June 2016 Southeast Georgia Edition

THRIFT TEACHING LIFE SPORT IN BRANTLEY | COACH MATT THRIFT FOCUSING ON THE LINE MIDDLE SCHOOL MARKSMAN DEVON MOORE TYLER HANSON APPLING COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

WAYX MIDDLE RIFLERY

SHAW CAPS CAREER AS TWO-TIME TITLE-HOLDER ALEXUS SHAW | PIERCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

+ GOLF FITNESS TAKES FLIGHT IN SEGA

BEN MITCHELL | SMART

SOUTHERN BOUND STATE CHAMP June 2016

Julianna Collett | Glynn Academy

in this issue 8 Southern Bound State Champ

28 Golf Fitness Takes Flight In SEGA

18 Thrift Teaching Life Sport

30 Middle School Marksman

Julianna Collett Glynn Academy

In Brantley Coach Matt Thrift

26 Focusing On The Line Devon Moore Appling County High School

4 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Ben Mitchell SMaRT

Tyler Hanson Wayx Middle School

23

SHAW CAPS CAREER AS TWO-TIME TILTE-HOLDER Alexus Shaw | Pierce County High School

FROM THE PUBLISHER MATTSON-PARRISH LADY BEAR INVITATIONAL HONORS NAMESAKES

SALIENT SENIOR YEAR-ROUND COACH STARR ROBERTSON JOHN BENNETT WARE COUNTY GLYNN ACADEMY

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA YOUNG WRITERS SHINE

LIFE THROWS SLIDERS

TEAMS CLAIM TWIN

ZACH MAINOR TRACK TITLES WAYNE COUNTY WAYCROSS MIDDLE

NICHOLS

TAKES LIFE IN A SPRINT AND STRIDE April 2016

Chandler Nichols | Camden County High School

TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS! Email us at info@itgsportsnetwork.com to let us know what you thought of the March edition of ITG

In case you didn’t know it's HOT in Southeast Georgia.

We wrap up spring sports and put a bow on it for 2016 but not before we recognize some deserving student athletes.

On the golf course we had the AAAAA Female Golfer of the Year. None other than Glynn Academy’s own, Julianna Collett. On the track we had a few individuals shine as well.

Pierce County’s Alexus Shaw won her second straight State Title in the women’s 300 meter hurdles and stand out linebacker for the Gators and Carson Newman signee Ervin Nard won the AAAAA State Title in discus.

Congratulations to all our spring athletes whose dedication and hard work paid off in all sports.

Glynn Academy’s Julianna Collett began her career just happy to practice with the varsity squad but man how that practice has paid off. Four-time All-Region Player, three-time AllState Player and she was a Three Time AAAAAA Player of the Year, I’d say that was impressive by any measure. Speaking of measure, she excels in the class room as well sporting a 4.26 GPA. Julianna has committed to play golf for Georgia Southern in the fall where she’ll help the Eagle’s numbers on the course and in the classroom.

Speaking of back to back,

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meet Pierce County Bear and Two Time State Champion Alexus Shaw. "Lex," as her friends call her, successfully defended her 2015 state title back in May to solidify her place in Georgia track history. She almost had two state Titles in 2016 finishing as runner up in the triple Jump for AAA. Now that Lex’s high school career is over she’ll take her talents and her 4.0 GPA to Georgia State where she will compete mainly as a 400 meters sprinter. The Panthers are getting a good one.

It wouldn’t be spring without a deep run by both tennis programs at Brantley County High School and 2016 was no different. The one constant in the program is head coach Matt Thrift. Coach Thrift has an interesting take on tennis, he calls it a life sport. I’d never thought of tennis that way until I read the article. His take is tennis is a sport that high school kids can play as they grow older as adults that satisfies those competitive feelings they once had playing football, basketball or baseball. Coach Thrift truly is coaching a “life sport."

Imagine being 13 and receiving an invitation to participate in the Junior Olympics in Colorado for riflery. Now imagine winning the silver medal at that event. Waycross Middle School’s Tyler Hanson knows exactly how that feels. Tyler competed on the varsity level this year as an eighth-grader helping the Gators go undefeated in their region and placing 4th overall in the state. A great accomplishment for a young man who is not even in high school yet.

We’ve seen him excel on the football field but he is making some noise on the tracks all

over Georgia. Appling County Pirate Devon Moore showcased his speed this spring by finishing as runner up in the 200 meters and finishing 3rd in the 100 meters. One of his favorite moments was out running Savannah Christian and now California Bear signee Demetrius Robertson. Don’t think you’ve heard the last from Moore because he’s just a junior. Devon hopes to be back to pick up that one extra spot in the 200 and two extra spots in the 100 in 2017.

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.inthegamemagazine.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/inthegamemagazine. Follow us on Twitter @SEGAInTheGame and on Instagram at inthegamesega.

You can now keep up with all the Friday Night scores across SEGA and the state with our new partner App Scorestream.

Download the scorestream app at Google Play or the Appstore today. Join us every Thursday evening live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we broadcast live from Firehouse Subs in Waycross. Listen to “In the Game on Radio” on WWUF 97.7 FM or stream the show live on www.waycrossradio. com.While you’re onli ne, 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 Ashlyn Peek Brittany Wyche Cover Photography Michael Brinson Feature Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Michael Brinson Andrea Heflin Feature Writers John DuPont Rob Asbell John Wood Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker 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 makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisments are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Random Yet Amazing Golf Facts The chances of making two holes-in-one in a round of golf are one in 67 million The word “caddy” comes from the French word for student, “cadet”, which is pronounced cad-DAY

Arnold Palmer won 95 Professional tournaments.

There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball.

Rory Mcllroy won the 2011 US open at -16, winning by 8 shots.

Tiger Woods is 6’ 1” tall.

6’1”

A typical Golf course consists of 18holes.

The longest putt ever is a monstrous 375 feet Most Clubs broken or thrown in the bushes in a day is? That would be quite an expensive stat!

Ernie Els is nicknamed “The Big Easy”.

Amazing Golf Facts This information is courtesy of lastwordonsports.com

8 | itgsportsnetwork.com

JULIANNA COLLETT

SOUTHERN BOUND STATE CHAMP

writen by: Rob Asbell | photography by: Michael Brinson

"FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, MY DRIVER HAS BEEN MY BEST AND MOST CONSISTENT CLUB."

presented by

She strides toward the first tee box and clears her mind, focusing on the shot at hand. “I try not to think about too much because that’s never good,” says Glynn Academy senior golfer, JuIianna Collett.

“When I tee it up, I visualize my shot and then I just hit it, like I’ve done so many times at practice.” She pulls her Titleist 913 D2 driver back and releases like a coiled spring. “Thwack.” The golf ball goes sailing long and straight nearly 230

yards down the fairway of the par four first hole at Ocean Forest on Sea Island.

“For as long as I can remember, my driver has been my best and most consistent club,” she admits. Collett is the three-time AAAAA State Player of the Year, who was this year’s State Champion as the low scoring medalist among the 71 players at the state tournament. She also led the Lady Terrors to the Region 3-AAAAA championship this season. One of the

"The ability to put a bad shot behind her also sets her apart from her peers. Julianna does not hit it bad often, but when she does, she almost always follows it up with something special."

leaders of Coach John Bennett’s golf team, Collett is a three-time all-state golfer who will soon be taking her talents to Statesboro. “In the fall, I will attend Georgia Southern University to play on the golf team.”

