. She offers expertise in Retail Lending, Autos, Boats, ATV’s, Home Equity Lines of Credit, Personal lines of credit, Mortgages, and Credit Cards.

She looks forward to serving you. Please call her at 912-809-3573.

We’re proud to introduce Casey Jeffers.

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302 Screven Avenue Waycross, Ga 31501

braces a situation that is optimal for his family. His wife, Kelly, a Ware County native, teaches at Wacona Elementary School.

Theirs is an enthusiastic view of what is to be for WCHS baseball.

correct way — barnburners, close games — so that when you’re in the playoffs you are going to rely on those things to pull you through. You want to be battle-tested. You don’t want to be your best in February; you want “Kelly and I both agreed this would be a great place,” to be your best in May.” Assisting Ammons is a staff of he said. “It’s got some histoexperienced diamond veterans. ry and just Larry Turner needed and Bryce some TLC. Johnson coach "You want to be battle- the infielders, We want to build tested. You don’t want while Larry a culture Kesler and to be your best in Jason Smith that starts February; you want to supervise the at the rec be your best in May.” outfielders. program Ammons himand comes self is in charge — Jamie Ammons up through of the pitching, the middle while he shares the hitting duties school. We want to be as with all of his assistants. The Gators successful as we have been roster features eight returning startwhen we were at Pierce and ers, including seven seniors.

“This team is allowing my first Appling, to be a household year to go more smoothly than name in South Georgia you’d expect,” Ammons said. “Of baseball. When you’ve been those returnees, seven are guys in two different places like who have pitched before, so it that, it’s taking the positives fits right in with my philosophy, of both places, marrying and they have soaked it up like them, and making it your sponges. I think the kids bought own.” in immediately because of the Ware, which went 11-19 a seareputations of Pierce and Apson ago, was 3-3 out of the gates pling. We want tough practices this season under Ammons. That that lead right into the games, includes a split versus his two pregame-type situations that are vious employers (lost to Appling, hard so that the games thembeat Pierce). Two defeats came at selves seem easy.” the hands of Richmond Hill and Ammons said the formula for Coffee, both of whom compete that success, generally speaking, one classification higher than will rely mainly upon pitching Ware. Meanwhile, one of the vicand defense. However, there are tories was a 2-1 win over class 7A other supporting elements to the Tift County. Three of the first five victory framework. games were decided by just one “Putting pressure on teams, run. bunting, playing ‘small ball,’ feed“Our schedule is front-heavy ing off our pitching and defense with teams that are traditionally — those things put us in a place in the playoffs,” Ammons said. to be successful,” he said. “And “We are trying to win games the if you pressure teams on base-

paths, they are more likely to put pitches up in the zone that you can hit for doubles and manufacture runs. If you have a kid out there stealing bases, they are less likely to throw curves, so you get more fastballs to hit.”

Gator baseball has even adopted the acronym WIN as a rallying cry. It stands for “What’s Important Now.” In essence, it’s a reminder to worry about today’s practice, not tomorrow’s game.

“We want to be one of the top competitive teams in this area with the mindset that we are also going to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played,” Ammons said. “When kids graduate from here, they are going to be men of integrity and be able to draw back on experiences with baseball that make them successful in life. We aren’t going to the ballpark to figure out ways to lose; we are going out to find ways to win.”

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Wainwright Field Open for Business Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography by: Michael Brinson

Opening day for Glynn Academy looked more like the opener for a Major League Baseball team with a packed house on hand to watch the Red Terrors christen their new facility on Brunswick’s south end.

But it was more than just parents, fans, and loyal alumni as many came out to get a glimpse of the facility’s namesake, St. Louis Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright.

The new Wainwright Athletic Complex and Wainwright Field are named for the Glynn Academy graduate who provided financial and driving support for the project.

“Adam Wainwright and his family made a signif-

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icant contribution to the purchase of the land and the indoor hitting facility,” said Steve Waters, athletic director for Glynn County Schools. “Adam has been very involved in the planning of the facility, and we are very thankful for Adam’s willingness to give back to his hometown and his Alma Mater.”

The complex sits on 16 acres next door to Glynn Middle School and includes the new baseball field for Glynn Academy, called Wainwright Field.

The state of the art field seats approximately 500 fans and has 71 stadium seats behind home plate.

The complex also features a brand new softball

field for Glynn Academy, which seats around 300 people with stadium seats behind home plate as well.

There is an indoor hitting and pitching facility with locker rooms for both programs to use. Finally, the facility has a football field and a soccer field for Glynn Middle to use. The field is surrounded by a regulation track that will be used by the middle schools and the Glynn Academy track program.

“Having great facilities in our school system allows us to create more excitement and build our programs into championship programs,” Waters said.

“You cannot compete with the best programs when

you have to share facilities and borrow facilities.”

Better facilities have also helped attract top coaches to the school system.

“Glynn County is quickly becoming a place coaches are wanting to come and coach because we have great athletes, great facilities, and a great community that offers excellent public education,” he said.

Since the 1960s, Glynn Academy’s baseball team has called Edo Miller Field home. Until last year the historic facility was shared with Brunswick High School, which opened its new facility in 2017.

Plans for the Wainwright Athletic Complex

started three years ago as the brainchild of Adam Wainwright and his wife, Jenny. With the exception of a few touch ups and signs in the parking lot, the facility is now complete. In fact, the Terrors were able to practice at the indoor facility during the cold weather in December and January. The Cardinals pitcher took a quick break from spring training to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Feb. 16. The Terrors won their home opener against Brantley County 7-4. Glenn Academy went on to win its first 11 games of the year and was ranked among the top five teams in the state.

In The Game | 39

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