Not bad for a young lady whom at one time was just happy to be able to practice with the high school team.

She played junior varsity matches in her eighth-grade year and has started every tournament since; she has been named All-Region four years in a row.

“I’ve always been very competitive, so I love being able to compete in tournaments. Also, golf has allowed me to travel to many cool places and meet new people.” Along with school matches, Collett also plays individually in tournaments throughout the United States, which is one of the things that got her noticed by Georgia Southern.

She first gripped a club when she was 10-years-old. She credits her dad for guiding her journey on the links, never missing a tournament. “He’s my biggest supporter and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without his help,” she says. In ninth-grade, she got to make her first big shot on the first tee of her first match for Glynn Academy.

It was something she had long anticipated, “which is probably why I was so nervous,” she says. As a freshman, she also shot her lowest score in a ninehole match and was low medalist with a score of 33.

Last year she had the chance to play in the North and South Junior Championship, which was played in North Carolina at the famous Pinehurst No. 2. “It was an awesome opportunity to be able to play on a course that hosted both the men’s and women’s U.S Open.” She was also the low medalist at the Region 3-AAAAA tournament and was named an ambassador for the Glynn County Sports Hall of Fame.On top of that, Collett was ranked as high as seventh in the state by Golfweek 10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

magazine. “There is never a doubt that you will get a good score from her and she is going to compete at the same high level from the first tee to the eighAverage drive: teenth green,” says Coach Bennett.

230 yards “The ability to put a bad shot behind her also sets her apart from her peers.

Favorite local course: Julianna does not hit it bad often, but Ocean Forest, Sea Island when she does, she almost always College attending: follows it up with something special.”

Georgia Southern Earlier this season, Collett won the Red Terror Ryder Cup with teammate Olivia Handicap: 0.8 (better than scratch) Hickson. The tournament is one of the most competitive the team plays all season with the exception of the state tournament.

While her Titleist driver is her favorite club, she has been hot with the putter recently and she is working hard to improve her short game before joining the Eagles in the fall. GSU women’s golf coach, Emily Kuhfeld, is looking forward to having Collett on the team saying she has a “quiet determination and friendliness that she exudes when she plays.”

The daughter of Anjie and Berry Collett, not only has a better than scratch golf handicap of 0.8, she also has a better than perfect grade point average of 4.26 weighted for completion of Advanced Placement classes. She is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and the Glynn Academy Spirit Club. She’s been chosen as an Outstanding Senior, National Advanced Placement Scholar, and National Honor Society Scholar. Collett is undecided on her major, but she is looking at concentrating on the math and science fields at Southern. “I feel that the sky is the limit with her. Anytime you have someone willing to work as hard as she does to achieve their goals, it really just comes down what those goals are,” says Coach Bennett of what he expects for Collett’s future. “Success, I know that in whatever it is she decides to do, golf or otherwise.”

Favorite club: Titleist 913 D2

GOLF TIPS Don't Chop Wood, Drive The Spike

If you put a log on the ground and asked someone to take out a chunk of wood from the log they would most likely swing the ax into the log at an angle and create sliced out section from the log. This action is done with an abrupt angle of attack into the wood log.

Handy Sandy

Three-time Georgia AAAAA Player of the Year Three-time AAAAA All State Four-time All Region 3-AAAAA 2015 Region 3-AAAAA Champion 2016 State AAAAA Champion

To many people think that a sand wedge is just for bunker shots. The sand wedge should be used for sand shots as well as most pitch shots to the green. The sand wedge whether a 54-degree or 58-degree has “bounce” on the sole of the club.

Tools for Better Putting

A carpenter’s chalk-line and a CD disc are great putting aids to have in your golf bag.

The chalk-line is useful to help you with your alignment and stroke. Find a straight six to ten foot putt on a practice green.

Snap a chalk-line from the hole back to desired distance.

This information is courtesy of pga.com

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Browning’s Pharmacy In Business For Your Health

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

written by: Rob Asbell

Before the days when there was a major drug store chain on every corner, local, small town pharmacies served customers with a personal touch, taking the time to discuss medications with customers and advising them on when and how it should be taken. Today, that rare customer service and care can be found at Browning's Medical Arts Pharmacy in Waycross.

For years, people have known it as the small town drug store over by the hospital on Alice Street. Browning's Medical Arts Pharmacy opened its doors almost 52 years ago when Emory Browning Jr. was in business. Waycross native Kenny McCarthy bought the business in 1988 and has been serving the area ever since.

"In business for your health," McCarthy states the pharmacy's motto. As a registered pharmacist and owner, it's more than just words for McCarthy. He and the staff of Browning's go the extra mile to help people every day. "I like the personal contact and being able to get to know the patients," McCarthy says. "We are in the community with them." The staff includes Amelia Redick, Cammie Whitley, Laura Sweat, Joy King and Jennette Barrow. "She was there before I was," McCarthy said. Browning's still offers delivery of prescriptions in and around the city limits.

It is the ability to adapt to each patient's needs that give

local pharmacies an advantage over large; chain stores that offer cookie-cutter solutions. Give them a few times and before long the staff at Browning's will know your name. The public tends to agree with Browning's concept of personalized service. One posting on Browning's Medical Arts Facebook page touts the service they received.

"The staff at Browning's are the best," the posting states.

"I just found out that they accept my insurance and I'm so excited that I can now bring my business back to them and not have to deal with a large chain anymore."

IN THE GAME | 13

APPLING COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

SPRING SPORTS END ON HIGH NOTES

written by: Rob Asbell | photography by: Sheldon Pearce and Linsey Tillman As the school year came to an end, so did the finals for spring sports like track & field, tennis, and baseball. It also means the chance to score a college scholarship which is what Scotty Arthur did. The Pirate’s wrestler signed with Emmanuel College which is in Franklin Springs, GA just north of Athens.

Baseball After capturing the Region 1-AAA title, the Pirates moved into the state playoffs as a number one seed. In the first round, the Pirates baseball team and Coach Jeremy Smith faced the North Clayton Bulldogs. Appling County took both ends of a doubleheader against North Clayton winning 4-3 and 15-0 in the home stand.

Next, the Pirates hosted the Jackson County Panthers from Jefferson, Georgia. Appling County jumped out to a 15-2 lead after the second inning and never looked back on their way to a 17-5 victory in five innings in game one. Jackson County managed to hold off the Pirates in game two and won 5-4 to tie the series at a game apiece with game three to decide the round two matchup. In game three, the Panthers jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead and continued to pour it on as they took a 14-1 victory over the Pirates, ending Appling County’s baseball season in the second round.

Track The Appling County Track and Field Teams had two high finishers at the 2016 Georgia Olympics. First, Kelsey Jones finished second in the shot put at the ladies’ state AAA meet in Albany. A week later, Devon Moore was second in the 200 meters and third in the 100 meters in the GHSA State AAA men’s championships that were held in Jefferson. Moore was part of Coach Sheldon Pearce’s Pirate’s team that had several qualifiers for state following the sectional championships. Moore qualified at third in the 200 meters and was also

on the 4x100 meter relay team that finished second for the Pirates, along with Jetoine Jones, Al Lewis, and Japheth Morris. Moore was also on the 4x400 meter relay team that qualified at second with Keelan Crosby, Jetoine Jones, and Japheth Morris.

The Lady Pirates of Coach Garrett Cranford shined in the field events at sectionals where Kelsey Jones won the shot put with a heave of 39’-6.5”. She would go on to finish second at the state meet In Albany. Kaitlyn Paulk also qualified for state with a fourth-place finish in the discus at sectionals.

Tennis The Pirates’ tennis teams fared well this season, with both the boys and girls team finishing near the top of Region 1-AAA and earning trips to the state playoffs.

The boy’s team was the region runner-up. The boy’s team had to face a tough Decatur team in the first round of the playoffs. With the match tied at 2-2, it came down to tie-breaker in the third set but the Pirates fell short and lost to the Bullldogs. Winners for the playoff match were Freshman Luke Lightsey and the No.1 doubles team of Caleb Johnson (senior) and Dalton Stipe. “Both doubles teams as well as Lightsey have carried the Pirate boy’s tennis this far in the season,” said Coach Linsey Tillman. The Pirate’s doubles teams were very strong with three seniors this year. “Those positions will be tough to fill but the upcoming freshmen are showing a bright future for the Pirates after helping win their middle school conference championship this past season,” Coach Tillman said.

The Lady Pirates tennis team finished fourth in Region 1-AAA. They had to play the reigning state champion, Blessed Trinity, and fell 1-4 to the Titans. Sophomore Halee Leggett was the girls only winner for that match. “Having Halee around for two more years certainly shows promise for the future of the girl’s tennis team,” Coach Tillman said.

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IN THE GAME | 15

WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

GATOR’S NARD WINS STATE TITLE

written by: Rob Asbell | photography: Courtesy of Jennifer Cater Johnson and Ware County High School As spring sports come to a close, a fall sport is getting warmed up. Gators' spring football practice began May 2 with the Spring Game on May 13. Meanwhile, three senior lady Gators signed college scholarships: Starr Roberston has signed to play soccer in Tifton at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Jennifer Sharpe will continue running track at the University of Alabama-Birmingham next year, and Whitney Thrift signed to play softball at South Georgia State College in Douglas.

TRACK & FIELD Ware County senior, Earvin Nard, is the 2016 State AAAAA champion in the discus. Nard's toss of 166'-5" is a new school record and a great way to finish an amazing track season. Also, Nard won the Region 3-AAAAA championship and the sectional in the discus, before winning state on a rainy day in Jefferson, Georgia. Next year, he will be playing football for Carson-Newman University in Tennessee.

Nard started to gain momentum by winning the Region 3-AAAAA championship at Statesboro High School in late April against teams from Bradwell Institute, Brunswick, Camden County, Coffee County, Effingham County, Glynn Academy, Richmond Hill, South Effingham High School, Statesboro High School, and Ware County High School. The top eight finishers in each event qualified for the sectionals.

Nard led Coach Brandon Andrews Gators track team; the team finished fifth overall in the region with Jordan Turner and Alyx Sayles qualifying for sectionals in the 100 and 200 meters. Michael Flynn qualified in the 800 meters, Tyler Rawls in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles, Jazquez Bolds and Tyler Ronan in the pole vault. Allen Jones qualified in the shotput and Monquez Maxwell in the discus. The 4x100 meter relay team, Gary Williams, Jordan Turner, Alyx Sayles and, De'Andre Taylor also qualified

for sectionals.

The Lady Gators of Coach Alesia Gibson finished second overall in region in Statesboro and saw Jennifer Sharpe win the 100 meter hurdles, once again. She also qualified in the 100 meters and the long jump. Other qualifiers for the Lady Gators were, Arviniec McDonald in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump; Chyna Bacon in the 400 meters and the 300 meter hurdles, Miyah Daniel in the 200 meters, and Kelsey Davis in the 800 meters. In the field events, Khadijah Williams was second in the shotput and third in the discus, Traveshia Birden was second in the discus, Aubrey Taylor qualified in the high jump, Bre Etheridge was second in the triple jump; Zay Howard was third and Jada Golden was fourth in the pole vault respectively. Also, the girls qualified for sectionals in the 4x100 meter and 4x400 meter relays.

Khadijah Williams was third in the shotput and third in the discus at sectionals and advanced to the state meet in Albany, where she won fourth in the shotput.

GOLF Coach Tony Wheeler’s Lady Gator's golf team made it back to the GHSA State AAAAA tournament at West Lake Golf Club in Augusta. The team finished ninth with a 276 score. Kylie Wheeler led the way with an 82 followed by Sutton Rollins with an 85.

The team had qualified for state by virtue of a first place finish at sectionals at Heron Bay Golf Club in Locust Grove, Georgia. The win at sectionals followed a second place finish in the Region 3-AAAAA tournament.

Levi Jewell was the lone competitor for the boy’s team at the state AAAAA meet. He qualified for state by shooting a 76 at sectionals. At the state tournament at Bartram Trail in Augusta, he shot a 79 for the Gators.

3 STRENGTH TRAINING TIPS FOR TENNIS PLAYERS Follow these 3 strength training tips to ensure your program suits your needs and helps you develop your tennis game.

Bodyweight First

If you can't stabilize, control and move efficiently with only your body weight, you have no business using heavy external loads. And yet, many tennis players, despite their inability to move their body weight, still are eager to power lift.

Remember, some of the strongest athletes are gymnasts who spend most of their time manipulating their own bodies around the gym.

Before you turn to the bench press, work on stabilizing your shoulder girdle and core by completing push-ups.

A strength program in the beginning stages will likely involve no weights. Don't fret. A body weight-focused program will work better and faster than one that relies primarily on weights and machines because muscle recruitment and control are far more important than maximal strength.

Thrift teaching life sport in Brantley written by: John Wood photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

"I started coaching tennis because I loved to play it but now its much more than that. The more I learn about it the more I appreciate it. Its such a fast paced and athletic game.”

Train in a Standing Position

The majority of your training should take place on your feet because you spend most of your time playing in that position.

While there are exceptions to this rule, we always lose something when we go from a standing position to seated or lying down.

Train with Free Weights

I still see programs out there that include leg extensions and leg curls. Machines limit your range of motion and controls the movement.

Machines can have some limited benefits for beginners, but you need to learn to stabilize and control your body in all three planes of motion simultaneously.

This information is courtesy of active.com

18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Presented By

Once most high school players hang up their shoulder pads or bat, there are adult leagues that offer a glimpse of the competition the athlete once faced. However, all athletes have to face the fact that even after strong careers, “eventually everyone has to give up the noontime or pick-up games,” according to Dan Hayes, longtime legendary Oklahoma University basketball coach. Regardless of size, schools across Georgia that are promoting golf and tennis are teaching students a game that can be played for a lifetime.

Brantley High School Tennis Coach, Matt Thrift, didn’t pick up a tennis racquet until he played with a friend. Once he finished his first backhand, he was hooked. Since he picked up the game later on in life, when he was nearly finished with high school and working at the same time, he didn’t end up playing for Brantley High School. “I am actually from Brantley County. I went to school here my whole life. The funny thing is that I actually didn’t even play on the tennis team when I was in high school. I never even touched a racquet until maybe my junior year when one of my friends and I decided to try it out. We both loved it a lot, but we both also had to keep a job so playing on the team wasn’t really an option.

We played whenever we got the chance through high school and college, Valdosta State,” Thrift said.

Thrift kind of fell into his first tennis coaching stint, but it was something he really enjoyed and was able to help build a strong feeder program for the varsity. Because he coaches both boys and girls varsity tennis teams, it makes for a long season.

After I first took a PE position at Hoboken Elementary School, I found out that our middle school was needing a tennis coach.

I took over as middle school coach for four years before moving up to varsity. During tennis season (because I coach both boys and girls) I am normally on the court practicing from 3:30-7:00 (we stop at 6:00 on Wednesdays). When matches start, we normally have 2-3 matches per week. Tennis season is January-May and we play about 23-25 matches each year. It’s a long season,” Thrift said.

Key components to growing strong athletic programs is a supportive school system, administration, and community. Thrift certainly understands these necessities and is grateful that all of these components are found in Brantley County.

“The School Administration and community have been a large part of our success.

Our school administrators, from athletic director, principal, to superintendent are all extremely important to what we do. They are very supportive and encouraging. Additionally the community involvement becomes more supportive as well. We seem to have a growing number of fans each year.

Tennis appears to be growing in popularity in Brantley,” Thrift said.

Thrift has spent his entire career, 14 years, teaching Physical Education at Hoboken Elementary.

“I started coaching tennis because I loved to play it, but now it’s much more than that. The more I learn about, it the more I appreciate it.

It’s such a fast paced and athletic game.

I coached middle school tennis for four years and varsity for the last ten. I also have coached middle school football and basketball,” Thrift said.

Most coaches understand the long hours and endless practices that go into playing a sport. Tennis is no different, but it is underestimated, even though the sport can be played year round.

Tennis is also a sport that is hard to grow players since there isn’t a recreational tennis program in Brantley County. “This is the most difficult thing that we face. We try to get kids started playing as soon as possible. Because there is no ‘rec department tennis’ and most parents haven’t played the sport, it’s hard to get players to try it for the first time. Most kids around here grow up playing baseball/softball, basketball, or football ONLY. There aren’t a lot of tennis options. Tennis is also quite difficult.

Most people will tell you that golf is the hardest sport to learn but tennis is the hardest sport to “master”. I normally have to be a salesman and convince them to try it one time. If I can get them to try it one single time, I’ve got them for life. I have NEVER heard of a kid in 14 years

that tried it and didn’t like it,” Thrift said.

Thrift has coached the Brantley County tennis team to two Final Four appearances, the boys varsity in 2008 and the girls varsity in 2014.

To be good in tennis, you have to be able to move quickly and athletically. The majority of tennis players play other sports and the training required for tennis to great benefit to other programs. “Being in a smaller school system, we also try to pull kids that play other sports as well. If they play other sports, they are probably athletic and competitive. That’s what we look for - teaching them the technique is the easy part. One big thing is we have great people in the program that are working with these players. Also, we have the best middle school tennis coach and varsity assistant in the entire state, Biff Lee and Patrick Stieve. Our tennis program would have little to no success without these two coaches on staff,” Thrift said.

Unlike other sports, tennis is a hands on teaching sport. A coach may have to show how to a lob or where to hit the ball on a serve.

Because Thrift continues to play tennis, he keeps up with the trend and changes in equipment and training. More importantly, he is about to keep that hands on approach because he is up to date with all things tennis. “I think that the equipment has changed a lot but you really don’t notice it so much in high school tennis as you do on the college/ pro level. The racquets are more powerful than ever and people are hitting the ball harder and harder,” Thrift said.

One aspect that stays consistent in any sport are the people that have inspired someone to coach and they are still seen as that individual’s mentor. For Coach Thrift, that person is Dan Vonk from Camden County. “I would have to say that Dan Vonk (Camden Tennis Coach) has helped me more than anyone. He has given me lots of good advice about building a quality program. Even though he is in a much larger system than I am, he and I both fight the same battles and have similar obstacles that we face,” Thrift said.

Away from the court, Thrift has a great support system in his family.

“I have been married to my wife, Marla, for 15 years and we have 4 sons (Austin 13, Peyton 9, Landon 6, and Britton 3). We live in Blackshear and attend Emmanuel Baptist Church. When I am not coaching tennis, I enjoy spending time with family, playing sports, and fishing.”

A KEY COMPONENT TO GROWING STRONG ATHLETIC PROGRAMS IS A SUPPORTIVE SCHOOL

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WAYNE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

WAYNE COUNTY

LADY YELLOW JACKETS SOCCER written by: Rob Asbell | photography: Courtesy of Wayne County High School

The Wayne County Lady Yellow Jackets soccer team had an outstanding year in 2016, finishing No. 10 in the state of Georgia and the No.2 seed out of Region 3-AAAA. Their journey wasn’t always smooth sailing; the Lady Jackets fought back to make it to the GHSA State playoffs. "They started out slow but gained momentum during the season to finish with a region record of 7-1 with their only region loss to Windsor Forest," said coach, Jenny Fulton.

The Lady Jackets got the season started on a sour note by losing four games in a row. After a region win against New Hampstead, Wayne County fell again to South Effingham. Region victories were interspersed with non-region loses in the early part of the season. April was very good to the Lady Jackets, who went undefeated during the month; downing Tomson, Claxton and Liberty County, before heading into the playoffs. "This earned us a number seed for the state playoffs," Coach Fulton said. "In state, we beat Mary Persons 3-0 and Chamblee 1-0 in a shoot-out, and lost to Woodward Academy 2-6 in the elite eight." Despite their third round exit, Coach Fulton was happy with the season, calling it "successful."

Former In The Game Southeast Georgia Rising Star, Chandler

Henderson, was the leading goal scorer for the Lady Jackets.

The junior midfielder and forward led the way for Wayne County in 2016, even after her late start due to post season basketball.

The Wayne County boy's golf team ended a great 2016 season with a fifth place finish at the state AAAA tournament in Augusta with a score of 328. The Marist School took home the state championship trophy with a 302. Scoring for the Jackets were senior, Zach Sapp with 80, Zach Robinson and Mycah Feltman with 81s, and Austin Crews with 86. The Jackets qualified for state by virtue of winning the Region 3-AAAA championship. Wayne County shot a combined 310 score to beat second place finisher, Thomson, by 47 strokes. Zach Sapp was the low medalist for the region with a 75. The girl's team finished second in the region tournament behind Burke County.

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Money Knows

No Gender written by: James Washington

It’s the basis of American exchange: do the work, receive compensation.

However, while it may be the simple understanding in principle, it may not be adequately followed in practice.

Recently, members of the United States Women’s National Team filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation demanding equal pay parity. In other words, the Women’s National Team is looking to receive compensation on a scale equal to their male counterparts.

Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Hope Solo filed suit through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in hopes of fixing the pay issue that is currently hanging over their heads.

In the suit, which was filed on behalf of the entire team, it is noted that, on average, the women’s team earns as little as between half and a quarter of the financial compensation of their male counterparts; the final figure depends on bonuses.

The situation is bad enough on its own, seeing as how women’s soccer brought in an estimated $20 million more than the men’s team in 2015 alone. But the problem gets even more obvious when the track record of the women is added to the equation. The Women’s National Team has won three World Cups (1991 in China; 1999 in the United States; 2015 in Canada) as well as four Olympic Gold medals (1996 in Atlanta, Georgia; 2004 in Athens; 2008 in Beijing; 2012 in London). On the other hand, the Men’s National Team has never won a World Cup; the closest the team has come is a thirdplace finish in 1930 (which was the inaugural tournament held in Uruguay) and a quarterfinal spot in 2002 (in South Korea/Japan). To add to the disparity is the magic number of Olympic Gold medals earned by the men’s team: zero.

The lawsuit comes at an ideal time, as gender pay equality has become a hot topic of conversation between the Democratic candidates battling for the party’s presidential nomination. Both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders feel that equal compensation is long overdue; they both also believe that the Women’s Nation Team will win their case easily.

It seems that winning isn’t everything in the eyes of the U.S. Soccer Federation, and the Women’s Nation Team looks to change that perspective.

7

LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN: SPRING LEAGUES TAKE OVER THE GRIDIRON written by: James Washington

Student-athletes pride themselves on a pain, and sometimes simply working success. Nobody is comfortable sitting out to stay fit doesn’t fill the void that in second place, and it takes hard work regular competition fills for a portion of and dedication to reach the top of the the year. totem pole.

Another advantage may not show fully But sometimes, weight training and until the next season rolls around. Many film sessions aren’t coaches actually credit enough to fill the gap ONE OF THE MOST MEN- the proficiency of their created by the offsea- TALLY TRYING TIMES OF team’s offensive sucson. Lifting weights YEAR FOR ANY ATHLETE cess on the leagues won’t make your patand tournaments. It IS THE OFFSEASON; terns more precise. allows coaches and BEING AWAY FROM Cardio exercises won’t players extra time to improve the spiral on THE GAME HE OR SHE work on both offense your passes. At the LOVES CAN BE A PAIN, and defense, which can end of the day, there AND SOMETIMES SIM- seamlessly translate to is no adequate substion-field success.

PLY WORKING OUT TO tution for total immerPerhaps the most imSTAY FIT DOESN’T FILL portant edge is that of sion in drills and contests that can directly THE VOID THAT REGULAR exposure. More prachone the necessary COMPETITION FILLS FOR tice leads to better skills to succeed. performance come A PORTION OF THE YEAR. game time, and at the During the spring, many football players take part in 7-on- high school level, eyes are constantly 7 football leagues, designed to give skill on those that perform at their absolute players the opportunity to both work on best. Repetition breeds familiarity, and their talents and remain in top shape familiarity lends itself to an aura of conduring the offseason. The teams typical- fidence and success that can draw recly consist of 10 to 14 players, and games ognition from college recruiters. In the are 30 minutes long with a running grand scheme of things, extra practice clock. Play is strictly non-contact, and as during these leagues can potentially the name implies, each team fields sev- lead to young student-athletes gaining en players at a time. the opportunity to perform at the colleThe benefits are obvious. It goes giate level. without saying that high school stu7-on-7 leagues and tournaments may dent-athletes are passionate about not guarantee success during the grind their respective sports. One of the of the regular season of football. Howmost mentally trying times of year for ever, you can rest assured knowing comany athlete is the offseason; being away petitors are sure to be better off in the from the game he or she loves can be fall than those that do not take part.

Alexus Shaw Pierce County High School

presented by

Shaw Caps Career as Two-Time Title-Holder written by: John DuPont | photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Shaw leaves PCHS with a 4.0 GPA She plans to major in nursing at Georgia State

She did it again! Alexus Shaw proved once more that scholar-athletes can excel on both fronts, when she claimed her place on the Mt. Rushmore of track greatness last month. Shaw became a back-to-back champion in the women’s 300-meter hurdles at the Class AAA State Track Meet on Saturday, May 7 at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany. She is the daughter of Darlene and Anthony Grant.

When Shaw achieved this accomplishment last year, she became just the third track athlete in the

Pierce County High School history.

“Lex wound up starting in lane 7, which is not an advantageous position to do so,” said PCHS girls track coach, Robbie Spires. “But she took the lead right out of the start and kept the lead the whole way. She wound up clocking a personal record of 44.09.”

Her prep finale actually displaced Shaw’s personal record of 44.65 seconds, established in the 2015 title-winning performance.

Her 2016 state accolades also include a state runner-up finish in IN THE GAME | 23

“Lex had already beaten herself up a little bit because of the fall, and we just had to make her feel confident because of her leg. Once she slept on it, she got her mind right and went out and did it.

She really just ran with a lot of heart.”

the triple jump (up from 5th place last year) and 4th in the long jump. Also, she competed with the PCHS 4 x 100 relay team that brought home a 10th place finish.

“I did not sleep at all before the races,” laughed Shaw. “I had all these dreams like what would happen if I won, what if I lost, what if I fell again, and what if I called Coach Spires to tell her I didn’t want to go?”

Shaw not only showed up, she also followed up and followed through. What made the victory sweeter was her ability to overcome a hamstring that had nagged her all season. That situation wasn’t helped

by Thursday’s preliminary races, which took place amid unseasonably cold and windy conditions. Saturday, she ran from the outside, as opposed to the highly coveted lane 4 post she enjoyed last year. That honor, incidentally, went to last year’s runner-up, who ultimately finished 2nd again. There was even more room for worry in Shaw’s camp, after she finished the prelims in 6th place.

“With all the repetition she had Thursday and the cold, I think muscle fatigue had finally set in and she crawled across the finish line in the 300 prelims,” said Spires. “That’s where she hit the ground.

She had cleared all the hurdles coming

into the last straightaway when her foot caught on a hurdle. I thought she would fall but she corrected. Then she collapsed three steps from the finish.”

“I tried to tell somebody that my hammy was hurting at the beginning of this year,” laughed, the always affable Shaw. “We got to prelims and I had to do 50,000 jumps and run-throughs and by then my leg was done. Every time I have fallen, I have hit the same hurdle before the fall. It happened two times this year and the other time was against Southeast Bulloch when I got 3rd place. Then in Albany, I got 6th place.”

Spires said, “Lex had already beaten herself up a little bit because of the fall, and we just had to make her feel confident because of her leg. Once she slept on it, she got her mind right and went out and did it.

She really just ran with a lot of heart.”

“Well, I am not a cold-weather runner,” emphasized Shaw. “The girl who finished 2nd last year – I knew she wanted to win it – was in lane 4, the best lane. I was like, ‘No sister, you are not going to win this.’

Besides, she had already won a championship in 4 x 100.”

Following prelims, Shaw returned to PCHS on Friday, where she spent a good portion of the day with team trainer, Marlin

Brown, working feverishly to restore the fatigued hamstring. The return to Albany on Saturday brought warmer weather, minus the wind. This year’s championship strategy included Shaw competing in the long jump instead of the 400-meter sprint, where she posted a top-10 finish a year ago.

Now, it’s off to Georgia State for Shaw, the 26th honor graduate in her class this year. Shaw leaves PCHS with a 4.0 GPA. She plans to major in nursing at Georgia State, where she will compete primarily as a 400-meter sprinter with some occasional jumping. As she ended her prep career by walking into the proverbial sunset, Shaw was quick to thank her support group that helped lead her to victory in Albany: her parents, sister NeNe, and granddad Johnny Mitchell, as well as softball teammate Ashlee Hunt. Shaw also acknowledged the hard work by Brown and Spires.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Shaw. “For all of those practices when I almost quit…

I’m going to miss my favorite coach. I just kind of hope that everyone that does track tries to get better at it. We have some people at our school that are just too fast to not be doing track. I’m hoping Keara Clark (rising junior) will get on the podium next year and keep the legacy going.”

Focusing on the Finish Line written by: Rob Asbell photography by: Andrea Heflin

As he sets himself into the starting blocks, Appling County's Devon Moore thinks back on what he has been taught by his coaches. "Listen and react." He gets into the set position, ready to spring forward. He hears the starter's pistol and immediately leaps to start his stride, head down and driving.

12 | itgsportsnetwork.com

It’s not always easy to measure an athlete’s improvement. It may be obvious that a player has become better, but where is the data to show how much better they have become? With exact electronic timing, track and field is a sport that lends itself to keeping exact scores. Therefore, it is easy to see an athlete’s improvement, as seen by Pirate’s junior, Devon Moore.

As a freshman, Moore ran the 100 meters in 11.45 seconds. He shaved half a second off of that time last season with a 10.9. This year, he has improved to a school record of 10.56. His 200 meters has gone from a 22.0 down to another school best of 21.52, a time he ran in Richmond Hill at the Georgia Game Changers Apex Invitational.

“My most memorable race was on April 8, 2016 when I had to race against this guy from Savannah Christian Prep. He pushed me to beat my fastest time in the 200 meters. I ran a 21.52 that day.” That guy from Savannah Christian was none other than all-star football recruit, Demetris Robertson, and Moore is one of the few to have outrun Robertson in the past four years. Moore went on to claim second in the State AAA track championship this year in the 200 meters and third in the 100 meters.

At 5’11” and 190-pounds, Moore is the perfect size for a lot of key positions in different sports. He has a long stride that makes him a strong sprinter and the speed and size to make him a great defensive back and receiver for a football team; he is a defensive back and receiver for the Appling County Pirates football team, where he scored three crucial touchdowns against Pierce County in Appling’s big victory over the Bears.

Not only does he possess the necessary qualities to be a great track and football athlete, his speed and height give him an advantage on the basketball court as well. He is a point guard and shooting guard for Appling County basketball team.

Even though, he missed several basketball games this season due to a high ankle sprain suffered in the latter part of the football season, but still scored 200 points more than any of his teammates.

On the track, Moore runs the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, and high jump for Coach Sheldon Pearce’s track team. “He’s going to win most athletic. He is without a doubt the best athlete in the whole school,” says Coach Pearce. During the course of his track season, Moore has set school records in the 100 and 200 meters. “He is willing to step up and do things other kids might not. He will lay it on the

line for the team. He’s not very vocal, but because of his work ethic and athleticism, he’s a quiet leader. He leads by example,” Coach Pearce says.

Moore is realistic about playing sports in college. He wants a good college that will offer him a great education and, hopefully, allow him to play sports. “I sure hope so, that is what I have been working so hard for since I can remember,” his coach says.

Moore wants to major in Business and is getting some interest from Middle Tennessee, Stetson, Florida A&M, Georgia State, Savannah State, Eastern Carolina and Georgia Southern. “I believe he will be a two-sport athlete in college playing football and running track,” Coach Pearce says.

Devon is the son of Bennie and Melinda Moore of Baxley and one of six athletic children. His brothers, Devan and Tre’Shawn, have followed in Devon’s footsteps: playing football, running track, and wrestling. On the other end of the spectrum, two of his sisters have been cheerleaders. Moore started running and playing sports at a very young age.

“My parents say that as soon as I was old enough to start with the recreation department, I was playing ball and running,” Moore says. He won a few first place ribbons in running and high jump at the recreation department in Carrollton, Georgia. He ran track in middle school and won conference with the 4x100m relay team. “I played basketball, where we played in the final four and won conference with the football team. We went 8-0 to bring home the championship.” And now in high school he plays football, basketball, and runs track. It is Moore’s competitive nature that drives him to succeed. He loves to compete against other talented athletes and works on his mechanics to get better.

“I think I have improved with coming out of the blocks and focusing on the finish line,” he says. “I have improved myself by getting more serious about my future, working harder in the weight room and practicing more.

I feel that it is not going to be given to me; that I am going to have to work my butt off for it.” He continues to work on each of his games and has attended the Football University camp and the Football University Top Gun showcase, which allowed him to meet and work with some retired NFL players and complete against some of the top athletes in the world. “He is one of the nicest, most cordial, polite and well-behaved kids in the school,” Coach Pearce says. “He always gives proper respect, ‘Yes sir, no sir, yes mam no mam.’ He can accomplish anything, if he decides to do it.”

GOLF PROFORMANCE

WAYCROSS

BAXLEY

DOUGLAS

JESUP

GOLF

FITNESS TAKES FLIGHT IN SEGA written by: John DuPont | photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

He’s been locally known for his own golfing exploits for some time. Now, Ben Mitchell is helping others achieve their full potential on the links.

Ben Mitchell, Golf Fitness Instructor - Improve performance - Reduce injury risk - Lower scores - Appropriate for all ages and ability levels

A SMaRT golf evaluation will include a swing analysis, golf specific fitness plan and an individual training session.

Please call for rates. Individual and group rates available.

(912) 285-0053 www.smartptga.com

These days the friendly neighborhood physical therapist is using his medical and athletic prowess to help further a growing innovation in golf. Though golf fitness has been several decades in the making, the movement is now taking root here.

“Golf fitness refers to golf-specific exercises and flexibility,” says Mitchell. “It basically refers to everything that helps you swing the golf club more efficiently and helps certain muscles get stronger. Linebackers are going to do 300 pounds on the bench press, but golfers aren’t going to do that. They will do less weight and more reps.”

Since 2011, Mitchell has been employed at Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Therapy - better known by its stylized acronym “SMaRT” on Alice Street in Waycross. He has also served as the golf fitness instructor there since January of this year, when SMaRT began offering the service. Mitchell will receive his certification this July as a Titleist Performance Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). The focus of TPI is to educate golfers of all ages, size and ability levels on the connection between fitness and the golf swing.

“There are three benefits to golf fitness: enhancing longevity, preventing injuries, and improving sports performance,” says Mitchell. “The longevity factor is important because golf is a game you can play your whole life. You don’t want to get hurt, so that’s where injury prevention comes into play. And finally, you want to play the best golf you can possibly play by improving your performance.”

Mitchell offers an impressive resume simply from the stand-

point of playing golf. As the son of Rod and Clemmie Mitchell, he learned to golf at an early age from his father, a renowned top-tier golfer in his own right. When he was younger, Mitchell competed in junior tournaments and was a two-time region low medalist for Ware County High School. Then, he played collegiate golf for two years at Georgia Southwestern State University, before transferring to Georgia Southern University.

“I realized I wasn’t going to be a professional golfer and it was time to finish my degree,” says Mitchell. “I had torn my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) my senior year of high school in soccer and had to go through the whole rehab process to get ready for golf. I had to hit rehab really hard and that’s where I picked it up.

It’s really fun to work on certain stretches and certain muscles to make the golf swing better. That was something I didn’t know much about coming up playing golf and now everybody is doing it. I think it’s a better way for everybody to be better golfers.”

Mitchell earned a degree in Kinesiology from GSU in 2011 and began working at SMaRT that same year. SMaRT opened in 2009 with locations in Waycross and Jesup with a mission of providing outpatient physical therapy. Since then, its professionals have helped scores of patients return to optimum physical form using a variety of cutting-edge rehab techniques. SMaRT has since added locations in Douglas and Baxley.

“Ben has been an incredible asset over the last few years,” says SMaRT’s clinical director, Lee Bishop. “He has a vast knowledge of physical fitness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Ben has

grown up around the game of golf, so it has been a natural progression for him to become a golf fitness instructor.”

According to Mitchell, Golf fitness as a specialized science took off in 1989, thanks to area golf guru, Randy Myers. Currently the director of golf fitness at Sea Island, Myers started working with recreational golfers while completing his master’s degree. His higher profile clients have included the likes of PGA legend, Gary Player.

“Now with PGA players, it’s more about nutrition,” explains Mitchell. “Guys used to finish around and it was all about cigars and scotch. Now, you’ll see guys hit the treadmill in the morning and maybe get some light stretching before they even play their round. It’s biomechanics; you have to know which muscles fire on certain movements. Then, you do your assessment and you can tell where a player is limited. Maybe it’s their hips, shoulders, or balance. I’ll do the assessment with certain stretches and then look at the golf swing and see what someone’s rotation is.”

SMaRT’s clientele thus far includes Spence Fulford, a GSU graduate now playing on the PGA’s Mackenzie Tour in Canada.

Fulford has lost 25 pounds since January thanks to Mitchell's prescribed fitness regiment. A number of area prep golfers have also participated. But Mitchell insists golf fitness is for a range of individuals.

“This isn’t just for 10-year-olds, 20-year-olds, or professional guys,” he says. “This is also for 60-year-olds that want to play golf until they are 80 or 80-year-olds that want to play until they are 100.”

IN THE GAME | 27

Please join us at

Second Annual

Southeast Georgia High School Media Day

Saturday, July 23 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

@

@ Waycross City Auditorium 865 Pendleton St Waycross Ga 31501

Come kickoff the 2016 High School Football Season with the Second Annual In the Game Magazine SEGA and Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross Media Day! **Area Head Coaches and Key Players for the In the Game SEGA coverage area teams will address the crowd and media on the upcoming 2016 Football Season**

Come be a part of all the action!

ONE STEP AHEAD: CALEB MARTIN, WAYNE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HARD WORK AND PERSISTANCE PAYS OFF: DEVONTE LAVALAIS-WHITE, CAMDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL’S “HIDDEN YARDAGE”

www.seapalms.com

Going For The Win: Robby Robinson, McIntosh County Academy Preparing For The Next Step: Denver Anthony, Frederica Middle School Beating The Odds: Kennedy Russell, Robert Toombs Christian Academy

November 2015

$4.00

Contact Shawn Smoak at 229-834-9044 or shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com

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MIDDLE SCHOOL MARKSMAN

written by: Rob Asbell | photos courtesy of WXMS

RIFLERY FACTS: In High School and college, males and females compete against each other.

Each rifle shoots a pellet smaller than a .22 caliber bullet that is projected by compressed air. Shooters must hit a target approximately 33 feet away (10 meters) Shooters must shoot from three positions: standing, prone and kneeling.

Participants usually wear specially designed shooting clothing including padded pants, jackets, shoes and gloves.

"BRASS:" Breathe, Relax, Aim, Steady, Slowly Pull. It is the second thing most shooters learn after they become familiar with the safety rules. For Waycross teen, Tyler Hanson, it's part of the mental preparation that led him to a silver medal for shooting at the 2016 U.S. Junior Olympics.

"When I heard my name being called in the awards ceremony for the silver medal, I had a big grin on my face for the rest of the day," said Hanson, who has just completed eighth-grade at Waycross Middle School. With steady hands and an eagle eye, the 13-year-old is a third generation marksman who has already garnered attention at the national level.

Riflery is a sport that emphasizes mental strength over physical prowess. It is practiced at the high school and collegiate levels and is part of the Olympic Games.

Scores are determined by how close a shot is to the center of the target and are

measured by fractions of an inch.

In April at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado those tiny 16ths of an inch were in Hanson's favor at the 2016 Junior Olympics. Hanson competed in the 13 and under division of the 10 meter air rifle and shot a 585.1 on the first day of the two day event. "After the first relay, my dad told me that I was .6 from being in third place. I got really excited for the next relay and gave it my all." The following day, he fired 60 rounds and shot a 598.4 out of the possible 600, placing second. "I was kind of nervous and didn’t think I would place, but my dad and I came up with a shooting plan that helped tremendously," he said.

Hanson is no stranger to winning on the shooting range. He took first place - junior precision - at the 7th Annual Landress Leap 3-Position Air Rifle Competition in Tifton. He is also a member of Coach IN THE GAME | 31

Favorites Food: I LOVE Asian cuisine.

Hobby: Video games and reading Pro Team: FCB Barcelona (Spanish Soccer Team) Pro Player: Lionel Messi (FBC Barcelona) Movie: The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series School Subject: Lunch!

Pets: Pigs, Goats, a nation of chickens, bees, cats, and Akitas.

I live on a farm.

Place to Travel: JAPAN! Car: Jeep Wrangler or Buick Lacrosse

0%

Financing for

60 Months Proudly serving Nahunta, GA and Brantley, Glynn, Charlton, Ware, Pierce, Wayne, and McIntosh Counties

Maurice England's Ware County Gators Rifle Team that went undefeated this year, placing fourth in the state. Ware County has a state of the art shooting range and young shooters get the opportunity to shoot against varsity competition to gain valuable experience. Coach England watched Hanson and was confident in his abilities going out to Colorado Springs. "I felt certain that he had the capability to pull a bronze medal but when he came back with the silver we were real pleased," Coach England said. "We've had eight shooters go out there and shoot and he's the first one to ever come back with a medal."

Hanson has been shooting since he could hold a rifle. It is in his blood. His grandfather was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps' Shooting Team and his father was also a marksman who shot competitively. Last year, they met Coach England and Tyler was introduced to high school shooting. "Coach England brought me in as a member of the Gator Guns," Tyler explained. He admits to being nervous during his first shooting competition but became even more driven to compete after learning his team had won. Later, at an invitational match in Tifton, Hanson took first place while friends and fellow eighth-graders, Ben Smith and Rayne Riggins were second and third respectively.

He credits his father and Coach England for helping him become a top shooter by working with his stance, breathing and trigger control. "My team

is great, they help new shooters like me and we encourage each other," Hanson says. “Having friends on the team is his favorite part of shooting.”

The son of Dave and Tessa Hanson, Tyler carried a 4.0 grade point average at Waycross Middle and hopes to major in computer engineering/science when he gets to college, which, hopefully, will come courtesy of a scholarship for shooting. Coach England believes if Hanson continues to work hard on the range and in the classroom, colleges will be knocking down his door in four years. For now, when he's not shooting or studying, he helps with chores on the family farm, reads, and plays video games. "I defeated a Dark Souls II boss with only three Estus Flasks," he declares with the enthusiasm of a teenage gamer.

Back at the shooting range, Hanson takes his position on the firing line with his rifle, an Anschutz “The One” model, focusing on his shot. There is usually one of two things going through his mind."Either 'don’t mess up' or 'please be a 10,'" he says. It usually is a bullseye for Hanson, who has a bright future ahead of him.

"Coach England tells me that I am the best and my family believes in me. I’m looking forward to the next challenges."

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PIERCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Baseball written by: Ivy Young

Al Lopez said, “Do what you love to do and give it your very best.

Whether it’s business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don’t love what you’re doing and you can’t give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You’ll be an old man before you know it.”

Pierce County High School’s baseball team has two stand up seniors, Logan Paul and Luke Revels that have done what they love for years: baseball. Over the years, the class of 2016 has lost many baseball players to a variety of reasons; however, Logan and Luke are the only two who have stuck it out, and for that, they are extremely special.

For 14 years, Logan Paul has played baseball; he’s only eighteen years old. This 2016 year marks his final year playing this challenging sport. Logan has played outfield throughout high school, where he started in left field and then moved to center field. When needed, Logan also pitched. Always aiming to set a good example, he strives to be a hardworking and consistent athlete. “I would describe my work style as being a very consistent hard worker.” said Logan. Often coaches have told him that where he lacks in talent, he makes up in work ethic.

At PCHS, athletics are held at a high standard, however; academics always come first. Logan has repeatedly showed his “consistent” work ethic in the classroom, year after year. He has been a dual enrollment student, maintaining a 4.0 GPA in both high school and college.

Everyone has a personal motivation; For Logan, his internal drive for success is what pushes him to accomplish the phenomenal things that he has. “Since a very young age, I have no problem setting personal goals within myself and working extremely hard to achieve those goals.” said Logan. Constantly, Logan is reminding himself that he is playing for his whole team, not just himself. Lo-

gan said, “Understanding that you are playing the game for others as well keeps me motivated by making sure I do not disappointed those that I am playing for.” Bear Baseball has always been about working as a team, which builds an unbreakable brotherhood.

When asked to reflect on a time where Logan was particularly proud a group project, he said, “Is winning 3 region championships in a row during my freshman through sophomore years of high school in baseball.”

Goals, we all have them, and we do not always meet them, but they make us stronger.

Gaining 30 college credit hours before college is an important goal for Logan. While playing football and baseball, he will be able to complete this goal; when the time comes, he will enter college as a sophomore. One of Logan’s long term goals he has had was to become a professional baseball player; he did not meet this goal. Despite not meeting this goal, it only means that one door has closed for another to open. Upon graduation, Logan plans on attending Georgia Southern University to pursue a degree in engineering. He does not plan on playing baseball.

Whether or not you are on the field, in the classroom, or at home, life can get stressful. Logan handles stress with much grace, as he relies solely on God. He said, “a daily reminder that if God gets me to it, he will get me through it.” “The fact that we are a young team”, mentioned Logan, is the greatest challenge for this 2016 season, but Logan believes that this team is showing great improvement and will do what they can to advance in the playoffs.

As a senior, Logan is mostly looking forward to ending his senior year by watching everything pay off and walking across the stage at graduation. This community has been very influential in his life, and he is constantly making them proud. Logan also mentioned, “My biggest influence has come from a collective group of people: my family.”

Logan began his baseball career early in life, as mentioned earlier.

When asked what his favorite memory was, he reflected on those days playing little league travel ball, which afforded him the opportunity to travel all over Georgia and parts of Florida. He said, “It was some of the best and most enjoyable years of my life.”

“The other senior on the team, Luke Revels, has been one of my best friends since as long as I can remember. He is one of the greatest guys I know and one of the closest friends I have. I have seen Luke go through much adversity, like injuries and surgeries, but he always perseveres and sticks it out. Coming from a class that had many players, they decided to stop playing baseball early, having only one other guy stay on the team with me has allowed us to really grow in our friendship on and off the field. I know that if I ever need anything throughout life, I will always have a friend in Luke, and hopefully he knows the same for me.” stated Logan Paul.

Likewise, Luke Revels, said similar of Logan, “My relationship with the other senior is one I will cherish forever. We have always been there for each other and have played many games together

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Cary Bennett

3353 Hwy. 84 Blackshear, GA 31516 Ben Bennett

P throughout the years. He is someone I know I can trust and depend on no matter what. He has become a brother to me and I know that he will always have my back just like I will always have his.”

Mr. Luke Revels has played baseball since he was four years old, and since then has grown into a hard-working and dependable athlete and person. This 2016 season is also Luke’s final year playing baseball. It has been bitter-sweet but well worth it. During the 2015 season, Luke was the catcher, however; during the summer he faced an injury that placed him as the designated hitter for his senior year.

As the end of his senior year approaches, Luke does not plan on continuing his baseball career, but rather plans on focusing on education. He is extremely excited for the next step and plans on becoming a physical therapist.

Every athlete harbors a personal motivator, for Luke it is his family, particularly, his parents and sister. Luke said, “I just want to be the best I can possibly be at whatever I do so I can return the favor for them. Knowing this year is my last ever putting on a baseball uniform helps keep me motivated.”

Goals can be plentiful, but it is often difficult to meet them. Luke admitted in his interview that there have been numerous times that he has failed to meet a goal, however; he set the goal to attend college and is well on his way to success thanks to a variety of college acceptance letters.

When asked how he personally handles stress and pressure, Luke responded by saying, “I just try to think to myself that everything will turn out alright. I know that God has a plan for me and never makes mistakes, so I just try to show faith in that during periods of stress and pressure.”

As mentioned above, Luke has played baseball since he was four, and he is eighteen years old. Over the years, Luke has been influenced by many people. “I would say that my parents have influenced me the most. Ever since I was old enough to learn, they have taught me right from wrong and helped shape me into the young man I am today.” added Luke, “They have always been there for me no matter the situation, and they have constantly pushed me to be the best that I could be at whatever it was I was doing. Without their love and compassion, I would not be where I am today, and I cannot thank them enough for what they have done for me.

Luke’s favorite memory prior to high school ball was his very first home run. “It was an amazing experience for me.” said Luke. During high school he reflected on all of his time there. Having to become a member of the “family” along with winning three region championships was by far his most adored recollection, and is something that he will never forget.

After 14 years of actively dragging his family around ball fields, Luke had a final remark he wanted to share with his family and coaches. “I want to thank my family and coaches for everything that they have done for me throughout my high school career. I also want to thank the community for always coming out and supporting the team. And finally I want to thank all of the people I have played with and against during high school.

Ya’ll helped bring the best competition for me, and without that I would not have become the athlete and person I am today.”

P

87 B Hawthorne Lane P.O. Box 7140 St. Marys, GA 31558 Phone: 912-882-5656 Fax: 912-882-2737 Email: chrislamb@tds.net

Teen Night End of Summer Bash

Friday, July 29th 7pm-10pm At the YMCA of Waycross

Ages 13-19 ONLY

FREE EVENT Food will be provided

Slip & Slide down the hill + Slip & Slide Kickball

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09132 02141

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